A/N: The full name I gave Hooch is a mix of her fanfic name (which I adore), her 'canon' name (sadly, Rolanda, which, I think, doesn't fit her well, but will honor anyway -- gag), and a name (Deanna) from DebbieB-MinervaFan. Her series Remembrall/True Nature—stunning.
The next morning, Sibyll captured Hooch departing as the sun was just starting to peek on the horizon.
"Xiomara, I realize that you were born with the Sun in your House of Capricorn, so you are a naturally early riser. Nonetheless, it is aggravating. Will you please review the menu for this evening?"
Hooch was about to fire off some snappy remark, but bit her lower lip momentarily and found kinder words.
"Sure. Let's see what you have." She glanced at Sibyll – taking in the rumpled bedclothes, bloodshot eyes, and hair more mussed-up than usual. 'Her drinking is getting a bit out of hand lately, I should think.'
Sibyll handed over a card with a wide iridescent border and a handwritten message in flowing peacock blue calligraphy. Hooch was reminded of Sibyll's many talents, not the least of which was excellent penmanship.
The card read, as follows:
Professor Minerva McGonagall
is hereby invited to dinner
this evening
at 6:30 pm
on the 7th floor patio
Menu
Autumn Stew
with chicken, squash, potatoes, carrots
Spinach salad
with mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, almonds
& raspberry vinaigrette dressing
Crème Brule
Hooch nodded her approval and handed the card back to Sibyll, "I know Minerva has remarked how she loves the stew when you've conjured it for staff lunches before, and crème brule is a terribly wonderful dessert. The salad…hmmm. Well, it sounds both familiar and absolutely scrumptious."
"I got the idea for the salad from you, Xiomara. Some silly Muggle restaurant in the States served it during one of your road trips with the Harpies. You went on about it during an inebriated New Year's Eve rant."
Hooch had the good sense to look ashamed, her cheeks coloring pink, and her eyes casting about, "Oh."
Sibyll put a finger under Hooch's chin to lift it, "Xiomara, I saw something in my tea leaves this morning." She paused and for a moment glanced over her shoulder to where her teacup sat on the sideboard. Hooch had to prevent the giggle that rose in her throat whenever Sibyll read things in her tea. It was a sure sign that she was making something up.
"I fear that I will start to feel ill sometime this afternoon and won't be able to carry through with this event," Sibyll paused before continuing, "Not a good night to cancel social engagements—the moon is in the House of Jupiter and I drew a 3 of clubs this morning. Which means you will have to replace me at dinner this evening. I envision you looking absolutely smashing in that tailored women's tuxedo suit you've worn before. Yes…" Her voice faded at this.
Hooch's face lit up brightly and she suddenly pecked Sibyll with a kiss just to the side of her mouth. As she stepped back again, she tried not to focus on the scent of cooking sherry.
"You are such a dear," she sighed as she nervously straightened her tie, adjusted her robes about her, and gently tugged a few spikes of hair with a nervous hand.
Professor Trelawney had a lilt in her voice as she went on, "I will surely have to put ear plugs in this evening at 6:25 pm sharp, as Minerva's initial reaction, I predict, will be a bit deafening. Although, I doubt she will be as unhappy as if it were me there as hostess."
Hooch chuckled, her eyes crinkling with joy, "Sibs, you are too much. You know that? Thank you. I have to ask, though, WHY are you doing this?"
Sibyll studied Xiomara, her magnified eyes roving and blinking a few times before she responded.
"You two are destined for each other. I saw it in a dream when I first arrived at Hogwarts and met Professor Minerva McGonagall 16 years ago." Sibyll paused, contemplating the invitation resting in her hands. When she continued, her voice had its usual melodramatic intonations.
"She doesn't appreciate Seers or the art of Divination. I'm used to such skepticism, of course. There are so few who comprehend the gift properly. It is my fate. You, Xiomara, are among the minority -- accepting my ability without prejudice. It was disturbing last night, however, when you accused me of desiring Minerva myself. I appreciate the female form, Mara, but I do NOT desire women. Most especially someone as ignorant as HER."
She sighed, "Since Minerva attempted to rescue me from Dolores, I feel I should put aside my feelings about her and help you to woo her. After all, I did have that dream, like I said. It might be nice to see it finally come true."
Hooch clasped Sibyll's hands in her own, squeezing them tightly, and just as quickly let go, practically flying out of the room.
Late that afternoon, Severus stormed across the grounds towards the Quidditch fields where the Ravenclaws were completing practice. Although the day was already overcast, the clouds seemed to darken behind him.
