May 16, 1998
(Two weeks after battle, First Order meeting)

"Thank you all for coming." Minerva spoke above the din of voices filling Grimmauld's kitchen as she crossed the threshold. Harry motioned to the empty seat between himself and Hermione at the head of the table. Giving him a warm smile at his deference, she moved to take the proffered chair. Once seated, she leaned toward Harry, "Are we expecting anyone else?" Shaking his head, he whispered, "This is it. Fleur and Bill are stepping out for now, and Aberforth declined the invitation to rejoin." Nodding, she surveyed the room. Tired, worried, grieving faces gazed back at her, some even still sporting signs of injury from the battle. Resolve, Minerva. The quicker we can address the issues at hand the faster people can get on with their lives. Sitting a bit straighter, she began, "Before we begin, I want to say that if at any point anyone here feels like they are not up to taking on Order business, do not feel ashamed to say so. The primary purpose of calling this meeting is to establish a baseline of information of what's happened since the battle and strategize a plan for combating the unfortunate ongoing threats. Once we have some semblance of our next manoeuvres, we can assess each member's capacity to participate. Any objections before we continue?" Relief crossed several people's faces at her words, Molly's being the most obvious. With no one interjecting, Minerva continued, "Kingsley, would you please start us off with news from the Ministry?"

Kingsley nodded and in his rich, deep voice answered, "Certainly. Since Umbridge's attempt at charging our golden trio," Harry shook his head at the term, Hermione rolled her eyes, while Ron puffed out his chest, "Harry and I have been making personal visits this past week to many absent members of the Wizengamot, asking them to return for a vote to name me Acting Minister until we can hold a formal election with other candidates. That vote is set to take place Monday next. Harry and I believe we can get even more members on board, and Ministry officials in general to return to work, if we hold a town hall and have Lee Jordan broadcast it as the latest addition of Potterwatch on the Wireless. We're set to meet with him after this meeting to discuss it. That is, if we all agree that is a sound plan."

Heads bobbed in agreement. Kingsley continued, "I've met with the Muggle Prime Minister Wilkenson twice since the battle. Scrimgeour had given him an owl to contact me if he was unavailable. Bless his foresight as Umbridge disconnected our muggle phone line the minute she seized power. The first time he reached out was three days after the battle when a strange broadcast that had emitted from every computer hooked up to the internet. He said it sounded like a snake hissing in quote-end-quote a creepy way . It apparently has riled up some conspiracy theorists, some of whom are not far off the mark to our existence. And yesterday there was another terrorist attack outside of London that has evidence of magical origins. This time it was at a preparatory school, seven children were injured, no fatalities as of yet."

Minerva felt rage building in her gut. How dare they go after children. "Any ideas as to who were the perpetrators at the school?"

Harry answered, "Nothing concrete, but my hunch is it was the Carrows. It was made to look like a chemistry accident. And given Amycus' penchant for potions, it tracks."

Hermione piped up, "Any indication of motive? Was there a particular individual who was the target? And regarding the prior incident, is there a recording of the broadcast that Harry could listen to?"

Minerva studied her former pupil's face who articulated the very questions she was about to ask. Hermione had just moved into Grimmauld from Hogwarts the day previous and Minerva had missed conversing with her at breakfast this morning. The memory of their last conversation replayed in her mind.

"Come in" she heard Hermione call through the door. Upon entering, she took in the room. She hadn't visited Hermione in her quarters since she first assigned them to her the morning after the battle. She smiled at the new wall colour, a French frottage style of yellow ochre and sienna. The light fixtures were different too, the ones on the walls now emitted a gaslight type effect whereas the light on the table was a muggle electric desk lamp. Easier on the eyes for reading, she thought. She met Hermione's bright eyes, watching her from over her shoulder. Blushing, Minerva cleared her throat and moved forward, "I know you leave for Grimmauld today, and I didn't want to miss you on your way out."

