The next morning found Hermione waking up in Minerva's arms. She picked her head up to discover emerald green eyes looking at her. "Good morning Hermione. Are you feeling a little more rested?"
"Yes, thank you." Hermione pulled herself out of her secret love's arms, although a part of her did not want to. "Although I am still tired, I do feel a bit more well balanced mentally and stronger."
"Good." Minerva sat up herself. "Professor Dumbledore will be returning soon. If you are up to it, we are going to try and wake your body up today so you will need to go back when they are ready." Hermione nodded. "Do you need me to come with you?"
The young Slytherin shook her head. "If they're waking me up, I don't have to worry about him being there. Plus I don't know what state my mind will be in with my consciousness not being there to keep it in check. Can't have you discovering my secrets." She winked. Minerva couldn't decide if she was proud of the young Slytherin seemingly bounce back from yesterday or disappointed that shaid girl didn't need her anymore. Why she cared so much she wasn't sure. Before she could think more of it, Hermione continued to talk. "Thank you Professor for housing me in your mind for the night. You didn't have to and for that, I appreciate it."
Minerva waved it off. "You are my student and was in need of my help after a traumatizing day. Of course I did what I could to help." She noticed Hermione's mouth twitch briefly but thought she had imagined it as she felt Albus enter.
"Are you ready Miss Granger?" Hermione nodded. "They are ready. Once you leave here, I will too and instruct them to wake you." His eyes twinkled at her merrily.
Hermione closed her eyes and thought of her own mind and body, drawing her consciousness back in. Memories zoomed by, cluttered with no organization. She looked to where an old wall used to be and she froze as she saw him there, red eyes gleaming. He began to walk forward as she stumbled back, willing herself to wake. His cold maniacal laugh greeted her as she was pulled back into consciousness, body in a cold sweat and panting. She felt arms wrap around her, the smell of lavender enveloping her in a calm.
"Shhh, I've got you. He can't get you here," she heard Minerva whisper.
"When will he stop plaguing me? He felt so real."
"It may be some time, Hermione. I'm sure Madame Pomfrey will supply you with some dreamless sleep for a few nights. It is good to have you back here." Professor Dumbledore gave her a gentle smile at the end of her bed. "You do have some guests here if you feel up to company."
Hermione nodded. Minerva pulled back from her and got up from the bed. "I am sure after you get your walls back up, you will be fine Miss Granger. I will go and get your guests." She nodded to the girl before leaving out of the room.
Hermione stared down at her hands, pondering. "Professor, had I chosen Gryffindor instead of Slytherin, would this have happened?"
Albus's eyebrow rose. "No Hermione, but had you known at the time of choice, that what has and will transpire change your mind?"
"No Professor." Hermione looked at him briefly before looking back down at her hands. "But I have a feeling that the Hat made an understatement about how challenging my path would be."
Albus sighed, shoulders slumping, looking every bit his age. "It definitely will test you. Just focus on the end game. That will help on the rough days."
There was a knock on the door before her parents entered, her cousins rushing in past them. Her aunt and uncle brought up the rear. Harry and Draco stopped when they reached one side, her parents took the other and her aunt and uncle the end. They all took turns telling Hermione how happy they were she was alright. It wasn't long before Professor Dumbledore came in to collect the adults.
Albus led them back to his office, offering everyone seats. "How did this Dark Lord get into this school? Isn't it supposed to be safe?" Johnathan Granger started.
"He was able to inhabit Professor Quirrell's body. Because the Professor wore a turban at all times, he was able to remain hidden."
"Why Hermione? She's just a child?" Jean asked, confusion on her face.
"She emulates a few things Tom was as a student here: Slytherin and intelligent."
"What has He learned?" Lucius asked.
"Nothing he didn't already know. Hermione was able to protect her secrets."
"He will try to recruit her, won't he." Narcissa spoke softly. Lucius looked at his wife before looking at Dumbledore for confirmation, eyes closing at what he saw.
"Yes, we believe so. Some time in the near future he will return and recruit her because of her powers and potential unaffiliation. She's not a child of one of his members nor an Order supporter. She would bring new blood."
"Hermione would never join the likes of them," Johnathan spoke up, chest puffing out.
