Of lionesses and lovers
Hermione and Minerva woke with a start, both gasping. Molly rushed forward and climbed into the bed with them. "Oh, thank Merlin!"
Minerva wrapped a robe around Hermione who was shivering. Hermione sat up and stroked Molly's hair as her mother sobbed. "It's ok, I'm back…in more ways than one." Hermione whispered. While Hermione and Minerva got their bearings, Hermione thought about her birth mother. She missed her so much, but she was so grateful that she had Molly here on earth to be there for her. Her mother said that there was a higher purpose, that these events were occurring for a reason – Morgaine and her enhanced magic were gifts. Maybe Molly was sent to her as well to be an earth-bound mother. There was a reason for all of this, and Hermione made up her mind that she was going to see this through, till whatever end. Something was coming, and Hermione was going to stand shoulder to shoulder with her friends on the front line. Damn her father and his friends, damn Lucius Malfoy, damn the Dark Lord, damn it all…but Hermione would be damned if she was going to allow them to hold her hostage anymore.
"I will not be the pawn – for the Prince of Darkness, any longer."
For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt freedom on the horizon. She had a new purpose to her life – it was to give her child the life she didn't have – the one she always wanted and fantasized about. She wanted to give it to her in a way that was different from others though…and she knew what she had to do. She approached the crib carefully, still unsteady on her feet – Molly helped her over. She peered into the crib and saw a beautiful baby girl with brown-auburn hair – sleeping like an angel.
"Things have been awful lately…but that's all going to change – and I want to be there when it does. I want to see my friends be happy again. I want to see you grow up. The woman you are going to become…because she's going to be beautiful…and she's going to be powerful. I got it so wrong. I don't want to protect you from the world – I want to show it to you. There's so much that I want to show you."
"You need to take her." Hermione said to Molly in a voice which was barely audible.
"What?" Molly asked.
"She isn't safe here with me right now. Once we perform the Blood Rite, it will remove her trace from Malfoy, and then you need to take her far away from here. Take her somewhere safe – somewhere where I would never think to look. She needs to be safe…and she won't be as long as she is around me."
"You would never hurt her…" said Molly.
"Never intentionally, no." Hermione said, looking sadly down at her child. "But so long as my powers are unpredictable, and until I can gain control over them – I need her to be safe. It kills me to be separated from her, but part of a mother's job is to know what is best for her child….and right now she and I cannot be together…" upon saying those words out loud for the first time, Hermione felt as though all the air had been sucked out of the room. She stumbled into the bathroom, slid down the wall and wept as Molly sadly watched the door click shut. Molly and Minerva looked at each other wordlessly, for there was nothing that could be said at that moment – nothing that needed to be said. They nodded to each other solemnly, and Molly stepped into the floo, leaving in flash of green to let the kids know that Hermione was back and safe. She did not attempt to change Hermione's mind about the baby, and she had no intention to try. She, in her heart of hearts, knew that Hermione was making the right decision. The wellness of the baby depended upon the wellness of her mother, and vice versa – and Hermione was still not well.
Hermione listened as her mother left through the floo, curled up into the fetal position and did nothing but listen to the sound of her own heart pounding in her ears. She heard the bathroom door open and felt someone gently lift her torso into their lap on the floor – she didn't have to look to know that it was Minerva. Minerva stroked Hermione's hair as Hermione broke down. She wept as though she had never wept before. She was in a moment of clarity – one that many seek, but fall short of finding. She knew at that moment that she was too ill to care for her child, a child that she so desperately wanted since the first kick that she felt in her womb. A child that she knew she wanted when she was in the hallway – forming a barrier between herself and the others the day that she ran off. A child whom she swore would never set foot inside of Hogwarts – but now found a safe haven in. She was grateful, sad, and angry, confused, and relieved – all at the same time. Hermione was overwhelmed with emotion and thoughts. After several minutes, Minerva helped her to stand and walked her back into the bedroom, where Poppy was waiting. Hermione climbed into bed as Poppy ran a diagnostic over her.
