Disclaimers: See chapter 1.
Note: So I've been totally blown away by the response to this fic and where possible have tried to respond to the reviews/comments that have popped up in my inbox. I just wanted to say thank you for reading and for showing me such enthusiasm and positivity.
~x~
They Flooed into her office the following morning, with Minerva going first and completing a silent Scourgify to remove the soot from her robes as the portraits on the wall greeted her effusively.
Since it was Isobel's first time travelling by Floo alone, after explaining the process to her, she'd been hesitant about stepping into the roaring green flames and having the world spinning around her while other fireplaces zipped past at an alarming speed.
Upon her daughter's arrival, she could see she'd followed the advice to close her mouth and eyes and she hadn't inhaled a mouthful of ash and soot and wasn't coughing up a dust cloud. She'd also missed out on experiencing the bitter taste on her tongue and in her mouth from the Floo Powder.
"Step out, mo nighean. Quickly now before your mum lands on top of you." Minerva held her hand out and led the young witch out of the fireplace just in time for Hermione to arrive muttering that travelling by Floo was only marginally better than Apparition. Casting her wand, she removed the soot from Hermione and Isobel's clothes too and glanced at her watch. The portraits were surprised into silence by the sight of her visitors and she smirked up at them. "We have a little time before we meet Harry. How about we give Isobel a small tour of the grounds before making our way into Hogsmeade, lass?"
Hermione smiled. "That sounds good. What do you think, Izzy?"
"But it's raining." Isobel frowned.
Laughing a little, Minerva shook her head. "Was I drenched when I arrived at your house on Friday?"
"Well, no, but—" Isobel started.
"And did I have an umbrella?" She asked.
Isobel sighed. "No."
"And are we witches?" Minerva questioned.
"Yes, màthair." Isobel rolled her eyes.
"Màthair?" Dumbledore queried. "Tabby?"
Ignoring the portrait, Minerva gazed at her daughter lovingly. "Come and stand here in front of me," she demanded gently. When Isobel stepped in front of her, she took her wand and tapped her on the head. "Impervius." She glanced toward Hermione. 'Come on, lass. Your turn." She offered up the same gesture, then tapped herself, casting the charm silently.
"You didn't say it that time," Isobel noted.
"I don't have to, mo nighean. I'm somewhat proficient at silent magic." She admitted modestly.
"Oh! Will I eventually learn how to do that?" Isobel asked.
Sparing a glance at Hermione to see if it was okay to respond, she saw her nod and turned back to their daughter. "Aye, once you start at Hogwarts and are taught. But first, you'll need a wand." She smiled. "I must admit I'm curious what kind of wand will choose you."
Minerva led them from her office and heard the portraits start to discuss what they'd seen and heard loudly. She pulled them through the large double doors and down the circular staircase. Stopping at the stone gargoyle, she glanced over her shoulder at the two witches following and gestured to them to step closer. "You would normally need the password for the Tower." She gazed at the gargoyle, trying to suppress her shudder of distaste as it seemingly woke and blinked at her. "Hermione Granger and Isobel Granger-McGonagall do not need the password for my office or quarters, is that clear? The stone gargoyle bowed its head and slid aside. She led the way down the second-floor corridor before pushing aside a tapestry and moving down the narrow staircase to the ground floor.
~x~
Walking through the grounds, they took the path along the Black Lake. Isobel was stunned by the sight of the giant Squid sprawled on the rocks beside the lake, but her biggest gasp of disbelief came when a herd of Hippogriffs broke from the treeline near Hagrid's Hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
With the front legs, wings, and head of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs and tail of a horse, they were a sight to behold for a wizard or witch to gaze upon for the first time.
Minerva watched as Hermione moved closer to the Hippogriff at the front of the herd and bowed her head while maintaining eye contact with the large chestnut creature as its brilliant orange eyes glinted down at her. She half expected Hagrid's arrival anytime, shouting to leave the creatures alone and her eyes flicked briefly towards the hut, only to discover it was dark, which meant he wasn't home. "Keep watching your mum."
"What's she doing, màthair?" Isobel whispered.
"She's greeting them," Minerva stated just as quietly.
