Pins and Needles

Chapter 12: The Near and the Dear Ones

If Minerva and Hermione had expected the first post-war Christmas party at the Burrow to be a somewhat sombre affair, they knew better the moment they had finished apparating to the field in front of the house. Now that the Weasleys had decided to come out of mourning, they had apparently chosen to do so with a bang.

The hedge surrounding the house had been decorated with a wild selection of Christmas ornaments flashing and twinkling so brightly that they both found themselves cringing involuntarily. Each taking in the other's reaction, they then swiftly burst into loud laughter.

"I think they're doing better," Hermione finally commented.

Minerva had directed her eyes towards the top of the house. "I should certainly think so."

Following the other woman's gaze, Hermione found herself laughing again. The highest chimney was adorned by a gigantic Father Christmas dancing a Scottish reel. Just as they both were about to continue towards the main door, the somewhat cartoonish figure suddenly stopped its dance facing away from them and dropped its pants to reveal a pair of long johns decorated with reindeers and big letters spelling out "Merry Christmas!"

For a moment they both just stared in silence, totally flabbergasted. First to find her voice again Hermione asked, "Do you think Molly knows?"

Minerva pulled out her wand and did a quick incantation before answering, "I doubt it. The, shall we say, innovative greeting was added a few hours after the original illusion spell was cast."

Finally succeeding in tearing their eyes off the spectacle they made their way through the garden without any further interruptions. Once they had neared the front door to about three yards, it sprung open, as a bell chimed loudly inside the building. They had barely crossed the threshold when Hermione heard her name being yelled excitedly and found herself being crushed in a bear hug. Only when her attacker let go again did she have a chance to identify them. She grinned. "It's good to see you too, Ginny."

George had been right at his sister's heels. After enveloping Hermione in a hug as well he proudly beamed at both new arrivals. "Did you see the fellow up there?" The way he pointed towards the roof left no doubt as to what part of the decorations he was referring to.

Hermione snickered. "We did."

"Both parts," Minerva added, keeping a completely straight face.

George blanched. Coming up closer and lowering his voice, he implored them, "For the love of mercy, don't tell Mom. She's going to have my hide!" He smiled wistfully. "Fred and I started developing it last year. Didn't quite get it ready for market before Christmas. So I worked my ass off to get it finished this time and make it the centrepiece of this year's Weasley Family Decorations."

Still maintaining an expressionless facade, Minerva said, "It certainly is an impressive bit of magic. I think I will go and find Molly." She paused for a moment, before adding, "To chat. Not to snitch."

George let out an audible sigh of relief, while Minerva bent over towards Hermione and whispered, "The world certainly seems happy to see you, dear." Pulling back again, she winked at the younger woman before leaving the group alone.

The magic bell that had announced their arrival chimed again heralding another guest. Looking towards the door, George appeared to be torn for a moment, but then excused himself and went to greet the new arrival. Even though Percy's reaction to the decorations would have had great potential to be highly entertaining, Hermione was all too happy to just let herself be dragged towards the buffet by Ginny. Maybe, just maybe, Minerva had been right all along and this was a good idea after all.

After they had loaded up their plates to the brink, Ginny manoeuvred them onto a couch in what passed for a quiet corner under these circumstances. Happily munching away at some savoury muffins made with cheddar and bacon, she asked, "So, you're living with McGonagall now? How on earth did that happen?"

Hermione shrugged. "She invited me to?"

"Uh-huh." Ginny picked up the next piece of food from her plate. Before taking a bite, however, she said, "I should have gotten you some of the punch first." Hermione's brows wrinkled in confusion, so she let out an exasperated sigh and elaborated, "I'm waiting for the rest of the story, Mistress of Closed Lips."

Hermione laughed. "That is the story."

Before she could elaborate any further she was interrupted by Ron plopping down on the armchair next to the couch. Only seconds later they were joined by Harry. He offered an adoringly hopeful "I hope we're not interrupting," before squeezing onto the couch next to Ginny, who sighed dramatically. "You are, actually. Hermione was about to tell me how she ended up in McGonagall-ville."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "There's nothing else to tell. I am apprenticing with her. I have no means to support myself. She just happens to be amazing."

"Must be boring as hell," Ron interjected, his mouth full.

Hermione felt herself longing for that punch Ginny had mentioned. "It's not, actually," she answered, her voice almost achingly sweet. "But I do thank you for your concern."

"But," he paused for a moment to swallow, "what do you do there? Mom says the house is, like, in the middle of nowhere."

