Title: A for Azakaban, B for Birth
Chapter 37
Year 2005 – 4th Seventh of May
Original Characters:
Olivianne "Via" Dench – Head Auror
Hypatia Dench Allis – St. Mungos Head
But damn her soul, Hermione's right hand sailed and it slapped Minerva McGonagall's face…
Two brightest witches of their respective ages are entirely lost on what to do, or what to say just after Hermione's hand had collided with Minerva's face. The reverberating impact intensely lingers in the hallway where both women have becoming stock-still, and unknowing how to break off from the strangulating scene.
A weighty struggle to cope with what just transpired is consequentially crippling Hermione's customary coherence. She was left completely discombobulated for what she permitted herself, that is, to have physically struck Minerva McGonagall— possibly the most powerful witch in their Wizarding society, and more importantly, the very woman she loves with all her heart…
The confusing situation has also driven Hermione to jarring edges where she is unable to reconcile between her desires to apologise to Minerva for the assault, or to hit Minerva again…
As another second crawled in, the slap's resulting scarlet mark became more pronounced on Minerva's face… In a bewildering way, the regret and the concern just pushed Hermione towards the ugly business of rage…
Pulsing rage at Minerva for the perpetual agony inflicted on her heart… Revolting rage at her inability to quit loving the older woman… And defeating rage for the ever-ending affliction…after every stolen portions of reality that had been spent with Minerva…
The rage is affecting Hermione's magic— pulsating magic is flaring at the tip of her fingers and skimming over her skin. This latest cruel exchange with Minerva has uprooted the consuming fury from the depth of her guts... But as usual, when it comes to Minerva, the dizzying anger inside Hermione is actually shutting down her faculties, and rendering her useless…uncertain… Both unable to slap Minerva once more, and unable to walk away from the woman…
The tormenting mess would have probably gone on, but Harry Potter turned up at one end of the hallway in obvious haste. There was a momentary apprehension on his face at the wretched tension he undoubtedly felt, but he perceptibly shook himself out of it.
"Got a message of another dark mark," Harry worriedly spoke of the matter that made him seek the two witches. "A possible attack at Azkaban!"
Flashes of Azkaban's breakout from the last war that enabled the likes of Bellatrix Lestrange who induced sufferings to a lot of people had roused Hermione from the incensed paralyzing stupor she was under. Her rapid shift of one's mental command pushed aside the current personal crises and brought forth lucidity. The instant domineering thought is thereby a reminder that she is the MLE Deputy Head. And Azkaban is definitively within the range of her job— of her responsibility.
Without wasting any second, Hermione turned and began running to get out of Hogwarts. She did not even wait around for Harry as she heard him narrating a bit to Minerva of whatever report he has gotten… Hermione tore through the castle's hallways, pounded the stretch of Hogwarts front ground, and wrenched open the iron gates to exit. She did not look back during these crucial minutes and only briefly paused upon crossing the required distance outside Hogwarts in order to concentrate for safe apparation.
As soon as her feet landed at the only appearing point allowed on the prison island, she saw the dark mark in the sky, and involuntarily shivered at the sight and at the dreadful memory it invoked. But she quickly compartmentalized the past. Similarly, she shoved to the farthest pit the recent spectacle with Minerva McGonagall. She cannot be thinking of the gripping pain that after all this time, after what they have shared with each other just hours ago at her parents' old house, it all had been dismissed, and once again over-simplified as mere fuck…as far as Minerva thought.
"Bloody fucking woman!" Hermione's angry muttering joins the ramming waves against the island, which then forced her to focus on the crises that she came there for.
She made a sweeping scrutiny towards the main entryway, and even from a far, she could see the emergency shield is up and she knew that it would cost her precious time to dismantle the magical barrier. Her head was rapidly calculating her next option when suddenly a blast overpowering the sound of the crashing water had her automatically casting protego.
The sparks that reflected in the horizon had Hermione estimating the probable location of where the spells had been casted. She combed her brain for the prison's layout and gauged that the uproar is happening at the section known as the visitors' identity screening exit.
