Disclaimers: See chapter 1.

~x~

After eating their lunch, they made their way back up to Hogwarts and into her office. Moving towards the Floo, Minerva was stopped by a hand on her bicep and turning her head, she met Hermione's eyes. She lifted an eyebrow, asking silently why she'd been stopped.

"Wait a minute, please, Minerva." Hermione stepped back and turned to gaze at the portraits lining the wall receiving a few nods and smiles, all except for one particular portrait that sneered down at her. "Good afternoon, Professor Snape."

"Granger," Snape scowled down at her. "Am I correct to assume you're about to leave again?" He drawled. "So much for your so-called Gryffindor courage."

"Severus, do shut up." Dumbledore insisted. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Are we supposed to sit back and watch Minerva fall apart again without saying anything?" Severus snapped. "We all saw what effect Granger's disappearance had on our esteemed Headmistress all those years ago. Those impenetrable walls came up higher than ever."

"Severus, that's enough," Minerva stated firmly, unwilling for Hermione to feel further guilt over her actions. "Hermione is free to leave if that's what she wants." She glanced at the brunette, trying to hide the depth of heartbreak she felt at the thought.

"You know I have things to do, Minerva. We should return to Manchester." Hermione whispered.

"We?" Minerva queried. Did that "we" also include her?

"I'm not leaving." Isobel pushed her way forward, her head raised defiantly.

"Izzy, my little love, I—" Hermione started.

"No!" Isobel interrupted. "I'm not leaving." She turned to Minerva, tears sparkling in her hazel eyes. "I've only just found you, màthair."

"Oh, mo nighean." Minerva opened her arms and soon had her arms full of the little girl. She picked her up, rocking her and brushing a soft kiss against her head. The sound of her daughter sobbing caused tears to well up in her own eyes and her heart ached a little more. "You should go with—"

"No!" Isobel sobbed. "I don't wanna go back there. I don't fit into that world."

Hermione looked heartbroken as she recognised the words as ones she'd more or less spoken to Minerva, as an eleven-year-old, repeated by their daughter. "Izzy, please."

"Mam, you've been happier in the last two days than I've ever seen you. Why would you want to go back and leave màthair." Isobel kicked her feet and Minerva placed her back on the floor. She stamped her foot. "You love each other."

"You don't understand," Hermione responded sadly. "Love isn't enough to—"

"No, I don't understand." Isobel interrupted. "And I don't wanna understand. Love should be enough. I heard màthair tell you that your bond meant you were practically married, but you've never given her a chance." Her chin wobbled. "Please, mam."

"I have a job in Manchester, Izzy. We have a house and a life there." Hermione reiterated.

"You have me and your work, and that's it. That's not a life, mam. You don't have friends and never go on dates, and when I go to Hogwarts you'll be alone." Isobel cried. "You'll be lonely, mam. You're already lonely. Do you think I don't know that? I'm not blind."

"It'll be fine." Hermione insisted stubbornly. "We're going home."

"No! Why are you doing this? I've never had another parent before, but now I've got màthair. Why are you taking that away from me?" Isobel sobbed uncontrollably.

Minerva had heard enough. It was evident the trip to Manchester didn't include her and there was no way Isobel was going to believe that she was going to lose her. "Mo nighean, listen to me." Taking her hand she led her to the couch and perched next to her, When the sobbing grew harsher, she pulled the girl back into her arms, lifting her slightly to settle her on her knee. "We're going to see each other shortly since we still have to get you more supplies to prepare for the school year. You're not going to lose me."

"I wanna stay with you." Isobel hiccupped. "Please, màthair. I wanna have more flyin' lessons an'—" She hiccupped again. "— an' learn more about this world and listen to mamó's stories about you, grandpa and my uncles."

Minerva rubbed circles on her back soothingly and looking across the room, saw Hermione biting her lip, tears flowing freely down her face. "If you're willing, it would please me to keep Isobel at the Manse for the next week or so." She was hopeful. "It would give you time to think about everything. Please, lass. Won't you give us this?"

Hermione nodded. "Alright," she agreed. "I'll be in touch soon."