"Well?" Minerva asked.
"She healed up pretty well, however there is still some damage in the lungs I am concerned about. Once Severus finishes the potion from her tears, it will hopefully do the trick – but as he said before, this is unknown territory for all of us." Poppy said.
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked.
"When Severus was with you in the courtyard, he noticed that your tears were healing the parts of your face they were touching. It's an animagus trait that you apparently possess in your human form as well. He took a few of your tears and is going to attempt to brew a healing potion from them." Minerva explained.
Hermione rubbed her face, she was having a hard time taking the information in. It was then that a realization struck her. "What happened to Cedric?" Hermione asked.
Minerva and Poppy exchanged a glance, knowing that Hermione's mind was already in overload – how were they to approach the issue? How were they to tell her that he was a victim instead of a villain? Hermione shifted her gaze from one witch to the other, she knew something going. "What?" She asked. "What is it?"
Minerva took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the bed. She took Hermione's hand in her own and proceeded to tell her of the curse that was placed over Cedric. They told her how he fought so hard against it that it began to eat away at his mind. That he was trying to protect Hermione and Morgaine as hard as he could, but eventually lost against the power of the curse. Hermione sat up and held her face in her hands. Minerva put her hand on Hermione's back and softly rubbed it up and down, trying to comfort her. "Speak, my lamb. Talk to us."
Hermione looked up into the eyes of the woman she secretly fell in love with so many years ago and saw that same love reflected in Minerva's eyes. Hermione opened her mouth as though she were about to speak, then closed it. She shook her head and looked down at her hands. "This is all my fault." Hermione whispered.
"No, dear, don't even think that!" Poppy said.
Hermione looked up at Poppy, "How can I not?" She started breathing fast – the information overload was causing her to hyperventilate. Her speech became fast and fevered. "He would never have been a target if Malfoy wasn't trying to get to us! He would never have been cursed if it wasn't for me leaving the castle…because then he wouldn't have had to be out there looking for me." Minerva was rubbing Hermione's back, trying to get her to calm down, but she also knew that Hermione needed to feel what she was feeling. She needed to go through the emotions in order to see the truth clearly in the end. Hermione continued, "I was so awful to him! I behaved terribly to him when he was being victimized himself! I thought he had just gone mad on his own, now I discover that he went mad while trying to protect me! Oh God, what have I done?"
"Hermione. Slow your breathing down. Look at me and concentrate on your breathing. You need to calm down because your lungs can't handle this right now." Poppy said. Hermione obeyed and met Poppy's eyes with her own. She focused on the blue in Poppy's eyes and regulated her breathing. Minerva heaved an internal sigh of relief. Hermione demonstrated that she had the ability to gain control. She was able to force herself to focus. It would hopefully aid in her journey to regain control over her powers.
When Hermione calmed down and began to breathe normally, Minerva asked her "Hermione, I want to tell you some things, but I need to know that you are calm enough to hear what I have to say. Can you focus?" Hermione nodded and Minerva shifted herself on the bed so they were now facing each other. She took both of Hermione's hands in her own as she continued, "I want to make this perfectly clear – you are not at fault for anything that has happened to you, or to Cedric. We make choices in everything that we do, and none of us can predict the future. Before any of this happened with Malfoy, you were already a target just by being friends with Harry. Would you blame Harry if something happened to you because of your friendship?"
"Of course not." Hermione whispered. "I have known that danger surrounds our friendship, but that is the risk I have always been willing to take."
"Exactly." Said Minerva. "Danger cannot always be foreseen, no matter how prepared we think we may be. We can foresee risk of danger with the choices we make, but it is still our decision on whether we are willing to accept that risk or not. Cedric was willing to accept the risk of danger when he left the castle, just as you are willing to accept risk of danger by remaining friends with Harry." Hermione leaned against Minerva, and melted as her lioness wrapped her arms protectively around her. "No matter how hard we may plan, there are always variables outside of our control because of free will – not just our own, but others' as well. We take chances. We take risks, and we either reap the benefits or deal with the consequences. How else can we learn? How else can we teach others? But along that same line, we are not responsible for the risks and choices that others take – whether they involve us or not. You took a risk when leaving the castle, but you are not to blame for being attacked in the graveyard. You chose to leave, but did not choose to be attacked."
