The days past and Hogwarts was being pieced back together, the process was slow but satisfying. The transfiguration classroom was the first to be repaired after Gryffindor Tower was finished. Hermione thought this was fitting as it was a place important to both her and Minerva. Next, they moved onto the Great Hall as this was where the most damage had occurred.

This was the third day they had spent on the Hall and it was beginning to look as Hermione remembered it. The windows had been repaired, the floor had been evened out after Mrs Weasley and Bellatrix' dual and the oak doors had been put back after a troll had torn through them.

Hermione was just piecing back together the glass cylinders that collected the house points when a voice suddenly said, "I think we should put a charm on the Slytherin's to prevent their points rising above Gryffindor's" said Minerva with a tone that said she had actually considered it.

"Where would be the fun in that?" asked Hermione, "It's always better to wait until the last second, when they think they've won and then get awarded hundreds of points for bringing down a Dark Lord."

"Yes, well there's no Dark Lord for you to vanquish anymore" said Minerva sincerely.

"He's gone, evil isn't" replied Hermione, finishing the glasses and turning to face Minerva, "I'm quite sure there'll be something else to fight soon enough."

"Perhaps, but we cannot dwell on the idea of evil. Maybe, a time will come when we will have to fight again." Said Minerva walking toward Hermione, "But it is not now". She took Hermione's hand and gave it a light squeeze.

Hermione smiled in response.

"You're right of course"

Hermione returned to pressure to Minerva's hand and then leaned down to pick up a small silver cup.

"This must have come from the trophy room" said Hermione; as she lifted the cup to her eye to read the engraving her shirt sleeve slipped down to reveal the top of the word that had been etched into her arm, "Though, I can't imagine how it could have got here-"

"What is that?" asked Minerva reaching out to Hermione's arm.

Hermione followed her gaze and realised her shirt had slipped, she quickly covered the scar and turned towards the trophy room at the corner of the Hall.

"It's nothing" said Hermione, willing the conversation to end. Minerva though, would not let it rest; she followed Hermione into the trophy room and placed a hand lightly but firmly on her shoulder.

"Show me please".

Hermione turned to face Minerva, there were no tears in her eyes but there was a fear in the depths of them.

"Please, Minerva… don't" pleaded Hermione but Minerva had already taken her hand and was slowly rolling up her sleeve. Her fingertips brushed against the tender skin as she worked her way to the still inflamed area. Fleur had done what she could but, Bellatrix had put a charm on the wound to prevent it from healing properly.

Minerva slowly revealed the word; mudblood and a gasp involuntarily lefther lips.

For a moment Hermione too gazed at the wound, it looked as fresh as if Bellatrix' knife had just left its surface.

"Who did this?" whispered Minerva.

Hermione lifted her eyes to Minerva's and gazed into the emerald pools. There was an agony tearing through them but underneath, Hermione could see a fire burning deep within.

"That is not important. It is done. She's dead anyway" said Hermione.

A humourless laugh left Minerva's lips, "Bellatrix, of course".

She turned away from Hermione and held her face in her hands. Hermione felt fear run through her, Minerva's shoulders were shaking.

"Minerva, it's fine I'm not-"

"Don't!" she shouted, "That is not fine! I refuse to live in a world where…" Minerva's voice was hysterical, tears ran down her cheeks.

Hermione approached Minerva and put her hands tenderly on her shoulders.

"She's gone now, and this is just…" Hermione took a deep breath, "It's just a part of who I am now. It's a reminder of what we fought for"

She placed two fingers underneath Minerva's chin and lifted her head until their eyes met.

"I just can't think about… about what…" Minerva was panting, "The idea that you were… that you were… hurt".

"I was lucky" whispered Hermione, "I could have lost so much more"

Minerva sighed heavily; she peered into Hermione's eyes and then took her hand once again, she lifted the sleeve and gazed at the wound once again. Then, she slowly brought it to her lips and kissed it slowly and lovingly. Fresh tears were brought to Hermione's eyes as she watched.

She slowly pulled her arm away and wrapped both around Minerva's waist, her head against Minerva's shoulder.

"You are incredible Hermione Granger" whispered Minerva.

Hermione lifted her head until her face was level with Minerva's, "No, that's you" she said with a slight laugh. Then their eyes met and Hermione noticed how close they were standing, their faces were mere inches apart. Minerva's breath was jagged. Hermione closed her eyes but Minerva held her gaze, she kept it fixed on the other's face, studying the smooth skin without a single line. So different to her own. She thought of her own face, the wrinkles that told the story of her long life.

Her long life.

Then her mind seemed to click and she realised what she was doing. Hermione was hurting and Minerva would not take advantage of her. She took one last longing look at the vulnerable face before her and then stepped back.

Hermione seemed to wake from a blissful dream to stare at Minerva.

"Minerva, what-"

"Come Hermione, we have work to do" Minerva said with a smile and she extended a hand to Hermione who took it with confusion evident in her face and together they left the trophy room.

Added angst! ;) Reviews always welcome thanks!