Posted 2020 October 26
The Very Fourth One
Year 2005 - 4th Seventh of May - Chapter 4
Continuation
Hermione knew the emitted dainty sound from the unseen gait. However light the movement seems to be, there was no mistaking it.
Indeed, Minerva has arrived.
In no time, Hermione watched Minerva let herself inside the bedroom, shut the door behind her, and unperturbedly settled against it.
Without getting up from where she was lying, Hermione's chocolate colored eyes met emerald ones in identical fervor, downright exploring every facet of the face of the other, noting the familiar and the novel.
The older woman's fatigue did not escape Hermione. Nor the fact that the de-glamour charms had been wholly shed, thus bestowing Hermione with the beautiful raw face of Minerva. She almost snickered at the thought of Luna's 'missing Icancosus', but she stayed silent, not wanting to be the one to break the allegorical 5-year-wall, the one they had erected the last time they were in the same bedroom.
When liberal minutes of wordlessly observing each other had passed, Minerva broke the reticence, "Did I wake you?"
Hermione's forehead furrowed a bit as she considered the question. Well, the answer is a yes, and a no. She did not know why, but she opted to shake her head to communicate a no. But a prodigious yawn escaped her, which somewhat contrasted the initial response she gave.
The unintended disparity of her actions resulted to a short but unreserved chuckles from Minerva. The sudden sound filled the otherwise silent bedroom and it doused Hermione as ever. It naturally took hold of her heart in rapture, causing her signature Cheshire grin to appear in its own volition.
Minerva probably construed Hermione's reaction as permission to invite herself further into the room. With feline grace she placed her already removed her outer robe to a nearby chair and cut the last of the distance by sitting on the bed, leaving mere inches of space between them. Then once again, the witches sent time to stand still as they elected to gaze at each other.
Hermione's thoughts eventually shifted to a recollection of how their current position is mirroring that very first instance she found herself awakened by Minerva, at the McGonagall Manor, seven years ago… The realized long period, which was riddled with perpetual longing precipitously pushed forth the immense pain residing deep inside Hermione's heart. The tangles, obscurities, and hopelessness for loving Minerva have started parading in her mind. And when her brain flashed the image of her daughter…their daughter…the one hidden truth she fears above all, it made her heart halt.
The internal battle had Hermione frozen from her resting position. The earlier grin she sported had reflexively vanished. The shift in her demeanor must be palpable to Minerva that her emerald colored eyes began clouding with amalgamation of emotions. Hermione caught all these before Minerva dropped her eyes and affixed somewhere on her lap...
Hermione continued to stare at Minerva and she struggled to read the woman. She thought she could detect ruefulness, a hint of anger, or maybe doubt… She sought for words to bid but she was lost on what to say, or where to begin in the first place… She opened her lips to try to say something, maybe about the commemoration they both attended earlier, but all it produced was a ragged sighed and let silence rule over the situation.
After a considerable stillness, Minerva for the second time braved to break it. "Hermione…" She softly uttered, but her eyes retained down casted. "I am truly sorry…" She quietly delivered the apology before she slipped one hand into Hermione's nearest hand.
The words of contrition and the contact of their hands all the more muted Hermione from responding. And before she could form words to offer, Minerva's emerald eyes lifted and pinned back at hers. "I have missed you so much, Hermione."
The look and the professed sentiment thoroughly seized every fiber in Hermione. She knew that she ought to stop herself from falling into captivation. She knew she wanted Minerva to absolutely clarify on what she had apologized for. She knew that while she too had missed Minerva ever so madly, there are numerous vital matters they have to address.
But her brain was entirely muddled. Her heart was blaring in love that was almost nauseating from the moment Minerva arrived at her house. No, that was inaccurate… because when the woman arrived at Ministry, the vast 5 years of absence and distance between them instantly obliterated with just one eye contact… Actually, that was also imprecise; Hermione is certain that the displayed detachment for the past 5 years was only her determined manner of predominance over her heart in order to not lose her mind as she bout in the arena of loving Minerva McGonagall.
But now, all common sense is shoved.
Hermione trailed after her heart's one and only desire…
She partially rose from her lying position, bent towards Minerva, and had her unoccupied hand gently capped the back of Minerva's head. "I've missed you more." She intensely whispered, right before her lips crashed into Minerva's.