"You're also welcome at the Manse, lass," Minerva stated softly. "Whenever you're ready."

Hermione looked like she wanted to say something but instead nodded again and remained silent. She moved towards the fireplace and taking a pinch of Floo Powder, threw it into the grate. Green flames roared to life and she stepped inside and announced her destination clearly. "Boggart Hole Clough." The green flames swirled and danced around the brunette.

Before she vanished from view, leaving Minerva and Isobel crying on the sofa, she could have sworn she heard Hermione speak. "Love isn't enough to fix all of my issues."

"Still so insufferable." Snape sneered.

"That's enough," Minerva growled. Taking her wand from her robes, she flicked it towards the portrait of her predecessor and the frame spun around so it was facing the wall.

"Minerva?" The muffled voice came from the portrait. "Please, I'm sorry."

"He isn't," Dumbledore commented knowingly.

They sat in silence, with her soothing Isobel until her wracking sobs became soft snuffles and the girl fell into a deep, emotionally exhausted sleep against her chest. Holstering her wand, she checked the time and realised they'd been sitting there for over an hour. She lifted Isobel, whispering a feather-light charm, before standing and stepping towards the fireplace. "I'm taking my daughter home." She told the rest of the portraits. "I'll see you all in a few days." She glanced up at Albus Dumbledore and saw his soft smile and twinkling eyes. "Do not let the house-elves move him." She stated, flicking her head towards the back of Snape's portrait.

"Of course, Tabby." Dumbledore acquiesced.

Keeping a secure hold on Isobel, she took a small fistful of Floo Powder and tossed it into the fire. Stepping into the flames, she glanced down at Isobel who had her head resting against her shoulder, her eyes puffy from her tears and her nose red. "The Manse." She declared. They began spinning past random fireplaces until they reached their destination and she stepped from her hearth and into her sitting room.

"Nighean, I'm glad you are back. You have a visitor." The voice of her màthair announced.

Shifting Isobel and gazing around the room, she noticed the young man she'd seen earlier that day waiting for her in one of the armchairs. "Potter?" She bowed her head to him in acknowledgement.

"I'm sorry just to turn up like this, Professor. Can we talk?" Harry asked hesitantly.

"Aye, lad. Give me a moment to put Isobel down." Minerva stepped from the room quickly but took her time to carry Isobel to her room. Laying her down on the bed, she sat beside the young girl, stroking her hair from her face. Pulling her wand free, she cast a silent Accio and a bowl, face cloth and glass appeared on the bedside table. "Aguamenti." A clear stream of water flowed from her wand tip into the bowl and glass. Drawing the bowl closer, she moved her wand in slow clockwise circles and cast a warming charm. "Focillo." Finally placing the face cloth into the warm water, she rang the excess water out and wiped under Isobel's eyes and around her nose gently. "Effie?" She queried. When the house-elf appeared, Minerva relaxed imperceptibly. "Can you watch her, please?"

"Yes, Minerva." Effie squeaked. "I'll watch over the young miss 'til you're ready for supper." The tiny elf looked up at her. "You're not angry about me letting Harry Potter in?"

"No, I'm not, Effie." She offered the elf a smile. "Thank you for watching over her," Minerva exhaled, somewhat relieved at the knowledge Isobel wouldn't wake up alone. Standing, she bent and placed a light kiss against Isobel's forehead. "Tha gaol agam ort, mo nighean [I love you, my daughter]."

~x~

Where's Hermione?" Harry asked when Minerva eventually returned to the sitting room.

Spotting the tea service laid out on the coffee table, she marched over and poured herself a cup, adding a small splash of milk. "She's gone home." Minerva's voice was hoarse.

"And where's that?" Harry asked. "I didn't get a chance to ask earlier." He blushed and looked away pointedly.

She sipped her tea with a sigh. "The northwest of England, a couple of miles outside Manchester," Minerva stated. "I think she needs some time to come to terms with the fact she's a part of this world again, whether she likes it or not."

