Epilogue

6 months later

Two red-headed first-years walked down the corridor, chatting excitedly about the class that had just ended. They finished each other's sentences as they rehashed every aspect of the lesson, sprinkling the conversation with witty observations of their classmates.

Minerva smiled. They reminded her so much of Miranda. Not the carefree way they jabbered on, but their obvious intelligence, caustic remarks, and discerning natures readily revealed their matriarchal parentage to anyone who cared to inquire. With their last name not known in the wizarding world, they were able to flourish without worrying about whether people were trying to find out about their famous mother, the Queen of Fashion, or their famous uncle, the one who had turned the tide of the second wizarding war through his selfless actions.

Of course, Minerva could not imagine a student, nor many adults for that matter, daring to ask Miranda directly any personal questions, although speculation abounded as to how it had come to pass that Severus' twin sister was teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts and taking over the duties of Slytherin Head of House. She and Andrea shared quarters, and Minerva was glad to see both of them together. They had traveled a long, hard road.

When Miranda had approached her about teaching at Hogwarts, it had been a welcome surprise. Professor Slughorn had just given his notice, and although she had planned to offer the Head of House position to Andy, she had preferred having a former Slytherin hold the post. And so everything had fallen into place. Miranda's proficiency in this area of magic was quickly demonstrated through a series of mastery tests, and she had begun to research the subject when not teaching to broaden her expertise. Minerva had no doubt that the driven witch would become one of the leading voices in the field.

Entering her private rooms, Minerva smiled at the tableau before her. Hermione sat in front of a roaring fire, sipping tea as she read the latest issue of Transfiguration Today. They had a couple of hours before dinner, and Minerva felt the familiar pull from her lover and gave in to her desires quickly by rounding the sofa and kissing Hermione soundly. After several delicious moments, she released Hermione's responsive lips reluctantly, hovering closely as she smiled at the hazy, passion-drunk look Hermione's flushed face sported.

"Wow," Hermione muttered. "What did I do to deserve that greeting?"

"You are here in my rooms, waiting for me, looking irresistible. How could I not greet you in just this way?" Minerva teased, her fingers grazing the slope of Hermione's cheek before resting at the nape of her neck.

"I find myself wanting to be with you all the time, and if I cannot, then being surrounded by your belongings is all that comforts me," Hermione whispered, her eyes dropping down as she picked at the throw over her legs.

"Mo Gràdh, I want you here. Please do not doubt that. In fact," Minerva continued as she sat next to Hermione, pulling her onto her lap and wrapping her arms securely around her, "I would like you to consider moving into my rooms. I find myself restless on the nights we are not together, and I have no desire to be away from you. I am ready to share every moment with you. I have pledged myself to you, and I want to make it official." With a softly spoken word a small object flew through the air, and Minerva caught it. Closing her eyes for a moment to gather her Gryffindor courage, Minerva opened them to bright eyes.

"Minerva?" Hermione murmured, her expression curious and hopeful.

"Hermione, I waited my entire life to be with you. I swore to myself that if you ever gave me the opportunity, I would do all I could to make you mine. I cannot, I will not imagine a life without you in it. Every moment with you, I treasure." Minerva opened her hand and presented it to Hermione. "This is for you."

"Minerva," Hermione breathed, her eyes widening in surprise before filling with tears. She slowly open the navy blue velvet jewelry box, gasping at the ring nestled in ivory silk. Minerva watched Hermione's face closely for every emotion that flitted across it.

"This has nothing to do with Miranda and Andy's engagement," Minerva added softly. She knew how Hermione's mind worked, and she did not want her love to think that this gesture was borne through seeing others finding love and grabbing on to it with both hands. "This ring has been passed down through the McGonagall clan for hundreds of years, and I have wanted to give it to you since Valentine's Day, if not before. We do not need to marry quickly. I am content to know that we will when you are ready, whether it be this year or in ten years. Hermione, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?" Without a word, Hermione pulled her into a passionate kiss.

Each kiss they shared was unique. Her witch made her feel that the world could crumble around them, and they would not notice. Not while Hermione explored her mouth, touching every part possessively before their tongues tangled sensuously. Not while they tilted their heads to better fit together and allow them to delve as deeply as possible. Not while Hermione made those sultry whimpering sounds and deep-throated groans that electrified Minerva. Yes, she loved kissing Hermione, and she planned to kiss her for the rest of her life. As much as possible. As often as possible.

"Minerva," Hermione panted when they finally broke the kiss. "Yes." Minerva smiled as Hermione peppered her face with soft pecks. "Yes." Several more loving kisses were delivered across Minerva's face, making her smile more widely. "I want to marry you. I love you so much. I love you."

Minerva swept her up in her arms and stood quickly, carrying her into the bedroom. "I love you, mo Gràdh," Minerva said as she lay Hermione on the bed gently. Before she could utter another word, Hermione pulled her down on top of her, and Minerva was happy to forget everything but who was in her arms.

