Part 3
One week later…
Throughout the week Hermione had tried at almost every opportunity to get the attention of the Headmistress and talk through what had happened. The Headmistress, however, was apparently quite adept at avoiding a person when she wanted to.
Which was how Hermione found herself quickly following Minerva from the main Hall, hoping to grab a minute of the woman's time whether she liked it not.
"Minerva!"
Minerva stopped and looked around surprised to see the younger woman following her. She sighed and continued to walk on. She didn't want to talk which was exactly what Hermione wanted to do.
"Miss Granger, I don't have time to…"
Hermione caught her arm and pulled her to a stop "It will just take a minute"
Minerva scowled "I really don't have time, I have a meeting with the ministry which I cannot be late for"
"And you won't, so let me be frank and you can be on your way" she'd had enough of this skirting around it "I don't know what upset you that night and as you said it is none of my business. I don't want to know. What I do want you to know, however, is that I never meant to insult you earlier that day. You were a pleasant distraction whether you choose to believe me or not. It was meant as a compliment, not an insult" Hermione rushed out finally.
Minerva could see what Hermione said was true. She could see it in her eyes, so honest and caring. Why was this woman so kind to her? She certainly did not deserve it.
Minerva looked her over fully "You are too kind for your own good you know"
Hermione looked at her like she held some kind of pleasant secret "What's the point in being cruel when kindness is so much more pleasant"
Because eventually it will let you down and get you hurt.
Minerva said nothing and went to walk away but paused and looked back at the younger witch "I, I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions and for my spiteful words thereafter toward you" Minerva stumbled out.
Hermione felt her heart warm a the small morsel Minerva had given her "You are forgiven"
The ends of Minerva's lips curled ever so slightly before she carried on walking toward her office.
-Finding Words-
Minerva blinked her eyes quickly as she walked through the corridors of Hogwarts having just returned from the ministry. It had been a long day but finally her meetings with the ministry had come to an end and sleep seemed to be a constant on her mind. A cup of tea was what was needed. Merlin, what she wouldn't do for a cup of tea right now.
She was tired but she had promised she would check in with Poppy when she got back. Her feet led her slowly, but eventually she arrived outside Poppy's door
"You're back in one piece I see?"
Minerva smiled "Indeed, not for much longer I fear though"
Poppy looked at her in sympathy.
"I was planning on a cup of tea before I retire, would you like to join me?" Minerva asked.
"That would be lovely"
They carried on up the stairs chatting quietly. Pomona had a few new plants that seemed to be causing some trouble in the green house but with Neville Longbottom always on hand these days, between them things were slowly getting back to normal. Minerva knew that once Pomona decided to retire she wanted to give her position to Mr Longbottom and Minerva liked the idea tremendously. He would be a good fit. He was kind and ever so patient, she could see a good future for him here.
Suddenly the stair case decided upon a sudden change in course bringing a tired looking Hermione Granger to them as the stairs locked together.
"Hermione" Poppy smiled.
"Good evening Poppy" Hermione forced a smile.
"Are you alright? You look tired" Poppy asked gently, concern evident in her voice.
Hermione waved them off "I'm fine, thank you. Nothing a good nights rest won't cure if only the stairs would let me get back to my rooms"
Minerva looked at the dishevelled woman. She was glad the air between them had been cleared this morning but words between them were never forth coming. She wondered if they ever would be. And so she stayed silent, watching as her friend and Hermione conversed, Hermione's eyes occasionally darting back to her.
"We are having tea in Minerva's chambers before we retire. You are welcome to join us" Poppy offered without Minerva's permission but Minerva said nothing.
Hermione's eyes darted back to the ever silent woman, unsure.
Minerva shifted "You are welcome if that is what you wish" she said quietly.
Hermione tried to read her face but found nothing but the façade she valiantly held every day.
"The offer is a tempting one but a bed is calling me with much more allure"
"Perhaps a rain check then?" Poppy smiled.
Hermione nodded "Sounds perfect"
Poppy smiled and bid the woman good night with a small hug and a kiss to her cheek. The air around them was awkward when it came to their good night and neither of them made any move to exchange a goodnight just like Poppy and Hermione had.
