Authors note: Alright kids this is it, the last chapter! I just want to say Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, it has been a splendid short journey and I hope you have enjoyed it. I hope you like the ending, I found it quite difficult trying to decide how to end it but anyhow, I hope you enjoy! X

Part 7

Two weeks later…

Hermione smiled against Minerva's lips as the older woman kissed her gently, music from the radio drifting over them lazily. It was after 5pm and the two women had been recording stock. However, the two women quickly found themselves pleasantly distracted resulting with Hermione pressed against one of the bookshelves while Minerva played homage to the younger woman's lips and any skin within her reach.

Hermione didn't mind. She took everything the older woman gave her. She didn't want to waste a single second. She had spent years wasting her life with Ron, she wasn't going to let it happen again. She had her children and Minerva, and she was so blissfully happy.

Breathing in, Hermione let her head fall back as Minerva kissed down her neck, nibbling in just the right spot before flicking over it with her tongue.

Since making love for the first time together the two women couldn't get enough of each other. Not that they weren't inseparable before but now even more so. Every action they made with each other was full of ease and kind as though they had been together for years, they were like one being flowing seamlessly.

Most nights were spent at Minerva's house as it was easier to get the children to school and easier for work and on occasions Minerva would stay over at Hermione's but it was rare now that they spent an evening alone.

Minerva's fingers slipped underneath Hermione's top and Hermione felt her body tense and shiver in anticipation and delight.

Minerva wanted to drink the younger woman, bathe in her very being as she kissed her way down Hermione's soft neck. She paused and made silly sucking noises as she kissed, sucked and nibbled, playing with her love languidly.

Hermione chuckled at Minerva's silly actions as she slipped her hands into Minerva's back jean pockets, drawing her closer if that were possible.

"Are you giggling?" Minerva teased before drawing her tongue across her collar bone.

Hermione smiled and bit back a moan "So what if I was?" she breathed.

Minerva drew away and looked into those lust filled brown orbs. How had she become so lucky she thought? Leaning forward she kissed Hermione soundly, letting her tongue flick over Hermione's bottom lip in tease.

They were losing themselves in each other, letting their souls entwine and merge lazily, clumsily, beautifully. And why not? Minerva knew with her very being that Hermione was her soul mate. Somehow, everything in her life had been leading her to this pivotal moment, to Hermione. She didn't care if it sounded soppy or cliché because she felt it with everything inside of her. Hermione matched her in wit and intelligence, argued with her furiously when their options differed but comforted her when she needed it, calmed her when she was frustrated and held her when there was nothing left to say. At times Hermione knew exactly what Minerva was going to say when she hadn't even spoken a word, no one else had ever done that, no one had ever equalled her so perfectly.

Breaking apart for breath, Minerva smiled against Hermione's lips and chuckled when Hermione bit her bottom lip playfully.

Catching a few notes from the radio Minerva started swaying them gently.

Drawing her hands away from under Hermione's top, Minerva took Hermione's hands from her back pockets and lifted them up over Hermione's head, letting them rest against the book shelf. Hermione submitted gladly as the older woman moved her hips in time to the music against hers.

Minerva took her breath away at times like these, so subtle so, gentle and so damn sexy! She swore she could never get enough of the beautiful Scottish woman and somehow she knew she never would.

Recognising the song as 'Citizen copes – sideways' she smiled as the lyrics washed over her and how true they were to her in that moment.

'These feelings won't go away. They've been knockin' me sideways'

Hermione smiled and let Minerva kiss her slowly, breathlessly.

Moments passed endlessly as they kissed lazily before pulling apart, dazed and aroused.

"What time is Ron dropping the children off?" Minerva asked as their noses rubbed together.

"Seven"

"Mmm, we have time then" Minerva said mischievously.

"Yes, in which we are supposed to be doing stock" Hermione chaste.

Minerva pouted "True, but this is so much more enjoyable"

Hermione bit her lip knowing it was true and knowing how attentive a lover Minerva was. The very though set her body alight.

