Title: Finding Words
Summary - AU: Nearly 10 years after the war, and graduated from Beaubaxtons Academy of magic, Hermione Granger finds herself taking up the position of Charms Professor after one Fillius Flitwick decides on retirement. Nervous and excited, Hermione quickly settles into her new position and finds fast friends. If only she could find something more than stern glances and spikey words from the beautifully mysterious and cold Headmistress. HG&MM.
Authors note: Alright so I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I keep writing down one chapter of a story and then I feel unable to go on, but I'm trying I really am so I would really appreciate your opinion on this. Should continue it or not? Let me know.
As always any mistakes are my own and for that I am sorry!
Anywho, enjoy!
"Is she competent?" a stern Scottish voice spoke firmly.
"More than competent I believe. She achieved an outstanding in her O.W.L.s, was awarded top marks in her N.E.W.T.s and is said to be the brightest witch of her age. While I don't know her very well, I have it on good authority from Harry Potter that she played a great part in defeating Voldemort"
It was true. During the tri-wizard tournament, Miss Granger had been one of the students that had visited Hogwarts with Beaubaxtons academy. It seemed upon her visit she had become great friends with young mister Potter and, surprisingly, Ronald Weasley. While the woman was British her mother was French and insisted she at least be schooled in France for a time. She appeared quite educated, and when the war broke out she had accompanied the boys in their efforts to see the fall of the dark lord.
"That may be, however, I find it quite difficult to place the trust of my students into the hands of a woman I barely know"
"Minerva, I shan't accept anybody else for the position"
"Fillius, I think you forget exactly who is in charge here"
"I will not change my mind"
Minerva said nothing while looking over her friend of more than 30 years with trepidation. Since the final fall of Voldemort, Minerva had been more closed off than ever. She felt broken, and while she trusted Fillius more than most and knew this 'Hermione Granger' to be of extreme intelligence, the matter of trusting others was still a huge hurdle she feared she would never pass.
"Please…"
A perfectly shaped eyebrow rose as she breathed in sharply "Well, it seems you leave me no choice"
Part 1
Laughter and excitement emanated from The Great Hall where the children and staff sat eating, shovelling forkfuls of succulent meats, hot buttered vegetables, decadent sweets and refreshing beverages into their growling and greedy stomachs.
With the children sorted into their houses and the first feast in session, Hermione felt herself starting to relax as she watched the new students shyly getting to know their housemates, taking timid and yet brave first steps into what would be probably the most defining seven years of their lives.
She remembered her first year so clearly. Lord she had been nervous in her blue uniform and her bushy hair tied as neatly back as she could get it in those days. Being in France and having to speak French had never been a problem to her, for despite living in England and essentially being English, her mother had taught her French along with English before she could even remember. She was fluent in both. No, her nerves had stemmed from something far more fearful, being judged.
Her 10 year old mind had been ecstatic to learn new knowledge, and while she didn't mind being on her own, she was an only child after all, she had still felt that trepidation that all children felt, the fear of not being accepted.
It was certainly a throwback to watch as the same nervous expressions she had no doubt expressed many years ago, unfolded upon the young children's faces in front of her as they got a feel for whom they felt a connection of friendship with, and those they did not.
It was a time of great change, self-searching and adventure. Merlin she remembered those days so well.
"Hermione, you really must try the lamb, it is delicious!" Aurora Sinistra smiled at her from her left.
Hermione smiled kindly back in return "I have no doubt. It is one of the kinder memories I have of the Tri-wizard tournament, Hogwarts always served the most delightful decadent foods"
Madame Hooch nodded "I agree, we had the most splendid food that year, and if I remember correctly you looked positively sinful at the yule ball, most of the young boys and girls were tripping over themselves looking at you" Hooch replied with a wink.
Hermione chuckled as she placed some lamb on her plate. It was no secret that Rolonda Hooch batted for the other team "It was so long ago I hardly remember. That and I believe I had some spiked punch that went far too quickly to my head"
"Yes, I do believe we had many the ill student the next day according to Poppy" Hooch said with a smirk.
Hermione chuckled as she put some salad next to her lamb and finished it off with a sweet balsamic dressing. She'd go back for more food later, there was no need to rush tonight.
