Disclaimers: See chapter 1.
~x~
"You've been so strong," Minerva whispered into the darkness.
"I couldn't give up once I knew I was going to have a baby. If I had to be strong for anyone, it was my child." Hermione admitted softly. "And until recently, it's just carried over from there." She shrugged, brushing off Minerva's words.
Almost a week had passed since they'd reconnected and Ron's trial was due to start the following day and it had them all on edge.
Rita Skeeter had reported on the arrest the day after it happened, despite not having all the facts and only half of the story, since Molly and Ginny had talked to her. In a fit of outrage, Arthur had left the family home and settled into the empty flat above Wizarding Wheezes in Diagon Alley, ignoring his wife and youngest child's attempts at contact.
In a heartbreaking few hours, Hermione had explained what had happened before her birth to Isobel, in the most truthful yet age-appropriate way, and the young girl had been inconsolable for a time, from the knowledge that her mum had been hurt in such a way, and then from fear that there had been a mistake and she was Ron's child.
Minerva had taken the time to reassure her, showing her the family photo albums and trying to remind her how their magic had shown their familial connection the moment they first met and touched.
The time since then hadn't been plain sailing and was especially tense for those at the Manse after they'd invited Harry for tea and explained they felt there was a possibility of him having spent years under an Enchantment. To prove their point, Minerva cast a Finite Incantartem followed by an Aura Incantem, to show the presence of magic not dispelled by the initial spell, when a purple light formed around him. After proving their point, it had taken no time at all after that to get his agreement to take time off from work to attempt to reverse it.
They had done what they could for Harry, but it had been a drawn-out process. It included Minerva contacting one of her old friends in the Department of Mysteries to assist in the removal of almost 15 years of memories, before reversing the spell, and then embedding them back into his mind in a way that wouldn't cause harm. A friend of Madam Pomfrey's, a mind healer from St Mungo's, had been present at every stage to monitor the progress and to cast a periodic Vides Cerebra, to check for abnormalities in his brain activity.
The removal of the charm had gone as expected, but for a short time after the counter-charm had been cast, and before the memories had been returned to him, Harry believed himself to be his sixteen-year-old self, unable to understand why he was with Minerva rather than the Dursley's, nor the fact Hermione looked so much older and, when Isobel stomped into the room, that she had a child. They'd eventually talked him into looking in a mirror and upon gazing into his reflection, he'd realised he was that much older too.
Other spells had been cast to ensure there were no other compulsions in place, and the only thing they found was the clear signs of historical magic. With the help of the mind healer, they'd found out that Dumbledore had done far more in his agenda for the 'greater good' than any of them had been aware of, mainly to keep Harry isolated so he'd willingly face his death.
Minerva's fury had seen her immediately Flooing into her office at Hogwarts to have it out with the wizard, demanding answers from his portrait, only to lose her temper, once she heard the words 'greater good' and 'for the best'. She'd left as quickly as she arrived, but not before calling him a manipulative old coot and telling him to get out of her sight.
Understandably, the truth had been a devastating blow to Harry and he was furious, but with the return of his memories, and now with a clearer perspective on everything, he'd started to come to terms with the facts. The one thing hitting him hardest, was that he'd not been able to see or speak to his children since that day at the Burrow and finding his home far too quiet, he spent his evenings with them, or with Arthur, Bill or George.
"Have you thought more about what you want to do after all this?" Minerva questioned, turning on her side in the bed to look at the younger witch lying beside her. They'd continued to sleep next to each other, finding comfort in one another's presence, and often found themselves conversing late into the night only to wake up wrapped around one another. Her question was met with a frown and she couldn't stop herself from reaching out and brushing her fingers over the crease it caused. "You've been studying, and I took it to be a positive sign," Minerva explained softly.
"Charms, Transfiguration, and Wandlore," Hermione admitted. "I'll admit, I like the idea of learning more about wandcraft, but there's so much to learn, I don't know where to start." She sat up and averted her gaze towards the open window. "I'm so out of practice using magic after all these years. It seems overwhelming."
