A/N: I know, I know…another story…but I swear, I have been working on all my other open ones (except for Heartfelt Confessions) and will be posting another chapter of Bonding as planned next weekend, and HLFM mid-week. As for this one, it's just a plain clichéd romance with no angst, no emotional upheaval and very little in regards to drama ~ practically unthinkable, huh? Well...see for yourself ;)
The Massage
The last few weeks had been, at best, tedious. Between her classes, helping George and Percy at the shop, apartment hunting with Ron and her part time job at Valanor's Library which normally enabled her a few hours of study time, except…of course, this week.
With a sigh, she shoved her hand through her hair, tired…and behind. She could hear the boys outside playing, Ginny's voice intermixing with theirs, and she fought down a wave of envy. It wouldn't help her finish her twenty foot roll of parchment due tomorrow, of which, only ten feet was written.
Rocking her head to the left and right to try and ease the tension, she picked up her quill only to hear the door open. She didn't bother turning around, he had already been in here four times in the span of an hour badgering her about joining them. "Ron, how many times do I have to tell you, that I have to get this done tonight?"
"My apologies Miss Granger, I was merely looking for an empty room for a few moments."
Hermione's head whipped around, chestnut locks sliding across her cheek; as horrified brown eyes searched out for the venerable woman whose distinct voice had spoken merely a moment ago. One that she knew far too well from her years while at Hogwarts. An apology already falling from her lips as her eyes finally found the woman whom she had expected to be in her traditional emerald robes, "I'm sorry Headmistress…" But she wasn't wearing emerald robes, or any robes for that matter, rather a pair of navy slacks and a yellow linen v-neck shirt with her hair in a plait down her back; the rest of her apology uttered barely louder than a whisper. "I had believed you were someone else."
"I gathered as much." Her eyes darted to the parchment behind the younger woman. "I'll leave you to your paper."
Hermione felt horrible for snapping at Minerva, "Actually," She rolled her head to the side, "I need a break."
Minerva quirked her brow, "From your tone, I'd say you've had several unexpected ones already."
"Interruptions." Hermione sighed, "To be honest, I shouldn't have come, but then I'd be asked why. And you?" She nodded to the Headmistress, "In muggle London today?"
Minerva had hoped to avoid this very line of questioning upon arriving, but it seemed that was not to be the case. "My family owns a small textile factory and I was touring the plant today."
She nodded, "It suits you."
"Pardon?" Minerva asked confused.
"You're outfit," Hermione couldn't help but notice how well it did suit the elder witch, "Suits you." The shirt was tailored, thinning at the waist…
"Thank you."
"Why don't you ever wear non-wizarding robes?" Hermione questioned, "I've never seen you in anything but…" At this Minerva smiled, "Either black or emerald robes except at functions."
"Quite." She agreed, "Now, if you will excuse me." Minerva turned and was about to leave, but Hermione's lilt brought her to a standstill.
"What do you know of 'Ulysses Theories on inanimate to animate transfigurations and the theory he postulates regarding their soul?'"
Despite her unease about being 'underdressed' in the presence of a former student, she found the topic appealing and the idea of a debate with the brilliant young woman welcome; and she turned around, intrigued. "Professor Mylian's mid-term thesis?"
Hermione nodded, "It spawned quite the debate last Thursday."
"As it did at our conference last month." Minerva remarked, "And your views?"
She held up her wine glass, "Perhaps a discussion best had with a drink?"
Minerva eyed the glass, brow quirked and she found the notion…far more pleasing than spending hours talking of superfluous minutia with varying members of the Weasley family; not that she minded, but it was nice upon occasion to discuss a topic that challenged the mind. With a wave of her wand, an etched glass appeared next to the partially empty bottle of wine. "Which stance are you taking in your paper?" She asked as the bottle magically poured itself into her glass before long fingers elegantly picked up the work of art she created.
"Neither." She replied, "As I once read an obscure paper that I find myself believing with greater regularity."
"Oh?" Minerva questioned as she took a seat opposite, "By who and what is the basis of their theory?"
"Energy." Hermione easily replied, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Perhaps you have heard of it?"
"That is an old theory, and if I am not mistaken," Her eyes sparkled, "And I assure you I am not, unfinished."
"And I find myself often wondering, why?" Hermione edged closer, "It is a brilliant idea, but after the initial trials, you didn't conduct any follow-up trials or any farther publications."
"Lack of time." Minerva replied, easily stepping aside to avoid the question. "Under what pretense are you arguing Ulysses Theories?"