Since arriving she had been warmly welcomed and although she, much like the children, had felt nervous, hoping to make a good and lasting impression, she felt herself slotting into the routine smoothly. The first week before her classes had started had felt somewhat nerve wracking but good too. She knew the hard part was yet to come and asserting her role as teacher would be difficult, filling Fillius Flitwick's shoes would be a hard task to follow, but for now, for tonight, she felt alright.
The floating candles above her head flickered with a warm glow, giving the hall a warm and welcoming presence as she ate happily. The lamb was indeed delicious.
The young witch went to reach for her glass of pumpkin juice but found herself pausing as she caught sight of the venerable Headmistress.
For a long time she had idolized the woman. Who wouldn't? She was exceptionally smart, articulate and one of most powerful witches known in the wizarding world, her skill could not be faulted.
Yet people knew very little of her. She was private that was quite clear. While everyone knew the McGonagall name, few knew her on a personal level and Hermione felt herself intrigued.
Upon her arrival Fillius had taken her to meet the Headmistress, her boss. To say it had been brief would have been quite the understatement. When first introduced, Professor McGonagall had looked her up and down with what she could only describe as an unapprovingly glare.
'Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Granger'
'Thank you, I am looking forward to working with you and the children' Hermione smiled politely.
The ebony haired woman merely nodded tightly at her "Professor Flitwick will show you to your room and settle you in with the schedule, you now where my office is if anything of importance should arise'
And that was it, she was shuffled out of the beautiful office and into her own quarters.
Hermione's eyes followed the regal and square jaw up to her high cheek bones and piercing green eyes, hidden beneath glasses that were perched upon her perfectly pointed nose as she cut into what looked to be chicken. Dressed in dark emerald robes, almost black, and her signature pointed hat upon her head she embodied control and structure. Was there nothing else beneath her pointed glares and sharp Scottish words?
She doubted it but for some absurd reason, Hermione wanted to know.
Picking up her drink, Hermione took a healthy sip as her eyes remained steadfast on the Scottish witch. It seemed like a lifetime ago now, but Hermione briefly remembered the older witch dancing with Professor Dumbledore during the yule ball, a happiness had emanated from her that nowadays seemed had been completely diminished.
Turning to Aurora she waited until the woman had finished her bite of lamb "Aurora, tell me about the Headmistress?" she said quietly.
Aurora smiled gently as she looked back at the Scottish woman. While they were colleagues and friendly, she wasn't exactly sure she would call them friends.
"I'm afraid you probably know as much as I do, dear, she is quite private, always has been. You should ask Rolonda"
Hooch's head looked up as she over-heard the conversation "For now, all you need to now is she is a great woman"
Hermione watched, perplexed, as something akin to sadness washed over Madame Hooch's face.
Well, perhaps another night she would learn more, for now she was content to eat and chat, and on occasion, let her gaze linger on alabaster skin and piercing emerald eyes.
-Finding Words-
Three days later…
Minerva walked down the halls of Hogwarts in her usual swift manner after returning from a meeting with the minister of magic. It had been a long day and although Minerva merely wanted to curl up in her bed she knew she was yet to have dinner and not making an appearance at dinner two nights in a row would raise questions she was sure.
With her un-sociable habits becoming more and more noticed with each passing month now, Poppy made an extra effort to keep an eye on her. The woman thought she was being discreet of course but Minerva had not lived through three wars and gotten to where she was now without noticing when she was being watched.
Although it was amusing to watch the medi-witch try.
A small smirk distantly curled at the edges of her thin lips as she walked at a more leisurely pace through the court yard. With lessons having finished near an hour ago now there were few children about and for once the castle almost seemed calm.
The sun broke through the clouds and despite the breeze the air was fresh and warm as it blew through the corridors and caressed her face, loosening stray locks of hair from her bun with clever precision.
Minutes later, Minerva found herself at the bottom of the grand stair case and was about to start her ascent when the sound of women's laughter made her pause. Looking up, she found Miss Granger along with Aurora Sinistra and one of the new Medi-Witches coming down the stairs, chatting gaily.
She had heard tales of Hermione Grangers wit and intelligence and even her beauty but she had to confess it was nothing in comparison to reality. She held what Minerva could only describe as sense of beautiful grace.
From what she had observed she was firm with the children when she needed to be, a trait that often took time to learn within teaching. Minerva found she had perhaps been hasty in her harsh judgment of the girl.
