Original Character:
Hypatia Dench Allis – St. Mungos Head (I have Keeley Hawes in my head as the one playing this character)
Title: Good News, Bad News
Chapter 38
Year 2005 - 4th Seventh of May
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.
"Mione…"
With eyes still shut, Hermione heard Ron calling out her name even before she felt his gentle touch on her left shoulder. The contact consequently halted her memory excursion of that singular episode in her life when they welcomed her daughter in this world.
Regrettably, rousing from that memory recall diversion has swapped back into awareness of her confinement in St. Mungos, along with the reintroduction of her bodily aches and throbbing. Before opening her eyes, she took a second to curb the snipping pain that she is sure is showing on her face.
"Madame Hypatia will be here shortly," muttered by Harry. His worrying visage is blatant from the way his brows are drawn together. When Hermione raised her gaze to his utterly disheveled black hair, she wanted to comment at his obvious exhaustion, but she withheld the remark when the door re-opened, bringing in the healer.
"Glad to have you now fully awake, Hermione."
"Hi." Said Hermione with hoarseness in her voice. "Ummm, how long I've been out?
"About 40 hours from the time you were transported here." Hypatia answered, moving to accio from across the room a glass of water, conjuring a straw, and then efficiently helping Hermione to hydrate. "Just small sips," she instructed.
"Thank you," replied Hermione after consumption as she returns the glass to the healer.
"Tell me how you feel at the moment?" asked Hypatia.
"I feel extremely sore in my…" Hermione paused to identify exactly where in her body, but it seems all over, so she said, "everywhere, actually." She also added, "And my head has this drumming discomfort."
"The soreness is both from your injuries and for being almost immobile for a while. Your headache is somewhat expected as residual effect after what happened."
"What happened?"
"You suffered many broken bones, several deep cuts, a concussion, and serious internal injuries."
Hypatia's enumeration was followed with more descriptions, particularly that she barely had a pulse when she arrived at St. Mungos. That because there was a risk of her organs failing, immediately she was given a liberated amount of powerful potions to force-healing.
Hypatia's further reported the extent of her injuries. But truthfully, Hermione found Harry's most intense staring completely distracting. She could barely understand the technical aspect of her injuries because apart from Harry's piercing olive eyes, his body stance is screaming of mixed emotions: outrage, concern, and misery… Years of friendship, of surviving war together has long attuned them of each other's psyche— thus Hermione is certain that Harry is definitely waiting for a private time before he unleashes the ton of things he believes she ought to hear from him.
"We also had to keep you unconscious. You needed to sleep-off the convalescent mix potions. Otherwise, it would have been excruciatingly painful and dizzying for you." Hypatia continued to explain her ailment before taking her wand out, "I know you said you still have headache and aches, but let me check your vitals."
Hermione hmmmed in assent, but mentally she tried to go back to what she can remember. An image of dark bluish magic flashes in her mind. She recalls the blinding magic that out of nowhere exploded, of the feeling of being hauled up in the air forcefully… She could not remember anything else other than those. She surmised that she already went blank even before she hit back the ground… She must have nearly died…
Oh bloody hell. That's perfectly why Harry is in bubbling rage… And come to think, it does explain why Ron is uncommonly quiet; almost twitching in effort to hold his antagonism from surfacing. Fuck… Hermione realised that she's definitely in for explosions of temper. They're probably delaying the shouting lecture until the healer pronounces her fully recovered…
For the next couple of minutes, Hermione strived to put away the dagger look from Harry and pretend not to notice Ron's unrest. Instead, she focused on obeying Hypatia's instructions to carefully shift here and there.
After a while, the older woman put her wand away and spoke some familiar words to Hermione. "Some good news, and some news you would not like."
Hermione internally groaned. Those words, or rather the message delivery proclivity of Hypatia is quite distinct to Hermione… Of how the healer would formulate her bad news by presenting cushions for easy acceptance of a really bad news… But, to be fair with the healer, Hypatia would also propose an alternative, a concession of sort.
The first time Hermione met Hypatia was just after the war. That time, she thought that as a reward for her golden trio stint, the new Minister had backed the undertaking of finding her parents in Australia and restoring their memories. That the Head Healer of St. Mungos was operating under Ministry's commission.
Back then, Hypatia did use the exact statement, 'Some good news… and some news you would not like', before the woman explained comprehensively to Hermione that memory restoration comes with the risk for her parents ending up with reduced mental faculties, with brains like newly born babies… It was also explained to her that the longer period from the time of obliviation, the higher the risk. That somewhat pressured Hermione to decide whether to go through it, or leave her parents be— unknowing of their lives before the spell.
Thank Merlin that Hypatia is truly an expert. The healer successfully performed the memory restoration, effectively giving her parents back in her life.
The second instance equivalent in fashion to the good-news-bad-news situation that unexpectedly involved Hermione and Hypatia was that time she gave birth to Rose. Essentially the same memories Hermione was just visiting earlier, of her pre-term birthing that brought about the issue of magical entitlement…
. . . . . . .
"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. "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.
"Now, what?" Ron intoned. And in exasperation, he then made a wild suggestion, "Mione, how about this tells us that you better go to McGonagall and confess before she obtains a copy and obliterate all of us?"
"Mate, please." Harry implored to be less extreme. He also attempted to dissect the pressing contention, "Think about it, how much probability it'd be for Minerva to request a copy of Rose's birth certificate just to check the information?"