After the war in 1998, Hogwarts wasn't the only one that underwent major reconstruction. The Wizengamot pushed for Azkaban's transformation, both systematical and of its physical structure.
One reformation that came out was splitting of the general entry/exit way. It paved for the prison's single ticket entrance and with one-way exit to other side of the prison. Moreover, the exit section was constructed with significant configuration of identity verification. The set-up was formulated in consideration of the case of Bartemius "Barty" Crouch Junior swap with her mother that got him out of Azkaban. Subsequently, the new design has made getting out of Azkaban much more tedious even for non-detainee.
When Hermione transferred to MLE, one of the things that she asked for the Minister's approval was to access confidential materials about Azkaban. The ton of reading that she did is proving to be useful as she is practically running towards the madness.
The golden brain swiftly search through studied information… First, the obvious route is via main entrance but that is the longest and farthest route, given she has to breakdown the barrier, and notwithstanding the unidentified threat along the way and how she would be blindly coming in. Secondly, the other option is the adjacent, dicey, marginally upward, twisted route that is known only to Ministry's high-ranking officers and the Aurors. Hermione supposed that the latter route is the better plan.
But before she could take a step, another sparks illuminated the darkened sky, and this time, a protruding portion of the prison's infrastructure several stories high was blasted that had her automatically docking away behind a boulder and simultaneously drawing a protection charm from any attack or potential wayward fragments.
Just as she stood and about to carry on, Harry showed up at the apparating point. She saw him made the same quick assessment in one sweeping glance. And naturally caught sight of Hermione.
"Ron headed back to the Burrow." Harry instantly informed her in light of the missing third member of their trio as soon as he reached her side.
Hermione's eyes widened at the notion, "Has anything—"
"No, no. Nothing to worry." He hastily diffused her fear. "But given news of that," Harry pointed at the dark mark in the horizon, "Ron decided that it'd be wiser to be an extra wand at the Burrow while we're out…just in case."
Hermione expelled in relief. She understood the tactic, and actually felt comfort that Ron would be where Rose is…
And of course, it did not escape her of Harry's no-mention of Minerva. She dismissed the unease and focused on their next actions.
"The visitors' area?" She heard Harry asked and she nodded in confirmation of the same assessment. "We are then to take the side route." Harry concluded and began taking such direction.
For the next very short minutes, as judiciously as they could, they hurriedly trekked to the eastern part of the prisoner island. They carried on with hyper awareness honed with harmony of each other's every move, a byproduct of their horcrux hunt. Something they have longed put aside after the war, and now found themselves bringing forth as they raced towards where the attack seems to be happening.
Upon reaching the juncture, they found Harry's fellow Aurors: Martin and Matthews, both are part of the latest members who recently finished Auror trainings. They were crouching behind a strategic stone, breathing heavily, and suggesting that the two just got there mere minutes ahead of Harry and Hermione.
The next sequence of events felt like in hyper-speed and slow motion at the same time with Hermione saving moment frame in her mind as it happens few meters away from where they were shielded…
It started with the capture of a young wizard; it appears that the four of them turned up in time to witness a veteran Auror, a silver haired witch, masterfully subduing someone who seemed to be only in his early 20s, and presumably the one who casted the dark mark… Coincidentally or not, the wizard passed out, just as the reported wizard outside the Ministry building, and to Hermione's mental count, plus the eleven-year-old student at Hogwarts.
As remarkably as it was, the same veteran Auror caught the wizard before he hit the ground with a roping magic… The name of the Auror is Olivianne Dench— the witch is widely known just as The Auror Via.
"Suspect secured…" Auror Via clear voice rang and it completely brought Hermione to the here and now, especially that the scene suddenly became silent. "Clear" Via added in assessment of her position as one of the standard field procedure that Hermione is well aware of.
"Clear here too." An Auror from another area sounded and three more of the same message were conveyed. The pronounced clearance generally released the tension and Hermione watched Harry and the two other young Aurors moved swiftly from the boulder towards the main scene where the suspect was apprehended.
"He's ice cold." Hermione heard Auror Via's depiction of the suspect.
