Posted 2021 January
Saoirse and Amelia
Year 2005 - 4th Seventh of May - Chapter 6
Continuation
Minerva then imparted one true parallelism about that war, "And not to mean anything injurious, while I was Albus' rook at Hogwarts, you were certainly Harry's Queen out there on the run…"
"And none matters for we would have stepped into any role for our best friends…" Hermione suitably concluded…
"Indeed…" Minerva replied in accord.
For a while, none of them speak, perhaps in full absorption of what they have shared. Until Hermione remembered their earlier topic, of Minerva's extraordinaire magical ageing. And so, she re-asked Minerva of what Dumbledore had thought of it.
"He considered this," mindlessly gesturing to oneself, "As something related to a fable."
"What fable?"
"The fable of 'The Witch and Magical Creatures Treaty'. Are you familiar with it? It was written as children's bed time story"
"Is that the story of how magical creatures used to be in ceaseless conflicts with each other due to territorial claims? It was said that it vehemently dwindled the population of many magical creatures, as well as killing humans, magical and muggles, in collateral damage. That it only ended, or at least vastly confined when one witch managed to cross-over to different kingdoms and encouraged leaders of formidable creatures to form a council and arrived with a resolution."
"Of course, you know of it. And yes, precisely that fable." Minerva confirmed, she momentarily hesitated before she said, "Albus believed that the said witch was my ancestor."
"Was he correct?"
"Yes."
"REALLY?" Hermione gasped in astonishment. "Then 'The Witch and Magical Creatures Treaty' is not—"
"—Not a fable." Minerva completed Hermione's sentence.
"That's wicked, Minerva!" Hermione's excitement was palpable and increased tenfold when her brilliant brain suddenly dredged-up one buried information, "Hold on… Then the witch…" She rattled on and she unthinkingly proceeded to semi sit-up as of great interest moved within her, "Minerva, the witch, your ancestor, her name was Saoirse... Saoirse McGonagall, right?"
"How did you bloody know that?" Minerva asked in absolute disbelief, and followed Hermione's sitting action, transfiguring two nearest piece of clothing into sets of robes for each of them.
"—No. No, I did not know. Not really. Not moments ago… Not until you've mentioned the fable, Dumbledore's supposition, only then the notion triggered in my—"
"Elucidate the leap of knowledge, darling," was Minerva's hastened request for explanation.
"Harry's cloak… Dumbledore… The Deathly Hollows story…" Hermione mentally shook her head to arrange her thoughts more explicit, "And its connection with the last war somehow made me wary of children's stories. I know it was probably paranoia, but I figured, I should at least read them. And I sort of read them that time I was revising for my mastery level 1. I would switch to reading magical children's books to take breaks from grave lessons."
What Hermione did not care to mention was the verity of such effort was in part to refrain from having vacuum and wallow about Minerva's first ever rejection. It was that time of her life that she was more than willing to fry her brain with any learning or reading materials instead of being paralysed with looping memories of the time she spent with Minerva at McGonagall's Manor and then departed with a suffering heart.
"I asked Molly for a list and 'The Witch and the Magical Creatures Treaty' was included."
"Alright. But darling, I've read that book. There is definitely no mention of Saoirse McGonagall. Enlighten where you've learned her name?"
"I stumbled upon it. When I was working at the Regulation and Control, I've read through very old ledgers stacked in one of the ignored storing room. One journal mentioned Saoirse McGonagall."
"Now, I am more confused. I don't believe there was ever an official connection between RCMC and my family. Why would Saoirse name be found there? Besides, the formal establishment of RCMC was just about 300 years ago. This so-called fable, or rather, Saoirse was said to have lived more than 700 years ago."
"That long ago? THAT I did not know…" Hermione's chocolate eyes widen in surprise. "And I agree that there was no business pertaining to your family. In fact, most Wizarding family names referenced in RCMC old records were in relation to Elves ownership. The McGonagall family never registered any of their house elves. That actually made me wonder why Dolly was sure that her mother was freed by your great-great grandmother Isobel when it seems no elves ever belonged to your family, thus they were never owned?"
"Indeed, no McGonagall ever owned any elves. Isobel McGonagall was rather known to taking sport in pissing off pureblood society that she deemed it right to conduct a freeing ceremony. Some sort of McGonagall's grand gesture to make it public that Dolly's mother and the rest of the elves are part of the family." Minerva stated in clarification... "But please darling, do go back on what you've read about Saoirse at RCMC journal."