"She's McGonagall!" Ron was aghast at its obviousness, "Of course she WILL, and not one moment later when she finds out that Hermione has given birth. I bet the bloody records will fly towards Hogwarts…"
"Come on, Ron. Let us not exaggerate." said Harry. He rubbed the side of his reddening neck, giving more effort to constrain the absurdity of their situation. But the creases on his forehead tell Hermione that he does share Ron's percolating fear and frustration.
"You know I am not exaggerating…" defended Ron. He then began trudging on truth bombs, either forgetting or ignoring the fact that Hypatia is also in the room. "We already know that McGonagall wields her influence to stealthily direct people AND command situations when it comes to Hermione."
Ron could not be deterred. He jabs a finger in the air for every point he makes.
"One, she found the impossible counter curse for Hermione's blasted scar…"
"Two, she had Kingsley, the bloody Minister prioritising finding and protecting her parents in the aftermath of war, literally days after you," He pointed at Harry, "Killed Voldemort…"
"Three, she had the best healer in the kingdom," now motioning to Hypatia, "Travel to the other side of the world in order to restore the memories of her parent, just weeks after the war ended…"
"Four, she who is the busiest person as the Headmistress of Hogwarts and The Ministry Special advisor, had taken time and also travelled to the other side of the world to castigate the Grangers' foolishness when they would not come home for Hermione…"
"Oh before I forget, number five, she arranged the availability of Professor Flitwick and Mr. Creighton so that Hermione unknowingly be inspired to pursue two masteries that she actually wanted to accomplish, which she did."
This time, Harry will not take the infection without protesting, "Hermione is the brightest witch—"
"I know that, Harry!" but Ron cut him off. "But even when we were first year at Hogwarts, she talked and talked about her higher education plans, including her greatest concern of how she'll never get a high-caliber Master because apparently Masters are known finicky and snubs about the apprentices they take on. Don't you remember how she worries that her muggle-born status would be a hindrance despite her impeccable grades…?
Harry disputed once more, "But Ron, the war altered so many things, the situation was not the same—"
"Exactly Harry!.. The fucking war just ended, we know how some of these Masters have been killed…and people were generally burned-out. All the more difficult for any Masters to grant mentorship to anyone at that time… But then just like that, she got Flitwick and Creighton as mentors! Let us not kid ourselves with the real push that made that happen, that because of this…this… whatever something between Hermione and McGonagall… Of apparently they slept—"
"RON!" Harry shot at Ron's usual tactless litany when he has a point, especially when he knows he isn't saying something untrue. Still, Harry cringed at how Ron was going about it and almost making it all about their golden brain best friend sleeping with Minerva McGonagall… They know that Ron knows that he is frustratingly zeroing at that point, even though knowing the falseness of it. "Ron, just stop—"
"What?" Ron almost growled in crossness. "I'm not—"
"Blast it, Ron!" Harry could not help the profanity, equally cross. Hermione could see Harry's frustration all over his face. But somehow, she knows how Harry is also edging towards concession from Ron's denotation, which they could not negate.
"I am merely saying" Ron raised both hands in act of surrender yet wanting to finish what he has to say, "We cannot simply think little of what possible actions Minerva McGonagall would make that would make this whole affair more terrifying that already is. While I wholeheartedly concedes that past actions from our revered witch had been all done for Hermione, that they suggest how she must've cared for Hermione…care far more than shacking up with our best friend—"
"Surely you can speak with less vulgar," Harry snapped, "Because it's not helping at all."
"All right, I am sorry for that! I am…" Ron sincerely apologised. He blew a breath and in a much somber tone he continued, "Look, all I'm really saying is that we can't kid ourselves that someone like Minerva McGonagall won't react badly for this secrecy when she finds out. That magical entitlement guarantees that she will… Never mind the public gossip, we will not survive McGonagall's rage."
Ron is of course absolutely correct. And Hermione has really nothing to counter. Does she believe that Minerva would retaliate? Perhaps not in an all out war, that is not Minerva's style… On the contrary, the woman is proficient in the art of subtlety. But Ron speaks the truth, Hermione is frightened to the core of what course of actions the older witch would proceed. But, she has made up her mind.
"No…" said Hermione in defiance. "I am not telling her Minerva. That will be more disastrous— "
"Why are you—" Hypatia paused, seemingly recognising her intrusion, as the discussion amongst the trio has turned most personal. But Hermione gave her a look of openness, waiting for her to continue… "Forgive me if I am crossing the line here, but I would like to know, of why you are certain that it's best that McGonagall does not know?"
"She's not ready."
Amongst many reasons, Hermione cited Minerva's encompassing stance when it comes to personal matter. 'Can't afford for more', were the very words the the older witch once written to Hermione to convey rejection.
"What do you mean she's not ready?" Hypatia asked for clarification, "Not ready to be a parent? You know, most first time parents were never—"
"It's not that…" Hermione made a dismissive wave of her hand. "Not just that." She amended, before she drew in a long breath… "It is truly complicated."
Hypatia carefully carried on, "Yes, it is foolish to say that it is not complicated…" the Healer said in concession. "But... given how you've survived the last war, I will not insult you with one-liner summarisation that life is indeed complicated. "But—"
"No!" Hermione muttered, refusing to be told otherwise. She knows all too well the paradoxical complication of life. Except, images of fearful and unaccepting pair of emerald eyes rushed inside Hermione's mind when she told Minerva that she loves the woman last May, after conceiving a child...
That is something she will not mention to the healer.