Perhaps.
The women descended and after a moment all three noticed her presence. It didn't faze Minerva when Aurora and the Medi-Witch, Minerva failed to remember her name, immediately stiffened at her company and faltered in their steps. She had become use to everyone's cautious behaviour around her. Hermione, however, descended further with a warm smile upon her face.
"Headmistress, what a pleasure to see you, I hope your meeting went well?"
Minerva looked at her cautiously. No one ever asked her how she was. It just wasn't done, not since the war at least. She had been so closed off no one had dared approach her.
She'd never admit it but Hermione's casual remark caught her off guard.
"Quite" Minerva said briefly.
Hermione nodded as she tried to fill the awkward silence "I'm glad... Will we see you at dinner?"
"I believe so"
Minerva knew she was being stiff, but she found herself… stumped. Bloody hell. Had she forgotten how to be civil as well as social? It certainly seemed so.
"Right…Well, I will see you then" Hermione shifted awkwardly, wanting to somehow get the woman to open up and yet knowing that task would be far more difficult than she'd like.
Minerva just nodded, before passing the three women as quickly and as gracefully as she could.
Minerva rushed down the corridor, her pulse quicker than usual. That had just been abhorrent she thought distastefully, but no sooner had the thought filled her mind it was gone and her thoughts regained focus on the school.
Hermione, however, lingered a moment longer on the last step of the staircase as she watched the venerable Headmistress dash away. She wondered why the woman treated everyone with such coldness and dismissal.
"Hermione?" Aurora looked back at her friend carefully.
Hermione turned back around to her friend who had continued on until she reached the entrance of the corridor. Shaking her head away from a certain green eyed witch she smiled and caught up with her friend.
-Finding Words-
Two days later…
Hermione stood in the hustling and bustling corridors making sure students got to their classes. With so many students and so much magic lying beneath itching fingers tips Hermione wondered at how this place stayed as undamaged as it did. It was true that at least once a week a student would set off a firework or charm a cupboard full of mops and buckets to dance but aside from those few mishaps Hermione found that the large school ran quite smoothly.
Well, she hadn't seen too much trouble. Beauxbaxtons had been far different to this. More strict. Hogwarts was far from lax but she could see the subtle differences in the way the children and even teachers held themselves.
Suddenly Hermione was literally knocked out of her thoughts when three young boys ran passed her.
"BOYS! NO RUNNING IN THE CORRIDORS! For heaven sake!" Hermione yelled quickly.
The boys slowed and looked at her timidly, murmuring their apologies "And sort out your uniforms, you look like you've all been dragged through a bush backwards" she called after as they scuttled away.
Hermione sighed knowing as soon as they passed the corner they'd be racing down the corridors once again.
What could she do? Hadn't she done the same when she was younger? She smiled as she once more remembered her own time at school. Being here these past few weeks had made her rather nostalgic. It would pass she knew but for now it was pleasant to look back on fond memories.
"Excuse me, Headmistress?"
Hearing the call of Minerva's title, Hermione turned in search of her. She hadn't seen much of the woman yesterday and had only seen her in brief passing this morning. Not that it mattered of course but Hermione found her eyes searching the crowd anyway. She wasn't hard to find with her signature hat and tall posture. She was quite unique.
"May I help you?" Minerva asked softly to the young witch who had called out to her.
"I can't find my potions classroom, I think I'm a little lost" the young mousy girl spoke, stress evident in her voice.
Hermione watched with rapt fascination as Minerva features softened ever so slightly.
"How are you with directions my dear?"
The mousy girl bit her lip shyly indicating a no.
Minerva reached out and squeezed the young girls arm gently in kind. An action Hermione thought the woman incapable of. It seemed she had been quite wrong.
"No to worry" Minerva paused and looked around her, searching "Ah Miss Thittlewhip" a young woman approached. "I believe you have a free period do you not?" Miss Thittlewhip nodded with a smile "This girl is a little lost, she's having trouble finding her potions class, I wondered if you would be so kind as to show her. It would be very much appreciated.
"Of course Headmistress"
Seconds later the two girls were heading off down the corridor chatting happily and while Hermione knew she should have been paying attention to the children her gaze turned back to the schools headmistress with curiosity.