"But…" Hermione began.
"No, let me finish." Said Minerva. "I need you to listen, understand, and consider before you argue." Hermione nodded and Minerva went on. "Ability to choose creates a domino effect with the course our lives take. You did not choose for your father and his friends to rape you. You chose to inform us, so we could help. We chose to suggest the Blood Rite between you and the Weasleys. We did not foresee the danger that we were putting you in by making you pureblood. We did not foresee that you would be targeted in a whole new way…how could we? We did not foresee Malfoy using a house elf as means to get to you, but do you blame us for the attack on you in the dungeons?" Minerva asked.
Hermione sat up and looked at Minerva, "Of course not!" she exclaimed.
"You may not blame us, but we most certainly blamed ourselves – until we realized that no matter how much we want to control a situation, as long as there are others out there trying to do the same thing – we can only do the best we can. If we had foreseen the consequences that resulted from some of our decisions – we most certainly never would have made them. Do you understand?" Hermione nodded slowly. "So I do understand why you want to blame yourself for Cedric, but you need to blame the people responsible for what was done to him, just as you need to blame Granger and Malfoy, and myself for what was done to you." Hermione froze, she sat up once again with a deadly serious gaze.
"What do you mean I should blame you?"
Minerva dropped her eyes and whispered. "You blamed me for healing you after the dungeons, for bringing you back. I called you selfish, for wanting to let go. But we were the selfish ones for keeping you here. We violated you, I violated you. It was a choice we made without weighing out the severity of the risks. All I knew is that I wanted you here so badly. Even though I didn't admit it fully, I wanted you to be here with me. I was not ready for you to not be here…"
Hermione remembered the terrible things she said to Minerva before she left the castle:
"You have violated me through the use of tubes and machines…I didn't ask you to save
me! I didn't want ANY of this! I trusted you. You of all people should have known better.
Look at what you've done to me…some people aren't meant to be saved, Professor."
Hermione felt ill as she recalled the words that she spoke. This time, it was Hermione who took Minerva's face in her hands and said, "Look at me." Minerva's eyes met Hermione's. "You listen to me." Hermione said sternly, not deviating her gaze for a second. "You are no more to blame than I am. I was sick, Minerva. I was attacked, injured, and woke to discover that I was pregnant. It was too much to handle, especially with what happened at home. Now that I have Morgaine in my life, I think I am finally beginning to understand. I want to protect her, body and soul. I would lay down my life if I knew that it would spare her even one moment of pain…I feel that way for you – and I think that is the way you feel for me." Minerva nodded in confirmation. "They say that we hurt the ones that we love the most, and that is what I was doing when I said those awful things…those lies to you. I wasn't angry with you, Minerva. I was angry with my father, with Malfoy and Bellatrix, with the fear that these bad things were really just a sign that I was not meant to be here. But I don't really believe that anymore, do you want to know why?" Minerva nodded. "Because they brought me to you." A single tear slid down Minerva's cheek. "I thought about what my mother said – about things happening for a reason. Had all of these things not happened, I might never have admitted my true feelings for you, or to you. I wouldn't have had the courage, and would still be with Cedric – smiling on the outside, but secretly dying inside…" Hermione's gaze shifted to the left of Minerva as Hermione flashed-back to her time with Cedric. She thought about how big of a fraud she was. She knew for so long that they weren't supposed to be together, but she became so adept at lying about it, that it ended up hurting them both. The only time she used to be honest about it was when she was alone. She would sing about Cedric as she fantasized about Minerva. She felt the song that summed up their relationship perfectly was "It's only love", by Heather Nova:
"I used to think that I knew what we needed,
I just assumed we would always be fine.
