Chapter Six: Wherein Minerva meets many people.
Summary: September 1st is always a very long day for the Head of Hogwarts. This September 1st is no different.
Minerva McGonagall surveyed the three couples before her in her office. One set was sure to complain. The other two she couldn't be certain of.
"Please, do sit down," she said formally.
There were three settees settled in an arc before her desk. Her office was blissfully devoid of widgets, gadgets, trinkets, and things that went 'wrrrguhlOOT!' In fact, the other end of it was wide open and largely empty, ready for multiple uses when she decided that she needed them. The chairs, which had temporarily become settees, usually resided in the emptier portion of the room. Most of the portraits were feigning sleep, as they often did. Albus', Severus', and Phineas' frames were entirely empty and had been all day. Phillys was drinking port and grinning down at them.
"I have called you here to discuss the privileges I have extended you as both adults, and as married couples. I have decided, after consultation with the school's Board of Governors, and with the consent of Hogwarts herself, that you, as married adults, and yet still students in residence, shall comport yourselves with the same dignity as would married, adult professors in residence. What this means shall be provided to you shortly, in great detail. You will be required to read the policies in question. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions. You will be provided with your options, should you not wish to abide by the terms set forth, and you will sign the document stating your clear understanding of the terms and your agreement to whichever option you have chosen.
"This document is binding. If you fail to abide by the terms three times, you will no longer be allowed to be in residence. You may also choose to not be in residence from the beginning. As a student not in residence, you may attend your classes, and you may have borrowing privileges from the library. If you are injured in the course of your classes, you will receive medical attention here. But you will not be part of a house, you will neither live, nor eat here, and you will not loiter here after your classes and your borrowing from the library are finished for the day. When your NEWTs are finished, your tuition with us ends, and you may return for the graduation ceremony. While a student not in residence, you will still be required to adhere to the policies for comportment in public. Should you violate them an additional three times, or for those who voluntarily decide to not be in residence, a preliminary three times, you will be expelled.
"The violations require no witnesses, as they shall be noted by the castle herself. Your own copy of the document, as well as the one on file with me, will be annotated with the date, time, location, and a description of the violation, should you incur one.
"There are no appeals.
"There will be no other notification of violation, save your loss of residency, and your expulsion from the school.
"And there are no exceptions," she said now looking directly into the soft eyes of Harry Potter. "No exceptions, under any circumstance, whatsoever."
"You will act like proper ladies and gentlemen, or you will not be here."
Mrs. Lavender Thomas, nee Brown looked personally insulted.
Mrs. Marietta Finnigan, nee Edgecomb looked vaguely green in the face.
Mrs. Ginerva Potter, nee Weasley looked smug.
She held up a hand. "Please reserve your questions until after you have read the document. Then I shall answer whichever questions you have." With a wave, the three documents zipped into place and unfurled themselves in between each couple before floating down towards their laps. "I shall return to you in ten minutes. Do read it with all care."
Then she got up and left through the side door behind her desk to go through the short passageway to her private study. She sat down at the desk and checked the small carriage clock there. It was six minutes after eight in the evening. Then she looked to the letters on the surface of her desk. She had attended to them, as she had all of her correspondence for the day. But these two still flummoxed her.
September 1, 199_
Ministry of Magic
Dear Minnie,
I trust your finest lion cub has given you a heads up on her most recent claims to fame. I can't begin to describe how much this will change everything. I'll leave that to your imagination for now. I know the beginning of the year is a crush for you, but we need to speak, and we need to do so as soon as possible, and I'll also need to speak with the Lady of the hour following that conversation. I understand she might wish to have some trusted advisors with her for it. Let's set a time when I see you.
Please tell me when your first two hour block of availability is, and I will rearrange my schedule to suit and call upon you.
With affection,
Kingsley
September 1, 199_
Malfoy Manor
Dear Headmistress,
I am writing to you in regards to my heir of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, Hermione Granger. I am asserting my right as her Head of House to be present at any non-scholastic meetings of import that may take place within your awareness at which my heir is also present. I'm sure you will understand my concern for the Scion and Viscountess of Black.