"Believe me, everything about my situation constitutes complication," Hermione recapitulated in distress.
"I will not presume anything less, Ms. Granger." Hypatia gently accepted. "I realise the gravity of belonging to a very short list of people who know the truth," She gestured towards the baby. "But what I wanted to say…is that I do believe that surviving the war had schooled you, like most survivors, that life is to be lived with choices that make one's life worthwhile… Otherwise, what is the point of fighting, of surviving, of breathing?"
What is the point of breathing…?
Hermione once heard that proclamation from Minerva… After she collapsed at Hogwarts, Minerva brought her home to McGonagall's manor. It was mere days after the war ended… The recall is only proving problematic, inflaming the self-blame and self-helplessness she feels. It entirely reminded her that she had known from that first Seventh of May how impossible it is to deal with the pursuit of loving the woman and yet foolishly…so foolishly, she had again and again could not help herself but go after the woman, and allowed herself to believe that she'd rather accept even just a fleeting moment being with the unmasked Minerva…than none at all.
"And I hope you wouldn't take this the wrong way, but isn't it what bolstered your actions…?" The healer challenged and won't back down.
Hermione knew that Hypatia has taken hold of the truth. During the war, the reality of day-to-day peril when she was out hunting with the boys for horcrux has made her resolute to give her heart a chance, to love the woman she realised whom she has fallen in love with… The war eliminated all the superfluous burden imposed by polite society. Non-hyperbole categorisation between life-and-death utterly reduced the silliness of allowing society dictate her happiness; not when the same society permitted a deranged dark lord almost destroy their world…
Hypatia continued speaking to dare Hermione, but then inadvertently snapping the remaining control within Hermione. "As a healer for a long time, I've seen countless people draggle at the edge of mortality with regrets… Which I can see that you've already broken free of it. It only happens that the woman you are involved with is Minerva McGonagall, who plays—"
"Yes, yes!" said Hermione in gritted teeth. She could not curb her vexation anymore. "THIS damn society reminds me every second of who Minerva McGonagall is… And why it can't be as simple as that." She also waved in emphasis towards her daughter before challenging back, "Call me selfish all you want, but the decision to deny Rose of her other parental identification— from where I am standing— is for her own good. As horrible as it may sound, the truth will only give her unwelcome label. People not knowing, and her being oblivious will alleviate unimaginable obstacles. Rose will be free from condemnation she'd be subjected to if people know she's Minerva's child out of an affair. And as for Minerva, I will not be the one who'll ruin her strong hold in this wizarding world!"
"You are underestimating the freedom that would be presented to your daughter as a McGonagall.. And for Minerva McGonagall, no one would be mad to give her the society's cut." Hypatia innocuously asserted. "And in case they do talk about her, most likely because of her transfiguration prowess that transcend human anatomy."
"No, no, no…" Hermione breathed at conflicting hope and realism that entails for Rose and for Minerva… "That's what brilliant people do— such as yourself. But Madame, you are in the smallest of minority." Hermione released a chuckle, one without humour. "For the rest, it will be banquet open to all… and they will focus on what is most malicious. The rotten the version the story is, the more it will circulate."
"If you are referring to the fact that you're both women involved, and not any other hetero partners, I assure you that the Wizarding world has caught up with reality that love is love. We are not backward in such regard—"
"Hermione thinks…" Ron interrupted, "And I do think that she's right on this— that people will talk that Minerva inappropriately touched her back when we were still students. And that people will say that her grades were favoured."
"That's nonsensical," Hypatia even gasped.
"But people will talk." Ron persisted. "Not all, but a lot would...Loudly."
"And I'm not ready." Hermione breathed. "I am not ready to fight for another round of injustice right now." She dared expose her vulnerability. She launched into making the healer comprehend one vital aspect where her decision is based on.
She spoke about her first six years in the wizarding world, where she had to prove herself that she is more than a muggle born, as deserving of her Hogwarts letter, and as good as anyone with every spell they learned in school… That she had to acclimate herself with the nuisance, traditions and legalities of Wizarding while coming into terms that of the dangers of impending return of a dark wizard.
She narrated that on her seventh year existing in this world; she had to perpetually dodge evil forces that wanted her dead, not only because of her friendship with Harry, but more so of not having the correct blood origin… where she literally got curved with the label mud blood…
"I don't need people to put me into a wrestling match right now" Hermione voiced, her jaw tightened in expression of emotional fatigue. "I don't have in me to wrestle falsehoods… just because they found out that Minerva and I were shacking after the war… THAT'S what people will focus, and would repeat it again and again… And disgustingly turn it into nothing else but of a professor who fucked her student at Hogwarts…"
"Mione, it's not…" Harry's face showed anger and powerlessness, as he tried to disrupt the spoken bad foretaste. Hermione understood that his best friend is hurting for her and Minerva, but reality will hurt way more than their current discussion of such ugliness.
"You know Harry that they will say THAT, no matter how untrue..." Hermione stated with hardness in her voice. "You see, I have to protect Rose from all of that… protect myself… protect Minerva… Telling Minerva will harm not just Rose, not just me, but also Minerva."
Hermione pressed her hands against her temple and closed her eyes in an effort to rein her tears that threatening to spill. She finally conceded to her most pressing fears… On not being strong enough to challenge the public once the gossips come out… of all the consequences that will crash her way… Of failing to protect her child… of failing to protect Minerva…
With much publicised circumstances of the golden trio involvement during the war, and how it followed by her Masteries achievement, it has afforded Hermione a genuine lift-off to further illustrate what stuff she's made of. But it is one that is delicate. And she is no longer naïve to believe that a mere gossip will not play to her career disadvantage, it will destroy her current footing despite her NEWTS and Double Masteries... She will achieve nothing and will be back down the trenches of climbing against unjust tendencies.