"But—" Harry faltered and sighed. "—I can understand why she left. I spoke to him." He admitted. "After you left Madam Puddifoot's, I went straight to The Burrow and had it out with him." He closed his eyes. "He tried to deny it, but I sensed he was withholding the truth and continued to push his buttons, knowing he'd react. Well, he finally confessed they had sex and when I asked if at any stage she'd told him no, or asked him to stop, he skirted around the questions without denying it outright. He then tried to turn it all around on her by saying she led him on, but the more flustered and angry he became, the more he let slip. He claims, after everything, that she should have been his. That after everything, he deserved to have her, as if she was a prize for him to claim." Harry explained.

Minerva scoffed. "She always deserved better."

"I think that's what upset me the most. I know Hermione had such a capacity for greatness and because of him, she let it all go. Back then, with how brilliant she was, I could see her making a difference in this world and perhaps becoming the next Minister for Magic." Harry commented softly.

"That would never have happened," Minerva told him. "She wanted to teach."

"Did she?" Harry looked surprised. "I didn't know that."

"Neither did I until yesterday," Minerva admitted. "I should have realised it was what she was working towards when she insisted on not only taking her NEWTs but also studying her Charms and Transfiguration Masteries."

"I still have no idea how she did it. She's got to be a genius." Harry insisted.

"Perhaps" Minerva smirked. "I'd say she's certainly a borderline genius." Harry chuckled. "So what happened with Mr Weasley?"

"I was so angry, I hexed him a couple of times then left." He admitted. "Just a Redactum Skullus, then a Furnunculus, but—"

"I'd say shrinking that big head of his and then covering it with boils was well deserved." Minerva's lips twitched when she imagined the sight. "I wish I'd seen it."

"I don't know who he is anymore. If I ever did." Harry revealed. "He's not the man I thought he was. He's not even sorry for the pain he caused."

"I didn't think he would be," Minerva admitted. "Not after witnessing what he's capable of." She sighed. "Now, how about the rest of the Weasleys?" Minerva asked. "How did they react?"

"Arthur wasn't home. Romilda was there, but she left as soon as he admitted what he'd done. I think Angie wanted to curse him herself, I heard her calling him a bastard coated bastard with a bastard filling before Molly told her to shut up.." He scratched his stubbled chin. "Molly agreed with Ron and said Hermione belonged with him, not you, and that she should have been his wife, not yours. She took his side." He scoffed. "As I knew she would." Harry looked at her, his devastation expressed in the depths of his green eyes. He furiously rubbed his eyes. "I asked Gin to come with me but she stayed."

"Oh, Harry. I'm sorry." Minerva whispered, putting her teacup down. Stepping towards the young man, she knelt in front of him before wrapping him up in a hug and holding him tightly. He stiffened for a moment before sinking into the comfort of her arms. "The choice she's made is no reflection on you, lad." She said, trying to reassure him. "You've been a wonderfully loving and supportive husband and father. No one could ever ask for better."

"It wasn't enough though," Harry whispered. "She said if I chose Hermione over the family, she'd keep the kids from me."

"She can't keep them from you, lad," Minerva explained. "But you're not alone. I'll help in any way I can to ensure you have contact with your children, if not full custody. You know I have a rather capable team at my disposal, who assist in the maintenance of my family assets and I'd be happy to recommend they take on your case to deal with the legalities."

"Thank you, Professor." Harry pulled back from the embrace and gazed at her warily. "Do you still have Hermione's memories?" He asked. "You said you'd seen what happened from them."

"No, I don't, Harry, and even if I did, I wouldn't break her trust by showing them to you," Minerva told him, rising to her feet and sinking into the chair angled next to his. "She only shared them with me so she didn't have to speak of it and I believe she only let it slip today in a fit of temper." She sighed. "We had words this afternoon, about money of all things, and I believe I may have pushed her too far." Closing her eyes, she told him her greatest fear. "I don't know if she'll be back."

"Oh," Harry's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I was hoping to talk to her about bringing a case up with the D.M.L.E. I can't just let him get away with this. To do what he did to her is despicable."

"You could still raise it, using his admission from today. I'm sure the Ministry would agree to use Veritaserum, although what Mr Weasley believes is the truth and his perception of reality may potentially affect the results." Minerva glanced at the man beside her. "Do you think he'll make further trouble?"