Most sincerely,
Lady Narcissa Malfoy, Countess Black
Minerva rubbed her temples and checked the clock. She called on the house elf that tended to her, Grims, and arranged to have tea, shortbread, and fruit tarts in her office at nine. That conversation, strangely, she was looking forward to. A question and answer period with two of the most immature war veterans she'd yet met, she looked forward to less so.
Mrs. Malfoy, or Countess Black, as she was now styling herself was due to arrive at half past nine, which would allow for thirty minutes for her and Hermione to discuss… academics.
As she was pouring out the tea for Miss Granger, the Headmistress began speaking.
"Miss Granger, please forgive me for skipping a heap of preliminaries that by all rights I ought to give you. We haven't much time for ourselves, for your Head of House has asserted her right to join us for any non-academic meeting. She will arrive, if I am not very much mistaken, in precisely twenty-nine minutes. So I will say only this. I hope when we are not interacting on academic matters, you will feel free to call me Minerva." She handed her a cup and settled back in her own chair with the second. The third was left unpoured for the moment.
"I would be honored, Headmistress. Thank you, I will. And please call me Hermione."
"Now, academics. Though of course if you choose to change the subject, it would only be polite of me to respond. And I pride myself on being a polite woman. But I have no doubt whatsoever that you will study appropriately for your NEWTs and do credit to our fair institution. Have you considered what you'd like to do after you graduate?" Minerva asked with a smile that wouldn't melt butter.
"I've been considering that quite intensely for the past two days in particular, as it happens. I believe I'd like to get into politics," Hermione said, and Minerva quite enjoyed her impish smile.
"What an excellent career choice, Miss Granger. You have always seemed to me to have a heart for equality, and of course your intelligence could lead you any which way you wish. You may find an independent study in history and governance to be well worth your effort this year. We have no professors worth your salt in the subject, but I believe the Board of Governors would be willing to bring in several tutors, and I would be willing to oversee this independent study, myself. Previous to your political thoughts, had you considered taking a mastery of any subject?"
"Arithmancy and Ancient Runes are my favorites," Hermione admitted with a wry smile.
"Oh, well that's excellent," Minerva offered with a smile that said more than her words. "First, it is always good to have well-rounded politicians. We suffer when we haven't any. Second, a dual mastery, perhaps taken over a longer period of time and taken under Masters who are well-conversant with your political aspirations, could dovetail very nicely indeed. We shall meet on the subject another time and invite those professors to join our tete-a-tete. Now, are there any questions you have of me?"
"Minerva," Hermione prefaced while reaching for a biscuit. "Do you have any credible reason to distrust Narcissa Malfoy's about-face?"
"I see you cut to the chase, Hermione. I will admit that we have never seen her stand on her own, without her husband, and it could be that without his influence or guidance she may be a very strong ally indeed. But she is an unknown figure at best, and while she has named you her heir, and you have accepted, the other part of your genealogy that so has everyone's hair on fire was unexpected by you both, I suppose?"
"Us, and the whole world, I'm sure." Hermione said around a nibble. "Have you already guessed? I'm the Pendragon Scion."
Minerva took a deep breath and looked off, seeing not the stone wall, but the stories she grew up hearing. Dimly the Headmistress heard gasps behind her on the portrait wall. Gasps, and whispers of 'Pendragon? Pendragon!'
"I had guessed, yes, but to hear it confirmed is another thing entirely. Pendragon. How many generations before you?"
"Sixty-one, if you count my squib ancestor, sixty-two if you count her mother, too. It's from my mother's side."
"Your mother must be very proud, Hermione."
Minerva wondered at the sudden loss of color in the young woman sitting across from her. "My parents are still in hiding. It's been difficult to reach them."
"Do you need help, my dear?" she asked, suddenly concerned. It had been three months since the war ended.
"I… may take you up on that at some point. I have not yet exhausted all avenues."
Minerva took the opportunity afforded her. "When you ask, I will help you, Hermione. This will always be the case." Each woman met the other's eye and the understanding there was complete.
"I appreciate that more than I can tell you, Minerva. I have been assembling a sort of… kitchen cabinet, if you will. Trusted advisors. For I am determined that Narcissa will not be the only one. I'm hoping to add Augusta Longbottom, and I would be honored if you would join as well."
Minerva smiled. "My dear Hermione! I am honored, and I will advise you in good faith, no matter how we may at times disagree."
