AN: Here's chapter 3, it's here a little later than I had wanted it to be, I've been working on it every day anytime I have time, but life does seem to like getting in the way! Once again thank you all for the reviews, and please keep them coming!
Disclaimer: The wonderful world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, who is sadly not me.
Hermione had all her belongings packed and already on the Hogwarts Express, and at the moment she was walking around trying to memorize everything she could about the Hogwarts grounds. It was a warm day and there were many students outside enjoying the weather, she currently found herself outside walking along the edge of the Forbidden Forrest. The week had passed by fast and she couldn't believe she only had a few hours left until the train left. She'd been debating with herself over something and didn't know what to do; she really wanted to tell Minerva she wouldn't be returning next year, but was afraid the boys wouldn't agree. They were still unaware of her feelings for the women and her real preferences. Really the only reason she hadn't told them was she thought they wouldn't take it well, and they'd decide to leave her behind.
Despite this though Hermione still wanted Minerva know of their plan, she'd been thinking of ways to convince Harry that they could trust Minerva and they should have her help. She really believed they'd need it; they still weren't sure where they were going, staying, or how they'd find the horcruxes. As she made her way toward the Black Lake she saw the two boys she'd been thinking about sitting under a tree together looking out over the waters. She made up her mind, knowing this would be her last chance, and headed towards them. They look up as she approached and made room for her to sit, their gazes returning to the lake as she sat beneath the tree.
"Ron, Harry we need to talk." They turned to her, both looking confused. "I think someone should know about the mission." She said getting straight to the point, Ron gave her a confused look while Harry turned defensive. "Hermione you know we can't let anyone know, it's just too big of a risk for us and the hunt." Harry said, "Yeah Hermione, why take any chances?" Ron added. Hermione looked down, angry, and trying to hide the hurt their harshness caused. "I wouldn't have suggested it unless I thought it would help, we'll have to have someone helping us while we're searching." She whispered. Harry took a deep breath, calming down a bit. "I know 'Mione, but who could we ask, is there anyone we can really trust?" He closed his eyes and leaned back against the tree. Hermione looked up, getting a little hopeful. "There is someone we could trust, they'd even be able to get us information." She paused, making sure they were paying attention. "Professor McGonagall."
Harry opened his eyes, sitting up. He was quiet for a moment, seeming to consider her idea. "I should't have doubted you Hermione, as always you're right. I'm sorry we were both so quick to disagree." He said looking at her while Ron nodded. "How will we ask her, and what about communicating while we're away?" Hermione of course had already thought about all this and figured everything out, she'd decided the safest way would be to use a spell she'd once read about. She'd only have to cast the spell and say Minerva's name, the spell would allow her to speak to and see the woman.
Minerva would be able to do the same, but no one else would even notice they were talking. It reminded her of the mirror Sirius had given Harry, though the spell was more discreet. "I forgive you both, and I'll tell her everything she needs to know." Hermione said, relieved they all agreed. Harry nodded, "OK, but don't tell her about the horcruxes please." Hermione gave them both a side-hug, which they returned, and then stood. "Fine, I won't." She said before making her way towards the castle. She didn't appreciate the way she was being treated, but she understood why they were acting this way, and so she was willing to forgive.
She quickly made her way to Minerva's office and, after knocking lightly on the door, hears the woman tell her to enter. As she opens the door she can see Minerva sitting at her desk writing, the woman doesn't even look up as Hermione comes to stand behind her. Hermiome silently looks the beautiful woman over, her hair the darkest ebony and not a single streak of grey. Her skin being the opposite an almost flawless creamy white, with only a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. Hermione knew that under those loose teaching robes there was a slim and curvy body, and while Hermione was only 5' 5'' Minerva was around 5' 9''. And though Hermione couldn't see her eyes at the moment she knew they the most beautiful shade of green, while Harry's were a bright emerald color Minerva's were a dark forest green. Overall Minerva McGonagall was the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen. She could easily pass for a much younger woman, though Hermione knew she was in her early sixties; but it was well known that wizards and witches did age slower than muggles.
As Minerva finished writing she stood, turning to see who was there. Hermione snapped out of her thoughts, and looked down trying to hide her blush of embarrassment. Minerva, upon seeing who her visitor was, smiled wide and pulled her into a tight hug. "Hermione darling what are you doing here, would you like to join me for tea in my rooms?" She asked, Hermione nodded against her shoulder, and with one last squeeze the hug ended. she followed Minerva up into her sitting room, and as she sat down in what she considered to be 'her' chair Minerva went over to the kitchenette and started making tea for them both. Hermione sat quietly looking around the room, and she noticed the candles that had been the only source of light during her last visit were all out.