"Yeah, I don't doubt it. He was so angry when I mentioned Hermione and the things she'd said. He said—" Harry looked queasy. "—he said if she tried to tell anyone else, he'd force her to watch as he killed the little one, then he'd kill her. He stated he'd leave their bodies at the gates of Hogwarts for you to find and bury. He said you could finally use the empty tomb holding her name."

Minerva stood and glanced up at her màthair who looked down at her worriedly. "I believe such a threat against my family is something I must act upon immediately." Closing her eyes, she tested the wards around the manse and found them intact. "Màthair, can you go to Hogwarts and tell Albus what has occurred? Ask him if he can think of any further protections we can put into place. Don't attempt to use Snape's portrait, it is unavailable."

"Of course, nighean." She stepped out of the side of the portrait and was gone before Minerva could blink. She knew her màthair would do what was needed to protect her daughter.

Casting a Patronus, she muttered her messages and the silver cat shot across the room before splitting into three and evaporating. Moving back towards Harry, she noticed him watching her. "I've asked Mr Malfoy to fetch Hermione from her home and for Kingsley and George to come here."

"Why Malfoy?" Harry questioned.

She settled into her armchair and bent to take up her mug of tea. Sipping it slowly, she considered what to say. "They became friends in their final year after he told her where she could find her parents. It seems Narcissa was there for her shortly after Isobel's birth too." Minerva explained. "She trusts them." She told him softly.

They sat there, deep in thought while sipping their drinks until she heard the loud crack of someone apparating just outside of her protective wards. Harry stiffened and drew out his wand, clearly prepared to put it to use.

Glancing at the clock, she realised they'd been sitting in perfect silence for almost thirty minutes. A silver Lynx Patronus entered the room and Kingsley Shacklebolt's voice rang out. "Minerva, We're here as you requested."

"I'll be back in a moment, lad. Please, relax." She moved from the room and out front of the Manse, striding forward, her wand in hand. She spotted Kingsley next to George and Angelina, who were carrying their two children and a hissing pet carrier. "Good evening and welcome." Minerva smiled sadly. "Thank you for coming at such short notice. If you'd please follow me, Harry's already here."

Lowering the wards, she turned back to the front entrance, only to hear Kingsley express surprise over not being questioned in the manner he'd become accustomed to since the second war. "Damn, you didn't ask the usual security questions."

Minerva glanced at the large man keeping pace by her side. "Constant vigilance is all well and good, Kingsley, but I believe I know where my next threat is coming from."

"Where?" Kingsley asked in concern.

"It's more of a who." She glanced over her shoulder and saw Angelina nudge George. "Ronald Weasley."

~x~

Minerva pointed Kingsley in the direction of the sitting room, knowing Harry would fill him in, and led George and Angelina upstairs to have their children watched over by Effie. She was glad to see Isobel was awake and happily reading Hogwarts: A History to Effie, with Oran on her lap.

When Fred and Roxanne settled down on the large rug with a few of their toys, colouring books and crayons, she was surprised to see they seemed content to do their own thing, despite being in unfamiliar surroundings.

While George and Angelina spoke to them, telling them to be good, Minerva stepped towards Isobel, brushed the auburn hair from her face and dropped a soft kiss on her forehead. "Your mum will be here soon, but we need some time to talk before supper. Can you help Effie watch Fred and Roxanne for me?"

"Alright," Isobel agreed. "Is mam okay?"

"I hope so." Minerva stepped away and glanced at the small bookshelf she'd arranged the day before. Pulling out her copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard, she placed it beside Isobel. "Perhaps you could read this to them if they get bored." She smiled and handed the book over, marvelling at Isobel's bright smile in return. Her heart thudded painfully at how much she looked like a younger Hermione when she smiled, and how much she'd missed seeing that cheeky grin.

Moving back down the stairs, they returned to the sitting room and settled in various seats only to turn their heads towards the front door when Draco Malfoy entered the Manse. He walked directly into the room, dragging a pale woman along in his wake and found everyone sitting with cups of tea and coffee.

