Chapter 3 ~ August 4th 2009 (Tuesday)

"Shall I send your purchases to the Manor or Hogwarts?" Melanie asked as she handed Minerva the bill.

Minerva reached into her robes, pulling out her glasses and with practiced ease put them on, eyes quickly sliding down the figures of the invoice. "Unfortunately I have not had much time to spend at the Manor this year." She glanced up eyes peering over the gold frames to meet Melanie's brown gaze, "If you would be so kind as to send them to Hogwarts."

Melanie nodded, "Of course. They will arrive the week before the start of term unless you need an article prior to that."

"No." Minerva stated folding the slip of parchment in half, "That will be more than adequate." With a subtle wave of her hand, the bill vanished and Minerva was dropping a small pouch of galleons next to the register. "Please use the extra to assist young Teddy Lupin in the purchase of his school robes and a tip for yourself."

"Headmistress…this is too much." Melanie stated as she stared into the pouch of galleons.

"Nonsense, dear." She absently removed her glasses from her face and tucked them in her robes as she continued on, "I know that you must import the silk for my robes, and at the quoted price you cannot be charging me more than your cost." Minerva dropped her hand and a walking stick materialized at her side. "Please speak with your mother about how to charge the clientele." She paused, "I am sure she will inform you of who you are to charge closer to cost and who you are not too."

"I was told that you were one of those clients." She whispered.

Minerva eyed the young witch for a long moment as if pondering the notion, before allowing a smile to appear on her face. "Then I shall have to speak with Meredith, for it seems that I have been overcharged for years."

Melanie stammered, "I…it's just that you…well…you're so…it seemed the least I could do."

"I have been shopping here for over seven decades, Melanie. And I am quite comfortable with the pricing structure. Though I do appreciate the sentiment. Please give my regards to your mother, good day."

"Professor..." Melanie called out.

The elder witch paused, hand on the door knob, head turning back to the young witch, eyebrow raised. "Yes, Miss Malkins?"

"Thank you." She stated.

Minerva merely tipped her head in acknowledgment before continuing on her previous trek, and at once stepped onto the cobblestone street and began heading toward the Apothecary to finish some of her pre-term shopping. Her mind idly on the comings and going of the prospective first years, along with their parents; the awe muggleborns easily standing out among the wizarding families as they traversed the alley.

"If it is none other than the venerable Headmistress of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall." His voice causing a chill to ripple down her spine as the vile taste of bile flooded her mouth, "My mother-in-law."

Minerva turned toward the voice she'd know anywhere, cheek muscles rippling along her clenched jaw. "Johannes." She drawled, eyes sweeping over her daughter's husband. He had aged considerably over the past 5 years, a hint of grey at his temples, the scar along his cheek from their encounter 7 years ago. "You should not have come back here, and to me," her hand involuntarily clenched along the head of her walking stick as she finished, "of all people."

"I must admit to being mildly shocked to see you still alive," a sense of awe passing over his features, "the bonding, it seems Esmerele was right, it must have worked." He stated, before whispering to himself. "Fascinating."

Emerald eyes narrowed into predatory slits, the tips of her fingers unconsciously tapping along the top of her walking stick. She could still see him sweeping across the front lawn at her Manor, her daughter's blood dripping off his robes. "How is your shoulder?" A look of shock passed over his face at her question, and she pressed on, "Along with your back?"

"My shoulder and back?" He murmured, taking a step closer and then eyes flashing in realization. "You!" His jaw flinched in anger, fingers touching the side of his face. One of the many physical scars that she had given him when they had met in Madrid and England. "I should have known." He pursed his lips, a sneer sliding over his face, mirth lining his voice, "And how are your legs? I see you have had to resort to a cane."

Minerva could feel her control beginning to wane as Johannes' eyes swept over her, but the steady throng of people entering and exiting the shops infused her willpower as did the small bustle of crimson and gold robes belonging to the sprightly young lass, Rose Weasley, Hermione's daughter. She could just see Hermione stepping out of the shop behind her daughter, hand upon her shoulder…motherly gaze looking down…

It didn't feel like that much time had passed since she was doing the same thing…with her daughter…

Minerva noted their silhouettes pausing in the street just opposite, and despite her desire to bring Johannes to justice for his actions all those years ago, it would have to wait. She would not risk injuring those around them, no matter how much she desired otherwise. "I have no intention of dueling you, here, today." She stated, grinding the words from her lips, and hating that she was uttering them.

"You didn't back away in Madrid. You are not well are you?" His dry chuckle splitting the air, "You wouldn't willingly not fight me…unless," his mouth quirked down, sparkle appearing in his eyes, "you're dying."

"We are all dying Johannes," she stated, "even you."

