A/N : Thanks for all the great reviews guys! All reviews and readers are appreciated! I do so hope everyone is enjoying this fic. I'm not quite sure where it's going. Once again all mistakes are my own. Take care and enjoy this chappie :-D
Chapter Three
Minerva hugged Hermione close to her and rocked back and forth, whispering to her.
"I didn't want to do it. I didn't. I was just looking out at the stars." Hermione cried into Minerva's chest.
"I know sweetheart. I know. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." Minerva continued to sooth Hermione.
Albus stood a little distance away and watched as Minerva and Hermione cried. He smiled when he saw Minerva place a gentle kiss to Hermione's crown, but that smile soon turned into a frown when he realised what this would mean. He didn't want to break them up. But he couldn't let them have a romantic relationship, not while Hermione was still a student. But the thought of the upcoming war, began to confuse Albus' thoughts and duty. Sighing, Albus decided that he would have to do his duty before he did what he should as a friend.
"Minerva, take Hermione to get checked out at the hospital wing and then come up to my office; the both of you." Albus turned and walked away when he had seen Minerva's nod. Hermione was still clung to Minerva crying.
Half an hour later and Poppy had given Hermione the all clear.
"She's just a bit shaken up is all Minerva, calm down. Stay with her and she'll be fine in a few hours."
"Thank you Poppy."
"It's my job. Now go and see Albus."
Minerva nodded, helped Hermione off the bed and entwined their fingers as they walked up to the Headmaster's office.
Albus left the door to his office open, so once Hermione and Minerva had arrived at the top of the moving staircase, they walked straight in and sat in front of his large desk, which he was sat behind.
"You wanted to see us Albus?"
"Yes Minerva. I have a feeling that the relationship between the two of you is starting to become more than just a student and mentor relationship. As the headmaster of Hogwarts I can't accept it if the two of you enter into a romantic relationship."
"But –"
"I don't care Minerva. It is very clear in the rules that student and staff romantic relationships are forbidden." Albus looked at the two women in front of him over the top of his half moon shaped glasses. They were still holding hands and fresh tears were starting to roll down Hermione's cheeks. "But, as your friend, I will only encourage you."
Minerva nodded. "Isn't there any way that we could embark in a romantic relationship?"
"Keep it discrete. Hermione is of age so I don't see any problems arising, but if I, or anyone else catchs wind of it, then there is nothing I can do as the Headmaster to keep it from the governors."
"I understand Albus."
"Where will I stay if we're in a romantic relationship?" It was a small whisper and the first time Hermione had spoken after leaving the safety of Minerva's arms and the astronomy tower.
"Minerva has a spare room and there is a door that leads onto the seventh floor from her study. You can stay there as long as no one finds out. I was going to give you your own set of rooms any way."
"Thank you, Sir."
Albus nodded. "Now off to bed with the both of you."
"Thank you so much Albus." Minerva hugged Albus briefly but strongly, before holding Hermione's hand once more and leading the way back to their chambers.
The next morning and Hermione was the first to awake. She sat herself in front of the fire for half an hour before deciding the call a house-elf to help her with breakfast so that she could treat Minerva. If we're going to do this, then I might as well make sure it was the right choice for Minerva Hermione thought as she walked into the master bedroom with a tray holding two breakfast's on. Instead of shouting Minerva to wake her, she pulled up all her Gryffindor courage and placed a kiss to her cheek after brushing a lose raven lock behind her ear.
Minerva stirred and smiled as she leaned into Hermione's touch. "Morning Mia," she whispered sleepily.
"Morning." Hermione tried to think of a pet name for the gorgeous witch in front of her, but nothing came to mind. "I made us breakfast," Hermione whispered shyly.
"Come sit down then." Minerva patted the bed next to her and Hermione sat down, balancing the tray between them.
An hour later both women had finished eating and were now chatting.
"That was lovely, thank you, Mia."
"It's okay."
"Is there anything you would like to do for the rest of the week before lessons start?"
"Spend time with you."
Minerva smiled and opened her arms. Slowly, Hermione slid across the bed and rested her head on Minerva's chest, arms wrapped around her waist. She was a little tense until she felt Minerva's arms tighten around her.
"Thank you 'Erva."
"Whatever for?"
"Accepting me."
"How could I not?"
Hermione shrugged and closed her eyes. She felt so safe in Minerva's arms. All other thoughts were pushed from her mind as she felt her breath even out. Minerva smiled and sent the tray that was sat at the edge of the bed to the kitchens before sliding them both down the bed. She held Hermione in her arms and let her mind wander to the days ahead.
Before either women knew it, the week was over and Minerva was handing out timetables to her cubs. Hermione looked at hers and smiled when she saw she had double transfiguration last ... and with was expecting Albus to be her transfiguration professor, so she looked up to Albus and smiled at him as a way of thanks. He nodded and Hermione turned back to studying her timetable.