"It was Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank great-great grandfather's journal. Apparently, he worked there for many years. In one of the record of their meetings, he did mention that there was this one fascinating story being passed on within their family. That there was this one witch who had initiated the early years of territorial formation specialy amongs beast. That many did not understand her ability but it seemed that she can communicate with different creatures… And her name was Saoirse… And of the family they suspected she belonged to was the McGonagall?"
"I had no idea… But come to think of it… It was believed that the Grubbly family used to have a hidden farm wherein they would harboured Unicorns who were in flight from illegal hunters."
"Maybe that was how the story came to them. The unicorns could have told them. After all, there was a legend that Unicorns can commincicate with humans through legilimency… I am of course merely speculation… And in all honestly, there wasn't really anything else in that journal… But when you've mentioned Dumbledore and his supposition of fable, it was enough for me to sort of—"
"Connect the dots."
"So, what did Dumbledore know of Saoirse?"
"The basis of his supposition was probably the same consideration that you've employed, of fables and possible life-factual connection. However, I don't think he was utterly sure that the witch in the fable was real, more so that I was truly related to her. I never told him about her, and the possible meaning to this…"
"Albus had no knowledge of Saoirse McGonagall?" This completely astounded Hermione. "How come?"
"Simple. Prior to summer of year 1990, I also did not know about Saoirse. And I never got the chance to tell Albus."
"REALLY…? "But you did know prior to that summer, "She gestured to Minerva's face, "About this?"
"Yes. I was de-glamouring for decade or so…"
"But you did NOT truly know of it? How come? You were not curious?"
"I wanted to know, certainly… But to be truthful, I put it aside thinking I'll deal with de-glamouring first, and later research about it… Besides, I had no idea where to start without…"
"…Without drawing attention to it." Hermione finished in comprehension.
"I wouldn't even claim I was finally searching for answers that summer… But I remember that Albus shooed me away from Hogwarts to take a vacation before new term starts. I, opted to just go home. Then one afternoon, I was re-organising one section of the library when I accidentally dislodged a secret compartment; stored inside were my ancestors' records…"
"Only then you knew that you have magical ageing? And because of Saoirse?"
"Not precisely."
"What do you mean? What did you find out?"
"That I have an ancestor, named Saoirse, and with a story very similar to what you've read in the children's book."
"You're not entirely convinced they were accurate?"
"I have reservations."
"Of her powers? Because of course, there were no exams, and thus no record that time."
"Partly for that reason. But my greater reservation comes from the fact that these accounts were from personal journals of McGonagall family members from different generations. All of the narratives admitted that they were merely re-telling the stories about supposedly a family member from hundreds and hundreds of years ago."
"Don't tell me you're not absolutely sure that Saoirse ever existed?
"Actually, I am certain she did exist. There is a Saoirse in our recorded genealogy. The included narrative of her abilities is what I've been skeptical about."
"The fable says that she can transform into any creature."
"Exactly. The same account of how supposedly Saoirse can transform herself physically into absolute any creature she intended, plus supposedly she can still have normal human faculties is quite contrary to the elemental transfiguration that we know of..."
"First of all, I think that latter part IS the missing detail in the fable of how and why she was granted access by different creatures into their kingdoms. Secondly, it is against elemental transfiguration that we know of, but maybe it was not transfiguration…?"
"What, you think it was one of those long lost type of magical power?"
"Could be. Who knows? Take the case of the sorting hat, up to now, none has figured out the magic powering it. Something that we don't have a name for… nor a recorded basis of it…"
"Hmmn."
"Minerva, once upon a time, you could transfigure yourself into an Obscurus even though you are not an Obscurial. You didn't consider that perhaps that is of the same magical ability running in your blood that ran through Saoirse?"
"I thought of it, but by the time I've found the accounts about Saoirse in the family library, we were well into the opening act of Voldemort's return with Quirinus Quirrell… That I quickly shelved and locked the info as dark times were seemingly crawling back."
"That's why Dumbledore never knew." Hermione said in understanding before she prod for more, "The story ends with the creatures belonging in the council offering Saoirse's a gift, something that will come into fruition when it is right. It never said what the gift would be, and of how it happen. But I assumed that the gift was—" She gestured again to Minerva's face "this?"