However, the softness that had touched those green eyes moments ago had disappeared and instead the stern expression she wore every day was put back into its rightful place. How tiring it must be to be so cold all the time Hermione thought. The headmistress had cracks it seemed but not many and all Hermione wanted to do was crawl into the cracks and make them bigger.
Extremely unlikely, but she was glad she had been proven somewhat wrong and that somewhere deep down the steely headmistress had a heart and feelings.
As though the older witch could sense her eyes on her the headmistress turned her head, their eyes connecting across the waves of children as Hermione stood on a small stone ledge for better scope.
Unsure what to do Hermione smiled and tilted head in hello.
Hermione's action seemed to confuse the older witch though as the older witch started to shift nervously and before Hermione could make heads or tails of it she was gone, her robes trailing behind her as she walked swiftly down the corridor, away from her.
-Finding Words-
Two weeks later…
"Are you excited?" Rolonda asked her as they sat eating at the breakfast table.
Hermione looked at her friend a little confused "For what?"
"The match! The first quidditch game of the year" Rolonda said firmly.
Hermione groaned inwardly. She had completely forgotten. She had wanted to finish the rest of her paper work. At times it seemed never ending and while she didn't mind the work load she didn't want it to pile up either.
"Ah, yes. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff is it not?"
"It is. Are you still joining us?"
Hermione smiled a little tightly "Of course"
She had promised she would go and she would, but she had to admit the sport was not a favourite of hers.
Rolonda went on talking animatedly about the game taht would commence later that day but Hermione took none of the actual conversation in. Instead her gaze was stolen by a slim figure in green. Hermione wasn't sure if she found the headmistresses dismissal infuriating and rude or intriguing.
Despite her efforts and kind nature toward the Scottish witch Hermione received nothing but scathing glances and civil words far and few between at best. Hermione felt like she was talking to a brick wall half of the time. Was the woman not lonely?
Lifting her goblet up she took a healthy sip of her orange juice while watching as the Scottish witch ate quietly. She noted that it was often a rarity that the Headmistress spoke to anyone save some of the elder professors.
She was so collected, her walls seeming impenetrable.
What she wouldn't give to just garner a reaction from the woman. Hermione smiled to herself wondering what kind of tricks would get under the woman's thick skin. No, she didn't dare do it. She was a professor after all. That, however, didn't mean she couldn't wonder in amusement.
She couldn't irk her. Could she?
She knew it wasn't right but something inside Hermione jingled with excitement and mischief.
Minerva made her way down to the quidditch pitch, the cold biting her cheeks as her robes billowed behind her. She winced as she went down a dip at an odd angle, her hip twinging in pain as she carried on as gracefully as she could. She had sustained many injuries during the war. None of which she'd had properly seen to. She was stubborn she'd admit and being cooped up in a hospital wing was not her idea of fun.
Suddenly a gust of wind rushed under skirt, lifting it up causing an unfamiliar squeak to leave her lips as she pushed down her skirt and outer-robes against the wind. Turning round quickly she noticed some student's giggling at her unusual display.
Scowling, she narrowed her eyes at them and just as she hoped the students dipped their heads and quickened their pace toward the pitch.
With a quiet huff she carried on. Sometimes she wondered why she had become a teacher, suffering children's impulsive antics, merlin… today was not her day.
She breathed in deeply, brushing it off when suddenly it happened again. This time the gush of wind pushed her forward, rushing around her, catching her breath, stealing it away and for a moment Minerva felt a tingle of magic rushing up her spine with a pleasant caress.
When it passed she was gasping for breath almost stunned.
Children glanced at her in surprise before quickly rushing past, wanting to hide from the headmistress's wrath that was sure to burst forth on whoever would play such a foolhardy trick.
Trying to catch her breath she turned around looking for whoever would play such a frivolous spell on her. Honestly, what did they hope to achieve? A glimpse at her underwear? She was sure it would scar them more than it would embarrass her. Idiots.
Looking around though she found no one who looked even remotely suspicious, just children and a few professors.
One of which was looking at her curiously. Miss Granger. Something about her didn't quite sit well with Minerva though she failed to put her finger on it.
Turning away she quickened her pace across the expanse of grass, keeping her hands tightly on her robes and skirt. They wouldn't get a rise from her, whoever it was. She was above these frolics.