The elicited moan from both women more than conveyed the utmost yearning. What followed was a blur of discarding clothes, pressing of noses into skin, and roaming of hands with severe possession… And of course, as Minerva's digits eventually buried deep inside Hermione with long welcomed dominion, Hermione found herself surrendering to that shattering bliss with Minerva's name on her lips…
After that delicious explosion, Hermione was compelling the tremors of her body into controllable state when her eyes opened to those familiar glassy emeralds, of which are undoubtedly burning with craving. She felt Minerva quivered in her obvious effort to regulate her own body and the effect of such comprehension virtually powered the continuing hunger in Hermione.
With tender maneuvering, she spun Minerva onto her back and climbed on top of the older witch. Without losing eye contact, she managed to settle their intimate parts against each other… Both breathing heavily, they stalled further movement as they let heat coursed around them, passionately holding each other… Undoubtedly eradicating the rest of the world…
Hermione next made a small pressing of their bodies, she was answered with Minerva's vehement groan. She catalogued the magnificent music and watched emeralds rolled in pleasure. When said emeralds returned to hers ever more fierce, Hermione's hand lightly palmed one side of Minerva's face in pure affection. "Together, this time." She ardently uttered and drew her other hand to clench Minerva's hip.
"Yes, my darling. Together." Minerva whispered and grasped Hermione's body closer.
And together they did.
They commenced rocking slowly, gradually increasing the tempo and the fiction, until they ultimately sent each other over the cliff. And then they did it again… And again… And then ultimately collapsed in exhausted gratification…
When Hermione regained enough strength, she stretched to one side of the bed and fetched for the tumbler she earlier placed on a nearby table. Before taking the needed hydration, she turned and offered it to Minerva.
"You, first." Minerva responded, unassumingly observing Hermione who satiated her thirst. When she took her turn, Hermione repaid the observation as she settled back to bed.
"You're no longer letting that grow further?" Minerva questioned after she had replaced the tumbler on the table.
Though asked vaguely, Hermione understood that Minerva's question was about her hair. "Apparently, I should."
"Apparently?" Minerva quizzically replied as she crawled back into bed and wrapped her arms around Hermione.
"According to Dolly." Hermione laughed a little as she consciously ran a hand through her short hair. "I saw her earlier at the commemoration. She told me how she favors me with my old look."
"I hope you didn't take offence." Minerva nuzzled into Hermione.
"Of course not. Dolly is a sweetheart… But do—" she paused, a bit uncertain with what she was about to say, or rather what she was about to ask… And then she castigated oneself for the silliness of the suspended question.
"But do, what?" Minerva burrowed deeper into Hermione's neck, softly kissing the skin, and nudging the younger witch to finish her discontinued discourse.
"Do you like my hair like this?" Hermione gave a feeble laugh as she asked. "Or do you think it does not suit me?" She added hesitantly, mentally slapping her forehead for the preposterous concern.
"Oh darling…" Minerva slightly pulled away to be able to face Hermione. She fingered a loose stand and candidly said, "You look absolutely splendid. You should know that either way…" Minerva placed a soft kiss on Hermione's lips on every succeeding word, "You—look—marvelous."
"Ummm, thank you." Hermione mumbled as she nestled her face against Minerva's elegant neck, in effect swapping place with the older woman who is usually the one buried under her chin.
"You stole my spot." Hermione smiled upon hearing Minerva mumbled. She also felt lips dropped a kiss on her crown, and had strong arms tightened around her before Minerva spoke again with such tone of veracity. "Honestly darling, I have never seen anyone more beautiful than YOU in my entire life... "Minerva exhaled and then concluded the declaration with somberness. "And that is so…many…decades…of living…"
Hermione's heart soared. And her mind filed away Minerva's subtle stab on the significant age difference between them. But in reply, she opted to tease the woman. "Oh wow, Minerva! You have missed me."
Minerva chuckled for the received jest and then hummed in yield, "Indeed, I have..." Her hands skimmed the naked skin of Hermione and massaged the tone thighs she found.
As the Golden Brain of the heralded Golden Trio, Hermione had garnered the public attention by default since the last war. Following that would be her NEWTS and Masteries top achievement, which had the spotlight remaining on her. As years rolled by, her Ministry attachment expands said public attention, most especially when the big bosses are almost always putting approval stamps on her work. And as she blends deeper into adulthood, sheathed with the fact that she is a loving and yet single mother, who seems to be winning in public relations, career, and physical attractiveness, she began to gain a different kind of attention.