Hermione patted the space next to her on the bed. Coming around and sitting, she also noticed that Hermione's mattress had also been adjusted to have a memory foam topper. Why she was cataloguing these things, she had no idea. Before she got too deep into her thoughts, Hermione spoke, "Thank you for coming, Professor, but please know that I wouldn't have left without finding you first." She wore a smile, but her eyes were heavy in emotion. Acting on instinct, Minerva reached out and squeezed Hermione's shoulder. "Hermione, please, I must insist that you call me Minerva. You are no longer my pupil, and once the chaos subsides, I'm sure you'll earn the right to that title soon enough yourself." Huffing out a laugh, Hermione shook her head, turning her body toward her guest, "Thank you, Minerva . I was just sitting here feeling really torn about leaving. While I know it's best to go stay with Harry, I do consider Hogwarts home."

Minerva returned her smile, squeezing her shoulder once more before joining her hands in her lap. "You will always have a home here, Hermione. You've done so much work since the battle and I know you intend to continue. In fact, why don't we just make it official and say that you can keep your quarters here for whenever you need to stay or have a moment of respite?"

Hermione was the picture of pleasant surprise, "Really?! I mean, that would be amazing, but are you positive it wouldn't cause any disruption?" Minerva's grin broadened. "No lass, as we're not planning to open for fall, there are no demands for this space.

"Calling over her shoulder to the portrait of a bear of a man, "Godric, dear"

"Yes, Minerva?"

"Please see that Hermione's quarters here remain under her control and bar entry to all else without the password she gives you."

"Oh, well, Minerva, that has already been attended to."

Eyebrows shooting up, she stared at the two-dimensional eyes of the founder of her House. He winked and swiftly left the portrait. "Well then, that's that," she murmured.

Hermione reached out and put her hand on Minerva's knee. They both looked at it before she retracted it slowly, clearing her throat, Hermione asked, "How can he do that without your consent?" Before giving Minerva a chance to answer, she continued, "Actually, this brings up a bigger question that I've been meaning to ask you. While working on the wards, I sometimes felt a magical presence, for lack of a better word, pushing back or negotiating with me at times. I know this sounds odd, but is Hogwarts sentient?" Minerva's green eyes searched earnest hazel before sighing, "Not exactly, although I do have moments of wondering that myself. From my understanding, while Hogwarts' magic is cumulative, it operates on a set of founding rules and principles as guardrails. I think the closest equivalent would be muggle computer artificial intelligence."

Hermione's face perked up, "Amazing! My mother dabbled in computer science before joining my father in the dentistry practice. She helped me build my first computer when I was eight. I've tried my best to keep up with the advancements in AI and machine learning over the years. Honestly, I feel it's driven from a muggle's desire for magic in their lives. When it works it has a similar thrill, if that makes sense."

Minerva smiled, "What an interesting theory, lass. I've regretted not delving into muggle technology throughout the years. Perhaps you could teach me sometime?"

Hermione's smile broadened to its fullest at the thought of teaching something valuable to a woman who taught her so much, "Yes, of course, I'd be happy to, Prof-, uh, Minerva."

Standing again and without thought, reaching out to squeeze the young woman's shoulder, "Well then, that's settled, I look forward to it. I'll see you at Grimmauld tomorrow for our Order meeting."

Hermione reached up and squeezed the hand on her shoulder while nodding. "Yes, see you tomorrow. Pleasant dreams, Minerva, and thank you again for allowing me to keep my quarters here."

Focus, Minerva.

Kingsley took in Hermione before he responded to her astute questions. She has certainly grown into her own. With that natural authority I could see myself working for her one day. "They are working to get us a recording. And we haven't been given access to the names of the casualties at the school yet, but we know they were all under eleven." Looking at Minerva, "Even though we are not opening Hogwarts this fall, would there still be a registry of new students who would have received invitations? I've never been clear as to how or where that list is generated."

Minerva nodded, "You wouldn't. It's kept secret except to the acting Head and Deputy, but I can share that the names are recorded at the time of birth. Once you have your list, send me a copy and I can crosscheck it." Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hermione's eyebrows shoot up at the new information. It warmed her heart that despite the trauma of the war Hermione's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge had not waned.

