"Join us for dinner please."
She heard herself say to Minerva and immediately witnessed Harry's elated face, as she felt the pull of the figurative rope around their necks and strangled themselves…
Year 1999 | 2nd Seventh of May
Chapter 8
Day After | Second One Aftermath (Part 2)
Several minutes later, after they parted ways with Kingsley, they met Ron at the building entrance. Hermione did not know what reaction she actually expected from Ron when Harry told him that Minerva is coming with them to dinner, but his delighted reception was definitely unexpected. She had at least expected awkwardness, but then she knew that Minerva was the one to suggest that George visits Hogwarts as often, and how it extraordinarily helped him deal with his twin's death. Hermione supposed that the byproduct of that is the current general openness of the Weasleys around the woman. That despite the usually closed-off disposition of Minerva McGonagall, the Weasleys had braved one wall because of what she did for George.
Harry had suggested that they go to this diner he passed by one afternoon a few months back while on an errand, which Hermione also knew. Harry went ahead with Minerva but before Hermione could take Ron for side-along apparation, he stopped her with a question.
"Hermione, nothing happened last night?"
"What do you mean?" Hermione held her breath from Ron's disconcerting inquiry.
"You disappeared last night from Hogwarts, although Harry said you bid him goodbye. Were you okay? Did people's exasperating compliments got into you?"
"Ahhh. It was fine. I was fine." Hermione breathed a silent relief and gave Ron an assuring smile. "I wanted— my bed— you know…" She opted for obfuscation with half-truth.
"Oh okay, that's good… Then lets go? I'm starving." Ron responded and grinned at her.
Hermione pulled the necessary concentration and apparated themselves. They landed at one deserted alley where immediately she assisted Ron to casual muggle clothing. She was about to transfigure hers when she faltered a bit after she lifted her head and saw Minerva. The woman had already shed her Headmistress' robes and now in transfigured casual clothes; black top long-sleeves tucked in brown pants and she saw the black leather boots she magically took off the woman last night.
"Wow Headmistress, my brothers would never believe how unbelievable you look in muggle clothes." Ron exclaimed with outmost admiration. "You should shock the students at Hogwarts and I bet you won't have problem with the noise at the great hall anymore."
Hermione was thankful for Ron who unknowingly provided her a cover and roused her from her gawking. She dragged her eyes away from Minerva and pushed out the distraction and concentrated in transfiguring her own clothes.
"Thank you and you look charming as well Mr. Weasley. But truly, I never had the inclination to cause anyone heart attack, most particularly to current and underage students, and be sent to Azkaban for the unintentional disillusionment."
Hermione heard Ron's shock at the Headmistress' wicked sense of humour at the double entendre with self-mockery. She also heard Harry's double laughter at Minerva's wisecrack and at Ron's reaction. He further rubbed Ron as he pointedly told him of his reddened face that his mind probably went to the direction where could land him not only to a multiple detention but possible expulsion if he was still a student.
Spike of illogical jealousy attacked Hermione at the mere notion of Minerva seducing anyone— former or current students, under age or not, intentionally or not… She kept her own eyes away from the woman and pretended to be unaware of their repartee. Her hands itched to shove the woman against the wall and snog her senseless and ripped her damn clothes to touch the body she had made love to last night. She bit her lip at the delicious memory of Minerva's mouth on hers. This is madness. Utterly madness! She berated herself internally and almost jumped when Harry linked his arm on hers and ushered her towards the diner.
Following her and Harry, Hermione reminded herself that the woman with them right now is Minerva McGonagall the Headmistress, the venerated leader of their world... Because despite the almost familial rapport of Harry with the woman, she is certain that that the woman is very different and very far from the beautiful, emotional woman with her last night...
Hermione concentrated on on her steps to the diner and could hear Ron bravely scaling more of Minerva's wall as he sheepishly asked if the woman could consider calling him by his first name as she does with his brother George. And asked furthermore, if he would be allowed to call the woman MG like George does.
