"Hermione, later you could ask Minerva what comes after 'My love please' for your Gaelic translation…"

She felt herself respond in a non-committal nod, and then released the breath that caught in her lungs when Harry finally left.

"Mo ghràdh mas e do thoil e" She uttered to her empty flat.

Year 1999 | 2nd Seventh of May

Chapter 2

Early Evening | Finding a Master

Hermione touched the iron gates of Hogwarts and the imposing metal cracked open to let her in. Undoubtedly the castle's primary access was laced with charms to automatically let in those who have submitted their names for tonight's ceremony. Actually she didn't, but Harry sought her signature a week ago to send it himself. Childishly, she had hoped that he had misplaced it and entirely missed the deadline. No such 'luck', obviously.

She sighed as the gates closed behind her after she stepped inside. She started her measured walk and wondered if the castle's wards tonight were also set to send to its Headmistress the name of who had just arrived. She really didn't think so as it would be too great of a disturbance and quite impractical considering the number of guests tonight. Nonetheless, she shuddered at the notion that Minerva might immediately know that she just set foot at Hogwarts.

She recalled the last time she pushed open these gates and trudged forth on these grounds, exactly a year ago. For all the twelve months that passed, her broken heart had barred her from coming back. And she was extremely grateful that strictly speaking she didn't have to. Not even in relation to her education.

Last June, to mobilise students' lives into the next phase after the war, Hogwarts and the Ministry jointly designed, approved and conducted an educational bridge platform. Basically they were special examinations, intended to determine if a student is promoted to the next level, or be retained to their prematurely halted one when they return to school by September 1. But for fifth and seventh year students, their special examinations would serve as qualifying examination for their OWLs and NEWTs respectively.

Hogwarts professors aided by some Ministry employees held a rigid two and half-week tutorial for anyone who had wanted the extra preparation. And because Hogwarts was still under repair at that time, all tutorials including the examinations themselves were done at the Ministry's building.

When the official announcement came out, a week and half before the scheduled tutorials, Hermione resolutely asked Kingsley about taking the examinations that very day. And because everyone seemed to have concluded that it was mere formality for the Golden Brain, no one raised an issue when she was allowed. And no one was surprised when she passed. But to the amazement of all, she also took her NEWTs within the next couple of days and breezed through them with high marks.

Her outstanding marks and with the forgone conclusion that she is the brightest witch of her age; Kingsley promptly offered her a full job in MLE. Deep inside she wanted to accept such great opportunity, and strangely because she wanted her first job to be where Minerva had hers. But instead she asked Kingsley if she could be hired for the open research job at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Kingsley refused her because he was adamant that her talents would be gravely under-utilized there.

Hermione felt that to make her plans work, (to keep on moving forward, be as damn busy as she could be without failing, and more importantly be as far away as possible from Minerva) she had no choice but disclosed to him of her ambitious goal to start and finish Charms Mastery in just one year. As Ravenclaw, Kingsley easily understood higher education pursuits and given that the concerned person is Hermione Granger, he relented and assigned her at the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, but for a better post than just research.

Either from genuine concern or mere intrigue, people questioned why she did not get a more prestigious post, especially with her heralded intelligence and skills. At that point, only Kingsley, Harry and Ron knew of her plans of further education. And quite predictably, the talk stopped and people understood when she officially started her Charms mastery with Professor Flitwick. About two weeks after she started her job at the Ministry.

But to the shock of many, after a month, she took another apprenticeship— one for Transfiguration.

Truthfully, Hermione wanted to take Transfiguration mastery from the start, but as the field leads to no other than the Master of all— Minerva McGonagall, she opted to take Charms. But then she met Level 3 Transfiguration Master Klyde Creighton, a middle-aged wizard who moved back in Europe after living in Asia for more than thirty years. And before she knew it, she had asked if he could mentor her.

Hermione was jolted from her rumination when a blur whizzed past her. She saw it— or rather saw him, suddenly stopped his hurried strides few meters ahead, and walked back to her.

"He—llo— Her—mione."

"Oh hi Neville."

"Cong—congratulations! I— I read— about your— your masteries! Wow! Really!"

After mere 9 months or so, to her satisfaction, she completed the requirements for both Charms and Transfiguration, including the final examinations. She did not even realized what she had accomplished until the Ministry record officer told her that none has done two fields in such short time. Especially when most could not even finish one subject in one year… Then her final scores officially came out two weeks ago. Hers became the new top record in Charms and the new second top record in Transfiguration.

Much to her utter dismay, the usually ignored boring academic accomplishments were suddenly published last week. Perhaps due to her 'Golden Trio' attachment, someone from the Ministry Record Department furnished the information to the press. Since then, people had been knocking to offer well intentioned but redundant congratulatory message.

"Thanks Neville. I did receive your message from Harry earlier this week. But, are you alright? You're quite winded."

"Yes. I had to come back home. I forgot this." Neville raised an approximately 8x10 inches frame covered by a velvet cloth and sort of waived it while his other hand was easing the side of his stomach as he tried to regulate his breathing.

