A/N: I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed by the reaction I got to Chapter 17, and incredibly appreciative. I had been so excited to share that with you all, and I'm glad that it was worth the wait! Now, for something a bit more fluff-filled. Oh, and Lemons. A definite lemon here. The rating has officially changed.

A HUGE thank you to the ever inspirational CherriiMarina who was my guest-Beta this chapter, and helped me get over my worries and embarrassment over this chapter as a whole.

Hope you all enjoy!

Minerva walked gingerly down the stairs of her old home, surprised to find it almost completely empty. When she had fallen asleep, nearly twelve hours ago, there had been almost a dozen people bustling about. But apparently the rest of the students had returned to their homes for the Easter Holiday, all except Hermione. Even Malcolm had said goodbye, off on his most recent adventure after promising to write more often.

Standing on the landing she stared across her old home; it had been nearly ten years since she had been here, but it still felt safe. The hard wood stairs opened up into a generously sized living space. A large stone fireplace dominated the room, surrounded by two faded yellow couches, and a small coffee table. The fireplace was flanked by two large windows with blue curtains, and a pale green carpet filled the small space. Minerva smiled at the sight—her mother had picked out the furniture and curtains many years ago, and she could still remember her parents feuding over the vibrant colors.

Her father found the bright scheme clashing and indulgent, while her mother considered it cheerful. In the end her mother had told her father that if he didn't like them, he should feel free to replace them himself.

He never had, and therefore never noticed the permanent sticking charm which her mother had wandlessly cast. It wasn't until they had both passed, that Malcolm discovered the immovable furniture.

Connected to the living space was a large dining room with a chandelier and an enormous table. It was large enough to seat eight people, and yet they had never had more than five. A small floral arrangement sat in the middle, charmed to never wilt, and bright daffodils and daisies brought a certain cheerfulness to that side of the room. Her mother was always insistent on making the house as cheerful as possible. As serious of a man as her father was, Minerva always guessed that it was her mother's incessant pleasantness which had ensnared him.

But her childhood home, and the many pleasant memories it held, wasn't what made her smile the widest. Situated in the corner of one of the couches she found Hermione, eyebrows slightly furrowed as a beam of sunlight annoyed her eyes while she read. Not that the young witch had noticed, that much was obvious. Her eyes squinted at the pages of her book, and she twirled her wand in her extra hand.

Minerva smiled at the sight, she was blissfully happy to be in her company again. When they had arrived Minerva was immediately fed a handful of potions, she had barely had time to appreciate the feel of the petite brunette curling up behind her in bed, holding her safely in her arms.

Now that she was at least somewhat rested, she could tell that Hermione had fared little better than her over the past month, and was obviously at the end of her tether. According to Malcolm, when he had arrived at Hogwarts, Hermione hadn't slept or eaten much at all, and Harry had resorted to doing her homework. She was hardly functioning.

That was why Minerva had wanted to meet with Albus so quickly—she wanted Hermione to be able to rest.

Before leaving, Derek had pulled her aside—apparently he had left early that afternoon and gone to meet with the Minister and Albus. After showing them the memories he held and describing what else he knew of the situation, Mellasandre had been arrested. She had apparently fooled quite a few people into believing that Minerva was simply receiving medical care from the Department of Mysteries, and was dangerous to be in contact with. The only people who knew otherwise were her subordinates—all of whom had been under the impression that she had ministry approval for her actions. In short—no one had called her on her lies, and Minerva had suffered for it.

They had wanted Minerva to report to Hogwarts and give her testimony immediately, but she had refused. She had only just escaped, and as much as she trusted Derek, she didn't trust the Ministry at all. Hence the meeting with Albus—she was going to give him her demands, and listen to the offer from the Ministry—hopefully they would be safe before the night was finished, and able to enjoy a few moments of peace.

Hermione looked up from her book, hearing a soft creak on the stairs and caught Minerva staring. She smiled brightly in welcome, before donning an expression of disapproval, "Shouldn't you still be in bed?"

Minerva walked down the remainder of the stairs, "I'll be damned if Albus is going to find me in bed—I plan on being exceptionally terrifying."