At that he shook his head, "On the contrary my dear mother." His voice dropped low, becoming guttural. "I have no intentions of dying. Rather of becoming immortal, as you and your beloved husband had intended on being before he was killed."

Minerva's face portrayed her shock, "Immortal? What absurd idea…" Then she realized what information he sought, and she would die first; even if it meant the end of her and her beloved Hogwarts.

"During the course of our marriage, your daughter was most forthcoming regarding the family…"

Minerva could feel the hate she had long since buried come to life as the truth behind Esmerele's death had finally and shatteringly become known. "Is that why you killed her?" Minerva hissed.

Johannes answered her with words he had never dreamed he'd be able to utter. "She didn't die in my arms, she died in yours."

His words cut to her soul. In that moment, she felt her world stop…pain envelope her chest as tears wanted to spring forth…but she willed it all away locking eyes with him. Almost instantly the world around her began to melt away. All the reasons why she would never duel someone in the middle of Diagon Alley, suddenly seemed irrelevant. She would find a way, as she had always found a way. She was Minerva McGonagall…and this man, had killed her daughter. The raw anger that had driven her for years to look for him sparked again, instantly igniting a pulse of fury from deep within her core, all of which she tried to stymie for moments more as she sought understanding to how Esmerele had died. "You killed her because I survived when my husband had been killed despite being bonded."

"How does it feel to know that your life caused your beloved daughter's death?" He mocked. "Now tell me…"

The last of her control slipped, causing the colorful shops on either side of them to begin to shake, and before Johannes could utter another word his body blew backwards.

oxox

"Mom," Rose said pulling her mother's robe. "Isn't that Aunt McGonagall?" She asked pointing across the street.

Hermione glanced to where her daughter was pointing, and there standing in front of the Apothecary was Minerva McGonagall conversing with a tall brown haired man in dark cyan robes. "Yes, honey it is." She said as her daughter reached up and took her hand.

"Are we going to say hi?" She asked as Hermione slipped the shrunk package into her pocket.

Hermione turned towards Minerva and was shocked to see cold fury sweep over the elder woman's normally expressionless face. "I don't know if now is a good time, sweetheart." She said as she leaned down giving Rose a quick peck on the cheek. "How about we stop by and see her at Hogwarts before term starts?"

"Really!?" Rose asked excitedly. "She won't mind?"

"I'm sure she'll welcome the visit."

Rose's gaze returned to her Aunt, a frown immediately overtaking her smile, "Mom, I don't think she likes that man."

Hermione raised her eyes in time to see the Apothecary walls beginning to shake. "Get behind me." She stated, "Now."

Rose didn't need to be told twice and ducked behind her mother who was already pulling her wand out and before she could blink, had cast a protego charm as a blinding white light shot from Minerva's body and the body of the man was propelled backwards.

Hermione had lifted her hand to help block the intensity of the light from her eyes as she felt her shield charm buckling from the pulse of magic that had just swept over them. Lowering her hand, she tried to see…

xoxo

Minerva had already morphed her walking cane back into her wand, as Johannes rolled upright shaking his head as he stood…his own wand pointing at his adversary. "I shall have your secret, Minerva."

With a deft arc of her wand, the street shimmered and the sound of the surrounding traffic vanished having magically encased them in a bubble. "You shall be dead first."

"They can't hear us…" Johannes shook his head, as he eyed the witch before him with loathing, "To have such power, remaining so contained. You are a waste to that of a pureblood."

"To think I called you, son." Minerva scoffed before whipping her wand through the air as her mouth tightened into a thin line. A hundred pieces of cobblestone rose before her and at once swept towards Johannes.

They morphed from stone to smoke and as they shattered around his shield, into a silvery string that instantly tightened around his arms, which melted away as he sent chunks of rock back towards Minerva.

Jumping forward, her body twisted in a horizontal fashion through the air as the rocks swept by her…and before she touched the ground, the plants on either side of him sprung to life, wrapping around his legs.

He cringed as the vines tightened further along his left leg while he sent a barricade of dirt at the damnable woman.

Minerva's was turning back to Johanness when her body was slammed backwards, as dirt churned along her shoulder, cheek, hip, knee, and her hand…

xoxo

Hermione stood dumbfounded as part of the alley, literally rose upwards…and then she remembered, who the woman before her was, Minerva McGonagall, the witch of legend. True Minerva had aged, so had she…but, to think that the Headmistress still possessed so much magic…

And then she watched in horror as some of the cobblestone was morphed and daggers of rock were flying at her, "Minerva!" Hermione shrieked despite the knowledge that the witch and wizard were ensconced in a bubble, nothing in and nothing out – including sound.