"Yes. The oldest account I found had cited that Saoirse's bloodline could receive the gift of magical ageing."
"Could?"
"Could. The very word I caught as well… For generations, the McGonagall family kept an accounting of every family members state of ageing, however, none exhibited more than the usual magical ageing. Until it became less and less cited."
"Why?"
"20 generations that passed, probably more, it was bound to be dismissed as was the case when nothing remotely related actually occur..."
"Maybe that is also why the fable when written had missed that detail."
"Plus, it was said that some old pureblood families outwardly expressed relief that the so-called gift to our family never manifested. I could just imagine their effort to hush it."
"There's the connection to Abraxas Malfoy's suspicion. Perhaps most pureblood families more or less dismissed it as a fable, but some could have kept on a look out… But did you discover how you manage to be, for lack of appropriate term, be the right one?"
"Many of my ancestors suspected that there was a caveat attached for a McGonagall to receive the gift. One that Saoirse did not reveal. She probably had foreseen the consequences. And let fate be the judge of it…"
"And that was?"
"I do not know. Although, I have one theory."
"Can you tell me?"
"I couldn't—"
"Minerva, you don't have to tell me if—"
"Darling, I meant to say that I couldn't be certain as they remain just a theory. Except it is the closest I've consider… And I do want to share it with you…"
Hermione could hear the faltering in Minerva's voice and she wondered if she should re-assure that woman that there is no need to tell if she's uncomfortable. Then she was surprised with the apology the came out from the older witch.
"Pardon me darling, I do have to ask that you keep this one even from Harry and Ronald."
"Do not apologise, Minerva." Hermione responded and she hastened to swear, "You have my word, I won't tell a soul, that is If you are definite that you want to tell me."
Hermione watched Minerva nod and as the woman ran one hand through her hair, she was thoroughly reminded how beautiful Minerva McGonagall is… She was mentally jolted when Minerva reached out to the side of her face for a gentle gesture in acknowledgement to her pledge of confidentiality, before the woman started her chronicle.
"This was after Albus defeated Gellert. After I healed from the battle I would wander into the forbidden forest to cope with…grief and rage running through my veins."
It was not hard for Hermione to comprehend the struggle of grief and rage and a whole lot of unsaid emotions that Minerva had to confront after such debacle she had participated to bring Grindelwald down. And yet she knew that comprehension is immensely inadequate next to actually fighting in that bloodbath, not to mention to have been there only at the age of 14…
"Albus forbid me to go there alone. The forest, as you know, is never a secure place. Dangerous creatures are roaming regularly, plus the felonious humans, who are hunting vulnerable creatures for illegal trade… Despite Albus' warnings, I know he will not impose on me…"
"He would not, could not. Not after what you've been through with him…"
"I knew it. And he knew it. At least we knew that I had the upper hand given the circumstances… To Albus' credit, he understood my need to find my ground, to try to be a normal young person, after all that… So, for many weeks I would go to the forbidden forest to just… be away from people and learn to control my emotions. I know that I cannot and did not really slip off Albus' radar. I knew he would just let me burn my time and his, as he would keep an eye on me, while hidden in respectable distance. Nevertheless, he was always present to protect me, in case..."
It dawned on Hermione that she just learned one facet of the many complicated reasons of Minerva's loyalty to Albus Dumbledore. And of which the rest of the world never fathomed. Especially when the most gifted witch of her age, one who was riding the fastest track of Ministry career promotion as youngest MLE Deputy at that time, simply dropped everything and raced back to Hogwarts the moment Dumbledore became the Headmaster.
Back when Hermione was a student, once or maybe twice, she too pondered on how someone like Minerva McGonagall seemed to irrationally follow Albus Dumbledore despite apparent dissent or misgivings on her part. But the more Minerva let her peak into her past; Hermione finds herself uselessly indignant to the talks that she heard back then about Minerva's blind allegiance…
Now that Hermione had been granted with well-kept particulars of Minerva's relationship with Dumbledore, she understands that it was never about submission… That it was beyond-this-world connection between two people who literally altered their lives together when they took on the task of ending the war in the mid 40s by capturing Grindelwald. Something she and Harry and Ron, but mostly with Harry, that they had achieved a version of their own…
"One night, Albus was held at an extended hearing at the Wizengamot. Knowing that I was truly alone, I was daring fate and I went farther into the forest, much farther than I've ever been. And it was when I encountered a Sigbin"
"A Sigbin? The last recorded sighting of their kind was more than 100 years."