Minerva forced a smile "Well, goodnight, Miss Granger"
Hermione shifted and looked at her with something akin to longing. Absurd. "Goodnight, Headmistress" and before Minerva could make heads or tails of it she was gone, descending down the stairs and around a corner until she was out of sight.
Poppy frowned as watched the strange exchange but after a second of second guessing herself she let it go and followed the Scottish witch up the stairs with questions and observations she didn't quite understand.
3 days later…
Hermione rifled through her stacks of papers and smiled in relief when she found the small tests she wanted her year 3 students to do in her next class. It wasn't a hard test, just a little pop quiz to refresh their memories and give her the chance to see how they were progressing.
Setting them at the side she summoned her piece of chalk and with a swish of her wrist the chalk went to the board and began writing today's itinerary.
"May I have a moment of your time?"
Hermione jumped at the voice behind her, and the chalk that had been writing on the board fell to the floor with a sharp clap.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you" Minerva stated as she flicked her hand, the chalk piecing back together before settling back into its tray beneath the board.
Hermione turned around and waved the woman's apologies off "You're fine. I just wasn't expecting you, or anyone for that matter" Hermione stated a little obviously. How did the woman get her in such a tangle? She was usually so sure of herself. Clumsy had been a foreign word to her until she had met Minerva. Now, whenever she was in the same room as the woman she would knock something over, or give the impression she was constantly nervous.
She needed to get a grip.
"You have my attention" Hermione stated as she put down the homework she had graded last night and was to give back to her students today.
Minerva moved and spotted the tests, ready to be put upon each student's desk "May I?"
Hermione was surprised that Minerva wanted to do such a mundane task but nodded her head, and watched as the Headmistress collected the tests and starting put one on each desk.
"I wondered if you would be staying at Hogwarts over the Holidays. I asked some time ago but you have yet to answer"
Hermione had admittedly forgotten. She hadn't even spoken to her parents yet.
"Sorry, I forgot. I have been a little preoccupied I suppose. I shall have to see what my parent's plans are but I shall have an answer for you by the end of the week, I promise.
Minerva nodded and continued to put the tests on the desk. The task was a simple one, but with 40 odd students it took a few minutes to get them all out.
"May I ask you a personal question?" Hermione queried despite herself.
Minerva paused in her task and looked back at the younger woman who stood behind her desk. She should have said no but something held her back "If you feel you must, but I cannot guarantee I will give you the answer you seek"
Hermione nodded as she fiddled with the edges of her student's books.
"I know I said I would not ask, and that it was none of my business, but… why were you crying that night?"
Minerva sighed. Of course Hermione would be curious, it was in her nature. And who was Minerva to criticise her, she had been very much the same when she was a younger lass.
"…Believe it or not, a long time ago I had a partner…who died during the war…" Minerva said softly. Why she felt the need to tell this woman she didn't know.
Hermione felt guilt rip through her "I'm sorry"
Minerva shook her head as she carried on putting down the tests "It was a long time ago. She is never far from my thoughts. But some days, on occasion, it's a little harder to bare"
Hermione's eyebrow lifted at the word 'she' and in that moment she was glad that Minerva had her back to her. She. Hermione smiled imagining how courtly Minerva would be.
"What was she like?"
Minerva ran her hands over the smooth surface of a test as she put it down, a small smile adorning her lips as she remembered her lost love.
"She was strong and beautiful. She was never one to back down from a challenge. She had strong opinions but also had the grace to back down and adjust if she was wrong or at fault… She gave me quite the run for my money" Minerva said quietly. Not wanting to say more but at the same time wanting to talk of everything about her.
Hermione smiled "I would have like to have met her"
Minerva turned her head and looked at Hermione with interest. It was strange really but now she thought about it, she could have seen Hermione and Amelia getting on rather well.
"As much as I am loathe to say it, I think she would have liked you, very much" Amelia had known how to push her buttons and so did Hermione. Yes, they would've have gotten on a treat.
