Chapter 24th ~ October 21st 2009 (Wednesday)

Hermione stared at the piece of paper, shocked. "She was up at just after one this morning?"

Elgin wearily bobbed his head. "Yes, Professor's Granger."

"Has she gone back to bed?" Hermione's eyes drifting over to the clock; she would be heading down to breakfast in ten minutes. And she felt certain that Minerva would already be there, if she wasn't already.

"No's. She's nevers goes backs to bed." He stated as he shifted his weight to his other foot.

"She barely slept for another hour after I left." Hermione sighed, blinking her own fatigue from her eyes. "And you are telling me that she is going to remain up for the rest of the day."

"Yes, Professor's Granger." He cleared his throat and sighed, "I's needs to go."

"Elgin…"

"Mistress calls." He simply said and was gone in a flash leaving a sputtering Hermione in her wake staring after him. How the devil was she remaining awake all day?

She frowned as her eyes dropped to the time scrawled across the scrap of paper. And why in the hell was she getting up after only sleeping for a few hours every night? And how was still functioning with only a few hours of sleep for over two weeks straight.

She banished the paper from her hand, grasping her outer robe as she strode out from her bedroom. By the time Godric's portrait opened she was dressed, striding down the corridor and within two minutes walking into the Great Hall. Her eyes immediately sliding down the table, landing upon the Headmistress who was seated next to Filius, the other seat open.

Without thought, she strode forward and sat next to Minerva. "Good morning, Headmistress."

Minerva turned her head, the fatigue evident within her eyes as she met brown eyes. "Hermione, what a pleasant surprise." She said, a smile gracing her lips.

Filius' eyes glanced past the Headmistress, a smile crossing his face. "Yes, quite Hermione."

"Good morning, Filius." She said pouring some pumpkin juice, "I was hoping you would be able to finish that game of chess this evening, Minerva."

Minerva turned to Hermione eyes piercing the younger woman's. "Perhaps. I don't know what time .I'll be returning from St. Mungos this afternoon, and I fear that I may be asking for your assistance this evening for a light bit of travel."

Hermione placed some fresh fruit upon her plate, "I thought you wanted to work on detecting body movement while dueling."

"Yes, well…" Minerva took a sip of coffee, "I haven't received a response back from Horace yet, and he is many things, but he has always been timely with his correspondence."

"How long has it been?" Filius asked knowing of Horace's panache for flair, but he always responded to his correspondence within 24 hours.

"His letter went out on Sunday." Minerva set her coffee down, "And I have not heard from him or Wilhemenia."

"I thought she had promised to correspond regularly." Hermione stated as another sleepy eyed Ravenclaw stepped into the Great Hall for a sum total of eight students.

"It's been a week." Minerva stated, "So, unless I receive a letter from him prior to this evening, we'll be going for a quick visit."

"You don't think something happened to him, do you?" Hermione asked, looking at Minerva. "And response? How many letters have you sent out?"

"I hope not, and I've been writing a handful each morning when I get up to ex-professors."

Hermione purposefully took a sip of coffee to avoid her commentary on how many letters she would be able to write if she was getting up at some obscene hour in the morning. "How many do you have left to finish?"

"I finished the last of them this morning."

"Truly?" Filius asked, "I thought you had just over twenty left to write."

"Yes," Minerva cleared her throat, "Well, I was up rather early this morning."

Hermione didn't have to say a word, as Filius' worried voice cut through her thoughts…echoing her own concerns. "This is becoming a pattern that is quite worrisome, Minerva. Perhaps a dreamless draught."

Minerva's jaw clenched, "Perhaps. But, I assure you Filius, Hermione…I have been getting enough sleep."

Filius leaned forward momentarily catching Hermione's gaze and easily discerning the same concern within her own eyes, and Hermione voiced her thoughts before he had an opportunity. "Then why do the circles beneath your eyes grow darker?"

Minerva cast a glance upwards, "It is merely the lighting." She replied and as she moved her head, the light fell upon her face differently, the circles disappearing from view as she wandlessly cast an impenetrable glamour charm to hide the circles beneath her eyes.

Filius frowned as the circles seemingly dissolved, "A very good glamour charm Minerva, even I can't see through it."

Hermione blinked and gazed over at Minerva, she couldn't see the charm nor did she see how Minerva had cast it.

"I'd hope not." Minerva said returning her attention back to her breakfast, "As you both have other things to worry about rather than my shortened sleep patterns." An owl screeched as it flew in from the window causing the handful of heads to turn to the animal as it swept at an alarming speed towards the head table; even causing Pomona to stop as she entered through the side door to glance upwards.

The owl slid to a stop, bumping into Minerva's plate leg already outstretched. Minerva knew the owl, "Good morning Hoot." She said stretching her hand out, the bird nodding its head as long fingers stroked its smooth feathers before sliding down its body to remove the leather tie and attached parchment; dreading what lay within the note.

"Isn't that Helena's personal owl?" Pomona asked pulling the chair out next to Filius.

"Yes." Minerva absently replied as she slit the seal, uncoiling the parchment.

M ~

There was an attack at St. Mungos this morning; Lockhart was taken.

H

"It appears that we'll be going to Horace's as soon as you finish your classes today, Hermione." She said pushing her chair aside, "Filius, get the professors in the lounge, immediately." She handed the letter to Filius, both Hermione and Pomona glancing at the note as Filius pushed his own chair back. "Hoot, help yourself to the bacon on my plate." Minerva said turning away from the huddled group of professors; robes swirling behind her in her wake.

Her overbearing fatigue momentarily forgotten.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Minerva, are you sure?" Marx asked face turning paler than usual.