For a moment, Hermione closed her eyes trying to remain calm. "You do realise we're both able to apparate, right?"

"I was just asking," he replied, "no need to be all testy."

"Ronald Weasley," Ginny now interrupted, "you might not be aware of it, but I'm pretty sure an apprenticeship does involve a good amount of work."

Hermione put her plate on a small side table and rose. "I'm getting punch. Now. You want some?" she asked, looking at Ginny who nodded.

Harry was quick to join her. "I'll help."

When they had reached the punch bowl, Hermione glanced back towards the couch to see Ginny still talking animatedly at Ron.

"You're hoping she's going to knock some sense into him," Harry stated more than asked while starting to fill four glasses.

Hermione shrugged. "Wouldn't hurt."

"Don't be too hard on him?"

"I … ," Hermione let out a deep sigh. "I wasn't trying to be. I may have been around more, um, tactful people a tad much lately." Her eyes had scanned the room while she was talking and found Minerva talking to Molly and Arthur. The mere sight of her brought a smile to Hermione's lips.

When Hermione did not move to take the filled glasses from him, Harry put them on the table and joined her, following her line of sight. "So, I take it things are going well?" he asked.

Hermione turned towards him, still grinning, and nodded. "I meant what I said. She really is amazing."

"I'm so happy you're doing well." He proceeded to pull her into a crushing embrace. When they parted again, he added, "Relieved, too."

The reproach in his voice had been mild, but still unmistakable. "I'll write?" Hermione offered.

"That would be a start. But I also hear you're able to apparate," he somehow managed to say in a tone that was both teasing and chiding.

Before Hermione could answer, they were interrupted by new guests arriving. After cheerful hellos Luna filled glasses for her father and herself, then followed Hermione and Harry on their way back to join Ginny and Ron again.

Hermione was not sure what had made the difference – Ginny talking to Ron or her to Harry, or maybe both – but the five of them had a great evening after that. Sometimes joined by others, sometimes venturing out to join others themselves, they always seemed to be drawn back to their cosy little corner eventually. Eating, drinking, joking and most of all talking about everything and everyone.

Yes, Hermione had to admit to herself, she was having fun. Talking to her friends, and also just generally meeting people again, did indeed feel good, much as she had been fearing otherwise. And while she had not had a chance to speak to Minerva ever they had arrived, that did not mean that she had not been able to sneak surreptitious glances at her whenever she had not been actively involved in the conversation. Sometimes their eyes would meet and they would exchange smiles that always made her heart beat faster. Other times, Minerva would be completely absorbed by whatever she happened to be doing at that moment. Disappointed at first, Hermione soon appreciated the unique chance of just observing Minerva without her being aware of it. There were some advantages to being in a crowd after all.

The talk of the group turned towards the Quidditch championship and Hermione could almost physically feel her mind instantly disconnecting itself from the conversation. This would probably take a while. Once again, she felt her eyes scan the room for Minerva without ever consciously willing them to. There she was, standing next to Arthur and Percy, quite obviously trying not to be a part of the conversation. Their eyes met and Hermione tilted her head slightly towards the buffet that was being mostly ignored by everyone at this hour. Minerva smiled her approval.

Being the first to reach their goal, Hermione was overjoyed to see that Molly's Christmas Pudding had not been completely devoured yet. Scraping together all of the leftovers she happily filled her plate again.

"It would appear that Molly has won herself yet another ardent admirer." Minerva had joined her just as she had taken her first delighted bite and was looking at the jumbled mess on her plate with obvious amusement.

"Well–" Hermione started to say, but had to pause to clear her mouth first before continuing, "It truly is to die for, if you ask me."

"If it is anything like the ones from previous years, I would have to agree. It would seem I have missed my chance to judge for myself this time."

Hermione smirked. "No, you haven't." She proceeded to pick up a piece with her fork and held it up towards Minerva invitingly.

Eying Hermione for a moment, Minerva then bent forward slowly to accept the sweet offering, never once breaking eye contact. "Irresistible," she finally commented before licking her lips clean.

Unable to form words and convinced the room must have heated up considerably within the last minute, Hermione sought refuge in taking another bite herself, before answering. "Indeed."

They finished eating the rest of the pudding taking turns, not speaking another word, feeling they were the only people in the world. When they both had swallowed their last bite, neither one wanted to break the moment. They were startled out of their trance only when Bill and Xenophilius, deep in conversation about mythical dragons said to be found in Egypt, neared the buffet.

Making room for them, Hermione then tilted her head towards her group of friends in the corner of the room. "I think they might be finished with the Quidditch talk by now. I'll see you later?"

