Chapter 2
After three days and three nights had passed Hermione allowed herself to take the bandage off. She had considered doing it earlier because it annoyed her but she kept hearing Madame Pomfrey's reprimanding voice in her head and that stopped her from touching it. With a flick of her wand it was gone, just like she had banned her stockings three days before. The visible bump under them from the bandage was now gone. Today it was Thursday and she didn't have class until nine thirty. She decided to sit in the library since it was the only place where she could get some peace and quiet. She would've preferred the common room but the Gryffindors weren't exactly famous for being quiet.
The library was empty, as usual. She took her favorite seat at the back, this time prepared with a book. It was a muggle book in fact, that her parents had bought her before she left. She flipped the book open and soon was caught in the world of Virginia Woolf, about a woman that couldn't find peace no matter how hard she looked.
Minerva was strolling the halls, searching for her star student. In her hand she had a document, a very special document that had landed on her desk this morning. She had been utterly surprised and couldn't remember the last time someone had been given this opportunity except, well, herself. It was a scholarship for going abroad. Hermione was going to be able to study in any of the following countries: Australia, France, Germany or USA. It was entirely her choice. She would get her own room at the school, have free meals and free education plus a quite generous amount of money she could spend on whatever she wanted. Minerva felt deeply proud and couldn't help but wearing a big smile on her features, puzzling everyone she walked past.
Of course she couldn't help thinking about the consequences. Would Hermione even be willing to take this opportunity? She hoped so. It was her sixth year and if she did it meant she would study abroad during year seven. Though the war was upon them and Minerva had the strong feeling that Hermione wouldn't accept but rather stick to her best friends in the fight against Voldemort.
She found the brunette sitting at the back of the library, the older witch had noticed the girl sitting there frequently and assumed it was her favorite spot. She seemed to be engulfed by the book she was reading and Minerva took a moment to watch the girl. She was wearing her uniform but had left three buttons undone, her hair was loose and hanging down her shoulders. It had gotten quite long throughout the years.
"Ahem"
Hermione looked up, her eyes clouded, her mind still in the book. It took her a second before her mind registered the sight of her Professor standing in front of her with a parchment in her hand, looking as if she wanted to say something important. Hermione instantly felt nervous. Was it one of her essays? Had she left an important part out? She put down her book and feared the worst.
"How can I help you Professor?" She used her most polite tone and gave her a small smile.
"Would you like to join me in my office for some tea?" Minerva asked to Hermione's surprise who answered hesitantly.
"Yes.. of course. When?" For some reason she felt her body get hot and butterflies started growing in her stomach.
"How about now?" Minerva raised an eyebrow, waiting for the young girls response. Hermione took in the delicate sight and swallowed hard.
"Certainly" She shoved her book in her bag quickly and followed Minerva. The other students eyes followed them curiously as they walked through the corridor. Hermione hoped they wouldn't get the wrong idea and hurried up to walk next to her teacher instead of behind her.
"Good idea" Minerva commented. "We wouldn't want them to think you're getting reprimanded"
"Well.. I don't really care what other people think about me" Hermione said full of confidence but knew that wasn't entirely true. Minerva smirked at the comment and peered at her student from the corner of her eye.
"Neither do I" she responded as she held the door open for Hermione to enter her office. Hermione had been there a few times and she always felt comfortable there, safe.
"Have a seat dear" She heard Minerva speak and quickly sat down in the elegant sofa, her hands clasped in front of her.
Minerva conjured two cups and a kettle and poured the tea by hand. Hermione followed the older witch's movements and fought an urge to gasp when their fingers touched as she handed her the cup. Minerva stilled for a moment and looked at her and Hermione saw something flash in her eyes, it was very brief but it was there. It made her even more nervous.
"So, why I am here?" She tried to sound as casual as possible but failed at hiding the nervousness in her voice.
"No need to fidget" Minerva reassured her and handed her the parchment. As Hermione started to read her expression changed from curious, to puzzled and in the end she just looked up at Minerva, her face unreadable. It was not what Minerva had expected.
"Is something wrong Miss Granger?" Minerva asked, her eyes focused on hers.
"No.. I just don't know what to say. I am entirely surprised" Hermione spoke weakly and Minerva understood it must've come as a shock.
"Well this is a very rare opportunity as I assume you are already aware of" Minerva began. "Not many students have received this parchment since I started working here, well none actually, except You-know-who"
Hermione kept looking at her for a full minute without saying anything. An awkward silence erupted between them and Minerva was thoroughly confused.
"Aren't you happy?"
Rolling the parchment Hermione stood up, her gaze falling to the floor.
"I can't accept this, I'm sorry"
She placed the parchment on the sofa and without saying another word she left, leaving a very puzzled Minerva.
Sorry for the short chapter. I will update soon.