Lunch came and Hermione was just as happy as she was when she awoke that morning in Minerva's arms. She ate very little at lunch as she was anxious to get to her next lesson, which was also her last of the day. She eventually gave up on eating and quickly walked from the Great Hall with a slight spring to her step.
Up at the head table, Albus was smiling to himself as he watched Hermione half skip, half walk out of the hall. He knew how happy Minerva was as he had caught her humming to herself as she was walking down to breakfast that morning. He still wasn't quite sure if he had done the right thing, but he was sure he would soon find that out. Hopefully I've made the right choice. It wasn't very often that Albus doubted himself, but when he put the life of his best friend and star student on the line, he really didn't know what to do.
"You're early Miss Granger."
"I know Professor, I just couldn't wait to come here."
"Always the star pupil." Minerva looked up from her paper work and smiled at the young woman in front of her. "How are you feeling Mia?"
"I'm good. Didn't feel much like eating though." Hermione hung her head; her happy mood quickly left her.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" Minerva asked sweetly as she sat next to Hermione at her desk.
"I miss my parents and my friends," she whispered.
"I know sweetheart, I know." Minerva placed an arm around her shoulders and held her close.
After a few moments, Hermione smiled and sniffled a little. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."
"Don't apologise."
Hermione smiled and lightly pressed a kiss to Minerva's cheek. Minerva smiled back and did the same before standing.
"Get your books and wand out, everyone else will be here soon."
Hermione nodded and Minerva winked. They had both talked earlier that day about keeping their actions in check as neither of them could let slip about their feelings toward each other.
Soon after Minerva had seated herself back behind her desk, the classroom started to fill. Hermione buried her nose into one of the many books on her table until Minerva stood and got the attention of the class.
As usual, Hermione finished both the practical and written part of the lesson well within the two hours that was set. This time though, instead of reading as she usually did, she decided to write a letter while Minerva marked her essay. She set a charm on the paper so anyone other than herself and the one it was intended for would only see extra notes. Five minutes before the end of the lessons, Minerva handed back Hermione her essay and set the homework to the rest of the class. The bell went and as Hermione walked passed Minerva, she slipped the letter into her hand. Hermione practically skipped out of the classroom leaving Minerva a little dazed.
Sitting behind her desk, Minerva slowly opened the folded letter.
Dearest Erva,
I know you were probably expecting me to stay after the lesson today, but I didn't want to raise suspicions. If you come to our chambers five minutes before dinner, I'd like to show you something that would be best to be kept quiet. I love you Erva and I hope you will forgive me for not telling you sooner.
All my love,
Mia x
Minerva sat and gazed into space, she didn't know what to do. She had wanted to keep Hermione back at the end of the lesson, but she had decided not to for the same reason Hermione had written down. Minerva placed the letter from her love into her pocket and she started to mark terribly written essays, but her mind still wandered to what Hermione would show her when she arrived in their chambers.
Meanwhile, Hermione was sat in the castle library when a large snowy owl landed on her arm. Hermione gazed at it with a frown as it held out its leg.
"Thank you," she whispered as she fed it a owl treat. Hermione starred at it as the owl sat on the desk in front of her and waited for her reply. Slowly, she broke the unfamiliar seal and read the neat scrawl.
Mione,
I know we said we wouldn't get in touch, but I couldn't help it. Ron's driving me crazy! We're missing you so much, but we understand that you needed to go back to Hogwarts. Is there anything new happening there? How's Gin? I know you're probably busy, but we need your help, I've enclosed our notes. Please let us know what you think...
Take care X
Hermione wiped away the lone tear had made its way down her cheek as she thought of her friends. Ginny had hardly spoken to her since they arrived back at the castle because Hermione always had to have either a member of staff around or be in the common room, but sharing rooms with Minerva meant that she very rarely went into the common room. She had no idea what she could write to Harry.
Hermione had sat at her desk with a quill in hand and a blank piece of parchment on the smooth surface. She had read over the notes, but need more time to research. That's where I'll start.
Hermione started to scribble on the rough page and was soon finished. She thought the boys would think she had written them an essay, but she thought it was just short enough for them. Although the one thing that she desperately wanted to tell them, she couldn't just in case the letter fell into the wrong hands. Before she sent it off with the owl, Hermione put the same charm on it as she had done Minerva's letter earlier that day. After watching the owl fly off, she glanced at the clock that was hung above her desk and gasped. Minerva was due in their chambers in a few minutes.
"Hermione?" Minerva called from the living room two minutes later.
"In here." Hermione called back.
Minerva embraced Hermione when she found her in the master bedroom. "You wanted to show me something?"
Hermione nodded. "Can you sit on the bed with me please?"
Minerva complied but raised an eyebrow once they were both seated.
Hermione took a deep breath and got Minerva to look at her. Once she had Minerva's full attention she closed her eyes. Surprised, Minerva gasped. She had no idea what to think. What to feel...
To Be Continued ...