Then in the arbitrariness of everyone's actions in the ensuing moments, Hermione wandered a few meters away from the collective Aurors and Azkaban Officers. She was no fool for she maintained her ears attuned to her surroundings, with wand readied as she takes a look at the debris that had fallen from a destroyed window several stories above.
Except, not even five minutes in her inspection, a pulsing dark bluish energy attached to one fragment has stolen Hermione's attention. And in a matter of one breath, her brilliant brain recognized the danger; her instincts kicked in and she casted the most powerful protection spell she could send over the area where Harry and others are standing. The hasty calculated trajectory provided the needed protego from an apparent time-delayed dark magic spell.
Hermione intuitively knew that she succeed to shield the group even without seeing them yet as the stemming smoke clouded her vision. Unfortunately, she never had a chance to cast another protection for herself as in the same segment of moment, another time-delayed attack of dark magic has exploded, and this one has sent her into oblivion.
. . . . . . .
The pounding pressure inside her head and thorny that envelops her body are all Hermione could feel. She tried to rake away the heaviness that seems to be immobilizing her, battling with the growing panic against the obscure dark force.
Then she heard several voices, but could not summon enough comprehension for the words that are coming in stifle. She was frightened that she was imprisoned at the Malfoy Manor, nothing but a subject to be tortured. She tried to voice her pleas but the physical restraints on her only pressed furthermore and overpowered her supplications.
Afterwards, she felt a sharp nip, followed by another that took her breath for a second. It made her mechanically unmoving. And resort into defensively running her mind to find a way out of her current confinement. However, she could not remember anything and could not grasp her current situation… She was heading into full-blown panic, until she realised that the voices are gone— except one. It was familiar, and she could now make out the words.
"Hermione, you are all right."
Minerva...
She just knew from the familiar cadence that it was Minerva. Except, it sounded so far away, and no matter how much Hermione tried to locate the woman, she could not determine where. She searched and searched for the distinguished pair of emerald eyes and pursued after that well-acquainted lilt.
"Darling, you have to stay calm. You are safe. You are all right. I am here. Just rest, please. I'll stay here with you…"
Words of assurance have somehow penetrated Hermione's understanding; it provided her stronger belief that the person giving the promise is indeed, Minerva. But, every turn she makes, Hermione finds herself facing such unbearable darkness. The harsh ambiguity is churning inside her for what terror lies therein. Thus, it urged her to seek harder for deliverance, but her futile effort to break free is only reminding her of the unrelenting pain enveloping her. And then, all at once, everything went blank.
. . . . . . .
When Hermione finally gained full consciousness, the first definite thought formed in her mind was why does she feel like she had participated in a wrestling match against an angry Hungarian Horntail…? That every inch of her body is aching, and there is undeniable vrooming vibration inside her head that could rival those of multiple cars in Formula1 race.
"Easy Mione."
Hermione knew that it was Ron even without opening her eyes. She must have groaned loudly that it caught his attention.
"Don't get up. Or I'll have to stun you to make you stay still."
Ron, definitely Ron— the only one who could make her crack a smile despite the roaring ache she feels.
"Where…? What happ—"
"Later Mione. You shouldn't be making drastic movement right away. And no questions for now. Just wait a second, also don't get up, Harry already ran to the healers' station."
Hearing Ron speak of Harry fetching a healer and the obvious pain currently plaguing her, it was no brainer that she is confined at St. Mungos. The realization that she is under such medical attention has prompted her into remembering the events— of being at the Ministry for the 7th commemoration, of being with Minerva at her old family house, of checking up on Rose at the Burrow, of the visit and search at Hogwarts, of the trip to Azkaban, of the explosions, and then the nothingness… Concluding what she could remember, her heart went into overdrive and leaped into greatest concern— her daughter.
"Rose!" Hermione rasped in soreness, blindly reaching to her red-haired best friend, "Ron, my—"
"Rose is fine, Mione." Ron hurriedly assured her, taking her hand ever so lightly. "She visited you this morning. I arrived with her to see you. And then Molly took her back to the Burrow around lunchtime. If you want me to fetch her, I will. But first, let us hear out the Healers. All right?"