And most of all, Hermione is not strong enough to deal with the very possibility that upon finding out about their child, Minerva McGonagall would also wage another level of emotional war between them. Hermione is convinced that she won't survive…not this one…not right now.
"Madame, is there a way to make it look like Hermione did not give birth under our system?" Hermione heard Ron's question. And she caught his actual meaning. That what he is asking if there is a way for the healer to plot for deception in reference to the submission of Rose's birth certificate.
"No, Ron." Hermione resolutely answered. "We do not falsify this. We can't be part of what screwing the system… We will not take part in something just because it suits our personal agenda."
Few months after surviving the war, the three best friends once swore to each other that they'd fix whatever they can that is crooked in the wizarding world so that they will not find themselves fighting another war in ten or so years… So that students at Hogwarts would be free of fear that someday they'll have to fight in order to live…
"I know, Mione." Ron sighed. "But do we have a choice? I mean, there must be something we can afford to compromise in order to deal with this… I really do understand your fears, and as much as I swore to protect you, the truth of the matter is— you are absolutely right, you should not be fighting that fight.
The heavy silence that draped over them ran for undetermined period until Hypatia voiced out her cautious contemplation. "There might be a loophole…" At Hermione's look of protest about committing any violation, she lifted her hand as she went to clarify. "This is completely legal. But I think, it is the loophole we need regarding the birth registration compliance."
"What loophole?" Ron voiced the question before Hermione could.
"If I am not mistaken, there is this little unused or probably entirely unknown circumvention that would overrule Minerva's magical entitlement." Hypatia spoke cautiously.
"Minerva will lose the claim for an authentic copy?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
"In essence, you and her…" Hypatia responded, then she added, "Actually, even Rose."
"How?"
"Through healer's unbreakable vow of secrecy."
"Would that work?" Hermione's hope flickered wildly. But she had to question the certitude of Hypatia's simple answer.
"It should overpower other pre-existing magical entitlement to any and all provisions on ministrial administration under the patient—healer code of trust."
Hermione could not really understand. She rapidly combed inside her brain for any confirmation. Unfortunately, she has no idea of the complexities of unbreakable vows traversing healers' oath of confidentiality that crisscrosses ministry's record regulations.
"Have you ever done it?" Hermione simply asked Hypatia.
"No," At Hermione's deflated countenance, Hypatia hurriedly clarified, "But only because no one had ever asked me to conceal parental information on birth registration. As you can imagine, the prevailing attitude in the wizarding world is to exult magical blood origin— a complete opposite of what you are trying to achieve… Also to be perfectly honest, it has been many years when I last delivered someone's baby."
Of course. Hermione thought of Hypatia's caliber is ascribed to high-level magical medical cases. She heard about the woman's brilliance of magical healing, they say even the most seemingly hopeless cases, the witch is racking success. Hermione was humbled at the witch's impeccable healer's response attitude at Harry's hasty request for assistance when they sought for no one but the Head Healer.
She could not help but apologise and thank the healer at the same time, "I only realised now how bordering arrogant we were to ask for you to assist in birthing—"
"Oh Ms. Granger, that is most irrelevant." Hypatia interrupted, giving a dismissive wave of her hand. " Please do not think that I classify cases I attend to. I am healer, period. It's just that I wanted to be as transparent about not assisting in birth for quite sometime… I will say thou how fortunate that I finished attending to my last critical patient ahead of schedule when someone informed me that Harry Potter was at the emergency area asking for me..."
"Thank you again" Hermione repeated her appreciation. "I know how I've involved you with… this….unnecessary post on your part…"
"Don't worry about that," Hypatia responded with a small nod. Then she resumed with her suggested solution. "I heard how scholastic you are; I understand your reservations. Naturally you'd want to do research of this provision and cross-reference the matter, but we only have," Hypatia waved to gauge time, "—About 22 hours from now to do that. That's not a lot of time. Therefore, I say give it a go? We simply test the concealment under unbreakable vow of secrecy before before we send the official record."
That proposal sounds adequately logical… But not to negate assiduousness, Hermione mentally ran through all pockets of her pressing situation. And each one has landed with Hypatia's making the unbreakable vow as the only solution.
The realisation begs the question as to why the healer is obligating herself to such profound involvement? She wanted to know the real agenda and decided to be frank, "Why are you offering to make unbreakable vow with someone you barely know?"
"I see…" Hypatia momentarily paused before confidently saying, "Because I know that it is the only solution to your predicament."
"And?" Hermione prompted, certain that there is more.
Instead of directly answering Hermione, Hypatia took time to take out her wand. She conjured a chair and sat down on it, visibly gathered her thoughts, before opening up to the trio.
"Our profession's oath is essentially making use of our skills for healing regardless of who is in need of our aid. More often than not, that has thrown healers to be non-partisan in the political spectrum. But… I am not as detached in Wizarding politics as expected from a mediwitch, particularly as St. Mungos' Head." She paused and thought carefully how best to remove obfuscation to deliver her real intention, "What I'm trying to say is…I know the peace we have today has a lot to do with what the three of you contributing greatly to that. Who in the enire continent hasn't, right?" Hypatia shrugged.
