Chapter 34 ~ November 8th, 2009 (Sunday)
Rory watched Minerva reach out, taking the proffered parchment from Elgin's outstretched fingers into her own. "If the world only knew." He whispered as she flipped open the folded paper, her elegant brow arching as she glanced downward whilst her other hand brought up her glasses.
"It would forever change the perception that surrounds not only I, but Albus as well." She replied slipping on her glasses, "To a far more truthful one and not the icon that surrounds us."
He reached forward pouring a cup of tea, "So what is on your fabled report this morning?" Minerva's eyes fell to the parchment, green orbs absorbing the words…until she was at the end of the page and felt a frown creasing across her lips mildly wondering for the first time in decades at the accuracy of her morning report.
"Problem?" Rory inquired sitting up.
"No." Minerva replied eyes re-scanning the notes, looking for either Angelina's name to have appeared upon the guest registry or that of Hermione not returning to Hogwarts. "If you will excuse me for a moment."
"Of course." He rumbled as she stood up, her regal posture reminding him of a the definition of a lady.
Minerva gave a nod as she stepped into her rooms, the door closing behind her before she called Elgin, who appeared almost instantly upon his summons.
"Mistress, you'se needs something?" He asked, yellow eyes blinking up at her.
"Is there anything missing from your report?" Her green eyes peering over the golden rims in question.
Elgin's eyes knitted together in confusion, "Mistress, I'se don't understand."
"Are you sure this morning's report is complete?"
"Of course." He replied, baffled at the Mistress' odd question.
Minerva was about to inquire farther but stopped at seeing the honesty reflected within his yellow orbs, and felt a wave of shame at her doubt at his thoroughness sweep through her. "Thank you." She said straightening up, "For your thoroughness, as always, Elgin."
He gave a deep bow, "The pleasure is mine, Mistress."
"No, Elgin." She said, "It is I who am thankful."
"You'se needs anything else this morning?" He asked while straightening.
"No." She stated and without waiting for another word, he vanished, leaving her momentarily alone; while her thoughts remained upon the morning report and her reaction to it…
Correction, she mused as she banished the paper, it had nothing to do with the paper, but my curiosity regarding one of my staff. A curiosity that mirrored her animagus form…and a curiosity she could ill afford.
Peeling her glasses off, Minerva turned to the window, knowing that Rory would be fine for a few more minutes as her fingers absently held the arms of her frames as the glasses themselves dangled aimlessly below as she strode forward; her right hand coming up…fingers resting along the ledge as her gaze swept over the quiet grounds across Hogwarts, wishing for a bit of tranquility within her life. It seemed, however, that was not to be the case; especially with Johannes…and now…there was another problem.
One far less severe, but its potency had grown…and after last night, and her reaction to seeing Hermione and Angelina's kiss, in conjunction with her foolish notions this morning…it was no longer something that Minerva could just continue to ignore or rationalize away.
She found Hermione Granger, attractive…brilliantly so.
Granted, nothing would nor ever could come of a relationship with the alluring young woman…
But as green eyes stared down at the steam wafting up from the lake…a deep sigh could be heard from inside the Headmistress' room as she quelled her foolish internal musing. Because alluring or no, Minerva was still bound to Albus, loved him…and she'd be joining him all too soon.
Xoxoxo
Hermione stepped into the Great Hall, her eyes already veering to the head chair, feeling an immediate wave of relief pass through her veins at seeing Minerva sitting there beside Filius…and…as it was still early, the other chair remained open; in truth all of the other chairs were open and she found herself already walking towards the one to the left of Minerva.
There had only been one other occasion that Hermione had opted to sit next to the Headmistress and that was several weeks ago; when she and Filius confronted Minerva about her lack of sleep. She didn't plan on repeating the sequence from several weeks ago, but she did want a few answers. Answers that only Minerva could give.
The first one was regarding last night and why Minerva had not apparated to her chambers and if it had been regarding a mission…why wasn't she informed?
Hermione's fingers reached out, grasping the chair…her eyes involuntarily sliding to the woman to the right, immediately noticing that Minerva seemed to be getting some rest; the circles beneath her eyes didn't appear to be as dark…but then again…she was sitting in the middle of the Great Hall. Even if she looked as had the other night in her personal rooms, Minerva would never dare allow anyone, especially her students or staff, see her in such a state. Hermione would have to ask Minerva if she was getting any sleep with Rory, she thought as she went to slide the chair back. At the noise, the quiet conversation between Filius and Minerva instantly halted, both the witch and wizard turning towards her…
Xoxoxo
Minerva could smell the almond scent wash over her as the woman in question drew to a stop catty-corner behind her; and her attention to Filius' words drifted…her mind returning to her epiphany from this morning and how ironic life was that the very woman in question was choosing today of all days to sit next to her.
Golden eyes left hers, and she too turned towards Hermione…a gentle smile upon her face. "Good morning, Hermione."
"Minerva, Filius." Hermione stated as she sat down.
"A pleasant surprise this morning." Filius' chipper words bringing a smile to her face.
"Where's Pomona?" Hermione questioned as she reached out and poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Had an emergency in Greenhouse 4 and she'll be up shortly." Filius calmly cut his sausage patty.
"Nothing serious I hope." She replied as she drew her cup back to her.
"No…" He set his knife down, "Something about the mandrakes being next to an open window."
Hermione couldn't help the smile from crossing her face at Filius' casual response, and how amazing it was that he knew so very little about Herbology given that his wife was a Master in the field. "They don't take kindly to temperatures below 49 degrees."
Filius nodded, "She did mention something about that this morning before bolting to the greenhouse." He raised his fork, sausage upon the end, "However, at just before four, I'll admit that after the initial shock and alert was over, and as there was little I could do, I was rather content to return to my slumber."
Both women chuckled at the Deputy's comment, Minerva shaking her head as she spoke. "I'm sure that Pomona will take comfort in that fact."