Then she, along with the rest of the gathering onlookers, stood in utter amazement as Minerva's body leapt forward…in a spin…becoming parallel to the ground. Hermione felt her mouth slacken as first one, and then a second followed by third rock struck Minerva's outstretched hands causing the rocks to shatter into a million pieces of dust. As she arched into a landing, she had brought the weeds to life on either side of her adversary. And almost instantly, Minerva's body was slammed backwards by a wall of dirt, stone…and she could see Minerva fighting against the pressure, and then the wall began to fall, dirt and blood dripping from her high cheekbones, eyes blazing as her head snapped back to her adversary.

Gone was the woman Hermione had known her whole life, the woman who had taught her, mentored her, and become friends with; the woman before her looked positively murderous.

Remembering that her daughter was still with her, Hermione didn't waste another moment and pulled the small parcel from her pocket as she kneeled before Rose whispering, "Portus."

Rose gazed past her mother…as dust blew outwards before colliding with invisible bubble and falling to the cobblestone alley.

"Here…this will take you to Uncle Harry."

"Mom!?" A look of indignation instantly appeared on her small features, "I'm not leaving!"

"Go and tell him of Aunt McGonagall."

Rose stretched out her shaky fingers as tentative eyes moved past her mom and to the shocking display of magic just beyond, "Will she be alright?"

Hermione didn't know how to answer her daughter, other than repeat her earlier sentiment, "Go."

Rose didn't need to be told twice and stretched her fingers out, and then she was gone. Leaving her daughter's words to echo in her consciousness, Will she be alright? And as Hermione stood, wand still firmly ensconced in her fingers, ready to help as soon as an opportunity presented itself as her eyes remained riveted on the unprecedented duel that was shredding the road down the heart of Diagon Alley. Hermione found her beliefs collapsing as a pile of coins flew into Minerva's hand and melted through the air…for she had never considered a world without the Scottish witch in it.

Xoxo

The wall collapsed at Minerva's feet, her breaths becoming hard and she could feel the drain permeating throughout her body, as her magic become more sluggish and harder to conjure. So much for over a year, she thought as she summoned the last of her galleons, sickles and knuts stashed within her robes. In a heartbeat, the coins were hovering before her, There's going to be hell to pay for this, she thought as she whipped and twirled her wand with a series of quick flicks and spins.

The coins melted into a string of metal and then fell to a pool of thread at the wizard's feet.

"You have become an old woman and weak, like your daughter." He chided as he cast a blaze of fire towards her.

She remained motionless as the fire pressed down upon her and then she waved her right hand into her left, pulling a solitary tear off her cheek as the fire's flames licked her body.

Minerva stilled her heart as the heat of the flames touched her skin and with a deep breath; she whispered into the palm of her hand…blowing the single tear outward as the flames consumed her.

Xoxo

Hermione could not believe the coins had turned into threads of gold, silver and bronze before falling at the wizard's feet…to what end? And how the devil did she break Gringott's enhancements on the coins? She wondered; worry lacing her features, as a ball of fire swept towards Minerva who did not seem to be the least bit concerned.

Minerva merely stood…awaiting the spell's imminent arrival.

Then she seemed to wave in front of her face…and as the ball of fire encompassed the Headmistress…dozens of shouts screamed in anger, shock, worry as every witch and wizard along the alley tried to save Minerva McGonagall.

Hermione included.

Xoxo

The overbearing heat was gone as quickly as it had originated as the solitary tear became a wave of water, blanketing out the fire. Before even a wisp of smoke had risen off her robes, Minerva snapped her wand and a loud, thundering crack resonated down the alley. The pool of thread liquefied and before Johannes could move, an inverted netting of precious metals collapsed upon him.

Gripping his wand, he shot several bolts at Minerva who merely deflected them to the right and left. Hawk like eyes slanting against the light, gold frames glinting as she strode fearlessly forward.

And then as she closed to within ten paces, the netting fell from his chest…his breathing labored as he collapsed to the ground whilst firing a string of hexes.

Minerva countered one after another, sending her own barrages back at Johannes.

The light flying between their wands moving faster than could be seen by the naked eye.

Then Johannes misjudged…and the side of his face burst forth in pain. But in that moment, their eyes locked and he was no longer sure that she was dying. She was so alive. Full of magic. The antithesis of what he had believed. And he knew that he could not win today, nor would she willingly tell him what he sought. He would have to find another method of engaging her to ensure his victory.

With a growl of frustration he snapped. "We will meet again…mother."

"I shall be waiting." She replied as he vanished with a feint pop. Momentarily her eyes remained riveted upon the spot where Johannes had been standing only seconds before. Thoughts of her daughter's warm laughter rippling across the room, sparkling eyes filled with mischief and just as quickly the moment was gone. Sighing, she pulled herself back to the present as her eyes swept across the shattered alley, thanking Merlin that it had been confined to just the street and not the shops too.