Seeing the fire in Hermione's eyes, Minerva gripped Hermione's hands tighter and took her mouth passionately, eliciting moans from deep in Hermione's throat.

Sleek slick muscles brushed against each other with long strokes and then tentative flicks.

Letting one hand go, Minerva let it travel down the side of Hermione's body as they swayed to the music slowly before letting her fingers trail up and under Hermione's top.

Each time they were intimate both made sure to listen to every gasp and feel every shiver, storing it in mind for future love making. It excited Minerva knowing she could draw forth such reactions and found it equally arousing when she found something new.

Most times they took their time, they hadn't had rushed moment of passion yet and neither minded knowing one day they probably would, but for now slow and sensual was more than enough.

With rapt attention to her actions, Minerva's fingers travelled slowly up the younger woman's chest, making circles and scraping lightly while Hermione's muscles rippled and tensed beneath her long tapering fingers.

Pulling away with a wicked smile, Minerva released Hermione's other hand and started lifting Hermione's top up and over her head. Hermione consented, lifting her arms up in help until the top came over her head and dropped to the floor.

Noticing Minerva staring at her, Hermione smirked. Watching Minerva look over with lust never got old. She loved how the Scottish woman's eyes seem to blaze over her skin, taking her in and devouring her. It made her insides burn.

Knowing Minerva was simply enjoying herself looking at the younger woman's body, Hermione stepped forward and gently started undoing the buttons on Minerva's shirt.

With each button, she kissed every inch of skin that became exposed while Minerva's hands fell into Hermione's hair. Stroking through the soft curls lovingly, Minerva smiled down at Hermione's loving and attentive kisses on her skin, it was sublime.

As the last button came undone Hermione turned them around, pushing Minerva's shirt off of her shoulders, smiling when she heard it hitting the floor. Like Minerva had done, Hermione pushed the older woman against the book shelf and stepped between her legs, Minerva's legs opening slightly in invitation.

Leaning forward, Hermione kissed and nipped along the ebony haired woman's shoulder, Minerva's head lolling to the side as Hermione took her time.

Minerva could feel Hermione's tongues dragging along the skin of her neck in a wet trail before soft plump lips closed around the trail and sucked hard. It took Minerva's breath away, the air escaping from her lungs with a pleasurable hiss as Hermione sucked, no doubt leaving a bruise. Eventually Hermione slowly stopped sucking and let her tongue soothe the sensitive area.

Looking down, Hermione hummed her approval of the forming bruise, her mark and claim to the Scottish woman.

Minerva remembered one particularly passionate evening, Hermione's lips had seemed to need to cover every inch of Minerva's body with love bites. At the time Minerva had not minded one bit, the pleasure overwhelming her. In the morning however, she had looked like a leopard and had chaste the younger woman who had been laughing at her gently. In truth, Minerva didn't mind. Minerva would bare a thousand beautiful love bites for Hermione.

Hermione's fingers came into play, traveling up Minerva's waist until they land on the edges of her bra, playing with the fabric gently.

Just as Hermione's lips started to kiss their way down the valley between Minerva's breasts, they heard the doorbell chime, stopping the two women in their tracks.

They were closed. Who was…?

"Mum?" Williams's voice called "You here?"

Minerva stiffened and the two women quickly pulled away, grabbing their tops from the floor, adorning their clothes as quickly as they could.

Minerva stopped dead in her tracks though when she heard another call.

"Mum?"

Hermione looked at Minerva as they both recognised the voice as Loraine's.

Knowing she needed to answer Minerva stumbled out "Er, one moment we're just moving some books"

Finishing the last of her buttons she turned to Hermione who looked as nervous as she felt and checked each other over, making sure they looked presentable.

Seeing the nervousness in Minerva's green eyes, Hermione stepped forward and stroked her arms "It'll be fine" she whispered.

Minerva just nodded.

Hermione smiled and kissed Minerva gently.

"I've got you"

Something inside Minerva relaxed as she smiled back at her love.

Turning, the two women came out from one of the small alcoves of the book shop, still surprised to see Minerva's children standing in front of the counter.