Hermione smiled as she watched the headmistress walk with determined steps, her hands keeping a vice grip on her skirts. Although the reaction she had been hoping for was not as she expected, it was interesting to see the Scottish witches face contort into something other than a permanent look of discord.
Walking behind the Scottish witch, Hermione's lips twisted in smile as she let her eyes linger on the woman and the way the wind ruffled her pinned up hair in a way that Hermione couldn't deny she found utterly endearing. It seemed to her that despite Minerva's want to control everything around her, there were some things Minerva couldn't escape and even she had to abide by certain laws, such as the wind.
She silently chuckled to herself as her hands twisted discreetly by her side, throwing a gentle gust of wind in the headmistress's direction.
Hands tightened on dark robes.
A harmless bit of fun, for now.
-Finding Words-
One week later…
A week went by and Minerva felt certain that the little mishap with the wind had been nothing more than a student practising their new found skills. It had happened often enough over the years but it seemed no one had been bold enough to use her as a test subject, till now.
"…expanding the green house might be just the solution rather than building another one. It may take a little more energy to reconstruct the magical structures but I believe it would be best" Pomona said as she plated a steak onto her plate, her eyes flicking back to Minerva in hope.
Minerva mulled the thought over as she chewed on a piece of her own steak. Usually she preferred fish, salmon in particular, but today had been one of those days where a red succulent meat was greatly desired.
"If…"
Minerva held up her hand, cutting Pomona off as she swallowed her food before dabbing her lips with her napkin.
"It would be your responsibility"
Pomona nodded fiercely. Usually it took weeks to convince the venerable headmistress to agree to something but it seemed luck was on the Herbology teacher's side, she had caught the Scottish witch in a 'chipper' mood, if you could call it that.
"Yes of course" Pomona agreed quickly, not wanting to miss her chance.
Looking at Pomona, Minerva nodded, a rare and small smile meeting thin lips "Then you have my permission. I leave it upon you to arrange when it shall be done as all the staff will have to participate. It will be no small task, If it goes awry I want back up. Wards will have to be changed, and I shan't have any one ending up in a hospital bed"
Pomona could barely supress her glee as she thanked her long-time friend.
Minerva felt her usually indifferent heart warm slightly at her friend's grateful nature. It had been a long time since she'd had such a… normal conversation she supposed without shooting any cold glares any ones way.
The pleasant sensation was short lived though as she went to reach for her glass of water and the goblet moved ever so slightly.
Narrowing her eyes she moved her hand to reach for it again when the glass quickly slid to the side.
For god sake!
What was the point? Honestly.
Her eyes scanned the crowd looking for any sort of sign that would indicate the source. Emerald eyes flicked over student after student and briefly over her staff but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
No one had ever tried anything so idiotic in presence, did they not know she could incinerate them with a single thought if she so wished?
Sighing, she tried again when the cup backed away, tauntingly.
"Minerva?" Fillius questioned as he watched the cup move. Although Fillius had retired, with his wife, Pomona, still working Minerva had let him stay at Hogwarts. The ex-charms professor and the Herbology teacher had long since moved into the same quarters so to her it made no difference.
Minerva pursed her lips, ignoring her deputy for the moment as she tried once more in attempt to get a hold of her beverage. Long elegant fingers flexed before moving but as Minerva suspected the glass merely floated upwards.
Feeling her anger simmering deep in her bones she muttered under her breath "Enough" and with a flick of her wrist the goblet was gone.
While the prank aggravated her, she knew it mattered little. This person was merely playing foolish games unworthy of her time.
"Minerva? Is everything alright?" Fillius questioned again.
Minerva didn't say anything but looked at her food uneasily. Her food now seemed less appealing and she wanted nothing more than to retreat to rooms, alone and safe. While these thoughts darted across her mind though she knew was made of stronger stuff than that. She wouldn't let this 'person' see her scamper away after such a simple trick. She was the headmistress, and a McGonagall. She could make this room quiver and shake, merlin there was so much she could do.
Squaring her jaw and lifting herself a little higher in her seat, she summoned another glass and silently charmed it to the table unless she said so.
"Everything is as it should be Fillius" Minerva eventually replied before picking up her knife and fork, continuing to eat.
Hermione who had yet to fully enter the hall and watched from a corner of the room as Minerva's jaw flexed in irritation.