Now I don't think that we lost the feeling,
But we let everything build up inside.
It's only love, but love – should make us strong.
It's only love, but love – has been hurting so long.
What a challenge, honesty –
What a struggle to learn to speak.
Who would have thought pretending was easier.
It's only love, but love – should make us strong.
It's only love, but love – has been hurting so long.
And it's all, a part of me – it tears at my heart.
Only love, and it's all an eternity,
Hoping to learn only love.
There's a part of you I'm trying to reach –
Still a part I don't know.
Tell me, is devotion a gift or a thief,
Do you wish I'd let go?
It's only love, but love – should make us strong.
It's only love, but love – has been hurting so long."
"Hermione!" There was a loud clap in front of Hermione's face as she realized that Minerva was trying to get her attention for some time now. Hermione snapped out of it a mumbled "Sorry."
Minerva cocked her head and asked, "Where did you go?"
Hermione shook her head and continued to drift into her head once more. Minerva took Hermione by the chin and turned her head, forcing Hermione to face her. "I asked you," Minerva said sternly, "Where did you go?"
Hermione sighed and replied, "I was thinking about Cedric. So many years I wasted, pretending to be something I wasn't. Not just for appearances sake, but because I knew I could never be with the person I truly wanted. I used him, and now I just realized that I am going to have to break his heart all over again. He was under the Imperius curse when I broke it off…he doesn't remember it happening. I just feel like I robbed him of so many years that he could have spent with someone who could love him the way he loves me. I could have been more honest. I should have been more honest."
Minerva thought for a moment, then said "The only reason I used to regret the choice we made to save you after the dungeons was because of the pain that we caused you afterwards. It was how you said before, I would lay down my life to spare you a moment of pain. That is what we thought we were doing. When you woke and we learned that we only caused you greater pain, I was racked with guilt and regret. It took me a long time – while you were gone – to forgive myself. We did what we thought was best at the time, because with your condition – time was running out. I still believe that we were selfish, but what person isn't when they see a loved one hurt so badly? Who wouldn't do everything in their power to help them? We had no idea what the outcome would be, we could only hope for the best, while be prepared for the worst. In the end, 'the worst' took on a whole new meaning – but you know what? If I had to do it all over again, I would still make the same choice to bring you back. Because Hermione Weasley has never given up in her entire life. When someone has said 'you can't do it' – you said 'watch me'. We all want to quit at some point in our lives, but look at how much we would miss if we did? How much good we would never get to do. Don't quit 5 minutes before the miracle, Hermione."
They sat there quietly, thinking on the things they said to each other. Minerva then broke the silence. "You know, we both had a road to travel while you were gone, and that road had to be traveled separately in order for us to get where we are right now. The time apart forced me to really examine my feelings for you, because not a day – not a second went by when I didn't miss you desperately. You are right, these things happened for a reason, to you – to me, in order for us to come together. For us to fulfill the promises we made to each other so long ago – to help each other. I relish every breath that I take because it is just one more moment that you are a part of my life."
Hermione's heart fluttered, and her face flushed.
"Do not beat yourself up about the situation between you and Cedric." Minerva continued. Regret will glue to you the spot, Hermione. You cannot change the past, only look towards the future. Learn from your mistakes instead of dwelling upon them. If you don't stop saying 'coulda, shoulda, woulda', then you will never be able to move on beyond that point. You will not be able to control your magic, and will not be able to be with Morgaine. That is where your choice lies now. Do you choose to remain stagnant, or do you choose to stand strong and do what you were put on this earth to do, like your mother said?"
Hermione smiled at the memory of her mother as she asked Minerva, "How did you get to be so wise?"