With feigned ease, she extended her hand and her wand shimmered…growing into a gnarled walking stick that she dropped onto the stone street, and at once the encasing bubble burst outward, the noise along the Alley instantly reaching her.

"Minerva!" She tilted her head up ever so much at the distinct voice of her old student, Hermione Weasley…and was about to acknowledge her…but it mattered not, there wasn't time. Her adrenaline was already waning; she was too tired…and could feel her body crumbling. Without thought, Minerva closed her eyes…the last of her strength swept through her, and with a singular pulse of magic, the world jumped and her body was collapsing against the iron gates of Hogwarts.

Xoxo

The fire had dissipated into a wave of smoke as water billowed outwards and the rich pile of thread spooled into the wind and reformed as a great eagle's nest that snapped into a net…continually tightening around the wizard's body. And there stood Minerva McGonagall over 50 paces away, her hat lay forgotten along the side of the street as strands of her hair fell from her bun blowing in the wind, one side of her face smudged with dirt and a trail of blood dripping from her jaw…lips pursed in a thin line…her usually pristine emerald robes scorched in several spots from the fire…as she marched forward, with a purpose that brought new meaning to the muggle phrase, 'hell hath no fury.' And in that moment, Minerva looked to be every inch the most powerful witch of her age as her cloak billowed behind her; a molten fire bursting forth from her green eyes as she deflected the oncoming spells as though swatting a pesky mosquito.

The wizard managed to disengage the netting as she closed to within a mere 10 paces and then a specter of varied lights shot between the two as their wands moved at speeds faster than one could watch before the wizard jerked backwards hand to his cheek…shock upon his face as they exchanged a flurry of words before the bubble pulsed and the wizard was gone.

Collectively the street breathed a sigh of relief the furious duel was over, and they watched as the revered witch slowly turned, taking in the devastation before her. And Hermione watched as the shoulders of the Headmistress began to slacken, the fatigue from her duel already evident in her movements which were becoming slow, stiff…as she wearily extended her fingers, and her wand shimmered into a weathered walking stick that she dropped to the street. The effect was immediate, the bubble burst…and the clatter of coins could be heard jingling along the cobblestone.

Hermione was already running towards Minerva, who seemed to waver for a moment, "Minerva!" The emerald clad witch barely glanced upwards, and then in a flash, she was gone.

Xoxo

Minerva could feel the pulse of Hogwarts and then she felt a flutter of fingers on her arm. "You is most unwell, Headmistress." Her elderly head house elf, Elgin scolded. "Come…come…to your chambers." He stated, and his withered fingers tightened around her arm and they winked away from the gates.

"Dear Merlin, Minerva…!" Poppy exclaimed, as Minerva fell backwards onto her bed. "What? How?" The medi-witch turned to the obscure house elf. "You said she needed assistance…where did you…?"

Filius burst through the oak door and drew up to a stop at the sight of Poppy berating the head house elf, who was rarely seen by any, save Minerva since Albus' death…and Minerva lay exhausted in a burnt heap, of dirt smudged robes.

Elgin turned to Filius giving a quaint nod as he stated, "The Ministry approaches, Deputy." With a curt bow, he was gone.

"I seemed to have made a bit of ruckus while shopping at the alley today." Minerva stated, pulling herself upright and wincing as she did.

Poppy and Filius turned to each other, "A bit?" They chorused as they took in the disheveled appearance of their friend.

"Please stall them for a few moments Filius," She whispered, "and get me a pepper up potion, Poppy."

"Minerva…" Poppy swallowed her desire to scold Minerva, "you must rest. You are exhausted, dear Merlin, how much magic did you use?" She gasped as she realized what Minerva meant by ruckus, "You were in a duel."

Filius's concern mirrored Poppy's, "That was most unwise…and…"

Albus' voice cut the conversation, "Five ministry officials have just entered Hogwarts."

"You may berate me later." She snapped, "After the ministry has been dealt with." She pushed herself fully upright, "And call the Professors back, immediately. In addition, I will tell Kingsley that we shall need to re-activate the Order of the Phoenix."

"Minerva, surely…" Filius began to reason, "There is no need to re-activate the Order, as there is no one alive who would warrant such concern."

Despite the overbearing fatigue…her disheveled appearance…her weakening body…in that moment, fire danced in her words and shot from her eyes. "I am afraid my dear friend that darkness has returned."

Xoxo

The street was swarming with reporters from the Prophet and Ministry officials as statements were being taken from hundreds of the witnesses. Echoes of their conversations could be heard along the alley.