"I firmly believe you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to, lass." Minerva asserted gently. "But if you are truly unsure, why don't you send an owl to Garrick? I'm sure he'd answer any questions you have about it. Just think about it." She urged. "There are a few things I can suggest off top of my head. One, how long would it take to do the apprenticeship? Two, would you be paid or not, if yes, how much, if not, would you be free to work part-time elsewhere? Three, once complete, would you be a simple staff member, partner, or the new owner of the business?"
"You seem to have given it some thought." Hermione mused, settling into her pillows again and glancing at her. "Far more than I have anyway."
"Well, Garrick seemed rather keen on the idea. If it's what you want and he takes you on as his apprentice and afterwards decides to retire if he wishes to sell the business, I would help you finance the venture, and you can pay me back, or not." Minerva stated quietly. "We're by no means destitute, lass and whatever the cost, it would be easy enough to find."
"I don't need your family money, love," Hermione argued.
Minerva knew Hermione was still surprised by their trip to Gringotts earlier that week. Griphook had come out of his office upon being told of their arrival and had greeted them warmly before giving Hermione a wide, sharp-toothed smile, telling her he was pleased to see her after so long. After that, without further ado, she'd been whisked through the process of registering her new wand and then led to her old vault to gather a purse full of Galleons. While Hermione accessed her vault, Minerva had organised for them to have full access to her vaults before gathering some items she wanted from them.
"I hope you realise if it was used, it wouldn't even make a dent. However, the money would be taken from my vault rather than the family one." Minerva stated. "Since the majority of my living expenses are covered in my position at Hogwarts, I add a fair whack to that particular vault each year." She admitted. "My pay over the past thirty-plus years has doubled, if not tripled the net value my uncle left as part of the Ross estate. Although admittedly, we do have quite a bit tied up in various family assets."
"Assets?" Hermione queried in consternation.
Minerva understood the younger witch's trepidation now, having queried her behaviour on their first trip into Hogsmeade and being told that Hermione had spent years during the past decade struggling financially and needing to budget so Isobel wouldn't miss out on the things that other children had. The thought of not being able to provide for her daughter or being found lacking as a parent was one of her greatest fears
Minerva returned the honesty by explaining that after becoming the heir to House Ross and having the Goblins explain what it entailed years before, she'd struggled with the change in her financial status, but admitted that she hadn't considered how her words could be construed since she hadn't needed to worry about money for many years.
"Aye, there's factories and numerous rental properties across Scotland. Elphinstone's family had a brewery and distillery as part of the Urquart estate and a chain of public houses." Minerva sighed. "There's also art and jewellery in the vaults. It's primarily why I have the Goblins to manage such things for me. It's well beyond my ken."
"So you're admitting there are things beyond your understanding?" Hermione teased lightly.
"Cheeky witch!" Minerva exclaimed, a small smirk twitching at her lips.
Hermione giggled softly before clasping her hand over her mouth and yawning, her eyes fluttering closed and her jaw cracking with the force of it.
Minerva found herself amused and wondered idly how it was that the little witch could be so adorable. She was often mystified by how enraptured she found herself when watching her unconscious gestures. "Mo ghraidh, tha thu bòidheach [My love, you are beautiful]." She whispered.
Hermione's sleepy eyes blazed open and she saw the recognition in them from her words. Shaking her head, she gazed at her. "No, you are, love. You're the beautiful one."
When Hermione offered up the compliment in return, Minerva knew she meant it, although she didn't agree. "I think we must agree to disagree, lass." She stated. "This old witch is way past her prime."
"Why would you say that?" Hermione demanded, sitting up against the pillows and crossing her arms over her chest and pouting. "In magical terms, you're just hitting your prime." She shook her head. "Is this about the age difference? I thought you'd gotten over that years ago when we first—"
"It isn't the age difference." Minerva interrupted. "That hasn't been a concern since our feelings first came to light, even before we bonded."
"Then what?" Hermione pushed for answers, her jaw set stubbornly.
Knowing she wouldn't get away with not answering, Minerva sighed. "I suddenly realised today, that the upcoming year will be my 55th at Hogwarts, not counting my school years. I've given the majority of my life to my work, and it's only now that I want to live my life for myself. I'd give it all up in a heartbeat and that terrifies me, lass."
"You'd give it up?" Hermione settled back down onto the pillows when Minerva nodded. "Will you tell me what scares you, love?"
