Once again, my sincerest apologies for a lapse in chapter postings. My internet has been spotty and I've been lucky to communicate with Canimal & Kittenshift17 to get the word out about the issue the other night. Thank you for your continued patience & support.
FIFTY-THREE
Minerva,
Oksana has been a lovely host. I can't thank you enough for talking her into putting up with me.
You weren't joking when you said these villages become a different world entirely once the sun sets. It's so beautiful here at night, but at the same time ….
Hermione paused, touching the tip of her quill's feather to her chin. She didn't want to worry her former mentor, but had she realized a handful of days had passed, some form of correspondence would be expected soon or the elder witch would worry. She recognized that she should tell Professor McGonagall about the creatures stalking her, but how could she without that creating yet more worry?
Without creating the possibility that the venerated Minerva McGonagall might feel compelled to make the trip here in hopes of assisting the young woman following in her footsteps?
A rush of warmth went through her as the glittering crimson eyes of Antonin Dolohov flashed across her mind. She let out a quick, shuddering breath and collected herself.
Yes, any 'helpful' visitors would certainly put a wrinkle in any future rendezvous, wouldn't they?
The witch shook her head and frowned at the direction of her thoughts. It would be far wiser to tell Professor McGonagall precisely what was going on …. But she couldn't do that without endangering Antonin, could she? Even leaving him out of it, his proximity alone put him in danger of being discovered.
With a sigh, she dipped her quill into her ink bottle and set it back against the parchment.
At the same time a bit terrifying. The very shadows of the woods seem to take on a life of their own. I …
Her heart sinking, she found herself bracing. She knew what she had to write, and she hated being dishonest with Minerva.
Something else occurred to Hermione suddenly, seizing her heart as quickly as it had sank. She had wanted to give her some hint that there was progress, but what if Minerva McGonagall wasn't the only one to read this missive? What if it were to be intercepted by someone or … something?
I don't yet have any solid leads on potential locations yet, but I will be continuing my investigation over the next several days. With any luck, the next communication you receive from me will have better news.
~Hermione Granger
With any luck, Hermione rethought the words she'd just written, whatever might hope to read her words—besides the intended recipient—wouldn't be able to smell the lies in the ink.
