Chapter 11

The next morning both women were waylaid and moving slower than intended by wandering hands and lips; and it was just before eleven when they sat down to eat breakfast – for a third time.

Minerva frowned at Helena's owl, it was rare she sent a note and with a wave she summoned the scrap of parchment as Katherine gingerly sat down. She paused before unfastening the note, "How about we go out this evening?"

Hermione frowned, "I thought my life was in danger."

"I was thinking of something a little more intimate," Minerva stated emerald eyes twinkling.

"Than here?" Hermione murmured, pulse quickening at the mere thought of what they'd be partaking in later.

"There's a small muggle town just beyond the pass, we'll eat at O'Malley's. It's a pub that's been there since the late 1700's, they have delicious potato soup and just in case; I'll configure a portkey for you."

"Sounds good as long as there is more waiting for me than merely potato soup." She nodded to the note, "From Hogwarts?"

"Helena," Minerva began opening the letter, "they also have wonderful Rueben's." She opened her glasses slipping them on.

"How is that even when you are wearing your glasses, you are still so beautiful?"

Minerva glanced over the rims of her glasses, voice deadpan. "Tell my students that."

Hermione chuckled, "I'm sure they'd agree if they saw this side of you."

"I can guarantee that shan't happen." Minerva seriously replied as her eyes softened, "I'm indefinitely unavailable."

Hermione's eyes brightened, "I like the sound of that."

"Do you?" Her lilt deepened.

"Very much," Hermione answered before taking a bite of toast and Minerva's eye flicked back to the note. She noticed Minerva's face become concerned, "Something the matter?"

Minerva laid the note down as she pulled off her glasses, "Kingsley's awake and wishes to speak with you."

"Ahhh…" Hermione felt her heart flutter a bit, "I haven't worn out my welcome yet, have I?"

Minerva paused from taking a sip of tea, "We do have dinner plans."

"That we do." Hermione agreed trying to shake the sense of foreboding that was swirling in the pit of her stomach.


Xoxox


"How long?" Helena asked in a resigned tone as she stared at the two women.

"Regarding…?" Minerva questioned in return.

"The two of you."

"It isn't what it appears." Minerva tried but could see that Helena didn't believe her.

"Really?" Helena retorted as she crossed her arms.

"I'll…" She held up her hand, "come by tomorrow and we'll talk." Helena's brow arched, "Just you and me, now if you don't mind, can you take us to see Kingsley."

Helena's lips pinched as she tried to curtail her comment, "Fine." She motioned to the side door, "He's on level six."

Hermione joined Minerva as they strode beside Helena, her thoughts on the woman on the other side of the Administrator. How reserved she became when in public, it was like she was a whole different person. Helena paused beside the door, "Reminder to you, he is still highly critical; so whatever it is he wishes to speak with you about, keep it brief."

Hermione gently touched Helena's arm, as she tenderly spoke to the St. Mungos Administrator. "We will."

Helena's brow quirked at the odd gesture, "Good," her eyes traveling to Minerva as Hermione entered the room.

"As I said, she's changed." Minerva whispered.

"Tomorrow." Helena stated, voice leaving little room for doubt.

Minerva patted her arm as she walked by, "First thing," she murmured before closing the door.

Kingsley glanced to Minerva and barely nodded, "G…ood, to see…both…alright."

Minerva had already withdrawn her wand, silencing the room before turning back to him. "And you are looking better." Minerva said drawing nearer, laying her fingers gently on his forearm. "Helena said you'll make a full recovery."

"Y…es." Kingsley glanced to Hermione. "How are…you doing?"

"My memory is beginning to come back."

Brown eyes widened and he tried to sit up, "Wh…at?"

"Easy, Kingsley." Minerva restraining anymore movement.

"Hermione…" he rasped, exceedingly worried.

"What?" Hermione said blinking.

"What!" Minerva breathed out in shock, desperately believing she had heard him wrong.

"You…" he beckoned for the red head to come closer, "are…Hermione…Granger."


xoxox


a/n: As always hope you enjoyed!