Hermione smiled and watched as Minerva placed the last few tests down "Thank you"
Minerva didn't say anything and walked back up to the front of the classroom.
"Would I be pushing my luck if I asked you another question?" Hermione smiled even though she knew the woman would deny her the privilege. But just being in her presence a moment more was worth Minerva's wrath Hermione thought.
Minerva's lips thinned even though she knew the younger woman was goading her. "You have pushed your luck far further than I have allowed anyone in a long time, Miss Granger. I think that's enough pushing for one day"
Hermione smiled and Minerva left. No more needed to be said that day.
4 days later…
"If we have a usual selection of meats and vegetables, salad too, and then I trust your opinion for desserts"
Felicity, her head kitchen elf, nodded and smiled sweetly "You's shall not be disappointed Headmistress"
Minerva smiled gently back "I'm sure I won't, you always do such a splendid job, thank you"
Minerva turned to leave when she found Hermione near the entrance to the kitchen, watching her with those brown eyes that she found more tempting with each passing day. She wasn't stupid. For some reason she found Hermione's eyes warm and inviting. The signs were there, she could so easily let the woman in, find a friend, but she wouldn't let herself.
Feeling wasn't an option for her and feeling for someone new, someone who she feared she could feel very much for terrified her, because in the end Hermione would destroy her. The possibility of losing her if she let herself care for her would destroy her
"May I help you, Miss Granger?"
Hermione said nothing for a moment and Minerva couldn't help but take in the woman in her white shirt, jeans and boots. It was a Sunday after all, casual clothes were the norm but what surprised her more was how lovely the younger witch looked.
"Christmas" Hermione spoke breaking Minerva's unusual train of thought.
Minerva looked at her confused "Pardon? I don't understand"
Hermione mentally shook herself. Walking into the kitchen Minerva had looked so calm and relaxed it had taken Hermione by surprise and the urge to watch and stare had taken over. "Sorry, I meant to say I will be here over the Christmas break. My parents are in France and it just seems easier for me to stay here during that time"
Minerva nodded "Right. That should be fine, I assume you know that you will be required to look after the students who will be staying?"
Hermione nodded "Of course, that should be no problem"
Minerva nodded as they stood meters apart from each other but somehow still caught by one another.
"Will you?"
Minerva looked at her confused again "Will I what?"
"Be staying, over the holidays?"
"Oh, ah, yes. I will"
Hermione nodded the thought of spending the holidays with the Headmistress a pleasant one. She'd never admit it. "Right, well, I'll… go. Have a nice evening" Hermione said quickly before hurrying away.
Minerva stood there a little bewildered and at a loss at Hermione's loss of words. She missed the woman's forward nature and her defiance against her. Bloody hell.
"Pretty little thing" Felicity commented as she rolled out the pastry for the pie they would be having this evening.
Minerva looked over at Felicity and back to where Hermione had just been stood. She didn't say anything but her silence agreed with Felicity's statement before she headed out in the same direction as Hermione had. Pretty little thing indeed.
-Finding words-
One week later…
The castle was strangely quiet now most of the students had left for the holidays. They would be back soon enough, but for now Hermione revelled in the peace and quiet that settled over the large castle. It was an odd sensation but at the same time she had that feeling you got when you were home alone for a while. You have the privilege to do whatever you like, like walk around naked or have that sneaky passionate sex session before someone returned home again, a small but pleasant thrill.
She felt free and somewhat mischievous.
The students had left yesterday and since then Harry had written in promise that he would visit her soon. With Ginny pregnant however, he was hesitant to leave her with her being so close to her due date which Hermione completely understood. He would see her when he could. Perhaps she would go over herself. She would sort out the details later.
The library welcomed her with gentle quiet as she walked inside. Yes, this would do. A day of calm amongst pages she knew best and understood with a sense like no other. Hermione, books and knowledge were like bread and butter or pepper and salt, they went hand in hand.
After a near 20 minutes of browsing the long shelves she found a muggle fiction book. It was a new one she had been dying to read. She had helped Madam Pince move some new books into the library the other week but had not yet had the opportunity to read any of them. Now seemed liked the perfect occasion.