She shook her head, "Not positively, but I don't want to wait any longer before telling each of you as I'm talking about the safety of your families. I don't want to start a panic, nor can this get out into the public, but I want each of you to begin taking precautions for your families well being. I am opening the north tower, making it available for any of your families use, and I'll be extending the same courtesy to each of our previous professors and their immediate families."

"What about the Ministry?" Sinistra asked leaning forward, "Do they have any leads?"

"As many of you know, Minister Shacklebolt and I are still on polar opposites regarding Johannes and the threat to the people."

"So he doesn't believe that we have cause to be concerned?" Clemons asked.

"If the Headmistress 'tates there is cause ta be concerned, then der is cause." Hagrid stated his words drawing several nods throughout the room.

"Thank you Hagrid, however, you each have reason to doubt the validity behind my words as I have very little proof only supposition."

There was a deafening silence following her words as everyone absorbed what she stated. Finally, Marx cleared his throat, "You have become the embodiment of Hogwarts and its Houses; your bravery and courage as stout as Godric's; your loyalty to those you care about as tenable as Helga's; your intellect as keen as Rowena's and your cunning as adept as Salazar's. If it were coming from any other person, I would not take your words to heart believing they were somehow self-serving or pompous. But they are not; they are coming from you, Minerva. And I thank you for notice."

Minerva gave him a subtle nod before speaking, "I would suggest each of you garnering a secret keeper for your homes, someone whom you trust with your life, but not someone others would know." Minerva cleared her throat, drowning out the subtle wave of conversation that was beginning to sweep through the professors as they began talking. "I will call a meeting with all of you as soon as I know anything else."

Minerva turned and was stepping through the doorway before anyone had a chance to stop her, stray comments grazing her ears causing the concern for her staff and their families to swell within her chest.

"Minerva." Hermione's voice drifting down the hallway as she stepped out of the room, "Do you honestly believe that he will go after our families?" She asked nearing her mentor as she did.

Minerva's eyes darted past Hermione to the open door of the staff's lounge, "I do," She grasped the younger woman's arm, pulling her a few steps farther down the hall, "Lockhart is the tip of a potentially much larger problem."

"You haven't received responses from more than just Horace or Wilhemenia, have you?"

"I will know more this afternoon." Minerva stated, "Hopefully…I will have received a few more responses by then."

Brown eyes swept over Minerva's countenance and for one brief moment she could see the worry that bordered on panic and then it was gone. "I shall hope so too." Hermione replied as Minerva gave her a nod and then turned and swept from view, and from the speed of her gait, Hermione knew it was pointless to follow. Minerva had probably left the grounds already and apparated to St. Mungos.

Hermione stood there for a few more minutes, staring down the empty corridor, wondering how long Minerva had been working on trying to contact the Hogwarts' previous professors. And why she hadn't asked for help.

"Are you going to have your children move onto the grounds?" Filius asked as he stepped beside her.

"I don't know." Hermione's gaze dropped to the Deputy, "I haven't thought about it."

Filius began walking forward, Hermione joining suit. "She didn't tell you, did she?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, you?"

"Just briefly yesterday evening."

"At dinner." Hermione's hands falling behind her back as they turned the corner.

"Yes." Filius confirmed as he veered towards a classroom, the door creaking open as they neared. He motioned for her to enter, and he silenced their conversation as the door closed behind them. Filius turning fully to Hermione, concern etched in his golden eyes. "How long have you noticed that she hasn't been sleeping?"

Hermione hadn't known what she was expecting, but that had definitely not been the question, "Excuse me?"

"Minerva. She hasn't been sleeping, when did you notice?"

Hermione opened her mouth to say that it wasn't his business, that he was meddling in the Headmistress' personal affairs, but the words died in her throat at his openly worried expression.

"I would deduce it has been within the last forty-eight hours, as she has not been on the grounds except for meals and a few scant meetings with some of the professors. And she has asked Neville to assist you with the next phase of your training, perceptive movement. A difficult notion to learn how to apply in the heat of a battle, even after the fundamentals have been learned. One she was keen on having taught to you before the end of this coming month, and she rarely misses her mark once setting a goal. So, I ask again, when did you notice?"

"Last night. I haven't seen her other than meals for the past week until last evening. Why do you ask?"

His jaw tightened, "The primary job of the Deputy is to watch out for the Head of Hogwarts, in this instance, our illustrious Headmistress whose color has grown more ashen by the day as have the circles beneath her eyes."

"And you don't believe that she is going to slow down in the near future."

"Do you?" He asked pointedly.

"No." Hermione conceded, "I don't. But, I'm at a loss as to what to do."

"I'm going to begin running the staff meetings and if you would be willing to come to me with issues prior to going to Minerva regarding Gryffindor students…"

"Running interference so to speak." Hermione stated and at Filius' nod, she gave him a curt nod in return. "Very well."

"And I must also ask you to postpone your lessons for a few weeks." At her disbelieving look he continued on, "I haven't asked Minerva why she wishes to train you, I fear I will not like the answer, but she can't continue pushing herself. She needs to rest."

"Filius, I will speak with her, and ask her to slow down, but…" She shook her head, "I can't ask her to stop."

"You must." He implored. "Johannes will have to wait."

"I don't think he is going to, nor is she willing to let it rest."

Filius' gaze slowly pulled away from Hermione, eyes turning to the high arching windows, the sun glinting off the gold within his irises as his voice quietly rose up to Hermione's ears. "I remember the first time I formally met Minerva, of course I had known her from Hogwarts, she was three years my senior…the Gryffindor quidditch captain who had a panache for transfiguration and any other subject that caught her attention, but our paths had never crossed. The first time they did, was on assignment in Germany; my first one. She had been stationed there for two years, the war was reaching its zenith; she and I had just drawn the scouting detail. It was supposed to be a simple reconnaissance mission, in and out but…" His voice faded away as he recalled the bombs detonating around them, the way the very earth shook from the impact. "It didn't happen that way as we were intercepted by a small contingent of wizards who were in Berlin to meet with Hitler. One happened to be Grindlewald…there were just the two of us, and six of them. I can still remember how badly my arm and wand were shaking. Minerva never wavered, neither did her wand." He paused again…lost in his memory.

