Disclaimer: I don't own it, wish I did, but I don't. Just the plot!

A/N: Welcome back people! Was it really May when I last posted? I am so dreadfully sorry for taking so long to post this but I'm going to great lengths to finally post this, (I will have some major debts to pay after this) so I'm going to be waiting for those reviews! I would be so grateful and I really wanna see some serious review numbers ok? Again, sorry it's so overdue. It may be a while before the next chapter goes up as well, I am sorry, but blame my stupid teachers and not me. Damn to the depths whatever idiot thought of the idea of coursework!

PS The italics are back the right way round, so this entire chapter is set in the present, where we all belong.

Summary: They left Hogwarts and she got hurt. Now that they're back will she get hurt again?

She Goes Back Again

Chapter Four: Discussion

Harry, who had got up and begun pacing while telling his tale had ended up walking in circles in front of his old professors Minerva, and Albus, and they were watching him like hawks in case he said something that was not for the rest of the staff to know, as it seemed everyone else had ended up listening. Draco had remained where he was in the chair, and listened carefully, with his chin in his hand again. When Harry reached the part about Hermione calming down slightly, Minerva had grabbed his arm and pulled him to a stop facing them, meeting Harry's eyes as he lifted them, and hers held a slight warning they met his. He nodded subtly, knowing she meant not to be extravagant with the details, if he knew them, of the discussion his friend had shared with her, and he continued.

"I know, Minerva, that you talked to her when we left but she never told me or Ron what you talked about and after that, she just closed up. She wouldn't talk about anything except what was absolutely necessary to either the war, or to school, to begin with. I mean, she did still joke occasionally, and after a while she seemed to loosen up a little but she was never quite the same. She just seemed to become more reserved, more like you. She barely went near anyone else, not even Ron, though I will admit she seemed happier around him" Harry finished, beginning to draw his story to a close then remembering something that he was sure Dumbledore and McGonagall would prefer to know.

"You know the weekend before we left in seventh year?" He said addressing Minerva, and then Albus as he found his professor's eyes were on him. Minerva nodded to signal Harry to continue, hoping he hadn't noticed Albus was stood rather closer than was considered normal and had his arm very subtly around his wife, though Harry didn't know that. "Well, I don't think you knew this Minerva or you Albus, but the hug she gave you that weekend was the first time she had chosen to touch someone apart from Ron for months! And I bet you didn't know she hadn't cried since the 'Black Letter' day either. Even when we won the war, she didn't cry."

Harry had looked up when addressing his old Professor, and when revealing the intimate parting the two women had experienced, had noticed the distinct pink tinge to Minerva's cheeks. Harry felt guilty for not thinking of Minerva's feelings in this part of the re-telling but was glad for a reason to direct the room's attention at someone else. He didn't like it, but somehow the whole staff room had ended up listening to his story, and though he knew they had to know, or at least have a vague an idea of what not to mention to her (especially if they weren't that good with shield charms) he still wasn't comfortable with spilling Hermione's secrets in front of the whole staff. Though by the look on Minerva's face, he had just managed to spill one of hers!

"Oh, sorry. Ron told me. I didn't think…" Harry trailed off, shooting a look at Draco who rolled his eyes. In his opinion, Harry was right to have said it, it was an essential point. Minerva caught the look and wasn't surprised; she knew there had to be a bit of the old Slytherin left in him. Severus would have been proud. Minerva held back a small smile and answered Harry's look rather than Draco's, after all Albus had told her to be nice. He had done good things, many good things, once he had decided what side he was on.

"Don't apologise, you're just trying to explain and make your point, that's fair enough. I just don't generally tell people about that kind of thing. And I did know." Minerva cut in, flushing a little but smiling as well at her old student, hoping to smooth over his awkwardness and her own embarrassment. She noticed Harry looked a bit taken-aback but nodded and smiled apologetically in return. Albus held back a smile as he saw Harry still was concerned about everyone but himself. He knew Harry would've taken back what he had said, if he could.

