Disclaimers: The usual applies; I don't make $ from these characters, nor do I own them.
~x~
"What's Isobel doing?" Minerva asked lightly, running the tips of her fingers through Hermione's hair. They'd been sitting together in silence, simply basking in one another's presence, for the past thirty minutes and it was, there was no other word to describe it, comfortable. She was content.
Hermione shifted, settling sideways over her lap to look up at her. Her face lit up with a wide smile. "When I came up here, she'd just asked her namesake about Hogwarts and was being told about her mamó's time as Ravenclaw Seeker and Quidditch Captain. Your mum pointed her in the direction of your library and Quidditch Through The Ages." She shook her head. "She's a lot like I was at her age, nose always stuck in a book and eager to know everything." She laughed. "And she has an answer for most things. And if she isn't answering questions, she's asking them. She's so inquisitive."
"If she's exactly like you, then she's perfect," Minerva whispered.
"I'm pretty sure I heard your mum muttering about her being just like her màthair." Hermione teased. "And if that's the case, I must agree that she is perfect." She sighed. "She's such a precious gift, Minerva. Thank you."
"Och, lass. You don't ever have to thank me for her." Minerva replied lightly. "Loving you the way I do, I think it was bound to happen." She grinned.
The tapping of talons on the window had Minerva looking up at the window and noticing a large owl. Lifting Hermione and standing up, she made her way to the window and opened it to allow the owl into the room. The unusual sight of the Evening Prophet dropped beside her and after Minerva offered the owl a treat, it flew out of the window.
Unrolling the newspaper, she gasped at the headline printed in large, bold capital letters.
SPOTTED: THE BRAIN OF THE GOLDEN TRIO, ALIVE!
By Rita Skeeter.
There was a note attached to the paper which she read quickly.
Headmistress,
Barnabas Cuffe brought this to my attention and I thought perhaps this would be of some interest. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
Horace Slughorn
"Merlin's saggy scrotum!" Minerva cursed, closing her eyes briefly. Opening them, she started to read the evening edition, her eyes skipping over the words quickly.
Reports have flown into the Prophet that the brain of the Golden Trio, Hermione Granger, was spotted on the Knight Bus on two separate occasions recently.
For those that may not know, Ms Granger disappeared from the face of the Earth 12 years ago and was assumed dead. Those closest to her held a memorial in her honour, of which, out of sheer respect, half the wizarding world of Great Britain was in attendance, myself included.
Attempts to reach out to Harry Potter, as Hermione's one-time best friend and comrade in arms, had his wife, Ginerva (Ginny) Potter telling us to sod off and to mind our own business. Her fury, at our attempts to "dig up the past, long buried", was startling.
Her ex-boyfriend, Ronald Weasley, went pale when informed of our reports. For those that don't remember, the pair split just a few short months before the young witch disappeared, and by his reaction, we are left wondering if this news will affect his upcoming nuptials to Romilda Vane.
Getting no response from those who were once closest to Hermione Granger, we approached Stan Shunpike, conductor of the Knight Bus, and unlike times past, he would neither confirm nor deny the reports that the Muggle-born witch travelled on his bus.
With our search for answers unsuccessful, we took to the streets of Diagon Alley, and our intrepid reporter, yours truly, asked the public for their views on the return of the one many people claimed was the brightest witch of her age.
Draco Malfoy spoke his thoughts to us; "Granger was one of the few who treated my family kindly after the war, speaking up for me and my mother in the trials, despite the fact I was downright disrespectful to her because of her blood status. The fact is, none of that meant a damn thing in the face of her humility and compassion. Granger is a good person, and one of the most insightful people I've had the honour to meet. No matter what, she will always have both my and my mother's full support and deepest respect. She deserves to be left in peace."
Hannah Abbott, the new landlady of the Leaky Cauldron, said; "Well, knowing Hermione, she had a good reason for disappearing. She gave up a lot for this world, including her family. You have to admire the courage that would need, and make allowances if she felt she had to get away and return to her roots after we finally graduated." She continued by saying; "The war was hard on all of us, but none more so than Harry, Hermione and to some extent, Ron. Although, if the rumours from that time are true, he wasn't at all instrumental in the final downfall of You Know Who."
Neville Longbottom, Herbology Professor, fellow Gryffindor and one-time friend of the trio, shook his head upon hearing of her return, stating; "Hermione was smart, beautiful, trustworthy, loyal and the one you could always go to for advice or help. She's been missed, and I'm sure we'll rejoice in her return should it be true." Once I'd left, he was heard muttering; "The Headmistress will be over the moon."
Speaking of Headmistress McGonagall, the reports received say she was with the brunette on both occasions, and there was a child with them on at least one of their trips. It's stated that the little one slept in the arms of the elder witch throughout their journey to Manchester, at which point they disappeared into the night.