"I want to plan a future, with you and Isobel, but I also understand if it's not something you're ready for or if it isn't what you want." Minerva hid her face against her pillow.
"I never said I didn't want that." Hermione began. "Have I made you feel that way?" She asked.
"We haven't spoken of it since those first nights and while I didn't mean to put it out there, or push you in any way, I need you to realise that this means the world to me, lass," Minerva explained, uncovering her face to peer at the witch at her side. "Having you and Isobel is the best thing to have ever happened to me. You're all I want, and if it meant I had to give up Hogwarts and make a life with you in the Muggle world, I would."
"Oh!" Hermione seemed surprised by the admission.
"I'd probably hate it, and I have no idea what I would do for a living, but I'd give it a shot if it meant I had you in my life," Minerva said. The dawning realisation of what she'd shared hit her suddenly and she stared at the younger woman in awe. "You know, it's strange for me to voice such things, but I don't regret sharing my fears with you, lass. The trust between us makes it easier to voice them and I know you will never use it against me."
"Minerva—" Easing herself up onto her elbow, Hermione pushed herself closer and sought out her lips, pressing them softly, almost hesitantly.
Minerva was filled with a deep sense of love, peace and joy, but it was quickly followed by a feeling of insecurity. Pulling back from the kiss, Minerva sighed. "Don't." She pleaded. "Please. Not unless you're certain." She closed her eyes. "Don't do that just to try and appease me because you know it's what I want."
"I'm not." Hermione shifted and leaned in close again and touching her forehead against Minerva's, she gazed into her eyes. "I love you, Minerva McGonagall. That's never changed. I want this."
Turning slightly, Minerva reached into her bedside table and pulled out a small, black velvet box she'd picked up from Gringotts. It held her grandmother's betrothal ring and she'd hoped, when the time was right, to present it to Hermione, as a sign of her commitment to their future. Gathering her Gryffindor courage, Minerva hoped that she wasn't about to make a mistake. Opening the box, she turned and showed the ring to Hermione. "This belonged to my seanmhair, Minerva Ross."
Hermione's eyes widened and a smile formed on her face. "Oh, it's gorgeous."
Taking the ring between her fingers, Minerva sat up on her knees, facing the younger witch and set the box to one side. "I swore, if I had the opportunity, I'd do this properly." She whispered, suddenly feeling nervous. "I can't contemplate being without you and I would be truly honoured if you'd wear this ring as a symbol of my love. Hermione Jean Granger, please would you make me the happiest witch on Earth and agree to become my wife?"
Tears formed in Hermione's eyes as she nodded and Minerva felt a rush of love for the woman. "Yes, I would love to be your wife." She breathed. "And I'd be honoured to wear your grandma's ring."
Minerva slipped the ring onto Hermione's left-hand ring finger and felt a flash of magic when the ring automatically resized itself to fit the finger on which it was placed and accepted their betrothal. She'd been concerned that due to their soul bond, the usual magic would no longer work, after all, they were married in the eyes of the wizarding world due to the ancient magic of their mating. "Tha mo ghion ort [I love you with all my heart]."
~x~
Leaving Isobel with Fleur and the Weasley and Potter children at Shell Cottage, Minerva and Hermione Flooed to the Ministry and made their way to the courtrooms on the tenth floor by exiting the elevator on the 9th floor at the Department of Mysteries and stepping carefully down the flight of stairs to the left.
Since Hermione, Harry and Angelina had handed over their memories of the events leading to Ron's arrest, they weren't required to give evidence and could watch the proceedings from the gallery. Seating themselves quickly next to Harry, George, Angelina, Bill and Arthur, just as Ron was being led into the courtroom, they ignored the glares aimed at them from Molly and Ginny.
Ron was pushed into a caged area and magical chains that suppressed his magic wound around him, keeping him in place.