With Ron's assurance about Rose, she decided to just follow his lead, as it seems the best course over the pulsing pain. She tried to relax and gave more effort to overcome the agonizing sound in her head by soothing her mind… Very quickly, it led her into another recollection… of a very recent memory… or perhaps just an imagination… that although she could not establish when it was, she has the strong impression of already gaining consciousness earlier… And that Minerva was there…for her.
Did that happen? Or was it just an illusion from the wistfulness of Hermione's heart...? She couldn't help but sigh in resignation of whatever it was that transpired, because the truth is, regardless if it did happen or not, one thing is quite obvious— Minerva is nowhere in this hospital right now, not when Hermione's wholly awake.
She internally sighed and tried to focus on something else. She thought of the last time she set foot here at St. Mungos, of the time she had been here not on official Ministry business…but because of a personal matter, and that time, she was pregnant.
. . . . . . . .
When Hermione got pregnant, she and the boys discussed in great detail the intricacies of dealing with the rumormongers in the magical society if it will be a common knowledge that the young, unattached, Golden Brain is actually pregnant. Versus, say, the task of facing the obscurities of it all, after giving birth, with literally no one else had the slightest idea (including family and close friends) that in fact, she had been pregnant.
At first, the boys tried to convince Hermione that they can shield her 24/7 from any tattletales, any naysayers, and more crucially they'd do everything to prevent confrontation from Minerva McGonagall, of which they understood as the primary reason for Hermione's doubt. Harry and Ron had argued that if they do away with the secrecy, Hermione would gain the invaluable care from Ginny, Molly and other witches as she carries the baby.
However, at that time of nothing but bottomless doubts about Minerva's feelings, Hermione was certain of what she could not handle— that would be either scenario of Minerva fighting for sole custody of the child under the claim of manipulation to unknowingly siring a child, or even worse, not fighting for the recognition of the child at all. The enormous heartbreaking possibilities drove Hermione to go down the convoluted road of concealing her pregnancy day-in and day-out, trying to delay the inevitable scandal.
Harry and Ron swore to support and protect her, whichever way she chose. Therefore, they let her with her plan of one hundred percent muggle medical facility and muggle doctor. When Mrs. Jean Granger stalwartly stepped in and filled more than fair share of caring for Hermione by accompanying her daughter to all her check-ups and sometimes even staying at Hermione's house at nights, it was the reinforcement that took away huge chunk of their worries. This arrangement went without hiccups for months; Hermione tummy would only show its true growing size when she's inside her own house with protective privacy via the erected strong wards.
Except on her 30th week of pregnancy, life served a wild card. The date was 1st of December year 2000.
Harry just fetched Hermione from her office; they were on their way out of the Ministry building to meet Ron for dinner. And since it was a Friday, Hermione is much aware of the typical sizable foot traffic at the flooing area. She's already taking particular attention, as everyone seems hailing the incoming weekend. Nonetheless, two rushing young wizards who abruptly veered sideways to avoid someone in front of them accidentally collided with Hermione. Harry caught her just before she hit the floor… The two culprits profusely apologized and could not contain the panic on their faces upon recognition of whose bum they almost sent to the ground… But Hermione simply waved away the wizards, their repeated apologies, and then stirred Harry to go on.
But Hermione's clasp on Harry's forearm signaled that something is wrong even without verbalizing her concern… and something to do with her pregnancy, as her other hand is across her concealed overgrown belly…
The dinner date was shoved entirely as Harry redirected themselves to St. Mungos. Given the shock of the situation, he simply decided that navigating to the muggle world is a lot more precarious in comparison to utilizing the direct access in the Ministry building to get to St. Mungos. In effect, overriding Hermione's preferred muggle hospital plan.
The very instant they've stepped into the magical medical facility, Hermione distinctly heard Harry seeking out with the nearest staff for St. Mungos Head Healer— Madam Hypatia Allis. Even with clenched jaw, sweating forehead, and seemingly impending early labor, it occurred to her that perhaps it was the fact that he is Harry Potter and she is Hermione Granger—two most popular war heroes that no one questioned their hurrying request for Madame Hypatia.
