The next morning, Minerva was despondently eating her breakfast in the great hall with the rest of teachers, when Hermione's voice popped in her head.

So...I heard you got quite the eyeful from your ride the other night….

Minerva promptly spit out the tea in her mouth and dropped the cup. She coughed the coffee from her lungs as Sinistra began patting her back. Once she was able to breathe properly, she assured everyone she was fine and immediately narrowed her eyes at Hermione who was seated with her friends, acting as though nothing had happened.

And a cuddle….

This time Minerva stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor and with a slight squeak in her voice, announced to the table that she was done for the morning. She quickly left the hall before anyone could see her red cheeks, and made sure to mentally project all of the insulting words and swears she was thinking to Hermione as she left.

Later that night, Hermione walked into the office, sat down in the chair in front of Minerva's desk and dropped another bomb in her lap.

He's a she.

Minerva stared at Hermione for a moment, then suddenly dropped her head on the table with a loud thud.

Um, Minerva?

"Is nothing easy with you, Hermione?" Was the muffled response. Hermione laughed,

Sorry but no. Also, she wants to meet with you tomorrow tonight and take you out on a date. Now, if you agree, I'll be your medium of communication. We can only speak English in our human forms and we would rather keep her identity hidden for a while. Just to avoid any awkwardness in case things don't work out. As I have mentioned, people you have known your entire life kneel before me and she is one.

Hermione sat waiting for an answer from Minerva, who refused to lift her head up. She was both pleased that the woman wanted to take her out, but also unsure of whether to accept the date or not. She honestly wanted to see if she and Hermione had a chance. Then again, Hermione was still a student and Minerva would never date a student, no matter how beautiful and intelligent said student is.

Minerva?

The witch in question grunted. Hermione stood slowly, I am going to leave you alone to decide on that. If you agree, she said for you to meet her at the window.

Minerva quickly sat up, Wait!

Hermione turned around and Minerva hesitated, I have a question but I do not wish to offend.

Hermione nodded patiently,

Just ask.

Minerva took a deep breath and spoke aloud, "Do your people give off some kind of thrall or something that would attract others?"

Hermione laughed and Minerva's lips pulled into a frown, because the woman didn't just laugh. Hermione was bent over and weak kneed with laughter. Eventually, she spoke,

I-I'm s-sorry. Oh Merlin. Ah, no Minerva. If you felt something while checking out her 'assets' then t-that was genuine.

Minerva licked her lips and stammered out the next question, "O-one more thing...he…rather she gestured towards me and back to herself after…after making an inappropriate gesture. What was that?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow, That was a claim. Basically, you are hers and hers alone to court. No one else may try to win your affection.

Minerva bit her lip, What does that mean for me?

Hermione grinned and turned to leave, Whatever you want it to mean.

Minerva just thumped her head back on the desk and began to wonder what she had gotten herself into...and what she was going to wear.

The next morning, Minerva spotted Hermione seated with her friends. While Ron and Harry had not returned to the school, Ginny Weasley as well as Neville Longbottom had returned and the three seemed to have formed a new trio. Hermione looked to be listening intently to Ginny, causing Minerva to ponder whether or not Hermione had told anyone else of her abilities. She was pulled out of her thoughts as the young woman's voice popped in her head.

Have you decided?

Minerva groaned. She had spent the entire night debating whether or not to accept the date. She also spent a portion deciding what to wear in case she did accept the date which led her to another lively debate on whether she should go. It was a shameful circle of insanity that ended when Minerva decided that since she already picked out the outfit and worked herself up, she might as well go try to enjoy herself.

I'm going, Merlin help me. She said, suddenly wishing her tea was scotch.

You'll be fine. I'm to tell you to wear something nice.

Minerva hid a scowl behind her cup, Why don't I just go naked? She will be anyway!

I'm sure she'd be fine with that, but you might get cold.

Minerva could practically hear Hermione smirking. She growled and stabbed her fork into an unsuspecting piece of sausage, and resumed chatting with Sinistra.