At this, even Filius smiled after he swallowed. "Of that, I have no doubt and am assured that I'll be watching the Hufflepuffs this afternoon while she slumbers." His gaze becoming momentarily focused upon green eyes, "Speaking of sleep, your eyes look lighter."
Minerva could feel Hermione's gaze upon the side of her face as she stared at Filius. "I've had a bit more sleep of late."
"Then Rory has helped?" Hermione inquired, drawing Filius' gaze to her as well.
"Rory's here?" Filius asked, eyes sparkling at the notion that Rory had been with Minerva recently. Perhaps, he thought, she will be alright after everything that has happened recently.
"A bit and yes." Minerva succinctly replied to her Deputy and Hermione; not wanting to answer that the last two nights, she had slept and found some solace; however the dreams had been atrocious.
Filius felt his heart lift at Minerva's response, "Does he have plans for lunch?" He inquired, always enjoying the Highlander's perspective and company.
"He left this morning and will not be returning until late this evening." Minerva noticing how Filius' shoulders were already beginning to sink, "However, if he arrives before too late of an hour, perhaps he'd be interested in a glass of port."
"Excellent idea." Filius said, "I do hope he is up for it, I wished to speak with him about my latest research on weather charms."
"I'm sure Rory would be delighted." Minerva spooned another portion of oatmeal.
"I didn't realize Rory had a background in charms." Hermione chimed in, drawing a wide smile from the Deputy and a small one from the Headmistress.
"He doesn't." Minerva replied picking up her coffee, "Nor does he have any formalized education."
"But I saw him…" Hermione immediately redirected her comment to safer ground, it wouldn't do for Filius to know what she had been involved in this past week after everything Minerva did to keep it quiet. "He's had to have been trained; he is far too good of a wizard."
"He was trained," Minerva stated, "Just not at Hogwarts; but by his elder sister and uncle."
"Really?" Hermione couldn't believe that Rory had learned all of what he had done through informal education. "I can't believe…really?" She asked again before biting into a piece of buttered toast.
"Quite." Minerva deciding to mildly expand upon her answer without giving too much away about Rory's personal life, "He was and remains a voracious reader; and although he is at times a bit unorthodox, he has exceptional talent and a unique perspective on traditional magic."
"And if he has the time and consents, his feedback is priceless." Filius said as he took another bite of sausage.
"Does he assist often?" Hermione inquired.
"Not often," Minerva quietly replied, "He regularly avoids what he deems nonsense loving the high country and purposely circumventing the life that he equates to that of the low country."
"What kind of work does he do in the high country?" Hermione asked while scooping a handful of eggs onto her spoon.
"Herd cattle." Minerva succinctly stated.
"Cattle?" Hermione repeated, unbelievingly.
"Yes," Minerva poured herself a second cup of orange juice. "He took over Braque's business after the war," At Hermione's questioning look, she expanded. "His uncle was killed at the end of the first war against Voldemort."
Hermione felt her world stop at Minerva's simple comment, Rory had not only lost Derrick during that war, but his uncle too. "And what of his sister?"
"She…" Minerva paused for a moment as she turned to meet Hermione's curious gaze. She could feel the subtle tremble within the tips of her fingers against her cup, and she forced her face to remain impassive. "Died shortly after Derrick's death." Hermione felt her brows knitting together, a question about to leave her lips but Minerva gave her a subtle shake of the head and with half-hearted smile, "For another time."
Hermione absently nodded, her eyes riveted upon Minerva's turbulent ones and she couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Rory's sister, and from the overbearing emotion momentarily staring at her from behind emerald eyes; she was fairly certain that Minerva felt responsible or at least felt as though she was partially so. "And does he work for you too?"
"He holds a special place with the family." Minerva stated as she turned back to her breakfast; her posture and poise seeming as though she had just been discussing the weather, even the pain so blatant before now hidden within murky green orbs. "Filius," Her voice light, but Hermione could tell that despite her faux posture, she was not relaxed while speaking. "If you will please inform the visitors in the North Wing that I wish to meet with them tomorrow evening."
Filius nodded, "Of course." Concern was now lacing his jovial face, "And what is it regarding?"
Minerva leaned closer, voice barely reaching Hermione's ears. "The assistance with additional patrols upon the grounds."
"Is that wise?" His voice rising another octave.
"After what I learned from both Adam and Horace, prudent would be a far more apt adjective."
The two long time friends stared into the others eyes for several moments before he gave her a solitary nod and returned to his breakfast, Minerva doing the same.
A sliding chair beside Hermione and Marx's tall form drawing it out ended the potential conversation she had hoped to have with Minerva and before long, she and Marx were in a lively discussion regarding their respective quidditch teams and the upcoming game between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.
It wasn't until Minerva was drawing her chair out that Hermione turned back towards the Headmistress. "Are you available for a short meeting this afternoon?"
Minerva paused and met warm brown eyes. "I have some time now and again after dinner."
Hermione didn't want to seem anxious, but she did wish to speak with Minerva about many things; last night just one amongst many. "If you can give me but a few minutes, I will be up."
Minerva merely gave her a curt nod and with practiced ease slipped from the Head of Hogwarts chair before flowing from the Great Hall. Hermione's eyes followed for a few moments before coming to land upon Filius' golden ones.
"She looks to be slightly more rested." Filius quietly stated to the cyan robed professor.
Hermione felt a surge pulse through her system at his words, and she found herself in a momentary paradox; wanting his words to be both true and not at the same time. Because the truth in his words meant that Rory had been helping Minerva in a way that she had failed to do so, and she hated failing those she called a friend. "It would seem."
"I will speak of this with Rory, please let me know if you learn anything more."
Hermione gave a nod, and felt a gentle smile curl upon her lips as she noticed his subtle wave of his hand, ending the silencing charm she had not even seen him cast. With a wink, he turned to Poppy and she back to Marx to bid him a good day.