Much, much later when these blazing moments were over, Hermione realised that Harry probably ran such scenario in his head (without telling her), just in case… A commendable thinking, indeed… He had anticipated that any other magical healer attending to Hermione would mean squandering their shot of postponing the broadcast of her situation… That any other healer and they won't have control of the narrative despite general confidentiality granted to patients, because of course, any item referring the Trio is simply news…news that would be too good not to share with family and friends and nameless audience for clout… most particularly this news.
Great timing or not, Hypatia happens to be unoccupied and ushered them to a private room. Not a second after they entered, a subsequent casting of spells occurred: Harry swiftly warded the room, Harry sent patronus to Ron, Harry was going over a second layer of wards when Hermione finally cancelled the pregnancy concealment spell…
To the credit of the brilliant healer, Hypatia bypassed verbalizing her obvious shock to discover that the famous Hermione Granger is pregnant. Despite the disbelief countenance on her face, the healer responded by conjuring a fitting bed, helping Hermione unto it, quickly scanning her wand over the bump, and then confirming to them what they've already guessed, "You're in labor, Miss Granger, despite short of weeks."
And because she's on her way to give birth pre-maturely, Hermione had to make fast judgment to ensure proper medical attention for the safety of the baby, and that is to disclose the peculiarity surrounding her pregnancy. Gritting her teeth from the sporadic pain, Hermione could only nod at her best friend that served as her wordless permission.
Understanding and acquiescing the necessity, Harry dived into telling the healer everything— starting at the nature of conception; massively wincing in discomfort at the altered bodily descriptions, but needing to emphasize that it was all transfiguration magic…that is was all without the grueling concoction of magical potions… a far-reaching divergence versus the recorded cases of successful procreation from same sex parents.
"Oh, and the person holding such transfiguration-prowess who got my best friend pregnant is Minerva McGonagall." Harry grunted in mix emotions of annoyance, agitation, and admiration.
For the second time inside that warded room, Hypatia Allis proved her consummate professionalism with a mere sharp intake of breath at hearing such account: of the bloody pregnancy improbability, yet existent, and undoubtedly presented right now in front of her… AND at bloody name Harry dropped as the other individual starring in such delicate situation.
"And yes, it was consensual," Harry rushed the words out to just put that on the table. Then he stumbled to substantiate the situation, "Mione and Minerva are… They are… were… What I'm saying is…in case you're concern if transgression happened, the answer is no…" He exhaled and went on crustily, "Not that we'd ever think that the Headmistress of Hogwarts would ever commit such misconduct… Now though, I suppose, you get why the employed pregnancy concealment. That's why! And why no one can know!"
The bewilderment on Hypatia was unmistakably at Harry's additional narrative, but she was undeterred by the overwhelming chronicle. In as much focus as she could muster as a seasoned healer, she went about efficiently providing Hermione the necessary medical attention—placing the well being of both the mother and the baby as top priority.
A little later, as Hypatia was directing Hermione to do her utmost to ride another wave of cramping, with contractions stronger and closer together, Ron has arrived and admitted in the room. Even though he was pre-alerted already by Harry's patronus of the situation, his shaken face worsens at actually seeing Hermione in labor.
Also, his arrival has brought another matter of sensitive discussion amongst the people in the labor room when Hypatia posted a question.
"Why is the headmistress still not here?" At hearing no response, Hypatia looked up at Ron and Harry, who both remained silent. But a shake of head from the boy who lived made her shifted her eyes to brown eyes of the active laboring woman for an answer.
"She…doesn't…know…" Hermione heavily panted in between gulps of air.
This time though, Hypatia failed to hold her cursing, "Shite!"
With the disclosure earlier that McGonagall is the other parent, it seems that Hypatia's brilliant mind has not entertained the idea that said pregnancy concealment did not exclude the Headmistress. The unfolding misconstruction just outstretched the already present tension.
"The hell! Come on, people! Apart from the damning point that she is MCGONAGALL, keeping the truth from her is a step below decency!" Hypatia has obviously abandoned her initial stance of suspending personal opinions. "Oh my Merlin, I'd never thought you three would ever be as foolish."