After the Wizengamot members voted for selected war testimonials to be in the open for public reference, Hermione knew that the three of them are marked permanently as public interest… While different witnesses who had fought in the battle of Hogwarts had given account of Harry's duel with Voldemort, of which has sent the dark lord to a permanent ending, Harry's testimony, which was was also publicly released, had him unequivocally chronicling Hermione's role that stated how she had kept him alive— that ultimately got him to where he needed to be in order to finish Voldemort.
Hermione won't play false modesty whenever the subject is of their/her roles during the war. Her logical mind had long spelled out the magnitude of their actions that brought ending to dark times in their wizarding world… She knows how it is affording her some sort of latitude while working in the Ministry...
Still, in the depth of her heart, it was a simple matter of being there for Harry and Ron— to fight for and with them, to protect their loved ones… Hence, whenever anyone tried to convey their high regard for her role during the war she can't help feeling both humbled and discomfort.
"Madame Hypatia, you do not owe us…me anything." Said Hermione.
"I know you'd say that… However Ms. Granger, honestly, I feel like we've already struck some sort of personal association when we traveled to Australia for your parents. Then I confess that I felt completely inept when you consulted to me about your scar, when all I could do was merely advise you of its healing requisite… So with this—" Hypatia swept a hand back and forth between them, "This time, if making unbreakable vow with you is the solution, do permit me to do so."
Hermione weighed in the severity of the offer from Hypatia Allis. One look at Harry and Ron and she knew that they are all for her taking it. And she knew that she truly has no other fitting choice that would solve her situation, at least until she gets a stronger footing in her career, in Minerva's life— if that is even in the older witch's cards.
Also, part of the good news—bad news surrounding her personal crises is the fact that she is adding another debt to Hypatia. This brings discomfiture to realise how she is involving another person in the disastrous state of her personal affair… She then asked the healer if there is something she could strike as sort of exchange before they undertake the unbreakable vow?
Hypatia pressed lips, before expressing that indeed she has a caveat in it. "I only ask one thing…"
"Please, state it." Hermione tentatively replied. "Readying herself for whatever she has to agree with."
"In the event, for whatever reason, whenever, and wherever that would be— when Minerva McGonagall asks me directly about Rose's parents, the unbreakable vow would allow me to tell Minerva that I could not tell her because of unbreakable vow. I need to be able to tell her that."
Unbreakable vow would automatically prevent people from even confessing about making one, and not only about not being able to speak of what it is about. But Hermione knew that making provisions would counter the basic principle of utter secrecy, exactly allowing what Hypatia is asking for.
Out of curiosity than anything, Hermione questioned, "Why such specific? Why it is important for you to tell Minerva that a vow is made?"
Hypatia sighed, "The truth is, I do not wish to disrespect the witch who bravely saved my life during the first war of Voldemort…"
Is there anyone, in one way or another, not owing Minerva McGonagall? Hermione thought, as she heard the healer narrated her story.
"As soon as the emergency alarm went off, it was chaos here," Hypatia made a hand motion to show wide-range indication of whereabouts. "The responding Aurors began arriving and protecting the general population of St. Mungos, and fighting off intruders.. I got trapped in the east wing, it was my fifth year as healer, with only two newbie mediwizards, and one patient, an important ministry officer, who was in critical condition whom we were in the process of moving in isolation when some death eaters surged the floor we were in. Although the wards automatically went up, they were dismantling every layer of protection. It was down to the last ward when Minerva Mcgonagall came about our location.. Despite the odds, not for a second she doubted fighting all seven of them."
Gryffindor…
"Much later, I've been told by an acquainted Auror that before coming to rescue at St. Mungos, McGonagall had been doing surveillance in another site with the Prewett twins… who unfortunately were ambushed that night. I believed, it happened after she left them. They told me that she was very close to those two… So, I can't imagine the guilt she probably felt for the circumstances… On the other hand, her arrival saved me. I owe her my life."
Hermione and Minerva once talked about each of her Scars and Sorrows brought by every war. Minerva confessed that the deaths of her family and friends in Gellert's war and then first round of Tom's darkness… that the latter has resulted an recurring nightmare for Minerva, of unsuspectingly leaving Fabian and Gideon Prewett to an ambush in order to respond to Albus Dumbledore' patronus to fight death eaters at St. Mungos.
The revelation enlightened the whole reverence reserved to Minerva McGonagall by a great healer like Hypatia Allis. Plausibly the basis of why a very pre-occupied Head Healer of the very hectic St. Mungos (at that time after the war) did not say no when Minerva had asked her to help with memories restoration of Hermione's parents… Also probably why after knowing that Minerva has indeed impregnated Hermione (and in fact the baby's other mother), Hypatia has comprehended Hermione's convoluted reasoning to keep the secret as— secret, and as the better decision— for now.
"Shall we?" Hypatia bid to cast the unbreakable vow.
Hermione nodded, and in the next significant moments, as simply put, the healer saved her from unimaginable emotional battle and public debacle. Thereby owing Healer Hypatia Allis an enormous debt…
. . . . . . .
"Good news Hermione, your vitals are almost all back to normal." Hermione jolted back to here and now as Hypatia initially reported Hermione's health condition in reference to the recent incident at Azkaban... "Most of your bruised organs, particularly your lungs have recovered."
"And the bad news?"
"For one, you can't do magic for at least a week."
"What? Were my core depleted?"