"Ron wouldn't have told me if he didn't think it was important. We had often wondered secretly if we shouldn't have said something to you about what had happened to her, though I couldn't shake the feeling you knew more about it than we did. Somehow, she and you seemed to understand each other a lot more. And we were right weren't we? Not to tell you, I mean." Harry finished, glancing over at Minerva with a concerned face. The transfiguration professor nodded, then braced herself for the angry glances she knew would follow her next reply.

"Yes, I do believe I knew more than you in this case, but it was probably better that way. Hermione and I shared a discussion that was very important and very personal to both of us, so we never spoke of it to anyone except ourselves, and I will admit it freely now, I advised her not to tell you because I thought perhaps you would have a difficult time in understanding." She held up a hand as Harry opened his mouth in protest. She felt the arm around her stiffen a little and there was more than one pair of shocked, and somewhat disapproving glances aimed in Minerva's direction, one of them being her husband's, but she shook them off.

"I did what I thought was best for one of my students. I would have done the same for anyone, if that was what they needed." Minerva declared, raising her head a little, and glaring at the eyes who were staring at her. Only Albus kept eye contact, and she sighed, knowing she would have to tell him soon what that discussion had been about despite her own misgivings and the fact she knew Hermione would not want her to. The only reason he had not questioned her about it before was that he thought he had known the extent to which Hermione had confided in her. Harry saw the glance that passed between the Headmaster and his Deputy and hastened to move the conversation on, wishing there were not so many people listening to them.

"It doesn't matter now, she did get better, and that's what matters." Harry said, and gave Dumbledore a "Talk it out later" look. Albus took the hint and saved his questions for a more appropriate time. Minerva paid no attention to this, having remembered the next part of her student's story and a deep sadness filling her heart. She dropped her eyes, and Albus noticed the emotion that had seeped into them and knew what she was thinking. It was then he realised he didn't care how much she had talked to Hermione; he knew she had thought she was justified and most likely, had done everything with good cause. But he would have to speak to her about it, despite that.

"She didn't stay better for long though did she? Damn Ron and that stupid blonde!" She muttered, her teeth grinding at the very thought of it, her hands curling into fists of fury. Albus shook his head gently, and slid his long fingers over hers, easing them gently out and giving her a comforting look. She flicked him a glance but still gave an angry sigh. Harry sighed too, lowering his head and nodding. Even Draco had the decency to look regretful. He had been as shocked as anybody when he had found out. It was this moment that Filius chose to step in and made them aware they were still being watched.

"Well, it wasn't all Ron was it? From what I've heard, it was the baby that started the downward spiral, and besides, there might be circumstances that we don't know about, I mean, the Prophet isn't the most reliable source, you know that!" He squeaked, coming over as quickly as his little legs would carry him, coming to Ron's defence for reasons Minerva didn't understand. Harry, for the first time in his life, glared at a teacher straight in the eye. The look was a fierce one, one Draco recognised form their early years at Hogwarts, and Flitwick veritably quailed his stare. Minerva felt a small flash of pride at the young man's courage to face his old professor with such a look.

"Don't you think we know that? What we know, we know from Hermione, and from Ron himself. It was betrayal, and for once, the Prophet did get it right. He did have an affair," by this time, Harry was spitting out the words and his eyes were darkening considerably "and when Hermione found out he didn't even try to deny it! It makes me sick just to think of it. I still don't know how he could do it! Especially after such a short time from loosing their baby!" Harry said, his expression twisted in disgust and perhaps just a hint of hatred, though Draco was sure it was not for Ron. He had turned away from Flitwick after saying it made him sick, and was looking at space. Minerva nodded, and gripped Albus' hand tightly as she added quietly, her voice quivering ever so slightly,

"I ask myself that every day. How could he?" Filius looked shocked in between the members of little group and stood stock still before bowing his head and backing away quickly, a disappointed look on his face. Minerva spared him a curious glance before turning to Harry and meeting his eyes, her look clearly saying 'Well done'. Such an open look of congratulations made Harry feel a little better, but only a little.