Xoxoxo
Hermione stepped into Minerva's office expecting to see Minerva sitting behind her desk, frantically responding to the copious letters upon her desk. However, she was surprised to find her office empty, the only sign that she had frequented here since her departure from breakfast, a steaming cup of tea sitting upon her coffee table before her red and golden striped sofa. "Minerva?" She asked, eyes immediately darting to the second floor, but only silence greeted her ears; even the portraits remained momentarily still; except for Albus.
"She will be back in a few minutes." Came his warm voice.
"Then she is not here?" Hermione asked, feeling a frown pull upon her lips.
"Minerva is not within these chambers." Albus replied.
"Perhaps it would be better if I were to return this evening." Hermione said drawing closer to the portraits, and she felt the weight of a hundred pair of eyes upon her.
"The cup of tea is for you, Hermione." Albus' eyes darted to the table, "As are the books beside it."
Hermione turned around, eyes immediately scanning the location he had stated. "Are you sure?" She inquired as she strode forward, the title of the top book now becoming clear, a smile immediately spreading across her face.
"As she asked Elgin to bring the tea for you as she was leaving, along with the books, it would be fair to assume they were intended for you, Granger." Snape drawled.
Hermione absently nodded as she leaned down, and picked up the top book; a comic book – A Heroes Birth. And beneath the title; was a moving picture of a young boy that morphed into a tall, dark haired man with glasses before shooting across the sky with a red cape fluttering in the wind.
She had forgotten, she watched as the boy again morphed into the well known character of superman, she should have known that Minerva had not.
Xoxoxo
Minerva paused kneeling down, fingers reaching out, as her eyes traced along the crack, hands feeling what her eyes were telling her. She would need to take the time to verify that the heart and warding lattice were still in sync. Perhaps this coming weekend, she thought as she nimbly pulled her wand from the depths of her robes.
As she formed a spell upon her lips to repair the old stone, her mind flitting through what she had on her schedule this weekend, and whether she would be able to take a day and devote it to the heart and lattice works repair. A series of flicks to her wand as she cast the spell, and at once she felt the draw upon her magic, the ache within her body growing in conjunction with her fatigue as her eyes watched the stone re-solidify.
No sooner was the foundation repaired and she stood, hand sliding her wand back into her robes, eyes noticing that the tips of her fingers had become slightly red. "Dammit." She murmured, flexing her fingers.
A visual representation as to how little time she truly had left, and how she could not wait for her schedule to clear to spend a day in the heart; she would have to repair it sooner rather than later. Her magic was waning too fast and too quickly; and she would need it all to repair and adjust the latticework.
Her long strides brought her to the second area Elgin expressed as a concern, and her eyes narrowed in concentration, hand splaying across the stone. She could feel the wall weakening, and knew that within a week a crack would begin here as well.
Sighing, she turned away, ignoring the pull and ache within her leg as the doorway mystically appeared; the inner hallway. The torches springing to life, casting shadows upon the walls, her mind fixed now a story below as she turned the corner and upon the weakening warding and foundational structure. She could ill afford to wait until next Saturday, and would clear off her schedule either this afternoon or the morrow.
The door to her chambers sprung aside and at once she could feel the shift in her chambers, and the light earthy almond scent punctuated with a hint of vanilla this morning; indicating that Hermione had arrived.
Without thought, she descended the brass staircase, her eyes immediately drawn to the woman sitting across the room, a light expression upon her face as she read the comic series left upon the table. At the slight noise, Hermione turned, the soft strands of morning light touching her hair, making it appear almost golden. "I see you found the literature left for you."
"This is wonderful." Hermione cast one final glance at the page, before closing it. "I shall have to start purchasing these for Hugo." She set the book down, "He'll love it."
"Please, go ahead." Minerva nodded to the small stack. "And take those."
Hermione shook her head, "I couldn't Minerva." She said as her eyes took in the date. "These are almost seventy years old."
"I am aware." Minerva replied, "But, they are of no use to me and if they will bring another joy, then by all means."
"What of your grandchildren?"
Minerva gingerly sat down opposite of Hermione, "As I stated several weeks ago, both Albus and Callum had a collection; so another set remains within the library. If Hugo enjoys the comics, please let me know, and I will provide the rest of the ones in that collection."
"These must be worth a mint, I can't…"
"If you do not, when he comes here next weekend, I will give them to him myself." Minerva leaned back, body relaxing into the chair, "Now what can I help you with this morning?" She asked with a finality to the previous conversation.
Hermione felt her mouth open and she stared for a moment, wanting to find a way to pay or at least give Minerva some type of compensation for the comic books she was going to give her for Hugo; but the resolve written upon Minerva's face squelched the notion. "Ahh…" She drew herself back to why she had come up to Minerva's chambers. "I had a couple questions for you."
Minerva gave her a brief nod to continue, a flicker of amusement flashing across emerald eyes at Hermione's speechless moment.
"Last night…"
The amusement Minerva had felt a mere second ago, now gone as her stomach fluttered. Surely she doesn't know, Minerva thought as apprehension flooded her veins. How could she? Her logical mind rationalized, I've only realized my attraction…unless she could see what I could not…
Hermione continued on, not noticing as Minerva shifted, her posture becoming slightly more erect at her own internal musings. "I heard a noise of someone apparating at the gates when Angelina and I were…" Hermione found herself wanting to alter the word, embrace to something far less intimate, but found herself stumbling. "Saying good-bye and…and then a very distinct noise filled the air. We looked, but did not see anyone. However," At this point, she finally raised her eyes to met Minerva's. "A moment later, I noticed the lights to your tower come on."
Minerva's face remained the picture of tranquility as she recalled the two witches in what could only be described as an intimate embrace. An embrace she found herself having momentarily wished to be on the other end of.
"Why didn't you apparate yourself back to the Tower? And why didn't you let me know that you were going on a mission last night?"