Hermione was not oblivious to both the innocent admiration and lustful regard that had been added into the mix as she managed to transform her body fairly fit due to her running. Quite suddenly, she is tagged as one of the most desirable witch. Absurdly, the label is up in the list, over Golden Brain, War Heroine, and Stellar Ministry Employee.
Truthfully, those things don't bother Hermione. As far as she is concern, she'd rather master the art of converting them as ammunition in case circumstances require them. She stocks them somewhere far behind her priorities, but not completely disregarding them. In a manner, she stashes them like another information in her brain, rather than waste energy on its triviality.
On the other hand, she is as cognizant and highly amused that despite the not so innocent attention she receives from others, what is making them not dare step out of bounds, despite being a woman who is unattached, would be the fact that she is one-third of the Golden Trio. That the imaginary cordon is being held by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, her best friends who constantly flex their protectiveness around her… And though she often told the two to not worry about her, she is deeply grateful for the very public guardianship.
Hermione felt Minerva shifted and she let the woman pulled her into tighter embrace in clear motion of possession, which puzzled her a bit until she heard Minerva's jealousy. "Even Rolanda, who is a man eater… don't tell her I told you that! Well, she would not stop hammering about you, and would prattle to every staff member every time she finds you in some magazine. Oh Merlin, Ro was unbearable when you graced that magazine in your feign Quidditch uniform."
Hermione tried to stifle her laughter. It was hilarious and strange to hear Minerva's attempt to veil her jealousy… And Hermione knew exactly which magazine Minerva had mentioned. In fact, she could remember the moment when she was handed a copy of such.
It was more than a year ago. One early morning, Ron barged in her flat holding a copy of that magazine. He was terribly complaining of his best friend's invasion of Quidditch. He was harmlessly protesting about the unfairness of having Hermione on the front cover of Seeker Weekly when she is truly awful in that sport.
Of course, Ron's true intention was to beat Harry in teasing her about it (who came to her at lunch time). She told them about the magazine offer as soon as she received it in order to get their opinion, which after some heavy laughing at her, they supported her about it.
Ron early visit was just to thoroughly milk her embarrassment. And yet, before he left Hermione's flat, he abruptly turned rather stern. Ron jammed his forefinger into Hermione's shoulder and said, "I bet you only did that magazine cover because you know someone would have to show McGonagall a copy of it! Don't worry, I'd make sure to owl several copies to Neville at Hogwarts. I'll even schedule them during different meal times. I hope SHE chokes on her tea in bitterness and gain enough sense to come begging after you!"
Sometimes, Ron would stun her beyond measure. Such at times when he would be very vocal about his disapproval on Minerva's lack of effort to woe his best friend. When he does, he gives nerve-wrecking pronouncement, never mind that they have had multiple discussions of the entailing complications. For Ron, it was a simple going all Gryffindor for the name of love and happiness. Hermione understood Ron's love and protection there. She truly appreciates his intent, and equally infuriated with them… With Harry, well, it is another story.
"I heard they were sold out. And there were copies everywhere." Hermione heard Minerva's petulant grumble and it made her smile.
"That was my hope." She remarked mischievously, and ultimately laughed out loud when she felt a not so gentle squeeze on one of her bum.
"Professors had to confiscate several copies from students who were passing and perusing them during class. And how timely they came out on the week of Quidditch games opening at Hogwarts."
"Oh, goodness! George would be inconsolable if he finds out that a magazine beat his wild products in causing class disruptions." Hermione laughingly stated and kissed Minerva's chest before adding, "But surely you've figured out that my posing for it had been a trade…"
"I realised that. The included long article on The AWE was notably enlightening."
"Yes." Hermione internally smiled that the woman indeed perused a copy. "That time, I was trying to be creative to broaden the audience and gain more support for its passage… Merlin knows who and why the magazine came up with the idea to have me as front cover! But after I got the offer, all I could think of was the opportunity to broadcast The AWE in exchange for it… Of course, it was bloody awkward considering how I don't play Quidditch at all. But Ginny gave me valuable advice. She told me to take it as an inside joke to get through it. After all, I was doing it for a cause. Never mind that I fall off the broom every time I mount one. The irony, right?"
"I'd say, brilliant."
"Or desperate for the passage of The AWE." Hermione snickered.
"Brilliant… Always… Brilliant and beautiful..."