All she wanted was to watch the emotions she could pull forth from the woman. While it was not exactly ethical in the way in which Hermione was doing so she saw not many other options as the headmistress seemed to want nothing to do with her other than school work.
Every morning the teachers met to go over any changes. And each morning her input was easily dissmissed by the older woman with little more than a nod or a "I don't think you will be required this morning"
She was being pushed away and rather cruelly.
It was a shame she thought really, imagining how beautiful Minerva might look if she let herself truly smile or be kind.
What worried Hermione more though was how intrigued with her boss she had quickly become despite the hatred that seemed directed toward her.
Biting her lips slightly she let the thought slip away before making her way to the table for dinner.
-Finding Words-
Two weeks later…
Minerva sighed as she watched Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students leaving her class room quickly, chattering loudly as they went. She no longer taught transfiguration day after day but every once in a while she taught a class or two. It helped to refresh her mind at times and gave her great pleasure watching as students blossomed, taking to the subject like a fish to water, naturally.
She smiled as she remembered other students having certain difficulties with the subject though. For others it could be quite difficult. Nevertheless, she understood. It was a complex and complicated subject and not one to be taken lightly.
A light knocking took her thoughts away. Her head turned quickly and her eyes widened slightly as she found Hermione standing in the doorway smiling gently at her.
Minerva couldn't quite pin Hermione. While others shirked away from her cold nature and piercing words Hermione met her word for word, almost revelling in her sharp bark. Why?
"May I come in?"
Minerva said nothing but gestured with her hand. The woman… irritated her.
"How was your lesson?"
Minerva once again said nothing but instead raised her eyebrow.
Hermione shifted, clearly getting the message that she was not to waste the Headmistresses time.
"I wondered if might take my students on a field trip next week?"
"And where, may I ask, would you like to go… frolicking?" It was a bit of a spiteful and unnecessary dig but the Scottish witch didn't like how familiar the woman was trying to make herself. It un-nerved her and made her panic, causing her to automatically go on the defence despite the fact she had no reason to.
Hermione frowned. She was tiered of trying to get to know her, to be her friend. Could the woman not spare her one moment of kindness? "I assure you there would be no 'frolicking'… I want to show them how charms can be used in every day circumstances. But I cannot do this without your permission" Hermione bit out. "Is that alright with you Headmistress?"
Minerva narrowed her eyes as she straightened a stack of papers. She didn't like the young woman's tone one bit but gave her the benefit of doubt this once. She had been a little quick to bite.
"You have my permission given that they get consent from their guardians"
Despite the gratefulness Hermione felt having been given permission she didn't want to thank her. Why should she? She'd only come to ask a simple question and all she had been treated with were cold and rude remarks.
Hermione nodded and went to walk away but paused at the door, looking back upon high cheeks bones and emeralds eyes.
"You know it wouldn't hurt you to treat people with a little respect instead of cutting them down when there is no need" the words were out of the new Charms Professor's mouth before she could stop them.
Minerva paused in her movements, her eyebrow lifting. The woman was… impossible. Who was she to tell her anything!
Before Minerva could reply though the younger woman was gone, leaving Minerva staring at the empty door way annoyed and in need of a stiff drink.
-Finding Words-
Two days later…
"I want you to really concentrate. Pay attention to your wand movements. We want smooth execution not jerky flicks. I know it can be difficult so it may take you a few tries…" Hermione paused in her teaching as she watched her students pick up their wands with trepidation "Don't force it, feel it"
Hermione wondered around the class helping out here and there, watching carefully and assisting her students when she could see something about to go awry. Learning the fire making spell 'Incendio' could often cause more trouble than worth when students first started practicing this one. She had to admit though, it was often quite useful.
Perfecting this certain spell, charm had come rather easily to her when she was younger. While she was scared of fire and knew its dangers, she couldn't help but be fascinated with it too. She always had been, ever since she was a small child.
"Remember, pronunciation is key. Saying it wrong can cause all sorts of havoc and I'd rather keep everyone's eyebrows intact" Hermione smiled while a few of her students smiled back.
Walking back up towards the front of the classroom she noticed a figure paused outside her open door.
Minerva. How long had she been standing there? Seconds? Minutes?
Once the Scottish witch had seen that she had been discovered though she picked up her feet and hurried away with her back straight and her head held high. A little too high Hermione thought.