"Johnathan, she may not have a choice," Jean put a hand on his arm before looking back at Dumbledore, "Right Headmaster?"
Albus steepled his fingers in front of him. "She has a choice, however with her, at times, Gryffindor tendencies, she will put herself at risk rather than abandon her family and friends. I am sorry to give you this troubling news."
"So what is the next step?" Lucius asked, hand pinching the bridge of his nose. "I am assuming you plan to use her as a spy. The Dark Lord would be over confident with her and not suspect her to be able to fool him like myself and any other wizard."
Albus nodded. "I plan on having Minerva and Severus train her. I believe it wouldn't hurt if Draco and Harry received training either but Tom will be more focused on her. He will automatically assume Draco will follow in your footsteps."
"When will this start?" Jean looked at her husband who was looking at his hands.
"After summer holidays. Right now she needs to focus on relaxing and recovering. Tom really drove into her mind quite hard. But already she has shown much improvement."
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"Visiting time is over. Time for you to leave." Madame Pomfrey motioned to the boys. They both groaned and told Hermione they'd be back tomorrow. As they exited, Minerva entered.
"You wanted to see me Poppy?" she questioned, eyebrow raised.
Madame Pomfrey pointed at the bed next to Hermione's. "Bed, now." Minerva started to sputter. "No buts Minerva. All night long you were up, housing an extra consciousness. I want the both of you under observation for the night." She walked closer to Minerva, lowering her voice. "I mostly want you here to support her. I still can't give her a dreamless sleep for another 24 hours and she needs sleep. I have other patients and can't be here to comfort her if a nightmare appears."
Minerva nodded in acceptance as she moved towards the other bed, noting Hermione watching her carefully. "Well Miss Granger, it seems we are bunk mates for the night. I am sure it is just for the night."
Hermione raised her eyebrow at that. "Maybe for you Professor but I am sure she plans to keep me here more than one night." She was unable to prevent the yawn from escaping her lips, triggering Minerva to yawn. Minerva twirled her wand, changing her clothes into a tartan flannel two piece sleepwear. She repeated the movements for the younger girl after asked.
"Thank you Professor. These beat the Infirmary's pajamas."
"Of course." Minerva crawled under the covers of her hospital bed. "Good night Miss Granger."
"Good night Professor." Minerva whispered a nox before placing her wand on the bedside table. Although it was relatively early in the night, she was exhausted from the previous night. Normally she would hate being here, but knowing she was helping Poppy watch the young Slytherin helped any reluctance. It wasn't long into the night that she was awoken to whimpering.
Minerva got up and walked over to Hermione, gently touching her shoulder to try and wake her from her nightmare. She heard more than saw Hermione awaken. A few seconds later she felt Hermione's hand on hers. "Please," the girl whispered. Minerva nodded though she doubted the girl had seen. She told the young Slytherin to move over as she got in the bed, pulling the scared child into her arms.
A part of her wondered yet again why she was going above and beyond for this young student, especially one not in her House. She never would have done any of this for any other student. Her mind told her that it was because of the circumstances. No other student of hers had been traumatized to the point this one has. This was unique. At least that is what she told herself. It didn't take long for her to fall back asleep as the young Slytherin rested in her embrace.
So deeply the two slept, neither were aware when two others entered the room they were in. Poppy looked at the two sleeping bodies in shock as Albus smiled, eyes twinkling. "This was not what I meant on providing comfort," she hissed to Albus.
"It's alright Poppy. All that is happening is that their magic is attempting to bond with the others, unconsciously pulling them together."
"Attempting to bond? Surely you jest."
"Look closely. Do you not see their magic melding with the others? It has yet to solidify, still faint, but there."
"Why would their magic be attempting to bond anyways? Miss Granger is but a child. Along with the fact that magic bonding outside of a marriage ceremony is rare."
"I believe that is why it has yet to solidify and so faint. Miss Granger's magic is still maturing. But on a primal level, her magic is mature enough to recognize Minerva's magic as a potential bond mate. "
"But she's just twelve. Her magic shouldn't be attempting to bond with another's, no matter how faint it is."