"Good evening, Professor. Sorry for the delay, this one vomited when we arrived outside the gates." The pale man drawled. "It was nothing a quick Scourgify couldn't fix and at least it wasn't slugs." His lips twitched and Harry grinned. "I was surprised I could head straight in." Malfoy declared, casting a glance around the room. "Pour me a cup, would you, Potter?"

"You could enter because Hermione is with you, Mr Malfoy. As my mate, the wards recognise her magical signature." Minerva muttered. As she'd expected, Kingsley and Malfoy gaped at her, but ignoring them, she glanced at Hermione who was glaring at her despite still looking decidedly ill from the apparition. She understood she needed to justify her behaviour quickly. "I realise this wasn't what you wanted but please, lass, sit down and let me explain." She pleaded. She poured a cup of tea, added sugar and milk and held it out to the brunette.

"Minerva, within minutes of arriving unannounced in my living room, Draco packed the entire contents of my house into an enormous trunk, shrank it down, put it in his cloak pocket, grabbed me and brought me back here." Hermione seethed before sinking onto the floor in front of the fire. She sat crossed-legged, her arms folded defensively across her chest and ignored the offered tea cup.

"Well, she was already packing," Malfoy explained with a nonchalant shrug. "The Muggle way too." He shook his head in disbelief before brushing away the errant strand of blonde hair that fell into his eyes. "It would have taken her all week, so I simply decided to help." He pulled a small box from his robes, placed it on the floor, and waved his wand to return it to its proper size with a smug smirk.

Hermione groaned and closed her eyes as Minerva bent down to place the tea beside her. "Just tell me what's going on."

"Ron made some threats against you and Isobel," Harry told her. "I believe he means to hurt you both." He looked at George. "Mate, I swear, if you'd seen and heard his reaction today, you'd understand why I'm so worried. Angie was there and—"

"She told me," George muttered. "And then mum fire-called me to provide her two Knuts worth, after reversing your hexes." He shook his head. "Crooks hissed at her, then took a swipe at her head so she soon buggered off."

At his name, Crookshanks yowled loudly and Minerva bent to release him from his carrier. Hissing, he glared up at George balefully before noticing Hermione and bounding over to her. He headbutted her shoulder and yowled again. "I know, you never liked the carrier, Crookshanks." Hermione scratched behind his ears and he started to purr. He climbed into her lap and turned a few times, finally curled up into a ball in much the same way as Minerva had the morning before.

"Wow, in all these years I've never seen that beast act like that," Angelina stated causing Hermione to smile slightly. "Maybe you should keep him."

"Maybe." Hermione shrugged.

"You seem rather calm to say a threat has been made against you, Hermione," Kingsley noted, his deep voice showing his concern.

"I don't think he'd be all that successful if he attacked me." Hermione sneered. "He was never particularly imaginative in combat and I reckon I can handle myself."

"He was an Auror for two years," Harry said with a frown.

"Wow, that's such an achievement," Hermione remarked dismissively, causing Malfoy to snigger. "Even Neville lasted longer than he did, plus it means he's not been an Auror for almost ten years. So what made him leave? Was it all too hard for ickle Ronnikins?" She queried scathingly.

"He said he wanted to help me with the business," George told her. "If I'd known—"

Hermione waved George's concerns away and gazed up at Minerva. "So, what's the plan?"

"The wards are fairly impenetrable, and very few have been granted access. In fact, before today, only Kingsley, Draco and Harry knew where my home outside of Hogwarts is." Minerva stated. "I want you and Isobel to remain here, where you'll be safe."

"Oh," Hermione sounded stunned.

"And I'd like to see the memory you showed the Headmistress," Harry explained.

"No," Hermione's voice held a note of finality. She glanced up at Minerva who found herself bristling. "I wasn't saying no to staying, love, but to sharing the memory." She explained softly. Minerva let herself relax and nodded.

"But—but—" Harry stuttered. "—once I've seen it, along with his threats today, I can raise a case. He could be sent to Azkaban for what he's done to you."

"No." Hermione was adamant. She gazed at him passively. "Harry, where's Ginny?"