"Great, thank you. That's all I have to report." Kingsley sat back in his chair, crossing his arms.

Minerva inclined her head toward him then looked around the table. "As for my news, I've been in contact with the Hogwarts Board of Governors. Although Severus didn't formally appoint me as Deputy on the record, they are willing to admit he must have done so magically, as Hogwarts recognizes me as ward-holder and it is I who has unobstructed access to the Head office. And while my formal appointment to that of Headmistress must be done by the Wizengamot, I am proceeding with the mantle and the responsibilities as such. I have magically appointed Filius as my Deputy and intend to instate him formally once the quorum can be called." Filius nodded and smiled as George clapped him on the back.

"The Governors also agreed to release funds to pay weekly stipends to those who help with repairs. Those of you who have already been helping, you can expect gold to register in your Gringotts accounts this evening. Filius will manage an ongoing record of repair shifts that you may sign up for moving forward." Palpable relief and excitement buzzed around the table. Money had been a source of anxiety for many of those present, Hermione and Luna especially. Hermione couldn't rightfully ask her parents for support when they didn't even remember she existed. And with Luna's house destroyed and her father in a long-term recovery ward at St. Mungos, she had sought asylum at Hogwarts.

Minerva withdrew a parchment from her robes along with a peculiar looking quill. "Now, given we don't know the extent that Voldermort's followers are willing to pursue his cause nor do we know in what direction the Ministry will head, I suggest, that just like in the Order of the first war, we partner up." Gesturing to the blank parchment, now in the center of Harry's table, "Those who are able and willing to commit to responding to a crisis, please put your name upon this parchment. It and the quill have been charmed to pair magical signatures who are most compatible for survival."

Harry stood and signed first. Minerva added her own signature. The two signatures moved from beneath each other to next to each other. Minerva then slid the parchment to Hermione, who signed her name without hesitation beneath Harry's. Immediately the two witches' signatures moved to be inline. Hermione's hopeful eyes met emerald. Minerva gave her a fond smile and answered her unasked question in a low voice as she passed the parchment along, "Our signatures are the most compatible as of yet, but that may change once other signatures are added." One by one, signatures were added, but neither Hermione's nor Minerva's budged.

Harry - Kingsley

Hermione - Minerva

Percy - Arthur

Molly - Charlie

George - Ron

Angelina - Ginny

Filius - Neville

Luna - Hagrid

Minerva took a last look at the parchment and then raised her eyes to meet each individual around the table. "Alright then. If and when we need to be dispatched to diffuse a situation or respond to a muggle attack, make sure you are with your partner. I suggest that you meet at least once a week to practise practical defensive spells with each other so that you may know one another's strengths and support the other's weaknesses. Any questions or objections?"

At seeing everyone shake their heads, she pulled out a galleon from her pocket and handed it to her new partner, "And now Hermione, would you mind recreating your infamous Dumbledore's Army communication coin, slash portkey for us?"

Blushing, Hermione took the offered coin. Pulling her wand, she murmured a series of spells, resulting in eight identical coins now showing a Phoenix head on one side and tail on the other, then with another incantation they duplicated again, creating sixteen. Minerva placed her hand on her partner's back, "Magnificent magic, Hermione. I take it you wove the partnerships together first and then the whole of us?"

Beaming, Hermione responded, "Yes precisely, with ' Socium' you can message your partner and if you need to alert the whole group start with 'Summus' . The portkey activation which anyone can activate in a time of need is ' Portus Actus'. "

Harry picked one up looking at it closely, "Brilliant, 'Mione, is this one mine?" Having picked the first on of the lot, in the two columns of eight, she nodded, "Yes exactly, I did them in order."

Each picked up their coin and stowed it in their robes. Minerva stood, "Alright then, let's adjourn for the evening, and we'll reconvene in a fortnight unless needs must sooner." And with that everyone stood and made their way out of the kitchen. Hermione grasped Minerva's elbow before she could exit. "If you don't mind, I'd like to start tomorrow with our sessions on defensive magic and maybe I can show you around a computer."