"Funny as it may seem Minerva, I didn't feel like I just lost Hermione when she disappeared. I lost Ron as well. I lost any kind of semblance of trust I had in him. We haven't spoken in months." He admitted, confirming Draco's suspicions. "I've been travelling and he's been at the Ministry, or at least, that's the excuse. I'm not sure I'd want to see him honestly." Harry said quietly, breaking eye contact and staring at the ground. Minerva felt her heart swell with more pride and compassion at how mature this boy had become, and placed a gentle hand on his arm, reassuring and sympathetic. She knew what he meant. Ron had been in her house, was one of her charges, and his behaviour had made him more Slytherin to her than Draco would ever be. Minerva sighed, and turned to address the all the staff, sliding away from Albus' arm so it would not look too obvious. She knew some of them had guessed, but she didn't want to make it easy!

"We mustn't mention any of this to Hermione, ever if possible. Surely you can understand why it is so painful, and she doesn't need to be reminded of it any more than she is already." They all nodded, all of their expressions varying from sad to curious, except Sybil of course, who was staring dreamily into space, then suddenly looked up and nodded, her face as serious as the transfiguration master had ever seen it, a fact she registered with some surprised and a raised eyebrow which Albus took careful note of.

"Yes Deputy Headmistress, we must be indeed very careful around this young woman. She is troubled by demons," 'Oh, how observant of you' Minerva thought sarcastically "and if I'm not mistaken" 'And you usually are' Minerva thought tiredly, "she may be with us for may years, but it will depend on us and the weeks leading up to Christmas that will decide whether they are happy or merely duty to be filled." Albus looked almost interested in this, and began to stroke his beard while Harry, who agreed with Minerva on the subject of Divination, rolled his eyes and went back over to Draco, who was still sitting in his chair being very observant and listening carefully. Minerva turned to Albus and locked eyes with him. Each knew what the other was thinking, and they nodded.

"We have to tell her." They both said together, and Minerva laughed a little. "We have to stop doing that." Albus laughed too, a bit more heartily than his wife, and nodded again. Then Minerva sighed and slid her hand back into Albus', not caring if someone was watching. "She needs someone to hold onto," Minerva continued "and I want to help her so badly. She needs us Albus, however much she may say she does not. She's loosing her faith in humanity, and falling deeper into her emotions, not caring for the world around her." She whispered, looking down at their hands. Albus tried to look hopeful.

"Well then I can't think of any two people better for trying to help her. I am THE faith in humanity, and you can communicate with her no matter how deep she falls, I've seen you do it. We will pull her out of this, and she'll get back up and live again. You know she will, she's a fighter, just like her mother." Albus winked, and Minerva nodded, feeling confidant than she had been and pulling on a grateful smile to give her husband. It seemed so easy for him to say that right thing and he always made her feel so much better. She was lucky to have him.

Harry, who had not been following the discussion between the older professors, had been making sure Draco had heard every word of the previous discussion before putting forward his own suspicions: that Hermione was truly in need of help. He was in the middle of explaining a plan he had to try and get her to remember the good times when Draco's eyebrows shot up and it was only when Harry noticed this that he saw Draco's eyes were not on him. Harry frowned out of annoyance. It was a habit of Draco's to listen and at the same time, be paying attention to about three different things, something Harry had never been able to do. Harry defended his plan, thinking perhaps that was what Draco was raising his eyebrows at.

"It wasn't that bad! I only want to-"

"No, that wasn't it. I was watching the Headmaster while you were talking, and he just said something rather interesting." Draco replied, a smirk curling his lips, and a crafty glint shone in his eye. He loved the talent he had of begin able to listen to several different things; a talent he knew would come in handy as a teacher. His training had done much to improve the technique and it was something he had tried to teach Harry, with very little success. Harry's frown deepened and he breathed through his nose heavily.