Hermione smiled and took a sip of tea and there was silence, for the moment. Eventually she spoke. "I have a happy bit of gossip for you that should make you smile," the young woman offered with an impish grin. "Narcissa made the offer to me partly because it would make Bellatrix roll in her grave."
Minerva chortled in glee. That it would!
"She also gave me the cure to the curse on my arm. And that before she made her offer. In seven days," Hermione said, gently stretching and flexing her arm, "I should be finally healing and not in quite so much constant pain. For that alone she would have my vote of confidence."
"Well!" Minerva said, mildly impressed. "I am disposed to be cordial to her, then, and I shall refrain from immediately testing her loyalty."
A knock sounded and the door opened. Both women stood up to greet the third who entered the room in a surprisingly sedate black business suit. She's wearing trousers! Minerva thought without even realizing it, though her face remained calm and mildly welcoming. Heaven forefend!
"Do come in, Countess Black, and join us for some tea. Hermione and I have just finished up our academic conversation and are prepared to discuss other things."
"Thank you for your forbearance, Headmistress," the blonde replied with just the right mix of politese and formality, but none of the snobbery Minerva had been used to ever since the chit started dating Malfoy in her seventh year. Then she addressed her heir. "Hermione, my dear. How was your trip?"
Hermione smiled in that impish way that gladdened the old woman's heart. "Extremely productive. Books have been read, alliances have begun, and I do believe I witnessed the birth of an unbiased daily broadsheet."
Narcissa smiled, and Minerva was fascinated by the open look on her face. She was clearly proud of Hermione's progress and she also clearly had little association with the young woman's work ethic, or she would not have been so surprised.
"Well done," the Countess said, and it seemed like she meant it.
"Minerva," Hermione turned to her, her face just innocent enough. "If I hadn't made it clear before, I'm also the Pendragon scion."
The Headmistress strove to have the same response as last time. Certainly the portraits played along. Once that was done with, the three got down to business.
"Hermione did betray to me her desire to go into politics, and knowing her drive and intelligence, I suggested an independent study in history and governance with a focus on the British Isles, and a survey beyond that. Independent tutors will be required, but I don't suppose I'll have any guff with the Board of Governors, will I?"
Narcissa was, of course, all things gracious, which was kind of her, as a member of said board. "I think you likely won't," she agreed.
"Well," Minerva began, "this does nicely explain why the Minister of Magic sent me an urgent owl today wishing a two hour block of my time to discuss you, Hermione."
"I merit two hours?" Hermione said, adding sauce to her serving of biscuits and tea.
"Naturally you do, my dear," Narcissa replied. "But everything hinges on whether or not the reigning monarch restores the line as Regent. Did the Minister imply anything one way or the other?"
"No, he was quite obscure in his references to begin with. But he did request a meeting with Hermione quite soon, and hoped that we could set a time while he was here. And as much as we love Kingsley, Hermione, that is certainly no meeting to enter into alone."
"I'm assembling a kitchen cabinet of sorts, Narcissa. And I'd like you, and some of them, to be there. And you, if you're willing, Minerva. But I have been discussing with them and we think it might be best if the ceremony to bestow knighthoods be postponed until after graduation. That will give us all time, but mainly me time, to finish my year here and to prepare myself a bit to hit the ground running. I mean, I could do that now, but I'm really not certain I could do that and get excellent NEWTs without benefit of a time turner. And all those being knighted are in agreement, and we have a short list of excuses of why it should be. Of course we don't find them credible, but the rest of the country probably will."
"I can see both sides of an argument for and against that course of action. Have you other plans as well, my heir?"
"Regardless of what the monarch decides about the Pendragon line, I still want to be a cleansing and moderating force in the world, and so I'm going forward with that plan no matter what. It was what I really wanted to do after graduation, anyway. I've been talking with Luna Lovegood, and she and her cousins who currently are running The Quibbler for her while she finishes school are really quite keen on starting a daily broadsheet that will more directly compete with the Prophet, leaving the current media for more in depth weekly pieces. I've suggested to her that she begin as a political and legislative watchdog. It's a common enough thing in the muggle world. Are you ladies familiar with the idea?"
Hermione briefly explained the common political term and Minerva immediately saw the immense usefulness of such a mechanism.