Ron's pleasant disbelief was apparent when the woman gave her consent. But on strict condition that he refrains doing so when they are in the presence of governors and current Hogwarts students as the woman has reputation to uphold on being "The Strict Headmistress'. When Ron responded that he would never dream to tarnish the 'severe' reputation of 'The Headmistress' and added in a banter that Minerva is 'allowed' to call him by his first name regardless of who is around, Hermione heard Minerva's short but deep chuckle. It had her delved further into Harry's arms as thoughts assaulted her of how she desires to call Minerva 'darling' every damn moment, and damn out loud, for everyone to damn hear it…
After they sat down in a booth, Hermione tried so hard but failed not to look at the woman across her who is currently looking down at the menu. Minerva has her glasses on and her hair still confined in a bun, although the usual strictness is notably absent with a small section on a loose. That slightest alteration together with the muggle clothes had remarkably softened the woman's look, almost eliminated the familiar strict Headmistress; no wonder Ron's jaw dropped at seeing Minerva this way. She almost chuckled at the thought of how Ron's legs would completely fail him if he sees Minerva's true appearance. One that Hermione cannot seemed to un-see anymore despite the full de-glamour charm the woman is wearing. All she can see is the real and bare face of the woman... One that had been with her last year and last night... One who is passionate, tender, vulnerable— and raw... One without the slightest evidence of the public persona... Just pure Minerva.
"Do you know already what you want to have?" Minerva asked after green eyes raised, met her brown ones, and then indicated to her unopened menu.
You. Just you…
Unbidden thoughts had Hermione clenched her right hand under the table because she is very close to banishing the pins to let luxurious black hair fall, and have her fingers run through them as she did last night. The woman's black top is also not helping as it only highlighted the exposed elegant neck which Hermione at one point clawed when they were pushing each other into the edge last night...
"We'd order for Hermione." Ron who is seated beside her answered Minerva. "Otherwise she'll just order toast and soup. It is how we make sure that at least once a month she eats excessively." Thank Merlin that Ron's words nudged her back into reality and broke her gawking and dangerous thoughts.
"Because she only has coffee, tea and orange juice in her flat." Harry piped in.
"Really Harry? Only…?" Hermione protested.
"Sorry Mione, just yesterday morning you told me so. And that's mostly how it is when I come over at your flat, especially when you are deep into studying and working, which is almost always." Harry responded.
Out of nowhere, Hermione wanted to shout at them and tell them that it was not because of her studying and working… That it was mostly due to the choking feeling she gets when sometimes in the middle of lifting a spoon while eating, all she could see was the time when she and Minerva shared a plate…
"We already told you many times how we can pick-up whatever you need when we do ours if you just tell us. You know I always accompany mom and so it's a non-issue. Do you want to do it tomorrow? I can go with you Mione." Ron butted in.
"I already offered mate, but she says she'll do it herself. But may we could drag her if—"
"Harry! Ron! I will, okay?" Hermione infuriatingly interjected then added in a mumble, "As if everybody is in their right mind this week for their actions to prioritise such chore…"
Hermione found herself quite annoyed at the turn of their conversation. And how in her mind, it breathed life to the notion that if she can't take care of herself, then she can't take care of Minerva… And then she immediately regretted what she had said; naturally she knew her best friends' true intention. She also heard what she might have implied and she smacked herself mentally… She as good as said that she had been acting out of her mind this week— last night included.
"That was very dumb of me, I'm sorry." She sighed contritely. "Guys, I promise to do it tomorrow and not neglect it thereafter." She looked at her two best friends' eyes with sincerity and they promptly dismissed her apology. The two even made a show at getting back to the menu in front of them, and she knew the issue had been closed.
When she turned to Minerva who had taken off her glasses, green eyes bore on her and immediately knew where the woman is heading. Together, they mentally dived back into one of their late conversations last night… while wrapped in each other's arms… before sleep had taken over.