Minerva chuckled and said "Through decades of choices, taking risks, making mistakes, reaping benefits and suffering consequences. However, great wisdom does not necessarily come from years and years of doing those things. Look at the things you just said to me about my self-blame! I remember something you said to me very recently," Minerva continued, "you said: "So here's where you make your choice…are you ready to be strong?" Hermione smiled, "That was your wisdom, my dear - your wisdom which led me to face something inside of myself which I never had the courage to do. I chose not to take the risk…until you challenged me to." Hermione's heart began to beat fast. "You are wise beyond your years, Hermione – and it will serve you well. Most people go their entire lives before a sudden disaster, or near-miss – and don't have the wisdom to know how to handle it. You can help them, just as I am able to help you…just as you have been helping me…"
Hermione allowed Minerva to hold and comfort for a few moments more, until Minerva said, "So I am going to pose the same question to you right now: Here's where you make your choice. Are you ready to be strong?"
Hermione didn't even need to think, she sat up – looked Minerva dead in the eye and said, "I am. With you beside me, I know I am."
Minerva smiled. "Being strong does not mean being alone. Sometimes the greatest strength is knowing when you need help, knowing when to rely on someone – and I will never leave your side, no matter what happens. I love you too much…I always have..."
Hermione's heart was leaping, she was hearing the things she always wanted to hear from Minerva.
"You have the others as well, never forget that." Minerva reminded her. She went to gesture to Poppy, only to realize that she must have snuck out of the room at some point to give them some privacy. When they both realized that they were alone, Hermione leaned in to kiss Minerva, who was allowing Hermione to call the shots. She didn't want to push. The kiss was sweet, gentle and slow. With their arms wrapped around each other, Hermione laid themselves down on the bed. They broke apart for a moment, both sets of asks asking each other if this was ok. There was no sliver of doubt between them as their lips came together once more. While still gentle, the pace of their kisses increased as hands roamed each other's backs. Minerva felt that familiar sensation of heat in her abdomen that she tried to make excuses for in the past. This time, she admitted it for what it really was, and allowed it – desire. Hermione felt the same sensation growing as they began breathing heavily through their noses as they kissed. Hermione could feel her lungs starting to burn, yet she continued anyway. When the burning sensation became too great, she had to pull away. She gasped as the cool air hit her lungs like fire and she began coughing so hard that her whole body convulsed. Minerva waited until she relaxed before saying "Your lungs still aren't fully healed."
"I'm ok." Hermione panted.
"No, you're not." Minerva said, "and I am not going to continue with this until you are better." Hermione scrunched up her face. Minerva laughed and said "You have known me for long enough to know that pouting has no effect on me, dear. Now come here." Minerva rested against the headboard and held her arms open. Hermione gave her a sideways glance with narrow eyes – before the corner of her mouth gave way to a half-smile. She laid back and allowed Minerva to envelope her. Hermione's cheek was rested against Minerva's breast, and they were both reveling in it. Minerva felt Hermione's hot breath against her nipple – as she did so many months ago when she held Hermione after a nightmare, only this time – she didn't berate herself for her nipple hardening. Instead – she smiled, enjoying being able to be so close without being on guard against her feelings and emotions. Hermione could feel the nipple harden under her cheek and she smiled. She recalled the clues she noticed in the past which indicated that Minerva shared Hermione's feelings: How Minerva's body tensed up when they shared the same bed, when Minerva would look flushed if she saw Hermione and Cedric kiss, the way she had to make an effort to avert her eyes if Hermione wasn't fully decent…and the last time Minerva's nipple hardened under Hermione's cheek when Minerva thought she was sleeping.
Hermione smiled at these memories, and smiled at the ones that were sure to come – now that the elephant in the room was gone. Hermione's hand was rubbing Minerva's stomach softly and Hermione could feel Minerva's chest rise and fall at a faster-than-normal pace. Hermione slowly pulled at the laces on the front of Minerva's under-gown and slid her left hand in to cup Minerva's right breast. Minerva's breath hitched and her eyes closed. Hermione took her thumb and very lightly ran it over Minerva's nipple, which hardened immediately. Minerva began to wriggle slightly, rubbing her thighs together, and gripping Hermione's backside. Then, as quickly as it started, Minerva stopped. She sat up straight and tied her laces. Hermione looked dejected when Minerva turned to face her. "It isn't you, dear."