"What happened?"

"We fought, and Minerva saved my life almost at the expense of her own." As if being pulled back from the brink, his head tipped back and eyes met hers. "You see, she is a Gryffindor, like you, Hermione. And she will give all that she is to stop an injustice, even if it calls for her life. But there also is where the difference lies; as you still have something worth living for and she has very little."

"I don't believe that." Hermione rebuked, "She has her children and her grandchildren."

"Hermione, you must believe that even the most courageous and the stoutest of heart lose hope and the will to go on; including Minerva McGonagall. As I've seen the look that exists along the edge of her eyes before, Hermione." He blinked and in that flash could see the same determined, and yet hollow look in her normally vibrant eyes. "It was shortly after our skirmish with Gellert," He cleared his throat, "She had been gravely wounded and was losing blood at a phenomenal rate. No healing spell would stop the flow of blood and as she lost consciousness she asked that I let her finally die and be with her family." He reached out taking Hermione's arm within his hand, "And right now, our esteemed Headmistress is tired Hermione, physically and emotionally. Something happened a few weeks ago, and since then…she has grown both more distant and determined while detaching herself from those she cares for."

Hermione's eyes dropped to the hand gently clasped around her arm, "I know. I was there."

"What…?

Hermione shook her head, "I can't Filius." His hand fell away, dejection crossing his face and she couldn't stop the sigh from slipping from her lips. "It's not that I don't want to tell you," A frown curling at the corners of her mouth, "However, I made a promise to Minerva before the start of term that I would assist her in her…exploits shall we say." She spun a chair around, sitting down…bringing her just below eye level to Filius. "I've only pieced part of the reason why she has asked for my assistance, and I fear that if I remotely compromise her trust; she'll forgo my assistance and…" Tears pooled at the corners of her brown eyes, "I really don't think she'll ask anyone else."

Filius gave a grave nod, "She wouldn't, and frankly I'm rather surprised she asked for any help. But it makes sense." He murmured the last part partially to himself.

"Why does it make sense?" She asked noting the slight discomfort his posture took.

At once his gold eyes snapped to hers, a mask falling over his face shocking Hermione at how quick and adept he was at hiding his feelings. "She, like the rest of us, is getting older and is not as quick nor will she have the reserves she once had."

"I see we have reached an impasse regarding what we know and what we'll share." Hermione leaned forward, eyes challenging his. "Don't deny what we both know is the truth."

"You are an astute witch, Hermione." He cryptically replied as he tilted his head to the side, lips pursing in thought for a moment. "Perhaps an accord can be reached."

"I'm listening."

"I'll continue to work with you, assist in developing your dueling skills if you will assist in limiting Minerva's already limited training time with you. Also, I will need your assistance in deferring the other professors' daily concerns from Minerva. That should free up a bit of her time, enabling her to rest perhaps an hour more daily. And you…" His voice dropping in tone, becoming deep in pitch. "Have to maintain her trust and continue to go with her."

"But…how is that helping to ease her exhaustion?"

Filius' face was set, firm. "You were correct in your analysis Hermione, she wouldn't take someone else with her if you broke her trust or something were to happen to you. She would rather die first. So, it may not seem as though you are helping, but trust me, you are – immeasurably."

"I can also help run interference…"

Slowly the short wizard shook his head, face portraying his grave understanding of why Minerva had been so insistent that he help her train Hermione. She hadn't told him that Hermione would be going with her all the time, just that there would be times she may need someone and as he would need to remain at Hogwarts…it had been logical. Especially to have another expert duelist upon the grounds, as Minerva was growing weaker almost daily. But to hear that Hermione would be going with Minerva when she left, it made his heart feel lighter and heavier all at once.

He had never known anyone to go with Minerva or Albus as they gathered intelligence. Perhaps Rory on the rare occasion or even Derrick, but that had been decades ago. In recent years, Minerva had become a recluse regarding her comings and goings; barely even acknowledging them…unless he would still be up when she returned and she had yet to change from her all too often bloody robes. It was a wonder she didn't keep Madame Malkins single handedly open through her the sheer amount of robes she had to go through in a year.

For whatever reason, Minerva had asked Hermione to assist her; it probably had to do with their remarkably similar styles and skills. He had to agree with Minerva's assessment of Hermione, she was a witch who would be truly magnificent as she came into her own. She was remarkably intelligent, quick, powerful, she just lacked experience.

"No Hermione…" A gentle smile beginning to cross his lips, "Your job will be far too taxing without any additional stress."

"How do you figure?"

"Hogwarts typically doesn't try and kill you; where Minerva will be taking you, will."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoxo

Minerva shakily drew the pain potion to her lips as the gargoyle activated.

"That's your second one today, my dear." Albus stated as she tipped her head back.

"I know." She breathed out as she banished the brown bottle. "But it has been sixteen hours since the last one."

"They are supposed to last twenty-four." Snape interjected, "Or has your son forgotten how to brew a standard pain potion."

"I believe that one came from Clemons." Minerva casually replied as she picked up her quill.

"Have you told either Poppy or Helena the pain is becoming worse?" Albus asked, drawing a sidelong gaze as the handle rustled.

"No." She firmly stated, Hermione stepping into the room looking as tired as she felt. "Long day?"

Hermione bit back her immediate response, not wanting to burden Minerva with more. Long, would be kind, atrocious was more apropos. "I'll merely say seventh year Slytherins and Gryffindors."