Hermione hid her smile at realizing that although Neville certainly changed physically, as he now towers her with his lean stature and his face had all lost its 'babyness' features, still all she could see at the moment is that perpetually flustered first year fellow Gryffindor.

"Gran specifically told me to bring it so she can give it to Professor Creighton. Thank Merlin I remembered that I had forgotten it before Gran remembered to ask for it. Sometimes, my memory is still as hopeless." Neville laughingly finished his rambling account.

Hermione did let out a small smile. "It's for Klyde?"

"Yes. Did you know that they were old friends?"

Hermione shook her head and mentally calculated what she knew of Mrs. Longbottom's age and her Transfiguration master's. She didn't think they went to Hogwarts at the same period; they have more than a decade in between.

"They saw each other last holiday. Gran mentioned that she dug up an evidence of their mischief of that one summer in early 1960s. She wanted to show him tonight."

"Evidence of mischief?" She asked as together they fell into a slow pace towards the great doors of the main castle.

"It's a photo, but Gran said it was a captured moment of that mischievous afternoon. This is pretty interesting actually, a bunch of wizards and witches in all sorts of disarray and rolling in laughter."

Neville started unfastening the tie of the cloth to bring out the photo. On the other hand, Hermione's natural curiosity went deeper when she heard him started enumerating the names of those in it.

"Apart from Gran and Professor Creighton, I only recognized Former Headmaster Dumbledore, Former Minister Bagnold, Professor Moody, Hanna's Father, Susan's father and aunt. And three others I didn't really know, including the one Gran was wrestling with. "

When Dumbledore was mentioned, she immediately thought Minerva would be in it too, but Neville didn't say so. She didn't really think Neville would label Minerva as one of those he didn't know. And then she heard his adjustment—

"Oh, plus Headmistress McGonagall." Neville finally handed her the uncovered photo and her chocolate eyes zoomed on one face right away.

"Summer of Year 1963 at Bone's Manor after duel practice." Neville read the inscription. She also heard his animation as if he was seeing it for the first time like her. "This was taken 37 years ago! Can you believe that?"

"The name of the witch your Gran in wrestling with is Kleoleen, she's Klyde's older sister." She responded as she mentally traced the beautiful face of Minerva. "They all looked like they were truly having a great time."

"I know. I've never seen Gran this relaxed. And Headmistress McGonagall was obviously laughing at Sir Dumbledore here! They looked so closed that I asked Gran if they were secretly married. She laughed at me like she just heard the funniest joke ever."

"They weren't married Neville." She reluctantly handed back the photo to him. Minerva's gleaming emeralds stayed in her mind, and it prompted recall of that moment when the woman had laughed so hard at her when she narrated her boggart story. What she would give to bear witness again to such rapture.

"Oh… Well anyway, Gran said that this was Mr. Creighton last photo with them, that's why he wanted to give it to him. Few months later, he met a woman who he followed to Asia to marry and they stayed there even after she died many years ago. He only came back last year. I think you already know that. But he told Gran he returned because he could not say no to Headmistress McGonagall."

At Neville's last sentence, Hermione got utterly confused. Did he mean that Klyde Creighton finally left Asia because he was asked to teach at Hogwarts? That is not what she knew of the circumstances. While the wizard is currently teaching sixth and seventh years Transfiguration at Hogwarts, it certainly was not because Minerva asked him. Or did she?

She met Klyde at a chance introduction by Kingsley one afternoon in July. She immediately liked the wizard easy gait but obvious intellect. Later that week, she saw him again at the Ministry; apparently he needed to regularize his long abandoned records. A casual talk had led them to interesting discussion on transfiguration. Of course, it pricked her interest further after she learned that the wizard is one of the few who apprenticed under Dumbledore. She was really impressed and was inspired by him. And before she knew what she had done, she had asked Klyde if he could mentor her.

But a little more than a week before September 1, Hermione heard from Harry that Minerva would teach Transfiguration herself while holding Hogwarts headship. When she asked Harry why, he could only presume that she didn't have the time to find someone she approves of to teach her subject.

Hermione was livid at Minerva's unmistakable stubbornness. She had feared that the bloody woman would finally kill herself with overwork. She nonchalantly floated the idea of Hogwarts prestigious post to her newly found Transfiguration Mentor, and suggested that they suspend her mastery education so he could grab the opportunity to teach at the castle.

Klyde told her that he'd seek Minerva about the post. Shortly, he informed her that Minerva truly wanted to have closer interaction with young people at such crucial period of war aftermath. Hence the reason she decided to teach the subject herself. But the Headmistress admitted that she could not fit the schedule to handle all seven levels.

Klyde heard Hermione's exasperated sigh before she could cover it, and before his mentor informed her that he forced Minerva to give him a job. They settled for two levels taken off Minerva's load. And because the lighter load left Klyde with enough time to mentor her, he convinced her that they proceed with her mastery. He even asked her to drop the 'Master' and the 'Sir' and simply call him Klyde.

So did she or didn't she steal Minerva's incoming Transfiguration Professor? Why did Klyde never mention it when she talked to him about the teaching post? Hermione's brow knitted in confusion. Some things do not add-up. She thought how to delicately ask Neville without sounding too inquisitive, but her burning curiosity made her abandon it and she asked straight up.