Hermione grinned, "I tried that a few weeks ago, he didn't seem overly impressed by my Minerva impression—it certainly did nothing to speed him up."

"Well perhaps it would help to observe the Minerva McGonagall in person?"

"I'm always happy to observe you," Hermione replied cheekily, sending a wink towards Minerva.

Minerva wrapped her arms around Hermione from behind the couch, kissing the back of her neck gently, "What are you reading?"

"The Three Musketeers," Hermione said softly.

Minerva quirked her head to the side slightly, remembering, "Didn't you borrow that months ago? I assumed you would have finished it before the day was out."

Hermione blushed before quietly replying, "I did—But I took to reading it while you were gone. It was strangely comforting."

Minerva sighed deeply, "After my Mum was killed I read The Wizard of Oz nearly thirty times—it was the first book we had read together when I was a child."

Hermione stared at the book in her hands, lightly caressing the paperback cover, "I think I've read it nearly a dozen times now," she whispered, "I just needed that small connection."

Another kiss, below the ear this time, "I'm sorry I was gone for so long."

Hermione shook her head, turning slightly in her seat to look at Minerva, "It wasn't your fault—I just missed you," she sniffed, trying to contain the tears which threatened to fall. "I was scared, Minerva. Absolutely petrified."

She walked around the couch, sitting atop the small coffee table, and pressed her forehead gently against Hermione's, holding her hands tightly, "I was too," she confided, "I find I don't much like that feeling."

She kissed Hermione gently, allowing her hand to reach up and softly trail the younger woman's face, memorizing the delicate curve of her cheek. It was Hermione who pulled her ever so slightly closer, wrapping her arms tightly around Minerva's neck. Several tears fell from her eyes, uncontained relief and sorrow for what she had experienced, for what they had experienced.

It was obvious that Hermione had suffered equally—she may not have felt the physical pain, but the fear was as real for her as it had ever been for Minerva, even more so perhaps.

A light cough from behind shocked them from their stolen moment, causing Hermione to startle and Minerva to brandish her wand threateningly.

Albus Dumbledore stood before her, having just dusted himself off from the fireplace. He smiled lightly, his eyes twinkling happily, "Minerva, I'm so glad to see that you're alright."

Minerva scowled icily, not lowering her wand quite yet, "No thanks to you, Albus."

He glanced towards Hermione, whose previously peaceful expression had quickly distorted itself into one of barely contained malice. She sat back on the couch, her legs crossed in front of her. "Now Minerva," he said patiently, "You must try to understand the situation we found ourselves in."

"We?" Minerva said frigidly, finally allowing her wand to drop as she paced. "I don't actually recall you being there Albus. I'm sure that you went through quite a bit yourself, but first—shall I fill you in on what you missed during the situation we found ourselves in?"

Albus' eyes dimmed significantly as he watched his oldest friend take a seat next to Hermione. "While you were doing who knows what, I was held in captivity for 21 days. I was tortured using Veritaserum for several of those days, Legilimency for several more. There were a total of six days—two three day periods—where I did not eat, three of those days in complete isolation and darkness. I was then given the rare opportunity of testing out a newly invented potion which causes nightmares to come to life."

Albus sat heavily on the opposite couch, and Hermione's eyes widened. They hadn't had the opportunity to catch up on all of this, and Minerva felt a tinge of regret that Hermione was hearing it in such a way—but it couldn't be helped. Albus needed to know what he had left her to. "Such nightmares included, but were not limited to, the torture and murder of my mother—in beautifully realistic detail, if the Auror reports were anything to go off of," Minerva bristled, "My rape and torture at the hands of Antonin Dolohov. And the murder of Hermione."

"Minerva—I'm sorry for what you've experienced," Albus said carefully, and Minerva snapped. She stood up quickly, her fury causing her to tower over the ancient wizard.

"Don't be sorry for what I've experienced, Albus. Be sorry that you left me there!" she shouted, "I went willingly—to make things easier for you. I was careful and complied with their every request—to make things easier for you! I thought I would be free by the end of the first day. Then I was confident that I would be out by the end of the week. Twenty-one days Albus! I trusted you, and you just left me."