"Of course." Still smiling, Minerva allowed her eyes to follow Hermione on her way back.

"People are asking for coffee." Startled, Minerva turned around to see Molly talking to her. "Would you help me get some?"

Even though she had been asking for help, once they reached the kitchen the Weasley matriarch just waved a hand, indicating for Minerva to sit down. Putting on a kettle with water, she then turned towards Minerva. "What the heck do you think you're doing, Minerva?!"

Caught by surprise, Minerva still managed to merely raise an eyebrow before answering in as level a voice as she could muster. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Don't play me for a fool." Molly had started getting coffee mugs from the cupboard, putting them on the table in such a rough manner that Minerva was half amazed none of them broke. "She is nineteen!"

Minerva felt her anger rising. "I do not appreciate the insinuation. I can assure you that it is unfounded. But even if it were not, that makes her an adult, in case you had not noticed."

"Oh for Merlin's sake, I'm not accusing you of anything. Of course she's a grown-up. They all are. Matured beyond their years as well because of that goddamn war. That's not what I'm talking about." By now Molly had put her kitchen activities on hold and poured both of them a shot of fire whisky. Placing the glasses on the table, she sat down next to Minerva and took a deep breath before continuing, "Please calm down, Minerva. I will try to do the same."

Nodding her thanks, Minerva took a sip before speaking again. "Alright. What are you talking about?"

"Once she is feeling better again – what do you think is going to happen?"

Minerva had thought about that often enough by now, so she did not even blink. "She will go on and live her life. As it should be."

Molly let out a sigh before going on, "And you?"

Minerva's voice was just as level as before. "I will be happy to know that I have indeed been able to help her."

Molly shook her head in disbelief. "That has got to be the noblest piece of utter nonsense I have ever heard! And with my family, that really is saying something." When Minerva did not react, she went on, "It won't be enough."

Finding it increasingly difficult to maintain her cool facade, Minerva kept her answer as short as possible. "It will have to be."

Shaking her head again, Molly decided that she had beaten around the bush long enough. "She's going to break your heart."

Minerva stared at her for a moment, considering whether to try and defuse Molly's assessment. Then she shrugged. "It has been broken before."

"Don't!" Molly glared at her in disbelief, her temper quickly flaring up again. "How can you be so callous towards yourself?"

Letting out a sigh, Minerva finally accepted that Molly was not going to drop the topic. "Look, I know you are right. And I appreciate your concern." She noticed the look of doubt Molly sent her and amended, "I may not look it, but I do." After Molly had nodded her acceptance, she went on, "The point is, there is nothing I can do about it. She needs me. I am not going to abandon her. And even if I did ..." She left the sentence hanging.

The realisation made Molly deflate visibly. "... it would not do you any good."

Minerva nodded. "I was rather fond of her to begin with. I suppose I should have seen it coming."

"Would you have done anything differently?" Molly asked.

Minerva looked at her silently for several moments, then merely shook her head.

Molly let out a deep sigh. "You'll let me know if you need someone?"

"I will."

At some point, late in the evening, Hermione and Harry had gotten themselves mugs of mulled wine and headed out to the garden. They sat down on a bench a bit away from the house, Hermione had cast a spell to further help keep them warm and they had enjoyed the chance to catch up with each other's lives. Hermione was overjoyed to learn that Harry was planning on proposing to Ginny and promised to help him pick out a ring.

The Burrow's back door opened and for a moment light and laughter from the party streamed out before it was closed again and the sound of crunching snow heralded somebody coming closer. They both turned to look at the approaching figure. When she was close enough to be recognisable in the dim light, Minerva stopped and spoke up, "I am sorry to interrupt. Just one moment, Hermione?"

"Of course." Hermione stood and walked over to the other woman while Harry turned back to gaze at the stars and sip at his wine.

Minerva said, "I am taking my leave. I will be sure to have a fire going so you can floo back and not have to worry about being sober enough to apparate." She cast an amused glance at the big mug Hermione was holding.

Hermione nodded. "You're sure you don't mind me staying a bit longer?"

"Quite sure. Not that you need permission. Enjoy yourself!" She gave Hermione's right arm a tender squeeze to emphasise her words, then spoke up, "Good night, Harry." After he had returned her good-bye, she walked down the garden path for a few metres before disapparating.

Hermione had let her eyes trail the retreating figure and found herself staring at the empty spot for a few moments before she returned to Harry and sat down next to him again. Answering his unspoken question, she said, "She just let me know she'd get a fire going so I could floo home later."

