August

With an annoyed huff Hermione pushed her hair behind her ears for the twentieth time in the last few minutes, her new bob was useful for a disguise; covering her scar and served to make her look older, however it was a pain when she was reading.

In any case she wasn't reading, not really. Words swam in front of her eyes but she had opened the volume in habit, one that she was using to hide her nervousness. Harry had reluctantly agreed to what was the riskiest thing that they had done since starting their adventure earlier this summer.

"Miss Granger?"

Gods, Hermione thought, the older woman moved as silently as her animagus form, luckily the greeting had been extremely quiet.

"Hello Professor.". The two women regarded each other for several moments. "If you don't mind would you allow me to apparate you somewhere else?"

An elegant eyebrow raised, "Aren't you a little young for that?"

Hermione let a smirk cross her face, "Gryffindor courage.". It was a dare and the older witch knew it but despite the bravado, Minerva could detect a hint of nervous energy about the young woman. It was the wariness with which she looked around the coffee shop that decided her course of action. She had seen that look on many faces during the last several wars and had hoped not to see it again. Merlin she was getting too old for this crap.

The young Gryffindor was beyond surprised when the older witch simply extended her had without comment, she was expecting to at least have an argument or discussion about it. Perhaps this would be easier than she had thought. Minerva's skin was soft, except for the wand callouses indicative of a Master in their field. Their grip was firm and for some reason it reassured Hermione, gave her an instant of comfort that had she hadn't been aware was missing until that moment.

They reappeared in a forest clearing. An assessing glance around told the professor that they were safe, somewhere deserted but safe nevertheless It only stood to reason that the younger woman would be leary of Wizard kind after what had happened to her.

"I am still very sorry to hear what happened to your parents Miss Granger."

"Thank you... and please can you call me Hermione?". Another raised eyebrow, "I know, I know. As far as I am concerned you feel that it would be inappropriate to address me informally. However... Minerva," the name was stressed, "This conversation is anything but formal and to be frank I do not expect to go back to Hogwarts."

There was a pause, "That would be a shame...Hermione. For so many reasons."

The younger woman said nothing in response, merely waved an unfamiliar wand, conjuring a picnic blanket and summoning a tea service from somewhere beyond the trees. It was neater and somehow more practised than Minerva had seen her do wordless charms previously. "Might I ask, or would it be redundant...? Whether or not you know the whereabouts of Mr Potter?"

"I do and let me assure you that he is safe!". A very large and tired sounding sigh was uttered as Hermione lowered herself to the blanket, "Might I suggest that you sit comfortably?"

"That long?"

"Longer...". They both smirked at the equally dry tones. "Minerva, I need you to keep an open mind, just as importantly it is absolutely vital that you keep anything and everything that I am telling you to yourself. That being said, I am not going to insist that you take a vow as it would be insulting to a woman of your integrity."

"You have my discretion Hermione. However if I have an obligation to report what you tell me, I will have to do so, being bound by my honour and by law in some instances." A pause, "But I thank you for the opinion that you seem to have of me."

The younger woman grinned before pouring a cup of tea for her mentor and a coffee for herself, ignoring the again raised eyebrow. "This story could begin with the attempted murder of my parents and in some ways it does. It could start when Harry joined Hogwarts, when his parents were murdered...but it ultimately started decades earlier, when Dumbledore and Grindlewald plotted together to overthrow The Ministry and create their vision of a perfect world. A plan that ultimately cost the life of his sister and turned him into a manipulative bastard."

To say that the professor was taken aback would have been an understatement but said nothing for a long time, just allowed her surprise to show on her face. It wasn't like the younger witch to curse and she knew it. She stirred her tea slowly before speaking in a diplomatic tone, "I know that Albus failed to protect your family."

"More than that, he didn't protect me from the Wizengamot. If I hadn't taken matters into my own hands – if I had continued to trust him I would have ended up in Azkaban and out of his way."

Minerva frowned but again said nothing.

"Harry and I decided that out of every adult that we know, you are the one that we can trust more than any other. And that while you are loyal to Dumbledore,your loyalty is not blind, nor would you ignore new information that did not agree with his world view, nor would you turn Harry over without good reason."

"I cannot promise that I won't but I will listen to what you have to say and I will consider everything."

"With an open mind?"

"Always." Another smirk, "I am also rather flattered by your trust."

A rustle sounded from the treeline and Harry Potter stepped into their sight. He waved before taking a seat a short distance away and opening a book. "I must say that this is the first time I have seen him willingly study." A chuckle was the only answer.