"Not depleted. But let us go for prudence. You took a hit, Hermione. A serious one… No magic for a week. It is vital that you follow this one." Hypatia gently but firmly commanded. When Hermione did not argue anymore, she continued with dispensing the bad news,"Secondly, you can't take potions for now for the remaining aches you have."
"Meaning, I have to continue suffering the parading centaurs in my head." Hermione grumbled. "Even just invigoration draught?" she asked, for she desires to rid of the sluggishness enveloping her.
Hypatia shook her head. "For now, not yet. I know you feel extremely lethargic and sore. But when you pre-maturely roused last night after undergoing extensive healing spells, we've injected you with convalescing potions because you needed more sleep to recover. That had been around 3 o'clock in the morning, almost 12 hours ago… And I'm sure you know that convalescing potion—"
"—Is still in our system until it lapses in 24 hours, and it is directly antagonistic of invigoration draught." Hermione muttered. "Giving it to me now will not help me fully recover." While Hermione mechanically spoke, mentally she was remembering drifting in and out of blankness, of the piercing sensation— probably the injection given to her, and most of all— feeling that Minerva was in this room last night…keeping her safe…
"Hermione, you are all right."
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…"
"Always the brilliant one, eh?" Hypatia teased her. "Just to be on the safe side, will have to keep you from another potion for another 12 hours."
12 hours ago…
Hermione distractedly agreed, but internally attempting to be of certain that it was Minerva who was making promises of assurance when she was still heavily sedated and suffering from her injuries. But in the same line of thinking, it dawned on Hermione that if that was the case, why is Hypatia not mentioning about Minerva…? considering the healer has known about the entangled relationship she has with the emerald eyed witch… Do Harry and Ron know as well? And just keeping silent about it? Why?
All the thinking is making her head hurt worse... And in utter perplexity and exasperation, she spoke before she could help herself, "Minerva was here, right?"
The voiced question had Hypatia, Harry and Ron's eyes all rocketing up to hers. That and the hesitant countenance from the three people in the room were enough to let Hermione know that the answer to her question is a 'yes'…
"Hypatia…" Hermione has drawn out the healer's name…
When they made the unbreakable vow five years ago to conceal the truth about Rose's birth, she and the healer had agreed getting rid of formalities and started considering each other as friends. But for now, she gravely asked her friend to speak of confirmation and to give details…
"Minerva was here 12 hours ago," repeated Hermione. "Despite seriously injured, I did not imagine that, right?"
"Yes." replied Hypatia, but she did not say more.
With Hypatia's affirmation, Hermione could feel Harry Potter's stare at her face became more intensified. She braved it and met olive eyes, and observed her best friends jaw tightened. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but the door opened, bringing in George and Angelina Weasleys.
The couple's arrival gave the intermission that seemed in favour of Hypatia, Harry and Ron. Hermione watched the three break from the wretched tension, figuratively shooing away the disrupted topic, as they exchanged greetings with the new arrivals.
Afterwards, Hypatia pleasantly declared, "As I was saying, you are out of critical condition, Hermione." At hearing the good news, George naturally made a joyous hooray.
Despite wanting nothing right now but to beat the details that obviously being withheld by Hypatia and the boys, she sighed at understanding that discussion about anything involving Minerva would have to be postponed.
Instead, she lightly smiled and asked, "How long do I have to stay here?"
"I could approve your discharge if you wish—"
"Yes, I do." Hermione interrupted, thinking that the privacy of her home would give her opportunity to sit down with Harry and Ron.
"Under certain conditions." Hypatia phrased, pausing to observe Hermione's attentiveness.
Hermione nodded sharply in response, but she instantly regretted her action as her vision swarm a little. She closed her eyes for a moment and heard Hypatia raised her point.
"Exactly because of that, Hermione. You would feel bouts of dizziness here and there for a day or two… Not making drastic movements would be wise. That means you need someone to stay at your house to look after you. If you are amenable, I will let you go. If not—"
"I'll stay with her." Harry spoke and Hermione was unsurprised for him to have volunteered. Also not surprise when Ron seconded Harry's offer.
The next half hour left Hermione in the company of George and Angelina, as Hypatia and Harry worked to complete her discharge paper. On the other hand, Ron had to make a couple of side trips: first to pick up some things from his flat and then he went to the Burrow to fetch Rose.
Hermione did not get the chance to talk to Harry on the way home because she could not find it in her to deny George and Angie's offer to also escort her home.
Furthermore, she didn't get to see Rose when her daughter came home. The truth is, because of the said convalescing potions still in her system, and the exhaustion even from the easy walk to her house after crossing the magical portal from St. Mungos to the nearest access point in her muggle location, she fell asleep upon reaching her own bed.
It was past eleven in the morning when the delightful laughter of her daughter all the way from their kitchen had actually woke her up. When she got up meaning to wash up and to join her daughter, she was pleased with the significant decrease of feeling languid. And realised that her headache is almost gone.
Even before reaching her kitchen, Hermione could hear her daughter's animated voice. Rose was confirming with her Uncle Ron about what her Uncle Harry had told her last night regarding the incident of his broken arm and then boneless arm during his Hogwarts quidditch days in second year.
"Yes, Uncle Harry painfully broke his arm," Hermione interrupted her vivacious daughter as she appeared through the kitchen entry, "Painfully, sweetheart," she emphasised.
"Mum!" Rose squealed, running around the kitchen counter towards her mother.