Picking up a long novel she let her feet lead her down the many aisles until she found the alcove she liked best. It was small and tucked away, not many people ventured down this particular way which was why Hermione liked it. It took her away from anything else leaving her alone. Just her and her book.
Only today it wasn't just her and her book. Minerva sat where she would usually sit with papers scattered around her while she read over some of the ministry's new laws in the paper. Of course she was here.
"May I join you?" Hermione asked and smiling when the Headmistress jumped slightly.
Hermione should have expected the silence that greeted her instead of words of welcome. In any other circumstance Hermione would have left taking the silence as a sign of dismissal, but not with Minerva. If the Scottish woman wanted her gone a scathing remark would have long since left her lips and so Hermione did the only thing she could and took the silence as invitation.
Summoning another seat Hermione took a place at the opposite side of the table as Minerva went back to her paper. Hermione felt a smile forming in her stomach if you could have such a thing. It was like a deep warmth fluttering in the pit of her tummy as her eyes flicked back over to the ever quiet witch. Well at least she hadn't shouted at her. That was a start at the very least.
Opening her book she chewed the inside of her cheek. Her eyes flicked to Minerva one last time, in trepidation, until she let herself get lost in the words on the page in front of her.
Hermione wasn't sure how much time had passed when she finally lifted her head up from her book to find Minerva looking at her. Before Hermione could smile back though, the older woman's gaze was back on the essays in front of her. Hermione had noted that the woman had stopped reading the paper at some point and had continued with marking the essays some of the fifth year students had asked to be checked over the Christmas period so they could better prepare for their O.W.L's and Older students for their N.E.W.T's.
"Was there something you wanted?" Hermione asked gently while marking the page in her book before closing it.
Minerva didn't look up "Why would I need anything from you?" she said haughtily.
Hermione frowned but knew by now that the woman's natural reaction was to go on the defence. "It was a question, not an accusation"
Minerva wasn't sure if it was the younger woman's gentle tone or the way she said her name but her defences came down a notch and she found herself relaxing in Hermione's kind presence.
Minerva didn't apologise but with the wave of her hand two cups of tea appeared before the two women.
Hermione took the tea and inhaled the hot and heady aroma. Hermione sometimes wondered if tea was the only thing they seemed to have a mutual appreciation for. She wondered if they would agree upon other things but the idea of having a full and pleasant conversation with Minerva was a distant hope.
Sipping the hot beverage Hermione sighed as the liquid slipped down her oesophagus and into the welcoming arms of her stomach.
It wasn't much but the way Hermione relaxed into her chair, bringing the cup with her, gave Minerva a feeling of gladness, something that over the years had become a feeling that was few and far between.
Hermione looked over to her quiet companion. She wanted conversation. She wanted to learn about this woman. She wanted to learn from this woman.
Stroking the rim of her tea cup Hermione sat back a little more, letting the tea do its charm "Talk to me"
Minerva peered over her half moons glasses at her "And why would I do that? If you hadn't noticed I am a little preoccupied" Minerva looked back at the essay and scribbled something on the edge of it.
"Because I would like you to" Hermione simply said "Because I would like to have a simple, casual conversation with you"
The words were simple. Simple and straightforward and they had Minerva pausing.
There were not many people these days that wanted to have a 'simple, causal' conversation with her. Oh indeed many wanted to talk to her, but never with her, Minerva.
Simple. Casual.
Perhaps.
Breathing in, Minerva put her quill in her ink pot and set down her glasses. Taking a sip of her tea she sat back and looked over at the younger woman who was struggling not to beam at her. How easily Hermione showed her emotions. Minerva wasn't quite sure how to show her emotions anymore.
"Talk" Minerva said casually.
Hermione shook her head in refusal as she swallowed her tea "Mm, mm. I asked you first"
Minerva rolled her eyes but conceded.
"…Do you play chess?"
Hermione shook her head again "Not really. Harry and Ron are fans of it. They are quite fond of wizard's chess. I find it a little barbaric for my liking, but normal chess I don't think I would be so adverse to.
"Would you be adverse to me teaching you?" Minerva asked softly.