Taking in the flushed cheeks of his mother and Hermione, Will realised that they had probably interrupted something and felt his cheeks blush.

"D, did we interrupt something?"

"No, no!" Minerva rushed out a little too quickly "We were just… stocking"

Will smirked "Of course"

Minerva blushed guiltily but smiled kindly at her son. They had seen each other for dinner the other week but it always warmed her heart to see her children.

"May I ask why you're here? The both of you" she said pointedly, curious as to why her daughter stood before her seeing as how they had left things on such bad terms.

"Well…" Will started but was quickly cut off as Loraine stepped forward, shifting nervously.

"I wanted to talk to you… and to apologise" Loraine said quietly.

Minerva watched her daughter, something akin to relief, love and confusion filling her heart.

"I see" she paused "Well, I think you owe Hermione more of an apology than I. You knew nothing of her and yet you treated her with such disrespect, I've never been so disappointed" Minerva said unimpressed.

Loraine nodded, before looking at Hermione who stood next to her mother.

"I know. I am sorry Hermione, my behaviour towards you was appalling. The things I said to you were undeserved and…Disgusting. Please forgive me"

Hermione looked at Minerva's daughter carefully. She was right, what was said was disgusting. In some ways she didn't want to forgive Loraine, not only had she her herself but Minerva too. She had seen how broken Loraine had left her mother. How could she forgive her? But Hermione also knew how important Minerva's children were to her and that any relationship with them was more than Minerva could ever hope for. Hermione knew that while Minerva loved her deeply she would never forgive her if she came between her and her children.

"I forgive you" Hermione said softly "But I will say this. I love your mother deeply. I'm not going anywhere, you need to accept that…"

"I do…" Loraine rushed out "I do accept your relationship"

Hermione looked at her, watching as honesty and guilt seemed to pour from Loraine in spades.

"Your mother loves you both so, so much" Hermione said desperately.

Neither children said anything.

With a sigh, Hermione turned to Will knowing that Loraine and Minerva needed some time alone to sort things out.

"How are you with stock take?" she smiled.

Will smiled back "I can do my share" he said casually.

Minerva scoffed "Oh please, we both know you were always better at it than even I"

Hermione smiled and waved him over to the back of the book shop, leaving mother and daughter alone.

Loraine swallowed as she face her mother for the first time in months since that fateful evening.

"I…"

Minerva held up her hand stopping her daughter.

"I think we should start with a cup of tea and sit down first. I have a feeling this will take a while" Minerva said softly, letting a small reassuring smile adorn her lips.

Loraine just nodded and followed her mother into the kitchen.

Placing her bag down in the corner, she shed her coat and hung it up before sitting down at the kitchen table, watching her mother carefully.

For years she had held such hate for the woman blaming her for the way their family fell apart, blaming her for not being there and taking her father's side.

"Do you still take one sugar?" Minerva asked gently.

Loraine nodded and stuttered "Uh, y,yes"

After a few seconds Minerva turned around handing her daughter a mug before collecting her own and sitting opposite her.

"You're nervous" Minerva observed.

"How can I not be? The last time we spoke I was, awful… and before that we barely spoke at all. In truth I'm unsure what to say to you let alone have a full conversation"

Minerva sipped her tea while trying to push the vulgar memories of her past with Loraine to the side.

"Well, why we don't just start with why you are here. Why the change of mind?"

Loraine sighed "More a change of heart" she confessed quietly.

"Oh?"

Minerva waited.

Trying to find somewhere to begin was difficult but eventually Loraine felt words forming in her mouth.

"I blamed you for everything" Loraine confessed almost heartbroken "I blamed you for you and dad breaking up and divorcing, I blamed you for leaving, I blamed you for dad hating you, I blamed everything on you" Loraine said tiredly.

Minerva didn't say anything. Instead she just waited patiently, knowing it was important for Loraine to have her time to speak, to confess, and let all these years of hate go. Just let it all go.