"It was farther terrible when the Hogwarts' matron had to grow back his arm because of improperly casted spell." Hermione continued, lightly warning her daughter, "That is why I always tell you not to be heedless—"
But Hermione could not carry on with her intent of gentle lecture about the danger of faultily spells; Rose had already half thrown herself unto her arms. She concentrated on not falling from her daughter's impact and blindly anchored on whatever closest furniture.
"Are you feeling better, Mum?" Rose's muffled concern floated coming from her pressed face against Hermione's neck.
"Much, much better, sweetheart," Hermione could not help but genuinely smile and returned the fierce hugging from her daughter, "Especially when I have you like this." She squeezed a little more, and kissed whatever she could reach of her daughter's head.
A moment later, Rose let up from the intense embrace. Although practically still carrying all of daughter's weight, she reached out to Ron who cut the slight distance and kissed her cheek in greeting. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
"Less sore. Centaurs almost gone." Hermione replied and look around for her other best friend— the boy who lived and lived.
"Harry said he' be back tonight." Ron related in Hermione's unspoken question of the absent third trio when it was he who nearly tucked Hermione in bed yesterday upon arriving home.
"I'm sure he will," Hermione smirked at the overprotectiveness of her best friends.
"And I am not to let you do any chores." Ron cautioned with a grin. "Harry's order."
"I am truly okay, Ron." She stretched one arm to touch his broad shoulders in gesture of assertion and to suspend his incoming objection. "I won't exert myself, I promise," she assured him as she manoeuvred Rose in her arms.
"I still would like to stay and help out." Ron argued, running a hand over his face with a sigh. "Harry will hex me." He confessed, before reaching for Rose to relieve Hermione, and her overindulged daughter actually went to her godfather.
"Sure," Harrys' so called threat and her daughter's antics made Hermione laugh. "Rose and I will be delighted with your company." She returned Ron's brotherly kiss, placing one on his cheek. "And someone has yet to update me, of you know…" Hermione shrugged in reference to 'The Attack', and to so many things, and of that one thing— Minerva.
Ron simply replied, "Let's see. For now, let us have an early lunch, or brunch in your case."
But the conversation with Ron did not happen after brunch/lunch, not when she had to return to bed for a nap. Or when she was awake, she had series of guests who dropped by, mainly to express their concern about Hermione.
She gratefully and patiently received them all: her former RCMG boss (Gregory Bennette) and three other collegues, Hogwarts Professors (Klyde Creighton, Filius Flitwick & Bathsheda Babbling), The Potters-Weasleys (Ginny & the kids, Molly, Arthur, Charlie & Angelina—again on behalf of George), and former schoolmates (Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbot, Jordan Lee, Alicia Spinnet, & Katie Bell).
Apparently, and not unexpectedly, the unfortunate episode of the Golden Brain who 'went down' in Azkaban is the latest sensationalized headline. This instigated into story re-telling in several versions of 'The Attack", distorting the details all the more, creating bigger commotion of the re-appearance of the dark mark, strewing suspicions amongst wizards and witches, which naturally had led into uproar. Fortunately, Minister Kingsley dealt the issue with such precise acuity that it immediately contained maliciousness and fright.
But with all the narratives brought by her visitors, Hermione noticed that it seems there is a story blackout regarding the incident at Hogwarts— of the first year student they found at the forbidden forest in identical condition of the adult wizard apprehended just outside the Ministry building, and of the other at Azkaban…
Curiously, the three Hogwarts professor who visited had mentioned nothing of it, probably because there were other guests whom they did not want to inform. And so Hermione easily surmised that there is a categorical order to withhold the story from the public…
She recognised that it is to protect the student and protect the school from malevolent manipulation, fending off unmerited hysteria of evidently an isolated case, at least amongst the residents of Hogwarts… And whether the Kingsley is in the loop or as blinded, it is evident that such decision would only come from the Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.
Minerva McGonagall— Hermione decided to deliberately push aside thinking about the woman. For now, she has carefully compartmentalised and put a secured lid on everything related to what had happened between them…from when Minerva followed her to her old house after the commemoration— to when it all crushed down at Hogwarts before she took off to Azkaban, then including the certainty of just knowing (despite most delirious and undergoing serious dose of healing potions), that Minerva had been at St. Mungos to watch over her...
She initially wanted to cut through the heart of discussion with Harry and Ron if they do know about Minerva's staying by her bedside at St. Mungos. But having listened to her visitors has somehow made her deal with herself that for the meantime, she would have to dissect the events of the last few days with her brain and not with her heart… and fixated not with her personal crises, but of 'The Attack'. Regardless that she went under severe emotional and health hazard, she knew that she has to do her job; she swore an oath to serve their Wizarding society...
Now on her seventh year as Ministry employee, she has learned sometime ago to be unapologetic about her intelligence, and took on the expectations for being heralded as one of the most brilliant minds employed by the Ministry. She comprehends and trades the whole package of her golden brain label: its influence, opportunities, and responsibilities. Such as with the latest incidents, it is a given that she would have to bring salient points and provide pragmatic action plans for the sake of governing their society. Hermione resolved to deserve all the credence given to her.
And because she has this everlasting bind with Harry and Ron, she knew without even conferring with them that when it comes to the greater scheme of saving/making their world better, regardless of their Ministry official or non-official posts, she would mostly proceed as she has always done, together with her best friends. That is one of the few certainties in her life.
Still, in her rumination involving her best friends, she did not miss the fact that her red-haired best friend is uncommonly not taking part in the discussion throughout the comings and goings of their houseguests. Not only Ron Weasley was strangely being extra silent during discourse of the 'The Attack', she picked up his current mood of being overly keeping eye on her daughter.
