She was looking through her mountain of paperwork when the knocking at the door started.
"Enter" Minerva called, shaking her head in disbelief at the governors latest joke of a budget. How they expected the castle to run with the suggested cut in house elves she did not know. The fact that all Hogwarts elves where employee's and not slaves caused constant arguments with the governors. It was a rule Albus had started after the unfortunate incident with the Malfoy elf who had become a friend to a young Mr Potter.
Rolanda waltzed into the headmistress' office exuding the flirtatious confidence she was well known for. " Hello Kit, what do you say to me breaking you out of these shackles and taking you for the night of your life". Minerva quirked her trademark eyebrow and growled ever so slightly.
"What nonsense are you on about now, Ro?" Minerva asked, frowning at the flying Professors use of her ridiculous childhood nickname.
"The Potters annual self congratulatory clap on the back of course!" The hawk eyed woman announced grinning to herself. Minerva blinked, After the war she had thrown herself into her work and research, Often needing reminders of important events. During the day Minerva was the infallible Headmistress of Hogwarts, but at night she would lock her self away reading, searching. Hoping eventually to find … "They may have news" Ro, pointed out, interrupting Minerva's thoughts
A 65 year friendship allowed Rolanda an insight into the animagus's life, A life fraught with disappointment, pain and lovelessness. 16 years ago, Minerva had confided in her friend about her hearts secret. Ro could still remember the shock of learning that the headmistress had fallen in love with a student. Then again, Hermione Granger wasn't just any student, the smartest witch of her age people had called her, Those who had taught her however saw far more than just that. Her kindness, bravery and eagerness to learn had presented them with not just the smartest but also possibly the greatest witch of her age. Looking back on it Ro could see how the brains of the Golden Trio would be a perfect match for the lonely headmistress. So much so that she had convinced Minerva to open her heart up and be honest with the girl, believing that the feelings where indeed mutual. And then, Hermione was gone.
The letter had said that Hermione had needed time away from the wizarding world.
Time to rediscover herself and enjoy what was left of her teenage years. To find a place where she could fix her jaded self and rediscover the kindness of humanity. That was the day after the battle of Hogwarts. As the months past the wizarding world sat awaiting the return of one of its war hero's. Everyone had expected to see Hermione at the wedding of The-Boy-Who-Lived to The-Red-Haired-Girl two years later. However her seat remained unfilled. As the years past the wizarding world stopped waiting and began to forget about the smartest witch of their age. Instead hailing the hero's who they had and focusing all their attentions on them. Ron had taken to the spot light like a fish to water, Wooing the crowds and securing a place with the Holyhead Harpies. His marriage to Lavender Brown had broken the hearts of many young adoring fans. 10 years ago the arrival of their daughter Rose had however eased the pain, giving the wizarding world a new sweetheart. Slightly less seen than the Weasley''s, the Potters had also began to build a family. Their eldest son James had started Hogwarts just last year and was already making a name for himself away from his Fathers fame.
"Fine" Min breathed, "I'll go, but if it turns to a game of Truth or Dare again I shall not be staying long". The memories of her shared kiss with the blonde haired Lavender Weasley still cause Minerva to grimace.
"Marvellous" Rolanda grinned "I'll pick you up at eight" she winked at Minerva as she left. "And wear something sexy!" She shouted back over her shoulder.
The house at Godrics Hollow was filled with laughter. Fairy light's floated outside keeping the large garden welcoming, tables and chairs framed the edge, the tables covered in a white cloth with gold rims and adorned with tall candles and beautiful flowers. The warm summer breeze and ever flowing alcohol allowed for a relaxed informal party. Every year since the downfall of He-who-had-a-power-issue, the Potters held a party, Insisting that the only way the world could move forward would be to celebrate the fallen and to remember what they were fighting for. The parties where usually the same, the Potters supplied good music, good food and plenty of alcohol and friends all danced, sang and laughed their way through the night. This year however a unusual stage was situated at the end of the garden.
