Despite being confused and even a little angry that Minerva had obviously refused becoming Headmistress, Hermione simply couldn't help but smile at seeing her friend. There, sitting up in bed, was undoubtedly Minerva McGonagall in all her glory, reading a book. The bath she had endured in the morning had done wonders to her . She was wearing the dark green tartan pattern pajamas and her now clean hair was put into a loose bun. Hermione was quite satisfied that her earlier work was still in place. The warm water had been good for the elder woman's tense muscles, but the transfer from the wheelchair into the bath tub and back had been awful. Hermione just couldn't get used to the groans of pain. It made her physically sick to witness such pain without being able to help. Minerva had been exhausted after the ordeal and fallen asleep shortly after.

Hermione had stayed for a while until she had been sure her friend was sleeping soundly, before wandering off to go home and change. She had even found the time to speak with Ella. The young nurse must have helped Minerva to sit up in bed earlier.

"You weren't there when I woke up," Minerva accused, although her voice was missing its sting. In a familiar gesture Hermione had seen countless times, the elder witch removed her reading glasses and held them between thumb and forefinger.

Hermione removed her jacket and placed it on a chair as she made her way towards the bed. Smiling, she bent down to kiss her friend's cheek. "I had to go home for a little while and didn't want to wake you up," she explained and sat down beside the bed. "You're looking good," Hermione observed, tilting her head to the side. "– too good." The young woman raised her wand and removed the glamour charm, revealing Minerva's true countenance. "It's time to look like yourself again."

The old woman huffed unhappily. "I do not appreciate you casting spells on me like that without asking or announcing."

"I do not appreciate you casting a Glamor on yourself," Hermione countered. "You are in hospital, and it is normal that you don't look perfect. I understand that you felt better like that with Kingsley, but I am not willing to look into a face that is not truly yours."

There was no good reply Minerva could think of, so she shifted somewhat uncomfortably. The three hours sitting up were making themselves known now. Her body was healing well, but although her ribs had mended, her whole body was still very sore. Her hip was another subject altogether.

Noticing the discomfort, Hermione sighed inaudibly. "Would you like me to pull a pillow out so you can lean back a little further? I think the change of position would do you good."

Minerva nodded. She was glad Hermione was back by her side. It was unsettling that nowadays she only seemed to be truly comfortable around her former pupil, but she had missed the soothing presence of her friend.

It was obvious to Hermione that her friend hadn't been pleased to wake up without her. Of course, the proud witch would never admit it. Hermione carefully pulled one of the thick pillows out and helped her friend settle down again. After a moment of thought, she removed her shoes and sat beside Minerva on the still enlarged bed, earning a questioning look.

"Is that all right with you?" Hermione asked, suddenly unsure if she was still wanted so close.

Sensing her young friend's doubt, Minerva quickly took Hermione's hand. "Of course, it is," she reassured. "I'm sorry, I don't seem very welcoming. The truth is that I missed you, and I am glad you are back."

Hermione smiled understandingly and leaned carefully against her former professor. "I am glad to be back as well. You look better. The bath did you good, eh?"

Minerva nodded. "Yes, I feel much better, too."

Hermione smiled understandingly at the elder woman, but remained silent. After a long pause spent in comfortable silence, Hermione couldn't hold back anymore. "So are you going to tell me what Kingsley said?"

Minerva had wondered how long her young friend would wait before asking what she had wanted since she entered this room. She must have met Kingsley on the way and he would have undoubtedly complained about the decision that had obviously shocked him to the core. Minerva was somewhat touched that Hermione would repress her curious nature and not attack her as soon as she was back. "I think you already know."

Hermione sighed, dreading the talk they were going to have. "I met him on my way, but I'd like to hear your version."

The elder woman raised an elegant eyebrow. "There is no version. I declined becoming headmistress."

"Yes, I've gathered that much. It will be no surprise for you to hear that it is shocking news for all of us. Will you tell me why you won't become Headmistress? I didn't think there was any doubt that you'd take the position that is rightly yours."

Her voice was quickly becoming defensive. "I have never agreed to become Headmistress."

Hermione took a calming breath. This was starting to get ridiculous. "You knew everybody thought it clear that you would lead the school, and you never said anything to make believe otherwise. I want to know why you suddenly won't do it anymore."

The discussion became more heated and even though neither woman wanted to allow anything to come between them, they simply couldn't stop now. The matter needed to get sorted out now. "What makes you think I even considered becoming Headmistress? Haven't I given enough of my life to others? I've fought in three wars. I think I have the right to live the rest of my life in private. "

"Minerva, stop taking me for an idiot!" Hermione retorted sharply. "You're insulting my intelligence, and I won't take that – not even from you. If you won't tell me – fine, but stop playing stupid games with me." It was clearly evident that Hermione was angry and although Minerva knew her young friend had every right to be mad at her for trying to fool her, she just didn't want to talk about that particular subject at the moment.

Hermione, who had withdrawn her hand during their short conversation, seemed deep in thought. Minerva missed the contact dearly, but didn't dare touching her friend now. So they sat in silence for what must have been nearly an hour, neither of them daring to break it. The sun already started setting when Hermione asked a question that clearly surprised Minerva.

"As you don't want to talk about your future, do you have any suggestion for mine?" Hermione looked expectantly at her friend as if she really didn't have a clue what she wanted to do with her life.

Minerva was confused, to put it mildly. Hermione had always been so sure what to do from very early on. It secretly made Minerva even a little proud that her talented charge seemed to chose her own field of expertise. The young woman would without a doubt become a Master of Transfiguration if she wanted – something not many people were able to achieve. With the exception of herself there were only two other wizards in Britain – well after the war only one – who had managed to master the final examination. "You always wanted to study, didn't you?" The question was more rhetorical than anything else. "I'd suggest you sign up for a subject you're interested in, look for a room or a flat and start studying."

Hermione laughed a humorless laugh as if Minerva's suggestion was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. "No," she simply stated.

Thank you to my dear friend and beta McGonagall's Bola!

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