"For the second year in a row, the Harpies take the championship!" the Announcer's deep voice roared across the pitch, causing thousands of English spectators to scream in elation. Drinks were thrown in the air, lovers were kissed, and ladies were twirled.
The Harpies had always been one of the top teams in the league, but they hadn't made it quite this far for many years—a fact which was largely attributed to the singular gender of the team. They had surprised the world when they became unbeatable the year before, and as the winning team took a victory lap around the pitch, no one could argue their immense skill.
The three chasers did a series of tricks, weaving together in a spontaneous dance as they swooped up to the press box. The particularly daring of the three leapt gracefully onto the edge of the building, her broom held firmly in hand. She grinned mischievously at her fans before taking a leaping dive from the press box, causing the crowd to scream in surprise, before she twirled several times and landed carefully on her broom, allowing it to dart back into the air.
The captain, in the meantime, was surfing on the wind currents, long dark braids whipping out behind her as she zoomed past the stands, high-fiving the fans and tousling the hair of several children.
Their seeker was a blur of green as she shot around the stadium, impressing the crowd with arrogant trick dives and spirals, the golden snitch still held tightly above her head. Her fiery mane flew free behind her as she darted towards the hoard of red-heads in the stands, high-fiving her jealous brothers and blowing a kiss towards her mum.
Close behind her sped a bullet of pale skin and dark auburn hair; the bold chaser laughing gleefully as she surprised her teammate, forcing her to roll out of the way. The seeker made a rude gesture as she laughed, and the chaser did another quick lap around the hoops before darting back toward the crowd.
Amongst them stood a small cheering brunette, her energized hair making her especially noticeable. The chaser flew straight for the small witch, her mouth forming words which it seemed only they could hear as she held her hand out to the panicked witch.
Shaking her head fiercely, the brunette closed her eyes and shot her hand up into the air, grabbing the chaser's hand firmly as she was pulled right out of her seat. The crowd gasped as the chaser pulled the woman onto her broom, shooting around the stadium one final time, kissing the witch lightly behind her ear and whispering something in the brunette's ear which made her loosen her grip and laugh prettily.
When the well-known brunette turned on the broom and kissed the world-champion chaser firmly on the lips, the noise which erupted from the crowd was deafening.
It was several hours before all of the women managed to calm down enough to shower and get their various wounds healed. When they finally left the locker room it was to a mass of paparazzi and fans, all desperately looking to get a picture or a quote from the team. After several minutes of trying to push through the mass Angelina found her patience waning and pulled out her wand. Amplifying her voice she shouted over the crowd, "Oy! There is a press conference with the entire team in ten minutes! If you'd prefer for us to just apparate to the private after-party, by all means keep blocking our way."
Several of the players laughed as the crowd parted for the women and they made their way to the conference room. All of the players moved behind a long table, taking their seats and taking a moment to exhale before the questions began.
Angelina Johnson had been recruited to the Harpies right after finishing at Hogwarts, and she been made Captain after only two years on the team. Surprisingly, no one had argued with the promotion. She was a brilliant player, but more than that, she knew how to lead and inspire. She also knew how to scare the pants off of the press.
She was the one who had insisted on the recruitment of Minerva and Ginny. She had seen Ginny play for years, and after only watching one game she knew that Minerva belonged on the team.
Ginny had agreed immediately, having always wanted to play for the Harpies. It was her dream come to life. But Minerva was less simple. She had only just settled on staying eighteen and courting Hermione Granger, and wasn't quite sure if it was a good idea to make more life changes. It was Hermione who had eventually convinced her.
She, along with Fred and George, had insisted that the ex-Professor deserved a chance at true happiness. Why should she just repeat her old life—why not add a bit to it? Few things made Minerva happier than flying, and with Hermione busy working towards her masteries, Minerva really had no reason not to take the chance.
Her hands had trembled violently the day that she signed her contract for the team, but after the first practice, she hadn't regretted it. She was a natural in the air, and fit surprisingly well with the group of young women. They weren't intimidated by the appearance of their former professor; instead they saw her for the new person she had become.
With the new additions to the team, and her promotion, they found themselves suddenly meshing together in a way they hadn't been able to before. They worked as a team, they became a family, and they were unbeatable on the pitch.
Angelina shivered slightly in her central position at the table, terrified by the fact that could all be about to change. She knew of Minerva's plans—and she was more than a small bit nervous, but she wouldn't allow her fear to damper the lives of her friends.
The press slowly filed into the front of the room, while quite a few fans managed to gain admittance in the back. Harry, Hermione, Neville, and the Weasleys all stood slightly to the side of the group sending silent support to their friends.
