Chapter 29
Minerva paused in her movements to watch Hermione as the twilight sparkled through the windows, the woman was as tenacious as herself unwilling to let her demons affect her during waking hours; and Minerva didn't know whether to smile or not at the similarity.
Minerva watched as Hermione took great care to reassemble and repair the suit of armor. They hadn't spoken about what had happened to Hermione at Malfoy Manor, but if the events from last night were anything to go by; it had been significant. For they plagued Hermione much like her own horrific demons that still infiltrated into her dreams and more often than she cared to admit – twisted and morphed the once restful, restorative sleep into haunting nightmares.
"Are you just going to stand there watching?" Hermione asked looking over her shoulder, "Or get back to work?"
Minerva's brow rose, "Forgive me for admiring your spellwork."
Hermione felt her cheeks blush slightly at the praise spoken by her former professor, "Thank you."
"You've become an adept witch, and the proficiency with which you are casting the charms and transfiguration speaks volumes of your skill. It shan't be long until you've obtained a level one mastery in both fields."
"I was thinking of starting my mastery in Potions this fall." Hermione admitted and at seeing a flicker of shock pass over Minerva's face found herself hastily adding onto her statement, "I had hoped to teach the subject at Hogwarts when Slughorn retires. I figured you'd cajole him into remaining this year due to the volume of professors you will already be replacing, and then next year if the post was open, I'd have the credentials to apply for the position and perhaps become a professor."
"If your ambition is to become a professor here, I believe I do have several positions open this coming term; and I can think of one area in particular I believe you'd do quite well."
"But to teach here, I need at least a level one mastery."
"Which I assure you, you'd be able to attain by the end of the summer; if you are willing to put the time and energy in to attaining it."
"What area?"
"Transfiguration, as you are more than capable."
Brown eyes widened, "That would be wonderful, but…" she shook her head, "you won't have time this summer to work with me."
Emerald eyes sparkled as a gentle smile passed over thin lips, "I suppose we'll have to add a lesson to our daily activities."
Hermione chuckled as she nodded too, "I suppose we will."
Xoxo
a/n: :)