After the initial formalities were satisfied, Kingsley, who was acting as the lead interrogator, stood and turned towards the members of the Council of Magical Law and loosened the button holding his royal blue robes together, letting them billow out behind him when he started to pace. "Esteemed members of the Council, we are here today to hear the case against Ronald Billius Weasley into offences committed on June 26th 1999, July 10th 2011 and July 11th 2011. The charges against the accused are as follows; on Saturday, June 26th 1999, he sexually assaulted Hermione Jean Granger, an act that led to her leaving the wizarding world without a trace. Following this, on Sunday, July 10th 2011, Ronald Weasley made explicit threats against Hermione Jean Granger and her daughter, in the presence of Harry James Potter and various members of House Weasley. Upon this being raised with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, when attempting to bring him to the Ministry for questioning in the early hours of Monday, July 11th, Ronald Weasley resisted arrest, which resulted in the assault of three members of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol." He spun around to face Ron. "Ronald Billius Weasley, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty," Ron muttered petulantly.
Kingsley failed to hide his disbelief when he scoffed. "Very well." He turned back to the Council of Magical Law. "To provide some background, as you are aware, after the end of the last war, in which Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger helped Harry Potter defeat Lord Voldemort, the three were lauded as heroes, however, what many do not know is that after Harry Potter disappeared with his closest friends, in search of a way to rid us of the Dark Lord, when things did not go to plan or move forward as quickly as expected, Ronald Weasley left them and hid out at the home of his elder brother, William Weasley." Kingsley paused. "This transgression was forgiven, which is why it was not made public knowledge, however, I believe it speaks of the kind of person Ronald Weasley is."
"I object!" Molly Weasley screeched from her position in the gallery.
Kingsley spun on his heel and glared up at Molly. "Are you here to represent your Son, Mrs Weasley?" He asked faux-innocently. "I didn't realise you were qualified to do so?"
Minerva rolled her eyes and when Harry sniggered, Hermione elbowed him, her lip between her teeth as she fought a grin.
"Sit down, Molly." Arthur hissed, his face red from embarrassment. Molly did as she was told, her face also turning beet red.
"As I was saying, lauded by the public as a hero, Ronald Weasley's actions were far from heroic, but despite that, his friends stood by him." Kingsley reiterated. "As for Hermione Granger, suffering the effects of the war, after being tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange, she picked up the pieces of her life by entering a relationship with the wizard and once able to do so, returning to Hogwarts."
"She should never have gone back to that bloody school," Ron ranted. "She was meant to stay with me."
Kingsley waved his wand silencing Ron with a Langlock, causing his tongue to stick to the roof of his mouth. "Upon deciding to continue her studies, Ms Granger did not find the support she needed in her relationship with the accused, and she ended things. The fact is, she found the love and support she needed elsewhere. Her soul had discovered its mate and as many are aware, that form of ancient magic can't be ignored, no matter how stubborn both witches are." He smirked at Minerva and Hermione. "Upon further investigation, it must be noted that Hermione Granger's name is noted in the Book of Souls, prophesied to be the mate of Minerva McGonagall, head of the Noble and Ancient House Ross. "
Kingsley had to pause as some members of the Council began to confer with one another while the other council members listened and flipped through the sheaths of papers containing the evidence his team had accrued. He waited patiently for them to finish and Minerva noticed that many of the witches and warlocks in the courtroom looked shocked by this new information.
The Book of Souls, held in the depths of the Department of Mysteries, was something that could not be ignored.
"From the testimonies, I have been given, including various memories and the use of Veritaserum, all of which you have been offered as evidence, there is unequivocal proof that Ronald Weasley performed the most heinous act upon Hermione Granger, one of rape. His crime against the young woman in question, one of his so-called best friends, was committed after learning a soul bond had been formed." Kingsley frowned. "He has pleaded not guilty today, but the fact is, under the effects of Veritaserum, he admitted that Hermione Granger implored him to stop, meaning this was in no way consensual. His actions left the young witch feeling ashamed and unable to see a future for herself in this world. But worse still, his actions that day tore soulmates apart for 12 years." He stalled once again, letting his words sink in, before continuing. "As you can imagine, due to the ancient magic involved, this caused irrevocable emotional damage to both witches."
An elderly wizard in plum robes holding an elaborate silver "W" spoke from the bench, and Minerva gazed impassively at him. "Why is this only coming to light now?" Elphias Doge asked, his voice whispy.