"Good Afternoon!" Angelina called to the crowd, "Thank you all for coming to talk with us, and thanks for giving us a moment to recuperate. We appreciate your patience."
A few members of the press screamed out questions, but Angelina raised a threatening eyebrow towards the crowd, something which never failed to make Minerva giggle. Angelina had easily admitted exactly where she had learned that expression. It worked just as well for her as it ever had for Minerva. "Now, if we can all act quite politely, I will call on you individually," She said strictly. Her face broke into a smile then and she turned towards the cluster of Daily Prophet reporters first. "Ms. Lindinbush," she called.
A short brunette stepped forwards, her hair carefully set in several braids and pinned up, her blue eyes lit up behind her glasses and a grateful expression was directed in Minerva's direction. She was regularly offered the first question at their press conferences, and was continually appreciative. "Miss. Weasley, many have attributed the team's recent success to your recruitment—obviously the Seeker holds a very important place. What do you say to these comments and to the rumors that you are planning on retiring soon and pursuing a family?"
Ginny grinned as she flipped her hair, and the rest of the team couldn't suppress their smirks, "Well naturally I'm the most important member of the team. They'd all be a floundering mess without me!" She laughed, causing several laughs from the audience as cameras flashed in her direction. For someone who had once been so shy, Ginny was the bell of the ball among the press. She always knew how to charm them, and never failed to seduce their readers with her mischievous eyes and innocent smile. "Honestly though, these women are absolute super heroes, and they don't need me one bit. But I'm thrilled that the fans are so appreciative of the work I put in. I just want to help the team as best I can, and I'm glad that today I was able to do that."
"As for retiring," She continued, "It seems like anytime a female quidditch player is in a committed relationship those rumors pop up. I am not getting married yet, nor am I planning on having children. I may have found the wizard," she winked towards Neville, causing him to blush hotly and more cameras to flash, "But part of the reason I love him is because he understands that right now this is what I'm doing."
"And in the future?" Lisa prodded, making Ginny throw back her head in laughter.
"Well I am a Weasley woman, aren't I?" The entire press laughed at that, and Angelina rolled her eyes as she scanned the crowd.
"Ms. Ruthlow, of Witch Broomstick?" she offered.
This time a tall dark skinned woman stepped forward, her eyes glowing with delight, "Miss Johnson, many quidditch fans were doubtful that a team comprised entirely of women could possibly win the cup, let alone win it twice—any comment to them?"
Angelina grinned fiercely, "Well—we just wiped the floor with Puddlemere, a team which is coincidentally comprised entirely of men at the moment—so I think I'll let our record speak for itself. We have only lost one game in the last two years—that game being the one where our former player, Katie Bell, went into early labor while the game was still being played. We chose to forfeit, rather than risk the safety of our friend and teammate."
She pointed towards a gentleman wearing a suit, whose badge said he was from Quidditch Today, "Puddlemere's captain, Oliver Wood, has worked with at least four of your players in the past—how does it feel to know that you've beaten your former Gryffindor Team Captain, and former student?"
Minerva was the one to answer this question, "Wood is a brilliant player and a brilliant captain—he always was. If I recall, he tried to recruit several of us as well. We have great respect for his team and his achievements, and could not have chosen a better opponent this year."
Luna was in the audience, representing the Quibbler, and Angelina didn't hesitate to call on her when she raised her dainty hand in the air, "Minerva, there have been whispers that you plan on retiring soon—any truth to that?"
Minerva smiled, thanking her friend for agreeing to ask that question. She let herself blush slightly as she smiled at the audience, "Unfortunately, there is." A collective gasp rose from the group—none having taken the rumors published in the Quibbler as meriting any attention.
Several reporters tried to shout out questions, but she held a hand in the air, giving a tight lipped glare to the disruptive parties. When the crowd silenced she lightly cleared her throat to continue, "The last four years have been absolutely wonderful—but as everyone here knows, I have always been a professor at heart. My vacation from that lifestyle has been glorious, but I find myself drawn back to my books, my students, and my lovely partner. As she has just received her third mastery, she has agreed to take over the Potions position at Hogwarts, and I find that to be a perfect reason to bring me back to my home as the Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts."
"Are you planning on marriage—children?" Rita Skeeter dared to ask from the back of the room, and she sent a glare in her direction.
"I don't believe that is any of your business, Rita."
Hermione snorted lightly as Rita backed up a step. "We at the Harpies have already talked at length with Minerva about her decision, and we support her entirely in all of her endeavors," Angelina said clearly, leaving no room or rumors of team drama, "The team is definitely taking a hit by losing her, but in her four years she's helped us win two championships, and play in a third—we can't ask for much more than that."