"That day you told us you and dad were getting a divorce I was so angry. I didn't want to be that kid at school whose parents hated each other and when dad told me you cheated on him with a woman it just became easier to lay all blame on you. I thought it was all your fault. I wouldn't listen and I was… naïve" Loraine whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

Blinking back her tears Loraine continued "Dad said you were disgusting, as though you were some sort of abomination" Loraine shook her head knowing now how wrong her father had been "I was so young and so angry I thought he was right. I shouldn't have been so shallow minded, I should have…"

"Loraine…"

"No mum, I was awful, you are my mother I should have been smarter, kinder…"

"You were seven years old"

"Yes and I should have known right from wrong"

"That wasn't about right from wrong, darling, your father lied, he…"

"It doesn't matter, I should have believed you and shown you the same love you showed me"

"It…"

"No, please, mum, I need to explain everything because I don't think I'll be able to do this again" Loraine said quickly blinking back more tears.

By now Minerva's eyes to were glazing over, feeling her daughter confusion and pain.

"Somehow everyone at school seemed to know about you. My friends and other kids called you a dyke and that if you were screwed up like that then I must be too. Everyone started to hate me and that made me hate you more. I didn't want to be the freak kid whose mum screwed other women" Loraine sniffled.

"When you weren't allowed to see us I was happy and yet I still missed you. I was confused, I thought that if you didn't love dad anymore then you mustn't love me and Will either!" Loraine barely got out.

Leaning forward on the table Loraine held her head in her hands.

Minerva, tears now streaming down her face, didn't know what to do. She wanted to comfort her child, hold her love her but somehow she knew she couldn't, not yet. Loraine needed to finish.

"I hated you so, so much. What kind of child hates their mother?" Loraine whispered.

Minerva barely covered her sob with her hand.

"After that I wanted nothing to do with you, I wanted to cut you out of my life and I tried to" tears dripped onto the table "I regret so many things but most of all I regret not letting you come to my wedding" Loraine cried remembering her confusion when she had started planning the wedding "I w,wanted you there but dad again told me you shouldn't be in somewhere so pure as the house of god!" Loraine spat.

By now Minerva was unable to control her tears and sobs. How could have her ex-husband have been so vile? Standing, she braced herself against the kitchen counter, somehow trying to catch her breath.

"I hate myself for believing him that time though. I was an adult I should have followed my heart despite everything. I wasn't seven anymore"

"Don't, Loraine, please…" Minerva whispered as she cried.

"And Evelyn's birth. I should have called you and had you by my side"

Minerva's heart nearly broke.

"When I saw you that day with Hermione, I saw red. I thought you had lied once again, you proved everything that dad had said to be true" Loraine whispered confused "But you stood there and told me it wasn't true, that it had never been true and somehow I knew you were telling the truth but how could I believe you when you stood there in Hermione's arms?"

Minerva turned and looked at her hurting child.

"Will told me I was being an arse and he was right, he told me I was selfish and cold. I didn't care" Loraine looked up "The other day I went over to dads. I just let myself in, I really need to start knocking because I caught him with another woman, not my step-mom and I realised how stupid and naïve and foolish I had been"

"I'm not just here because I fell out with dad, I'm here because I am sorry. I was wrong. I should have listened to you. You were honest and truthful and I was blind. I wouldn't blame you if you never wanted to speak to me again, truly. But I need you to know that I do love you!" Loraine sobbed "I don't care if you want to sleep with every woman in the world" Loraine said firmly more tears spilling down her cheeks.

"I don't, just Hermione" Minerva cried.

"And that's fine…" Loraine looked at her mother, a woman she had loved and hated and yet somehow she had become more like her mother than she ever thought she'd be "I was wrong mum, and I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry!"

Minerva rushed around the table and took her daughter in her arms, pulling her out of her chair and holding her tight, Loraine's arms holding her as equally tight, if not tighter.

"I love you too, more than anything, more than words can describe, I love you. You are my daughter and I will never leave you, ever" Minerva cried into her daughter's hair "Do you hear me? Never!"

"I love you mummy! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"

"Shhh" Minerva soothed.