Finding herself smiling again, which she had done more around this witch in the last week, then in the totality of the last year, she replied, "Aye, come find me at Hogwarts whenever you wish, lass. As I said yesterday, you're always welcome."

And with that Minerva followed the rest and disapparated.

Sept 27 17:30
(Present)

Minerva handed the parchments to Arthur as he scrambled over. "WHAT?!" Arthur's voice reverberated around the hall, looking at his son, "Perce, what does this mean 'playing both sides'?!" Seeing and hearing no response from Percy, he pressed, "Tell me this is another forgery and you don't know what this is about! TELL ME." Percy crumpled to the floor burying his head in his hands. Arthur uncharacteristically stomped his foot and shouted, "NO, get UP, are you telling me you sold out your own MOTHER, my MOLLY?!" And before anyone could interfere he lunged at Percy, knocking him clean over. The sound of Percy's head connecting to the stone floor had everyone in motion.

"Enough," Minerva's voice rang out and magically the wizards were thrown apart. Retracting her spread arms, she knelt down and examined Percy's skull. Finding no bleeding or contusions and seeing his eyes clear, she held out her hand, "Wand, please, Mister Weasley." He did not move. George's voice rang out, "Come-off it, you prat, give'r yer damned wand."

Percy's eyes snapped up to meet his brother's, a sudden resolve in his almond brown eyes. "You have no idea what it's like, George. I'm trying to do what's best for our family. You think Father would still have a job if it weren't for me? Do you think we'd still have the Burrow if I hadn't pandered to Umbridge? While you're off inventing joke trash, I'm trying to keep order in the wizarding world!"

George stepped into Percy's personal space, "Order, eh? Is order selling out Mum to DEATH EATERS? Have you gone mad? Fred DIED fighting these people and you're aligning with them?!"

Percy was just about to respond when Harry burst through the great doors, wand extended, "Expelliarmus!" And Percy's wand flew into Harry's outstretched hand as he took in the scene of everyone surrounding Percy, now all wearing shocked expressions at his arrival. Panting slightly, he added, "Oh, uh, sorry. Mondongus said he overheard Percy speaking with Narcissa Black about delivering Mrs. Weasley yesterday and I figured I'd neutralise the threat, but it seems like you've all caught up, eh?"

Seeing the subsequent shocked faces, he raised his eyebrows and added, "Alright then, seeing as that's new information to you all, how did you figure he was the mole then?" His eyes landed on Hermione.

"He got a message in Albus' handwriting saying 'you can't play both sides and win'." Hermione provided, "He's only just admitted to working with Umbridge to preserve Mister Weasly's job, but that's as far as we've gotten." Looking back to Percy, she asked, "Where did Narcissa take Molly, Percy?"

Percy turned angry eyes upon Hermione and spat, "I don't answer to you! I wish you would just leave all of us well enough alone, you meddling Mud-" His mouth suddenly snapped shut, and given his hands flying to his face and fingers attempting to pry his lips open, it was not by his own accord.

"I raised you better than that, son." Came Arthur's sharp voice, which softened, "Or at least I thought I did. What have you done, Percy? I know you said you were just trying to stay on Umbridge's good side to stay close to the information flow, but it seems like it's gotten a bit out of hand, yes? Please tell me you don't believe this nonsense of blood superiority. And where's your mother, son? Please, I beg you, tell me how we can save Molly." He released the binding spell upon Percy's lips.

Smacking his lips together and rubbing his jaw, Percy straightened to his full height, seeming to come to the conclusion that his best defence was a good offence, "They have no intention of harming Mother aside from taking a bit of her blood. And it had to be unwillingly given, hence the ruse. Which is quite generous since she did murder one of their family members."

A collective gasp of disbelief rippled through the group. Before Arthur could speak again, Minerva cut in, "Let's all retake our seats, shall we? Filius, please administer veritaserum to Percy." Percy looked like he was about to object. "That is not a request, lad. You will take it."

"That's against wizarding law! You can't force me to take it!" Percy looked the picture of a tantruming toddler, face flushed.

