A/N: I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update! It's been really crazy in my life. I'm finally out of the closet now, and it's been a freeing experience. So, I was taking advantage of the new revelations in my life and my story has suffered. For that dear readers I'm sorry.

Disclaimer: As always I don't own anything Harry Potter. That honour goes to the fabulous Jo Rowling.

Chapt 3

Hermione woke up to find Minerva fast asleep in the chair she conjured earlier right beside her bed. She had never seen the stern Headmistress so peaceful. She looked as if she were at peace with the world. She couldn't help herself from reaching out and taking her hand and holding it. It was the warmth of Hermione's hand that woke Minerva. She held her eyes shut and just enjoyed the feeling, not letting Hermione know that she was indeed awake. Small circles were being pressed into the back of her hand and she softly sighed at the feeling.

"Good Morning." Came from Hermione as she let go of her hand. Minerva didn't waste any time and took Hermione's hand back in her own and softly squeezing it.

"Good Morning Hermione, how are you feeling?"

"A lot better actually, I only have a few twinges of pain here and there, but I think that the worst of it is finished. I suppose Helena will be in soon to check on my progress."

"Yes, I suppose she will be. Is there anything I can get you?"

"Ronald's head on a silver platter maybe?" she laughed at that.

"Ms Granger, I didn't know you were so dramatic." Minerva said in mock shock. Hermione just continued to chuckle at the statement.

"Oh of course you did, you've seen how I handle Harry and Ron. Is it so far of a stretch that I would go and ask for such a thing?" she said still laughing.

"How about if I go and get your breakfast? I know you enjoy eggs with sausage and toast, I'll just go make sure you get them."

"That actually sounds wonderful, I haven't had a breakfast like that since Hogwarts. Ron never let me…" Hermione's eyes got very distant as she remembered her mornings from her marriage. Minerva looked at those haunted hazel eyes and felt her blood start to boil once more over that boy. Minerva gently squeezed their joined hands and let a small smile spread across her lips.

"It'll be better from here on, I swear to you. I won't let that..." she paused for a moment, "I won't let Ronald near you again, and you can count on that. I told you last night, I care for you Hermione, a LOT more than I thought possible, and I'll be damned if I see you hurt again."

Hermione looked at Minerva and a grateful smile was on her face, softly she nodded.

"Now, how about that breakfast?"

Minerva got up and walked to the other side of the room and turned back looking at Hermione.

"I'll be back as soon as I can!" she looked out into the hall and saw Helena coming towards the room.

"Ah, Minerva how are you doing this morning? I know yesterday must have taken a lot out of you."

"I'm doing just fine thank you. Hermione is awake and is waiting for you. I was just on my way to make sure she had a proper breakfast."

"Min, you know we provide healthy breakfasts here, so why rush off?"

"Uhh…Well I just wanted to get Hermione her breakfast and make sure she had what she wanted. We all know hospital food can be well…less then adequate."

Helena shook her head and chuckled.

"I suppose some see it that way. Ok, but nothing too heavy."

"Of course not, only the best eggs, sausage and toast in all of London!"

"By that you mean by way of Hogwarts house elves?"

Minerva chuckled and nodded, "I have to go fill Filius in on a few things and I'll be right back to see her. I don't want to be away from her too long."

Helena nodded, "I see."

"See what?"

"We'll talk more when you get back after you've had your breakfast of course."

"Of course."

Helena turned and went into Hermione's room and Minerva went to the closest fireplace.

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Minerva arrived in her office a minute later and quickly called for her house elf.

"Winky."

A small pop was heard and the house elf did a deep curtsey.

"Yes headmistresses?"

"I'd like 2 plates of scrambled eggs, 3 pieces of sausage each and two pieces of toast on each plate, also a pot of tea with a warming charm."

"Yes mistress, Winky will have it for you as soons as possible."

With that another pop was heard and Minerva was writing a quick note to Filius letting him know what was going on, and how Hermione was doing. It wasn't too much longer after sending the note to him that Winky came back with the food.

"Will yous be needing anything else?"

"No, thank you."

Winky curtsied once more and popped herself back down to the kitchens.

Minerva carefully took each plate and levitated it so that it would follow behind her, and grabbed the pot of tea in her hands, then walked over to the fireplace to floo back to St. Mungos.

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When she arrived at Hermione's room only to find it empty, she set the plates down on the table and went out to find a nurse. When she found one her emerald eyes took on a fire look.

"Where is Hermione Weasley?"

The nurse looked at her with a fear in her eyes.

"I…I'm not sure Professor. She isn't cleared to leave yet, but I think I saw her and Helena head for the loo. Perhaps she's taking a shower?"

Minerva merely nodded and went back to the room. There she found that Hermione had returned and was looking fresh and clean.

"I uh…I was worried when you weren't here. I thought that something happened."

Hermione turned around and smiled her mouth full of toast, she swallowed it down and let out an audible sigh.

"I'm sorry, Helena had said it was fine for me to get a shower and I took advantage of it. I wasn't sure how long you were going to be. I wanted to say thank you, for staying last night, and for helping with everything. I really appreciate it."

"I'm just glad you're ok. I was really worried yesterday, with the display you made and then hurting yourself more. It really scared me, I thought that I could have lost you, before…"

Minerva made an effort to look at her plate that she still hadn't touched. She didn't want to declare herself right then. How would Hermione react? Would she understand?

"Before what, Minerva?" Hermione asked.

A/N 2: I know I'm evil with the cliff hanger! But not to worry, I hope to update again soon!