Minerva stumbled back onto the couch, pulling her legs up against her chest, and allowing Hermione to wrap an arm around her. After a moment of silence Albus finally spoke, "I'm sorry, Minerva. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner—I believed—I believed that I was making the right decision. I believed that I should try to work within the system," He let out a shaky breath, "I was wrong."

"Damn right you were wrong," Hermione bit out, but Minerva quieted her with a hand.

"Albus, you have been my best friend for the majority of my life. I've trusted you with everything. I don't understand how you could just leave me there—I need to try to understand."

"I was of the belief that if I forcibly removed you from the Ministry you would be back in their custody within a matter of days. By all appearances they had the necessary legal justification. I would have lost my position as Headmaster. I was concerned for you, for our students and, admittedly, for myself. But in retrospect, I should have displayed more of my inner Gryffindor."

"A group of seventh and eighth year students, two Hogwarts drop outs, and an ex-Auror hermit got her out in just over an hour," Hermione said quietly. "You should have listened to me."

"Yes," Albus said simply. "I made a terrible mistake, and there is nothing which I can do to atone for that."

Minerva looked at Albus closely, and nodded slightly.

"Should we move on to Ministry business?" Hermione asked carefully, well aware of the thick tension filling the room.

Minerva nodded, "But first—I need to know—did they get any information from the use of their serum?"

Albus smiled genuinely, "No, Minerva. You did brilliantly. Even under the most magnificent pressure, you didn't budge."

Minerva heaved an enormous sigh of relief, "Thank Merlin."

"Not Merlin," Hermione smiled, "just you."

"They do know about Hermione," Minerva said quietly, "But I can't seem to force myself to care."

"We've dealt with worse at this point," Hermione said quietly, "If it somehow leaks, we'll handle it."

Albus smiled, "They shouldn't be leaking any information to the press—they wish to keep the newspapers as uninformed as possible at this point, so even the gossip is being kept confidential."

Minerva rested her head lightly against Hermione's shoulder, "That is all the better then."

Albus sighed, "They do wish to question you," he admitted, causing Hermione and Minerva to both stiffen, "I've told Kingsley that is out of the question at the moment. They may fully debrief you at such a time that you feel fit, but that is entirely your decision. He has also agreed that this questioning will occur at a place of your choosing. Hogwarts, if you wish."

Minerva nodded, "That's fine," she agreed tiredly, "As long as it's just Kingsley."

"He's already agreed to that," Albus said, pausing briefly, "If I may interject—you should know that Kingsley is incredibly remorseful. He looks up to you quite a bit Minerva, and was under the misguided impression that the Department of Mysteries was helping you."

Minerva shook her head lightly, "It was an accident—A problem within the system, not with him. I may be angry, but I understand that. I'll make sure to bring it up when I see him."

Albus eyed the two witches carefully, seemingly nervous about the next parcel of information he was required to share, "The Ministry would also like information regarding the potion which you were doused with. They want to keep others safe, and are curious about its healing properties."

Hermione scoffed as Minerva said, "Absolutely not."

"I agree," Albus said quickly.

"I've actually thought about this quite a bit," Minerva began, "And I will agree to the following list of demands."

She handed Albus a carefully scripted piece of parchment, her demands written clearly. "I will attend bi-monthly appointments at St. Mungo's as a way of monitoring my health and making sure that something doesn't suddenly go wrong with this whole situation. That was something I was considering already, but I'm willing to make the Ministry privy to that process. The information regarding my transformation will be collected from Fred and George, and I will find somewhere safe for it. It will only become public record after I have died, and only if my death is the result of causes unrelated to my transformation. I will not risk this potion getting dispersed to the public, and then discovering horrifying side effects."

"I think they will be agreeable to those terms."

"I also want it in writing that myself and all those involved with this potion will be safe from Ministerial persecution or detainment. Including myself, Hermione, Fred, George, Malcolm, and you. Obviously these people should not be mentioned by name—too much of a paper trail—but it should be worded in such a way that everyone will be safe."

Albus nodded serenely, "I don't think that will be a problem at all; lucky for us we have a friend in office at the moment."

Minerva thought for a moment longer, "One more thing," she said finally, "I want Derek to be given whatever job he chooses within the Department of Mysteries. I suspect that he is interested in research. That job should be his."

Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise, and Albus paused for a moment, "Is that fair, Minerva? I don't know that others will appreciate him being given a job without having earned the position."

"He earned the position Albus," she said warningly, and Albus nodded his head in defeat.

"Alright," he said finally, "I'll make it happen."

Hermione gave a small smile, "It's all that easy?"

"Yes, Miss Granger," Albus said, some of the former twinkle returning to his eye. "It should have been this simple from the beginning, had I been as courageous as Minerva."

"You really believe the Ministry will accept all of my demands?" Minerva asked doubtfully.

"The Ministry is concerned that you are going to inform the press of this situation—something which you would be entirely entitled to do. They're willing to do just about anything to avoid that kind of scandal."

Minerva chuckled derisively, "My going to the press? Un-bloody-likely."

The first day, after the early morning rescue had been successful, Minerva had needed someone there—someone to remind her that she wasn't alone, that her rescue had been real. That was why she had crawled into bed behind her—that was why she had held the woman through her nightmares. Hermione hadn't considered her own desires at that moment; she had simply wanted to comfort the woman with whom she was in love.

But last night Hermione had nearly moved to the bedroom across the hall. She had expected Minerva would want her privacy, no matter how much Hermione hated when she wasn't in her sight. But as Hermione placed her hand on the chilled doorknob Minerva had laughed lightly, shaking her head, and pulled Hermione by the hand into her own room.

With a flick of the wand she was comfortably dressed in a pair of shorts and a tank top, her hair carefully braided. Hermione had been shocked for a moment, before giving in to her desperate need for contact. She had wrapped her arms delicately around Minerva, her lips resting lightly against her shoulder, and they had fallen asleep, finally allowing themselves to rest.

It was nearly ten when Hermione woke up the next day, her body stiff from the discomfort of sharing a single bed, not that she was complaining. Minerva had rolled over onto her open arm, using her it as a temporary pillow, and she seemed quite content in her position. Hermione smiled, more than willing to ignore the uncomfortable numbness in favor of the close proximity to the other woman.

Sunlight was painting freckles on her as a lone strand of hair drifted across her face, tickling her nose faintly. Hermione chuckled softly; Minerva was unquestioningly beautiful this way, but also utterly adorable. Somehow Hermione doubted that the formidable Deputy Headmistress had been described using that adjective on many occasions.

As Hermione studied Minerva a soft sigh parted her lips, followed by a light purring in her chest. Hermione laughed lightly, amused by her Animagus nature—at least until a tired hand began to trail its fingers up her thigh and over her hip. Minerva moaned lightly in her sleep, as slender fingers found the soft skin of Hermione's side.

She gasped in surprise as the fingers drew soft butterflies on her skin, before lightly brushing over her breast. A tight heat filled Hermione at the feel of the exploratory fingers, her hips rolling forward instinctively.

The sudden rolling motion seemed to wake Minerva from her sleeping state. She gasped slightly upon finding her fingers toying with Hermione's nipple, and pulled back instantly, her body flushing with embarrassment, "I'm—I'm sorry," she stuttered unsurely, "I didn't mean to—"

Minerva silenced immediately as Hermione, in an act of unprecedented courage, pulled her hand back to its previous location, squeezing gently, "Feel free," she whispered, before leaning over to kiss Minerva fiercely.

Minerva's head spun as she kissed the cherished Gryffindor, unsure of what exactly was happening—but certainly not arguing against it. She experimentally rolled a nipple between her fingers, delighting in the low growl which Hermione exhaled.

Minerva's lips began to travel lower, pausing for a torturous moment at Hermione's collarbone, marking her insistently as the younger witch arched her back desperately. "Yes," Hermione moaned, her mind fogging from the prolonged contact, and insistently pulling Minerva's shirt from her body.

She was greeted with the beautiful sight of a topless Minerva McGonagall, who quickly moved to balance their lack of clothing and immediately straddled her hips. Hermione stared unabashedly as the impressive woman, who quirked an eyebrow and grinned mischievously, "Enjoying yourself?" she asked lightly, forcing the nervous tremor from her voice.