It was several hours later that Hermione and Minerva found themselves folded together in a back booth of the Three Broomsticks, ignoring the rowdy party which surrounded them in favor of each other. The practice schedule leading up to the World Cup had left Minerva exhausted and beaten down. She had rarely seen Hermione in the past month, and now that it was all over all she wanted to do was wrap the small brunette in her arms and refuse to let go.
"I can't believe you did that," Hermione laughed, laying her legs over Minerva's lap as she leaned against the wall, "I know I just keep saying it, but really. What were you thinking, Min?"
"I was thinking that I'm tired of being subtle. I love you, and that was one of the best moments of my life, and all I wanted was to pull you up on that broom beside me. I was thinking of the first time you took my hand."
"You're lucky I didn't reject you entirely—not giving me any warning at all," she giggled with a fond smile.
Minerva smirked, "You never say no to me."
Hermione's eyes sparkled as she failed to glare at the taller woman, "No, no I don't."
"You would think after nearly five years you would have mastered the talent," Minerva said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind Hermione's ear and making the young woman blush.
"If I recall, I tried telling you no once. It ended with both of us tied up in Fred and George's sitting room as Harry lectured us about being noble idiots. If I recall, he even admitted that Snape was right about the stupidity of Gryffindors," Hermione laughed.
"I thought it was the apocalypse," Minerva smirked. "A Potter admitting that a Snape was right about something. Heaven forbid!"
Hermione shook her head distastefully, "Oh the shame he brought upon our house that day."
Minerva laughed loudly, "In his defense, he hadn't slept the night before—you had him half convinced you were dying."
Hermione sniffed slightly, "He was just being dramatic, I was perfectly fine."
Minerva raised an eyebrow in her direction, "Oh were you now?"
"Shush," Hermione said, sticking her tongue out petulantly, "At least I didn't practically blow up a shop!"
Minerva let out a bark of laughter, "I fixed it all, in the end."
"You set fire to an entire display!"
"And then I extinguished it!"
Fred and George appeared at their table, "You do know that you're supposed to be celebrating right now?" Fred said, teasing the obviously exhausted woman.
"Being that you're a world champion Quidditch player and all," George reasoned.
"But I'm having more fun over here," Minerva whined, laying her head back against the booth.
"Wow, I see where I rank in your affections, can't even manage a dance with your best friend!" Fred argued.
"Ah, Gred— I'm pretty sure I'm her best friend, but she likes you well enough too, don't worry."
"Not a chance, Forge. I'm definitely her favorite."
"No, no, dear brother. You are a mere consolation prize when I'm not available—or perhaps a lovely side-kick."
Minerva groaned loudly, "Alright, I'll dance with you!" She shouted, causing the twins to do a little jig of success. "I don't know how I ended up earning the affections of the likes of you. Honestly, there must be something wrong with me."
"You are simply the loveliest," Fred started.
"Most brilliant,"
"Most talented,"
"Most perfectly charming," George pretended to swoon, taking her hand in his as Fred grabbed the other.
"Witch we've ever met!" The chorused, "Marry us, M&M!"
"A dance—all I promised was a dance," she shouted as they dragged her toward the large space which had been cleared for dancing.
Hermione laughed warmly as she watched the twins twirl Minerva around the room. She looked exhausted, but also completely delighted by their enthusiastic antics.
Over the years the twins had become Minerva's best friends, much to the surprise of many of her former colleagues. With the distance of her profession no longer an issue she had been given the opportunity to really appreciate their brilliance and charm. They had stood by her without question ever since her accident and she had cherished their unwavering loyalty.
They had all tried to keep the potion and antidote a secret, but it was inevitable that the Ministry eventually discovered her decision, and just who held all of the secrets. They dragged her into a meeting in Hogwarts, telling her that it was irresponsible and unnatural for her to start life again.
The argument which resulted had shook the walls of Hogwarts, and ended with them telling Minerva that she obviously had all the decision making skills of an eighteen year old girl, if she planned on throwing away her life for some teenage muggleborn. After accusing Minerva of pedophilic urges Hermione had proceeded to threaten to remove their hearts with her wand—which hadn't entirely helped the situation. When she eventually calmed Hermione down, she declared that the ministry had absolutely no say in her decision. That's when they had attempted to use their power to intimidate the twins.
Everyone always seemed to be underestimating the twins.
Reports from that morning's visitors to Wizard Weasely Wheezes claimed to have seen three Ministry employees exit through the back doors, and hastily apparating away—but not before being photographed by several passersby. Photos showed the three Ministry employees each sporting large neon tinted beards, and at least one of them had a quickly swelling black eye.
From that moment, Minerva had come to love the twins as family. She spent almost as much time visiting them on her breaks as she did Hermione, though she always reserved at least a week for hiding away in her old home with Hermione, and that's exactly where they planned to go after finishing here tonight.