The large chestnut creature bowed its head in return and Hermione straightened and stepped closer, her hand outstretched to stroke at the feathers beside the sharp, steel-coloured beak.
"Hippogriffs are proud creatures and are easily offended. Your mum knows this from her time in school." Minerva continued to explain. "This particular Hippogriff is the son of one she once saved from certain death at the hands of the Ministry. By saving Buckbeak, she earned the respect and trust of the entire herd. They're fiercely loyal and protective to those they place their trust."
They watched as Hermione stepped closer still, her cheek coming to rest against the feathers at the Hippogriff's neck. Eventually pulling back, Hermione gestured to them, and taking Isobel's hand, she led them forward, coming to a stop about a metre away. One of the other creatures stomped its foot, its large talons digging into the earth below, startling Isobel. "Come over here, Izzy." Hermione urged.
Letting go of Isobel's hand, she pushed her shoulder gently, urging her forward. The Hippogriff Hermione had greeted, shook its head and made a clicking noise. Hermione spoke softly. "Did you see the way I greeted this Hippogriff?" Isobel nodded. "Why don't you try, just don't break eye contact or blink, and don't get upset if he doesn't return your greeting."
Isobel took one step forward and bowed her head, keeping her eyes on the large creature. A full minute passed and from where she was standing off to the side, she could see Isobel's eyes beginning to tear up with the effort of not blinking before the Hippogriff bowed its head. Letting out a small, relieved exhalation, Minerva watched as Isobel nervously moved closer, only for the Hippogriff to take a step forward and nudge her hand.
Isobel squeaked in surprise and Hermione chuckled. "He won't hurt you, Izzy." She assured.
"He's so big," Isobel exclaimed, the tips of her fingers running through the feathers at his neck. "He's beautiful." Another bout of clicking and screeching had Isobel snatching her hand away quickly and stepping back. The herd shuffled and a small ebony Hippogriff pranced its way through the ranks to take a place in front of the others. "Oh, you're so pretty." Isobel cried, bowing her head to the smallest member of the herd. She didn't have to wait long before the creature returned her bow and skipped closer to be petted.
"Oh my," Minerva breathed, surprised by Isobel's ease at handling the proud creatures, her fingers working over the ebony feathers and coarse hair covering the neck, shoulder and flank of the young Hippogriff.
~x~
They continued to walk out of the main gates of Hogwarts that would take them into Hogsmeade and when Hermione faltered at a certain point, Minerva sensed her rising anxiety and turned to watch the younger woman's eyes move over the treeline, clearly on high alert, searching for a threat that didn't exist.
Hermione's fists clenched and her breathing grew erratic as she started to panic. Stopping, she turned fully, caught the younger woman's eyes, and held her hand out to her. When it was taken and squeezed tightly, she entwined their fingers and tugged the brunette forward. "Everything's okay. Nothing will harm you, lass, not while I'm here." She assured quietly. "You're safe with me."
"Thank you," Hermione responded, her gratitude evident in the heartfelt offering.
They walked, fingers still entwined, with Isobel a few steps ahead, until the path through the forest led to open fields, and then to the main street of the village. Isobel looked around, her eyes wide as she took in the people dressed in wizarding robes, the thatched cottages and the shop fronts. Letting go of Hermione's hand, Minerva gestured for Isobel to walk between them, and she did so, taking each of their hands and swinging their arms. Catching each other's eyes over the auburn-haired little girl, they grinned at the antics of their daughter and on the next swing, lifted her off her feet, despite her truly being too old for such things.
Letting out a loud squeak, followed by a peal of laughter, many people turned to gaze at them, and some smiled at the little family. Others whispered and pointed their fingers, easily catching Minerva's attention. She glared at those rude enough to do so until, abashed, they turned away rather than be on the receiving end of her displeasure.
Arriving at the bright pink storefront of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, situated on a small side street just off the High Street, Isobel let go of her mother's hands and peered into the steamy windows. Opening the door for Hermione and Isobel, the bell over the door announced their arrival.
Luckily for them, the tea shop was practically empty and it was easy to spot Harry and Ginny at one of the round tables at the back of the room. Harry looked uncomfortable, while Ginny had a look of anticipation on her face.
