Posted 2021 January

The Rook and The Queen

Year 2005 - 4th Seventh of May - Chapter 5

Continuation

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.

This facet of Minerva's ageing is truly a rarity, and to say so in a magical world is nothing but a true wonder, even with magical people. Hermione could not begin to imagine how Albus Dumbledore had not given its due interest, and to what capacity. Her experience with the old wizard's machinations of Harry lead her to believe that Dumbledore was someone who had the propensity to use vital information for the so-called greater good, regardless that real people are involved, even those supposedly interpersonal with him.

Hermione was mulling on how to phrase her query without exposing her judgment when she was startled when Minerva asked, "What is it?"

"How do you know I have a question?"

She felt Minerva shrugged and somehow she just had to accede.

"How… What did Dumbledore say about your magical ageing?"

"Ah, Albus." Minerva said it in a way that suggested that this specific thought was expected. "You know, the utmost misconception about Albus by many is that the man knew everything…"

"Didn't he? Not literally, I supposed." Hermione contemplated further, "But most things, and certainly more than anyone. He was, after all, had lived quite long. And given of what had been written of him, notwithstanding the things known only by those closest to him, the rest would obviously appraise him as someone who had experience quite a lot and thus knew a lot."

In a manner of speaking, you are correct. But I have known Albus for a very long time, and I've witnessed him missed so many things. And good man as he was; the wizard in him was truly predisposed with what he deemed pivotal on matters concerning the bigger picture— always the common good, always for the greater good."

Before Hermione realised what she had done, she snorted upon hearing the exact thoughts she had that Minerva just given voice to. "I meant no disrespect to—"

"I know." Minerva abruptly cut her off laughingly. "Had he not gotten himself killed, it would have been a delight to see you call his bullshits. Probably hex him too, on behalf of Harry… No, I rectify, after Harry's disposal of Tom Riddle for good, I believe you would most certainly duel with Albus for what he had put Harry through… I'll stand as your second, only so I could see his thunderstruck face."

"I'm not homicidal to duel Dumbledore," Hermione muttered. "But maybe I'll set his robes on fire," she openly laughed, "As I did on Professor Snape when I thought he was jinxing Harry's broom during his first Quidditch match."

Minerva chortled, "Darling, I would wager that it was when you have given Albus the notion that Harry would succeed with whatever he was planning for him to do, with you by his side."

"What? Wait, you knew I set Snape on fire? Why didn't he ask for my expulsion?"

"I supposed Severus realised that at the mayhem of him on fire, the true perpetrator was distracted at killing Harry, which as we all found out was Tom Riddle through Quirrell… And like I said, Albus would not have it. He probably began seeing you as essential chess piece."

"Even though I kind of realised that impression, it is still disconcerting when you say things about Dumbledore as such… Especially when I think of what essential piece you've been for him…"

"A rook."

"What?"

"I was his rook… Entrusted to protect Hogwarts..."

"Harry said that…" Hermione added quietly, "Not that you were a rook. But that when Umbridge discovered D.A., he said that he knew you were palming your wand, but he also understood that you and Dumbledore had passed something with a mere look in mere seconds…"

"Albus always maintained that Voldemort was not entirely gone after leaving Harry as orphan. And after the Philosopher's stone attempted theft, we started discussing potentials and plots… Except the fool…"

"…Didn't tell you when he got the curse from the ring. Did not tell you that he was dying. Did not tell you of Snape's truest allegiance. And did not tell you of his suspicion about Harry…"

Hermione knew that her resentful tone was not miss by Minerva as the older witch shifted to wrapped arms tighter around her. She sighed and decided to jest a bit, "I am amazed how you did not raise Dumbledore from death and killed him yourself after everything…"

It worked. Minerva laughed.

"The thought did not cross my mind just once, I assure you… But let me ask you, how many times you've been in rage of Harry and yet make sure to be there for him, every step of the way?"

"Point taken." Hermione acceded.

"Besides, Albus' rook or not, I would never leave Hogwarts, more so that time… As much as I thought of tracking you three in order to help you, or send help to you, I knew I would just endanger you. Many death eaters, such as the Carrows to say the least, were watching my every breath."

Hermione thought of what would have happened had they decided to go to Minerva before they took off on the run. But she remembered that there wasn't really time or opportunity to make any plans. Sure, she had guessed that Harry would bolt alone for his so-called mission that she did not know, and she decided to blindly stack up on knowledge and supplies. She tasked Ron to confront and convince Harry to let them in it… And the attack at the wedding reception at the Burrow, when Minerva McGonagall was yet to arrive did not at all give any chance for her to talk to the one person she trusted, and powerful enough to help.

"It was beyond frustrating that I was really limited into the role of a Hogwarts Professor to protect students and fellow staff… One role I cannot even openly perform without grave consequences for I would have been more useless if I was sent to Azkaban or be killed… But for many times that I could not count anymore, that is one thing Albus made me solemnly promise— to never abandon Hogwarts… Years prior to his death, but more intensely after Cedric Diggory was killed, he had checked and checked with me that I know that I must always be there at the castle. And so… When hell broke loose, I just had to have faith that Albus knew that that it is where I am most needed…"

Hermione carefully considered the words Minerva just spoken. It is in hindsight that she accepts that it was possibly the better plan of Dumbledore, to leave Hogwarts in the hands of Minerva McGonagall…

Simultaneous recognition dwelled in Hermione that it was equally better that she never had the chance to seek the woman before their Horcrux hunt. Minerva was essentially in the dark for the entire time that she and the boys had been out there. For having no information, it kept Minerva not safer, but less in danger, for any knowledge would have automatically sent her to her demise…

"He could have at least made some kind of a system for you to figure out."

"I agree with you…" Minerva expelled a long sigh before she said, "But I have known and been with Dumbledore in that castle for a very long period… He must have been planning to leave me more crumbs, except, the death eaters beat him to it…"

Hermione did not say anything, for that hypothesis could have gone in so many ways… But the next words that Minerva sort of dispelled his surmounting distrust. "

"Albus had put his faith in me that I will protect Hogwarts with all my might as the war rage on, and I could not let him, or Hogwarts down… And I supposed, Albus had faith in Severus that he would protect me in there, no matter what…"

After all the said and done, and all that had been revealed, it is not too difficult to imagine how Severus Snape did all he can to protect Minerva McGonagall while playing his role of Voldemort's man at Hogwarts. Hermione recalled of the way Ginny narrated snippets of the altercation between Severus and Minerva. She could not help but repeat what she had said to Ginny during that conversation… "Our roles in the war…"

"Yes…" Minerva then imparted one true parallelism about that war, "And not to mean anything injurious, while I was Albus' rook at Hogwarts, you were certainly Harry's Queen out there on the run…"

"And none matters for we would have stepped into any role for our best friends…" Hermione suitably concluded…

"Indeed…" Minerva replied in accord.

AN:

Happy New Year!

Peace and love to all!