"Further, I believe that such fair, balanced, and expositional writing would be in the benefit of all Wizarding Britain. I'm backing the suggestion that we try to get all of the old houses and most of the new ones to be either major or minor investors with the idea that there could be a stakeholders meeting or a board with voice but not vote. It would keep the editor-in-chief free to have her own integrity without being significantly bought by one family or faction-" and while Hermione said this, she neither flinched, inflected, nor glanced at the Malfoy in the room, "-while giving a very strong sign to the Ministry and the Wizengamot that under-handed dealings and quickly passed unjust laws are a thing of the past."
"An interesting idea. And the difference between the major and minor investors?"
"Well, it wouldn't quite be the same as being a stockholder in the muggle world, if you've familiarity with it. Here we're investing in free speech and transparency in politics and law, and that's where the return in our investment would reside. It's an investment in our community. But it's also a sign, or it could be, given that the houses investing would be listed in each paper, that these are the houses that want to cooperate, despite differences of opinion. And if some houses are looking to make a large sign with a significant impact, this could be the place for that. For those houses without the ability to make a larger annual financial commitment, the minor investor category applies. For those houses with the means and the desire, the major investor category. Regardless, neither category will break anyone's bank, and the newspaper will also solicit advertisers and then there will be subscribers, too."
"The House of Black will naturally wish to invest, and I suspect that Le Domme du Malfoi will as well."
"As will McGonagall, and I'm sure a great number of other families."
"I'll be sure to tell Luna. She's busy planning and writing to her cousins this evening. The initial investment will allow for the paper to get up and running with all of the necessary moving parts. I imagine there will be an announcement soon in The Quibbler."
There was a moment of silence as they all drank some tea and nibbled some shortbreads or tarts.
Narcissa asked the next question. "Would you consider, all things being equal, earlier announcements to be made that would include your willingness to take up the Recency, and your Pendragon responsibilities, after graduation?"
"I would need to think about that. What are the benefits that you see?" Hermione replied, and Minerva was impressed by the ease and wisdom of her response. They do grow up quickly.
"You seem to be a young lady moving in the direction of clarity and transparency, in your personal and professional life," Narcissa replied. "Secrets become some, but not you. And secrets have a way of eating their keepers, requiring ever thicker armor and often more secrets."
"'Tis quite true," Minerva agreed. "And you've kept enough secrets already for a lifetime, Hermione. It may be best to harbor no more."
"Well, in that case, Luna has asked for the privilege of breaking all my news, and I'm inclined to give it to her, for a variety of reasons. Narcissa," Hermione said, specifically addressing the woman, "would you be willing to sit down for an interview with Luna, as well? Or possibly together with me, if you prefer? She doesn't have a poisoned pen, and I think she'd be very interested in sharing what you've been doing post-war."
"I would be honored to have the opportunity. Thank you for thinking of me."
Hermione nodded and took a sip of tea. Minerva did the same.
"Well, I'm interested to hear what Kingsley will have to say, but until we or the Ministry has contact with the Queen it all seems like talking around in circles, now that we know where we are. It seems like the independent study will get me ready to face the Wizengamot, and get me up to date with the history of the Pendragons, of which I know only the muggle fairy tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Could either one of you give me the hundred-word summary of what it was the Regent of Avalon actually did that was so important? Or was it really just a figurehead or administrative position?"
"I recall only vaguely, as not having one it became less important. But in some way the Pendragon Regent was the tie that bound a peaceful Avalon together."
Narcissa nodded. "This is true. I also had only vague impressions, but I've spent several hours doing some reading. I suspect but cannot confirm that there is blood magic having to do with the ley lines of the country. That is the only thing that makes sense to me, given what I've read thus far. But it may not only be this. And it may not even be this."
"Are we absolutely certain there are no time turners left?" Hermione asked, suddenly quite sharp. "Absolutely certain?"
Minerva thought quite a bit before speaking. "All the ones in the hall of time were broken, but I doubt they were disposed of. Likely they went to the Unspeakables. But those are just the ones that weren't checked out. If anyone should get one upon request, it would be you, Hermione. I'll bring it up with Kingsley gently, and I'll let you know what he says. I think if we can get one by asking nicely, that should be done."
"I have a broken one," Narcissa quietly volunteered. "I would be willing to surrender it, should it become necessary, and if it could be repaired for your use."