Instantly the muscles along her neck and shoulders relaxed, her face softening at Hermione's apparent self-doubt. "There was no mission last evening, unless having a good meal with friends constitutes one."
Friends? Hermione numbly thought, and then immediately chastised herself, of course, Rory was at the castle and they would have undoubtedly gone out for the evening. "You and Rory went out." She said more to herself than to Minerva.
"Along with Harold and Helena. As for apparating to the Tower, Rory insisted upon apparating us back to Hogwarts and upon arriving…" She cocked her brow ever so much, "I thought it best to quickly take us back to the Tower."
Hermione felt a deep blush immediately flush her cheeks, "I, uh…" She swallowed, hard and forced herself not to look away, despite the burning desire to do just that. "It was not what it seemed." She breathed out, "We're just friends, and…"
Minerva held up her hand, "Please, Hermione." She stated, a heartfelt smile upon her face. "The reason for our sudden departure last evening was to spare either of you embarrassment. Neither of us care what either of you do, life is far too short and precious."
Hermione went to open her mouth to reiterate that she and Angelina were truly just friends, but…
"Was there anything else?" Minerva inquired, shifting the conversation away from matters to close for her own personal comfort this morning.
"No…" Her mind utterly blank and unable to move forward. "I…" She blinked trying to think, feel something other than…shame. Shame? "Nothing…" She found herself rolling the top of her lip between her teeth, eyes remaining unfocused. "That won't wait."
"Hermione." Minerva reached forward across the table to gently touch Hermione's knee, her Gaelic accent poignant as she quietly asked. "Was there something else?" Hoping to glean the source of Hermione's sudden discomfort.
Hermione found herself forcing a smile upon her face as eyes came to rest upon the worried expression of Minerva McGonagall. "No." She patted her hand, "It can wait." She said standing, "I am sorry to trouble with you such nonsense."
Minerva leaned back, watching as Hermione distractedly picked up the comics, "You have no reason to feel embarrassed, dear."
The simple statement brought Hermione to a standstill, eyes dropping to the witch only a few feet away. "Embarrassed would be the wrong word, Minerva." She whispered stepping away, but paused as she approached the door her mind finally moving forward. "Yesterday, Arthur shared with Ron, Harry, Ginny and I that you practically scared the Governors into muggles because of their interference." She turned back around, "What happened at the Governor's meeting last Monday?"
"It is of no importance." Minerva replied, standing.
Non-pulsed, Hermione met Minerva's gaze challenging. "After what you said at the start of the weekend and from what Arthur said, how can you say that?" However, she was unprepared for the transformation and within a blink, she was staring into penetrating emerald eyes.
"Because," Minerva's voice instantly becoming as hard as her eyes. "It's my job to deal with the politics and the fallout from it, Hermione. Not yours."
"Fallout?" Hermione unconsciously took a step forward, her mind working in overdrive as she pieced the conversation from Friday afternoon with the steely resolve and icy expression greeting her now. What could have happened recently to have the Governors upset…and from Minerva's responses, she could infer it had been directed at her. And with a small gasp and a ray of startling clarity, she realized…how could she have been so dense! "From my divorce." Frustration lacing her voice.
"From foolishness." Minerva stated, "But, you need to be mindful as do the rest of Hogwarts professors that all of Britain is watching, everything we do here."
"So if I were to miss a class…"
"After I had just skinned the Governors alive for even questioning the dedication of one my staff, it does not do well for one's image."
"There's more to what happened that afternoon." Hermione stated, trying to glimmer an ounce more from the stoic face staring back at her.
"As with all things, it boils down to perception."
She took another step forward, "Thursday, when I arrived, the two Governors…your comment about resigning…" She felt her eyes widen, "How bad was Monday's meeting?"
Every portrait shuffled at the question, and Hermione glanced up noticing that not one previous Headmasters or Headmistress were looking towards her, all eyes were trained upon Minerva; waiting. It was obvious that not one of them would breach their silence, and if she wished to know what had happened just under a week ago, it would have to come from Minerva. As Harry, Ginny, Ron and she had tried, albeit unsuccessfully to coax Arthur into giving additional information, he had been reticent at best; merely saying that he had only witnessed Minerva's wrath once before and even then it did not compare to what happened on Monday; he went on to joke with Molly about still having to pick wood chips and splinters from his cloak.
Minerva met her gaze, unflinching as she rolled over four dozen responses through her head; "It helped crystallize a few priorities."
"That's why you are thinking about resigning?"
"Was there anything else, Professor?" Minerva asked she cocked her head to the side, obvious that she would not be discussing the topic farther this morning.
"Why won't you tell me what happened?" Hermione pushed, heedless of the change in tone and way Minerva had addressed her, not as Hermione but rather Professor.
"It's in the past," Came the clipped reply, "And I do not foresee it being a problem in the future." Minerva forced a lightness into her voice, "Besides, we both have far more pressing matters to concern ourselves with. So…was there anything else on your mind, Hermione?"
"Just one more thing." Hermione shifted her weight, knowing she should probably wait, but there were no other avenues of gathering information for her to try and she wanted answers. "There have been five men and two women caught with pictorial representations of the Manor and despite trying every avenue available to the Ministry, the other home that has yet to have been identified."
Would this morning never end, Minerva thought, immediately knowing where Hermione was going. She wanted nothing more than to be honest with the younger woman, but…there were some areas of her life that she simply refused to divulge. The Ridge being one of them.
"And when Angelina commented on how you would know most of the homes along Britain, in conjunction with a few other…" Hermione paused as she searched for the correct phrase, "Coincidences regarding your home, lack of personal touches throughout, except for this past Friday when I visited, and then there is your overall demeanor when visiting the Manor; it makes me wonder if you have another home?"