'Minerva, you have to eat better. We don't need a scale to know that you've lost a lot of weight; I could feel your ribs almost protruding. I don't want you to get sick. So please stop working during mealtime.'
Hermione learned from Harry, who learned from Neville that Minerva was almost always missing from the hall, most especially during dinner.
'I will… I promise…' Minerva softly responded while snuggled under her chin but lifted herself to kiss her. 'But you have to do the same darling. You're also awfully thin...'
'I know… I will...' Hermione murmured in between kisses. 'Lets both try to do better about it.'
A server arrived to get their orders and it broke their eye contact and roused them from memory. Minerva briefly turned to Harry and said, "Harry, please order for me as well. I think I could use a day of excessiveness."
"Really? That's Great, because honestly Minerva you do need more than a day of it." Harry merrily retorted and started placing their orders.
Emeralds returned and focused back on her brown ones in silent communication of how the older witch is making the effort of what they have promised each other. Hermione held the gaze and somehow conveyed the same thing, while Harry and Ron fired off dishes after dishes to the server. When Minerva's eyes widened a bit at the amount of food already ordered and yet the boys proceeded to order more, Hermione let out a smirk.
"We could have just ordered the kitchen." Minerva deadpanned after the server left their table. The quip had her two best friends guffawed and she herself chuckled.
"Don't worry, you'll be amazed how the food will disappear with Ron with us." Harry jested and Ron turned as red as his hair and muttered about observing proper dining etiquette with the Headmistress with them. But then, they can't blame him when after 5 hours; they can't leave as they still have food on the table.
When the laughter died down and apparent relaxed atmosphere descended while they wait for their food, the three started talking about Quidditch while Hermione just listened to their enthusiastic chat. Harry asked Minerva to tell them of her Quidditch days and some of the most notable games she had watched live whether between international or national teams. Even when the food started arriving, the wizarding sport still dominated their table. From time to time Harry and Ron would tease Hermione about her complete knowledge on Quidditch history and various written articles on it, but would not play one game with them.
For almost two hours whilst some plates were cleared and several random topics covered, which was mostly hosted by Harry, Hermione got shock when Ron brought up the topic of his work along with the news that he is planning to tender his resignation.
"I mean, not right now but maybe before November…" Ron described and Hermione vaguely felt the heavy silence that descended on their table that replaced merriment just a second ago.
"Um, you don't like the work mate?" Harry tentatively asked.
"I do most of the time, but not the way you do Harry. I know that you embrace every single minute being an Auror. It's not the same to me. At first, I thought it was some sort of after-war fatigue or something… And then I realized it's the feeling of always on a mission that I don't like… I… I don't want to deal with that for the rest of my life… or say next 10 years." Ron slowly started with his explanation and outwardly shifted in his seat at the intensity of the topic.
"Do you know what you want to do?" Harry beat her with the question that she was about to ask.
"Well… Last Christmas, George started talking about seriously getting back on his feet, including having a proper livelihood. He knew he cannot forever just make sidelines. He wanted to get back to the abandoned plans of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. He said he's ready to pick up what he— what he and Fred originally wanted to do in life. And then the more he talked about it— the more it occurred to me that I actually wanted to join him."
"Ron—" Hermione paused and only continued when she was sure that she has the full attention of her red-haired best friend. "Are you considering that because of George? Or it is something you really, really want to do…? You know what I am asking right?"
Hermione knew that it was important that she pointed out practical matters. As much as she knew that Ron is expecting their support, she needed to inject critical thinking for him. But she made sure to place genuine concern with her delicate inquires to prevent the wrong impression of just being skeptical.
"Yeah… I questioned if I was just trying to be Fred's substitute… But honestly, it's not that… When the war ended, I just… I realized how I wanted to spend as much time as possible with mom, dad, and my siblings, even bloody Percy…! You know... sort of make up for the time we were on the run... And that actually lead me into thinking about what I wanted to do in my life. And working at the ministry is just not it…"
"Gin told me last week that you've asked her if I would be angry or disappointed if you wanted to do something else and leave the Ministry... Come on mate, why you'd think that?"