The two stood there for a long time letting years of pain float away. Both knew things wouldn't go back to normal overnight, many bridges still needed to built, but this was a start, this was a beginning.

-The Book Shop-

One week later…

"Rose, baby, no, come here" Hermione sighed as her daughter wandered off with her phone to play flappy bird once again.

It was Thursday night and the kids and she had just had dinner so her two rascals were bounding wither energy, Hugo running around aimlessly and crashing into walls while Rose played any game she could get her hands on.

Leaning against the counter, Hermione let her eyes close for a moment. It had been a busy week between juggling the kids, work, school trips and time with Minerva, Hermione was exhausted more than usual. She needed a break!

Smiling, she thought back to Minerva and wondered what the older woman would be doing. It was odd not to be near her lover as they now spent most nights together now. At the same time though it was nice to have little space, time to reflect and think about how far she had come in these past few months.

This time last year she would never have thought she'd be in a new and wonderful relationship let alone with a woman but she also knew she wouldn't trade it for the world.

Turning to her washing machine, she started sorting through the washing on the floor, piling things into her washing machine in the right colours. Shutting the door, she opened the little draw and scooped some soap powder from her box and put it in one of the little sections in the draw before closing it and pressing the start button.

With that done she went to finish washing up when a loud banging started on her door.

Frowning, she wiped her hands and started walking toward her door when the banging came again.

Rushing forward, she opened the door to be greeted than none other than an angry look Ronald.

"Ron? What are you doing here?"

"Is it true?"

Confused, Hermione shook her head "Is what true? What are you talking about?"

"Is it true about you!?" Ron said angrily.

"About me what?!" Hermione huffed.

"About you being a goddamn lesbian?!"

Hermione's face dropped. Shit. Caught up in everything in the past few weeks she had completely forgotten to tell Ron. Not that it was any of his business anyway and with how he had treated her the past few times he deserved no right to know.

"No…"

"But…"

"No, I'm not a lesbian. But I am with a woman" Hermione said honestly. To be honest she hadn't really thought about what she was anymore. Gay, straight, bi, to her it didn't really matter because she loved Minerva and was still falling for her with each day that passed.

"So you are a lesbian!" Ron spat.

"No, i…"

"Don't lie to me Hermione!" Ron yelled "I can't believe this!"

"So what if I am!?" Hermione yelled back suddenly "It has nothing to do with you!"

"Like hell it doesn't, you've made me out to be a mug!"

Hermione scoffed "How have I?"

"You've made me look like a fool, falling for a woman that wasn't even interested in my sex, no wonder our marriage fell apart!"

Hermione's face dropped "No! Don't you dare! I loved you! Our marriage fell apart because you had an affair, several in fact, and don't get me started on your drinking, which I can smell on you even now!"

"Don't act as if you know me!" Ron shouted in her face.

"And don't act as if you know me! Now get the hell away from my house!"

Ron didn't move away though instead he moved closer, pushing Hermione into the house "You know it's bad enough that you like to munch rugs but to be fucking your boss, wow Hermione. Who knew you liked older women, practically dead women!"

"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

"Why baby, come on, call her over and fuck her, I can watch and see what all the fuss is about" Ron slurred.

"You are vile!" Hermione cried as Ron pushed her toward the stairs. There was nothing she could do though and Hermione just prayed that the children had hidden away somewhere. Shit, what was she supposed to do? Ron was obviously smashed and out of control. If she could just get to the phone!

"I won't ask again Ron, get out of my house!"

"I'm not going anywhere"

"Why, why? What's the point?!" Hermione yelled as she stumbled on the stairs before righting herself, her eyes darting around her looking for a way out "I don't love you Ron and obviously you don't love me!"

"You should be mine Hermione, you should have just been good…"

"And what submissive?" Hermione spat "You are mad, you need help!"

"DON'T!" Ron slammed his hands against the wall.

Hermione flinched "Go home Ron, please, you're drunk and think about the children!"

"SO WHAT! I had a couple of drinks, s'not a crime!"

Hermione swallowed, watching the way Ron's eyes drooped.