"That energy itself is alive, and is the basis for the soul."
"And Miranda's response?"
Hermione shook her head, "I don't know." And then nodded her head towards the parchment, "But I'll know soon enough."
"And it is due, when?"
"Tomorrow at noon."
Curious, Minerva's gaze drifted to the long sheaf of paper. "Do you mind?"
"No at all, but…" Hermione cast a glance at the parchment, "Afterwards, I hope you'll be willing to give some insights into your theory and how it relates to Ulysses'."
Minerva consented with the briefest of nods before summoning the paper. Hermione watched as the paper drifted across the room in haste to a waiting hand, while Minerva donned on her signature rectangular gold-rimmed glasses. Emerald eyes went to drop to begin scanning the paper, but stopped and glanced back up to the younger woman's, "The day will come when you too shall need to wear these."
Mirth lined brown eyes, "I believe my arms are long enough for the foreseeable future."
"We shall see." Minerva retorted, her eyes reading the familiar script. "Though with your reading habits, they will not be too long…for much longer." She dryly remarked.
Hermione barely contained her chuckle from Minerva's remark, enjoying the formidable woman's more personal side. A side she so rarely displayed, and one that was intriguing to the younger woman. "And I'm sure you are referencing a healer's journal and not your own personal experience."
Minerva never glanced up, but the smile tugging at her lips was noticeable. "If only that were the case." A hint of amusement still lacing her voice, "However, there is some satisfaction in knowing that a day will come when you too shall require reading glasses, and while I am quite a bit older, I am still young enough to be alive to see that day arrive."
Hermione scoffed, "You are not that much older than I."
"Clearly you're perception is off by a few decades." Minerva stated as she returned to her reading, fingers absently rolling the parchment forward. "As I am over fifty years your senior."
"You don't look it." Hermione's remark easily drawing Minerva's attention from the paper, "Perhaps ten or fifteen years, certainly not fifty."
"You are aware that witches and wizards age differently than muggles."
Hermione gave a nod, "Hence my comment. While you may be older, you don't look that much older."
Minerva fought back the retort upon her tongue and merely replied, "Well then, thank you."
However, Hermione had seen the briefest of hesitation. "That isn't what you were going to say. Was it?"
"No, it was not."
A smile crinkled across Hermione's lips as she set her now empty glass down, "I'm waiting."
Minerva's eyes remained fixed upon her read, her voice light as she responded. "Only that my statement had been erroneous, as your sight is already beginning to wane."
Hermione leaned forward, "If you were to dress as you are now, and walk through the streets of London; I guarantee you would turn most heads as you are a beautiful woman." Hermione's voice having turned soft as her eyes raked over the soft lines of her previous professor.
Minerva chuckled, "I have neither the inclination nor desire to indulge in such foolish notions."
"Then you are married?" Hermione asked, using her response as an opening.
Minerva's eyes momentarily faltered as she glanced upwards. "No." She answered succinctly, unwilling to broach the topic further. However, Hermione had other ideas as she asked on.
"With someone?"
"No." Minerva stated and as Hermione opened her mouth again, Minerva expanded her answer; reluctantly. "Nor have I been for several years, since Amelia's death."
"Amelia…Bones?" Hermione asked, mildly shocked by the revelation.
"Yes." Minerva sighed, "We had been married for eighteen years prior to her death…and I have not been interested in seeking companionship since then."
Hermione breathed deeply, "I am sorry." She cleared her throat. "I had…no idea."
Minerva took another sip of her wine, "Most people don't." Minerva answered, her emerald eyes sparkling in the light.
Hermione reached forward, filling her glass again and raised it up. "To friends."
Minerva gave a hint of a nod, "Friends." She quietly saluted.
Oxox
Another hour passed, as did the whole of another bottle. Both women debating Hermione's paper with equal fervor. And Ron, having made the mistake to interrupt, again. Hermione had thrown him out, his ears turning as red as his hair as she explained that no; she was not merely visiting with Minerva but seeking counsel from one of the foremost experts in the field.
Another hour passed…a half bottle of wine, and Hermione had begun to scratch wildly upon her parchment. Tipping her neck from the left to the right; her muscles already far too tight from the hours of previous research and time spent huddled over her parchment.
"You still haven't shared with me the rest of your conclusion and outcome regarding your thesis." She observed dipping her quill into her ink pot, and pausing to take another sip of her wine while she momentarily kneaded her neck.
