A/N: How lucky you lot are two updates in a day. I thought I'd move the story on a bit with this one. Again I don't have a beta and I am not J.K. for if I was these two would live a long and prosperous life together.
As the pair made their way to breakfast next morning there was a spring in their step that Dumbledore immediately recognised and which he was sure that would make what he was about to do much harder.
"Miss Granger? If you please, I would like a word with you after breakfast."
Hermione turned round to find Dumbledore standing just inside the entrance to the Great Hall. "Yes sir, of course." The trademark twinkle the man always had in his eye was lacking and she knew what was going to happen. Her jubilant mood was gone as if a switch had been flicked, and it hadn't escaped the notice of Minerva.
All through breakfast Hermione failed to touch her food, pushing it round her plate as she sat in silent contemplation. She knew she had to return to the future, her present. The ramifications were untold if she did not. Yet she was sitting there thinking of ways in which to escape this Hogwarts along with the young Minerva and live the life that she knew they could have together, many many years of untold pleasure and wonders.
"Holly, are you okay?"
The question penetrated her mind as she realised the Great Hall was almost empty. How could she tell this amazing person she had fallen in love with she wouldn't see her for near on 60 years? Could she do this to her?
"Yeha, I'm fine, just not that hungry. I'll meet you in class after I've spoken to Professor Dumbledore." She smiled leaned over and placed a chased kiss on her lovers lips, whispered, "I love you with all my heart… always." Got up and walked out of the hall leaving a very perplexed Minerva sitting alone at the table.
She could not look back for, she could not bear think of the heart ach she would cause the woman sitting there when she discovered that she may never see her again. This thought resonated in her mind and before she knew it she was faced with the door to Dumbledore's office. She knocked and entered.
"You wished to see me sir?"
"Yes Miss Granger, I believe I have the answer to our little situation. Or maybe the trigger to a lifetime of despair for someone we both hold dear." His last words were said with an air of defeat. " I believe you and Minerva have resolved any issues you had and have, for lack of better terminology, consummated your relationship?"
To this Hermione could do nothing but nod her head slightly as tears began to form in her eyes.
"I must inform you that if this works, for I cannot guarantee that it will, you must not go running to find her in the future. You must come and find me first. Do you understand?"
Again a nod of accretion was all that was given.
"I must then ask you if there is anything you wish to do before we try this?"
Hermione looked into the sky blue eyes of the man that had always known the answer to everything. "Can I leave her something?" With a nod from Dumbledore Hermione took a quill and a piece of parchment and began to write.
After a few minutes Dumbledore rose from his desk and walked towards the now sobbing girl in his office. He placed the time turner around her neck and twirled it a few times, with an intricate swish and flick of his wand he chanted under his breath and within a second Hermione was no longer in front of him.
Removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose he resumed the seat at his desk and waited for what he expected would be one of the worst conversations he would ever have with Minerva McGonagall.
Minerva had finished her first two classes by the time she went to search for Holly. When she couldn't find her in their dorm, she headed to the bathroom where she had found her lying unconscious only days before, yet still there was no sign. Walking passed the wall in the 7th floor corridor where the room of requirement was the door didn't materialise when she asked it to open the place Holly was. Finally coming to the conclusion the only way she was going to find her love was to ask the man who had last seen her she made her way to Dumbledore's rooms.
Upon entering a wave passed over her she could not quite grasp. There was something amiss with the atmosphere. The look on her friend and mentors face did nothing to help the feeling of dread spreading through her entire being.
"Albus, have you seen Holly. I mean after your conversation with her this morning?"
"Minerva dear, I suggest you sit before I give you this letter." He gestured to two empty chairs by the fire. Taking the other, he reached into his robe and pulled out a roll of parchment.
With tears already rolling down her checks Minerva stretched out a trembling hand, took the parchment and unrolled it;
Dearest Minerva,
I know this will make little sense but you must understand that this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I have left Hogwarts.
It is nothing to do with what has happened between us, you must believe this and believe when I say I love you. You have wormed your way into me. Into a place that will never be free to anyone again. There will not be a day goes by that I will not think of you and remember the brief time we have spent together.
In time you will understand. Do no press Dumbledore, for I know he will not tell you where I have gone. The time for understanding will come.
I will find you one day. With all my being I swear that you will be in my arms once more. I cannot tell you when but do not give up hope. Never give up hope.
You have taught me how to make a universes, remember this.
Yours forever and always.
With all my love
H.x
The tears were flowing freely from Minerva's eyes as she rolled the parchment and placed it in her robes. It was a few seconds before the heart wrenching sobs raked her body.
Albus stood and moved to her side. He knew there were no words to ease the pain of a lost love, all he could do was wrap her in his arms and hold her as she let the pain out in the most human fashion. It was well past twilight when Minerva had cried herself to sleep.