Kingsley frowned. "Special Advisor Doge, due to Hermione's belief that she could not remain in this world after facing the atrocities of war, the outdated blood prejudice that was once prevalent, and the assault at the hands of a one-time friend, she returned to her Muggle life. She travelled to Australia, where her parents had settled during the war, before eventually returning to the Isle. As part of their bond, Hermione Granger and Minerva McGonagall conceived a child, a daughter, Isobel. Hermione did not want anyone to know of the child, fearing she would face the same prejudice."
Elphias sat back and smiled softly. "Isobel, after her Grandmother, I assume?" He smiled up at Minerva and Hermione who nodded their heads in agreement. "I take it young Isobel's a witch?" His eyebrows rose and Minerva knew he was looking for a response. She clasped Hermione's hand and squeezed it.
"Yes, sir," Hermione stated. "She was visited, as all Muggle-born students are, with an invitation to attend Hogwarts."
"But she's not Muggle-born, is she?" Gawain Robards, the previous head of the Auror department bellowed his question.
"No, Sir. She's half-blood." Hermione told him. "But if you take into account the events from the memory I provided, I lost my wand 12 years ago when it was snapped. Since then, I have lived as a Muggle, without performing any magic, which means Isobel wasn't aware of her magical heritage."
"But we all saw you're able to perform wandless magic," Gawain stated. "Dark magic at that."
"It's true I am capable of performing some wandless magic. However, I believe it was the violation I experienced at the hands of someone I trusted, that caused me to react in such a dark way." Hermione bowed her head. "I went through the whole war without casting a single Unforgivable Curse, but the revulsion and fear I felt that day was far greater than anything I'd experienced before that point. It went beyond the terror I felt at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange when I was tortured with the Cruciatus Curse for hours before she branded me. I can admit, the strength behind the curses, and my lack of control, frightened me and it has stopped me from performing any magic until recently."
Once again there were a few mutters within the ranks of the Council of Magical Law and Ron looked like he wanted to speak, his face was as red as his hair and waves of anger pulsed from him.
Kingsley took up where he had left off, before Hermione had been questioned, despite her position in the gallery rather than on the witness stand. "The reason this has come to light now, after so many years, is because Harry Potter, the current Head of the Auror Division, was stunned to find out the true reason behind the disappearance of Hermione Granger. He questioned Ronald Weasley about it and grew quite concerned after hearing additional threats made against her, which included a warning that he'd kill her child, as evidenced in the memories of both Harry Potter and Angelina Weasley. Harry believes, as I do, that Ronald Weasley poses a great danger to the welfare of these witches and that the crime he committed 12 years ago demands retribution." Kingsley bowed his head and reversed the spell he'd placed on Ron.
"She was meant to be my wife!" Ron bellowed. "And she mated with that—" He continued to sputter. "—she got what she deserved!"
Gawain stood up from the bench and glared at Ron. "Shut your mouth, boy." He snarled. He turned back to his peers and began to speak. "Fellow members of the Council, I would like to ask the victim if she has any further thoughts on the subject." All eyes turned to Hermione who had closed her eyes, trying to block out the man below as he spewed his vitriol.
Minerva kept hold of her hand, her thumb rubbing unconsciously over the ruby stone on the betrothal ring she wore, trying to offer comfort. She could feel the younger witch shaking slightly as her apprehension rose.
Hermione finally stood, letting go of her hand and wobbling slightly. She tried to calm herself by gripping the barrier in front of her with both hands and taking a few deep breaths. "Thank you, Mr Robards. While this incident is in my past and I'd prefer not to discuss it further, it's something that still affects my life. I was irrevocably changed because of it, yet I've had to live with it and try to move on, not just for my own sake but for my daughter too."
"Have you been treated for this?" Elphias asked gently.
"Yes, I saw a healer last week for something unrelated, but what he did to me, caused both mental and physical scars which were treated. What I have come to realise since is that I'm not a victim, but I am a survivor. I've continued to live and prosper despite having been ra—raped." Although she faltered, the distinction was clear. "I have complete faith in the Council's decision and trust that you'll administer a suitable sentence." She sat down heavily, exhaling a deep breath.
"Well said, lass," Minerva whispered, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close.
"Thank you, Ms Granger, and may I congratulate you on your betrothal." Elphias declared.
Hermione smiled and mouthed a thank you to the elderly witch as she tilted her head to him once again in acknowledgement.