"I could not be mistaken, the description of Kangaroo-like with flapping ears, red blazing eyes, and whip-like tail."s
"Sigbin attacks humans, Minerva."
"I know, darling. But I saw that it had a huge swelling on one of its legs, it could hardly move. I was deciding on how to help when—"
"Help? It was said that they eat human heart."
"I was aware of that too. But believe it or not, it was crying from the pain like a child, and I could not just ignore it, especially when I could hear the incoming pack of centaurs that would trample the Sigbin."
"And trample you…" Hermione gasped.
"That indeed, crossed my mind. But fortunately, it didn't… Besides, I thought I had the brilliant idea to cast Sonorus so they could hear me in advance and heed my request to not trample the injured Sigbin."
"You casted Sonorus to warn a pack of centaurs?"
"That was all I could think of as advance warning without appearing to be a threat."
"Minerva! They could have still treated you as an enemy!"
"Good thing, they didn't… So I went on to transfigure some plants into wrapping cloth and twigs into a tourniquet. I did not know if Sigbin could understand humans but I spoke and gestured to it that I intended to mend its broken leg."
"Oh, Merlin! Minerva what possessed you?"
"It was more than…half a century ago for Merlin's sake! Ease up, darling…"
"Your're—"
"Moving with my story…" Minerva waived her off. "I bandaged the Sigbin all the while being observed by a pack of Centaurs who decided to hang around while I was tending to the Sigbin. When I was done, I asked one of the Centaurs if they would be kind enough to lead me to a safe place so I could bring the injured Sigbin until it was well enough."
"Minerva, centaurs are—"
"I know… I know… They are not the friendliest of creatures to humans especially out there. But I was banking that my polite solicitation will merit their sense of righteousness and help me.
"And they say I am outrageous about helping creatures! If people would know—"
"No, darling, I don't want people—"
"—I know, Minerva." Hermione placed a kissed on Minerva's lips before uttering, "I'm just saying...You are amazing and you don't even know it… Even at very young age… But please, continue."
"Well, then, to cut the long story, the centaurs took over bringing the Sigbin to safety, but not before one of the centaurs asked for my name. As a matter of fact, one of the taller centaurs made me swear to him that I had given my true name."
"You reckon it was the completion of the caveat? Save an injured creature?"
"That would be my theory."
"Helping a creature that was a danger to your well being. And then expectantly managing to solicit cooperation from another creature in the process…"
"Also my part of my theory."
"Minerva, that in essence, bridging two kinds of creatures. Perhaps, the elements sufficed to merit the gift."
"If it was… I really could not have known. Do bear in mind that that happened almost 30 years before I realised I was not ageing accordingly. And almost 50 years before I found the secret compartment at the Manor's library."
"How did you actually realize that you're ageing half of magical pace?"
"Frankly, I never even realised it…. this… Not until Amelia pointed it out. She told me that I look exactly how I was when I was working at the Ministry after I graduated at Hogwarts… She even pointed out that she could see how oblivious I am of it."
"And this was when? Were you already a professor?"
"Yes! For two decades! Merlin, I turned 45 years old that time when Amelia opened my eyes! I was utterly flabbergasted! I know how obtuse it sounded. But in my defense, we were deep in war with Voldemort's first reign of terror for years that I had no time to look at a mirror."
"I understand about having no time to look at a mirror while fighting a war. But I know I was looking absolutely rubbish during the Horcruxes' hunt with the boys."
"You, you really did not know? Not until Amelia Bones told you?"
"She was as stupefied as you are now when I admitted of not having any notion. I argued that it was just magical ageing. Then few hours later, Amelia shoved a mirror in front of our faces and held an old photograph of us. It was taken during our dinner celebration after I was promoted MLE Deputy. A two-decade-old photograph which showed the almost exact face of mine to that reflected in the mirror, in contrast to Amelia's slight older but nonetheless obvious maturing face. Only then it hit me of what Amelia was blubbering about my ageing, or rather the absence of it… Then she gave me grief, in part teasing of my density, in part in resentment for looking younger than her despite I was older than her."
"Hence you've started de-glamouring?"
"Yes. But not for Amelia's account..."