"Then what is it?" Hermione had a feeling this was going to be 'It isn't you, it's me.'
Minerva laid back and offered her arms once more to Hermione. When they were in each other's arms again, Minerva began stroking Hermione's hair. "I don't want to do it this way. You have only just come back, and you are still ill. I also want our first time to happen because we both need it to. I am not Cedric – I don't want this to be only about passion and desire. Right now I think this is just excitement from us finally coming together. Leaping right into bed is sort of on the empty side, don't you think? I want us to know each other in the relationship capacity first. I love you…I am in love with you – which is why I don't want to just have sex with you…I want to make love to you."
Hermione was touched. Right then she knew just how special of a relationship this was. This was the relationship she had always desired. Minerva and Hermione's attraction went far deeper than physical. When they first met, Hermione was a child. There was a student/teacher bond, then as Hermione grew older, it became a mentor/mentee bond. Eventually it developed into an emotional support system, where they were able to confide in one another. Hermione was now a woman, physically and emotionally – and Minerva was one who helped her get there. Their physical attraction obviously did not come until many years after the sorting hat was placed on Hermione's head – but it was there now, and it was much more enjoyable since they had created such a solid foundation and emotional bond first. Hermione tried to pinpoint the moment when she knew that Minerva had more feelings for her than she was letting on. And then she knew – it was after their dual-meditation when Minerva healed her. She recalled the look in her eyes, the feelings that ran between them – the electricity…the magic. She remembered the jolt when the healing was finished – when they both were thrown apart, panting – but not taking their eyes off each other. She remembered them trying to catch their breath as wave after wave of magic pulsed through them. It was better than any orgasm Hermione ever had, and she had wondered ever since if it had been the same for Minerva. She had always hoped so.
With their heads filled with thoughts that needed processing, they laid in each other's arms on the bed while Minerva hummed a sweet Celtic lullaby. Suddenly there was a knock on the bedroom door.
"Come in." Minerva said.
Molly opened the door and peeked in. "I didn't want to just barge in, so I used the floo in the sitting room. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Not at all, come in." Minerva replied.
Molly walked in, carrying Morgaine in her arms. Hermione felt happiness and sadness in her heart all at the same time. She knew that this was it. "Well?" Hermione asked.
"The arrangements have been made, but I thought that you might want to feed and hold her one last time before the Rite." Molly said.
Hermione forgot to breathe, until her lungs began to burn again. Minerva whispered, "This isn't the last time forever, lamb. Remember that. It is only the 'last time' until you can control your magic. Then you will have her back for good."
Hermione received the tiny baby in her arms and looked up at Molly. "You found someplace safe?"
"Absolutely." Molly replied. "Every protection and ward known to wizard-kind has been applied. She will be safe and loved until you are ready to be together again."
Hermione looked down at Morgaine. She lightly stroked the soft skin of her baby's cheek and whispered "I am so sorry, poppet. I am sorry that I can't be here for you right now. It isn't fair, but it isn't your fault. I love you more than I have loved anything in my entire life, and that is the reason why I have to send you away right now."
Hermione rocked Morgaine gently as she fed her a bottle. Silent tears crept down Molly's cheeks as she tried to imagine having to send one of her own children away. She couldn't even envision how hard it must be for Hermione, having to say goodbye to Morgaine – not knowing when she would see her again. It was hard enough not knowing if Hermione was safe when she fled the castle many months ago, but to have to send your own child away?... Minerva looked on sadly, but provided Hermione with no words of comfort. It was a painful thing, giving up one's child – and Minerva wasn't about to insult Hermione with words like "Everything will be ok."