"Angelina was correct in her assumption, Hermione." Minerva said as she waved her hand, several portraits shifting at her words, as they wondered how much Minerva was about to reveal. "I do know this place." A piece of paper fluttered into Minerva's hand as she stepped forward, holding out the parchment to Hermione; giving her one of the pictorial renditions that had been taken from the muggles. "But, I do not believe it is either yours or the Ministry's concern."
Hermione felt as though a river of ice water had been thrust down her back, her voice cracking. "After everything Minerva, how can you say that?"
"Because, there are details of my life that you will know nothing about, and for that I am sorry."
"But…" She felt tears pooling in her eyes, "Are we not friends?"
"We are, dear." Minerva quietly replied, her own heart breaking as a tear slipped off of Hermione's lashes, wetting her cheek. "But, there are some things that cannot be shared." She let her eyes bore into Hermione's. "Even with friends."
"Is…" She gasped while a second trail of tears joined the first, as she recalled the name scratched in Albus and Minerva's scrapbook. "The Ridge your home or your children's?"
"Neither."
"Minerva…"
"You will not find that that," She nodded to the home upon the paper within Hermione's hand, "Home belongs to either Albus or myself." Minerva continued on, an edge prevalent within her voice. "Nor does it belong to the children. I am sorry I cannot tell you more, but it's in everyone's best interest."
Hermione blinked back her tears, "And I'm sorry you don't feel like you can trust me." She murmured meeting emerald eyes with her own before turning around and striding the handful of steps towards the door.
"I trust you far more than you know, Hermione." Minerva's strained Gaelic voice barely reaching across the room.
"Then why…" Hermione paused, the tips of her fingers at the door as she gazed backwards over her shoulder, "Won't you tell me?"
"Let this be." Minerva whispered, a tear slipping down her own cheek. "Please."
"I don't understand why you feel as though you cannot tell me, Minerva." She quietly breathed before stepping through the door.
Xoxoxo
Minerva flourished her wand in another long elaborate series of spells, magic swirling through her exhausted body, the chamber pulsing in light causing a glow to shimmer off of Minerva's sweat soaked skin, her brow furrowed in concentration.
She could feel the latticework and the Heart, and she continued casting the necessary spells to bring them to the surface. A stray thought flashing through her head, that she should have corrected this problem when the North entrance was shaken at the beginning of term, but it hadn't seem relevant in comparison to other things at the time. Now…as a deep unsettling burn began settling within her hands, it seemed incredibly relevant. If she had taken the time to conduct the realignment months ago…it wouldn't seem quite so draining. Then again…did it really matter? The hum of Hogwarts began burning in her ears…
Xoxoxo
For the tenth time that evening, Hermione found herself shaking her head to bring her thoughts back to the present and off of the woman who had plagued her thoughts for the past ten hours. She had known when asking Minerva about the possibility of a second home there might be some resistance, even outright reluctance, but she had never expected Minerva to react with such distance…pushing her away…All because of a second home?
What in Merlin could be so important about the Ridge that would cause her to react so intensely? She asked herself for the hundredth time, mind again drifting back to this morning and their conversation. Absently, she shook her right hand…fingers going numb…
Xoxoxo
"Minerva asked that you read the note upon her desk." Albus stated to Rory as the lanterns systematically lit the office, the green flames returning to their usual orange and yellow color.
"Then she went ta see Tessa?" He asked as his tall frame leaned over, fingers already picking up the letter with his name upon it.
"I do not believe so." Albus replied as Rory slit Minerva's distinct seal.
Rory opened the letter, and narrowed his eyes. I really need ta buy some glasses, he thought holding the paper a bit farther away.
Rory,
I have a few pressing items that need to be dealt with and will not be available until well after eight. Hogwarts business, only Filius knows of this. If you are feeling up to socializing, Filius was hoping to speak with you regarding weather charms over some port.
Minerva
He reread the note before glancing up to the wizened wizard's portrait, "I dunno suppose you're able ta tell me where Minerva went?"
"You know I cannot." Albus solemnly replied, causing Rory's brows to furlough.
"Can ya at least tell me if she is upon the grounds?" Concern lacing his voice.
"Yes, Rory." Dilys interjected and at once Rory spun his gaze upwards to meet the light-hearted Headmistress. "She is upon the grounds, but we cannot help beyond that."
He gave a nod, "Thank you, Dilys." He rumbled, eyes darting back to the note once more. "Filius, huh?" He glanced up to the emerald, alabaster, and azure clock noting the time. "Do any of you know where he is?"
"In his rooms." Came Rowena's soft voice from the founders portrait, "He and Pomona have just returned from dinner."
"Can you ask him if he is available for me to come up?"
Rowena gave a nod and then stepped from the room, causing a smile to flutter across Rory's face. "You're all absolutely marvelous."
Several of the portraits smiled at Rory's compliment and before any could respond, Rowena returned. "He would love your company."
Xoxoxo
The light in the chamber shifted as the magic surrounding Minerva pulsed again, both the latticework and magic of the heart splaying out…
Before her…
Through her…
It lifted her upwards, suspending her in mid-air, coursing through her; she focused as a hundred and twenty-two magical signatures that comprised Hogwarts' Heart; the previous Head of Hogwarts…and the current one. For a moment, Minerva lost herself in the overwhelming feeling; the joy and pure melody as the signatures resonated – she could even detect her own mixing with Albus'…as Dily's mixed with Everard's…
Then it shifted and the discord shot through her, her sweat soaked skin burning as though on fire…
A scream echoed off the stone, and in the vague recesses of her mind; she realized, it was hers. But, it mattered not, the pain dissipating almost as quickly as it started; Hogwarts healing her as quickly as it hurt her…and she extended out her hand, eyes remaining closed as she began to manipulate the wards, latticework, Heart…and bring them back into synchronization.