Seeing him falter, Hermione started "Let me find the children, I need to put them to bed and then we can talk" Hermione said softly.

"NO!"

Hermione flinched again. Standing there she tried not to show how scared she was, for her sake and the children's.

"Why couldn't you love me?" Ron muttered "I love you, just made a mistake, jst, m'stake" he leaned forward, touching her face.

Hermione leaned away in disgust.

"Let me go Ron, let me find my children"

"You go. Be with your old lady" Ron bit out.

"You need help"

Ron didn't say anything just moved to the side letting her pass before slumming down on the stairs.

Hermione rushed past in search of her two baby's "Rose! Hugo!"

"Kids!" she called again as she made her way into the kitchen.

As she walked in her two children crawled out from under the table and Hermione sighed in relief. She frowned though when she saw Rose talking to someone on the phone.

"She's here now" Rose said quietly down the phone.

"Who's on the phone, love?"

"Min. I got scared and called her"

Hermione smiled "That was very brave and smart of you, can I talk to her?"

Rose nodded and passed Hermione the phone while she started grabbing her coat and the children's. She didn't care about Ron or the house she was getting them out of here asap! She just needed to get away.

"Minerva?"

"Hermione! Are you okay?! I'm on my way now! What Happened?"

"I can't talk right now, met me half way to yours"

"I'm about 5 minute's away darling"

"Okay…"

"Stay on the phone"

"I am…" Hermione said quietly not wanting to alert Ron. Putting the children coats on quickly. Hermione grabbed her purse on the side and her keys before ushering them out the back.

Quietly making their way out of the gate Hermione and the children walked quickly down the road, passing a few houses until they were at the main road. Hermione thanked the lord in that moment that Minerva only lived a ten minute walk away from her.

Looking down at her children she squeezed their hands "You two alright?"

They nodded.

"Why is daddy so angry all the time?" Rose asked sadly.

Hermione breathed in "Well, I think he's sick. And he doesn't want to be so he's just a little upset. But hopefully soon he will go see a doctor and will be all better again. Your dad loves you, never forget that"

Rose nodded.

Hugo stopped and just by looking at her son she could see the little tyke was tired and scared. Picking him up Hugo snuggled into her and they continued on until they saw Minerva rushing toward them.

Rose squealed and ran towards Minerva, Minerva picking her up swiftly "Are you alright, little one?"

Rose nodded and snuggled her head into Minerva neck "Daddy's not very well"

Minerva sighed sadly, guessing what had happened with a grimace "I know"

Hermione reached her and with her free hand reached out and tugged Minerva forward for a quick kiss.

Resting her head against Hermione's for a moment Minerva breathed a sigh of relief when she looked over her love and saw her unharmed.

"Are you alright?"

Hermione nodded with a smile "Just a little shaken"

"What happened?"

"Ron came over drunk after finding out about us. He was a little aggressive but I think he's passed out on the stairs right now, or least I'm hoping he has. I've never seen him so drunk"

Minerva sighed "Do you want to come back to mine?"

"Well I left the door open…"

"We'll go back and sort everything out then" Minerva smiled softly.

"Thank you"

Minerva shook her head. She would do anything for this woman "It's fine, so long as you and the children are safe"

5 minutes later Minerva and Hermione were shaking a passed out Ronald. They had called Ron's parents and asked them to come and pick him up to which they had quickly agreed before apologising profusely.

When Ron came to, he grumbled before shutting his eyes again, obviously in no fit state to do anything really. It was a surprise he had even managed to make his way here.

Walking into the kitchen with Hermione, Minerva took her hand "Do you want to stay here tonight or come back with me?"

"With you" Hermione murmured as she stepped into Minerva's warm embrace "I love you"

Minerva sighed and kissed Hermione's temple "I love you too darling, so much. I'm so sorry this has happened"

"It's not your fault" Hermione said quietly "He's not a bad person, he's an alcoholic and he just needs help"

"Well that's not your responsibility anymore"

"But it is though. He's the children's father"

"Yes and there's only so much you can do for him until he has to sort himself out. You are not responsible for this Hermione, you can't blame yourself"

Hermione knew she was right. She could encourage him and help him to a point but after that he was on his own. He was his own person. He got himself into this situation it was his responsibility to her himself out. For himself and for his children.