"Honestly Harry… I do not want you to think that I was again abandoning you and Mione."
"Ron—" Hermione started to protest but she was cut-off.
"I know, I know Mione… I know we resolved that. But remember, after NEWTs and when we were not so tired and lost anymore, we talked about how we are going to contribute to change the Ministry for the possibility of better so that we don't find ourselves in another war in ten years?"
"It does not mean we completely disregard our personal lives Ron. Of course we know that while the Ministry is the direct way, it is not the only way. It does not mean we are barred from somehow going after personal happiness." Harry cut in.
Harry's words jolted Hermione's pulse as how reality may not always as ideal as that. She wanted to hug Harry for his ever idealist self. She wanted to believe what she knew he truly believes in. But the fact that she is sitting in front of the woman she loves so much but commitment, responsibilities and bigger than themselves complications have restrained her to openly love Minerva. She thoroughly felt the hard cramping of her heart that is riddled with both hope and distrust.
"I know mate. I realised that. But it's not as if I am going to Hogwarts to mould youngsters into better wizard and witches. Or open a muggle exhibition or something. You know my worries are valid…" Hermione heard Ron's anxiousness.
"You really thought about this? You see yourself doing this seriously? Harry resignedly asked.
"Yeah. George and I have started throwing in ideas about how to go about the business, our living arrangement, and other details… Everything clicked on me. You know how lazy I am with details right? But suddenly I could not stop myself planning these things. I know I can actually do that for 10 years or 50 years… It's how you are with doing Auror work Harry… Or Hermione on her way to be the Minister…"
"You have my support Ron." Hermione kissed his cheek and gave him a tight embrace. "Full support. And I am not going after Mr. Shacklebolt's job." Hermione couldn't help but laugh at his very astonished reaction.
"Really? You're not disappointed?" Ron asked her as he threw one arm on her and hugged her closed again.
"Merlin, you are making plans and seeing more than the plate of food in front of you right now! How could I be disappointed with that?" Hermione responded with a light jab to ease the obvious emotional charge coming off Ron and it successfully made him chuckle.
"Of course mine as well mate." Harry asked as he reached across the table and lightly slapped one of Ron's forearms.
"I wanted to tell you both since last month." Ron breathed in relief. "But Mione was having her exams and I did not want her to be distracted in case it was a stupid idea."
"You could have told me first to ease your worry." Harry affirmed to convey his devotion to Ron. "And then we held it off Hermione!"
"I know, but I needed her logic to tell me if it's stupid!" Ron laughingly stated.
"Hey. I am not as scare with logic; I would have told you if it was stupid." Harry objected at the implication.
"No, you won't tell him Harry." Hermione interjected and the corner of her mouth quirked up. "You'd be quietly distressed about it. And then brood. And then I'd notice. Then it would bug me if I don't deal with it… So I'd then deal with you… Deal with Ron… And bugger off with my final exams!"
"I object to that!" Harry complained in a serious tone but his eyes already sparkled in laughter.
"Sorry Harry. Mione is absolutely correct! As always!" Ron's added impishly, and that had him chortled with Hermione, at Harry's expense.
Harry mockingly got offended and reached across and shoved them both harmlessly. "Bugger you two!" Then he turned to the older witch beside him whose emeralds twinkled in amusement, and then he playfully solicited, "Minerva, defend me please…!"
"I'm sorry Harry, but I'm too old to know that when its two-thirds of a trio, it is better not to contradict. But don't worry dear, if you need cheering when you brood, I'll send you purchased merchandise from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."
"Yahoo, our first patron! And none other than the great MG!" Ron half-shouted happily that the two people seated nearest to their table glanced at them. Then as sudden, Ron got serious and hesitated momentarily but decidedly ploughed through with what he wanted to say next. "Ummm… MG, are you going to get mad at us when Hogwarts students cause you headache with our merchandise?"