Which leads me to ask, what does Minerva McGonagall know of the young woman's disappearance? Was she in touch all along, and if so, why did she let the wizarding world continue to believe Ms Granger was dead?
Rest assured, I will get to the bottom of this and provide the answers. Our readers have the right to know the truth.
What's up?" Hermione broke her focus from the words and she scrunched the Evening Prophet up in her hands.
"Rita blasted Skeeter." Minerva seethed. "Your return has made the Evening Prophet." She sighed. "As you know, it's only published when a particularly noteworthy event has happened." She started to pace, her jaw twitching as she ground her teeth.
"Hey, it'll be okay," Hermione stated, standing and taking two steps towards her. She stopped her from pacing and tried to take the newspaper from her. "What does it say?"
"Read it for yourself." Minerva let go of the scrunched-up paper and handed it to her, watching her smooth it out and start to read.
Light brown eyes eventually widened in horror. "That contemptible insect!" Hermione yelled, balling the paper up and launching it across the room. "I should have reported her to the Ministry years ago. Do you know how she heard Neville? No doubt disguised as a fucking beetle. She's an unregistered Animagus, Minerva." She drew in a ragged breath. "Morgana's tits! I thought I'd taught that nasty troll a lesson after putting her in a jar for a week at the end of my fourth year." She started to pace.
"You put her in a jar?" Minerva couldn't believe it. The very idea that Skeeter had been reduced to that was hilarious.
"How dare she insinuate that about you. Perhaps she needs to be taught another lesson to finally break the habit of writing horrible lies about people." Hermione continued to seethe.
"Dinna fash yersel', lass," Minerva told her, so surprised by the vehemence in Hermione's voice that she let her accent slip through. "It's not worth it. She's not worth it."
"I think I need to owl Harry and explain." Hermione sighed. "Although I don't think he'll understand or forgive me."
"You may be surprised," Minerva stated. "He has three small children now. I'm sure it's helped him attain a modicum of familiarity in the art of patience."
Hermione let out a bark of surprised laughter. "Three?" She queried. "Damn, he and Ginny have been busy."
~x~
After Hermione had finished writing her letter to Harry, Minerva was surprised when she handed it over to read.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry Skeeter pounced on you and Ginny like that, it was never my intention for that woman to ever bother either of you on my behalf.
From the bottom of my heart, I regret that I couldn't tell you why I felt the need to leave the wizarding world. All I can say is that things happened over that final two years while on the run and after graduating and I felt like this was no longer home. I didn't feel safe and was certain all I loved was lost, so I went off in search of safety and peace.
I must admit that never fully knowing what would lie ahead of me was frightening, but nothing compared to the pain and horrors that I'd already experienced. I couldn't find the so-called Gryffindor courage I was supposed to have, to face the world and carry on.
There were so many names given to me in my years at Hogwarts. Insufferable know-it-all, Mudblood, War heroine, Brain of the Golden Trio and Brightest Witch of the Age, but I just wanted to be Hermione Granger, but I didn't truly know who she was. If I'm honest, I still don't.
I'm aware that you and Minerva looked for me before giving up hope, but I didn't want to be found and made sure I wouldn't be. It was a sheer stroke of dumb luck that had Minerva knocking on my door to discuss the magical education of my daughter, Isobel.
Her daughter too. Isobel is a child conceived from a pure act of love, the final commitment to a soul bond between me and Minerva, at a time before my whole world was ripped from underneath me.
You were the brother I always wanted, Harry. From becoming friends, apart from one or two moments of childish nonsense (the event with the Firebolt springs to mind), we were always there for each other through thick and thin. I only ever wanted you to be happy and because of Ginny, I could see you were heading in that direction. I hope you've grown together, taking these years to deepen your love. From what I've heard, you've found happiness in one another and now have a few little Potter's running around, no doubt causing mischief and mayhem.
I would love to have the chance to reconnect with both you and Ginny, but I have to ask that it's just you two. I'm not ready to explain to the rest of the world, just yet, if ever, but I do believe you deserve answers.
Minerva has extended an invitation for you to come to the Manse tomorrow, perhaps for morning tea at 10 am?
Feel free to send your response via Minerva's owl. I'll eagerly await your reply.
Hermione.
Attaching the letter to her eagle owl, Archimedes, she ruffled his feathers and watched as he launched himself into the air and soared out of the open window. Turning, she glanced at Hermione and offered her a look she hoped conveyed understanding. "You look tired, lass," She stated.
"I am," Hermione admitted. "I don't generally sleep that well." She settled on the armchair again, only to be lifted and pulled down onto Minerva's lap.
"Will you tell me about it?" She asked.