Xoxoxo
Hermione stood, no longer able to sit…the chair beneath her rocking backwards and falling onto the ground. First her hand…she thought, shaking it again, now...she felt just plain edgy. Like I've sat for days upon end and I have to move my muscles…
"This is ridiculous." She muttered to herself, eyes snapping to the door feeling a sudden need to do something. Without thought she waved her hand, her black cloak flew across the room before landing within her fingers in route to the door. "I'm going to get some air, Godric." With ease she set it upon her shoulders and with her finger closed the seam.
"Very well." He rumbled as she strode from the room with purpose.
Before she realized where she was, Hermione was staring at the worn green door of Minerva's office which opened on its own accord and into an empty room. At once, a handful of portraits stopped feigning sleep to see who had entered the Headmistress' office.
"Ahhh, Hermione." Albus said, a warm smile upon his face. "She is not within this evening."
"Out with Rory?" She asked already turning back around.
"No, he is with Filius." Albus kindly answered, eyes peering over his half moon glasses at her.
She felt herself pause, "Filius…" She murmured more to herself than to Dumbledore's portrait. "And Minerva is…" She frowned as she turned around absently shaking her right hand again. "Upon the grounds?"
At once the portraits shifted but stopped upon hearing Albus' voice. "She is upon the grounds."
"Thank you." Came the faint reply as she departed, her mind already churning to where Minerva was at as she stepped from the Gargoyle and into the hallway.
Xoxoxo
"Filius?" Rory questioned, immediately drawing the wizard's golden gaze, "Are you alright?"
"Huh…yes." He replied, trying to recall what Rory had spoken about for the past two minutes. He had not realized the hour until Pomona had stated she was retiring for the evening, indicating that it was close to ten; and Minerva had yet to send word that she had left the Heart. It had been over eight hours; and that was long, even for her. "I'm sorry, Rory; but…" He stood, "I need to conduct my rounds this evening and I didn't realize the time."
With practiced ease, Rory emptied his glass. "Aye, it is getting a wee bit late, I am sure Minerva has returned." He finished, standing.
"That is what I wish to verify," He said, eyes darting to the picture that housed the flowing raven haired woman, wearing a silken navy dress that seemed to flow in the breeze. "As I have not received word that she has."
"But I thought she was upon the grounds?" Rory asked, peering down at the demure wizard.
Filius stood as he waved his hands, immediately levitating him to almost eye level to Rory. "She is." He turned to Rowena. "Has Minerva returned to her chambers?"
Rowena's form seemed to solidify, "No." Came an almost unearthly voice. "She has not."
Filius turned to Rory, "Please return to her chambers and wait…"
"I will go with you…"
"You cannot." Filius stated, "I am sure she is fine, but I wish to make sure; and will see you momentarily."
Both men moved to the door, surprisingly Filius reached it and was through it before Rory had an opportunity to take two steps. By the time he stepped into the corridor, there was no sign of Flitwick. "That is a marvelous trick." Rory murmured more to himself and was surprised by Rowena's soft cadence in response.
"He is, as you know, rather adept in Charms."
"Quite." Rory replied, recalling their earlier conversation about his latest research and isolating weather patterns. Filius' concepts were ingenious, and he had readily agreed to partake in a set of experimental trials. "Now, if only he could Charm himself to be just a bit larger."
A coy smile crossed Rowena's face, "Who said he doesn't?"
Rory opened his mouth in rebuttal, but the portrait had already shifted, becoming partially transparent…a way for the founders to be in many portraits at once, waiting...leaving Rory to wonder exactly what she had meant by that comment. And as he ambled down the flight of steps, he quickly decided that perhaps, he really didn't want to know.
Xoxoxo
Filius turned at the noise, fingers pausing before he finished the last of the incantation to see the familiar outline of Professor Granger as her black cloak fluttered around her slender frame. Despite the forty feet that separated them, he could see the rose hue highlighting along her cheekbones indicating that she had been outside. "Professor," At once, he flicked his right hand downward, disabling his levitation charm. "Is there something I can help you with?"
Hermione watched as Filius' feet touched the ground, his kind face remaining riveted to hers. "Do you know where the Headmistress is?"
"I believe she is in her study." Filius replied casually.
"Perhaps she will be," Hermione stated as she wearily eyed the diminutive wizard, truly realizing for the first time how adept Filius was at being Minerva's deputy. His face was as stalwart as Minerva's if he so chose it to be. "However, she was not there moments ago." She slide her finger along the hemline, drawing open the black cloak. "Upon re-entering Hogwarts, I asked Milksy if Minerva had returned in the last hour to her study while I have been searching for her upon the grounds. You know as well as I that the answer was no, Filius." The cloak falling open as she strode forward, the black outer cloak swirling back behind her cyan robes as silver robed wizard stood unfazed at Hermione's commentary.
"If she is not within her study, then I'm afraid Hermione, that in this case, you know more than I."
"I very much doubt that." Hermione snapped her frustration mounting at her own fruitless efforts to find Minerva after three hours of searching the castle and the grounds to no avail. "As her deputy, she keeps you informed as to her whereabouts."
"When she leaves the grounds," Filius laced his fingers together in front of him, "That tends to be true, but I received no word of that this evening. However," He rocked backwards ever so much, "In all likelihood, she is in her animagus state verifying the external wards. I would suggest a letter to her study via Milksy, she'll receive it upon returning to her rooms."
"I left a letter already." Worry beginning to replace the momentary frustration, as she idly moved her hand, the pervasive numbness another reminder as to why she sought Minerva.
A tender smile appeared upon Filius' face, "Then I am sure, you will hear from her soon."
Hermione opened her mouth to ask once more if he knew where Minerva was, but by the look in his golden eyes, she didn't believe so and she found herself muttering her concerns to Filius; knowing the esteemed Deputy would not breech her trust and his worry often time mirrored her own regarding Minerva. "It's just…I have this…" She shrugged her shoulders, stretching out her hands as if trying to convey the depths of what she was referring, "Feeling that something isn't quite right." The cadence in her voice dropping, "I've felt edgy all evening and I can't help but feel that it has something to do with Minerva."