"Oh Ronald, it would be no fun for the professors if they don't hand out detentions here and there…" Minerva winked at Ron.
Hermione's heart swelled after they heard in just short dialogue how Minerva had smartly expressed her support for Ron. Harry's beaming smile told her of how proud he is of Minerva; like she has zero idea how great the woman is. And Ron's blue eyes glistened a bit at the obvious touching motion from the older witch. He cleared his throat before he said in his utmost sincere voice his appreciation. "MG, you're the best."
'She is... She is undoubtedly the best.' Hermione thought.
"So I won't see you everyday anymore at the Ministry?" Harry asked with half concealed nostalgia.
"It's still several months from now Harry. Our plan is that George organizes things first. Besides, several salaries I could save to add to our funds won't hurt. The number says we are good to start, but we are both trying our math again and again just to be sure."
"Do you need another pair of eyes to check them?" Hermione offered.
"Thanks Mione, I was really planning to ask you but like I said, I knew you were revising for your masteries and then with the commemoration and all, it did not seem to be a good time. Plus, I even told Harry how you seemed to be even sleeping less the last two weeks when you've just topped your exams."
"I promise, this coming week is a good time. Bring them to me."
"Alright, thank you really… We are just being cautious because although we have enough funds to start, we don't have much legroom if there'd be unexpected delays. And no guys, I won't accept money from my best friends, so don't offer! And I do appreciate the intention very, very, very much."
Hermione bit her lips, as indeed she was about to make a suggestion that her unused Golden Trio stint reward be added to their business capital. Her present salary plus the small amount of trust fund her parents had given her back before the war had provided her more than enough to sustain her living and masteries expenses. So she could really contribute her reward money if Ron would only accept them.
Diagonally across her, she caught Harry's expression and understood how her olive-eyed best friend wants to offer too. Hermione knew that Harry was left with considerable wealth by her parents and definitely hundred times more capable than her to help out. When Harry looked at her in a more conflicting countenance, she shrugged her shoulders in response because somehow, she does understand Ron's refusal. But then again, Harry is Harry and just as she had guessed, he could not help himself but try.
"Ron, let me help. You know it wouldn't be—
"You already did Harry, more than enough. Part of our funds is the tri-wizard prize you gave."
"Shhhh… Don't teeell… Why do you know? I wanted it not to be told..." Harry softly lamented at the revelation.
"George said so, but obviously he had to let me in on that Harry... I didn't think you'd mind that they know." Ron pointed out concernedly as he waved his hand to indicate Hermione and Minerva. "I'm sorry for telling on you. But I did plan to say something to you about them."
"I already knew Harry." Hermione gently stated.
"What?" Harry gasped.
"The twins never explicitly told me. But back when we were staying at Grimmauld that Holiday, they asked me to do some calculations and somehow they deliberately dropped enough clues for me to work out that the funds were from you. I think they wanted to indirectly tell me that you approved; I should as well... You know their strange logics!"
The three of them chuckled at what she had said and she knew that they all felt a stab as they were reminded of Fred's lost... She ventured her eyes to the witch across her, who had remained mostly silent, clearly to be less invasive when Ron opened up about his work and his plans.
The woman had a thoughtful expression on her face before emeralds shifted on her from looking at Harry and Ron's direction. Right then, Hermione knew that the woman had come to a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the boys. It included a revelation of how the public would never truly grasp the essence of their friendship regardless of the many write-ups about them. That whatever they went through together cannot simply be categorised with the phrase 'The Golden Trio'… Minerva communicated all of these with an admiring smile and Hermione returned it with her own...
"Ron, I also have something to tell you." Hermione started after she took a sip of her drink, "about work too."
"You've been promoted to Department Head?"
"What?" Hermione gasped at Ron's accurate surmise.
"That or you've transferred to MLE in a senior post."
"Why did you say that?" Hermione asked in genuine curiosity at Ron's suppositions.