"Ahhh…" Minerva vividly recalling those days. "They can be taxing on the best of days."

Hermione nodded, "Yes, they can. I wanted to know if we would be going to Horace's this evening."

Minerva's eyes flickered to the window; she had only received three more responses this afternoon; none had been from Horace. "Unfortunately, we will and perhaps Dillon McPherson's too."

"After dinner, I presume?"

Minerva merely placed her quill back into the inkpot and stood, "I think we can accomplish that within the next hour and a half and be back in time for dinner." Minerva grabbing her walking stick from against the desk, "Do you need anything prior to going?"

"I…" Hermione took a step backwards, "My cloak."

"Hermione." Minerva's words stopping the younger woman, "There are faster ways," She motioned for her to follow.

"It won't take but ten minutes." Hermione again moving to the door. "There is no sense that you apparate…"

"Who said anything about apparating?" Minerva inquired as she began to quickly ascend the brass staircase to her private rooms.

"I would follow dear." Albus coaxed.

Several other Headmasters and Headmistresses nodded their heads in agreement.

"How is it faster?" Hermione asked as she walked by Albus' portrait. "Other than apparating, it can't be. There are six flights of steps separating her rooms to mine."

"And she still calls you the smartest witch of the age." Severus sneered as Hermione began taking two steps at a time. By the time she reached the top, Minerva was emerging from one of the doors with a tartan cloak grasped in her hand.

"Ahh…good of you to join me." She quipped draping the fabric over the inside of her arm as she walked forward. "Now…" She continued to the door beside the one on the end…that hadn't been there before.

"Where does that go?" Hermione asked as Minerva's hand was already wrapping around the brass handle. "And where was it? It wasn't there before now."

"Today…" She opened the frame a dark passage lay beyond, "I believe this will take us to your rooms. Come." She said brows arched, waiting for Hermione to follow.

Hermione quickly followed, stepping into the hallway first, Minerva closing the door behind her. At once she recognized the hallway, it was similar to the one she used to carry Minerva back to her rooms the night of the Hukbar. "I used one of these from the north entrance to reach your rooms."

"Elgin told me." Minerva stated as the torches burst into flames ahead of them. "Left." She said as they reached an intersection.

"What is this place and what are these?" She asked as they passed another intersection and several multicolored doors.

"Magical hallways that the Head of Hogwarts and other designated persons have access to." Minerva stated as she flicked her left hand, the door ahead and to the right of Hermione opening. "Through there."

Hermione walked through the opening, and out beside Godric's picture…on the inside of her study. Godric jumped awake, "Ah…Ms. Granger," A smile crossing his face, "Minerva, I should have known."

"We'll try to not to make it a habit." Minerva replied chuckling at the prestigious man's frown.

"That worked so well before." His dry comment causing Minerva to turn an immediate shade of rose pink, her eye arching in response…smile still upon her lips.

Hermione paused at her outer door to her inner rooms, "What does he mean?"

Minerva pursed her lips at the portrait, "Our dear friend Godric doesn't like the inner stairway, as it comes out right beside him. Though, he was the one who originally suggested that Albus and I use it to travel between our rooms. At the time, I made…" She brought herself closer to Hermione, enabling the other woman to listen and enter her own rooms to grab her cloak. "The comment that we wouldn't use it often."

"And you did?"

Minerva's laugh, albeit quiet, was rich and warming. "Yes, quite."

Hermione stepped from out of her room, a smile upon her own face. "You should laugh more often," She wrapped her cloak about her shoulders, eyes pulling up to see the other woman's face as it sobered, "Really, you have a very rich laugh."

Minerva turned away, wrapping her cloak about her shoulders, "Thank you." She said as Hermione stepped beside her.

"Are we walking to the front gates to apparate?" Hermione asked, hoping the answer was yes, thereby enabling her to apparate the two of them.

Minerva's eyes narrowed behind her glasses, "I think not." She stepped to the side, brining her face to face with the other woman, "And your behavior and commentary give too much away."

Hermione's face jerked upright, "I just want…"

"As you and Filius have undoubtedly spoken since this morning, I haven't been sleeping and am a bit fatigued. Now, for the sake of argument, as I'm sure you and Filius have deduced a plan that is probably better that I know nothing about, but that has my welfare at the forefront in both your minds; so, how about we both say we argued and finally settled that I will apparate us to Horace's and Dillon's; and you will apparate us anywhere else."

"How'd you know that Filius and I spoke?" Hermione asked as Minerva reached out to touch her shoulder.

"Because…" Minerva's fingers curled around the woolen fabric, "It's what I would have done." At once, she pulled the wards to her and they were gone with a faint pop.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxxoxoxoxoxø

Hermione felt her stomach lurch in her throat, the scene was the same as the previous two before; though with less mess. They stayed for but a moment, Minerva had briefly walked Hermione through the scene at Horace's. The apparent struggle, how the battle occurred within the home and the outcome. Horace's had had the most spell damage, and there was evidence that indicated that he had significantly injured someone. Dillion's and Margaret's had far less, but the struggle was still glaringly apparent if one knew what to look for.

"We need to go to the Ministry." Minerva's voice barely reaching Hermione's ears, sadness now lacing her once musical cadence.

Hermione needed no direction; it would be a short apparition across London. "Do you believe Kingsley's in?"

"He will be." Minerva said, face becoming grim with determination as Hermione reached over, hand wrapping around her upper arm.

"Hold on." Hermione stated as she apparated them into the Ministry.

No sooner had the Ministry's atrium come into view, and Minerva was striding across the black marbled floors; hundreds of heads turning towards the imposing witch. And their reaction was unanimous as every single person stepped away from Minerva not wanting to get within her path.