"Can we just spend tomorrow together? No work, no school, just us four?" Hermione said hopefully.

Smiling Minerva nodded "Just this once. Anymore days off and I shan't have an income" Minerva teased.

Leaning forward Hermione kissed Minerva soundly. They were alright, everything was going to be alright.

-The Book Shop-

Three weeks later…

Hermione was on her lap top in her kitchen, Minerva pottering around as she cooked dinner while the children were playing up stairs.

Hermione was currently scrolling through 'Ann Summers' website looking at various toys she thought she and Minerva might like. She enjoyed their sexual relationship and had never felt such passion or cum so hard than in Minerva's arms but Hermione was curious too.

She was no stranger to a rampant rabbit and felt comfortable using a toy for pleasure and on more than one occasion had wondered if Minerva did too. To be honest the thought of Minerva sinking herself down onto dildo excited her and so here she sat looking at various, strap ons, dildos and rabbits.

"Minerva?"

"Yes darling?" Minerva answered, not turning around but instead carrying on with chopping various vegetables.

Hermione looked at Minerva nervously even though she knew the older woman couldn't see.

"I, um, how do you feel about toys, adult toys?"

Minerva paused in her chopping and smirked. Putting down her knife, she turned around to look at her younger lover who was blushing profusely.

"You mean, dildos, vibrators, strap ons?" Minerva smirked.

Hermione smiled slightly when she saw Minerva smirking at her "Y,yes"

Walking forward Minerva plucked Hermione's laptop from her lap and looked at the 'Ann Summers' page with a smile, a page she had visited, many, many times.

She hadn't been in a relationship with a man for many years and over time had accumulated quite the collection of toys.

"You want to use them in our sex life?"

Hermione nodded slowly "I think it would be interesting. If you don't want to i…"

"I think..." Minerva cut Hermione off with a smile as she put the lap top down "We should look at my own collection of sex toys first, I have quite a few you might enjoy and then we can look at yours, if you have any, and then we can buy some together" Minerva said as she braced her arms either side of Hermione on the chair, their lips so close.

Hermione's heart beat sped up, imagining all sorts of naughty images with her girlfriend.

"Sounds good to me"

"Me too" Minerva said huskily before leaning down and capturing Hermione's lips. Wrapping her arms around Minerva's neck, Hermione moaned into Minerva's mouth as their tongues duelled and played.

"Perhaps we should forgo dinner and just send the children to bed now" Hermione murmured against Minerva's lips.

Minerva chuckled "All wet are you?" she whispered against the shell of her ear before flicking her tongue out in tease.

Biting back her moan, Hermione pressed her eyes shut and tugged Minerva closer, onto her lap "You have no idea"

"Tell me what you were thinking about" Minerva asked before kissing the younger woman's neck.

"I was imagining you sinking down onto a long thick dildo while I kissed your nipples and rubbed your clit" Hermione breathed out.

Talking and sharing their fantasies had become a regular and pleasurable occurrence for the two women and tonight was no different.

Minerva moaned at the thought "You want to watch me fuck myself?" she asked quietly, hoping the sensual and erotic words would cause Hermione pleasure.

They did.

Hermione whimpered and nodded "Yes"

"Do you have a dildo?" she whispered as her hands travelled down Hermione's sides.

"Yes…" she breathed.

"Would you like to fuck me with it?"

"Yes" Hermione licked her lips, looking at Minerva with a look of pure desire. She loved it when Minerva took control and spoke to her like this, god it made her so wet.

"Well then, tonight we shall just have to be very quiet. Or we shall just have to wait" Minerva teased.

Hermione shook her head profusely "I can be quiet" she insisted.

Minerva nodded looking at her lovingly "You might have to fuck me hard, I'm feeling quite horny" Minerva whispered naughtily. It sometimes surprised her how easily she could talk to Hermione like this but she had never felt so comfortable and loved. It was soul wrenching and beautiful.