"Don't you read the Daily prophet?" Ron playfully asked her and followed his rhetoric. "Oh right, you've stopped when you started being in it most of the time!"
"Don't tell me that the promotion I did not even hear before today had been written for the public to read!" Hermione fervently disputed Ron's overdone assumption.
"Okay, it wasn't." Ron relented, but went on to voice his reasoning. "But anyone who reads the daily news could make a good guess that when you topped your masteries, the Ministry would be foolish not to promote you."
"It's not a bad thing Mione." Harry interjected at the frown on her face.
"Besides, the Minister himself has been quoted often enough on how the Ministry is confident to make bold changes especially when there are dedicated and brilliant minds in the Ministry. And several times he singled-out your name and how you represent the progressive future of our society as evidenced by your work as early as now." Ron added.
"It sounded as if I have been favoured..."
"Duh, Mione! With your masteries top marks and work output, you should be rightly favoured. To do otherwise is actually unfair. Harry's right, it's not a bad thing." Ron stated with a factual tone and then asked back his early question. "So which is which Mione, Department headship or MLE transfer?"
"It's headship at the Regulation and Control… But I did not even realized—"
"Of course not! We know that you won't and we know that because we've known you since we were 11." Ron exclaimed brightly.
"Yeah Mione. And we also know that you don't know how others are starting to know because we've known you since we were 11." Harry supplemented in equal enjoyment.
"Right, you two totally made sense! Everyone can understand exactly what you just said…!" Hermione laced her tone with light sarcasm, but underneath she felt uncertain as she could gauge that her best friends are about to tell her of something grave. Being with these two boys for years have made her proficient in reading them when they are switching into their serious selves. And she is not at ease with them doing so right now, not when Minerva is with them.
"Okay… how about we say— people are now seeing how truly brilliant you are. And they are realising how your brilliance helped win the war. And how your brilliance would help bring a brighter future now that the war is over… I could not tell you how many times Percy told me that he had heard such thing from so and so at the department of so and so…"
"Ron, that's overly and unwarranted praise." Hermione objected and borrowed another line from Minerva's usual dismissal of commendation. "Besides, people just like to exaggerate…"
"Apart from the Golden Brain, you did not think people would eventually see the Golden heart of the Golden girl?"
"Harry, stop. You are romancing it and we all know we simply had no choice!" Hermione's disputing tone just got stronger.
Hermione watched her best friends exchange knowing looks and seen how they are as uncertain as her with their discussion. She deliberately held herself from darting her eyes to emeralds, lest it only lead her to open her damn emotions. She was attempting to come up on how to change their discourse when Ron and Harry pushed forward with their current direction.
"Harry did not have a choice… Evil marked him to die quite literally." Ron retorted quietly but clearly.
"Ron and the Weasleys, and many good wizarding families did not have a choice because their only world was plunged into darkness. They didn't have anywhere else to go... Minerva had no choice but to literally incarcerate herself at Hogwarts… Do you know how much curses and disrespect she got from the carrows that time?
"Harry…" Minerva softly interjected but Harry was on the roll.
"That while she is more powerful than them thrice combined, she held firing back! She had no choice but to endure the abuses in order to be there for staff and students, for Hogwarts... Most of us had no choice. But you had a choice Hermione."
"I didn't." Hermione felt pain from the knowledge that Minerva suffered at death-eaters hands at Hogwarts.
"You had a window Hermione." Harry continued with his declaration with apparent intention to make her accept what they are telling her. "You could have escaped to muggle world and lay low and be with your parents and protect them and not sacrifice your relationship with them. Like what most muggle-borne did. One way or another, war would end and maybe not reach muggle world and you'd be left unscratched... Yet you did not take it..."
"I would never leave you on your own; most specially when I knew you were going after the Horcruxes…"
"Second before the snatchers incapacitated us, you've managed one last spell but you used it to cast stinging jinx on me that disguised and protected me. You had a choice to cast it onto yourself… It could have spared you from Bellatrix…"
To her utmost shock, Harry reached for her scarred arm and bore his somber olive eyes on her. Her breath got caught and her heart erupted at the fact that Harry knows her concealed mud blood scar.