On her bed was a little black dress that Minerva had not worn in...quite a long time. The witch was pacing, debating with herself on whether or not she was really going to do this. There was still time to back out. It wasn't as though there wasn't a pile of paperwork on her desk that she had been avoiding. Work is always a good excuse.

Gathering her Gryffindor courage, the witch put on the dress along with black heels, braided her long hair, and placed the braid in front of her. Looking in the mirror, she nodded and grabbed a shot of scotch for courage.

You ready for your date?

Minerva groaned and took another shot, No.

You'll be fine. There are some minor details. You must speak aloud to her. She will in turn give me her response and I will communicate it to you. Remember that even though you are hearing my voice, it is her speaking. Good luck Minerva.

Minerva nodded to her reflection and walked to the window. She was glad to see her date was already there. She was magnificent, her wings flapping slowly, keeping her mid-air. Minerva did her best not to look any lower than her chest, but it was difficult.

You look beautiful.

She smiled and opened the window, "Thank you."

She took the creatures hand and refused to make a sound when she was suddenly pulled into strong arms and carried bridal style as they flew away from the castle.

What? No screaming this time? Clawing? Headbutting?

Minerva glared, "I most certainly did not headbutt you." To which she received a look. Minerva rolled her eyes, "Where are we going?"

The creature grinned, To Paris.

Minerva balked, "How fast can you fly?!"

Laughing, the flying woman answered, Not fast enough to get to Paris before the night ends I assure you. Though we cannot apparate in this form, we do have a method of traveling long distances. We can tear holes through space and fly through them to arrive wherever we please. Watch.

The creature took its hand and clawed at the air slowly. The result was a literal tear a few feet in front of them, through which she could see the Eiffel tower. Minerva gasped as they flew towards it and closed her eyes.

Welcome to Paris.

Minerva slowly looked around, raising her brows. They were truly in Paris, flying around the Eiffel Tower. "This is amazing. You can do this as often as you wish?"

Indeed. How about dinner at the tower and then I can show you around the city?

Minerva frowned, "How do you propose we go about that with you in this form? Also, how should I address you?"

As to your first question, the restaurant is closed and one of us is waiting to serve us. Secondly, since your name is Minerva, you may call me Athena.

Minerva rolled her eyes and chuckled as they flew to the restaurant in the tower. After she was set back on the floor, a Frenchman came and sat them at a table. Minerva watched amused as Athena struggled to sit in the chair without doing damage to her large wings.

This isn't funny. I can practically hear you trying not to laugh.

At that, Minerva let loose the chuckle she had been holding back. Athena shook her head and the waiter brought a backless chair for her to sit on. Once situated, they ordered food and Minerva truly enjoyed the woman's company. They talked about a wide variety of things which occasionally resulted in a heated debate.

After dinner, they visited the Louvre which was again empty. Minerva could have kissed her as they were able to take their time in the building, exploring. At least until Athena went rigid. "What's wrong?"

I have to go. I'm sorry.

Athena quickly embraced Minerva and nuzzled her head again, before running out. Minerva was left standing in the empty room, confused, until Hermione spoke to her.

I'm sorry Minerva. Something is happening and Athena is needed. I can send someone for you, or if you would rather apparate?

Minerva shook her head and then rolled her eyes, Hermione couldn't see that. I think it best you sent someone.

Moments later, the same Frenchman from the tower called for her. She walked over to him and watched as his arm turned black and his hands became long claws. He clawed at the air and they walked through to her office. "Merci."

He bowed and jumped out of the open window. Shocked, Minerva ran to look for him and saw him flying away from the castle. She closed her window sadly, before heading to her bedroom. Her first date in decades and it was cut short by Merlin knows what.

As she undressed and put on her night clothes, she smiled. Tonight was most likely the best date she had ever been on. Athena had nuzzled her again. Surely that meant that she had enjoyed it as much as Minerva. With this in mind, Minerva fell asleep with a smile and a whispered good night to Athena.

A/N: Still good?