Hermione trailed behind Minerva, watching as the venerable woman strode down the corridors…the clicking of her heals and walking stick along with the set of her shoulders, all of the Ministry officials steering clear…even the Minister's assistant seemed reluctant to want to help Minerva.

"I need to see him." Minerva's voice turning cold, "Now."

"I'm afraid he is with someone, Headmistress." Blair Thomas stated, unable to keep the quake from her voice.

Minerva cleared her throat, but Hermione stepped up beside her…hand momentarily resting upon Minerva's shoulder as she did. "Blair, the Headmistress needs to see the Minister. Immediately."

Large blue eyes flickered momentarily to Hermione and then back again, "I'm under strict orders. Not to…" She swallowed as Minerva fully leveled her gaze upon the young witch, "Allow anyone, especially you, Headmistress, entry."

Hermione winced at Blair's words. Words that never should have been given as a directive, especially regarding Minerva.

Hermione could feel Minerva's magic come alive in a heartbeat as it licked across her skin. And for one moment…she felt her world stop and she was back in Hogwarts' hallway…

Being chased by death eaters…

Heart hammering in her chest as the two wizards screamed rants from behind her as their steps neared.

Turning the corner, feet sliding…almost losing her traction, she thought she was done…

And then her eyes landed upon the woman who had saved her life with magic she had never seen before and wouldn't see again for over a decade.

But after Minerva had cast the spells…she had seemed disoriented…and Hermione had reached out to touch her…and that is when she had first felt another's magic, the same one rippling across her skin now…

It had been potent…overwhelming…

And as her eyes refocused, she couldn't help but feel reassured. She had felt Minerva's magic briefly before as she side-along apparated, but this was different. It crackled against the very air, engulfing…threatening…and strangely comforting.

Blair took a cautious step back, "Headmistress, I'm only doing what the Minister…"

"Enough!" Minerva snapped, her walking stick already within the palm of her hand, morphing into her wand. And as she arced her wand, it appeared as if her very hand glowed…and then the door to the Minister's office burst apart into a thousand splinters.

Two heads snapped up at the commotion, one was Kingsley, the other Lucius Malfoy. Blue eyes narrowed at the woman across the office as the Minister jumped up, "What is the meaning of this, Minerva?" His deep voice grumbling.

Minerva flipped her hand, a stack of papers jumping at Kingsley, "Lucius, don't get up." She said, momentarily drilling him with her green eyes, "I shan't be but a moment more." And then she stepped around him, hands splayed upon the desk…leaning across, "As that report is a list of the hundred and sixty-three former Hogwarts professors; the last thirty letters went out this morning."

He shook his head, "Minerva, have you gone mad, what does that report have to do with…"

"I have not received responses from eighteen percent of those persons. Lockhart went missing from St. Mungos this morning…"

"He's got no bloody memory and of no use to anyone. And truly Minerva, just because a few persons didn't respond to your correspondence does not mean that there is a problem within Britain."

"The persons not responding to their correspondences are more than mere acquaintances, and tend to respond within a day…at best two."

"Minerva you are being…"

"Before coming here, we verified three of the names on that list. Horace Slughorn, Dillon McPherson, and Margaret Myriam."

"I won't be pressured…"

"Then do your job." Minerva snapped as she stood upright.

"Stop trying to do everyone else's job, worry about your own." His voice becoming strained.

"You have four missing persons already, signs of a struggle at three of the homes…and a list of others who have been targeted. A list of professors, Minister."

"Headmistress…"

"How many more will I have to bury for your negligence, Kingsley?"

Even Lucius recoiled from her retort, but Minerva didn't wait as she turned around, fire still within her eyes. Her parting comment sending chills down Hermione's arms as she stopped in what was left of the doorway. "Do your job Minister, or as Head of Hogwarts, I will publicly proclaim support for a new Minister."

"Is that a threat, Headmistress?" His gaze smoking.

"I don't make threats, Kingsley." Minerva clipped, her eyes dropping to Malfoy, "Good day, Lucius."

"Minerva." He tilted his head in respect and she was emerald cloak billowing behind her as the quiet cyan robed woman followed. Lucius waited until the two women stepped around the corner, his voice soft, cutting. "You should listen, Minister."

Slowly Kingsley raised his eyes to the cold blue ones of Lucius, "Excuse me."

"Even the Dark Lord wouldn't willingly cross her." Lucius stood, "And I would suggest you put your personal opinion aside and conduct a proper investigation." His silken black cloak falling to the floor, "She can be a formidable adversary but also a stout proponent. And," He drew out his hat, "Even though she is a Gryffindor, she has always had everyone's best interests at heart, even mine."

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Minerva took another deep breath as she stepped onto the atrium, she was in no mood to return to Hogwarts, but as her eyes settled on the clock above the floo networks, she sighed. Dinner was half over. "Damn." She muttered.

"Minerva?" Hermione questioned drawing up beside her and realized following the Headmistresses gaze what she was upset about. They had missed the beginning of dinner. "It's not quite half over."

"I know." Minerva's lips drew into a thin line, "However, I believe I shall be missing dinner this evening." Her eyes sliding to the floo network and then back to Hermione. The circles beneath brown eyes as prominent as the ones she had seen beneath her own and as prudent as it would be for them to return to Hogwarts; she would prefer a drink instead. "I shall, however, see you in the morning."

Concern swept through Hermione, "Aren't you returning back to Hogwarts?"

"After one more stop, dear." She stated and began striding to the floo.

"I'll come with you." Hermione replied, causing Minerva to stop and turn, gaze leveling behind her paper thin gold frames.

"That won't be necessary…" Minerva began which Hermione immediately interrupted.

"After everything that happened this evening, how can you say that?"

"I am going home for a few hours and will return to Hogwarts later this evening."