"Har—Harry… I just knew from the start that you were to end it all… if you get to continue and save all of us then what happens to me is inconsequential. I was just using my head…"
"Then your head must have told you many times how you had a choice. How from the very start, you had the option to seek safety; thousands of miles away… from immediate danger…"
"I would never choose that. I would never— I would never run away— leave our world."
'And even if I did, I would come right back because I'll be then realising that I am in love with one witch… I would have marched back to Hogwarts if only to stand beside her and die protecting her…' Hermione's heart and mind silently declared violently. Every fiber in her knew that she would never choose self preservation if on other side is where Minerva is.
"We know that love… And we're simply telling you how people are simply catching up with such truth… along with the fact that you're really brilliant, and becoming MORE each day. And how it is becoming obvious how you're doing your best to fight for betterment of our world." Harry clasped her hand and reached to place a soft kiss on it.
"I am not stuck in the war Harry."
"That's not what Harry meant and you know it." Ron's one arm draped around her and pulled her close. "You're just a Miss-know-it-all who wanted to make sure we don't have another war in a thousand years or so...!" Ron kissed her cheek and she can't help but laugh at his antics and harmlessly punched him in the chest.
"And thank Merlin for that! I really do not want to be the boy who lived and lived and lived again…!"
Harry's banter had her laughing more before her heart plunged into deeper breadth of emotional drill at Harry's succeeding words...
"And Minerva would surely love you to keep Hogwarts war-free for the rest of our lives and the next…"
...Minerva would surely love you...
"Indeed." Minerva supplied in.
Hermione met emerald eyes and she could not stop the silent message her brown eyes conveyed to the woman she loves above all— 'It's that what it would take...? Because I'll do everything for you… Everything…'
But sad smile from thin lips equally accepted and rejected her offer— 'Not for me... but that is how it goes darling… that is your path… part of who we are darling… part of who we are expected to be…'
After a moment Hermione mentally bolted from Minerva's ensnaring conviction and turned to Harry and Ron, "Did you order dessert for me or remembered just yours as always?" She asked with over-exaggeration to cover the dejection that descended on her.
"Ouch. It was just one time boss!" Ron replied laughingly, " And of course we've learned our lesson not to forget your ever-boring favorite choice of vanilla ice cream..."
Harry called the server for their dessert and their table returned to mundane topics. Unspoken agreement reigned in that they are done with war and very serious work related talk. Another hour lapsed when they finally exited the diner with Harry complaining that Minerva had tricked them because the woman had managed to settle the entire bill without their knowing.
"I invited you Minerva." Harry grumbled.
"Come on Harry, let it go. You can get the next dinner." Minerva placated tone answered Harry.
"How do you even have muggle money on you?" Harry asked Minerva and then suspiciously added, "They're not transfigured paper napkins are they?"
Minerva's laughter rang and Hermione similar question in her head vanished at the beautiful laughing face of the older witch. Hermione dug both her hands into her pockets to prevent herself from grabbing the woman and beg her to be with her tonight and forever more…
"I promise you, they're not." Minerva touched Harry's shoulder in assurance. "But I need to leave now."
"You can't spare more? We normally take a walk around for just an hour, then I can accompany you back to Hogwarts." Harry asked and offered.
"Headmistress duties are calling Harry…" Minerva replied.
"Thank you MG. Not just for dinner… But you know…" Ron spoke in his usual ineloquence.
Ron shook Minerva's hand and half embraced the witch in his awkward way. It was contrary on how Harry familiarly kissed Minerva on the cheek and thanked the woman for spending time with them, while he promised to disturb her in her castle soon. When Harry stepped back, Hermione found herself without a clue on how to act… afraid that she'd give it away the moment she gets that physically close to the older woman. But Minerva swiftly moved into her space and gave her an embrace but immediately dislodged her hold and created a distance between them.