"Merlin! I hate this place." Minerva found herself muttering to Hermione. "Elphinstone once decided it was a suitable place to propose. I turned him down, truly embarrassed by the public spectacle he was making."
"Harry called it a "stupid teashop" after bringing Cho on their only date here in our fifth year, that's why I was surprised by the choice," Hermione murmured, moving closer to her old friends. Upon reaching the table where Harry and Ginny sat, Hermione cleared her throat before speaking. "Hi, Harry. Hello Ginny. It's good to see you both."
Jumping to his feet quickly, Harry gazed at them, his mouth opening and closing without forming words. His green eyes sparkled with a hint of tears. "Er, yeah, good to see you too, Hermione." Harry's voice was deep and filled with emotion. Gone was the scrawny little boy he'd been. He now stood tall at 5ft 11 and had filled out admirably.
She left the old friends simply gazing at each other, smirking at Ginny when she started counting down. "Three, two, one—" Harry wrapped Hermione up in his arms and hugged the living daylights out of her, causing her to squawk slightly.
"Good morning, Ginerva. You're looking well." Minerva squeezed past Harry and Hermione, sat down and pulled Isobel down into the seat beside her. "Let's look at what's on offer, mo nighean. Would you like hot chocolate and a piece of cake? I'm thinking I may treat myself to a jam tart with my pot of tea."
"Oh, yes, please," Isobel exclaimed.
"She's gorgeous," Ginny whispered wistfully, examining Hermione as she pulled back from Harry's embrace and smiled warmly up at him, only to be pulled back into his arms and rocked gently.
She could hear his deep voice mumbling into her hair. "Merlin, I've missed you. You can't leave us again, sis. You can't do that to me and the Headmistress."
Minerva glanced at Hermione, and couldn't help but agree with Ginny's words. The way she carried herself; her cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling with happiness, her brown curls tamed and shining, her casual muggle clothes hugging her figure and showing the soft curves that had developed over the years, she'd grown into a truly stunning woman. "Aye, she is." She leaned into Isobel's side. "After tea, we'll get some of your supplies for school."
Isobel was unquestionably enraptured when Madam Puddifoot came over to take their order, all but ignoring the pair hugging in the middle of her shop.
Minerva ordered a large pot of tea for three, a cup of coffee, knowing it was Harry's drink of choice and the hot chocolate for Isobel. She asked for a selection of cakes and some jam and lemon tarts, knowing they could take whatever wasn't eaten back to the Manse for afternoon tea, or enjoy them for dessert after their supper.
Ginny eyed her shrewdly once Madam Puddifoot stepped away. "Tell me honestly, Professor, if Rita Skeeter hadn't published that article, would she be here today?"
"It's doubtful. Although Isobel turned 11 earlier this year and has shown some magical ability, Hermione wasn't sure if she should let her be a part of this world." The tea and cakes appeared on the table, followed by coffee and hot chocolate. "We've since decided she will attend Hogwarts on September 1st, although we still have a lot of things to work through. They have made a life for themselves outside of this."
Ginny leaned across the table, pouring tea into their cups while Minerva offered Isobel the plate of cakes, smirking when she took a large piece of Battenburg and bit into it eagerly. "In her letter, Hermione mentioned you met accidentally. When was that?" She asked.
"Friday." Minerva lifted her cup and blew on her tea. She was not particularly happy with the line of questioning but could understand the need for answers. "I was on Hogwarts business and following up with the correspondence sent to Muggle-born witches and wizards about attending the school."
"You seem rather close since it's only been 48 hours," Ginny commented, gazing at her in disbelief. "I suppose that's something to do with the soulbond she mentioned in her letter." She glanced at her before her eyes came to rest on Isobel. "You know, I don't see much resemblance to either of you, other than her curly hair."
Isobel looked up and frowned. "Mam has a faint scar on her neck." She gestured in a circular motion at her neck, where it met her shoulder. "She told me that it came from her magical bond with màthair. I dunno what it means, but she says I might one day. I think it's something to do with màthair's Animagus." She stated knowingly. "Are you an Animagus? I will be when I'm older. Màthair says she'll teach me." She smiled brightly. "I hope I am a cat just like her."