After about a half hour, there was a knock once again at the bedroom door. In walked the Minister of Magic, Albus, Kingsley, Poppy, and Arthur. While Remus, Tonks, Harry, and the rest of the Weasley clan wanted to be there for Hermione – it was decided that only the ones necessary for the Rite – as well as her parents, should be present. They didn't want to overwhelm her any more than necessary, and Hermione's greatest need for support would come after Morgaine disappeared from sight.
As Hermione watched everyone file into the room, her gaze dropped to the familiar knife in the Minister's hands, and she began to breathe fast and heavy once more. Poppy sat down next to her and reminded her to control her breathing.
"Now." The Minister began. By the tone of his voice, it was obvious that he was annoyed about being summoned once more. "Given the 'security breach' that apparently happened last time, the records of this will not be stored at the Ministry. They will instead be stored here at Hogwarts, under the protection of Albus Dumbledore." The Minister shot Albus an irritated glance. Albus however, did not flinch. The Minister continued, "The Rite will be performed in a slightly different fashion than last time. Today we are severing the ties to Lucius Malfoy, and turning that half of Morgaine into part of you, Minerva." Minerva and Hermione both nodded. "Now, since the half of Morgaine that is part of you, Hermione – is to remain, the blood is to flow between you and Morgaine, Morgaine and Minerva. You and Minerva will not be mixing your blood…that is unless you want to become blood relatives."
"Definitely not." Minerva said quickly. Hermione tried hard to keep from smiling – sweet Merlin, what a disaster that would be.
"Moving on," The Minister said, clearly wanting to get this over with, "Hermione, I'm sure you remember how this went from last time." He handed Hermione the blade, and Hermione flashed-back to the day she became a Weasley. She remembered watching the blood flow from the cuts in her hands in an almost hypnotic way.
"Hermione." Poppy said. Hermione looked up, back in the present, and said "Sorry."
"Hermione, make a cut into your left palm, and do the same with Morgaine's right palm. Hermione had no trouble slicing the blade into her own flesh – feeling the same exhilarating rush as she did before, but when she looked at her tiny squirming newborn – she couldn't even imagine doing that to her. 'I would lay down my life to spare her even one moment of pain'. The knife began to shake in Hermione's hand as she looked up and whispered, "I can't."
The Minister was clearly losing his patience. Molly knelt down in front of Hermione, her daughter – and placed a hand on her knee. Hermione's eyes met her mother's as Molly said, "I know this is hard Hermione, but don't forget that the wound heals immediately. I know you don't want to hurt Morgaine, but you are really saving her. This will remove her from Lucius's trace, and will make her part of Minerva. I know that the latter is of particular importance." Molly leaned in and whispered into Hermione's ear, "It will be as though she came from the both of you. She will be part of both of you – body and soul."
Hermione cemented a look of determination on her face as she nodded. She picked up Morgaine's tiny hand and drew the shallowest cut possible – just deep enough to draw a tiny amount of blood. Nevertheless, Hermione felt ill, especially after Morgaine began screaming.
"Now, Minerva – please do the same thing. I want you to place a cut on your right palm, then place a cut on Morgaine's left palm." The Minister said. Minerva obliged, knowing that the sooner this was over, the better it would be. Hermione and Minerva followed the Minister's instructions, forming the circle and joining hands palm to palm. Molly and Arthur had to hold Morgaine's tiny arms still so that the transfer could be performed. The Minister asked the same questions he did last time, but had Hermione answer as Morgaine's mother since Morgaine could not answer for herself.
"Do you Hermione Jean Weasley, willingly consent for all that Minerva McGonagall is, body and soul – to replace that of Lucius Malfoy in your child Morgaine Eos Weasley, making her flesh of her flesh, blood of her blood?" The Minister asked.
Hermione and Minerva's eyes never deviated for a moment. "I do." Hermione whispered.
"Do you, Minerva McGonagall, willingly enter Morgaine Eos Weasley, replacing all that is Lucius Malfoy – to make her flesh of your flesh, blood of your blood?"