Hermione's nether regions clenched and she smirked "I can do that. Are you certain you'll be able to keep quiet?"

"I can try" Minerva promised, kissing her quickly before climbing off her and carrying on with the tea.

The woman was a vixen!

And she loved her so very much.

-The Book shop-

29 years later…

"Mum?" Rose said quietly, watching as her mother stood before her partner's grave "It's time to leave"

Hermione smiled and nodded "I'm coming love, I'll meet you at the car"

Rose conceded knowing that her mother wanted a few more moments. Even after a year since Minerva's passing Rose could still see the depth of loneliness her mother now held as though she had lost her yesterday. Minerva and her mother had held a love like Rose had never seen before.

She didn't think she had ever seen a love so true to the point where they seemed like one entity. Yes they fought at times, squabbled continuously but they had loved each other passionately too. It was in the way their eyes met and the soft discreet touches.

While Minerva's death had hit Hermione hard she had also been very accepting of her death too. Rose believed that her mother had long ago accepted that eventually Minerva would leave her side and that for a time she would have to go on without her.

She didn't think her mother would ever love another again, and Hermione wouldn't. Their love had been soul consuming.

Sometimes Rose would come in and help her mother run the shop, secretly keeping check on her. She would watch her, silently. Often, when her mother thought nobody was looking, she would run her hands along the spines of the books and whisper quietly. Somehow Rose knew that her mother was talking to Minerva, her other mother, her mama.

Rose would never admit it to anyone but sometimes she swore the old dusty bookshop would whisper back to her. If you were exceptionally quiet sometimes you could almost hear the shop breathing as though it had a life of its own. Magic. It was ridiculous and yet something inside her believed her suspicions to be true.

Just as Rose reached her car, she turned around watching as her mother bent down and touched the headstone warmly.

Just as her mother was about to leave a tabby grey cat trotted over, brushing itself between her mother's legs, as though they were almost familiar before taking purchase on her mama's grave.

Rose watched intently as a smile touched her mother lips. Something was said and then her mother turned away, walking towards her.

"Everything alright?" Rose asked when her mother eventually reached her.

Hermione nodded squeezing her daughters hand "Yes, darling. She we go home?"

Rose smiled and they got in car.

After a while Hermione stopped visiting Minerva's grave and instead found solace in the books she and her partner had found their love next to.

11 years later, Hermione made her way down into the shop late one night in her dressing gown and a small blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Walking through to the back of the book shop, Hermione ran her aged fingers over the spines of the books. She paused on one particular book shelf, remembering the many times she and Minerva had made love against it with a small smile.

She missed her.

In the dim golden light, Hermione saw the books shuffle in anticipation.

She rolled her eyes "Patience, I'll be there soon"

Continuing, she eventually found the small corner that held two chairs and a small table.

Sitting down, she tugged her blanket around her and smiled, the smell of ginger, tea, parchment a hint of lavender and sandalwood invading her senses while closing her eyes.

The books shuffled and whispered again.

"I'm coming, darling"

The next morning Hugo and Rose found their mother unmoving in the chair. She had passed away in the night.

Eventually, some months later, Rose was closing the shop one evening when she heard shuffling.

Putting it down to simple house creaking she carried on packing away her things when she heard a sudden bang followed by a low moan?

Lifting her head up she tried to bend her head round the corner from where she had heard the noises coming from.

Was someone still in the shop?

"Hello?" she called unsure.

No reply came.

Instead a giggle.

For some reason Rose didn't feel scared but instead curious. Making her way around the counter she started walking to the back of the book shop.

What she found made her heart soar.

Somehow one of the books shelves had broken, the books lay scattered on the floor but there, etched into the wood, lay her mother and Minerva's initials.

Hearing sudden whispering Rose whipped her head round and out of the corner of her eye she swore she saw two interlinked hands disappearing further to the back of the shop like she had seen so many times before of her two mothers.

In that moment, Rose believed that magic and her mother's souls lived within the dusty shelves and books it held.

She believed.

THE END.