Hermione felt her heart warm. Minerva wanted to teach her something. And there lay the olive branch, the one she had so long since wanted to take but had not been offered, till now.
"I would like that"
Minerva suppressed her smile and summoned her chess board. As Minerva set about setting up the board their conversation continued.
"You lived in France?"
"Boarded" Hermione corrected "And yes, for a time while I attended school" Hermione watched as Minerva set up the pieces "My mother is French so she wanted me to be educated in France for my high school years"
"And you are fluent in both English and French?"
"Yes"
"And you did well in your grades"
"Yes" Hermione frowned "Ask me things you don't already know, Minerva. I won't have you telling me facts about me that, quite obviously, we already know"
Minerva sighed. She didn't want to venture. She didn't want to get to know her. That would mean they knew each other and that equalled to friendship and that lead to feeling. And feeling was too costly. But maybe, for tonight, one night.
"...I imagine you were quite a studious girl. Which begs the question on how on earth you got tangled up with Mister's Potter and Weasley?"
Hermione smiled thinking back to the first time she had met the boys. Ron's introduction had been an absolute shambles but Harry was ever the kind soul she had first thought him to be.
"An odd trio I admit. Ron was abhorrent in his constant flirtation but eventually I found it rather funny. It is baffling how daft he can be sometimes. Harry on the other hand was very kind and charming. I found two friends that I never thought I'd have, and somehow we balanced each other. They are like brothers to me"
"And yet you dated one of them" Minerva pointed out.
Hermione grimaced "Mm, yes, not my finest moment, but he had been persistent and kind and I thought, why not? It was after the war and I was… scared. He offered me comfort and a home for a while. A home I needed. After a year, though, I knew it wasn't going to work and I called it off. We are better as friends than lovers"
"How are Ginerva and the baby fairing?"
Hermione smiled "They are well. Ginny can't wait to see the little one and I've never seen Harry so nervous but he's still as attentive as ever"
Minerva placed the last pieces on the chess board. "Ready?"
Hermione gestured for the Scottish witch to show her what to do, and for the next hour or so Minerva taught Hermione the ins and outs of the game while they exchanged trivial but pleasant conversation.
It was peaceful, Minerva thought and despite herself she found herself relaxing. She felt like she had been pleasantly softened and coaxed into Hermione's caring and capable hands.
Hermione leant back and watched as Minerva considered her next move.
"Will you tell me about your late-partner?"
Minerva sighed and tried to concentrate on the board and not Hermione's question.
"There's not much to tell. We met and we were together and then she died" Minerva said snippily "Why do you want to know anyway. She's gone"
"She was an important part of your life. I would like to know about her" Hermione said simply.
But it was more than that. Hermione got the feeling Minerva didn't like to dwell on the past which was fair but there's a time to mourn too and Hermione wondered if Minerva had done that. As painful as it felt Hermione had learned that talking helped. She wanted to help.
"What did she do?"
Minerva sighed "She worked for the ministry"
Hermione bit her lip. "How did you meet?"
"She was a friend of a friend. We met after we had both graduated school, Poppy knew her and we used to meet as a group. We became friends… and then she wasn't a friend anymore. She was so much more…" Minerva murmured quietly, remembering Amelia's face. Remembering her smile, her laugh, her cry, her moans of pleasure and how she used to hold her.
Hermione frowned "You were together a long time?" she hadn't realised how long.
"Yes" Minerva moved her piece "Check mate" Minerva could have called check mate more than half an hour ago but she had felt calm and relaxed in the younger witches' presence. But this, this was too much. She had been foolish.
Before Hermione could blink the chess board was gone with a wave of Minerva's hand and Hermione knew immediately she had pressed too far.
"Minerva…"
"Miss Granger, thank you for the game. I have a had pleasant afternoon but if you will excuse me, I have letters that will not write themselves"
"Minerva…" But Hermione could only watch as the woman swept up her work and fled her side. Shit.
