Disclaimer: I do not own either Harry Potter or the fairy tale used in this fic.
A/N: This one is for Crowned Tiger! Hope you like it, sweetie!
Enjoy!
"Mommy!" Hermione shouted from her bedroom.
Minerva ran into the room and held her little girl to her. "It's okay, baby. I'm here."
Hermione held on tight to her mother as her breathing became harder. "Mommy." Hermione gasped.
"Shh, it's okay, baby. I'm here." Minerva ran her fingers soothingly through her daughter's chocolate locks as tears started to tumble down her cheeks.
"It hurts, mommy."
"I know sweetie."
"Can – can I have some potion please?" Hermione wiped her eyes and tried to stop the flow of tears, but the pain shooting through her chest was too much.
"Not yet, baby. You've only just had some."
"How –"
"An hour, honey. Just an hour."
Hermione buried her head in Minerva's chest, taking deep breaths trying to ignore the pain. "Can you tell me a fairy tale?"
"Have one in mind?"
"Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva and Momus."
"Yes, I know that one well." Minerva giggled. "Get comfy then, sweetie."
Hermione snuggled close to her mother and sighed. "I'm ready, mommy."
Minerva nodded and started her tale, "According to ancient legend, the first man was made by Jupiter, the first bull by Neptune and the first house by Minerva. On the completion of their labours, a dispute arose as to which had made the most perfect work. They agreed to appoint Momus as judge, and to abide by his decision. Momus, however, being very envious of the handicraft of each, found fault with all. He first blamed the work of Neptune because he had not made the horns of the bull below the eyes, so he might better see where to strike. He then condemned the work of Jupiter, because he had not placed the heart of the man on the outside, that everyone might read the thoughts of the evil disposed and take precautions against the intended mischief. And, lastly, he inveighed against Minerva because she had not contrived iron wheels in the foundation of her house, so its inhabitants might more easily remove if a neighbour proved unpleasant. Jupiter, indignant at such inveterate faultfinding, drove him from his office of judge, and expelled him from the mansions of Olympus."
Once Minerva had finished her table, she looked down at her daughter, whom had been lulled to sleep by her voice at some point during the story. Minerva pressed a kiss to the top of Hermione's head and whispered, "Good night, my little angel."
THE END