"What did he say?" He asked, giving in though his expression wavered between disapproval of listening into conversations and his eagerness to know more. Draco grinned and answered carefully, in a low voice, still keeping his eyes on the older couple,

"He said Hermione was a fighter, just like her mother. Then he winked at Minerva." When Harry made no answer, Draco glanced at him and seeing the blank expression there, explained quietly, "Either Albus knew Hermione's muggle mother, or he knows her real mother." Harry looked over at his Headmaster, and tipped his head, trying to decide. Draco sighed, as if he came across stupidity all the time and said carefully, "It's hardly likely that Albus knew Hermione's muggle mother. He doesn't meet parents as a rule, except yours." Draco said, and Harry nodded, his expression still quizzical. "So that must mean that Hermione had another set of parents, biological parents. Just think of it! She might be pureblood! And, judging by the way Albus is looking at Minerva, I'd say they were her parents." Draco added in a low voice, laughing at the absurdity of that idea but Harry's mind suddenly clicked.

"Of course! That's why! Draco, you're a genius (never thought I'd say that) but you are right! That's why Hermione is so like Minerva, she's her daughter!" Harry said in a low voice, but Draco heard as Harry leant forward eagerly. It just didn't seem plausible, that Dumbledore and McGonagall would work at the same school if they were involved. It surely wouldn't be allowed? And it especially wouldn't be allowed that they would teach their own daughter. Ridiculous! The governors would never allow it. Draco frowned.

"Don't you think you're going a bit fast? I was joking! I mean, we don't even know if they are 'together' or anything. In fact, I don't want to know!" Malfoy shuddered. Harry rolled his eyes, getting that gut feeling that told him he was right, and the stubborn gleam in his eye told Draco this was not an argument he would win. Sighing, he held out his hands and said quickly, still in low tones, hoping Minerva's incredible hearing powers were not working at the moment,

"Alright, let's suppose for the sake of keeping this civilised, that you're right. Don't you think Hermione would have told you?"

"What if Hermione doesn't know? What if they never told her?" Harry returned, getting more excited by the minute.

"Why wouldn't they?" Draco asked, trying to bring some order to what he thought was madness. Harry sighed and leant his arms on his legs, as if he was explaining something a four year old should understand, and leaning towards Draco, so he looked like he was examining the carpet between his knees when in fact he was trying to stop Minerva from realising how excited he was. Fortunately, her attention seemed taken up with the Headmaster.

"There are innumerable reasons that could apply. I know I'm right." Harry said, looking up at Draco with his eyes shining. The old Slytherin sighed as well, and nodded.

"You could be. That's all I'm saying." Harry took this as a triumph, and leant back into the armchair, moving his arms to rest on the chair's, his expression satisfied. Draco massaged his forehead, and then looked up at his friend. His look was piercing, and Harry, who had been watching McGonagall and Dumbledore, turned his head to return it.

"What are you going to do now?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow. Harry lowered his eyes, and hunched his shoulders up, slouching back into the chair and frowning as his eyes, without his consent, flicked over to his old Headmaster and his Deputy. They seemed happy, yet at the same time, worried, and Harry knew it was over Hermione the emotions centred. His stomach twisted guiltily, and he stared at his knees, considering what he was about to say before raising his eyes again to Draco, and he drew a long breath before he replied solemnly,

"I will let them decide. If she does not know by the end of the year, I shall have something to say on the matter, but for now let them deal with it. I shall have enough trouble trying to help Hermione without bringing their issues into it as well. No, I shall not tell them I know." He answered Draco's surprised look and opening of his mouth, and his companion sighed with relief. They both knew this was not the affair to get muddled in. This year was going to be complicated enough, with new classes and new students, without trying to manage news which they shouldn't even know in the first place. Besides, as Draco had pointed out, he only might be right. Harry bit his lip, and then pushed himself out of his chair, before muttering something about packing to Draco and exiting the buzzing staffroom.