"I…do not believe that tonight is the time. You have a paper to finish and I should go speak with Molly and Arthur, albeit briefly before leaving as it is getting late. Here…" Minerva stated as she swept behind Hermione and gently touched Hermione's hand to remove it from her collarbone. Hermione began to glance back to see what Minerva was doing, but Minerva's hand motioned for her to remain staring straight ahead as strong fingers began to gently massage her tense muscles. "Relax for a moment." Minerva's voice barely reaching her ears.
"Oww…" Hermione went to move away, but nimble fingers remained with her. Moving…kneading…and after a few minutes; the pain that had taken up residence in her neck two weeks ago began to dissipate and a light moan slipped from her lips as tantalizing fingers drifted up into her scalp…massaging her head.
Hermione involuntarily, leaned backwards…shifting her head as sure hands moved back down her neck to her collarbone…her heart rate beginning to increase; as another sigh eschewed from her lips. And then she felt a warm breath cascade against the soft hairs of her neck and face as Minerva's rich accent danced upon the air.
"Better?" Minerva questioned as she began to remove her hands, but felt Hermione shift and before she could move forward or back…brown eyes turned to hers…and then flicked down to her lips…a rush of anticipation instantly drowning out thought as with aching slowness she inched closer. She could feel her own body become breathless as she hesitantly leaned forward…feeling her chest press more into the woman's back as wet lips gently slid along hers. Her body was on fire…and the kiss…she could think of nothing else as her lips danced across Hermione's…tasting, touching…and then seeking entrance to the treasures within which were greedily given. And the kiss lost its gentle caress as Minerva's tongue plunged deeply into Hermione's mouth…and Hermione's left hand wrapped up and pulled Minerva closer…if at all possible deepening the kiss.
It was new, electric…and felt ohh…so nice as their lips and tongues explored the other; Hermione's fingers remaining threaded in Minerva's black hair as Minerva's hands raked down the back and sides of Hermione's sweater…wrapping around the front…
Causing Hermione to moan into Minerva's mouth as the woman's hands cupped her breasts; and she forgot about the world for a heartbeat. And vaguely she was aware that sensuous lips had left hers…and with lidded eyes she met clear emerald ones.
They starred at the other for several moments, silent questions and answers being traded back and forth; and while both knew this was anything but a good idea…neither cared for the moment.
Hermione turned fully around and before she could jerk Minerva's shirt from her trousers; she felt the chair give way and her back touch the pillowy surface of a bed.
"The door…" Hermione murmured as she reached for Minerva's fallen wand, and as she cast a powerful locking charm, anti-apparition and silencing spell…she felt the chill of the air upon her skin and then a silken warmth pressuring her deeper into the mattress as lips kissed her jaw.
"Done?" Came the thick question as hands roamed up her sides.
"Yes…" Hermione whimpered in answer as the ebony wand fell from her fingertips; no longer needed as she turned and captured Minerva's lips within her own. She could feel her breasts straining against their bra as a soft cotton shifted between her breasts…already feeling and loving the sensation of Minerva's breasts…her nipples sliding along her skin. Her hands clumsily moved down the elder woman's back; along her side…caressing the swelling mounds…feeling her nipples hardening at her touch…
Her own…hardening in response…
And Minerva shifted and a sudden pressure erupted against her center…
"Ahh…" She broke off the heated kiss as her fingers finally unfastened the last clasp of Minerva's bra. The material falling away and Hermione suddenly felt wanton as she stared at rosy flesh…taunt peeks…her mouth watering at the notion of licking…suckling…and felt a rush of desire pulse through her. Unlike anything she had felt before, and she leaned forward as Minerva's hands coaxed her own breast…and she…tenderly began kissing Minerva's.
The area was soft, supple…and as her lips encompassed the sweet flesh…she heard a quiet gasp and Minerva's hand stopped. Slowly, her lips began to slid along her skin…her tongue intermittently flicking against its peak…loving the different texture; the whole of her breast soft…except for the hardened nipple that obviously ached to be touched.
"Mmmmm…" Minerva moaned as she sucked tugged on the hardened nipple…and she moved to the other one…paying homage…her hand continuing to knead the flesh and tease the nipple as she suckled…nipped and felt devilishly delightful by the way Minerva arched her back...obviously wanting to increase her attention… "Yes…" She moaned…and Hermione willingly obliged as she switched back…her own senses and thoughts beginning to lose control as Minerva's hand slipped between her thighs…and she felt a steady rise and fall…
She could feel her own hips moving…meeting…and then a warmth flooded her senses as fingers plunged into her folds. Her clothes no longer remaining as a barrier…and her lips fell away from their temporary haven only to lose the power of speech as strong sure fingers sunk deep into the hot flesh…and Minerva's mouth descended upon her aching breast. "Ohh…Min…erva." She murmured, innately spreading her legs as she arched upwards…urging the teasing fingers closer to her warmth. However…they slowly withdrew…
"I want…you." Minerva's voice far deeper, sending chills down Hermione's spine as she suddenly felt the warm flesh replace the harsh fabric of her trousers.