"Madam Hooch, a word," his voice was low, but carried easily.
Hooch pulled her goggles up to rest on her forehead, slight circular indents left around her eyes. She slid a gloved hand through her hair and walked with him towards the broom shed.
"I have spoken with Professor Trelawney. She is floating on a non-sherry induced cloud about this evening. It is repulsive. If you screw up tonight, we will all have to endure melodramatic enactments of distress from our resident Seer. That and you could put Professor McGonagall into a worse mood than usual. When Minerva isn't happy, she inevitably schedules me to chaperone weekend trips into Hogsmeade." He glared harshly at her.
"I WILL hex you." With that, he turned on his heel and headed back towards the castle. His black robes swirled around him as he reached out and slapped the back of Padma Patil's head in irritation as he passed. Hooch stood there, dumfounded.
"Madam Hooch?" Cho Chang tapped her elbow. When Hooch turned her gaze, Cho blushed and ducked her head.
"Alright, everybody. Let's call it a day." She blew her whistle. The students quickly put their brooms away and packed away the Quidditch items in their team chest.
Hooch hopped on her own broom and took a leisurely flight back to the castle, meandering around the grounds for a few minutes after ensuring all the students made it inside in a timely fashion. It wouldn't do for Dolores to get on her high horse over students dilly-dallying back from practice.
The mere thought of Umbridge caused Hooch to shiver, and she quickly landed by the front doors. Minerva watched her from her study window, placing a warm hand against the glass for a moment before turning back to her desk.
The winds whipped the first of the fallen autumn leaves around; some of those leaves taping against the windows of Minerva's rooms. She glanced up as the sharp snap of a dry twig against a pane momentarily distracted her from the frenzied thoughts over what robes to wear to dinner.
'I don't want to look too uptight, but by Gods and Goddesses, I don't want her getting any ideas…' Minerva hated her own indecisiveness. It was not a trait she fancied.
After another moment's hesitation, she settled on an emerald green gown with a golden floral pattern stitched in it, and a dark green-black set of dress robes. She let her hair out of its usual workday bun, and with quick fingers slipped it into a gentle braid down her back. Slipping a gold broach into place over her heart, she flicked her wand at the candles and lamps, darkening her rooms as she shut the door quietly behind her.
As she prepared to move swiftly down the corridor towards the stairs for the seventh floor, a voice plaintively rang out down the nearly empty hallway.
"Professor?"
"Ah, Miss Granger."
Hermione paused as she caught up with her professor, suddenly losing her nerve.
"Well, out with it." Hermione's face registered surprise for a moment before she noticed the twinkle in Professor McGonagall's eye.
"Er, well, I wanted to speak to you a bit about the Order. But it will hold until tomorrow. We can talk then?"
"Yes, Hermione. I will be sure to look for you tomorrow and we can talk." Minerva's eyes betrayed her and darted down the hallway, as she did not want to be late. The thought of Sibyll's high-pitched whiny squeal over the rare event of Minerva being tardy chilled her.
Hermione read her professor's body language, confirming her thoughts that this was not a good time.
"Well, have a good evening, Professor." Hermione lightly tapped her Professor's arm then moved away down a hall. As she moved off, Hermione took a backwards glance at Professor McGonagall, a faint blush to her cheeks. She thought about how the hairdo made the mature woman look more relaxed, younger, and seriously attractive.
As Minerva made her way to the seventh floor balcony, her mind considered Hermione's words. She smiled to herself as she came to the conclusion that the trio of friends was likely planning something that would boil Dolores Umbridge's blood. And that was a delightful thought indeed.
"You're smiling like the cat who ate the canary. Or so the saying goes."
Minerva's head snapped at the sound of Hooch's voice. While lost in thought, Minerva had arrived at the patio, and was disconcerted to realize that she had been caught off guard.
Once her eyes found Hooch herself, the ability to think failed her altogether. For Hooch was standing only a few feet from her wearing an A-line black skirt that came to just below her knees and a smart looking matching tuxedo-style jacket tailored to fit to Hooch's curves. Oh, yes, Hooch had curves, and Minerva would have been blind to miss them in that outfit.
While Minerva stood there, her mouth slightly agape, Hooch drifted closer and handed her a glass. It was then that Minerva noticed that under the tuxedo-style jacket, there was a pearly white vest over a well-starched white oxford.
Hooch pointed at her own tie, tapping it with a short, square finger, "The brooch, Minnie, is a nice touch."