"You thought it was the most logical action, to just de-glamour…"
"Albus agreed. But he did warn that I should look into it before someone with hidden agenda discovers it, and used the knowledge to malign me as were fighting a war… However, Amelia actually thought that I should just let it be... In fact, she had this rule that I must forsake the de-glamour whenever I'm with her…"
"She sounded just as head-strong as you."
"Oh, perhaps even more. I used to say to her that with her penchant to be obstinate, it was a surprise the sorting hat did not put her in Gryffindor House… We have spent a great deal of time together that I would know how thick her head had been."
"Earlier, Susan Bones was telling some of us how you were very close with her Aunt."
"Well, yes. You already knew that, a long time ago." Minerva nonchalantly answered her.
"Susan also told us the story of your accidental magic."
"Us?"
"Us, at the Ministry commemoration."
"Ah, your peers. But, what accidental magic?"
"The one when you magically played bagpipes when you were just a baby. That Dumbledore told her Aunt."
"It's the other way around, Amelia told Albus after she learned the story from Dolly. She had a knack for pulling out information from the Manor elves, which she would utilise to constantly harass me about…"
Hermione knew it was irrational to feel grudge with the fact that Dolly knew Amelia. The dead MLE Head was indeed familiar with Minerva like no other witch. Of course, they were closest of friends… She knew that…
But were they just friends?
Like a serpent slithering inside Hermione, an unpleasant thought seeped into her heart, one that is quite morphing into a green-eyed monster… And yet, the misgiving feeling of raw jealousy is mixing with genuine curiosity… about Minerva and Amelia.
"Minerva, were you and A…?" Hermione was horrified upon dawning on her of what she was about to ask…
"I and what?
"It was noth—"
"Not, nothing! Tell me…" Minerva nudged her.
"You don't have to answer if—"
"Hermione…" Minerva warned.
"Alright. I was about to ask if you and Amelia have been… I meant, were you ever… together? As a couple…"
"Oh Merlin, no! You could not find a witch more loving of a knob than Amelia…" Minerva chuckled.
Hermione wryly grinned, as much as it pleased her that she does not have to measure against Amelia Bones is such a way, she would rather not know that about the dead witch who she had learned at MLE as a tough as a nail Boss.
"Why was she never married?" Hermione asked in order to shift the discussion a bit. "I heard she was once a heart rob at the Ministry…"
"She has…had a strange manner of measuring the worthiness of something like spending a lifetime with one chap…"
"I don't follow your meaning?"
"Amelia didn't think that being in a relationship with only one chap is worth it."
"You've got to be kidding me! She likes sleeping around?"
"Not in a wanton way... She had her rendezvous… But she was indeed extremely playful and too smart that none knew about that except me… But truthfully, the more serious reason that she decided not to get married was that the lost of her entire family, except Susan, had never fully healed her heart."
"They say that Amelia survived because she was not with them."
"Yes, she was on a mission with me… After that first war, Amelia put every second of her day and night for Law and Order and Justice and only decompressed after a decade of peace and quiet… Only for Voldemort to return and kill her himself."
"I'm sorry you've lost her…"
"Well… War…" Minerva expelled a breath before turning to give Hermione a kiss and said, "Amelia would have liked you... very, very much…"
If Amelia had survived the last war, would Minerva tell her friend about them? Hermione was deliberating on these thoughts when Minerva stirred her back, as she started talking again about the deceased Amelia Bones.
"Anyway, when we were younger, Amelia did have strings of conquered men, except wizards they were not. She only dated muggle men, albeit most did not get past second dates… Don't tell Susan or anyone. I am certain hundred percent that I am the only one who knows about that of the great MLE Boss Amelia Bones… And now, you… And darling, that is a categorical no about Amelia and I…"
A categorical no…
"I confess though, I once kissed Amelia."
"WHAT?"
"That was imprecise… Actually, Amelia kissed me."
Do I want to know? Hermione mentally asked herself but before she could decide, Minerva was apparently telling her the story.
"It was when I finally put a name to what I was questioning about myself when I was growing up that she simply blurted it out loud for me."
"She outed you?"
"In a manner of speaking. But to be fair, she outed me to me…"
"How did it happen?"