"Oh." Hermione stated, "I'm sorry, it's just that…"

"I appreciate your concern, Hermione, no matter how unwarranted. Now," She turned and then found herself pausing. Her anger and lashing out had been uncalled for, "If you care to join me, truth be told I was going for a spot of whisky."

Hermione smiled at the older woman, "After today, I shall say one drink and then I must return to the castle."

Minerva nodded, "Very well." She strode forward and then stopped again, realizing that her initial intent had been to go to the Ridge of course the Manor would suffice…but either way, Hermione would not be allowed entry via the floo network. "However, we shall need to take a different travel method."

"Then I'll just apparate us…" Hermione said reaching over to Minerva.

"To where?" Minerva asked, mildly bemused.

"Your Manor…" And despite the clarity of knowing the Manor existed and how beautiful the architecture is, she couldn't for the life of her picture where it was located. "The secret-keeper." She said in realization.

Minerva placed her hand atop Hermione's, "Yes." And then the atrium was gone and they were standing in front of the black gates to the darkened Manor, her hand leaving Hermione's and opening the Iron Gates. The effect was immediate. As soon as her hand touched the rod iron, lanterns burst to light to the left and right of the two witches…bathing the outer lawns and the path to the Manor itself in a soft effervescent glow.

"Is that part of the warding structure?" Hermione asked as they began walking to the house.

"A modification." Minerva stated feeling her hip pull as her own anger ebbed. "After I began teaching at Hogwarts. The grounds used to be kept light at all times, especially when I was growing up with the coming and goings of my parents, siblings, the clan, and of course the business. However, after…the war; it became rather quiet. And as the years went by, and the visitors dwindled, it became pointless to keep the grounds light at all times."

"Mistress." Bonnie appeared as they ascended the slate steps to the front door, "A welcome surprise." She stated, eyes sliding from Minerva to Hermione and then back.

"We missed dinner at Hogwarts."

"I will start the fire immediately…"

Minerva held up her hand, "Nothing elaborate Bonnie."

"Of course Mistress." She simply stated, "Will you be needing anything else?"

The doors to the Manor sprung open, a soft creak echoing in the almost deserted home. "Perhaps after dinner."

"Very well, Hermione?" The small house elf asked turning her head.

"No, but thank you Bonnie."

Bonnie left with a pop as they entered the Manor. Minerva easily pulling her cloak off and hat; hanging them with practiced ease upon the worn metal hooks along the foyer; Hermione quietly following suite as she wondered why they were hanging them there versus the coat closet. However, as her cloak along with Minerva's hat and cloak vanished, she believed she knew. "The hooks are charmed?"

"Yes," Minerva's eyes darting to the hooks, "To transport whatever hangs upon them to the cloak closet."

Hermione couldn't help but smile. She had been shown the closet on her tour, but had never had the opportunity to utilize it as they always came during the summer months. "That's efficient."

"I believe," Minerva cleared her throat, "That I have shown you the bulk of the downstairs."

"Yes," Hermione stated, "You gave me a tour before."

Minerva nodded, "I did, however, I thought I would give you the unofficial tour as it were." She dropped her walking stick to the ground, mentally hoping that Bonnie and the other house elves had had enough time since their last visit to the Manor to pull the sheets and blankets from the furniture upstairs, and dust the rooms. "Though forgive me for not taking you to the cellar. It has little scenic value as that is where the wines, scotch, whisky and other beverages are stored; it is also home to a fresh water spring and the kitchens."

Hermione nodded, "Perhaps next time." Her eyes swept to the grand staircase, "Are there any other rooms downstairs?"

"No." She replied walking forward, hand falling onto the large walnut banister. "However, there are quite a few rooms upstairs."

Hermione needed no further prompting as she ascended the steps next to Minerva, noting that her gait was becoming more labored. "Do you need a pain potion?" Hermione couldn't help in asking.

"No," Minerva said as her knuckles turned white from the pressure she applied as she gripped the banister, "I took one a short time ago."

"Then it doesn't seem to be working." Hermione stated as they continued up the stairs, bypassing the second floor.

"Unfortunately, it is." Minerva stepped off the last step and onto the third floor hallway, which was decorated by family portraits…including one that held a younger Albus, Minerva, and their four children nestled between them as teenagers. Beneath that portrait, four smaller ones existed; one of each of her children's families. "This…" The hallway light up in its entirety, "Is a pictorial representation of families and their descendents who have lived at the Manor."

Hermione's eyes darted from one picture to the next, stopping on the one just to the right of Minerva's family portrait. "Are those your parents?" She asked, eyes leveled at a stout, middle-aged wizard with thinning brown hair and a goatee with strands of grey interspersed as his green eyes twinkled behind silver frames arm securely wrapped around a thin, regal looking woman with raven black hair, blue eyes and high cheek bones. Two young men sat in front of the wizard, one she immediately recognized as Derrick, the other…a strapping man who was perhaps twenty, with long golden brown hair tied back, an easy grin spread across his lips as green eyes burst with life…and mischief…and nestled between the two brothers was their sister, a much younger representation of the woman standing beside her. Her posture erect…and yet…relaxed, not at all like the one she used now…perhaps the most startling difference was how expressive her face was. Her joy readily apparent on her features, and then the picture shifted…

Minerva was leaning back against her two brothers, gaily laughing as they began commenting on the length of time the whole process was taking…her father berating all of them as her mother shook her head…and then demurely called Meric's name and upon turning she captured his lips in a searing kiss. Which caused all three children to groan that at their current rate it would be another five hours…

"Yes." Minerva said, remembering that afternoon. "Meric and Katherine McGonagall and my two brothers, Derrick and Callum."

"Callum?" Hermione questioned, turning to Minerva.

"Albus and I chose to name our youngest son after my eldest brother."

"When was the picture taken?" Hermione inquired glancing back to the family portrait.