"Thank you, darling." Hermione could not stop the grin appearing on her face at Minerva's compliment. But in a weird sense, the conversation reminded her of how the older witch is so much unenlightened of her own physical attributes and in relation to the talks of Minerva's less de-glamour today at the commemoration, she said, "But Minerva, if we are discussing beautiful appearance— I am not the one who caused ruckus at the commemoration today."
Hermione only received Mm-hmm in response from Minerva and so she proceeded to thrust with the matter of Minerva's less than de-glamour self at the Ministry. Besides, she was actually curious since Neville already mentioned how there was a distinction with the Headmistress' appearance even at Hogwarts these past several days.
"You do know that you did send everyone talking about your less than 'aging' self today. I have never seen George craned his neck that hard in order to stare at you. Though I doubt you forgot your routinely communal charms for the precise de-glamour you use."
The older woman still said basically nothing to that. For few seconds, Hermione weighed in if the fitting course of action is to come right out and ask about it, or back down and let the woman tell her when she wants to… She dug up herself from the snuggling position to see emeralds and better gauge them and when Minerva just stared back at her, she decided to leave it be.
"I had to pick up the boys' jaw, you know?" Hermione said in jest to end it. She gave the woman a bigger grin and then snuggled back.
Minerva snorted and after few minutes, she said, "No."
Hermione shifted again to look at Minerva's face, and at her lifted brow, Minerva supplied the clarification, "No, I did not forget the precise charms. Filius strongly encouraged that I alleviate it, after he caught me mostly without it."
"He caught you?" Hermione gasped and fired away her questions. "When? How? And how in the world he managed to convince you to ease on de-glamour? And you've alleviated it? Beginning at Hogwarts? And how much did you decided to? Was Neville accurate when he said that though there were distinctions already that was the talk at Hogwarts the past days, you did not look, as you were when you arrived at the Ministry?"
Hermione has many more questions but she paused upon hearing Minerva's laughter. And then the woman gently pulled her down back into her arms.
"My darling, the ever curious…" Minerva exhaled before launching her narration… "Filius caught me in my office. About Fortnight..."
"You were not wearing de-glamour in your office?"
"Not entirely. Whenever I am more or less locked in my office for the mountain of work that needs to be done, I would cast a simple layer de-glamour. Needless to say, I lost track of dates and time about my meeting with Filius. He arrived and I did not even remember forgetting about not having complete de-glamour if Filius did not comment that he was glad to have seen that I do alleviate the heavy de-glamour from time to time."
"His lack of surprise meant he knew? Or at least have guessed?"
"I would say that he guessed… At any rate, I asked that he holds the knowledge in confidence, and he comprehended my— unspoken misgivings… But the clever man had to be Ravenclaw through and through. He threw in the rationale that I must not worry—."
"—Because people would not dare ask the Headmistress at point blank?"
"You're truly brilliant, darling." Minerva impressive tone accompanied her remarks. "Did you know that Filius used to debate at the staff room how the Sorting Hat made a mistake with you? He maintains that you should have been in Ravenclaw."
"Yes, Filius told me six years ago. And I told him that it was because I told the Sorting Hat that I am unsure if I would always follow my brain…"
"Did you?" Minerva asked in astonishment.
"Yes." Hermione chuckled. "But Minerva, back to telling about your decision to suddenly stunned the wizarding world and showing up with less of de-glamour."
"Alright." Minerva sighed before she continued, "I don't know what came over Filius to sort of lecture me, or shall we say what came over me to let him to sort of lecture me. But…"
Hermione had to smile. How true that last part of the sentence, of what in the world influenced Minerva McGonagall to let someone talk to her about something personal. She heard Minerva make another sigh, which sounded to express somewhere cross amusement and indignation…
"Filius went to prescribe his wisdom. To quote, he said, While there are matters, which we have been certain at one point, the passing years are adequate license to pick up another manner to look at the same matter…For it will lead us to see the faded certainty we once held, and its irrelevance in our lives."
Hermione processed the aforementioned words of Filius Flitwick, the Head of Ravenclaw House, which for thousands of years, purportedly upholds intellect, learning, wisdom above all… And she was impressed, mostly for the courage to say such to Minerva McGonagall.
"And then I thought…with the commemoration approaching at that time, I would…" Minerva paused, and Hermione waited for the woman to continue, but there was no resumption.