At hearing Hooch using a seldom used nickname, Minerva's brain finally kicked in. "Oh, yes. Well, I've had it for a few years."
"Yes, I've noticed it before," Hooch remarked. "You seem to go through phases where you prefer it for awhile, then switch to either your Gryffindor coat of arms or another brooch with a green leafy design."
Minerva's eyebrow shot up as she realized Hooch had been tracking something so, well, trivial. Hooch smirked in response.
"I thought you were giving someone flying lessons."
"Well, I must admit, that was news to me…when Sybs mentioned it. I think she was trying to put you at ease – so you wouldn't be put off by the thought of dinner with both her and I." Hooch watched Minerva for a reaction that did not appear, so she continued.
"As it is, she isn't feeling at all well this evening and rather than cancel on you at the last moment, asked me to fill in. Something about the moon in Jupiter or some such thing." She watched Minerva again. Still nothing registered on Minerva's poker face.
Hooch decided to test the waters, "I must admit that while Sibyll might think I am doing her a favor, I think I am making out like a bandit. Good food and pleasant company to boot."
Minerva chuckled, "Oh, you are a sweet talker when you so desire, Rolanda. Or, rather, Xiomara?"
Hooch blushed, and even with the setting sun darkening the sky, it was obvious. She was sure her name never sounded so lovely as it did when Minerva said it. She recovered her senses and offered her arm.
Leading Minerva to the table set in the middle of the patio area, she pulled out a chair for her.
Minerva settled her robes around her, taking in the glow of the lanterns around the patio edge, the candles on the table, along with a bouquet of tulips as a centerpiece.
As Xiomara took a seat herself, she watched as Minerva leaned in to admire the flowers.
"Wherever did she, or you, find such a beautiful array of colors? I never knew tulips could come in so many colors!"
"Ah. Sibyll's squib brother and his partner live in the Netherlands at the moment. I won't tell you how we got them here, as it would mean revealing that several of Umbridge's rules have been broken. And, I must confess, I have no remorse. Whatsoever."
Minerva chuckled. Xiomara savored the image, tucking it away in her memory – Minerva's face and hair seemingly lit up by the darkening indigo color of the sky behind her.
"Well, I see that you haven't touched your drink. Would you like something else?"
Minerva furrowed her brows, then vaguely recalled that Xiomara had handed her a glass earlier and she had even set it down on the table herself, without even thinking about it.
"What the hell is it?"
Xiomara had to laugh this time, "Ah, Minnie. Live a little. It's called a Lemon Drop. Albus simply adores them, as you might guess. They aren't half bad. If you would prefer something else, however, I understand."
Minerva dipped her head, "I don't mind giving it a go, but I'm not much for mixed drinks." She raised the glass and took a sip of the cloudy yellow liquid.
Hooch snorted and took the glass from Minerva, "Judging from that face, it most definitely is not something we will note on your favourites list."
She carried the drink away to a small side table, returning with two large bowls of stew, the steam rising from the brims.
As Hooch sat down across from her, she queried, "What would you prefer to drink with your stew?" Minerva looked up into the glow of Hooch's golden eyes, and spoke without thinking.
"Chardonnay." Minerva, in fact, was not a wine drinker, or very much interested in any sort of alcohol, generally speaking. She had, therefore, surprised herself, with her answer.
Hooch swiftly conjured a glass of pale white-yellow liquid, slipping her wand neatly back under her jacket afterwards. Minerva took the glass and timidly sipped.
"What a treasure!!"
"It's a 1996 Ferrari-Carano," Hooch grinned widely. "I'm glad you like it."
"Absolutely delightful." With that, they both took their napkins from the table and covered their laps before tucking into the stew. For several minutes, all was silent but for the occasional clink of spoon in bowl. Hooch watched each time Minerva sipped her wine.
"Would you like a taste?" Minerva queried at last, self-conscious of the attention being bestowed upon her.
Hooch chuckled warmly, wriggling her eyebrows. Minerva realized the double entendre and blushed a deep crimson, her ears feeling suddenly hot.
Hooch giggled, then schooled her features, "Sorry, Minnie. I couldn't help myself." Hooch then moved her own water glass to one side, pulled her wand out and conjured up her own glass of the wine.
"So, Minerva. I've been meaning to ask you," Hooch replaced the now empty soup bowls with salad plates.
"Yes?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes. I've seen your name on several plaques in the Quidditch case."
Minerva puzzled over this for a moment while Xiomara brought a salad bowl over to the table.