Filius' concern regarding Minerva's welfare jumped exponentially, however, he kept his voice even and face fairly impassive. "Truly?" At her nod he continued on, "About what time did you start feeling this way?"
"Early afternoon, shortly following lunch."
About the time she entered the Heart, he thought resisting every urge to turn around at once and cast the final incantation to descend into the sacred chamber and see for himself if Minerva was in fact 'alright'. Instead, he forced himself to step forward, bringing him closer to Hermione. "She was with me after lunch," He stated truthfully. Minerva had arrived in his rooms for a very short meeting, all of five minutes, but… "Perhaps your apprehension is misplaced?" At her look of incredulity, he expanded his thought process. "Both you and Minerva have been under tremendous strain of late, and the edginess you felt could merely be your body's mechanism for feeling the stress of the last several weeks. It's only natural to believe that it involves Minerva as well, as far too often of late, one does seem to preclude the other."
At this, Hermione couldn't help the small smile from curling the corner of her lip. "Too true." She whispered more to herself than aloud before turning her gaze fully upon Filius. "And you are sure Minerva is upon the grounds?"
"One can never be entirely sure of anything regarding Minerva," He stated, "But I do not believe she has left Hogwarts today."
Brown met gold for a lingering moment, before she gave a nod. "Perhaps you're right." Her mind already upon the warm bath she would draw and ease the ache from her muscles and shake this nonsense from her system. Filius beginning to fall into step beside her, "If you do see Minerva," Her voice dropping, "Please do not tell her of this, she has enough to worry about."
Filius reached up, patting Hermione's hand as she took a step up the stairs, Filius remaining upon the second floor gazing up at her. "That she does."
"Good night." She uttered before striding up the steps, her destination clear, Gryffindor Tower, as her satin black cloak fluttered along her cyan robes before disappearing around the corner.
Filius waited one heartbeat after she vanished from the stairwell before his wand flicked a series of times and with break neck speed, his levitating body was through the doorway and descending into the Heart of Hogwarts as his own blood pounded in his ears.
He tilted his body, tips of his fingers running along ruff stone helping him to maintain his balance as went around the last corner before becoming momentarily blinded by the brilliance of the magic pulsing in the chamber; causing his levitation charm to falter and his body to tumble hard upon the ground.
"Filius…" Came a very tired and worn voice, "Please do not move."
He could taste a bit of rust within his mouth, and knew it to be blood as he touched his lip and felt the thick warm sticky substance while sitting upright; otherwise, he remained motionless. Minerva was slowly sinking to the ground, her feet about four feet from the earth, as her body pulsed in time with the magical thrums, the very light of the magic seeming to emanate from within Minerva as her robes swirled about her…hair fluttering in the same breeze that moved her clothing…eyes closed and jaw clenched in concentration. He had witnessed and even at times balanced the wards himself over the past decade; even once realigning the heart and wards, but in all of those times, Minerva had never looked as she did now.
He stood unmoving for countless minutes, mind churning through the possibilities that would cause to happen what he was witnessing; and despite being eight-three years old, having witnessed countless magical miracles, helped to develop dozens of new charms and being one of Britain's most intelligent wizards…never in his life had he witnessed something so profound; and nothing in his life had prepared him for it.
As her feet touched the ground, arms slowly dropping to her side as did her robes while her long black hair cascaded down her back…the crystals that encompassed the heart beginning to pulse with the brilliance that once seemed to emit from Minerva as her body became solid…and her skin its traditional milky complexion. "What time…" Her throat hoarse as a pillar grew from the very stone floor enabling her to involuntarily lean upon it as brilliant green eyes blinked open. "Is it?"
"After ten." He breathed, "Are you alright, Minerva?" The distress from the last half hour clearly evident within his voice as he stared at his long time friend, whose whole body seemed to shake with the mere effort of standing.
"Probably should have…" Minerva swallowed hard, feeling as though all the moisture had been evaporated from her mouth. "Done this prior to the start of term." Her meek smile turned more into a grimace as she withdrew her wand, morphing it into her walking stick.
"Minerva," At once he was levitating and by her side, "Here." He whispered taking her left arm and draping it over his shoulder.
"Thank you." She said as they eased forward.
"I didn't believe the latticework, wards and Heart were so far out of alignment." He stated, remaining focused upon his charm lest they both fall, which he had no plan on repeating for at least another decade.
"It was a rift buried deep within all three that was causing the cracks along the Foundation." Both witch and wizard stopped and pressed their hands to the corner of the wall, at once the open air hallway vanished and was replaced by a solid stone wall. Almost instantly, another hallway to the left appeared, torches springing to life as they began trekking up the worn stone.
"You pulled all three off-line and completely re-synchronized them?" He asked disbelievingly.
"Yes." She answered simply, loving the feel of the cool air upon her hot skin.
He turned to her, "Minerva, you…" Golden orbs sparkling in the yellow torchlight. "Cannot afford to do something so…rash. The magic required to synchronize one, let alone all three…"
Minerva paused, drawing herself upright as she peered deeply into Filius' eyes. "I am the Head of Hogwarts, Filius and until I die, resign or that has been taken from me because of inability to perform my job duties; I will do what needs to be done to protect Hogwarts and the thousand lives within."
"And I could have done it as easily as you." He met her gaze unflinchingly. "You are not alone."
Minerva was unwilling to impart with him that the reason she knew the problem had little to do with the cracks along the Foundation, those only helped to signify that there was indeed a problem, but rather her own bond to Hogwarts. She had gone into the Heart before lunch, meditating and searching for close to three hours for the problem, only to discover it was not something that could be fixed easily or quickly. "I know, dear." She said beginning to move again, "And in the future, I shall endeavor to remember that."