"Klyde returned to Europe at the Headmistress' request for him to teach at Hogwarts?"

"Professor Creighton laughingly told Gran that no one 'can' really say no to one Minerva McGonagall— period. But on a serious note, and more accurately, no one says no to Minerva McGonagall especially when she requested you to mentor the brightest witch today.

Hermione was floored with the answer.

"You know, the Gryffindor Golden Brain named Hermione Granger who saved the world with Harry Potter? I think you're familiar with her?"

She vaguely heard the rest of Neville's teasing remarks. Her mind centered on one thing— 'no one says no to Minerva McGonagall especially when she requested you to mentor the brightest witch today'…

What the hell...?

Minerva found her a Transfiguration mentor! Why? Did Neville have it all wrong? The burning questions had begun seeping through her mind. But she heard Neville's worried voice and focused back to him.

"…Meant no offense. I'm sorry it must be annoying to be labeled that way. I was just… Actually, I was really just repeating what Gran was told by Mr. Creighton that was told by the Headmistress… I actually heard him myself that the Headmistress referred to you as the Brightest Gryffindor witch with a truly golden brain who saved the world with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley… Please, don't be angry. I am sorry. I really was just making it light."

She heard Neville's rambled apology. Evidently, he interpreted her silence as a negative reaction to his teasing. It was not the case. She had learnt a long time ago to dismiss the labels attached to her. She was just shocked with what she found out that it knocked the wind out of her lungs. And while her mind started crunching for the why, she felt her heart exploded at the mere fact of what Minerva had done— for her. Infinitesimal hope pushed forth and strangely, it scared her.

"No worries about it." She gave him a smile and dismissively waved a hand to convince him that nothing is amiss.

"Are you sure? You're not offended?"

"No, no Neville. Sometimes, I'd space out when suddenly I remember something I needed to do. I'm actually sorry for worrying you…"

Neville finally cracked a relieved sigh. A genuine smile appeared on Hermione's face as she thought how Neville's tender heart had remained the same.

"I'm glad Hermione." They did resume walking as apparently they had stopped without her notice. Then she heard him added, "But you know, they're not inaccurate."

"Huh?"

"Even when we were first year, we can all see how extra-ordinary your mind is. And people should not really be surprised with your recent accomplishments." Neville bravely finished his praise with another teasing, "as indeed you're the brightest witch with the golden brain!"

"Are you sure you didn't all see my big head and bushy brown hair back then?" She laughingly retorted.

Neville laughed too. "Well, also that." And they both laughed more.

Dozens of steps further, they have entered the hallway that will lead them to the Great Hall. The ceremony had obviously started as no one was loitering outside.

"You go ahead Neville, your Gran might start looking for you."

"Are you not coming?"

"I am. But I just have to swing by a bathroom. I'll see you in there shortly."

She watched Neville nodded and slipped through the doors. Then she marched towards the first room she could reach and slumped against the door after it shut closed.

Bloody hell.

When Harry left this morning, she had hoped to get sleep but she actually spent the next few hours in bed tossing the details that her best friend had unknowingly revealed to her. Turning her mind, heart and soul into complete chaos. Utterly making her confused… livid… hopeful… confused… livid… hopeful… Then repeat.

And then, not even an hour at the bloody castle…

She heard Neville's words in her head, 'No one says no to Minerva McGonagall especially when she requested you to mentor the brightest witch today…'

Confused… livid… hopeful…

Bloody Minerva McGonagall…

Confused… livid… hopeful…

Bloody woman she's in love with…

Hermione could not help the exasperated cry that pushed from the depths of her entirety and she grunted, "Good Godric help me get through intact tonight...!"

"Certainly Hermione Granger!"

Hermione's wand raised and pointed at an instant towards the direction of the voice. Lumos casted, she saw Godric Gryffindor leaning from a painting that housed a ballerina.

"Godric you gave me a fright!"

"A Gryffindor in fright? Assuredly not!" Godric Gryffindor quipped and Hermione let out a laugh, as the needed message was hammered to her in such short sentences.

"Indeed not Godric..."

"So how may I be of assistance tonight to none other than Gryffindor Hermione Granger?"

Hermione took note of the repeated Gryffindor reference. Then released a deep sigh and responded, "You already did Godric. You already did."

Hermione saw Godric smirked and laughed at her. Then as sudden, grave features focused on her. And Hermione was compelled by the Great Godric Gryffindor, "I hear that you're the brightest witch of your age. But don't ever let Rowena rule you on matters that you should be conspiring with me."

Hermione could only nod as his words washed over her. Then after a moment, Godric Gryffindor disappeared and she turned and headed towards Hogwarts great hall— uncapping her Gryffindor courage.

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End of Chapter 2 – Year 1999 | Finding a Master

A/N

1 - Klyde Creighton (and Kleoleen) are not in HP. Just my additions.

2 - By the way, I made a small revision on the previous chapter (Gaelic Omission and Admission) to include a bit of George Weasley.

3 - Again, I am just borrowing from JK Rowling.

4 - Thank you for still reading :)