"Don't know what they were talkin' about…"

"…never seen anything…"

"Still the greatest witch…"

"Can't be a good sign that McGonagall would duel in the middle of Diagon Alley…"

"Utterly amazing…"

"Never been more afraid in me life…"

"Haven't a clue who he was…"

"She did train with Dumbledore for decades…"

"Need to talk with the Goblins…"

"No…somehow the duel was encased…"

"A right witch she is…in league of her own…"

"Bloody marvelous…"

"Don't rightly know if Gringott's money…"

"Heard she was an Unspeakable for a time…"

Then she felt a warm hand upon her shoulder, "'Mione." Harry pulled her around as his eyes swept over his friend. "You okay?"

Hermione nodded, eyes closing as he pulled her into his embrace. "Yeah." She muttered before stepping back. "Harry, I've never seen Minerva so…" She shook her head at a momentary loss of words.

"Mrs. Weasley. Harry." Kingsley's deep voice cutting across the air and their conversation. "Do you know where the Headmistress went following the duel?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, but I would guess to either her Manor or Hogwarts."

"I have already sent teams to both." Kingsley moved to leave, but Hermione reached out grasping his arm.

"Who was that man?"

The minister shook his head, "It would seem that only our illustrious Headmistress knows." He paused taking in the younger witch and wizard, "I shall need a statement Hermione." He turned as a feint voice stated Hogwarts. "It would seem that you were correct, she had indeed returned to Hogwarts. Thank you…and good day."

Harry and Hermione watched as Kingsley disapparated, "From what I've heard," Harry turned to Hermione, "The duel was intense."

Hermione clenched her jaw, "Whoever he was, Harry, he couldn't have been good. She had a look of unadulterated hatred etched on her face. As did he."

"What do you say that we get your statement and then stop by and see how Minerva is doing after the Ministry has left. Maybe get some idea of who he is."

"Brilliant."

He smiled as he wrapped her arms around her shoulders, "I do have my moments."

Xoxo

Poppy watched as Minerva stood, her body leaning heavily on the walking stick and then the walls hummed, her body glowed alabaster with a hint of blue for but a moment…and Poppy found herself speechless at the sight. On two separate occasions, Minerva had spoken of how Hogwarts healed her, but to witness it firsthand.

"Amazing." She whispered. She was no longer staring at a haggard witch encompassed in scorched robes, but that of her longtime friend all traces of dirt, blood, and burns erased – even the deep gash along her cheekbone was gone.

"There are a few advantages to my affliction." Minerva stated as she reached to take the pepper up potion off the end table beside her.

"I would love to run some tests…" Poppy began but stopped at Minerva's quirked brow before up ending the potion.

Minerva swallowed the gelatinous liquid down before pulling the bottle away, and with an unsteady hand returned the potion to the table, eyes returning to Poppy whose smile no longer reached her eyes for she had deduced the truth.

"Hogwarts staunched the drain, and can reset your injuries…but this…" she waved her hand in front of Minerva. "Is temporary, isn't it?"

"Much like the pepper up potion." Her thick brogue sending chills down Poppy's spine. "I have an hour, perhaps two. Then I must rest."

"Won't…"

"Minerva, Filius could use your assistance." Albus briefly flashed in his portrait within her rooms before returning to the Headmistress' office.

"I shall be fine, Poppy." Minerva's voice holding a strange conviction, "And will see you in the morning."

Poppy opened her mouth to admonish Minerva for being sent away, but the Headmistress merely shook her head. "It matters not what you give me, for I'm dying Poppy. Do not forget that, it will make the next several months far easier to bear." And with that, she strode forward. The click of her walking stick beating in tune with the pace set forth by the heel of her boots…and Poppy watched her dear friend elegantly exit from her personal rooms, a burst of magic spreading over her soiled robes leaving behind her typical pristine embroidered emerald cloaks; head held high and shoulders back…ready to take on the Ministry.

xoxo

The door automatically closed behind her, and she paused just out of sight from her office…willing her body to have the necessary strength, because she was woefully tired. Tightening her fingers upon the knot at the top of her walking stick, she righted her shoulders and descended the bronze staircase. The scattering of voices across her office died away as she became visible.

"Headmistress…" Filius stated turning to see Minerva step off the last stair from her personal rooms, and fought to keep his face from portraying the shock he felt. She did not look at all like she had mere moments before. The blatant fatigue no longer drawing down her face, eyes sparkling against the light, and she had changed into a fresh set of robes. "The Ministry wishes to know about the incident between you and a dark cyan robed wizard in Diagon Alley a short while ago."

Minerva smiled at her Deputy. "Yes, I am sure." She drawled.

"We must insist that you follow us to the Ministry…"

At once, the portraits all stopped feigning sleep and were now watching the scene before them with great interest.

The Headmistress turned her attention to the small contingent of officials who were standing opposite of her desk. "No doubt to garner information as to why I broke out into a duel in the middle of Diagon Alley."