"Miranda?" the voice on the telephone questioned. "Is that really you?"

"Nigel, really," Miranda drawled as she rested against Andrea in bed, smiling slightly at the kiss bestowed on her shoulder. "Have you forgotten me already? Redecorated my office and scrubbed my name off anything to do with Runway?" she asked teasingly.

"I just...oh my God! I thought you were dead. Everyone thinks you are dead! Are you okay? Where are you? I have to call Leslie—"

"No, Nigel. You will do no such thing. No one is to know I am alive and well. I do not intend to return to New York or to Runway," Miranda said, her voice softening as she continued, "but you are a friend, my closest friend. I did not want you to grieve for me when I am fine."

After a pregnant pause, Nigel said, "You're not coming back?"

"No. Nigel, you are the editor-in-chief now, and I have every confidence that you will continue what I began. My girls are away in school, and it is time for me to focus on my own happiness."

"Will I ever see you again?" Nigel asked, his cracking voice pulling at Miranda's heartstrings.

"If you want to, yes. I trust that you will keep this to yourself unless and until such time that I deem it acceptable for others to know that I am alive. I will not be returning to the fashion world. It is my past," Miranda said firmly, accepting the sweet brush of luscious lips against hers. "The next time you are in England, contact me so we can meet for drinks."

"How? I don't know where you are! No one does. You sold your homes in New York and London and fell off the face of the earth, or so say the paparazzi since they can't find you," Nigel said in exasperation.

Chuckling, Miranda said, "Well, disappearing completely actually takes quite a bit of planning. As to how to find me, you still have my London address, do you not? If you were to research it, you would find that it is a post office address rather than the flat address. Once you know what dates you will be in London or the surrounding area, send word, and I will contact you."

"All right. Is this what you truly want, Miranda? We could bring you back and invent a reason for your disappearance," Nigel said.

Miranda's heart filled with warmth at the offer. He always had looked out for her welfare, often pushing aside his own happiness in the process. He deserved the fulfillment of his aspirations, and she would not take it away. Not that she wanted to.

"I am sickeningly happy, Nigel. I am engaged to be married to the love of my life, living near my girls, and keeping busy molding young minds. I will not be back. Do not disappoint me, Nigel. I will be keeping tabs on you," Miranda added with a devious smile.

"Wait! You're engaged? Who is it? When did this happen? And you're teaching?!"

Miranda's laughter cut through her oldest friend's questions. "Let that serve as an incentive to contact me. You won't receive any answers until I see you," Miranda teased. In a soft voice she said, "I look forward to introducing you to my Andrea. Until then, my friend, be well." She disconnected the call and placed the phone on the bedside table. Turning over, she rose up and kissed Andrea with all the love she felt for her.

"I'm so glad you are here," Andrea whispered, her hands running down Miranda's back and resting on her hips.

"Mmm, how could I not be here?" Miranda moaned as she moved toward the mouth that greedily sucked at the junction of neck and shoulder. "I paid for the hotel room. Ouch!" she hissed, glaring playfully at Andrea for nipping her.

"You know what I mean!" Andrea sulked, pouting so prettily that Miranda had to suck on the protruding lower lip for several moments before tasting Andrea's mouth while the beguiling witch moaned wantonly.

"I love you, Andrea," Miranda said softly, knowing she did not often express her feelings even though Andrea deserved to hear such words every day they were together.

"I love you, too," Andrea said. "Please make love with me. Please," she said as her hands pulled Miranda closer.

Smiling, Miranda whispered, "I remember the first time you said that to me. You told me you couldn't stay away." She ran her fingers down Andrea's torso before veering to the left and toying with an erect nipple. Andrea's sharp gasp was music to her ears. "I am so glad I allowed Minerva to restore my memories so I can remember every moment we have shared together."

Seeing the sadness wash through Andrea's visage, she said sternly, "No, no. I do not want you to feel remorse every time we speak of the past. We are together, and we have moved on from those events." After kissing Andrea thoroughly, Miranda added, "You are my other half, darling. Understand?" She searched warm chocolate eyes, needing Andrea to accept that the past would stay in the past as they minted their future together.

"I do," Andrea said softly. "Thank you, Miranda, for forgiving me, for allowing me in, for trusting in me, in us. You've made me so happy."

"Darling," Miranda said as she looked into warm chocolate eyes, those eyes. "Let me love you," she whispered, remembering when she had last said those words to her fiancée. She suspected that over time they would share many words, many actions, many tender moments and heartwarming experiences and breathtaking passion. And love, true love, boundless love. With her Andrea.

The End.

A/N I hoped you enjoyed the story! If you did, please do not be shy. Drop me a message so that I will know my efforts were worthwhile.