"You were?" Hermione mildly prodded after a not so short suspension.
"Ummm… In part, I realised that what Filius had said, was not far fetched."
Not knowing how, Hermione knew that Minerva altered her statement and completely withheld the original thought. She already pressed the woman and did not want to do further urging as obviously Minerva changed her mind about whatever it was. Hermione decided to leave it be.
"So, Filius was right, right? While you know that people definitely have noticed, I would gamble a galleon that so far, none had risked one's life to ask the Headmistress. Not even the Minister!"
"Darling, you would have lost a galleon right at the bat because of one Hogwarts' staff."
"Really?" Hermione gasped.
"The aforementioned staff was actually with Filius at that time. Therefore, in a manner of speaking, one could raise grey technicality regarding the sequence of events. However, darling, you still have made the most grievous mistake to discount several older audacious students, of those belonging to none other but Gryffindor house currently residing in the castle!"
"Gryffindors!" Hermione laughed heartedly. "Too bad the Headmistress is not allowed to wring necks of students." She quipped and pleasantly heard Minerva's chuckles. "But Merlin, who in your staff? Not your present Herbology Gryffindor Professor, I gather? After all, I saw Neville still alive and breathing earlier at the Ministry."
Again, Hermione heard Minerva's deep chuckles and the sound is truly something that she would bottle in preciously. At the same time, she confirmed her inference, of the woman already lifting her de-glamour, at Hogwarts, before today, before the commemoration event at the Ministry.
"Most regrettably, Headmistress is similarly disallowed to wring necks of school staff." Minerva lightheartedly responded that was meant to volley back at Hermione's quip. "And the regret is only due to the fact that I know that you would not appreciate losing your Transfiguration master."
"Klyde!"
"He came with Filius to the office. I think he wanted to have a brief consultation before my intended meeting with Filius... The poor wizard suffered immense stuttering upon seeing me seemingly 'de-aged'. If it weren't so inappropriate, I would have laughed out loud at him for the way he was almost slobbering in disbelief."
"Poor Klyde! Salivating upon seeing the Headmistress' magnificence... And to think it was only partial magnificence that he was seeing!" Hermione replied in playful banter.
"Huh. When his brain caught up with what Filius had said, about just the alleviation of the charms, he became infuriating. I truly wanted to wring his bloody neck! Suddenly, he was outrageously claiming that Dumbledore owes him ten galleons. Apparently, he once bet with him that given my transfiguration skills, he reckoned that it is extended towards substantially altering my appearance."
"What? As Transfiguration Master he would know it has nothing to do with Transfiguration."
"That afternoon, your Transfiguration Master ostensibly lost his mind. Forgetting such rudimentary knowledge. And completely conflicting himself when contrary to what Filius said about people not daring, he forgot too that I was the Headmistress and badgered me to drop it fully so he can see me."
"How was he lucky—"
"What? No! I did NOT bloody drop it for him."
"I meant—"
"NO, darling! And given that Albus and Amelia are dead, with the exclusion of the Manor's elves, I am most certain that you are the only one alive who've seen… it… me… as this… as me."
Hermione was floored with Minerva's revelation. She was meant to say in jest how lucky Klyde is still alive after his juvenile behavior with the Headmistress. However, the admission handed down by Minerva, about the rather short listing of people who had seen her without a bit of de-glamour, had simply ran over her thoughts. Hermione felt her heart explode at its accompanying implication— of Minerva letting her see it…her… Only her.
"Moreover", Minerva gravely continued, "Prior to last week, I could count in one hand of those I am positive who have the knowledge of this matter… Garrick Ollivander, Millicent Bagnold, and Kingsley Shacklebolt." Minerva ticked a finger in gesture for every name she enumerated. "Yes, our current Minister in no uncertain terms told me he knows that I have heavy de-glamour due to the substantial number of Incancosus with me."
"What the bloody—" Hermione gasped.
"I know, Incancosus, right? I did not bother for the lengthy explanation. Even if I tried it was one of those you either see it to believe or you'll never see them but no point of arguing against. But in a nutshell, these creatures are highly present as a result of magic coming from de-glamouring charms. It appears that upon assumption of the Ministry's office, one of the alterations Kingsley has employed was a magical login of all existences and auras, including unseen creatures. As such, high volume of Incancosus had been recorded whenever I'm there."