"Thank you," Hermione said, and Minerva could tell she was quite touched by the offer. Really, Narcissa was doing very well at ingratiating herself and being useful. Time would tell if it was entirely genuine.
Hermione took a deep breath and then looked at the Headmistress.
"Minerva, I need help."
She put her teacup down and raised her eyebrow. "Anything. I will always help you."
Everyone put down their teacup.
Hermione was beginning to shake, and her eyes were filling with tears. Her words, when they came, were staggered and painful to hear.
"It's just all so much. And I can't do everything. And I can't take the secrets. You were both right. Narcissa. Minerva. Please help me get my parents back."
And then the story flooded out. Narcissa held her hand. Minerva's heart broke to see the immensity of responsibility Hermione had taken on. When the storm had passed, Minerva spoke to the subject.
"I should like to share this project with Filius. You can be assured of his discretion. He would love to sink his teeth into this, believe me."
"If he would permit it, I would like to consult with him," Narcissa added. "I've had some ideas, though I still need to do a fair bit of research on the matter, and the time has not presented itself since I found out."
"This- this is a horrible thing to ask. But if, if you end up making progress, would you, would you be willing to try it? Without me? I can give you their direction in Australia. I just, I just can't see them again," she said, now through a fresh wave of tears. "And fail, and leave with them still not remembering me."
"Oh my dear, my dear Hermione," Narcissa said. "Of course I will do this thing. I would do this, and a great deal more for you."
"Thank you," she said, ending on a hiccup. Minerva pressed a handkerchief into her hand. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose and faced the old matron once more. "Headmistress, I would like to resign my position as Eighth Year Prefect and would like to officially ask to have full freedom of movement on weekends and evenings, due to the heavy family responsibilities I now have."
"Agreed. I ask only that you alert me through your elves when you intend to leave the castle and the approximate time of your return, and that you've returned. Your safety is no less important to me now, Miss Granger Black Pendragon."
"Oh, that's a mouthful," Hermione pointed out, unpinning her prefect badge and handing it over. Minvera placed it on the table between them.
"May I suggest that you encourage people to pick one of your last names, and simply be answerable to them all? I know you have no wish to lose your parents' name, nor should you."
Hermione nodded, then murmured her assent.
"Do you like the sea, Hermione?" Narcissa asked, seemingly apropos of absolutely nothing, except in the service of changing the subject, which was welcome enough.
The girl - the young woman - got a dreamy look on her face. "Yes, I do. Quite a bit, actually."
"Excellent. The House of Black has many holdings, and I had always intended to ready one for your use. As it turns out you may end up having many houses, I would recommend the most beautiful and picturesque one Black has to offer for you. If you decide you need a London address and one doesn't come with the Pendragon line, I can ready the other townhouse. It is not as large as Grimmauld Place. Though I fully intend to refinish a suite of rooms in Grimmauld Place for your use, to which I doubt the Potters will much object."
Hermione snorted delicately. "Having given up a relaxing and comfortable summer vacation with my parents to go into that hole and attempt to clean and exorcise it with nothing more than elbow grease and determination, I very much look forward to your efforts, Narcissa. I know Harry and Ginny are similarly grateful."
Narcissa smiled and it was the most comfortable one Minerva had witnessed, yet.
"Black Cottage at Ramsgate is larger than the name would suggest, I do believe it has ten bedrooms, but the sitting rooms are all quite informal. Still, I was thinking of doing a bit of renovation there, too, adding to it a private library and study space for you, now that I know how important it is to you. When you next have time I'll walk you through it, and though renovation will be ongoing, I'll make sure there is always a suite available for your use, should you need to get away."
"That sounds lovely, Narcissa. I… would you mind terribly taking me early Saturday morning, if it's not too much trouble? The prospect of getting away to the seaside when I need to is remarkably appealing. Regardless of the condition of the cottage. It's the condition of the sea that I'd like to take in."
"Of course, Hermione. Shall we say eight? Or is that too early?"
Minerva watched benignly as the seas calmed and the plans continued. Then the clock struck ten.
She ended the meeting. The three witches, mother, maiden, and crone, all sought their own beds, each with minds a bit fuller, and hearts a bit lighter than before.
End note: :)