Hermione grinned warmly before taking a healthy slug of her coffee. Her expression turned serious, Please bear with me, it is very hard to get the facts in a comprehensive yet narrative order." A deep breath, "Ok, I believe that Dumbledore knew Pettigrew was a traitor,the rat had notoriously pathetic Occulmency skills – there is no way that he could hide a secret of that magnitude from a Legilimens of that calibre. We discovered that James Potter told Dumbledore that The Marauders were unregistered animgi, even showing off their forms. Why then did Dumbledore fail to recognise Pettigrew hiding with the Weasleys for years, right under his nose?

At any point he could have vindicated Sirius Black, a man he sentenced to life without trial incidentally but he chose to allow an innocent to suffer Azkaban because it enabled him to control Harry."

"How? Why?"

"James and Lilly Potter left Harry in the custody of his Godfather or a group of other people as laid out in their will. Dumbledore buried that will, falsified records and did everything in his power to ensure that Harry would be given to his Aunt and Uncle – despite that was the last thing that they would have wanted."

"Why would he do that? Wills are sacrosanct. I told him that they were the worst kind of muggles."

Hermione finished her coffee and poured another, "Because he could control Harry easier. Brought up by muggles he would be ignorant of the wizarding world or his place in it. When Dumbledore was responsible for his rescue from an abusive environment, showed him love and trust for the first time – he knew that Harry would do anything for him, risk his life, defend him against everyone and even die for him."

Minerva finished her tea and spoke in a subdued voice that Hermione had never heard from the esteemed professor, "I was supposed to take Harry to Diagon Alley but Albus sent me off on an errand and substituted Hagrid at the last moment."

Hermione allowed her excitement at Minerva's thoughtful tone and seeming acceptance of what they were trying to tell her. "Exactly, Hagrid is fanatically loyal to him and would do nothing more than sing his praises whilst sheltering Harry from the truth and spreading propaganda… Not to mention slipping hints about the Philosophers Stone despite the fact that it was a secret."

"In all honesty, I always found it curious that Albus dismissed my concerns so readily, the idea of keeping such a thing in the school was only asking for trouble."

"And then…" She paused glaring for a moment, "Then… Harry has to go to Platform Nine and Three Quarters alone, without any instructions whatsoever. Only a ticket."

Green eyes narrowed as the older witch allowed herself a small outburst, "What? That is a flagrant breach of protocol for any students raised by muggles, how did he even find the entrance?"

"Well that's the other curious thing. Whilst wondering around looking lost, a pure-blood family who are incidentally great supporters of Dumbledore appear by muggle means. Despite normally arriving on the platform by portkey, this year they decided to utilise the muggle entrance to Kings Cross. Contravening the secrecy rule, they proceeded to loudly speak about Hogwarts despite being in a non-magical area and in front of muggles. Just loud enough to be overheard by the little lost Harry Potter."

"Are you implying that the Weasleys only befriended Mr Potter on the orders of The Headmaster?"

Hermione paused as she noted the change of address that Minerva had used, in the course of a few sentences 'Albus' had become 'The Headmaster', it boded rather well for their continued relationship with Minerva. "Unfortunately, yes I believe so. Having searched a number of memories with a pensieve, I believe that there is enough evidence to support my hypothesis albeit mostly circumstantial. I honestly feel that nothing is the way that it seems and that Harry has been manipulated ever since his first introductions into the magical world. He was intentionally prejudiced against anything and anyone that did not support Dumbledores views."

Several moments passed in silence as the older woman digested her students words. "I think I will have that coffee."

Harry gave a chuckle, "Be around Hermione for long enough and you will gain an addiction for the stuff."

"Contrary to popular opinion about me… I have already developed that addiction. Decades of teaching enables one to function on caffeine long after all other reserves have failed."

"Any other addictions we need to know about?" The young brunette let a teasing lilt into her voice, needing some levity to break up the emotional turmoil that they were currently operating under.

"None that I care to share at the moment." Green eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief.

"That's a shame."

Harry looked from one to the other, confused at the changed tone of voice that he noticed but couldn't explain. Shaking his head he placed steaming mugs of coffee in front of the two women.

"What do you think his plan is then."

"I wish I knew. I do believe that he is against 'You know who' but not that he has Harrys best interests at heart." She pulled a very thick folder from a beaded bag beside her, running a hand over the cover possessively before handing it to her former professor. "I believe that this supports a great deal of what I have said. Within are a number of reports and copies of documents that I feel you should read. Proof from Gringotts that in addition to subverting the custody arrangements of James and Lilly Potter, Dumbledore has also stolen thousands of Galleons from the Potter vaults, cut Harry off from his inheritance and his title, redirected and responded to official announcements without consulting Harry."