Instead Minerva had all the windows and curtains opened. Allowing light to flooded the room, and a nice summer breeze to blow in. Hermione also noticed items she knew had once belonged to Dumbledore now decorated the room, and the bookshelves in the room were crammed even further with books. The reminders of the man saddened her, though she was glad he'd left some things to Minerva. Hermione was brought back from her thoughts be the whistling of a teapot, and soon after Minerva returned with two steaming cups tea. She set the cups on a nearby table before sitting in the other armchair, "How are you dear, what brings you to my rooms on the last day?" she asked as she picked up a cup, passing one to her. Hermione took it with a smile, bringing the cup closer to her face, inhaling the smell. "I'm fine Minerva, but I have something very important to tell you." she said.
She sipped her tea, noticing it was her favorite, Earl Grey. It was made just the way she liked it, with milk and a spoonful of sugar. It warmed her heart that Minerva remembered little things like that about her, and she could remember similar things about Minerva, like how she took her tea with only milk. Minerva straightened in her chair, looking concerned. "What is it my dear?" she asked, Hermione took a deep breath. "Harry, Ron, and I will not be returning next year." She look at Minerva, wondering what her reaction would be. Minerva looked surprised, then upset. "What! Not returning to Hogwarts?" The woman got up and came to stand in front of her before crouching down and putting her hands on top of Hermione's knees. "But you must return Hermione, it will be your seventh year! You can't give up now." She sounded very worried. Hermione put her hands over Minerva's and squeezed, hoping to calm the woman. "I have to Minerva, you know I wouldn't unless I did! Dumbledore left Harry a mission, and I refuse to leave his side. You could help us, and get us any information we might need."
She hoped she was not asking too much of the woman, but with everything going on she knew they'd need her. "I would do anything for you Hermione, but how would I do that? And why would Professor Dumbledore leave something like that to you three?" Minerva said getting more upset by the minute. "Harry has to do this and Ron and I refuse to let him go on his own." She look into Minerva's eyes, giving the woman a moment to calm down. "I've read of a spell we could use, it would give us a mental connection that would allow us to communicate with each other. We would be able to continue our weekly meetings." Minerva sighed, looking down at their joined hands. "Won't you at least tell me what it is Dumbledore is having you all do?" she asked. Hermione sadly shook her head, "I'm sorry, but I can't" she whispered. Minerva nodded, "I expected as much." she said looking back up at her. "Well, I guess I don't really have a choice, I will help you." Minerva smiled up at her. "Thank you." She said, returning the smile with her own bright one. Minerva stood, cupping Hermione's face in one hand and running the other through Hermione's wavy, honey brown, hair. She leaned it the soft touch, resisting the urge to kiss the woman's palm. Minerva stopped her petting, giving her cheek a quick pat before she returned to her chair.
Hermione, after snapping out of the daze the woman put her in, then started to teach Minerva the spell. Of course, since it was Minerva, there wasn't much that needed to be taught. Afterwards they enjoyed their tea and talked, setting up meetings for the summer. Before long, Hermione, noticing the time, realized the train would be departing soon. She stood "It's almost time for the train to leave, I must get going." she said, sad she would have to leave. She placed her teacup on the table and gathered her things. Minerva stood, "I'll walk with you." she said, smiling sadly. They walked close together, neither breaking the silence between them. They arrived at the platform, Hermione turned to say goodbye to Minerva, ignoring the students all around them boarding the train.
As she turned Minerva quickly pulled her into a hug, wrapping her arms tightly around her. Hermione quickly returned the hug, holding the woman close. "I'll talk to you soon." she murmured into Minerva's neck. "Ay, goodbye my dear." Minerva whispered in her ear, giving her goosebumps. She released her from the hug, looking into her eyes, Minerva looked like she might cry. They shared one last smile before Hermione walked past her and boarded the train, she quickly found her friends and sat beside the window. As she looked out onto the platform she spotted Minerva, and stood to wave. Minerva saw her and waved back, as the train started moving she continued to wave until Minerva was out of sight. She sat back down feeling better about their situation, knowing Minerva would be there for her made her feel less anxious about the whole thing. The trip to King's Cross was a quiet one, with Harry staring out the window while Ron picked at the seat cushions. Hermione didn't notice though, she was busy with thoughts of a beautiful green eyed witch and an upcoming mission.
Well I decided to take tlc125's advice and add more to this chapter, thanks again! Please feel free to give me your opinion about the changes, thank you all for continuing to read this story! -Fae