Pansy Parkinson stepped forward from the group, "The Minister insists…"

"Then please tell Minister Shacklebolt he is welcome to visit me at Hogwarts this evening, or I will be glad to be of assistance at the Ministry in the morning."

"I am afraid that was not an option presented to us." Parkinson stated as she blatantly placed her hand upon handle of her wand. "Your actions in Diagon Alley this afternoon leave us little choice but to arrest…"

"I would highly suggest you take your hand off your wand, Miss Parkinson." Minerva's crisp voice ringing in the air, "As I can assure you I will not be spending my evening in Azkaban, but you may very well be spending yours in St. Mungos."

At once three of the four other officials stepped backwards, while the fourth, Zachariah Smith stepped forward…hand upwards. "Whoa…" He set a hand on top of Pansy's. "Pansy…" He turned to McGonagall. "Headmistress." He cleared his throat, "I believe our intent has been misinterpreted."

"Indeed." Minerva replied, eyeing the previous Hufflepuff student.

"We were sent here to ensure your safety, and…"

Minerva tuned out the last of his sentence as she felt the Gargoyle leap aside, and from the deep vibrations of the castle, she could tell that the Minister was about to enter her office. Glancing past the lot of men and women, her eyes narrowed at the door and before a knock could be had, she inwardly pulled her magic causing the door to swing open and reveal Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Hello Minister." Minerva greeted, a light smile passing over her face.

"Headmistress." Kingsley replied, eyeing the strange scene before him. "I came as soon as I heard…" He turned his full attention on his longtime friend, "Are you well?"

"I shall live." She replied.

"And the man in the Alley?" He asked, urgency lacing his normal slow cadence.

"An old acquaintance."

"Minerva…a quarter of the street in downtown Diagon Alley has been destroyed…"

Her eyes snapped to his underlings and back. "I assure you, that was not my intent."

"Who was he?" He asked, leaning forward, pinning her with his golden brown stare. "And what in Merlin's name caused the scene in Diagon Alley today? Is he a threat to the Ministry?"

She met his burning questions with stoicism, before quietly responding. "Yes, Kingsley, he is a threat the likes of which we have not seen since Voldemort's death." Her statement caused a chill to settle in the room, "Now, the rest of what I have to say is for the Minister, alone."

The room broke into a chorus of voices, all in spouting their wish, rights, desires to hear what she had to say. "If you value your jobs, you will be out of the office and awaiting me by the great front doors within a minute." Kingsley thundered over their protests and at once, upon seeing his face, the small group bolted from her office and down the spiral staircase.

Tiredly, Minerva turned to Filius, "I will abreast you of the situation in the morning."

Filius nodded, "Very well, Minerva." He paused, "Please do get some rest." Before pulling the door closed.

"Well?" Kingsley prompted now that they were alone.

With aching slowness, Minerva moved over to red and gold stripped sofa. "Would you like some tea?" She asked before wearily sitting down.

"Do you need to go to St. Mungos?" He asked, pulling his robe around him as he too sat down.

Shaking her head, she reached over and pulled a cup of tea off the plate that had just magically appeared. "I am in need of rest, nothing more."

Kingsley eyed the Headmistress, "From what I've heard, that was quite a display today, Minerva." He stated, before giving in and taking the other cup of tea. "And…" He shook his head, "I will be spending the better part of the next 6 months reassuring the wizarding world that no one can transfigure our money. What in Merlin's beard possessed you to use Gringott's coins…and how the devil did you do it?"

"I'm a 4th level Master of transfiguration, Minister." Her statement implying that alone was reason enough and no other explanation was necessary.

"Who accomplished the impossible according to every known record on file." Shacklebolt rebuked.

She took a long sip, "I have no idea what you are talking about," A quaint smile spread across her face. "Save that I dropped my loose change, regarding the transfiguration, the coins I used in the alley were from Weasleys' Wheezies and not of wizarding currency."

Kingsley's voice turned serious, "Minerva…the Goblins are already demanding an explanation and no matter what you say, it looked as though you were using Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. The very base of our financial system. This is exceptionally serious."

She nodded, "It should hearten you to know that George did a marvelous job with the replicas." With a heavy sigh, she continued on, "I shall speak with Griphook personally, Minister. I can assure you that there is no need for concern, it was a mere illusion."

Shacklebolt frowned, knowing that albeit it was highly important, the issue with Gringott's coins was something that would have to wait. "And the man? Is he the one you pursued across Europe a decade ago?"

Minerva gave a solitary nod, "Johannes has returned. We need to reactivate the Order with haste."

"Do not allow your personal feelings to judge the present." He quietly rumbled. "He is but one man."

"Whom you do not know, nor understand what he is capable of."

He shook his head, "I will not reactivate the Order for your personal vengeance, Minerva."

