Once again, this is HG/MM…so leave if you're just going to complain that it's gross or whatever.
Disclaimer: Last time I was not JK Rowling. And despite my great efforts, I am STILL not JK Rowling.
Chapter 2
Professor McGonagall had not yet entered the classroom when Hermione arrived.
She took her usual seat right in front of McGonagall's desk and slid her book bag to the floor.
"Ah, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said as she entered the classroom from the hall, "You're early."
Hermione managed a nervous smile, "As always, Professor."
Minerva carefully placed the large stack of papers she was holding on her desk and sat down to face her favorite student.
"Have you given any thought to what we spoke about yesterday, Miss Granger?"
Hermione blushed. She certainly had thought about it. Well, dreamed would be a more fitting word. And though the dream certainly didn't have much to do with thinking, she was certain it had a lot to do with Professor McGonagall.
"Er…Actually, yes, I have."
She didn't look at Minerva as she said this, if she had, she would have seen slight smile appear on her mentor's face.
"Alright. It is your decision, Hermione, but I think that if you told me specifically what was causing this change in behavior I might be able to be of some assistance."
Hermione highly doubted that. If anything, her dear Professor would make her even worse off than before. She began to think as Professor McGonagall went back to her paperwork.
What could I tell her to throw her off? Something good, but not something that would require professional help. I could tell her Ron's been getting on my nerves…No, he's always on my nerves. That wouldn't cause a change in behavior, and I don't want to lie…
"Professor…" Hermione looked to the floor.
Minerva looked up from her paperwork.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
Hermione bit her lip. "I…well, you see…"
Professor McGonagall motioned for her to continue.
"I'm gay."
The words left Hermione's mouth before she even had a chance to consider the consequences. Her eyes went wide and she clapped a hand over her mouth, refusing to meet the gaze of her Professor.
A few moments passed where neither of them spoke. Hermione's eyes began to well with tears as she imagined Professor McGonagall telling her that she was stupid and crazy to think such a thing.
As a few drops of tears hit Hermione's desk, Minerva shook herself out of her shock and went to comfort the young girl.
"Shh, dear, it's alright," she said as she wrapped her arms around the young girl and pulled her into a tight hug.
Hermione let the tears fall more freely now.
"I was just so afraid you would hate me."
Minerva pulled back to meet the eyes of her student.
"Now why would you think a thing like that, Hermione?"
Noticing the change in how she was addressed, Hermione felt a little more at ease.
"Well, you see, in the Muggle world, there are still a lot of people who aren't okay with that. I guess I was just afraid you would be one of those people."
She looked up to meet her mentor's eyes, which were now filled with tears themselves.
"I know how you feel, Miss Granger. I, too, went through what you are going through, and at around your age."
Hermione looked at her in confusion. Minerva smiled.
"I am a lesbian, too, Hermione."
Her student couldn't help but grin.
"Really? You are? I never expected…"
Minerva nodded.
"Most people don't expect it. Of course, most people don't know."
"Who does?" Hermione felt a bit awkward asking her these questions, but she did want to get as close to her mentor as possible.
Minerva sighed and loosened her hold on her student.
"Well…let's see…you, Molly, Arthur, Albus and most of the staff. And, of course, Harry's parents knew, along with a few select members of my family and a few friends along the way."
Hermione processed the information.
"Well, I feel a bit strange asking this, but…"
Minerva smiled.
"You want to know if I am in a relationship."
Hermione nodded and blushed.
"It's perfectly normal to be curious, Miss Granger. But, no, I'm afraid I'm not in a relationship. It's actually, well, it's been a very long time since I was in one."
Her professor looked away at this, eyes, clearly sad, fixed on the blackboard.
"I'm sorry," she sighed, "I suppose…it's just nice to know someone else who feels this way."
Hermione tucked a stray hair behind Professor McGonagall's ear. She could swear it was the same one that she had been so captivated by the day before. The one she had dreamed about.
"It's alright, Professor. Do you not know any other people who are this way?"
"Just you and Rolanda Hooch. It's because of her Professor Snape knows. Couldn't keep her bloody voice down at the breakfast table. I'm surprised half the students don't know already!"
Hermione laughed. All of the pent up emotions inside of her, well, except for the ones involving McGonagall herself, were released as both of them cackled.
"Well, Miss Granger, the other students will be arriving any minute. Why don't we continue this conversation later. Would you like to come by for tea this afternoon?"
She grinned as the a few students began tricking into the classroom giving Hermione and Minerva funny looks.
"That would be lovely, thank you."
A/N: Okay…thanks to xio11, SheIsMySin, minervarulez and Digital Moonlight 2 for their reviews on the last chapter. And to Mandy for giving me hers ahead of time for this chapter! Reviews are always appreciated. Let me know what you would like to see happen and I'll consider it!