"Over the Christmas holidays, my seventh year." Minerva's voice becoming soft, "It was the last time we would all be together at the Manor. Callum was killed the following June."

"I'm sorry." Hermione stated.

A gentle smile spread across Minerva's face, "Don't be. It was a lifetime ago." Minerva turned to the right, "I am merely thankful that Mother and Father insisted that we have our family portrait done that winter. Of course, at the time, all of us had other things we were more interested in doing."

"How long did it end up taking to paint?" Hermione asked, her eyes scanning several other portraits as they made their way to the lone door amidst the hundred frames.

"Just over eleven hours." Minerva said as she opened the door, lanterns jumping to life. "This is the Master Bedroom." She stated, eyes sweeping across the room she had not set foot in for years…it looked as it had the last time she had entered.

Hermione stepped in…and felt her jaw plunge to the floor. The bedroom was enormous. It had the same vaulted ceilings, mahogany crown molding, shining wooden floors that the rest of the home had but the carving upon the crown molding was just slightly more detailed. The walls were creamy linen, with purples and green accents spread throughout…

A bed half again the size of a king bed rest against the side wall, large bay windows stretched to the right side of the bed…and even from the doorway, Hermione could see the soft light glowing from the lanterns outside.

"This has a gorgeous view during the day." Minerva stated.

"I'm sure." Hermione said, "But…" She noticed the large vanity…engraved dressers…two wardrobes, a small table and two chairs nestled on the opposite wall as the bed; and two doorways on either side of the room. "You don't stay here often, do you?"

Minerva's face remained impassive, "No."

Hermione elaborated, "It's beautiful, but it lacks your personal touches."

"Several of the items are removed from Hogwarts during the summer and brought here," Minerva stated, covering the obvious truth.

Hermione nodded, silently wondering why there were no pictures upon the walls and every surface in the room held no personal items. Minerva motioned for her exit, "And now downstairs."

"There aren't any other rooms upstairs?"

A quaint smile spread across Minerva's face, "In due time." She simply stated, retracing their earlier path and stopping upon the second floor where she veered to the right of the staircase. There were six bedrooms, two of the bedrooms had bathrooms off of them the other four shared another bathroom along the floor. They were large, spacious…and Hermione had to wonder where the other two rooms off the Master Suite went to. She imagined one went to a bathroom of some sort, the other a closet? Whatever those rooms were upstairs, were equivalent to the space of half of the wing of the Manor.

Again Minerva retraced her steps, but instead of going downstairs, she walked to the other side of the hallway. "I believe this will be your favorite room by far." Minerva stated as she opened the door.

Hermione had been dumbfounded by the Master suite, but…even its splendor could not compare to the grandeur of the room before her.

"This is the McGonagall library." Minerva stated stepping into the room, a fire sprang to life in the grate as dozens of lanterns began glowing upon the lower floor…throwing light upward…

Enabling Hermione to truly see how large the room was. The library spanned two stories, a hallway circling what she was sure marked the third story of the house. Old fashioned wooden ladders were connected to a railing system that stretched around the room, granting access to the thousands of books lining the shelves that circled the room in its entirety, both floors had fourteen shelves per case.

High above was an entirely glass roof, stars twinkling against the black night. Hermione heard Minerva's walking stick striking the ground, bringing her back to reality, her gaze turning to the noise to see several golden brown leather chairs, matching ottomans and two sofas with end tables beside each piece of furniture…and a small wooden cabinet behind the far sofa, facing the fireplace…which was when Hermione noticed the large tapestry hanging above the mantle, depicting a white tree…with names upon the branches.

"Is this your family tree?" Hermione asked, eyes sweeping over the fabric that stretched upwards to the next floor.

"Yes." Minerva said as she too stared at the all too familiar tapestry as her fingers deftly pulled two tumblers from within the cabinet.

Hermione walked forward, the shadows of the fire flickering across the massive tapestry, "How many generations does it go back?"

"I believe if you glance to the second one up from the bottom to the left, you'll find a recognizable name." Minerva pulled the cap from the silver labeled bottle.

Hermione's eyes scanned over, heart stopping at the name, "Edgar Meric Merlyn." She murmured eyes absorbing the date of his birth and death, head snapping around. "As in Merlin."

"The one and the same." Minerva said as she started pouring the second glass. "And if you were to grasp the ladder to the left of you, and go up about six steps to the left of the tapestry and six and a half steps to the right you'll find two other names you would recognize."

Hermione strained her eyes, eager to see who she was referring, "Rowena Ravenclaw?"

Minerva shook her head, "Right time frame, wrong person." Minerva stated stepping forward.

"Godric and…" Her head snapped to the right, "Surely not Salazar…"

"Helga." Minerva said handing Hermione a drink.

"You have two of the Founders…" She could just make out their names on either side of the tree, "In your family tree?"

"If you trace up Helga's line, her direct descendents have all died. Godric's became merged much later with a strand from Merlyn's and survives…"

"To you."

"And the children."

"Are you the last ones?"

"Along Godric's line, yes. However there are still descendents through both Merlyn's and his sister Morgana's line alive."

Hermione took a step backwards, head falling back to take in the expanse of the tree. "Is this a self perpetuating tree?"

"Yes." Minerva raised her eyes to the worn fabric, "And it accounts for every person married and born into the lineage. No matter their blood or magical capabilities."

"So it even tracks muggles or…"

"Squibs." Minerva finished taking a swallow, "Which often become muggle, but on occasion you'll see a magical person born several generations up the lineage."

"And your name?" Hermione asked.

Minerva smiled, eyes scanning the tree… "First you would want to see whose name is blue, that indicates they are alive and of magic. Once deceased, those with magic turn white. Vibrant yellow indicates a squib, while…" She pointed to one of Morgana's children, Elaine, whose name was a pastel yellow. "A soft orange indicates a squib who has died. And green indicates a muggle, while…"

"Brown means they have died."