"Home, ey?" Harry asked.

Hermione blushed. "Well …" She hesitated and thought of her childhood home that was no longer there. Her parents' reaction when she had restored their memories. Hogwarts in ruins. Then, shared evenings in the manor's library. Minerva reading to her. The feeling of peace the other woman instilled in her. She had never thought about it before, but realised it really was not a difficult question to answer. "Yes." When Harry raised his eyebrow and gave her a knowing smile, she smacked his arm and exclaimed, "Harry! It's not like that."

Rubbing his arm where she had hit it, Harry said, "You sure about that?" He raised both hands in a placating gesture before continuing, "I'm not blind. I can see the way you're looking at her. And vice versa."

Hermione opened her mouth to deny it, then changed her mind. If he was set on confronting her, she might as well take advantage of it to test the waters. "It wouldn't freak you out?"

He gave her a warm smile and gently shook his head. "Not if it makes you happy. I think we've been through more than enough heartbreak already."

Hermione took another sip of her wine before speaking again. "I have been tempted to kiss her so many times. I actually did, once. But there were some very special circumstances involved and we both chose to ignore it afterwards."

"So now …?"

Hermione let out a deep sigh. "I'm waiting for her to make a move?"

"Well, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think that's gonna happen. She was your teacher not all that long ago and since you're apprenticing, in a way she still is. You're staying with her. Correct me if I'm getting this wrong, but right now you're totally dependent on her? Moneywise, I mean?"

Hermione nodded. She could feel herself blushing furiously and even though it was far too dark for Harry to pick up on that, her body language must have conveyed the message just as clearly as he quickly added, "Hey, I am not judging. Even if I were – it appears to do both of you a world of good and that's all I care about." He paused for a moment until he was satisfied she had accepted his words. "I'm just saying that I don't think she would ever do anything that you could in any way perceive as leading you into something." He then bumped his shoulder lightly against hers to give his next words more weight. "Just go for it."

"Yeah, you just made a very convincing case for it." Hermione's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

He shook his head. "That was about her making the first move. To actively deny you she'd have to be a saint. A foolish one at that. And I really don't think she's either."

Midnight had long passed when Hermione finally returned to the manor. The conversation with Harry was still keeping her head busy so instead of doing the sensible thing and go to bed she found herself heading towards the kitchen. Starting to prepare herself some tea, she had to smile at how quickly that habit of Minerva had rubbed off on her. She had put on the water and was still gathering everything else she needed, when a light came on in the dining room and Minerva appeared in the doorway.

Feeling a bit guilty, Hermione asked, "I hope I didn't wake you?"

Minerva shook her head. "You did not. You know I am not prone to sleeping through the night." She leant against the doorway. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes." Hermione gave her a reassuring smile. She knew she had to be looking strange, rummaging around the kitchen in the middle of the night. "Just pondering a few things …"

"I see. I best leave you to it then." Minerva returned her smile and made to leave.

"Would you like some?" Hermione quickly asked before she was gone.

"Sure. Thank you." Entering the kitchen, Minerva sat down at the counter, but did not say anything else. Whatever Hermione had on her mind would come out – or not – whenever she felt ready.

Grateful for the chance to sort her thoughts, Hermione simply continued her preparations. Only when she put the tea in front of Minerva did she finally speak up again. "You know, I only just realised that I have come to think of this," she made a gesture meant to encompass the whole house, "as home." She met Minerva's eyes for just a moment before busying herself with her own cup of tea.

"Good." Minerva answered. The short answer was a conscious effort not to show just how elated she felt at hearing the words.

Still, she had meant it, and Hermione had obviously picked up on that as, looking up from her tea, she appeared to be a lot less anxious. Smirking, she added, "It's not a great incentive to finish my apprenticeship though."

At this, Minerva was unable to keep from laughing. Turning serious again, she reached out to take Hermione's hand before saying, "I will never ask you to leave. Also, when you do leave," she had to force herself not to use 'if', "you will always be welcome to return."

Feeling like her heart was going to burst, Hermione could not keep from asking the one question that was foremost on her mind. "But … why?"

Minerva just looked at her for a long moment, then answered. "That is what a home is, right?" She gave Hermione's hand a gentle squeeze before standing up and getting her cup. "I will be taking this to the library. Thank you."

Hermione had been rendered speechless by the simple statement. Only after Minerva had left did she realise that it had not actually been an answer to her question.

Notes:

The chapter title is a quote from the John Lennon song Happy Xmas (War Is Over).

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