A/N: Gentle people, it is October. And I'm totes late in posting this but the fact that it is still October is a plus for me, I feel. Not only is it Minerva McGonagall's birthday this month, but even more importantly, it's Lib McGranger's birthday too! So wish her a Happy Birthday while you read this and we'll have a grand old time. Happy Birthday dearest. I hope you had a fabulous day!
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Hermione knocked on Kingsley's door with purpose but as soon as his deep voice called to enter, she lost a little bravado. She stepped in, smiling as he greeted her and sat when he offered.
"What can I do for you, Hermione? Are you settling in? This was a big step for you?"
"Oh," she blinked, thinking about the new position she'd just taken. "No, that's fine. It's," she realised this was her direct superior and shook herself. "It's going to be hard work, sir, but I am looking forward to the challenge."
"Good," he grinned. "But you aren't here for that, are you?"
"I'm not," she shook her head. "Um, Gerald needs the weekend to clear out his things and I have some time off saved and I wondered if I could take it."
"Hermione," he chuckled. "You're head of the department. If you want to take time off, do so. At any moment."
"Oh," she swallowed. "Good. Um, do you -"
Kingsley smiled and sat back away from his desk and looked at her closely.
"What is it you're trying so hard not to say, Hermione?"
"How would one surprise someone with a weekend away internationally?"
He laughed and she blushed under his mirth.
"And who is the lucky -" he glanced at her. "Lady?"
She blushed even deeper and sunk into her chair.
"It's stupid."
"I doubt that, very much," he said kindly.
"You won't tell?"
"Who am I going to tell?"
She rolled her eyes. They'd become good friends after working so closely with each other for the last few years.
"You promise?"
"Hermione -"
"Minerva?"
He blinked and looked at her and then sat forward and looked at her for longer and then sat back again. The silence grew longer and then, he chuckled and she frowned. And then he outright laughed and she clenched her fists.
"No," he said quickly, seeing her anger. "No, please don't worry. That is," he shook his head. "Magnificent. I was just imagining Minerva's face when she realises, because she doesn't, does she?"
"No," Hermione sighed. "I don't think so."
"Well, I think that's grand," he smiled. "How can I help?"
"Really?"
"Minerva and I have been friends for a very long time. If I can help her towards happiness, Hermione, I absolutely will."
"It's her birthday on Sunday," she winced. "I thought maybe I might take her to Florence."
"Italy?"
"When I tell you I have taken her to all the places, Kingsley, I don't have the time to list them all."
"Oh, that's," he laughed. "She really is that oblivious?"
"I don't really know what else to do but go all in."
"Have you tried," he looked at her. "Telling her?"
"Can you imagine me telling her?"
Kingsley chuckled some more and then sat forward.
"Go and see the International Travel department on the third floor, take this -" He summoned a piece of parchment and signed it. "I have written that you're travelling for me with one other. They will give you all the things you need without the need for all the paperwork."
"Thank you," she sighed. "Thank you so much."
"Nonsense. I want an invite to the wedding."
"Kingsley," Hermione snorted. "If this works, you're going to be the one officiating the wedding."
His big, booming laugh followed her down the hall as she practically skipped away. She had a plan, she had a friend in her corner and now, she had to get the girl.