"It was Christmas break of my seventh year, and I had every intention of staying at Hogwarts. Amelia was just in her fourth year. But you had no idea how strong headed she was when she put something she want to do... And to cut the story, she convinced her parents to give her permission to come home to the Manor with me and us going to the Bones on Christmas day. Surely she concocted a tale of how I needed her company. And then she smartly arranged everything that Albus merely shooed me away when I told him I was going home... Technically I came of age that October. I could go home without Albus accompanying me home or arranging a chaperone, as Ministry requirement for underage students and Amelia already had her parents' approval that I was to be her adult company. It happened on the second day upon arriving at the Manor, while we were raiding my family's whiskey reserve—"
"You were drinking? She was just fourteen!"
"Fifteen. And we were merely browsing through the—"
"Really?"
"Alright. " Minerva chuckled at Hermione's arresting tone. "We took not more than a finger, Ma'am…" She managed though her laughter while jesting, "Do you want to hear the story?"
"Fine." Hermione laughed back at Minerva's amusing contention. "Continue your story."
"Amelia asked if I wanted to participate in an experiment."
"Minerva, lets try something, would you allow it?"
"So long it will not kill or worse expel us, Eli. I'm graduating in few months, I do not want to jeopardise that..."
"Of course it will not get us expelled! What do you think of me, deranged?"
"Alright. What then?"
"You have to close your eyes."
"Why?"
"It's an experiment. Just close them for a moment. "
"Can we have another experiment without having me to close my eyes?"
"Ouch. You don't trust me then?"
"Such dramatic. Alright, I will close my eyes, but in five seconds, I am opening them."
"Sure. Sure."
"Then not one second after I shut my eyes, Amelia kissed me. Full mouth... My eyes flew open wide, and my heart race to the matter of revelation to a question I was not fully aware I was asking about myself… It was not because I wanted to kiss Amelia, which I was certain of… It was more about not not wanting to kiss a woman… And then it was chaos in the Manor because while it was unraveling to me, Amelia was such a know-it-all mouth."
"Nope. I do not fancy women… But fucking beard, Minerva McGonagall I think you do! Very much so that you are willing to kiss your sister!"
"Fuck you, Amelia. YOU kissed me."
"Oww, you would NOT do your sister. And I am underage. But since I love you, in a non-sexual way, I will be your right hand in finding you a splendid lady."
"Stop it, Amelia."
"And I know you would prefer such beauty comes with intelligence. The question though, could a beautiful and intelligent lady withstand your severe stiffness?"
"That's when I drew my wand. At first she laughed at it but after my first jinx hit her, she drew her wand as well. Spells after spells and we were on the verge of seriously harming each other when Dolly bound us to stop the fight. Amelia and I turned on Dolly for the embarrassment, but we could do nothing when magically bound on the sofa. And no ordering from me could make Dolly release us. Eventually Amelia started giggling at our pathetic efforts to be free… It was bloody funny that I could not stop myself from following her laughter… Then we were rolling on the floor with more laughter when Dolly untied us. When the laughter finally ended, to my horror, I started crying at the enormity of what I fully uncovered about myself. Amelia just held me and swore to be always there by my side, until I settled down with my splendid lady…"
Minerva just told her coming out story and Hermione released her breath she did not know she was holding. She thought of the circumstances, of that period, when Minerva finally admitted to herself that she was gay. Of the time when it was absolutely different than today…
Hermione had long learned that the Wizarding world has been liberally progressing during the last couple of decades regarding homosexuality. That many Wizarding societies put in the legal measures to ensure equal rights and protection. A concept that Hermione realised the Muggles are still struggling to put forth.
But then, Minerva's self discovery happened decades before there has been wide acceptance, before legal reception. To factor in the very characteristic of the woman, and of who she is in
And although abundance of tolerance is available in this century, it could be not as easy for someone like Minerva McGonagall to just switch the gear. For fuck's sake, Hermione realised that she herself is quite not out there in the open.
"So darling, I never slept with Amelia, if that was what you wanted to ask…"
Hermione heard Minerva loud and clear and she was contemplating on what to respond when Minerva took all thoughts in her head with what she offered next in confession.
"I did not sleep with Bellatrix as well."
Hermione did not see that coming. And it utterly rendered her unable to respond. All at once, all the insecurities and fears assaulted every fiber of her being… Five years and she had plenty of moments when she wondered on how she and Minerva would ever tackle every grave complication between them. But she did not ever consider their return to such stage of dire confrontation following the statement, 'I did not sleep with Bellatrix as well'.
"Hermione, it is time we talk of the things we left unsaid."
End of Chapter 31.
Saoirse and Amelia
Thank you very much for still reading this story.
Much love, especially in such uncertain period.