Hermione could hardly think as she met dark, emerald eyes…so open…so passionate…like nothing she would have expected from the normally stalwart woman. And any reservation she should have had, vanished and she dove headlong into the abyss. She pulled the elder witch closer…feeling her heat against her own and she buried the emotion and feeling into her kiss…relishing this feeling, this freedom…the burning need…and giving in to it, completely.
And then...she felt Minerva shift…felt her leg go outside her own…and then…
Bliss…as her lips fell away from Minerva's…as her wet heat encompassed her own…
"Oh…" She tried not to move…to savor the feeling…but she couldn't. She needed…she wanted more…and whether it was her or Minerva…it mattered little as both woman began to move as their lips found the others again.
Their movements were slow…sensual…arousing…
Becoming deeper…their hips arching more…as their kiss deepened and Hermione's fingers dug into Minerva's skin as their breasts and nipples slid across the others…
"Oh…God…Minerva…" Hermione gasped as she ground her hips upwards, loving the way Minerva's hips felt against her own… "Pl…ease…" She moaned as the last conscious thought fled…and she mindlessly continued meeting the blissful rhythm…her whole body tingling as it balanced upon the precipice.
"Oh….Her...mione…" Minerva breathed as her body gave way…
And Hermione's jerked alongside…as the world stopped and all she could do was feel…the way her heat felt as it oozed welcomingly all over her…the way the air seemed heady…the way her body fell into the abyss as an orgasm rushed through her senses…leaving her bare…and…wanton…and…
She reached up…barely coherent as she pushed strands of black hair away and kissed the woman she had just made love to.
…wanting to do it again.
"I want..." Hermione shifted, Minerva easily rolling to the side…and Hermione recaptured her lips as her hand slid downwards. "You." She breathed against the damp skin.
"Hmmmm…." Minerva's accent unusually thick. "I think, you have me." She murmured as she felt wandering hands slid down her side, along her torso as she enjoyed the after effects…but felt her body catch fire as fingers slipped between her thighs…eyes snapping open…only to press her head into the bed as she felt fingers immerse themselves into her heat. "Ohh…" She innately shifted, body humming at the prospect as it pulsed with need.
Oxox
"Hermione?" Ron's voice in sync with his knock upon the heavy door.
Hermione rolled over, her heart plummeting as her face fell. "Oh…dear god." She murmured sitting up, feeling a slight rush of a headache pulse as the sheet about her body fell away. At once, she turned, expecting to see Minerva…looking equally distraught; but there was no sign of her.
Brown eyes scanned the room as Ron's voice echoed again, "Hey, you up?"
"Yeah…" Hermione murmured, frantically looking for her wand. And then berated herself as she scrambled towards the neatly folded pile on the desk; she had cast a silencing spell last night.
"Hermione?"
Fingers clutched at her wand, and with a wave; she dispelled the charm. "I'm up." She snapped, "Give me moment."
And with a frantic pace, she set about quickly donning the folded and scourgified clothes; a hint of a smile crossing her lips at Minerva's thoughtfulness. As she slipped her shirt over her head; eyes glancing about the room; she was surprised to find the mess from their evening, gone. Much like the woman, herself.
Two wand strokes; the bed had been cleaned and had returned to its original state, a chair. And one more stroke, she felt her hair return to its normal state and with a last one, the door unlocked and she put down her wand next to her momentarily forgotten thesis and next to a sealed envelope with her name upon it; and she squelched her desire to read the letter and turned to…Ron.
Her…what was he exactly?
"Good morning gorgeous." He leaned in, hands engulfing her shoulders as his lips sought hers and she innately turned away; kissing his cheek.
"Hey." She feigned a smile, and shifted away from his embrace. "Last night seemed to go…well." She fought off a blush as she recalled how well it had gone, at least from her perspective.
"Yeah." Ron nodded, "Had a lot of fun." His eyes cast over to the rolled parchment upon the desk, "And you? Did you finish?"
Hermione followed his glance, and felt a trickle of ice dance down her spine at exactly what had happened last night; and potentially how severe the cost. "I need to finish up this morning."