"That first year after I left was hard. Every night I had nightmares of the war, especially the events at Malfoy Manor or I saw Harry lying dead in Hagrid's arms." She snuggled in further. "There were some nights I spent reliving the events with him on a never-ending loop. I was depressed, had little to no self-worth and lacked any true ability to take care of myself. Though I am ashamed to admit this, shortly after I found my parents, I contemplated suicide. Thankfully I was blessed with Izzy and she became my reason for surviving and continuing, even on the days I struggled to get myself out of bed in the mornings."
"Have things improved at all over the passing years?" Minerva asked. She hoped the pain had eased, though she understood it wasn't something that could be forgotten.
Rubbing her forearm unconsciously, Hermione nodded. "Some days, it's like it never happened, but I know I'm not the same person I was and I'm nowhere near the person I wanted to be before. I know I've not fully healed, but I try to move forward each day and look for happiness in the smallest things. I know I deserve that much after everything."
"You deserve happiness, lass, and also to love and to be loved." Minerva's whisper was heartfelt.
"You know, I gave everything to my friendships, and the more I gave, the more was taken from me. I lost everything I held dear, but then I was gifted with Izzy. Watching her grow into a little person and seeing her amazement and wonder as she learnt and experienced new things, has been awe-inspiring." Hermione told her. "you know, after having seen you together, I see more of you in her than ever. She has your stubbornness and temper." She grinned up at her.
Before she could respond about Hermione's stubbornness and fiery temper, the noisy clattering of small feet outside the room followed by a quiet knock had Minerva calling out. "Mo nighean, you may come in."
The door opened slowly, and Isobel glanced into the room, a bright smile gracing her lips as she eyed the adults. "You two look comfy."
Hermione chuckled. "We are my little love. Your màthair's lap is the best place to sit."
Isobel giggled and waved a sealed envelope held in her hand. "This flew out of the fireplace and it's addressed to you, mam."
"I suggest you come and hand it over then," Minerva teased, shifting Hermione to make room on her lap. "Would you like to come up here and cuddle too?"
"Yes!" Isobel whooped, running across the room and jumping between her mum's legs and Minerva's body before handing the letter over to Hermione. "I've started reading Hogwarts, A History. Does the Great Hall honestly have an enchanted ceiling, màthair?"
"Aye, it's bewitched to look like the sky outside," Minerva confirmed. "We also have an enchanted ceiling on the ground floor, in classroom eleven, which is used by one of our Divination Teachers, Firenze. Although the whole room has been enchanted rather than just the ceiling."
"What does it look like?" Isobel asked. "And what's Divination?"
"A load of twaddle," Hermione muttered, breaking the seal on her letter and beginning to read.
"Divination is one of the branches of magic that some witches and wizards study. It deals with seeing into the future, or gathering insights into the past and present, through reading tea leaves, someone's palm or by looking into a crystal ball." Minerva's tone was scathing. "Classroom Eleven is enchanted to look like a forest, and the ceiling looks like the night sky. With being a Centaur, Firenze observes the movement of planets, moon, and stars to foresee the future." She glanced down at her daughter.
"So if I wanted, I can learn to be a fortune-teller?" Isobel exclaimed in disbelief. "Cool, that means I can work in a sideshow."
"You can be whatever you want to be, mo nighean," Minerva told her daughter, pulling her further into her chest. "However, I do hope you'll set your sights higher than working in some side-show alley." She looked at Hermione and saw her biting her lip as if trying to stop herself from laughing at the turn in their conversation. "Was your letter from Harry?"
"Yes," Hermione's smile faltered and she sighed. "He's asked if we can meet tomorrow morning at Madam Puddifoot's instead of coming here. He believes he'll be able to control his temper better in a public setting."
"I suppose that's suitable. And I believe we have two wands and some school supplies to purchase." She winked at Isobel who grinned up at her happily. "Now what should we have for supper tonight?"
"Can Effie make us spaghetti and meatballs?" Isobel asked.
"Why don't you call and ask her?" Minerva gazed down into hazel eyes, her green ones twinkling. "She will always come when you call, mo nighean, and like me and your mum, she will always look after you and keep you safe."
~x~
The final part of the evening was spent in the living room, each of them with a book of their choice. Sprawled in her favourite chair, her legs over the arm, Minerva was angled towards the couch and her eyes kept sneaking to the woman resting against the arm of it with her legs stretched out along the cushions.
"What are you looking at?'" Hermione asked, dropping her book into her lap.
"You," Minerva told her gently.
Shifting, Hermione closed the book and placed it down on the coffee table before easing herself off the couch and stepping towards her until she reached the edge and laid a hand on her shoulder. With a slight tilt of the head, she gestured for her to move the book held in her hands. Minerva closed the book and placed it on the arm of the chair under her legs and shifted slightly when Hermione slowly lowered herself into her lap and then gently pulled her arms around her. She leaned back against her chest and sighed. Minerva felt entirely at peace with the bushy-haired witch in her arms, her head resting against her shoulder.
