Author's Note: I hope you'll like the new chapter, even if it's not very long. I apologize in advance for any errors. Feel free to review, ask questions... and please, enjoy!
Behind Closed Doors - Chapter Seven
Hermione was standing in a large room with a travelling bag in her hand. Behind her, a massive stone fireplace magically lit itself again, bathing the room in golden light. She looked around herself, pleased with what she saw. Even without knowing, she could have guessed she was at Minerva's house. Cozy, warm and clean, that's how she would describe it… and it smelled wonderful. Woody and spicy… a faint smell of vanilla ran through the room. On a long coffee table in front of her, was a cup filled with a hot liquid.
The furniture looked expensive and comfortable. Huge mossy-green sofa dominated the area, surrounded by matching armchairs. Minerva definitely enjoyed mahogany as much as reading, Hermione concluded, as her eyes scanned the heavy shelves filled with books.
"Good evening, Hermione. And welcome."
Minerva walked into the room, tall and gracious as ever. No one would have guess she was injured mere days before. She wore a light green blouse neatly tucked in her gray high-waisted trousers, and for a second, Hermione thought she caught a glimpse of her bandage covered ribs behind almost-translucent material.
"Good evening, Minerva. I can't thank you enough for…" Hermione wanted her to know how grateful she was for being given a place to stay, more importantly, being given an opportunity to be close to her. And she truly was thankful, even though the true reasons had to stay hidden.
Older witch waved her hand as if it were nothing and nodded toward the steaming cup on the table.
"I wasn't sure what you liked the most, so I told Athol to make you a cup of tea. Hope you don't mind?"
"No, not at all, I love tea, thank you. But… who's Athol?" Young witch asked, unable to hide the curiosity.
"My house elf. You'll meet him and Effie tomorrow, if you wish."
Hermione bowed her head. Mentioning of the house elves reminded her how hard she fought to make them free, and how her struggle remained futile.
"They are free elves, Hermione" Minerva said gently, knowing how important this matter was to her guest "They serve me because that's what they wish to do."
"Oh… " Brown-eyed witch didn't know what to say. Even more so as her former teacher walked to her and patter her lower back a couple of times. She raised her head again, her questioning gaze finding the green eyes a couple of inches away.
"Ash" Minerva said chuckling while raising her hand to show grayish dust on her fingers. "It might be safe, but traveling via Floo Network isn't the cleanest way for one to travel."
Hermione looked behind her back a little embarrassed and mumbled "Tergeo", cleaning herself using wandless magic.
It was funny, really, and beyond adorable, Minerva thought, as she observed this usually calm and self-confident young lady act all clumsy. Her former student was never this inarticulate before, and that gave her hope that maybe what she felt for the woman in front of here was in fact reciprocated.
"Does my touch bother you, Miss Granger?" The older witch asked in a neutral tone, trying her best not to show how entertaining all this was to her.
"N-No" She fibbed, blinking rapidly. It did bother her, but not in the way Minerva thought. The proximity of witch's body definitely did not help her heart rate slow down. Hermione could smell the comforting warmth of Minerva's vanilla based perfume, and she inhaled deeply despite herself.
Green-eyed witch narrowed her eyes a little tighter as she inspected Hermione's face. Well, there's only one way for me to find out… she concluded.
Minerva leaned forward without warning, pressing a quick peck on Hermione's lips, leaving her thoroughly confused and mortified.
The young witch watched with her mouth slightly parted as Minerva straightened herself up again, giving her a little smile.
Like nothing happened at all, her hostess took the wand out and pointed it toward the bag still in her hand.
"Let me help you out with that" With one flick of her wand, Minerva sent her guest's bag to her new room for the month. "The dinner is served, please follow me to the dining room… and you may bring your tea with you."
With that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Hermione behind.