Minerva raised her eyebrow at his display, "Mmm, then might I suggest you file charges and we can debate this in the Wizengamot at a later date? Now.." with a swish of her wand, Percy landed on a chair that appeared out of thin air. "You will sit and," Before she could finish her sentence, he pulled up his sleeve and grasped his forearm, triggering his immediate transformation to a swirling black whisp that circled once around the table as everyone ducked down in horror before moving fluidly out the great doors.

A disquieting silence laid heavy in the room. Burgeoning grief and disbelief were palpable as eyes met one another. Arthur broke the silence with a wailing sob that seared the hearts of all present. The realisation that he had lost a son and may very well lose his wife crashed upon him like a tidal wave. There was not a dry eye in the room as his heaving cries continued. George was first to reach out to him, wrapping him up in a tight embrace, followed by Ginnie, wrapping around the both of them, then Charlie from the other side, and finally Ron who really just clung to Charlie's back.

Fleur stood and made her way to Minerva. "I know it'z against ze Order protocol, but may I bring Bill here now? He should know."

Minerva blinked, dispelling her tears, and answered kindly, "Yes, of course, Fleur."

"Merci, Madame." And with that, she was trotting out the doors.

Hermione cleared her throat and motioned for the rest of the Order members to gather around the far end of the table. Looking at Minerva, "Might I make a suggestion?"

"Of course, love." Minerva nodded. Hermione smiled softly at the endearment. She hadn't really thought about how their relationship would play out in front of others and her heart swelled at the warmth and affection Minerva had been willing to show publicly. She views me as a true partner, how lucky am I?

Taking a deep breath and looking around, she began, "Since we weren't able to get a lead on Molly's whereabouts, I think we need to strategize if and how we are going to approach these meeting requests, the alleged Luna's father's at the Leaky Cauldron, and the alleged Albus' at the Veil. Both notes listed twenty-hundred as the time. That gives us about two hours to decide a course of action."

Angelina spoke for the first time that evening, "Forgive me, Hermione, I don't know about Xenophilius' note. I heard Professor McGonagall mention it but what did it say exactly and are we assuming Percy wrote it as well?"

Luna pulled out the note from her father and passed it to Angelina who passed it to Harry who passed it to Hagrid, as both were leaning in trying to read it over her shoulder. "I'm not sure who wrote it, but it definitely wasn't my father. Since I could hold a quill, we've only written to each other in our distinctive code which can be read upside down and backwards."

"Oof, that makes me brain hurt even thinkin about it, Luna," huffed out Hagrid.

Smiling fondly at her Order partner, "I can teach you, Hagrid. Once you get the hang of it, it comes quite naturally. Also, the note is full of Nargles and Father would never send me Nargles. Here look," And pulling a pair of coke-bottle glasses from her robes she passed them to Hagrid, who put them up to his face without stretching the temples.

"Blimey, it's riddled wit em!" Hagrid exclaimed. "Ya think I could try to coax them into livin' somewhere else? I'd love to study em."

"Maybe another time, Hagrid," Minerva interjected. "I agree with Hermione that we should plan these meetings. Luna, Neville, did you find any polyjuice potion in the stores?"

Neville spoke up, "We found one dose and tested its potency. It should be good for three hours. And we started to brew some more, but it won't be ready until twenty-two hundred."

"Were you thinking someone would go in Luna's stead?" Hermione inquired of Minerva.

"I was actually hoping for several doses so that we could accompany Luna." The others nodded while Hermione cocked her head just a touch, prompting Minerva to smirk and provide more information, "I happen to have a collection of random muggle hairs that I've collected over the years for times such as these."

"Brilliant," Hermione whispered, meeting bright green eyes.

"Wow, you two really are in love," Angelina spoke wistfully, tossing her braids over her shoulder.

Harry spoke up with a half grin to his former quidditch mate, "Yeah, they really are. But back to Luna's note, it didn't get any response from the affinity charm, did it? Maybe the same person who wrote it, wrote Hermione's also."

"Blimey, Hermione got a note too?!" Hagrid exclaimed. "What da dickins is goin on?"

