And so as school went on, their nights continued as usual, Minerva lost again, except with the pleasant addition of conversation. One night however, in the middle of a game that Minerva thought she could win, Hermione admitted,

I'm not blind, at all.

Minerva's head shot up, "WHAT?"

Hermione's lip twitched upwards. You heard me. I can see you, dropped jaw and all. I like what you've done with the office by the way. Though I rather miss Dumbledore's bobbles.

Minerva was statuesque as Hermione looked down at the chessboard and played over which piece to play. Because of her supposed blindness, they had been playing by calling out their moves, and the pieces moving magically. As she watched the witch pick up a pawn and move it, her emotions flickered between anger, shock, happiness, and betrayal. Yet again the witch had withheld information and lied to Minerva about her disabilities, or rather, her abilities.

I'm sorry about lying. My eyes are incredibly sensitive to light and because of their appearance, everyone assumed I'm blind and I allowed them. It is easier for everyone to think I am blind, excluding you. And while I won't tell you why right now, I promise I will eventually. I just have to take care of a few things.

Minerva stared at the witch's face. "I don't like this." Minerva sighed, remembering the girl's role in the war and her absence during the school year, "But then again I haven't like anything you've done the past few years now have I? I trust you Hermione. I trust you to be smart and cautious." Minerva walked over to a cabinet behind her chair. Pouring herself a drink she sighed, "May I see your eyes?"

Hermione's head shot up and she smiled at Minerva, Next week sometime, I shall be able to give you more answers, I promise.

Minerva groaned and rolled her eyes, "Promises, promises. I don't like to be kept waiting, Ms. Granger." Minerva quickly drank her drink after she spoke, mentally chastising herself. Why did that sound flirty?

Hermione smiled, It's worth the wait, professor.

Minerva held back a shiver at the way the witch practically purred her title. Hermione had grown into a beautiful woman and Minerva would be lying if she said she hadn't noticed…or taken several long looks at the supposedly blind woman. She internally panicked as she realized the woman probably saw her every time. She shook her head and decided to change the subject. "Don't think I don't see this for what it really is. I was winning until you distracted me."

Hermione's laugh reverberated in Minerva's head and the witch covered her mouth. Perhaps it was a distraction but I assure you not because you were winning, she said, laughter ringing clear in her voice. They continued the game,and Minerva became simultaneously angry and embarrassed every time Hermione picked up her piece and moved it.

Minerva lost again.


Tonight.

The word reverberated in Minerva's head and caught her by surprise and she jerked up, looking around.

I promise to tell you everything tonight. You'll have to meet me at the edge of the forest. Come when you are ready.

Minerva sighed and stood, might as well get it over with now. It had been an unusually easy day and Minerva had been waiting for something extraordinarily difficult to happen. This was it.

Oh and leave that tall window open.

Minerva narrowed her eyes at the room. Scowling, she opened the window and left for the forest.

Minerva stood at the edge of the forest, holding the lantern in the air. Hermione? She called mentally.

I'm here. Your animagus allows you to see in the dark well enough to not trip correct?

Correct.

Then please turn out the light and walk forward, there is a clearing, I will be waiting there.

Minerva sighed and stood debating for a while. This was Hermione, Minerva could trust her, and she still had her wand should she come upon anything dangerous. Calling on her Gryffindor courage, Minerva doused the lamp and placed it on the ground. Straightening, she held her head high and walked into the forest. The sounds of the forest seemed louder than before with only the moonlight to accompany her.

Hoping to forget the eeriness of the forest, she mentally called to Hermione.

Why am I in the forest, Hermione? Why couldn't we do this in my office?

Oh that's no fun Minerva. Plus, I already told you. You're going to learn a lot more than just my eye color. I was not born into a muggle family. I was adopted. Remember that year Harry and Ron stole Mr. Weasley's car? Later that night, we went into the forest, hoping to find it and somehow send it back, or at least get an idea of where it was so his parents could retrieve it. They found the car, but something else found me, extracting a promise that I would come back. Weeks later, I returned to the forest alone and this immense creature led me to a large gathering of them. To my surprise, when they saw me, they all kneeled. Apparently, I was their next leader. The current leader was dying but was clinging to this world, waiting until I was found.

I met with him when I could throughout the years until I left with the boys and learned everything I needed to know. However, I told him that he had to hang on just a little while longer. I knew that I could not take over until the war was over. He understood and agreed it was for the best. After the war I accepted my rightful place as leader.

Minerva reached the clearing just as Hermione stopped speaking. When she stood in the middle of the circle of trees, Hermione stepped out from trees to greet her and Minerva gasped. Hermione's teeth were terrifyingly sharp, leaving no doubt that they were used to rip and tear meat. As for her eyes, instead of the normal brown, her pupils were a beautiful clear blue and they were practically glowing. Minerva couldn't stop staring at them, "You can see me?"

Hermione nodded and slowly stepped closer,

It is good to finally see you without glasses, Minerva.

Minerva smiled and stepped forward to cup Hermione's face. Those eyes were truly magnificent.

I will show you one more thing tonight. Please don't be afraid. This person is your ride back to Hogwarts. I need you to trust me and not attack. We will talk about all of this tomorrow and I promise I will answer all your questions.

Still mesmerized by her eyes, Minerva dazedly nodded. Hermione smiled and ran into the trees. Minerva remained statuesque, Hermione's eyes having rendered her breathless, until she heard a twig snap. She turned around in time to see her ride home step out from the trees. What she saw, caused Minerva stumbled backwards in attempts to get away.


A/N: Everyone loves cliffhangers right?