About an hour into the party, The-Man-Who-Won and his wife stood on the stage. Harry was wearing a dark muggle suit with a green shirt and Ginny a flowy dress, the same green as her husbands shirt. Even now 21 years after starting at Hogwarts, Minerva still saw the small, shy boy hidden behind his fathers scruffy jet black hair and his mothers clear, green eyes. Now he stood tall and proud, Hair trimmed and green eyes just as expressive as ever. The years had been kind to Harry, His auror training and occasional quiddich game had provided him with a strong body, and his two children with a few speckled grey hairs.
"Hi Everyone, I hope you're enjoying our annual celebration" Harry began "There has been a bit of a change this year, Whilst on holiday a few months ago, Myself and Gin where lucky enough to catch this band playing in a little bar in Australia. We immediately had to book them for tonight. It was a bit of a struggle" Harry smiled remembering how hard it had been to convince the band "However it is only the best for tonight so everyone, Here is Pendryns Power!"
Within seconds the party went silent. A man walked on stage and sat behind the drum set. He had long blonde dreadlocks and an arm full of muggle tattoos, His skin was tanned and he wore a tight black t-shirt and ripped jeans. Minerva's mouth dropped open, This was evidently a muggle style but all Min could think was how on earth could he ever get a job.
Shortly after he sat down another man walked on, he was carrying a guitar and looked more presentable than his predecessor. This man was wearing a white vest top and red denim shorts. His brown hair fell just over his eyes.
Finally a woman walked on stage, Minerva immediately began to appreciate her body . She wore tight jeans and leather boots, a white shirt and a dark leather jacket. By the time Minerva had found herself looking at the woman's face she had already reached the middle of the stage. Familiar chocolate brown eyes where looking right at her.
Hermione took a deep breathe. Still wondering why she was stood behind a stage in Godrics Hollow. After 16 years in Australia, Hermione had an easy life working bars and preforming with her band. 16 years of just being just like everyone else still hadn't been long enough to dull the dream. And so one night, when mid performance she looked out into the crowd to see two very familiar faces, It hadn't taken too much to convince Hermione that a trip back could only be good.
"Well hi everyone, as Harry said we're Pendryn's Power" Hermione started trying to ease the sudden awkward silence " You all know me, and with me are Grahm on guitar and Lupo on drum's. I hope you all enjoy the show"
"Build a wall of books
Between us in our bed..."
Minerva stood as if struck by a sticking spell. Her legs unable to move, After years of searching, there stood right in front of her was the woman she had searched for.
"You okay?" Ro asked snaking an arm around her friend
"She's here" The headmistress whispered still staring at the brunette on stage. Fortunately for Minerva all the guests where in a state of shock at the sudden reappearance of the final third.
The band had finished playing about an hour ago and yet Hermione still hadn't managed to get away from the side of the stage. She was currently being attacked by Mr. Diggle who was telling her about the Cedric memorial at Hogwarts.
"Mione! Bloody Hell!" Ron ran over to the stage "Come on, you're coming with me for a drink." Before Hermione had a chance to say goodbye, Ron had dragged her across the garden and towards the drinks table.
"Ronald, I..." Hermione began, ready to give the speech she had been practising for the past 16 years
"Don't" Ron Interupted " Whenever you call me Ronald I know my ear is about to ache. I know why you had to leave, And honestly, I'm just glad your back"
For the first time that night Hermione took a proper look at her old best friend. His ginger hair was tied back using a black ribbon, the tail landing mid back. He wore a light blue suit and plain white t-shirt.
"Your daughter has done you good Ron" Hermione commented honestly.
"Haha, yes well turns out you can't raise a ten year old with the ahem emotional range of a teaspoon" Ron laughed, putting his hand around her shoulder "But anyway, the important bit, Any girls caught your eye back there in Aussie land?"