Hermione nodded dreamily, her eyes glued to the marvelous woman atop her, "I love you," she said unthinkingly, causing Minerva's eyes to widen. Hermione blushed furiously, and Minerva had to shake her head, forcing concentration as she tried not to notice just how far that scarlet tint traveled. Hermione back peddled desperately, "Not because of this—obviously. I mean—I already loved you, long before now, I just—bugger." Hermione winced, "I'm really screwing this up."

Minerva ran a hand down Hermione's face, causing the younger witch to open her eyes cautiously. Minerva was smiling above her, "I love you too," she said simply.

"I haven't done this before," Hermione said quietly, a bubble of laughter escaping her as she realized how cliché she sounded.

Minerva chuckled lightly as her hand allowed itself to drift between her legs. "I've always found you to be an avid student," she whispered, allowing a single slim finger to part Hermione's folds, becoming instantly slick with her arousal. Hermione gasped lightly, bucking her hips. "You're sure you're alright with this?" Minerva asked quietly, stilling her fingers momentarily.

"Yes," the young witch gasped.

Minerva smiled predatorily as she slid another finger against her sex, fluttering lightly over Hermione's clit, and enjoying the breathless encouragement she was awarded. "I love you," she whispered as she leaned in to kiss her gently beneath the ear.

Hermione purred in response, her hips rotating against Minerva's hand. Lowering herself slowly, she allowed her body to lightly brush against Hermione's as she moved, causing the younger witch to moan uncontrollably and whisper, "You're perfect Min, absolutely everything I imagined you could be."

Minerva kissed Hermione's inner thigh, causing the woman to hiss in pleasure as she teased, "You've imagined me, have you?"

Hermione groaned, "Constantly—you fill my dreams, you vixen of a woman."

"Hmm," Minerva hummed, "Well I certainly hope I don't disappoint. Tell me, did your fantasy me do this?" She slowly pushed her fingers inside of the Gryffindor, groaning herself at the tightness which surrounded the digits.

"Yes!" Hermione cried out, and Minerva allowed her thumb to gently stroke her clit, causing the girl to express several obscenities, and one desperate plea. Leaning down, Minerva let out a breath against Hermione's center as she asked, "What about this?" before swiping her tongue briefly along Hermione's entrance.

Hermione shook in surprise, her entire body darting towards Minerva, as she gave a shocked, "N-No, no she didn't."

"Well—perhaps I shouldn't," Minerva teased, running her tongue along the same path again.

"Please" Hermione begged, and Minerva couldn't find it in her to deny the young woman any longer. She thrust her fingers fully into Hermione's dripping sex, and finally allowed her tongue to move eagerly against her, her lips occasionally sucking gently and causing Hermione to cry out.

She could feel her lover growing tighter as she moved, and gave an experimental hum against her swollen clit. The light vibrations caused Hermione's head to roll back, her back arching desperately as she toppled over the edge with an enthusiastic cry. After a moment, Minerva slowly pulled away, kissing Hermione's trembling legs lightly. She moved up her lover's body, gently sucking at her hip bone before happily discovering just how ticklish she was as she pressed a light kiss to her stomach. She groaned in incomparable delight as she swirled a tongue around each of Hermione's erect nipples, enjoying the breathless sigh which each small movement caused. She kissed her lightly on the neck, and nipped affectionately at the place she had marked earlier, before lightly kissing that same spot beneath her ear, smiling as she whispered, "That spot may be my very favorite of all."

Hermione blushed prettily under Minerva's attention, and she couldn't stifle a small laugh, "After everything I've just done, that is what makes you blush?"

Hermione smiled sleepily despite the slightly professorial tone to her voice, "People kiss and have sex without being in love all the time—but that, what you just did there—that isn't about sex. It's pure uninhibited love, and seems to take far more vulnerability and courage, in my opinion."

Minerva smiled lightly and placed a soft kiss against Hermione's lips, "You are wise beyond your years, little one." She wrapped an arm around Hermione, nestling her chin against her shoulder as the exhausted young woman drifted off beside her. They still had days of recuperating to do, but Minerva smiled youthfully as she thought, This seems like an awfully nice way to go about it.

Thank you for reading, and please consider reviewing! You keep me inspired!