A flurry of excitement fluttered through Hermione's chest at the thought. They had an entire week until they were due to arrive at the school. A week of scrabble, dancing, visiting the horses, and distracting each other.
After several years of oddly spaced out breaks and busy schedules, she could barely comprehend the idea of falling asleep in Minerva's arms every night again. A happy sigh escaped her as she watched the passionate woman laugh in the arms of her friends.
No one would have expected five years ago that Minerva McGonagall could be happy living her life again, but she had fallen rather comfortably into it. She had finally rekindled the friendships from all her years at Hogwarts, her colleagues having realized their stupidity in isolating her for all of those months, and accepting that she really was the same old Minerva—only happier.
Nowadays she could easily dance the night away with Fred and George, or get into a bar fight with her entire team—but she could also sit for days in the same chair, reading by the fire and making small notes and noises of contentment. She could still debate ethics and theory, and she could still intimidate her students and colleagues in the same way she always had. She just did all of that while looking forty-some years younger.
At some point Hermione managed to fall in love with two women: Mary—the temperamental, emotional, and sarcastic eighteen year old, and Minerva—the brilliant, mature, formidable woman she had met at only eleven years old. It had taken time for her them to find a balance, but over the years they had eventually become one inside of the person whom she called Min.
Harry drew Hermione from her thoughts as he slid into the booth beside her, nudging her lightly with his shoulder. "Hermione and Min, sitting in a tree, S-H-A-G-G-IN-G," he whispered, causing her to slap him lightly.
"That isn't even the right number of letters!"
"Well you certainly weren't looking at her as if you were simply going to kiss her," Harry argued, "And the word with the correct number of letters seemed a bit crude. I didn't think you would appreciate it."
Hermione glared, "You are correct, Mister Potter."
He grinned at her, "So, how're you doing?"
She smiled brightly, "I am perfect."
"You've got your witch back," he grinned, causing her to blush and nod. "And you have your masteries—all three of them."
She blushed again.
"And you both have your jobs at Hogwarts," Harry added, "Though I don't know how you convinced Snape to retire."
Hermione snorted, "It wasn't hard; he hates teaching. He was just waiting for someone mildly competent to earn a mastery in potions."
"And he thinks you're mildly competent?" Harry asked.
She nodded with a small smile playing on her lips, "Quite the complement, coming from him."
"So you'll be living together, working together, you-know-what'ing together," That earned him another slap. "So not to quote Rita Skeeter—but Marriage, Children?" Hermione rolled her eyes, and Harry shrugged at her lack of response, "I'm just curious. What are your intentions Miss. Granger?"
She laughed audibly this time, "My intentions?" Harry nodded, and she paused for a moment, a calculating look on her face. After several silent moments she nodded slightly, "Happiness," she said simply.
"Happiness?" Harry laughed, and Hermione nodded sensibly.
"Yes. Lots of happiness. And books."
"Happiness and books?"
"Indeed," she said, a small smile playing around her lips as he shook his head.
"It's all that simple then; your intention is happily ever after?" Harry said, and she leaned her head gently against his shoulder.
"And books," she smiled.
"And books."
~ The End~
I want to sincerely thank every one of you for going along on this journey with me. Frankly, I had always thought this plot to be a bit cliched, but once it grabbed ahold of me I couldn't say no. I hope that you found I did it justice, and that I added a bit of something different.
To those of you who were hoping for Minerva to return to her previous age, I'm truly sorry for your disappointment. I honestly wasn't sure which she would choose for about three quarters of the story, but it really was up to the character. Once she decided to let herself live in that life, fully and completely, there was no going back. She would have felt like half a person again, and I don't think she could have made that work.
A special thank you to those of you who have continually reviewed and tweeted. It has continually inspired me to update more quickly and insert various ideas you have posed. Originally there was no Malcolm, and the twins only appeared in the Christmas chapter-this was all thanks to you. Please consider reviewing one last time, I would love to know what you thought of my ending.
Last but not least, a shameless plug. If you liked this story, I have several other Minerva/Hermione fanfics, which I strongly suggest, and several other fics in general. After the War is my other longer piece, and I recently rewrote the whole first chapter. Check it out if you're interested!
Coming soon: A Complete Re-Write of "Thank you, Ron" and some major re-writes to "Once Upon a Fall". I'm also working on a collection of Songfics which feature a different Hermione/? pairing with each chapter. (So far this includes Hermione/Minerva, Hermione/Draco, Hermione/Lupin, Hermione/Neville, Hermione/Harry, and Hermione/Fred... still working on it though) If you're interested in any/all of these, consider following here and/or on Twitter! ( LadyChristineM)
Thanks again, it's been a lovely ride!