A/N: I am so sorry, this seems to be another short chapter. I honestly thought we were done with those. So, my apologies, but I don't have any time at all to do anything about that. Saturday's chapter will be about 2500 words and the story starts shifting a little more quickly after that too. So hopefully, that makes up for it a little.
One more reminder that there will be no update tomorrow. I'm tempting fate by taking time out to do this so I apologise if it's not up to scratch. We'll sort it Saturday xxx
Also people who left a review. I love you all, I'll reply prob later tonight or tomorrow morning. Please don't think I'm ignoring you or don't appreciate. I feel like my hair is on fire.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Spin. Who has done nothing but work diligently this week while I've been busy. I love you. I appreciate you. I adore you.
For disclaimer, please see Ch2.
-0-
Minerva had spent most of the evening curled around Hermione, her mind unable to let go of all the memories of her childhood that plagued her darkest hours. Intermixed with all of her dark memories was the nagging question of who had hurt Hermione. She had never felt so eager to protect one of her pupils, although she acknowledged that Hermione was no longer like any other student. The need to protect her was so strong, she was quite sure she could have Crucioed the perpetrator without a second thought. But the girl seemed determined to keep it a secret, and when Minerva had pushed, she'd seen the steel in the girl's eyes. She snorted to herself as she rolled over, hitting the pillow to try and make it comfier. It was the same steel she got in her own eyes when she was determined to do something.
And so, it remained a mystery.
She checked the clock again and spent a few moments watching it tick onwards. Albus had not come home. When there were only so many nights left that he could, she felt it more keenly than usual. She lay awake until after midnight waiting for him before huffing angrily and storming into Hermione's room. She wasn't sure when their guest room had become Hermione's, but it would never be a 'guest room' again. They didn't even have guests. This room was now only Hermione's, for the rest of her life as long as Minerva had a say.
The young woman seemed fast asleep and Minerva's anger flitted away. Her heart squeezed painfully as the bruise on Hermione's cheek shone, the cut deeper than she had initially thought. She wanted to tear someone limb from limb. And she wanted her husband. She wanted so many things and would, ultimately, receive none.
"You gonna watch me sleep all night?" Hermione mumbled, shocking Minerva. She checked on Hermione most nights without disturbing her.
"Not all night," Minerva whispered defensively, hoping she hadn't woken the young girl up completely. Her fears were confirmed as Hermione's eyes cracked open. "I'm sorry, little one."
"Don't be, I hurt you. Now you can't sleep."
"No," Minerva muttered. "No, you haven't."
"Where's the Headmaster?"
"He," Minerva swallowed, inspecting her nails. "He has not come home."
"What!"
"Don't worry darling, it happens."
"No," Hermione said with a frown. "It shouldn't."
Minerva sighed and sat tiredly on the bed.
"Come on," Hermione smiled, patting the bed. "I'm not him, but I'll keep the nightmares away for as long as I can."
"That is not your job," Minerva muttered. "You need to sleep."
"I am sleeping," Hermione smiled. "How's your chest?"
"Better," Minerva smiled, giving in and settling, letting Hermione wrap her arms around her. "I want to run some duelling practice soon, maybe tomorrow." It was exactly the opposite of what she should have said while Hermione was half asleep. She rolled her eyes as she felt the girl's excitement. "I'm not promising anything. I will have to find a partner and a place to practice."
"Yeah, but can I watch?" Hermione was practically vibrating with enthusiasm.
"We shall see," Minerva muttered, cutting off the question before it was asked. "Not now."
"Please?" Hermione tried again.
"Hermione." The young woman went still and Minerva smiled, patting her hands.
"Sleep. It's Saturday tomorrow. We'll talk about it."
"Fine," Hermione huffed, her chin resting on Minerva's shoulder. She yawned and Minerva's heart squeezed at the tiny mewl that escaped.
"I love you, little one," she whispered.
"Love you too, Min."
Minerva smiled, her eyes closing against all her thoughts, sinking into the warmth of the young girl that held the pieces of her broken heart so carefully within her hands.