-Finding Words-
The wind and rain earlier that day had now become a full storm. It had come so quickly and Minerva had the feeling it was here for the night. She had Poppy making sure that the students who were staying over the Christmas break were safe in the castle, and had quickly learned that Hermione had offered to make a quick search outside the castle. Idiot. She shouldn't have gone. The storm was too vicious. And now Minerva knew not where her colleague was and as loathe as she was to admit it, she was worried.
Thunder rumbled overhead and Minerva watched with anxious eyes outside her window. She wished the woman would hurry, her hands wringing together, a sign of distress.
Minutes passed with no sign of the woman and the storm seemed to only worsen, lightening striking the sky with anger while the thunder rumbled on in warning.
Without her animagus traits she would not have seen but in the distance she caught sight of movement. There, she was there, and without thought Minerva apparated until she was standing before a very wet and confused Hermione.
"What are you doing…?" Hermione almost shouted due to the ferocity of the rain and wind.
"What am I doing? What are you doing? The storm is too strong! You're soaked!" Minerva practically growled.
"The grounds needed to be checked!"
"You should have asked my permission first, you could have been hurt and I would never have known!" Minerva shouted angrily.
"I am fine, so could we please argue about this inside!" Hermione shouted, watching as Minerva quickly became as soaked as her, her skin glistening as stray hairs stuck to her face.
Hermione thought she had never looked more beautiful despite the tongue lashing she would get when they were inside. Hermione sighed knowing 'beautiful' was not a sentiment she should have for her boss. Perhaps it was simply an observation. Perhaps.
"You are an idiot" Minerva growled before stepping forward, her hands tugging Hermione forward somewhat forcefully by her hips as Hermione's own hands came to settle on her arms.
Quickly, Hermione felt Minerva's magic snake around her, licking her skin in kind as they disapparated, her mind and body bending and reforming until they were back in Minerva's office.
Hermione took a breath, her hands still on Minerva's arms while Minerva's still lay on her hips.
Immediately Minerva let her hands fall away and moved away, her clothes and skin now soaked. "What on earth were you thinking? You could have been killed"
"I was fine" Hermione tried.
"You do not know these woods or grounds, you don't know how to navigate them, you could have gotten lost, lightening could have struck a tree. You were foolish to go out there, and by yourself, you are insane!" Minerva paced angrily.
"Children may have been out there"
"Yes and so Hagrid is more than capable of checking the grounds, you had no need to go! You disobeyed my orders!"
Hermione felt her anger bubbling "You did not grant nor deny me permission…"
"Exactly! You should have asked my permission. I am your superior! What if you had been hurt! What then? I am the Headmistress and my job is to make sure everyone under the roof of this castle is safe and secure, but you, you decide to go for a leisurely walk in a treacherous storm! Why do you feel the need to constantly aggravate me?!"
"I was trying to help!" Hermione shouted "So instead of screaming at me you could at least say thank you!"
Minerva scoffed and looked at the red faced woman. Merlin she agitated her to no end!
"Thank you? You will receive no thanks from me, you were foolish and you will never do such a thing again without my permission. Do you not understand that my job is to keep you safe" Minerva growled looking at the storm that was ravaging the woods and trying its best to harm the castle.
Hermione ran her fingers through her wet hair "Alright, fine, I should have asked you, but in my defence there was no time. The storm hit quickly and I wasn't about to leave a child outside and alone. So, yes, I went against you, and if I knew then what I know now I would have still defied you"
Minerva whirled round. Of course she would have. Minerva could not say anything because while she had feared for the woman she understood Hermione's reasoning and admired it even. She would have done the same. Once again.
Minerva shook her head "…Your actions were brave Hermione, but next time, I beg that you take someone with you. Even if it is I that has to accompany you, but do not go alone. Am I understood?" Minerva asked softly.
Hermione nodded "Yes, Headmistress"
Minerva tried not to show her emotions as she looked at the younger witch but wondered whether Hermione saw the cracks. Cracks she had made, cracks that terrified Minerva.
"…I'm sorry…" Hermione murmured.
Minerva turned around, away from Hermione, her words too tender for Minerva's confused heart and head. So what the woman had gone into the storm? Others had done the same and yet her worry had not consumed her like it did now.