Quite madly, Hermione wanted to tell Minerva of the Incancosus discussion she had with her peers. Oh indeed, their Ravenclaw friend—Luna, has a very unique talent. She wanted to howl at remembering their interaction, but she smothered it. Her brain compelled her to not interrupt Minerva, as the woman is currently in a rare mood of talking without being prompted.
"I reckon that Garrick and Milli had detected the heavy de-glamour or they're simply too observant. Either way, on separate occasion, about 5 years apart if I may add, they approached me about their postulations. Milli said that it did not add up…"
"Did not add up? Were you students in Hogwarts at the same time?"
"She was the head girl when I was in second year… Besides, I suppose, she was not a great Minister for nothing. On the other hand, Garrick flat out counseled that others might be threatened about it. Well, I was too astounded to say anything apart from soliciting to retain the information in highest confidentiality. Thankfully, they understood. Moreover, unlike Klyde, they were prudent to not ask to see it…"
Next, Minerva commenced detailing those who she thought have suspected about it for quite some time but never directly brought up the matter... Like Filius…That prior to the incident, Minerva had received cryptic references from him for about 3 times in the span of many years they have worked together. And if she is not mistaken, all skirting of it happened when they were both spending summer at Hogwarts, but she all ignored the attempt.
And then, again, Hermione wanted to laugh out loud at hearing Sibill Trelawney… She internally sneered that it must be Trelawney's very large glasses, or her inner eye!
This was followed by one familiar name—Molly Weasley. It seems, the Weasley matriarch had commented to Minerva too many times of how she still look the way she does in comparison to a photo she had with Molly's brothers, a year before the Prewett twins died during that war.
For a moment, Minerva's voice wavered a bit at mentioning Severus Snape. "In quite a few of our chess games, that man had stated how 'some of us are not at all how we appear'. I have always inferred that it was something to do with him, with his past when he joined Tom Riddle in that first war. In hindsight, it was indeed so. However, I recall the handful of times he fiercely stared at my face as if he knew. I always gave him my questioning brow at his audacity. But it was principally to conceal my trepidation. He then would apologise in his Severus way of not really apologising. And always with his own questioning brow raised at me as he apologised."
Then shockingly, Hermione heard the name Lucius and Narcissa, and by extension Draco on the account of Abraxas Malfoy. Afterwards, Minerva started speaking about her work at the Gringgots, and thus the probability that the Goblins knew.
"I think…the older Goblins I've worked with at Gringgotts have been aware from the very beginning. They are astute creatures. But I believe that they do not bother involving themselves with issue of physical alteration, unless they see it openly against their kind…"
A flash of memory went inside Hermione's head, of the time when she had to polyjuice when they were hunting horcrux. It gave her a feeling that she was seen as Hermione in Bellatrix appearance that time, but they were let go, probably because of Harry Potter and the so-called light they were fighting for. It just that the stealing at Gringgotts is another thing… Hermione swept the memory aside and returned her focus on Minerva's continuing admission.
"There, as far as I'm concerned, that's that…" The older witch made a long exhale and then moved their position wherein she returned into their usual cuddle, burying her head under Hermione's chin.
Hermione was mentally tallying the people and filing their connection to Minerva. And she was trying to ascertain how or even if it mattered that the Malfoy family knows or suspected something so personal about Minerva. Maybe that is one unknown root cause of the talks from the Slytherin House regarding the woman's magical power in defying rudimentary nature…
Then Hermione heard the older woman added, "Honestly darling, Harry and Ronald should be inserted in the list, for obvious reason…"
Hermione was about to ask if her telling the boys about her special ageing has offended Minerva. Strictly speaking, she told the boys without asking permission, even though Minerva did not explicitly said that she could not tell them... Furthermore, Hermione has several things that she wanted to voice out in reaction to what Minerva has divulged. And amongst things, her heart is zeroing at one nugget— I am most certain that you are the only one alive who've seen… it… me… as me.
Although Hermione has wondered, she never permitted herself to presume that she is the only one who has seen the woman's raw face. Upon hearing the truth, she could not help but let elation flickered inside her.
I am most certain that you are the only one alive who've seen… it… me… as me.
End of Chapter 4 – Year 2005
AN:
I'm just borrowing from JK Rowling.
To make up for the long delay for this update, another chapter will be posted very shortly.
Thank you for still reading.
Let me know of what you think about Hermione's frailty to just give in to Minerva's arms...