I apologize deeply for this incredibly long go of not updating any of my stories. My life has been so crazy hectic that I have barely had time to even think about my stories. Unfortunately, my stories may still be slow, because I now have more on my schedule nowadays. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. Hopefully my next update won't take as long.

Forever In Your Company

XoxoX

Hermione sat in her living room, nursing a freshly poured glass of Odin's Firewhiskey, wondering where everything had gone topsy-turvey in her world. She was no longer with Ginny, granted that was for the better, nor was she in Minerva's good graces any longer. Nothing was going the way she wanted it to go. She and Minerva should be enjoying a nice evening together. She shouldn't be wallowing here in self-pity, drowning herself with a bottle of alcohol. No, something had to be done about this mess she had made.

Standing up, Hermione made her way to her writing desk and pulled out a fresh piece of parchment. Sitting down and pulling out her favorite quill, she began to write…

Minerva,

I am troubled by the sudden break in our companionship. Please join me tomorrow night for dinner. I would love to be able to make up for whatever it was I did to hurt you. Think about my request if you need to. Don't worry about responding. I'll have dinner ready for the two of us at 8 o'clock.

I hope to see you then.

Yours,

Hermione

…Leaning back in the chair, Hermione sighed. "She'll show…" The uncertainty of her statement hung in the air.

XoxoX

The day went by fast, and sooner than Hermione thought possible, it was already close to 8 o'clock. Her interaction with Minerva that day had been very minimal. The most she had received was a small smile and nod during breakfast. Since then, Minerva had practically gone out of her way to avoid Hermione.

Pacing back and forth within her living room, Hermione decided to make sure, for about the hundredth time, that everything was perfect for tonight. She wanted the atmosphere to be relaxed, with a hint of romance floating about in the air. Was she looking for anything to happen tonight? Not really. But a girl can hope can't she? She had only been pining over her, for Merlin knows how long.

Hermione scanned her eyes over the table the house elves had helped her set up. "White linen, check. Water and wine glasses, check. Plates, cutlery, napkins, one white rose… Oh gods, I think I'm forgetting something." Hermione nervously shifted form one foot to the other. "Merlin, the candles!"

She quickly whipped out her wand and summoned the golden candles she had picked out earlier and placed them strategically on the table, and then around the room. "Perfect." She smiled at her work. Nothing too extravagant, and it really did look like a nice dinner setting for two friends.

Looking at her wrist watch, she saw that she had fifteen minutes left until Minerva's possible arrival. "Oh bugger!" Running to her bedroom, she quickly flung off her work clothes and sprinted to the bathroom to jump in the shower. As she jumped back out, she silently thanked the gods for the gift of magic, because it really would be quite impossible for her to get ready this fast as a muggle. Casting a drying spell on herself, Hermione began to get dressed in what she hoped would be the best casual dress outfit she could muster.

Looking in the mirror she admired her choice of clothing: black skinny jeans, paired with a red lace dress shirt that clung to her curves, and in certain light made it look like she wasn't wear anything underneath it. As for shoes, she had decided to wear her gold ballet flats. Of course she had also topped off the ensemble with gold accessories, tying it all together. She smiled at her choices and tucked an errant hair behind her ear.

RAP RAP RAP

"Oh, Merlin," Hermione glanced down at her watch. "It's time. Oh gods." Hermione briskly walked toward her portrait and began muttering to herself. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay… It's just an apology dinner…"

Finally reaching the door, the witch braced herself, collecting her emotions, while silently wishing the evening would be a success.

"Hey, Hermione. Long time no see."

XoxoX

Minerva walked as calmly as she could to Hermione's living quarters. She had debated with herself over whether or not she should actually attend or not.

The kiss Hermione had given her had replayed continuously in the corners of her mind, a small nagging reminder of what they shared; something that wasn't important enough for one of them to actually remember.

The tall witch rounded the corner that came before Hermione's rooms. Her resolve in place, she would enjoy the evening and not worry about something that didn't mean much of anything. Drunken people do silly things all the time, she supposed.

As she stood silently at the door, she prepared herself for the evening. Before knocking, she straightened her clothes and adjusted her glasses, took a quick breath and rapped on the door.

The cat in her began to pick up muffled voices as she heard footsteps approach the portrait. Confusion wrinkled her brow. Who did Hermione have over?

The portrait swung open to reveal relieved, yet very upset Hermione. "Minerva, thank you so much for showing up."

"Of course," Minerva looked past her at a fuming redhead. "I hope all is well?"

"Oh yes, someone was just leaving." Hermione crossed her arms and stared defiantly at Ginerva Weasley.

"Fine." Ginny spat. "I see how things are now." The young woman grabbed her coat that was placed carelessly on the sofa, and walked toward the door.

Before leaving, she sent one last glare in Hermione's direction, before cruelly smiling at Minerva, "Have a nice evening, Headmistress. I do hope you don't mind being her rebound."

I know it's a wee bit short, but I couldn't stand having you guys wait any longer. More to come on the way.