Ron saw red and surged against the chains holding him. "WHAT? YOU FILTHY MUDBLOOD WHORE! YOU'RE MARRYING THAT OLD HAG—"
Minerva was certain Ron had just shot himself in the foot. The use of the word Mudblood had shown his ignorance. Great strides had been made to put a stop to the use of such derogatory terms since the war, reforms partially led by Draco Malfoy, much to his wife's happiness and father's disgust.
To stop Ron, Kingsley case another Langlock, cutting off whatever he was saying and the members of the Council of Magical Law looked appalled by the display. "Members of the Council, I believe the accused has provided us with a display of his true character and any further questioning will be of little value today."
"I believe I agree," Gawain growled. "So what do you suggest, Kingsley?"
"This is an open and shut case, with enough evidence to prove beyond any reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty. I believe we should forgo any further discussion about the charges relating to resisting arrest and the assault of three officers from the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol and start discussing the recommended sentence."
"Go on," Gawain gestured idly for him to continue.
"I ask that Ronald Weasley receive the maximum sentence available." He glanced at Minerva and Hermione, bowing his head to them. "I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise to you both for having to bear witness to such deplorable language and behaviour, ladies."
"No apologies are needed, Minister. It's not your fault." Minerva stated. She sat back, her arms folded across her chest, glancing at Molly to indicate who she blamed.
The members of the Council of Magical Law conferred quietly between themselves, flicking through the dossier of evidence they'd been provided from the investigation, and discussing the memories they'd all viewed. Within five minutes, everyone except for Elphias Doge had settled back into their seats.
He stared down at Ron and spoke clearly. "Ronald Billius Weasley, the seriousness of the charges against you are of great concern and having considered the evidence, we find you guilty of all charges." He rocked on his heels slightly. "We have taken into consideration your age, your time as an Auror, your previously unblemished record, and your assumed status as a war hero in our sentencing. However, we must also take into account the clear lack of remorse seen today with your verbal attack on the head of the Noble and Ancient House Ross and Ms Granger. As such, we hereby sentence you to 20 years in the medium-security wing of Azkaban. You will be allocated a mind healer to look into the root cause of your anger and to aid you in managing it." He waved her wand to reverse the spell on Ron.
"What!" Ron raged, clearly incensed.
"Upon your release, your magic will be restrained for five years and you will be referred to a Healer to medically decrease your libido. This will ensure you never go out into this world and violate another witch." Elphias stated. "Despite my advanced age, and being a man, I feel that this is a suitable solution, and the safest option."
"You can't do this to me!" Ron yelled.
"Mr Weasley, by your admission under the effects of Veritaserum, you had unprotected and non-consensual relations with Ms Granger. It is clear you continue to pose a substantial risk to her, despite the harm you've already inflicted." Elphias told him, his disgust obvious. "Be grateful the old punishments no longer apply. I believe the Dementor's kiss would be far worse."
"Court dismissed." Gawain declared. "Take him away."
Susan Bones stepped forward, flanked by two Aurors and removed the magical chains, switching them with ease to magic suppressing ankle and wrists manacles. Pushing him forward, he stumbled slightly before righting himself.
"Mum, please. You have to do something." Ron wailed, looking over his shoulder at Molly.
"I'm sorry son," Molly's chin wobbled as fat tears rolled down her face.
"Dad, please," Ron begged as he was pushed forward once more.
Arthur frowned and shook his head. "You're no son of mine. You've brought shame to the family which gives me no other choice."
"Arthur, no!" Molly cried.
"Ronald Billius Weasley, I cast you out." Arthur turned and gazed at his wife and daughter. "While I'm at it, I also cast you out, Ginerva Molly Weasley. Molly, I will be seeking a divorce. You can keep the house." He pivoted on his heel and left the courtroom without looking back, Bill, George and Angelina rushing after him.
Minerva stood, and stepped out of the row into the central isle of the gallery. Pulling her wand free, she eyed the wizard being led away. "Mr Weasley." She called out. As expected the young man looked over his shoulder at her. "Slugulus Eructo." A blast of green shot from her wand tip and she took pleasure in watching the man grow pale and sallow-skinned before belching.
She smirked when a large slug spattered on the stone floor at his feet.
~x~