She closed her eyes, a tear slipping off her lashes and down her cheek. Her contralto thickening as she whispered a response out, "Personal vengeance is it?"

"What else would you have me believe? You wish to reactivate the Order of the Phoenix on little more than scattered bits of information, the bulk of which occurred during the attack, and subsequent death of your daughter. For which you have my deepest sympathies Minerva, but he is only one man." He paused for a moment, eyes trying to search hers for a hint of more, before finally shaking his head. "No, Minerva. Your request is not for the betterment of the wizarding world, but to help accomplish your own, personal agenda. I will not reactivate the Order."

Pain tore through Minerva's breast as Kingsley finished his lecture…leaving another gaping wound inflicted upon her by a friend. She sat there, unmoving…silent as she tamped down her initial reaction.

Her brogue rumbling through her words as she spoke, "After all I have done…" She locked her emerald eyes with him causing him to shirk backward. "I have forewarned you as both a friend and as an ally, yet you believe it is for self-motivated reasons." She continued on, an underlying coldness seeping into the cadence of her voice. "I have lost my parents, my two brothers, my husband, my son, my daughter, my grand-daughter, and more friends than I can count and not once have I been anything other than true to the betterment and sanctity of Britain. And now, I tell you that Johannes Harkiss has returned and is a threat, not only to me, but also to the ministry.

"After everything, we have been through Kingsley, you have the audacity to believe my motives are personal." She chortled as she gave a slight shake, "You are a daft fool, who can no longer see the enemy rising before him yet is willing to cut his friends down without provocation or reason. I will be reactivating the Order without you, and if you choose to stop me at any time, Minister, you may come to Hogwarts and get me." She stood a note of finality in her voice, "Good-bye Kingsley."

"Minerva…I…"

The elder witch cocked an eye at him, "You'll be showing yourself out, Minister."

Kingsley clamped his mouth shut, color rising in his cheeks as he stood. "Be careful Minerva, it has never bode well when the Head of Hogwarts has been at odds with the Ministry."

"Fortunately Hogwarts has, and continues to operate outside the Ministry's purview."

Fury swept over his face, "Heed my words, Headmistress." He ground out before he turned and in flurry of robes was gone.

Minerva sighed as the door slammed shut moments later.

"Are you sure you are doing the right thing?" Albus asked.

Minerva sat back down, her energy all but gone. "No." She murmured, "But in my heart, I know that Johannes seeks to destroy all that I hold dear. Even Hogwarts."

Albus nodded, "Then you must reactivate the Order at once, my dear."

Minerva closed her eyes, relishing the feeling. "Just a few minutes, Albus."

"Which Kingsley will use to his advantage." He quietly replied.

"Damn the Ministry." She murmured before standing and making her way to her desk. She opened the drawer, and pulled out several sheaves of parchment, her old green ink well, and a quill. Drawing the chair out she sat down and in a handful of minutes, there was a pile of sealed parchments sitting on the corner of her desk.

"Elgin." She tiredly called.

There was crack, as the elder house elf appeared, his countenance as drawn as hers, "Mistress."

"Please see to it that these," She reached over and handed the letters to him, "are delivered immediately."

"At once." He replied and then he was gone.

Xoxo

Hermione didn't even step onto the property, when Ron's voice rang out. "You were at Diagon Alley this afternoon, with Rose, and you sent her via portkey to Harry's?" He screeched.

Hermione snapped back, "Yes I sent Rose to Harry's. He is an auror…"

"I bloody am too!" He interjected.

"Who wasn't at the Ministry today or at your home!" She rebuked, "What could you have done? You were at the zoo, with Hugo…"

"Harry is not her father!"

"No he is not! But, you need to start acting like one!"

"What do you think I was bloody doing all day?"

Hermione took a deep breath, her voice still rigid. "Ron, enough! I'm tired, and Harry and I were going to head up to Hogwarts tonight to see if Minerva is alright."

"Yeah…" He sighed, "You're right." He ran a hand through his ginger hair. "Hugo has already eaten and Ginny fire called you earlier to say that she would keep Rose tonight."

"Did you want to stay for dinner?" She asked tiredly.

He frowned, "Nah…I'm pulling a shift tonight, and I need to get a few hours of sleep."

"I thought you were off today?"

"They called after the incident in the Alley." He murmured, "And I could use the money."

"Well…be safe Ron." She stated. "I don't know what is going on, but if today was any indication…"

"If that isn't the truth." He groaned, "From what I heard, the wizard was frightenly good."

Hermione nodded, "He held his own against Minerva. I think at the onset, he believed he could take her. However, by the end, it was plain that he had more than met his match."

A one-sided grin spread across his face, "Must not be too bright, then. Don't know many a witch or wizard willing to duel against ol' McGonagall."