Ron sighed, no wonder her strange mood. She hadn't finished yet. "Hopefully the ol' Headmistress helped."
"She isn't old, Ronald." Her glare chilling the air within the room.
He held his hands up in way of peace. "I'll let you finish."
Hermione bit back her retort, knowing that it wasn't his fault for her turbulent emotions and thoughts. It was hers. And as he stepped closer to kiss her, she fought to remain still; and gently returned his kiss…and unlike before; she felt no stirring of passion. "Thank you." She whispered against his cheek.
He gave a shake of his head and stepped away; blue eyes gazing deeply into hers. "We still on for later?"
And Hermione's heart sank. What have I done?
"Hermione?" He asked suddenly concerned by her expression.
She suppressed her sudden desire to turn and vomit, "Yeah." She patted his shoulder, "I'll see you after class."
"Alright." He said momentarily grabbing her hand and squeezing before giving her a nod and departing.
Hermione waited until the door closed, before turning around and with a shaking hand grasped the waiting letter. Her thoughts in turmoil…as she slit the bland wax seal.
And…upon seeing the familiar script that used to litter her essays; she felt as if a calming balm had been cast upon her.
Hermione,
My apologies for leaving when I did, however, I was needed back at Hogwarts. And while I should have woken you, forgive me that I did not. I will ask Miranda to give you one additional day as I had been unavailable for interview until this past evening.
And regarding this evening • words cannot express my thoughts. You are a marvelous lover.
All my best to your future and happiness.
Minerva
She scanned the letter again, feeling…what she didn't know. From her letter, Minerva hadn't asked for commitment nor did it seem as though she wanted anymore or any less than what they shared.
And…Hermione turned and sat heavily on the chair. Shocked at her own behavior and what had happened in the last twelve hours.
"Hey." Ginny's head popped in, a plate of food in her hand. "Thought you might be hungry."
Hermione's stomach growled as soon as plate of eggs became visible. "Famished."
Ginny nodded, "You alright?" She asked handing the plate over. "You stayed kind of sequestered last night, didn't even come out to wish George happy birthday."
Hermione went to say that she was indeed, fine; but she met blue eyes…and the word died on her throat and she shook her head. "I didn't come out last night because I was busy."
Ginny frowned as she pulled up a chair, "I know you were in here grilling McGonagall for your paper, but you need to relax."
Hermione cleared her throat, "I was…" A blush suddenly becoming apparent on her cheeks. "Relaxing."
"What?" She shifted in her seat, leg leaning against the table trying to fathom what Hermione was referring to. And as the seconds passed, Ginny couldn't decipher her friend's odd response. "You two play chess until some obscene hour this morning?"
"Not exactly." Hermione realized by her friend's dense reasoning, she was going to have to elaborate. And if at all possible, her blush became worse at the prospect of stating what happened. Then as if in afterthought, she reached over and grabbed Minerva's note; and with only a mild hesitation she handed her letter to Ginny. And waited.
Blue eyes quickly scanned the sentences, her jaw slackening until her lips formed an 'O'…and she just starred at the words, dumbfounded.
Hermione reached over and with a wave, closed the door and cast another silencing charm upon the room. Slowly Ginny lifted her gaze, and immediately bit back her first response and initial feeling of betrayal to her brother, knowing that there had to be a reasonable explanation. As…this was so…unlike Hermione. "What…happened? Exactly…" Ginny reached forward and set her hand upon Hermione's leg. "And what about Ron?" Her eyes hardened, "You need to tell him…"
Hermione's fingers tightened upon her plate, "What, exactly?" Brown eyes became harsh, "That I had a torrid, steamy evening in the arms of our ex-professor? I'm sorry it happened, but it did. And…I don't know what I'm going to do about it?" Her voice became softer, "It was…nothing short of amazing, Ginny. And…I just…" Tears swelled in her eyes, "Don't judge me, okay?" She fought for a smile, "I know Ron's your brother, and she's…well she's…decades older than me; but I…damn…Ginny." She whispered, "I've never felt anything like that."
"Even with…you know, Ron?"
Hermione shook her head, "Not even with him."
"Was it really…that, uhmmmm…good?" Ginny choked out, not believing that she was having this conversation.
Brown eyes measured blue ones, and slowly…she nodded. Voice barely loud enough to be construed as a whisper. "Yeah, Ginny. It was."
Oxox
A/N: Ohhhh forgot to mention it's a little on the steamy side… ;) There will be another chapter, at most two more. Hope you enjoyed!