Hermione bit her bottom lip as she looked at the vacant space that her boss had just occupied. Why did the woman leave her so bewildered?
Looking up toward the ceiling she let out a little breath before turning back to her class, leaving thoughts and questions of a Scottish witch behind.
Later that day Minerva found herself walking down a corridor towards the courtyard when she found a large crowd forming. It was just past 4 so classes had just recently finished. It seemed that whatever was going on had only just begun as the students were quietly chatting amongst themselves while peering through the students that had formed a circle of sorts.
Curious and somewhat concerened she muddled her way through the crowd, a stern glance parting the students like Moses parting the sea.
Finding her defence against the dark arts teacher Simon Mcgreggor drawing lines upon the grass she lifted her eyebrow and marched up to him. A duel, her blood curdled.
"What on earth are you doing?"
Simon turned his head and smiled at her warmly "Headmistress…"
"Correct me if I'm wrong but are they not lines for a duel? Are you quite sane?"
"Headmistress…"
"Do not headmistress me, you will retract those line, I will not…"
"Please listen, it's not at all what you think" Simon interrupted quickly.
Minerva scoffed, she had seen many a duel, it was certainly not a laughing matter "Is this not a duel?"
Simon sighed "Yes, but I think you will find this one not as treacherous as you may think"
Minerva merely raised her eyebrow trying to get her emotions under control. Why did all her professors feel the need to go against her every rule these days? Could they not see she was only trying to keep them, the students and the school safe? She didn't think she could handle another war. It would surely break her.
She waited for the anticipated explanation.
"The students and I were discussing different ways to duel. It was pointed out by a rather bright girl that curses weren't always the best solution" Simon smiled.
Despite Minerva's anger, she listened. Simon had always been a kind man and a very infectiously happy one too.
He continued.
"Some of the boys quoted that they could defeat anyone with simple harmless jinxes and charms and nothing more. A few of them challegened each other and I saw no reason to deny them a simple game so long as it was properly supervised. I assure you no harm will come to them, I have laid down the rules and I will be watching closely"
Minerva narrowed her eyes slightly and pursed her lips. While not many knew she and her friends had played similar games when she was younger. Who was she to say no?
Simon smiled at her "Stay, watch. You never know, you might even want a go yourself" Simon looked at her cheekily "If you can hack it that is?"
Minerva merely lifted her eybrow "My dear boy, be careful what you wish for, you have no idea what I am capable of"
Simon laughed.
A smile wanted to adorn her lips but she wouldn't let it "Alright I approve, but I want you watching them like a hawk Simon"
Simon nodded and so the games began.
Two boys walked toward the middle of the green rather reminding her of Fred and George Weasley in their antics. They shook hands rather cordially before sticking their tongues out at each other jokingly. Mature. And so it started.
Jinxes started to pass across her vision before being deflected as barriers were put up. Minerva thought that students today often relied far too much on barriers and shields to protect them when merely moving and feeling could often prove far more effective. It gave the person more time to counteract and throw a spell when their attacker least expected it.
A flurry of wind surrounded one of the boys, throwing him a little off guard and for a moment Minerva thought the game was quickly over but the boy managed to recover and more spells were thrown, smiles adorning their faces as they played.
More people gathered around as the game continued and while Minerva was paying more attention to the game than the onlookers, there was one face that she couldn't help but be drawn to as they found their position at the front of the crowd, joining Simons side.
Miss Granger.
Minerva observed her from the other side of the crowd while she briefly conversed with her colleague, a smile adorning the charms professors face.
Minerva knew she hadn't been exactly welcoming to the younger witch and maybe she had been wrong in that particular aspect. The woman was kind and gifted, it didn't make sense for Minerva to react as she did but whenever she was around Minerva's walls went up. She rubbed her in a way that frightened the green eyed witch. She made her feel.
For a long time Minerva had been content in her cold nature. Possessing feelings got you hurt and when you lived through as many wars as she had feeling and caring made things so much more difficult and complicated when people were lost.
Over time it occurred to the Scottish witch that being kind and caring were something that she found far more trouble than worth. It was a harsh truth but one that had kept her sane when she had been surrounded by so much death.
And now there was this beautiful woman, asking her questions, asking of her well-being, showing her kindness and all she did was return it with cutting words and cold glares.