"As true as that is, Ron. How many others would have been able to fight against him, and survive let alone beat him?"

"Nah, Harry and I could take him, no worries."

Hermione's expression stopped Ron's words, "No Ron." Her voice became distant as she recalled the events from earlier, "I've never seen anyone, not even when Dumbledore and Voldemort dueled at the Ministry, duel like they did. She even transfigured her coins…"

"Bloody hell." He stated, "That's impossible." His brows crinkled, "Isn't it?"

Hermione couldn't stop the grin from curling at the corner of her mouth at Ron's question. "Yes, Ron." She said, bringing her gaze back to him. "There hasn't been a case of a witch or wizard that has been able to alter, transfigure, charm, enchant or otherwise change wizarding money for close to a millennia."

"That'll raise all kinds of hell for both the Headmistress and Gringott's…" He grumbled, thinking of the long hours of pointless detail he would be working due to this.

"True." Hermione stated, narrowing her eyes, "But the question Harry and I are wondering is why did she duel him? And what in Merlin's beard would possess her to engage him in a duel with so many people around? It is not like her at all to endanger others…"

"Don't know, but I'm glad you're alright." He quietly stated giving her arm a gentle squeeze.

She gave him a warm smile before she leaned in, placing a quick peck on the side of his cheek. "Thank you." She whispered, "Enough about today, go and get some rest and I'll see you this weekend when I drop off the kids." He opened his mouth…and she continued on chuckling, "Yes…Harry and I will let you know what we find out at Hogwarts tonight." Hermione stated, as they neared the porch.

Ron smirked, "Right then."

"Good night, Ron." She said drawing backwards.

"Hermione…have you ever thought…?" He jammed his hands into his pockets, rocking forward on the balls of his feet. "About us…" His ears were turning pink, "Getting back together again?" He asked, hoping they had made ample progress since that dreaded night just over 9 months ago…

"I cannot return to a relationship that was based on our mutual love of Harry…and our exploits…we've simply grown apart."

"We have not..." He started, "We love quidditch, chess…"

"No Ron, we don't. You do. I love to read, to learn, have a good debate…and the longer our lists go, the more it will elaborate how much we do not have in common."

"But Hermione…"

"When was the last time we didn't argue when it was just the two of us, and someone was watching the kids?"

"That isn't unusual…it's part of making a marriage work."

"It's been three years since we've had a conversation that did not break down into an argument." She shook her head, "It's not an environment that is healthy for either one of us, let alone what it will do to the children."

"We never fight in front of the children."

"We did today." She tiredly rebuked.

"That wasn't even a fight…"He stated throwing his hands up into the air. "We were just expressing different opinions."

"However you categorize it Ron, it boils down to the same thing." She crossed her arms in front of her chest, "We are not getting along and haven't been for quite some time."

"I guess you want to see a counselor or something." He snapped in anger.

"No, Ron. I don't." She replied in a soft, muted voice.

Her response took the wind from his argument. "Then what, a divorce? Over this?"

"No, Ron." She said, eyes shining against the light, "I want us to find a way to move forward together as a couple, or move apart while we can still be friends."

"Friends! After all…"

"I have Ron." She said pausing as she took two steps and was now standing on her porch; gaze level with his.

"And?" He asked quietly as his heart hammered against his ribs.

"As much as I love you…" She reached out placing her hand flush against his chest, "You know as well as I, that we're better apart."

"Hermione…" He whispered in a voice almost choked out with emotion, "We haven't argued in months. You were right, perhaps a break, but…"

Hermione could feel the moisture pooling in her eyes, and as she blinked, felt a solitary tear slip down her cheek. "Look at me, and tell me that you aren't happier now than when we were together."

He dropped his gaze, voice wrenching. "I am, but it doesn't mean that I don't miss you."

The corner of her mouth quirked, "And I miss you…Ron." She said, "But as a friend, not a lover."

He nodded as he wrapped his left hand on top of hers, holding it to his chest as he turned to her, reaching up with his right one and tracing it along her cheek. "No matter what, I will always love you." He whispered into her hair.

"And I you." She replied, a tender smile gracing her lips and eyes.

Nodding he let go of her hand, and took a step back. "I'll see you Saturday."

"Be careful tonight, Ron."

He nodded, "Always am." And before he could turn to leave, there were two loud successive cracks rippling along the air, and both Ron and Hermione were staring at an envelope floating down in front of each of them.

Hermione and Ron both reached out, grasping their respective paper and at once slit the seal to reveal the same message scrawled in green ink across their parchments.

After today's events, I am re-activating the Order of the Phoenix. I shall explain in the morning. 6:00 am; the parchment is a portkey and will only bring its bearer.

MM ~

xoxo