This was all said so fast, so rapidly that Minerva struggled for a moment to make sense not only what had been said but also of the enormity of the young womans revelations. "I… I have no idea what to say or do in regards to this. I cannot doubt your veracity but I find it hard to believe. If true Albus would have risked his seat on the Wizengamot and a term in Azkaban due to this document alone."

Another sigh from the young witch, "Even if the truth were known, many people would ignore it. Perhaps I am cynical but at the end of the day most witches and wizards would prefer to live under Dumbledores regime rather than Voldemorts."

"Why do I have the feeling that there is more?"

Frustration evident, Hermione ran a hand through her hair again, "Every single year Dumbledore has manipulated events to a greater degree, allowing Harry to be tested by Voldemort. He is never present when events unfold but lures Harry into them by feeding him snippets of information – just enough to keep him interested but never enough to let him think for himself. I have compiled a report that is included in your packet."

She paused again, "Perhaps I should also add that I hired an expert curse breaker and analyst from the USA, she determined that there are no blood wards of any type protecting the Dursley residence or mine for that matter. Her report…"

"In my packet I presume?" Another twinkle.

"Yes, it states that although Harry himself has some blood protection from his mother, it does not extend to property or family. There are some alarm wards, notice me not charms, and a few compulsion charms around to stop curious muggles and wizards from coming close but anyone with a purpose would be able to walk straight through the charms. Ones that most Second year students could easily handle. There is no reason to insist that Harry returns to them each year, rather than keep him safe as we had been told, he is in more danger from his relatives and has no one to protect him. In fact the Dursleys are being paid by Dumbledore to house him, with stolen money no less."

Incredibly an annoyed Minerva allowed a hiss to escape from her lips, normally refined speech forgotten as she vented her frustrations. "So what now? Why did you remove him from Privett Drive? Why did you decide not to return to Hogwarts next year? What is your plan Hermione?"

"Events are speeding up, I had reason to believe that he is in danger. After the attack on my parents and Rons betrayal, I couldn't face the thought that I might loose Harry too. I merely offered him the choice that I am giving you."

The animagus smirked again, "Which is?"

"To look at the available facts. Decide who you can trust. Train and battle for the greater good. You have to believe in what you are fighting for and who you are fighting with."

"Anything else?"

Another smile, "Yeah, plenty of coffee."

It was several hours later when Hermione returned to the clearing where she had left Minerva. She looked around nervously, having no idea what to expect. Was her mentor waiting with a rejection, an ambush or was she prepared to help them. By now the older woman would have read the reports and this second meeting was more fraught with danger, if they had been wrong Minerva could trap them and potentially it would all be over. Now would be when they would find out if their trust had been misplaced or given to the right person. Deep down she feared meeting the rather aggressive welcoming committee that potentially lay in wait for them.

The sigh of relief that she gave upon the sight of Minerva sitting serenely, alone, waiting for her return was louder than the sound of her apparition. She exhaled the older witches name, trying hard not to let the enormity of her emotions show.

"Hermione, Mr Potter." The contralto tone and warm smile made a warm tingly feeling course through the young Gryffindors body. She sat down not trusting her suddenly wobbly knees.

"Call me Harry please."

"That will take some getting used to."

"I know exactly what you mean Professor."

The astute green gaze dipped from the boy to the young woman, "Having thoroughly reviewed the information I have no choice to admit that you are correct and that I can no longer trust Albus Dumbledore. I will help you as much as I can, if only to assuage my own guilt regarding my part in all of this." She dropped her gaze to her hands that were uncharacteristically fiddling with her robes. "However he has been my friend for more years than I care to recount and I need to give him a chance to explain himself."

Harry looked furious before turning a stormy gaze to the distance. Hermione merely looked thoughtful for a moment, "I do understand Minerva and I know that this must be hard for you. Can you wait until next week please?"

"What happens next week?"

"Stage Three."

Minerva smirked, "Dare I ask?"

"Stage Three is when we start to go public. I am officially emancipated and an adult. Harry is going to assume his title and then Dumbledore will have no control over him except for that which the Head of Hogwarts possesses."

The animagus nodded, "Stage One?"

"Research."

A snigger, "Of course, it was. And the second stage?"

"Are there any changes that you notice about us?"