"You are dismissed"
Hermione frowned. She didn't want to go but she was cold and wet and she needed to get out of her wet clothes.
She left.
Minerva sighed.
-Finding Words-
Three days later…
Hermione sighed as she entered Hogwarts, its large and comforting walls greeting her. She hadn't been here long but she found Hogwarts more comforting than she had felt anywhere in a long time. Taking off her hat and scarf she wandered through the halls and up the many stairs until her feet found themselves in front of Minerva's office.
They hadn't spoken much since the storm almost three days ago but she had a question for the stern woman. One she hoped she wouldn't turn down. So she braced herself and knocked.
'Come in'
Hermione breathed in and opened the door. Stepping in she closed he door behind her but didn't move forward instead she leant back against the door and watched as Minerva came down from where she assumed was the woman's bedchambers.
As Minerva descended the stairs Hermione found herself caught. She didn't wear her usual robes but instead sported a black jumper with a white shirt underneath and black slacks and a small pointed heel. Her hair was up but it was not as severe and Hermione couldn't help but look a little surprised. Pleasantly so.
Minerva raised her eyebrow "Was there something you wanted, Miss Granger? Or are you simply going to lounge against my door all night?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile. The words had been subtle but there had been humorous sarcasm that suited Minerva's subtle ways well.
"It is a lovely door" Hermione said cheekily.
"I suppose it has it charms, if you find hard wood appealing" Minerva smirked at her innuendo.
"The headmistress jokes! Are you feeling well?" Hermione teased carefully.
"I may have indulged myself with a glass of whiskey or two" Minerva confessed.
Hermione found her heart warming as Minerva came down the last step but going no further.
"You have been out?" Minerva gestured to the younger witches coat, hat and scarf.
"Yes, it's why I came to see you actually"
"Oh?"
Hermione stepped forward "I went to see Harry and Ginny. Molly and Arthur were there also and have invited me over for Christmas dinner. I know they are friends of yours too and they asked you to join us as well"
Minerva was speechless for a moment. It had been years since she had spent Christmas with anyone. Since Amelia's passing she hadn't felt the need to celebrate it any more. It had seemed pointless.
And now this woman was asking her. Inviting her.
"Please come. I know its a little last minute and I don't know if you had plans with your own family but if you don't…"
"I don't… I mean, I don't have any family left…" Minerva revealed.
"Then come" Hermione smiled "I would like it very much if you came"
"I'm not…"
"If you are to spend it alone, I won't allow it. I will stay with you if you do not wish to go to Molly and Arthur's. No one should spend Christmas alone"
Minerva rolled her eyes but felt her heart squeeze at Hermione's kindness.
"We can go in the day and in the evening you can teach me more about chess" Hermione suggested.
"And what if I don't want to play chess?" Minerva gently teased the woman.
"Then we can play something else"
"And what if I don't want to play something else?" Minerva stood resolute, enjoying bating the younger woman.
"Then ill see if I can tempt you with wine or whiskey"
"And what if I have a womanly caller that night?"
Hermione stuttered at Minerva's words and Minerva found herself chuckling quietly.
Hermione was suprised at Minerva's tease but found herself smiling with the older woman "You're teasing me"
Minerva smiled "It happens every now and then. Forgive me"
Hermione shook her head "There's nothing to forgive. So will you come?"
Minerva looked into gentle brown eyes and felt her resistance fall away. "Yes, I will join you. Tell Molly I am very grateful for the invitation and if she needs any assistance I will be more than happy to help"
Hermione nodded "I will" she confirmed pausing as Minerva looked at her with an expression that made Hermione's stomach flutter slightly "Right, well, I'll leave you for the evening and we can sort the details out tomorrow?"
"Sounds agreeable"
Hermione smiled "Good, well, goodnight then"
"Good night, Hermione"
As Hermione turned she felt herself sigh and knew then as she left through the old wooden door that she had started to form feelings for the woman. Feelings that she hoped were of friendship but feared could change into something more.
Author's notes: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! As always let me know what you think, your thoughts are always appreciated. And I'm sorry for any mistakes! Thank you X