"Good night. Please take care." Minerva bid them good-bye and in a second disappeared.
As always, the three of them walked random streets and Ron would point out muggle equipment or device and Harry and her would explain to him of its nature and usage. But as they roamed the streets of London tonight, Hermione thoughts are on one woman who apparated to Hogwarts…
When Harry let out a yawn 45 minutes later, Hermione suggested that they go home. At her flat, she mechanically went on taking a bath and generally got ready for bed and picked a book to distract herself from thinking about yesterday and today.
When she went to her kitchen to get herself a glass of water, her forehead furrowed that something's not the same… She tried to remember the state of her flat before she left yesterday for Hogwarts. She knew something is different and yet she did not feel remotely in danger.
She opened her cupboards and her eyes widened at what she found there. She went to her fridge and it was equally stacked— full of food items. Hermione found herself laughing a loud when her eyes landed at the huge carton of vanilla flavored ice cream. Then she saw the note plastered to one side and reached for it.
...
Dearest,
I promise I have never intruded your home except now. And I won't do it again. I just could not resist after I left you with the boys...
Hermione… I know you want more, but the truth is— we can't afford more…
Please, please do take care of yourself.
...
Hermione's earlier laughter completely died and the written words blurred as her eyes flooded with tears. She knew she has no one to blame but herself. She had let herself rip her heart furthermore because of her actions last night… because she could not help herself but follow Minerva to the lake… because she could not help herself but urged Minerva to come home with her… because she could not help herself but hopelessly love the woman who would not accept her love.
She lost her hold on her emotions and thoughts about today's reality… Of how cold her bed had been when she had woken up with Minerva gone… Of how emerald eyes had spoken rejection to her at Kingsley's office earlier while the Minister spoke of her promotion... And of how silent words of rejection had been repeated when they were at the diner as the boys spoke of their future…
This is part of the whys darling… Part of the tangled complications between who we are…
But that is how it goes darling… that is your path… part of who we are darling… part of who we are expected to be…'
For some reason, today's rejection is far more hurtful than the vitriol words spat at her by Minerva last year. Because while, 'I fucked you and it was a mistake' was brutal, she always knew in heart that it was not meant how it sounded… that the lash-out was a lie.
But now the truth cannot be clearer.
What they had that night of May 7— was not truly a mistake. That is one truth... Minerva had allowed herself to be taken home last night is a testament of how the woman equally wants her, then and now. Furthermore, it did not escape Hermione that Minerva had taken to tell her last night that the woman wanted to make love to her, and made love to her repeatedly… clearly demonstrated that it was not just a fuck between them. both last year and last night…
Another truth is that Minerva cares about her. The woman had even shed herself in remorse and supplicated for absolution about causing her splinch. Entirely owning the fault in wretched tremors while in her arms...
Another truth is that Minerva even cares about her damn eating habits, to invade her flat and fill-up her kitchen tonight. That the woman cared to know where she actually lives...
More truth— the woman had been invading her life quite significantly in her pursuit of higher learning. That the woman made moves for her to find masters that she needed, all without her knowing. That it did not matter that she had avoided Minerva for an entire year because the woman accepted them as self-punishment and yet created options and provided support for her future.
One hard truth— Minerva McGonagall still said NO… explicitly with written words of— Can't afford more… Minerva can't afford to be with her… can't afford to love her back.
And one last truth— tonight, Hermione would go to bed still loving Minerva, more than ever…
End of Chapter 8 | Second One Aftermath (Part 2)
A/N:
- Tell me if you just want Hermione to just get on with her life and forget Minerva? Or lets smack Minerva to wake up and love Hermione back? :)
- I was surprised that this chapter (Second May 7 Aftermath Part 2) still ended with about 6k words! I even cut a long series of dialogue of the trio in the diner :) I hope you are not bored with the story...
- Once again, entire HP is JK Rowling's and I am just borrowing and spinning for my own liking!