Minerva looked down at the grass, the blades swaying gently as the wind swept across them. Did she want to feel again? What was the point? She was getting old and her ways were too set.
Looking up, her gaze wondered back to mousy brown hair while chocolate eyes connected with green.
Her breath caught slightly but she daren't let it show. Their eyes stayed locked nonetheless, challenging the other to look away and yet soft in their reciprocation.
Could she so it? Could she let her in even as a friend? But never as anything more. Don't be absurd Minerva thought to herself.
Perhaps.
Oh what was the point she sighed slightly.
She looked away, looking back to the game, trying to concentrate but somehow she knew those deep brown orbs were still locked on her. She could feel them burning into her skin… pleasantly.
Suddenly one of the boys was caught by a 'Dancing feet' spell, causing the boys legs to start moving uncontrollably. The students laughed and the game was won. Everyone clapped while Minerva used an anti-jinx spell to put stop to his dancing legs before walking over to Simon and Hermione.
"I think that is quite enough for today. While it was… amusing, I do not want this to become a regular occurrence is that understood?"
Simon nodded.
Minerva nodded back before sparing a glance at the woman she apparently loved to hate and yet wanted to be friends with and yet was too afraid to.
Nothing was said between them and then her legs were moving, carrying her towards her office and away from the one person who gave her the feeling that life didn't have to be so black and white and that getting lost in the grey was sometimes a good and pleasant thing.
Maybe.
-Finding Words-
One weeks later…
Holding her breath Hermione knocked nervously on the headmistress's door.
An even but muffled "Come in" came through the thick wood door and Hermione felt her palms starting to sweat.
Twisting the door handle she pushed, taking the first tentative steps into the Headmistresses office. She hadn't been in here since she had first started almost two months ago now. While she saw Minerva almost every day she felt as though she barely knew the woman at all and when they had conversed, well, it had hardly been cordial.
Walking in she shut the door behind her before her eyes settled upon the woman at her desk. With her glasses perched perfectly upon her nose while her quill scratched in parchment she was the perfect vision of a professor. And quite the beautiful one if only she'd let her guard down somewhat she thought.
"Was there something you wanted Miss Granger or are you merely going to stand there all day? While I do sometimes favour company I'm afraid now is not quite the right time" she said softly before looking up at her expectantly.
"And here I thought the only company you favoured was your own" Hermione said a little bitterly and somewhat uncalled for.
Minerva didn't blame her though, she deserved it if anything.
"There are a great many things you do not know about me Miss Granger one of which is who I converse with. Now, do you have something for me or not? Just like you I have work to do and I'd rather not waste the time I have"
Hermione breathed in and stepped forward placing the papers she held within her hands on the green eyed witches' desk.
"I'd hoped you'd be able to go over my plans for each class. While I cannot fault the way in which Fillius used to teach I wanted to change a few things that work better for me and that will benefit my students"
Minerva looked at her curiously before looking at the papers before her. She had been thorough that was for sure if the size of the stack of papers were anything to go by.
"I will look at them and get back to you by tomorrow at the latest"
"That's all I ask, thank you, Headmistress"
Minerva lifted her eyes as the woman went to leave and suddenly she didn't want her to go.
"How was your trip?"
Hermione paused in her steps, shocked and confused as she turned to look at her boss. Minerva had asked her a question. She hadn't insulted her… yet. But a genuine question had been asked, an interest in her work had been shown. Hermione wasn't quite sure how to respond despite the simple question.
"I… g, good. Well, it went very well, thank you" Hermione stuttered as she looked back into emerald eyes, trying to find some sort of emotion within them.
Minerva looked at her desk awkwardly before looking back at her colleague "Good, I am pleased the demonstration had the desired effect"
"…Quite" Hermione said quietly, her attention caught by the perplexing woman.
Seconds passed, Hermione seemingly stuck to her spot by the door while Minerva seemed unable to remove her gaze from Hermione's... but only for a moment and suddenly Minerva regained her senses.
"… do you not have somewhere else do be Miss Granger?"
Jerked out of her trance Hermione looked at the door and back "I, yes, sorry. Good day Headmistress" she stumbled before scurrying out.
Minerva watched her go, breathless though she didn't understand why. "…Good day…" she said to no one.
Authors note: Slow for now I know but let me know if I should go on. X