"Yes. Now…" Minerva pointed to the third floor, "My family line is along left upper branches of the tapestry."

Hermione nodded, "How often do you look at this?" Eyes darting across the top, seeing a handful of green and yellows amongst the blue.

"As I have grown older…" Minerva walked back to the cabinet, refilling her glass, "Not nearly as often."

The reason was clear, it was a calloused way that showed the passing of her family…names that had suddenly gone white. Hermione knew this evening was not the time, but she wanted to see how many of Minerva's family had died during Grindlewald's reign, and what better way than glancing at an encompassing family tree. She was also mildly curious to see if there were any other descendants whom she knew. "Voldemort had sought items from the Founders…why did he not come, here?"

"There are not many of my clan who remain alive that were descended from this tree. And as my clan relatively has always kept to itself, our lineage is not widely known. Besides, he was seeking objects that belonged to the Founders; what remains within the clan are texts and journals by both Godric and Helga; nothing more."

"You have books written by the Founders?" Hermione absently took a drink.

"Several. You are welcome to read them, however, I cannot permit them to be removed from the Manor unless it is to my chambers at Hogwarts."

"You'se dinner." Bonnie's voice cutting through the air, "Is served."

Minerva gave a nod, "We'll be down momentarily."

"It's be waiting and warm." Bonnie said as she blinked away.

"Shall we…" Minerva said pointing to the door.

"I can't help but feel envious, Minerva." Hermione said casting a look back to the rows of books…books she wished to sit by the fire and read…every single last one of them and then she recalled an earlier conversation between them, "A wee bit larger…" She said as they stepped out of the library and into the hallway, "Talk about an understatement."

"It is just a bit larger than the one at my office." Minerva replied as Hermione's laughter rung off the walls.

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Their dinner was punctuated by conversation about the Minister and how both thought he would respond as they ate roasted duck with orange glaze, wild rice and sautéed vegetables.

Bonnie had inquired if either would be having dessert, both readily declined stating that their dinner had been delicious but filling.

"Besides," Hermione finished the last of her tea, "I should return to Hogwarts."

Minerva sighed, "As should I." She stood, the pain in her hip catching, causing her to lean forward, fingers gripping the side of the table.

"Minerva!" Hermione immediately stepping around the chairs, hands ready to catch the swaying woman whose white knuckle grip of the table worried Hermione even further.

"It'll pass." Minerva ground out, forcing her leg down, knowing the pain was that a piece of bone was working its way out from her muscle and interfering with the ball joint.

"Is there nothing to be done?" Hermione asked as Minerva gingerly straightened again, her own hands falling to her sides.

"Helena will be able to remove the bone fragment tomorrow and I'll be good as new." Minerva placing a lot of weight upon her other leg as she walked.

"How often does this happen?" Hermione gliding along beside her, trying not to notice Minerva's obvious discomfort.

"It has only happened a handful of times. My body has absorbed most of the bone fragments."

"Has Helena detected any correlation as to what causes the fragments to emerge versus other times?"

Minerva placed her hand upon the door frame, "Stress." She stated simply, "The more stress my body is under, the weaker the area and the more susceptible it becomes to fragments emerging."

"And you not sleeping…"

Minerva shook her head, "I did not come here this evening to argue about my health Hermione, but to unwind from my day."

Hermione began walking to the front of the house, "I'll grab you cloak and hat." She stated calling backwards.

Minerva grimaced leaning forward, beginning to make her way to the drawing room. "First door to the right of the entry." She called out, hating the momentary feeling of helplessness. And hating the notion that it would only be getting worse as the year wore on. She would need to find something other than a standard pain potion for her hip…

Hermione pulled open the door and frowned at the set of steps heading downward. She hadn't remembered steps. At once, she descended them…the air becoming cooler, and the smell…of leather tomes, parchment, ink…a light came on and she knew instantly she was not in the coat room.

Unlike the library upstairs, this one was close…with tables that had several papers laying on top with a variety of writing scrawled across the papers. She could even detect some of Minerva's familiar scrawl. Her eyes scanned the binding of some of the books, and…

Her father's Arthimancy. She realized at the dates along the binding, along with a few other titles regarding Marriage ceremonies, Bonding, Connections of life through death…

Heart hammering in her chest she took a hesitant step backwards, but paused…momentarily thinking of taking one of Meric's texts, but then the light flickered and she thought better of it. I'll just have to find a way to come back here, Hermione thought as she scampered back up the steps, alone.

With great speed, Hermione closed the door and found the closet, their two cloaks and Minerva's hat and made her way back down the hallway and through the door to the drawing room as Minerva stopped in front of the Mantle by the fire and floo powder.

Both witches flooed into the Headmistress' office, several of the portraits eager to know what the outcome of their evening was, but also knew they would have to wait to ask until after Hermione's departure.

"Thank you for going with me this evening, Hermione." Minerva stated as she took her cloak and hat from Hermione and banished it to her rooms.

"Are you sure you would not like Poppy to look at your hip this evening?"

Minerva could feel a hundred pairs of eyes descend upon her, including her husband's. "Quite. I shall see Helena tomorrow."

"Very well, but please do try and get some sleep this evening."

Minerva smiled, "Of course. Good night, Hermione."

"And to you." She replied, satisfied that Minerva was going to get some sleep tonight. How could Minerva not get some sleep? Hermione wondered stating goodnight to several of the portraits as she walked by and into the gargoyle. She was exhausted from her day, surely Minerva was too.

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A/N: Glad to be back and here is another bit; thank you for kind words from those who reviewed the last couple chapters however, interest seems to be waning and if you are still enjoying please drop a note –