"That's plenty," Minerva waved a hand at her. Xiomara moved to pile up salad on her own dish.
"So. You. Quidditch? Hogwarts?"
Minerva then shared tales of her days at Hogwarts as both Chaser and Seeker for the House she now headed. Xiomara responded in all the right spots, prompted along the way, and before they both knew it, they had finished their salads, deserts, and were on their second cup of tea.
"Hem, hem."
Both women's spines went ramrod straight.
"What is this?"
Xiomara stood and circled around to stop in front of Dolores. She leant in close to the woman and spoke quietly.
"We were taking a break from some wild snogging. Would you like to join us?"
Minerva watched as Professor Umbridge's eyes widened and her face turned green. Although both women standing there were approximately the same height, Dolores appeared to shrink, looking increasingly toad-like.
After a moment, Dolores spoke, "It would be so very easy to replace you, Xiomara. I suggest you exercise more maturity." As she turned, she added, "and discretion."
Minerva stood and crossed to stand behind Xiomara. They stood there for several long moments. Xiomara enjoyed the sound of Minerva's breathing. A shift in the chilly breeze brought her back to her senses.
Xiomara turned and began to clear away the table. Minerva watched her movements. As the flight instructor glided towards the table to pick up the wine goblets, their eyes met.
Minerva tilted her head, "May I ask you a question?"
Hooch chuckled and patted her arm as she circled around her, "I believe you just did."
Minerva rolled her eyes, but continued, "Why so much Muggle work here tonight? Were you Muggle born, or are you part of Miss Granger's S.P.E.W. network?"
"Yes and yes. My mother was a Muggle. And I've provided what support I can to Hermione's work for the betterment of house elves. But you must understand - that last bit does NOT go back to either Professor Dumbledore or to the Ministry. I don't want to get in trouble for interacting with a student or supporting the S.P.E.W. Merlin knows there have been enough rumours about me snogging various female students as it is. Last thing either Miss Granger or myself needs at this time is people thinking the wrong thing about either of us or the S.P.E.W."
Minerva felt her chest tighten momentarily, "You had better NOT be toying with Hermione. Even if just for sport."
Hooch's eyes widened and she sat back down with a sigh, "Well, not to worry there. I realize you are a bit protective when it comes to Ms Granger, but I can tell you that I am completely professional. She is a student, Minerva. A mere teenager. It is aggravating to have to swat off tall tales of lesbian seduction created by students. When fellow staff are fooled into believing such tripe, well, it is more than a little disheartening."
"Such things wouldn't just come out of nowhere, Xio-mara, " Minerva bit her words. "Just a moment ago, you played the part for Dolores."
"True, you have me there. I HAVE used the rumours to my advantage, like I did minutes ago. Hooch sighed at this, "The original story sprouted from the publicist for the Holyhead Harpies. Created a whole bit of spin around me as a Don Juanita. Great for increasing interest, but surely made it near impossible for me to get a date with a proper girl. With time, I started to play it to my advantage when needed. I shouldn't, though. How can I complain about my poor prospects when I feed into it? I reap what I sow, I suppose." She smirked at this self-revelation.
Minerva blinked.
"I'm sorry, Xiomara. I shouldn't have snapped at you. Especially when you have been an impressive hostess—and a substitute at that. In fact, I venture to say that the evening turned out infinitely more enjoyable than I planned."
Xiomara nodded, her voice as smooth as honey, "Not to worry. It has been a very long week, and while the food and company have been truly pleasant, perhaps we had both better turn in. The high Inquisitor is sure to return."
Minerva involuntarily giggled at this. Xiomara gently swatted Minerva's arm, then gently put a hand at the small of Minerva's back and moved into the castle. They paused momentarily outside Minerva's rooms.
"Goodnight, Minerva. Perhaps we could do this again sometime?" Hooch arched an eyebrow as she clasped one of Minerva's hands in her own, then let it go.
As she slipped away down the corridor, Minerva realized that Xiomara hadn't tried to make a move on her, and, a little disappointed, called after her, "That would be lovely."
Xiomara paused, and took several steps back to Minerva.
"Really?" Minerva lost herself in the smaller woman's golden honey eyes.
"Yes. Really."
Xiomara gave a small nod of her head and moved off, a slight sashay to her walk that wasn't there before. As she turned the corner, she gave Minerva a wink, then disappeared.
Minerva sighed, then whispered, "Holyhead Harpies," and passed through the entrance to her rooms.
Both women tossed restlessly in their sleep that night.
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