"I do." Minerva whispered, still staring into Hermione's eyes. Minerva felt a sensation like none other. It was intense and warm, but completely different from anything she ever experienced before. She felt herself be drawn closer to Morgaine, in a way she couldn't comprehend or bring words to.
"As Minister of Magic, I hereby declare you to be Morgaine Eos Wea-"
"McGonagall." Hermione cut the Minister off. Everyone in the room looked at Hermione in surprise – the Minister looked at her in disgust, but chose not to question as he was so anxious to get out of there.
"Very well, I declare you to be Morgaine Eos McGonagall. Bound to Hermione Weasley and Minerva McGonagall by flesh, blood, magic, and family." A golden light shone around them as Morgaine screamed bloody-murder before going unconscious.
"Morgaine!" Hermione yelled.
"Don't worry, lamb – this is what is supposed to happen. It happened to you when you became our child. She will wake, just give her a moment." Molly said.
Those words of encouragement did absolutely nothing for Hermione, who only wanted her baby to wake up. Morgaine slowly opened her eyes and looked around at all the people in the room with frightened eyes. When she turned her head to Minerva, her emerald eyes gazed into Minerva's, and as a huge grin spread across her face, Morgaine let out a big belly-laugh. Everyone in the room sighed in relief. The Minister swept out of the room without a word, but no one seemed to notice. Hermione was inspecting Morgaine all over – making sure she was alright. The wounds on all of their palms healed – exactly like last time, but Hermione still checked every part of Morgaine. Minerva put her hand over Hermione's, stilling her, "She's fine, dear."
Hermione nodded and was about to lift Morgaine over her shoulder when she stopped, looked at Minerva – and handed her the baby. Minerva gladly received the child she had always dreamed of, and felt a love in her heart that she never thought she would be lucky enough to have. Emerald eyes met emerald eyes as Morgaine happily kicked her feet and cooed. The other witches and wizards left the room, giving the tiny family some privacy before they were to be torn apart.
Minerva looked over and said, "You didn't have to do that, you know."
"Yes. I did." Hermione replies. She then bent down and whispered to Morgaine, "You have no idea how lucky you are, my cub – to have not one, but two great lionesses protecting you." Hermione raised her head and kissed Minerva sweetly. She looked down at Morgaine and said, "The greatest of those lionesses being the one who has protected and saved me every single day since I was eleven."
Minerva smiled and replied, "And will continue to do so – so long as there is breath in my body."
The tiny family cuddled on the bed for about a half hour, until Molly Weasley came silently into the room. Hermione looked up at Minerva with distressed eyes and held out her hand. Minerva felt a similar distress – it felt internal…like a piece of her was about to be removed. She knew the Blood Rite worked, because she felt like she was losing a child as well…after all – Morgaine was now a part of her, and Minerva could feel it.
Hermione held her hand out to her mother, who took it immediately.
"Take my hand, the night grows ever colder. Take my child…I give her to your keeping."
Hermione and Minerva kissed Morgaine, and without a single word – handed her over to Molly, who left right away. It was best for the goodbye to be quick. Hermione leaned into Minerva, looked up at her – and burst into tears.
"For God's sake, please stay till I am sleeping…"
Hermione cried herself to sleep in Minerva's arms. It was after midnight when Hermione woke to use the bathroom, when she saw a vial with a note attached on the bedside table. She opened the note and read:
"Miss Weasley, this is what I am now dubbing as "The Phoenix Potion."
Please drink the entire vial and inform me of the effects – if any, I hope that it
will work. I used many ingredients that were hard to obtain – but create an
extremely powerful healing effect when combined. Hopefully with the
addition of your tears, your remaining injuries will be healed. This could be a
very big moment in potions history if it works. The effects should be immediate,
so please keep me posted.
-Professor Snape
Hermione held the tiny vial in her hand. She held it up and watched the colors swirl around. Without hesitation, Hermione put the vial in her pocket. Then, instead of going to the bathroom – and without waking Minerva, Hermione quickly made her way to the infirmary.
TBC…PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW, IT TAKES BUT A SECOND!