It should frighten Hermione for such double down guarding over Rose. However, she also knew her best friends would not conceal critical information if any danger is known lurking concerning her daughter. Hence, she could not think of any other reason but deduced that it was part of 'Harry's orders'… Nevertheless, she made a mental note of it.
Shortly after the last house callers finally took their leave, Harry Potter timely returned at Hermione's. It seems that after he clocked out from his duty at the Ministry, he quickly went home to pick up change of clothes with every intention to crash at Hermione's for the second night. Of course, he also checked on Ginny and their kids, and predictably learned that Molly and Charlie are again staying over at his house in his absence.
Perhaps because they lost Fred during the war, each of the Weasley has taken up tremendous effort to be there for each other, thereupon emerging all the more loving and closer than they have ever been. Moreover, the lot had extended the familial regard to Hermione, fully embracing her as one of their own, just as they did with Harry and every other person that married into the family.
Many times in the last few years, the family came through exemplifying the solemn accord of unconditional backing in whichever way. For example, although Bill and Percy personally believed that quitting being an Auror was to Ron's disadvantage, the brothers still showed up during the construction of Ron and George physical store and oftentimes contributing relevant materials for the store's product development… Another testament of how supportive they are with each other was that time when Charlie Weasley came out to them as bisexual, revealing to the family about his consecutive break-ups with a witch and a wizard.
The said unconditional provision within the family was further put into demonstration when Hermione introduced baby Rose Esmerauld Granger (withheld the McGonagall part) to the family. Harry and Ron entreated the family in a straightforward message that despite they themselves will not be told of the entire story about this part of Hermione's intimate life, they ask to protect and defend the new mother and newly borne baby girl from incoming viciousness of gossips.
It was indeed particularly test of the family code of steadfastness as Harry conversed with Ginny that he had mightily hoped that his wife would not equate the secrecy as reduced love he has for her and their son. Ginny proved to be an amazing woman, as she accepted without distrusts.
When asked about such reception, she said that all she has to recall was the horcrux hunt that the trio had kept from everyone—and as they all eventually found out that it was not without valid reason, which the ignorance on their part possibly kept them less in danger.
Harry told Hermione and Ron that he had cried, in joy and pride at Ginny's answer. Harry also half kiddingly informed his best friends that that night after such conversation with Gin, he made passionate love to his wife that he knew was the one where they conceived their second child— Albus Severus.
At that time, Hermione chuckled at Ron's cringing red face at hearing Harry's confession on making love with his wife… Of course, for Ron, Ginny is and will always be his baby sister. Hermione outwardly laughed at the ensuring bickering between the two boys. But internally, she was absolutely horrified at herself for the unjust dilemma she put Harry and Ron. But in the same line of understanding, she is eternally grateful for the best friends she has been given in this life… And then equally indebted how profoundly lucky she is to be supported by Ron's family— the Weasleys.
Hermione will never ever forget the day that every Weasley, including all the in-laws (Fleur, Angie, Audrey) had stood with her when the tittle-tattle hit the general public about her giving birth to a daughter…
Determined to head on the incoming community blabbermouths, but somehow wanted to control the narrative, true to the Gryffindor unadulterated bravery distinguished trait rampant in the members of the family, what they've decided best and what they've done, was sort of make a public introduction of baby Rose Esmerauld, who was then just few weeks old, by deliberately having a family outing at Diagon Alley during a special weekend sale at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes.
It was never lost on Hermione how Ron and George unselfishly offered to have the special event of their business be entangled with the unfolded drama of her personal life.
Moreover, Hermione gradually found out that the Weasleys have individually went of their way to gather supplementary support from their closest of friends and colleagues, or sometimes cashing-in long ago favours just to help crush gossips about her...
For instance, Audrey (Percy's wife) who works at the Daily Prophet had called in all earned merits from her boss to intercept printing stories about Hermione in their newspaper. Instead, striking a special interview with Hermione, one that is related to her latest DMLE posts at the Ministry.
Truly, there were many other efforts from Weasley family and their friends that she later discovered, which would have her heart a little fuller of gratitude each time— all these supportive and loving actions for her sake, even under blindness of truth… She promised herself that she'll pay every deed with all the brilliance she has through her work at the Ministry...
There are times, like now, when she watches her daughter with Ron and Harry, (after consuming Molly's prepared dinner), she is thoroughly reminded of all the challenges they experienced when the public learned of Rose's existence that presentation day at Diagon alley. To certain extent, it had been a shock how they have surpassed the challenges without grave consequences.
"Mione," Harry softly called her attention, mouthing the word 'bed', and then motioning to Rose who is clearly fighting and losing the battle of sleepiness.
"Do you want me to put her to bed?" Ron asked.
"It's all right, I will do it" Hermione replied.
It did not take long for her to tuck her daughter as her Rose was indeed sound asleep. When she came back down, she could already hear the impassioned discussion between the boys just upon reaching the bottom of the stairs. As she came to the kitchen entry, Ron was hissing something at Harry, both oblivious to her appearance…
And Hermione could not be mistaken with what she just heard, Ron frustratingly uttered— "Mione and Minerva will lead each other to their deaths."
"And why is that?" Hermione asked, bravely meeting her best friends heated stares.
.
.
.
End of Chapter 38.
Good news, Bad news.
Posted 2022.0619
Happy Pride!
One more chapter in the 4th Seventh of May and we will move on :)
Thank you very much for still reading this story.