Hypatia's arguments are not invalid, something the trio is entirely aware, and had endless debates amongst them. But ultimately, it was and it is Hermione's decision. And as always, Harry and Ron stand by it, no matter what, and to the ends of the world.
"Madame, you don't know the story." Harry barely contained his defensive scream. "When we said, no one can know, it meant—no one else… It is only the three of us, plus Hermione's muggle parents, and now you, Madame. And no one else would know."
Harry resolute tone probably helped rein in whatever additional disapproving remarks the healer wanted to express. But her utter dislike is still palpable in the way her jaw tightened.
"I…have…to—" Hermione somewhat started to explain, but she could not finish what she wished-for to say. "AHHHHHHHHHH!" She screams from the pain running throughout her body with the pressing of the baby to her cervix… "OUUUUUUUHHH!" Hermione cries in wild trashing.
Needless to say, it stopped the fierce dialogue from everybody; recognizing the turn to a more crucial stage for Hermione.
"We're here, we're here just Mione," Harry promised. He let his best friend crush his held hand, while his other gently affixed the bushy and sweaty hair away from her face.
Ron, who temporarily froze, from Hypatia's earlier spoken censure and Hermione's loud cries eventually snapped back from his shock. He took Hermione's other hand, and boldly attempted a joke for distraction. "Is the baby already playing quidditch inside you?"
Hermione's response sounded part snort in protest, part laugh at the absurdity, and it tailed with another scream from the latest feeling of tearing from inside of her body.
"Your baby wants to come out, Ms. Granger." Hypatia encouraged. "You're doing great, almost there. We need you to do one huge push when you're ready, alright?"
Indeed, it was due. Hermione gave birth to a healthy baby girl, arriving in this world kicking and crying piercingly. And her name is Rose Esmerauld Granger McGonagall.
Although drained of energy, Hermione did not pass out. Blearily but joyously, her consciousness still registered Harry's broadest of smile and Ron's flooding eyes with happy tears. And as sharp as ever but grateful, Hermione noted Madame Hypatia's practical and thoughtful actions, who expertly tidied everything, properly bundled the baby before handling to Harry, scanned her wand to check on her, and subtly departed the room to give them their precious privacy with the newly born baby.
Some prudent minutes later, Hypatia came back to recheck the baby and Hermione's condition. She gave them supplies of recovery potions, set-up the baby's check-up dates, and counseled dos and don't for the initial weeks to come. Moreover, she did not remiss in wringing out assurances from Harry and Ron to take care of the mother and the baby, even though she knows about the Golden trio profound rapport, as it is a well-known notion all over their society.
Afterwards, Hypatia set out the two items contained in a kit she brought with her, a magical blood lancet, a potion, and a special enchanted parchment. She took the blood lancet and gently pricked the baby's foot to draw a minute sample.
Quite brilliantly, baby Rose merely stirred and slightly whined; she did not cry nor awoken from the intrusion… Hermione watched Harry and Ron exchanged smirks for the tell sign of Rose's sleeping snobbishness. But the comment she was going to make in reference to her daughter's early nuance got shelved, for she was taken mesmerized with a never seen display of magic in front of her.
St. Mungos Head Healer was moving her wand in highly intricate patterns that blended in synchronization of the dropped blood and potion into the obvious special parchment. The produced visible emblems of magic has swirled for few seconds, then subsequently yield to formation of runes floating in the air, before slowing settling on the enchanted parchment and then all at once, every tendrils of magic fully dissipated.
"What was that?" Ron questioned.
In an answer, Hypatia handed the enchanted parchment to Hermione, she realised that she was presented with the official birth certificate of her daughter— therein written the converted runes into English text of Rose's genetic makings and magical signature descriptions.
"She is a McGonagall." Hypatia exhaled in astonishment, "Conceived through sole transfiguration, as proven with that." She gestured to the birth record held by Hermione. "Rose is the only one, at least as far as I know, no records carry such distinction… I imagine that's why in reference to official rankings, Masters talk of how Minerva McGonagall transfiguration power is unquantifiable." Hypatia reverently declared.
Hermione heard the uttered truth… She and Minerva have a daughter. And that Minerva is divine in the field of transfiguration.