He couldn't help but chuckle at her response, "I'm sure you will only as long as it suites you."
"You would be no different if you were in my position, Filius." She uttered as they came to stop in front of the wall on the other end; both waved their hands and it began to form a doorway, instantly the colors and shapes of objects from her office could be silhouetted along the wall.
"Of all the statements I wish were not true, it would be that one." He murmured, their eyes locking upon the others, "But in my heart, I fear that there is far more truth within those words than I ever hope nor have to understand."
"Me too." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, before disentangling herself from him and stepping into her office, Filius fluttering to the floor and following suite. Minerva already rifling through the stack of letters upon her desk as she absently took a sip of cold tea from earlier, relishing the feeling of liquid sliding down her parched throat while Filius cast the spell to hide the entrance to the Heart, the wall seamlessly blending together as the portraits re-aligned upon the wall.
"What time did you go to the Heart?" Filius asked as Minerva heard a door open in her residence, signaling that Rory had indeed heard their re-entry.
"After speaking with you." She answered before turning her head upwards, forcing a smile upon her weary face. "Good evening Rory."
"Hello love." He leaned against the bronze railway. "Where have ya been hiding this evening?"
"Here and there." Minerva obliquely replied, "And how was the high country?"
"A calming balm to a weathered traveler." He gave Filius a nod, "I see ya have found her."
"Rather she me." He stated with a smile.
"I'll be up shortly." She said and smoky grey eyes narrowed before he gave a nod, almost immediately vanishing from view. "Now," She turned back to Filius, "Why do you ask?"
"I had a rather peculiar conversation with Hermione not quite an hour ago." He watched as she pulled a singular parchment from her desk and with almost equal precision her glasses from the depths of her robes.
A frown curled her lips, as she put on her glasses. "Pertaining to?" She began uncoiling a letter from the very witch they were conversing about.
"She said she felt edgy for the last several hours and believes it is pertaining to you. The time it started corresponds very closely to when you entered the Heart. Is there something else I should know?" The shock momentarily springing forth in her eyes told him all that he needed to know; Minerva didn't know the root of Hermione's edginess anymore than he or Hermione.
"No." She answered, eyes remaining upon his. "Did she say anything else?"
"Only that she has been trying to find you for the last several hours."
Her eyes slid to the letter…
Minerva,
I am sorry for my terse behavior earlier and ill chosen words; I know you trust me, but I do not understand the hesitation nor the unwillingness regarding the Ridge.
If you do not arrive too late and have time; I have something I would like to speak with you about.
Hermione
"If I ascertain what has Hermione on edge, I shall let you know." She banished the letter, "And I will see you in the morning."
"Do get some rest this evening, Minerva." His robes flourishing about his petit frame, hand already upon the fading green door.
"Same to you." She said, drawing her wand out and with two snaps, a spell hurled towards Filius…gently caressing his face. "And put a bit of healing ointment upon your lip prior to tomorrow."
He reached up, fingers grazing his lip, the wound no longer seeping. "I shall. Good night."
"And to you." She said as he stepped through, the gargoyle springing to life. "Albus," She turned, "Was Hermione here earlier?"
At once all the portraits were awake at her question, "Yes. She was hoping to find you."
"About three hours ago." Dilys joined in.
Minerva's hand absently reached up to her temple, her head feeling as though a chasm had been carved through it. "Our bond…" She murmured, trying to make sense of Filius' words regarding Hermione, and why she was feeling edgy. "And that of Hogwarts."
Concern readily apparent within his azure eyes, at not only what had been discussed mere moments ago between Minerva and Filius, but also the way Minerva was openly speaking of their bond. Something she rarely did. "You would be able to feel if Hogwarts was bound to Hermione." He stated, knowing where her mind was heading.
"Then how do you explain her edginess?" She asked, pushing a bit harder on her head.
"Perhaps she is sensitive to Hogwarts' magic from when she touched you as I was dying and was exposed to…
"I don't know…" She murmured interrupting, voice trembling as her vision warbled. "I can't do this right now." She breathed out. "Elgin."
At once the small house elf appeared, "Mistress?"
"To my room."
"Ahhh…." He blinked not sure he understood, "Mistress?"
Albus' voice answering his question. "She is exhausted, Elgin."
He needed no additional prompting and at once, long fingers were upon her silken robes and they were standing before her bedroom door. "Thank you." She whispered, hand pushing open the door as Elgin vanished.
"Minerva?" Rory questioned, stepping forward, guiding her.
"Nothing a good night's rest won't cure."
He frowned, "You and I both know that isn't true. You're plum exhausted, love."
"Aye, that I am." She peeled her glasses off, a subtle shake residing within her fingers. "And I mean to remedy that by getting a good night's sleep."
Rory turned his back, and he could hear the rustling of clothes, the door to the wardrobe open and then the compression of weight upon the bed. With deft fingers, he unbuttoned his shirt and set it upon the table, and then he began untying his boots.
"Tenian says hello." He pulled his left leg from his boot. "And asks if you have found Titan or does Jupiter still cloud your judgment?" He asked while turning around.
She was leaning back into the bed, long legs tucking beneath the covers, "If I knew what he was referring to, it would be a lot easier to answer his question."
"Signs and portents?" He inquired, peeling his other foot from his boot.
"Lost to me as are the stars." She murmured pulling her pillow closer.
"Come, come love." He leaned back, flinging the covers over his legs as he reached up and turned off his light and the last of the torches. "At least the centaurs remain safe." He whispered, reaching forward, and pulling her to him. "As do the Phoenixes."
"I miss Fawkes…" She murmured into the still air.
"Or his companion?" Rory's question dancing upon her skin.
"Ummmmhmmm…" Came the faint reply as her breathing leveled off.
Xoxoxo
A/N: Here's an update and I am sorry to say; it's done a little before Friday. ;) And who knows…I may even be persuaded to give another update this weekend. Enjoy!