Albus shook his head. "It explains why Miss Granger was willing to choose Slytherin when the hat gave her an option. On an unconscious level, her magic has influenced her choices. I always knew something had to have drawn her focus onto our esteemed colleague."
"Minerva will never see her as anything but a child, even if their magic are potential bond mates. She's to proud."
Albus shook his head. "War is on the horizon Poppy. None of these children will remain as such for much longer. Especially Miss Granger. I am sorry to add to your burden, but Severus won't be the only one you will be healing after Death Eater meetings."
Poppy's head whipped quickly to look at the Headmaster as she gasped. "Albus, no." He held a hand up to interrupt.
"It was her choice the moment she chose Slytherin. She knows what she will be sacrificing. We will do all we can though, to help lighten the burden. I only hope they both survive this war." Both turned to look at the sleeping pair, lost in their thoughts of the future.
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The rest of the school year went by quickly. After the night in the Hospital Wing, Hermione had been released with a couple of bottles of dreamless sleep. She was excused of all finals, told by the Headmaster that she needed to focus on rebuilding her mind walls and healing. It didn't take her long. The boys consistently asked her for help in studying. She welcomed the distraction. It came as a surprise though, when she received a summons to come to the Headmaster's office after dinner on Friday.
"Ah Miss Granger, right on time. Have a seat." The twinkling eyed Headmaster sat behind his desk. She took a seat in one chair while the other two were filled with Severus and Madame Pomfrey. "You're probably wondering why I have asked you to come to my office." At Hermione's nod he continued. "After Tom Riddle's attack on your person we now find ourselves at a crossroads. You have two options in front of you. The first is that you continue on as you are, living as you are, but when the Dark Lord arises you go into hiding. There is nothing wrong with this option. It allows you the chance at a normal childhood. The other option, and think about this carefully, you could train to become a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. Now normally this would not be an option. However, we find ourselves in a unique position concerning you. More than likely, you will be approached to be recruited for Tom. He will either send Severus or Lucius through Draco. If you chose to become a spy, you will go through extensive training in your free time. While other students are out playing quidditch, enjoying the weather, lounging around, you will be in either animagus training, practical dueling, conditioning, triage healing, and other spy tactics. Sundays will be your only free time so you can rest and keep up with school work. Becoming a spy is not an easy life. You will more than likely have to sever relationships, build new ones with unsavory people, become that which you may hate. It's an ungrateful role for no one will know your true self other than us here, your parents, your aunt, and your uncle. In the public eye you may be hated, viewed as a traitor to some. It's a lonely path, but we will try to support you the best we can. Draco and Harry will not know of your role until it is the right time. Do you have any questions?"
"Will Professor McGonagall know that I am training to be a spy?"
"No. Minerva believes that I am telling her to train you so you can defend yourself. She, among most of the Order, will not know your role."
"So if I become the hated, my goal will be near impossible."
"The hat did tell you it would be a slim chance did it not?" Albus looked at her with a raised brow.
Hermione scowled. "I didn't realize this would be my path a year ago. Who would have thought one choice would give so fewer options."
"It may feel like there are few options, but after one fork in the road, there are a multitude more ahead. The potential paths are endless. For all we know, Tom will not rise again." Severus snorted at this, shooting the Headmaster a glare. "What do you choose?"
"Well I never would forgive myself if I went into hiding. When does my training start?"
"Next school year. We thought it was fair to give you this summer to have fun with your cousins. Severus, if you would like to tell Miss Granger the details."
Severus huffed as he turned to Hermione, still glaring at Albus. "Your Saturdays will remain the same next year. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, you will have physical conditioning starting at 6 am for an hour. Those afternoons we will practice dueling/espionage tactics. Tuesdays and Thursdays you will be working with Madame Pomfrey to work on basic healing practices. The first semester will be more book work and the second, more practical work. Pending how far you get in your training will determine the future trainings."
"How will I explain to the boys why I am not free to them? I can't say I'm in the library for they will check there."
"Just say you are taking extra lessons. The boys won't question too much."
"Is there anything else?" After no one else replied, Hermione stood up. "I better get back to my dorms and begin packing."
"Have a good summer holiday Miss Granger. We will see you in the fall." Hermione nodded to each adult as she left the Headmaster's office.