Harry realised then that not everyone had been informed of the trap laid yesterday. Looking at Minerva then Hermione, "You should tell them."

Hermione spoke up, "I didn't receive a letter, Minerva did, in my handwriting, telling her to meet me somewhere other than our designated location, and when she arrived she was ambushed by four death eaters who without hesitation fired killing curses. One of whom was Ernie MacMillon."

Angelina was the first to react, "No way! Ernie?!" Luna looked pained. Neville gaped inelegantly at the news even though Minerva had told them in her office that Ernie had joined the Death Eaters not but thirty minutes ago. He never would have thought Ernie would have gone so far as to try to kill their former Professor. Rubbing his forehead, his eyes moved from Minerva to Harry back to Hermione, as if someone might refute this horrible information.

"Aye, I'm sorry to inform you, lads and lasses, that yet another one of your friends has chosen to move against us. Harry, I think we should test out your theory about the two parchments." Turning to Hermione, "Gradh, would you mind apparating to Grimmauld and retrieving the note from your pile of parchment? I didn't think to bring it."

With a quick nod, Hermione turned on the spot. Hearing another round of gasps, Minerva raised her hands before the onslaught of questions came, "Hermione's work on Hogwarts wards has granted her the same permissions as myself and Filius. We just found out about it while activating the defence dome and have no more information than that at the moment."

Filius piped up, "I felt her magic surge through the wards right after the dome was enacted. She's regarded as a founder now, isn't she Minerva?" He glanced at the new table with a unicorn banner unfurled above it.

"Aye, I believe so. We'll have to talk to the Sorting Hat to be sure, but that is my hypothesis as well."

Harry's eyes were the size of saucers and his mouth was ajar before he muttered, "Blimey, 'Mione."

Upon her reappearance, Hermione caught Harry's words, "What's up, Harry?" He didn't answer. Looking around the group, seeing confusion mixed with awe, she realised they must have been discussing how she was able to apparate from within the grounds. Wanting to avoid having to delve into that now, she handed the note plus a blank sheet to Minerva, "Sorry it took me longer than I thought, the note refused to be parted from at least one other sheet. Stubborn thing, and I don't remember ever having learned or needing to use a counterspell."

Minerva took the parchments and squeezed Hermione's hand, "Affinitas satis, and it's only necessary when one object was stolen from the other, not simply lost or misplaced."

"That would imply an energetic imprint of intention being placed on the object, yes?"

Minerva's eyes sparkled at her lover's unquenchable desire to understand, "More or less, yes. The affinity spell uses our magic to reactivate all the energetic properties of the matter, including anything left by those who handle it either physically or magically."

Hermione had a dozen more follow-up questions but held her tongue and just nodded. Minerva huffed out a chuckle at her restraint and put the parchments on the table. "May I have Xenophilius' note, please?" Hagrid placed it on the table and Minerva put the tip of her wand on it and muttered, "Filum Cogniato." The parchment fluttered and landed back on the table. A dozen eyes fixed on the paper waited several seconds before blinking. Just as everyone exhaled thinking nothing was going to happen, Xenophilius' flipped up and landed upside-down on the note with Hermione's writing.

"I believe we can assume this behaviour means, the ink is kin." Minerva supplied to the stunned bunch. "Which is a start. It hasn't left to any other parchment, so we can assume that these two are separate from the Weasley messages, and the ones with Albus' handwriting. And given the intent of the one I received I believe we can assume that there is a hostile situation awaiting us at the Leaky Cauldron."

Kingsley spoke up, "I don't think we should acknowledge that one. I'm not sure what could be gained from walking into that trap. I say we stay together and all go to the Veil. If Albus is truly able to communicate from beyond, I want to hear what information he can provide." Sighing he added in a mutter, "Preferably not in riddles and anecdotes."

Minerva gave a half smile, "Well, there are no guarantees with Albus as you all well know." Each member had their own reaction, a shake of the head, a fond smile, a look of exasperation.