"No sweetheart, I'm not. There are very few of them in this world." Ginny giggled and glanced at Miranda. "Okay, I take my comment back. You can tell she's Hermione's. That was uncanny and her smile is Hermione all over."
"She's mine too," Minerva declared firmly. "She looks very much like my mother as a child."
"Look at that hair though." Ginny mused. "She could have been a Prewett or Weasley with that colouring."
Before she could respond, the words reached Hermione and she finally pulled away from Harry, bristling slightly and glowering at the woman she'd once called a friend. "My daughter is not a Weasley." She growled.
"Er, Her—" Harry started only to have the glare aimed at him. He swallowed deeply before continuing. "—mione, I don't think she meant anything by it." He finished.
"Minerva, can you take Isobel outside, please?" Hermione asked between gritted teeth. "I have some things to say that aren't fit for her ears."
"Are you sure, lass?" Minerva asked. At Hermione's stiff nod, she agreed. "Okay then." Standing up and gesturing for Isobel, whose eyes darted from her mum to Ginny, clearly concerned over the sudden turn of events and her mum's sudden anger, Minerva took her hand and headed towards Madam Puddifoot who agreed to box up the cakes for them and took payment. With a flick of her wand, Isobel's hot chocolate was put into a takeaway cup and a warming spell cast.
Sparing a backward glance at the brunette she saw her take the seat she'd recently occupied and caught her words when she began to speak. "You have no idea of what I have been through, Ginny, and for you to come here and question my ma—er, Minerva, then look at my child and dare to say, in front of her, that she could have been one of you, due to a genetic throwback from her grandmother, is inappropriate."
Minerva took Isobel out of the shop and knelt in front of her. "Can you stay right here, Isobel?" She queried, smiling slightly at the chocolate moustache she was sporting and brushing her thumb over it lightly. "I need to make sure your mum's alright and I would rather not have to cast the Immobulus charm on you."
"Yeah, I'll wait here and finish my hot chocolate." Isobel grinned up at her. "You can trust me, màthair."
Minerva whispered a heartfelt thank-you and marched back into the shop quickly. Reaching Hermione, she placed her hands on her shoulders in a gesture of solidarity and cast a silent Muffliato so no one would overhear what was being said.
"I came here, looking for your understanding, not your judgement," Hermione stated.
"We're not here to judge—" Ginny started to say.
"I know you would have been angry and worried after I left without saying anything, but I was never anything but loyal to Harry and your brother, even when that meant I was sucked into a war where I felt I had no choice but to modify my parent's memory to keep them safe. I did my best to ensure I used my intelligence to the best of my ability, to stay strong and help Harry succeed in fulfilling that damn prophecy. I remained with Harry, despite him not having a bloody clue what the hell he was doing." Hermione seethed.
"We know that Herm—" Ginny looked down when Hermione glared at her and continued to speak.
"I was captured and tortured by a psychopath who Crucio'd me for hours and then carved my arm with a cursed knife, leaving a wound that has never truly healed. I fought in a battle and watched people die around me, And then, when the war finally ended, I returned to Hogwarts to complete my education and give myself time to heal. During that time, I fell in love with the woman whose soul spoke to mine and we shared the single most-beautiful night of my existence."
"Hermione, you don't have to— Harry tried to speak.
"The day after graduation, I was sexually assaulted by someone I thought I could trust." Hermione was incensed and her eyes blazed with fury momentarily before she realised her slip and her hand rose to her mouth as a sob tore from her throat.
Minerva squeezed the shoulders under her palms and eventually, Hermione's hand left her mouth and her fingers touched the back of her hand before her palm slid over it, coming to rest against it fully.
Gathering her control, Hermione continued to speak, her voice slightly gravelly. "He took everything from me, leaving me confused and conflicted, wishing I'd fought harder or done something differently. I couldn't understand how someone who claimed to love me could ever hurt me that way and without any remorse." Her voice cracked. "I felt dirty and blamed myself for letting it happen, so I decided there was no other choice but to leave. I took the time to find my parents which led me to Australia. After my dad found out what I'd done to them, removing myself from their memories and altering them so drastically, he hated me. I was tolerated in his home, until the moment he found out I was pregnant and he tossed me out on my backside." She continued to speak quietly through gritted teeth.