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Summer quickly went by. Hermione spent most of it watching the boys ride on their brooms at Malfoy Manor. There were a few times that they were able to convince her to join them. Although she could not pull the kinds of stunts they did, she wasn't a shabby flyer near the end of the holiday season. When Hermione wasn't flying with the boys, she was typically found in the Malfoy library, reading whatever caught her fancy. More often times than not, she would fall asleep in an armchair only to wake up in her room. Severus would come to visit a few times but they never discussed what was to go on once they returned to school. If she didn't know differently she would have assumed the last few weeks of the school year was just a bad dream. However as the new school year drew closer, she could tell the adults seemed to be more tense.
As the time loomed ahead, Hermione took more walks in the gardens, mostly to clear her mind. Today the boys were fully engaged in a game of quidditch with Lucius and Johnathan. The elder Granger had fallen in love with flying after entering the magical world like a moth to flame. Faintly she could hear the boys laughter reach her ears. Looking down at the path, she walked slowly as a small smile graced her lips. A gentle breeze ruffled through her hair, making her upturn her face to the sun. It truly was a beautiful day out. The tension she continuously felt building eased back. At this moment in time, she felt her goal could be achievable. All other times, she struggled to have hope. Dumbledore's words rang in her mind. She wondered which relationships she would have to give up. Most definitely Harry and Minerva. They're Gryffindors. She probably would have to become friends with Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle. A shudder passed through her at the thought. All she could do now was patiently wait and start watching how the cards fell. A part of her wished she could just fast forward through time or become a seer and see what awaits her. Being a seer would definitely have its benefits, but then again, her being able to see the future doesn't mean she'd be able to change it.
"What has you troubled?" Severus asked, walking up next to her side.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "The future mostly. How I wish I knew what path to take. Maybe fast forward a few years."
Severus snorted, "Don't we all. Alas, life loves its curve balls and struggles."
Hermione scowled, "I just hate how I'm going to have to befriend Slytherins that I can barely stand. I mean seriously, I can not tolerate Parkinson and don't get me started on dumb and dumber. I don't know how Draco can hang out with them."
"They're mindless buffoons that do his bidding. He's learned to just ignore them. Why do you think you have to befriend any of them?"
"Well who else is there?"
"Theodore Nott, Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini⦠just to name a few."
"Zabini isn't too bad. Nor is Greengrass. Both are relatively intelligent and haven't terrorized me this past year."
"Their families also aren't loyal to the Dark Lord. They've be able to remain neutral. It will give you someone you don't have to be on constant guard with if he rises again."
Hermione nodded. "What if I can't do this? What if I fail?"
"Then you die." Severus stopped, causing Hermione to stop with him. He put both hands on her shoulders, squeezing lightly. "Hermione, if you're having second thoughts, no one will blame you. We have safe houses for you and your parents. All you have to do is tell us. We wouldn't think any less of you. This is all a lot of responsibility for a child of your age."
Hermione pulled back scoffing. "I just can't run and hide Uncle. If I run, then Harry is left to fend for himself as is Draco. If another war breaks out, I've no doubt they'll be brought into it. And if I stay and become a spy, it will help you and Uncle Lucius. Regardless if I originally started on this path for love, I have to continue on it for love of family. I never would be able to forgive myself if something happened and I may have been able to prevent it." She started to cry. Severus pulled her into an awkward hug.
"What happens will happen. I will be with you all through the way."
AN: Thank you for reading. Thank you to all those who have left a review. Sorry if it's a bit repetitive at times... it's necessary going forward. In the later chapters I potentially plan to bounce around to other characters instead of just sticking primarily with Hermione and Minerva. Hope you all enjoyed. Leave a review if you did. ;)
Also, I do have a slight request. This chapter I had some difficulties with a scene and ended up rewriting it differently. I had asked my wife on her opinion which wasn't helpful considering she's not a HGMM fan. I know *gasp* how can someone not be? Lol. Anywho, I am looking for someone who is willing to give feedback if I shoot them a PM with either a scene written two ways or just someone to bounce ideas off of for the times I need someone to give said opinion. Just shoot me a PM if interested.