"She—er—she's still at The Burrow with James, Albus and Lily," Harry muttered. "I don't think she knew what he'd done, but she wasn't—" his jaw clenched. "—she didn't understand why it was essential for me to find you. I always knew she was jealous of our friendship, but she agreed with Ron and told me searching for you was a waste of time and I let her talk me into giving up." He looked down. "I should have fought harder to keep looking for you."

"You did the right thing, Harry," Hermione declared.

"I was the one that talked the Headmistress into abandoning the search." Harry's admission had him blushing. "We just kept hitting dead ends and it was taking her focus away from Hogwarts, and—"

"I've told you, I didn't want to be found," Hermione replied. "After everything, I didn't want to face what had happened to me. Between being tortured by Bellatrix and what he—" She swallowed audibly. "—I was hurt, then angry." She shook her head. "No, not just angry, I was murderous. If I'd stayed, I would have been the one to end up in Azkaban. There was so much rage in me." She tugged at Crookshanks's ears lightly.

"Hermione, I'm sure that—" Kingsley started.

"I would have caused him as much pain as he caused me, Kingsley." Hermione interrupted the Minister for Magic. "I would have used everything I thought I'd come to terms with from the war, plus what he'd just done to me, and I'd have taken all that pain and suffering out on him. I would've humiliated and then finished him, and left his corpse to rot in the Forbidden Forest." Noticing George looked pale and Angelina was holding his hand tightly, Hermione closed her eyes and took a few calming breaths.

"Were you the one to curse him?" Kingsley queried.

"Yes. I won't deny it. I wanted to hurt him as much as he'd hurt me. At that moment, I had no control of my magic, Kingsley, and no wand to channel it. There's no knowing what I would have done to him if he hadn't left when he did." She glanced at George before her eyes flicked to Harry. "You realise I don't expect any of you to stand by me, right? I'd never ask for you to go against your family."

"Not even if it's the right thing to do?" George asked gently.

"No. Family's everything," Hermione whispered sadly. She shook herself and gazed at each of them. "I realised that after I'd lost my own, but then I had Izzy and things began to hurt a little less and I managed to get on with my life outside of all this as best as I could." She looked at George. "I won't be the one to break up your family, Georgie."

"Hermione, you are my family. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have Angie or the kids." George told her. Standing up, he stepped closer and knelt in front of her. His large hand reached out and cupped her cheek forcing her to meet his earnest gaze. "After I lost Fred, you were there for me and saved me from self-destructing. You helped me want to live again and because of that, I reconnected with Angie. Thanks to you, my life is full of love and laughter. I only wish I could have returned the favour and been there for you, back when you needed someone."

Harry stood and sat beside Hermione in front of the hearth. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her towards him. "I wish you could've seen that any one of us would have been the soft place you could land. We would have stood by you."

"That's very true," Kingsley muttered, pacing furiously and considering what he could do with what he knew, his hand occasionally clenching into a fist. He looked both furious and resolute.

"My mother and I feel the same too," Malfoy stated. "So why were you packing?" He asked, tactless as ever. "Were you going to leave again?"

"No, if you must know, I was intending to return." Hermione turned her head to look up at Minerva and her lips twitched in the hint of a smile despite the fact her eyes held deep-seated sadness. "I told you I wanted to try and—"

Minerva was stunned by the words, having believed that all she would have of Hermione, after leaving her again, was the past few days. "Lass, I—"

"—I was going to ask you to come to Manchester with me, but Izzy took everything the wrong way, and I didn't want to ask, only for you to say no, and for her to get even more upset with me." Hermione continued to explain. "So I went home and gave immediate notice on my job and the house. I was going to pack and then, in a couple of days, try and send you a Patronus to ask if I could come here, or if the cottage was still available." She shrugged.

Licking her lips, Minerva realised the others in the room were listening intently to what should have been a private conversation. "We'll talk more about this, lass, but before that, we need to work out what to do about the youngest Mr Weasley." Minerva glanced at Kingsley, her eyes hard. "I'm warning you now, Minister, if he so much as looks at my daughter or my mate the wrong way, I'll curse him into oblivion."

Kingsley shuddered at her ominous tone, knowing full well from experience she meant what she said.

~x~