"I—you—I mean, you don't need to—" Harry sputtered as if hit with a Babbling Curse.
"When you have walked in my shoes, have felt the fear and pain I've faced, have experienced a betrayal so soul-crushing that it rocks your whole existence, lost everything you've held dear, and been left believing you are undeserving of love and happiness, only then can you judge me." Tears flowed from her eyes when she finished and she stood up abruptly and turned away, rubbing her eyes with her fists.
"Hermione?" Harry questioned hesitantly, his voice wavering. "Who attacked you?"
"Who do you think, Harry?" Hermione cried, turning to gaze at him. "Who was the one person, other than you and Minerva, that I trusted most in the world?"
"Ron?" Harry breathed out in surprise, finally dropping down into a chair.
"He wouldn't!" Ginny exclaimed angrily.
Hermione's lip curled up in a sneer as she gazed at the redhead. "That's where you're wrong." She sniffed
"He was taken to St Mungo's the day after graduation after being cursed. He apparated to Grimmauld Place," Ginny stated angrily, her face growing redder and redder. "He was in the hospital for a week, he couldn't have done—"
"What you have been told is the truth," Minerva declared. "I have seen the events from Hermione's memories." She closed her eyes and took a calming breath. "I always wondered how Ronald received the scars to his face and I am aware he never admitted how his injuries were sustained. An immediate application of the essence of dittany would have left him scar-free, but I'm sure that wasn't considered when counteracting the curse with the Vulnera Sanentur."
"No, it wasn't," Harry admitted.
"I'm sure you both asked who cursed him," Hermione challenged coldly. "What pathetic excuse did he give? Did he tell you he didn't see his attacker or had no idea why he was cursed?" She scoffed. "I bet he was relieved once you realised I'd gone." She glanced at Harry. "Did he tell you that your search for me was a waste of time?" She sighed when Harry looked away, blinking rapidly. "I'm warning you both, if he comes near me or my daughter, I swear I'll finish what I started that day in the forest, but next time, he won't get a chance to vanish before I'm done with him and Sectumsempra will look like child's play in comparison with what I'll do." She warned before walking away, the bell above the door ringing out loudly in the wake of her departure.
Minerva continued to stand there, her hands at her sides, noting the tears in Harry's eyes, even as Ginny continued to bristle indignantly at his side. She decided to speak to them, in the hope they wouldn't continue to dismiss what they'd been told. "Why don't you take some time to remember the young witch you once knew? Hermione was always unfailingly honest, often to the point of being unbearably tactless. Plus, she was never a proficient liar, which just so happens to be one of her better qualities. She is not, nor should she ever be blamed for leaving when so many wrongs were done to her." She glanced towards the window and saw Hermione standing beside their daughter, one arm slung across her shoulder and her face buried in her auburn hair. "I've already lost 12 years with that woman and my daughter. It's time I'll never recover, so I refuse to waste a moment of my time now with you while they wait for me." She glanced again at the couple still sitting at the table and ignoring Ginny, nodded to Harry. "Good day to you, Mr Potter."
Spinning on her heel, she made her way to the door, silently reversing the Muffliato and nodding at Madam Puddifoot in thanks when the box of cakes landed in her hand.
When she stepped from the teashop, Hermione's head rose and she sniffed. "Well, that went better than I expected." She quipped. "How about we head to Zonko's? After that debacle, I think we could use a laugh."
Minerva sighed and her eyes closed. "Zonko's never reopened after the war. It was eventually taken over by Wizard Wheezes and George and Angelina moved to the village with their two children, Fred and Roxanne."
"Oh, that's even better." Hermione grinned. "I can't wait to show Izzy a Pygmy Puff."
Minerva chuckled and banished the empty hot chocolate cup in Isobel's hand before shrinking the box of cakes and stowing it in her robes. Holding her hand out to Isobel she gazed at Hermione. "It's more than likely she'll encounter a Poffle, lass. It's been a while, but I believe Angelina has finally gotten the breeding program under control."
~x~