"Aside from the new attitudes?" Minerva paused, knowing that the tone in her protegees voice meant that she should look deeper and truly consider. The younger witch was dressed in wizarding rather than muggle clothing, her hair was shorter making her look older. Harry was taller, healthier almost – his skin lacking the normal tight almost translucent quality that she expected after a summer with the relatives. Trademark glasses were absent, he wore clothes that fit over surprisingly muscular arms and also looked older.

The clues began to add up, both youngsters held themselves with more confidence, almost as though they had matured a great deal in only a few weeks. "Hermione?"

"Hamm?"

"Where is that time turner I gave you in your Third year?"

The young brunette gave Harry a knowing smirk before pulling a familiar chain from her robes. "Told you that she would guess?"

"And exactly how much time have you gained?" Minerva let her distaste for the device show in her tone.

"About sixteen months."

The older witch, struggled for a moment with the mental math. "That is beyond irresponsible."

"Unfortunately Minerva, we have little choice. We need to train and learn, to be ready."

"For what?"

"Despite everything, Voldemort is still after Harry. The prophecy still needs to be fulfilled. Dumbledore has a secret agenda that we know nothing about but I do have a number of suspicions. Even if we discover how to disarm or defeat both of the major players, the Ministry is still corrupt and we will not be safe. Raised by muggles we are both at a disadvantage, Harry will not be automatically excluded because of his blood status but I will."

Without having to speak the words she knew that Minerva understood what she was saying, a muggleborn was normally restricted by prejudice. As a child at school she had been protected from the worst of it but as an adult in wartime she would be treated far differently.

"How old does that make you?"

Hermione gave a lopsided grin, "If you add my timeturner use previously I am around nineteen."

Minerva blew through pursed lips, seemingly agitated. "That means that you are not able to return to Hogwarts in any case."

"I know." Harry walked away, excusing himself to give the two women privacy. "And while I regret having to make that choice, I cannot help but feel it was necessary."

"I understand."

"You sound disappointed."

Minerva sighed, "On a professional level, you must understand that a bright student can make the day to day monotomy of teaching more bearable and you are exceptionally intelligent."

There was a pause before the younger witch spoke in an odd tone, "And on a personal level?"

Emerald green eyes shot up to meet a strange warm look in their chocolate counterpart. The older woman could not interpret the way in which Hermione was looking at her but she chose to tell the truth nevertheless. "On a personal level… I find that I will miss our private chats, I have always found your company to be rather engaging."

A smile crossed full lips, "As do I. I am sure however that we can arrange meeting for coffee or something on occasion."

"Tea?"

"Coffee and tea."

Minerva smirked, "The details are hardly important."

A sense of daring filled the young Gryffindor and she decided to chance it, "Then maybe dinner?"

Raised eyebrow. "And how exactly am I supposed to interpret that?"

She didn't sound cross rather playful. Hermione returned the smile and toyed with her response, "Perhaps we leave it open to interpretation."

Minerva sat in her private quarters nursing a glass of single malt. The last thing that she should have been doing was staying awake late at night dwelling on the meeting that she had had with her former students. She had a breakfast meeting with the senior staff and needed her Occlumancy walls to be at full strength. Albus had a nasty habit of sneaking into peoples minds and she had to be prepared.

The only light in the room was from the fire, moving shadows were cast on the walls and her tired brain was reliving disturbing truths that she now knew. Years before she had warned Albus about the Dursleys but he had pooh-poohed her concerns and even when a smaller than expected boy had arrived at Hogwarts she had never dreamed how badly she had failed him. Madame Pomfrey had known, her reports had clearly detailed that Harry Potter had been malnourished for much of his young life and she had healed innumerable old broken bones. Her oldest friend had ignored those reports and repeatedly sent the boy back into an abusive environment.

The young wizard was magically strong but she had seen much stronger children and his atrocious study habits were holding him back. Why then did Albus insist on pressuring the boy into proving himself on an almost yearly basis? Without Hermione the lad would have surely died. The young woman had given Harry absolute loyalty and was rewarded by what had happened to her parents.

The added time had been good for the younger woman; she seemed to have honed her already sharp intellect, gotten some perspective on the near death of her parents and her own subsequent actions. She was more mature, more… Minerva groaned as she realised the direction that her thoughts had taken. Hermione was no longer Miss Granger in her mind. Hermione was a confident assured young woman, who was making the best of a bad situation with a grace and elegance….

The ebony haired witch tossed back her drink, "And you are fast developing an infatuation you stupid old woman."