"I feel safe in your arms," Hermione whispered. "I know I'm possibly pushing you past all patience, but everything about you calms me."
She could hear the guilt in Hermione's voice and wanted to offer up reassurances. "I think, for now, this is an adequate way to pass some of our time, lass," Minerva murmured. "I also enjoy having you close." She'd never considered what it would feel like, to have Hermione in her arms, no longer out of reach. She'd experienced too much grief and despair to throw the opportunity away. "These past 24 hours have been some of the best I've had in a long time. Having you and Isobel here—" Her voice cracked. From her own experiences, intimacy had always been a rarity, but what she was willing to share with Hermione was purely that. Growing intimacy, if nothing else.
That afternoon, they had decided that their relationship would be what it was and if Minerva occasionally pushed her, Hermione told her she would try to understand that it came from a place of love rather than a lack of consideration. It wasn't that she was insensitive to her mate's feelings and wishes, but she'd explained that having her there with her meant their bond would drive her to ignore her better judgement and seek more than she may be ready for.
The truth was, they knew they'd rushed into things after Hermione's graduation. Until that point, they'd butted heads until passion took over and they ended up in a heated kiss. Realising what was happening, they'd pulled away, talked things through, discussed their bond and made the decision to wait for Hermione to graduate before attempting anything further. There had been no further intimacy after that; no hand-holding, cuddling and certainly no necking.
That afternoon, she'd realised she genuinely enjoyed holding Hermione close. Even the chaste kiss they had shared had left her feeling warm. She had not allowed her hands to venture further than cupping Hermione's face or running through her thick hair and she wouldn't. Without a shadow of a doubt, Minerva knew she needed to wait for Hermione's consent to further things, and she recognised she'd need to harness her usual level of control in order not to push the other witch away.
No matter how hard it seemed, she could not and would not do anything that caused Hermione to flee from her life.
Feeling a gentle touch on her cheek, she glanced down into the other woman's face and met concerned brown eyes. "Penny for your thoughts? Hermione asked.
Minerva smiled at the Muggle expression. "I doubt many would want to pay for the number of thoughts roaring through my mind, lass."
"That's strange, I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't willing to give up the meagre contents of my purse to know." Hermione pointed out gently.
"Fine." Her lips twitched in the barest hint of a smile. "I was just thinking about what we've discussed so far. I know I am not an easy woman, I'm quick-tempered and impatient, but I hope you realise I won't hurt you or Isobel." Minerva explained.
She spotted the concern fade to confusion. "You haven't been those things though, Minerva. Quite the opposite." Hermione said.
"Oh," Minerva was surprised her behaviour that afternoon hadn't come across as such.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders and relaxed back into her chest. "I'm grateful you've been as accepting as you have. If it had been me in your place, I honestly don't know how I'd have reacted."
Hearing that, Minerva hummed softly. "I know I can be a little stubborn and persistent but—"
Hermione chuckled. "Yes, you can."
"—I don't want you to feel I'm strong-arming you into a situation that leaves you uncomfortable." Minerva continued.
Hermione lifted a hand and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Are you having a change of heart?"
"No!" Minerva couldn't believe that's what Hermione had deduced from her words. She knew her faults and had found the courage to admit to them. She'd been upfront with her feelings and couldn't quite believe she had possibly messed things up already. She cursed under her breath and tightened her grip on Hermione's waist. "You can't seriously believe such a thing, surely?"
"No," Hermione breathed. "My brain just—this just seems too good to be true."
"I'm surprised you feel that way," Minerva admitted.
"Are you?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. It matches my feelings perfectly. What I was trying to say is if I push boundaries, you need to tell me." Minerva said.
"You've sometimes been a little presumptuous, but you're also unfailingly honest." Hermione teased.
The tone made Minerva smirk a little. What Hermione said was the truth, but the way she said it showed she had no qualms about telling her she was being ridiculous.
"Frankly, I'm enjoying what we have developing between us," Hermione stated softly. "Now you know what I need, there's no pressure."
"I respect the fact you are willing to take the time to reconnect with me." Minerva insisted. "Understandably, you would be wary and if time is what you need, then that is what I will willingly offer." If waiting meant she would be able to keep Hermione in her life, then she would do so.
Pushing Hermione off her lap gently, she eased herself off the armchair and held her hand out to the smaller witch. "Come, I believe it's time to settle into bed since we have an early start tomorrow." When her outstretched hand was taken, she turned towards the door and led Hermione up the stairs before coming to a standstill outside of her bedroom door. She held Hermione's hand against her chest in both hands lightly while looking into her eyes before letting it go and taking a step back. She watched as Hermione turned away, and took the few steps that would take her to the room beside her own.
When Hermione reached the door, she turned her head and gazed at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Goodnight, Minerva. Sleep well."
Minerva smiled back. "Goodnight, lass. Sweet dreams."
~x~