She thought back of that Seventh of May; when her passionate urges led her into asking Minerva to transfigure intimate parts for another kind of amorous encounter. But Minerva's fucking transfiguration supremacy transcends Hermione's exploration of intimacy, resulting into impossible pregnancy, all the more complicating the already twisted matter between her and Minerva.
And now, with newly born beautiful baby girl carrying Minerva's magical makings, Hermione does not need her golden brain to be certain of whole other arduous concerns. This thing with Minerva is and will never be easy… And just a moment after that conclusion entered her mind, Hypatia was already on her way to laid down one.
"The birth registration…" Hypatia again gestured to the irrefutable proof in Hermione's hand— therein distinctly inscribed the names, Hermione Jane Granger and Minerva Isobel McGonagall, as Rose's biological parents. "I believe that you're aware that it is mandatory to tender that to the Ministry population records."
That is one reason why Hermione did not want to give birth under the magical institution. She knew that the attending healer must forward within 24 hours the genes and magical signature records of the newborn to the Ministry. The fine is too grave for both the mother and the healer for non-compliance.
That is why she fully counted on her preferred birth plan under the muggle system. Because if that had been the case; it would only mean a name entry of her child in the magical population book…that withholding declaration of "McGonagall" in Rose's name is non-issue. That would be a much, much, less problematic scenario…
Of course, never in hundred years predicting that she would be in a foot traffic collision during Friday rush hour in the Ministry building triggering an early labor, which trashed her muggle birth plan completely. And now faced with the necessity of submitting Rose's birth records or be severely penalized…
Fortunately, there is one saving provision for Hermione…and that is the allowable concealment binding of the record. It states that the healer who aided in birthing is authorized to make the confidential binding and only upon the request of the mother… That it would make the record still accessible to anyone at the Ministry Records Department, but will only appear in its limited form, in effect hiding all the details that must not be available to the public.
"Yes. I know about the required submission…" Hermione confirmed. "But she added her request to Hypatia, "But you must have guessed how I would ask for the records concealment."
"Yes, we could bind the records." Hypatia acknowledged the request. However, she has to educate them of the setback enclosed with the records concealment. She could not help the sigh that escaped her before she began speaking of it. "Hermione, you still have two things making all of that moot."
"Ahhh, that Rose can unseal the registration to peruse the real contents when she becomes of age? That I've known too." Hermione correctly addressed one of the two things Hypatia had cautioned. "But I think she would not have to ask for a copy until—"
"What?" Ron warily intruded, "You mean Rose can see the record and find out that she's a McGonagall?"
"Only when she reaches wizarding legal age and gets hold a copy", Hermione answered.
"Bullocks! She's going to hex all of us if we don't tell her before she comes of age!" Ron twittered in distress.
"Mate, we'll have time to figure that part…"Harry halted Ron's very valid but also much too early to handle headache. He did not let Ron argue back, he was determined to handle issue one at a time. He turned to Madame Hypatia and asked, "What is the other one?"
"The other point of concern is the magical entitlement granted to the registered mother." Hypatia defines the concept to them furthermore, "Meaning, it does not matter that the birth registration has been sealed by the healer, the registered mother of the child can receive a complete and authentic record anytime she asks for one."
"That's all right, right?" Ron's brows drew together in confusion. "I mean, obviously Hermione is the mother who need not…not know."
But Hermione already caught the connecting fact. "So is Minerva… She is Rose's other mother."
"Hence, it is moot." Harry gasped, and ran a hand through his black hair in apparent stress. "No point of Healer's concealment."
"Yes." Hypatia frankly replied. "Just as I supposed, you have every intention to hide the truth from Minerva McGonagall, who is in fact, is excluded from everyone else who would only access the limited version, but will be sent an exact copy of what you, Hermione, as a mother, could access…a consummate authenticated copy."
Fucking hell.
The magical entitlement is news to Hermione. Not the provision per se, she knew about the mother's unrestricted access. But Merlin, she entirely neglected the damning claim is fucking applicable to Minerva McGonagall— being the other mother.
.
.
.
End of Chapter 37
Posted 2022.0605