Charlie came into the huddle. "I'm happy to join whatever you are planning. I've sent Dad and Ron home. Just in case Mum shows up, I want someone to be there, plus I think they are too distracted to not get hurt otherwise. Ginny and George are just walking them to the gate and will come back to help too. Just let us know what we need to do."

Minerva smiled fondly at the young man, "Thank you, Charlie. Fleur left to go get Bill and bring him here. Perhaps you can head them off and send them to the Burrow as well? I think at least Bill would be a good support for your father at this time. If Fleur wants to join tonight, she's more than welcome."

"Right, sure thing." And with that he strode from the Hall.

Once he was gone, Minerva addressed the group, "I am in agreement with Kingsley that we ignore the Leaky Cauldron meet up. I do, however, have an idea of where we may find Molly, which would require some of us to be diverted from going to the Department of Mysteries. Not to mention it may be exponentially more dangerous." No one shied away or batted an eyelash as they waited for her to continue.

"After Bellatrix was pressured into marrying Rudolphos for the purposes of consolidating the Black and Lestrange wealth, she took up a separate and secret residence in London, just for herself. I have reason to believe that not many people know about it. As such, it would seem a likely location for her to have kept her horcrux. I believe my memory of the place is intact enough to apparate there."

Hermione's eyebrows shot up at the implication that Minerva had been to Bellatrix's private residence. Minerva, noticing, brought her lover's hand up to her lips and kissed her knuckles three times. "Trust me, love."

Hermione visibly relaxed and nodded before smiling, "Of course."

"Alright then, may I suggest that Hermione and I take the Weasley clan with us to London. Kingsley, Harry, Angelina, Neville go to the Veil. And Filius, Hagrid, and Luna remain to guard the castle?"

At a unanimous yes, she continued, "Good. I say we all freshen up and then get moving, it may be a long night ahead of us. If you need to eat more, please do so now." At that most of the group headed to the food on the far side of the table.

Filius hung back and approached Hermione, "I know this isn't the time to speak further, but I do want to honour the moment by saying how very impressed I am with you, Hermione. It was a privilege to be your teacher, and I'm excited for what is about to unfold now that you're a foundational part of this school." Turning toward Minerva, "What a time to be alive, eh, Minerva?"

"Mmm," gazing lovingly at Hermione, "You have no idea." Hermione blushed and her heartbeat quickened at the possessive look in Minerva's eyes.

Taking a deep breath and addressing Filius, "Thank you, Filius. As you can imagine, I am completely in shock over the development and have yet to process it fully, but I know that with your and Minerva's wisdom and guidance we'll figure out what it all entails and I too look forward to that unfolding."

Filius beamed at her, "Indeed." And he zipped off to join the others for a quick bite.

Hermione turned into Minerva's personal space, eyes open and cheeks slightly flushed, "I want you to know that I do trust you, implicitly. And I also want to thank you for trusting me to go with you to Bellatrix's tonight."

Minerva brushed some loose strands away from her love's face, tucking them behind her ear. "Hermione, you are the strongest witch I have ever met in my life." Moving to place her right hand above Hermione's heart, "Not just magically, but here," then moving to her head, cupping it gently above her ear, "And here. Earlier when I asked to have Elspeth remove you from danger, it was not about not trusting you, but more about not trusting myself. I acknowledge, however, that we cannot operate out of fear and remain Order partners, so I cede that point."

Elspeth appeared next to them, "Dat's alls well and goods, but if I's comin, I's taking both of yous out of danger when I's wants, and I donnae wanna hear from neither of you stubborn witches, ya hears?!" And just as quickly as she appeared, she disappeared.

Both witches barked out a laugh and shook their heads. "Bless you, Els." Minerva muttered. "Let's eat, love." Hermione nodded and leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Tha gaol agam ort, Minerva McGonagall." Hearing Hermione whisper I love you so much in her native tongue brought tears to her eyes and a sharp flood of warmth to her heart. The last time she had heard anyone say those words was her late mother. To hear them from a lover filled a place in her heart she never knew existed. Turning to capture her lips she poured all the love she couldn't verbalise. I love you too.