Chapter 19: Quidditch Player
May 7, 2000
Still at the Luncheon
'NO… NO… NO!'
Mentally, Hermione started to scream at the full arrival of Minerva's complete bloody walls! She could hear the thundering sound of her pulse at the misstep she just made… for letting out her unguarded, unadulterated, and deepest aspiration…
I just want to afford more…
I need to afford more…
Her mind replayed the second ago voiced mad longing of her heart... Followed by a heavy denunciation of how utterly imbecilic to have done so…
Sometimes, when she was with Minerva, she couldn't stop herself saying moronic words and doing moronic things. And as always, she would become so powerless at the mere thought of Minerva alienating her that she would be willing to do anything to tie herself to the woman somehow, anyhow. Like right now.
Hermione was about to take the risk and beg Minerva to come back in front of her… She was about to beg pardon for her honesty when Minerva's eyes shot her a millisecond meaningful look and it darted beyond her left shoulder.
It did not take long for Hermione to work out in her head that someone joined her and Minerva… and that someone had greeted The Headmistress.
The Headmistress.
The phrase repeated inside Hermione's head and her mind leapt as to why the woman raised back all her bloody walls…
While the woman had inadvertently permitted herself to bring down her walls, she was swiftly alerted of the fact that they were in a bloody Ministry luncheon… that they were not free to be the 'Minerva' and the 'Hermione' that they both set free when they were exclusively together… not right now.
The understanding brought Hermione tremendous relief that her honest blunder did not really drive Minerva away. However, a throbbing in her heart for their bloody circumstances followed it. She was beginning to believe that their ostentation and general public roles would bloody kill her!
Then a touch on her shoulder distracted her from her current rumination. Somehow, it registered in her brain that the someone who had joined them just greeted her as well.
With much reluctance, Hermione's brown eyes left Minerva's face and turned her head towards the 'intruder'. She found a smiling young blonde woman… the one who had touched her shoulder in greeting, whose touch in Hermione's opinion— had lingered longer than necessary… Hermione thought of hexing the blonde woman…
This was the culprit who had disturbed her precious moment with Minerva… the imbecile who made Minerva bring forth her full Minerva McGonagall public persona— the 'Headmistress'… Not to mention Hermione had to be the 'Hermione Granger' she had started to put on for the public, as she became more and more embedded as a well-known Ministry Officer.
"I heard my favourite team is on a winning steak these days because of you."
Hermione heard Minerva praise the person beside her. The woman must be a Quidditch player who played with the Montrose Magpies— Minerva's favourite professional quidditch team.
"They are, Headmistress. But it's not just because of me. I am just happy to be fielded and help the team. And I am happy that it's the Quidditch team you favour, Ma'am."
"The Lanchashire team management must now be flooded with compunctions for not fielding you back then, more so when they traded you. It was foolish of them to mislay a talented player such as you, Ms. Bell."
"Thank you, Professor— Ma'am— Headmistress…"
Hermione heard Katie Bell stumble at the Headmistress' praise… Wait… What…? Who…? Hermione backtracked her thoughts— Katie Bell?
She did sound like Katie. But Katie had long brown hair. This woman had a blonde creased pixie hairdo. And Hermione just saw Katie the day before yesterday.
Hermione had asked Ron and Harry to have dinner last Friday, sort of a celebration for her Second level Charms Mastery completion. But then the three of them ended up having a joint dinner with George, Angelina, Jordan, Neville and Katie. The group dinner date resulted from a not so serious ramble in details and a certain kind of friendly pressure to just go altogether.
But Katie, that time, did not look the way she did right now. But yes, truly it was Katie Bell who joined her and Minerva. Hermione realised that she had yet to respond to Katie's earlier greeting.
"Katie! Hello…" Her delayed reaction was apparent, including her surprise at Katie's blonde and very short hairstyle. "Wow, the new look is amazing on you!"
"Hello again, Hermione." Katie glowingly responded, "For a second there, I thought you were actually ignoring me. I thought it was because—"
"I apologize for not immediately acknowledging you. I was miles away pondering about what the Headmistress was just— discussing with me."
Hermione knew that Katie was referring to that dinner she was thinking of just a second ago. For some reason, she didn't want Minerva to know that she had dinner with Katie, never mind that it was not planned and that it was a group dinner. And she was also too aware of the obfuscation she just made about her halted discussion with Minerva. She knew she made it sound like something official, and Katie's response confirmed that it was how it came out.
"Oh no, I interrupted your meeting. I am sorry. Please excuse me. I just want—"
"It's alright, Ms. Bell... Ms. Granger and I ought to have such a discussion some other time…" Minerva interjected Katie, and her response's double meaning did not escape Hermione. "And Ms. Granger is correct, your different look suits you very finely."
Hermione watched as Katie blushed at Minerva's comment, but not before an aloof look shot in her direction. Involuntarily, Hermione's brows knitted at Katie's reaction, and then a second later, she felt something akin to jealousy. Jealous that Minerva would find someone physically fine.
"Thank— thank you, Headmistress." Katie again stuttered but eventually smiled brightly with another shy look at Hermione. And Hermione's jealousy settled firmly in her guts.
"This is a result of George's product invention. He was testing a new candy that would change your hair color for a mere 3 and 1/2 seconds. He, with Ron and Angie, persuaded me to take trial candies and then later on convinced me to actually go for a new hair style after the fourth candy I ate had me looking— well, looking like this."
"So I have to warn Hogwarts Professors of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' latest mischief product?" Minerva wryly replied.
Katie unsurely explained, "George said— he said that the candy would not be out until Hollow's eve. And they are calling them, 'Be Tonks'. I think it is meant to pay homage to Mrs. Lupin."
Clearly, Katie did not catch the fact that Minerva was just exercising her wicked humor with her sardonic response. But she knew Minerva already knew about the 'Be Tonks' candies. She wanted to bridge Katie's misunderstanding, but after she looked at Minerva and detected her disguised amusement, her jealousy just got more pronounced. She let Katie endure in a twist of how to get out of such a topic.
About three months ago, Hermione knew that Ron and George just finished the formula for their latest candy that would make the eater's hair turn into something else just for a few seconds. The candy would have ugly side effects if they pushed for longer than 5 seconds, so they recomputed their formula and decided to settle for 3 and 1/2 seconds. Plus, the revised restricted formula/recipe of the candy would help them not violate some Ministry laws on consumption goods that were related to changing of physical appearance, which Hermione had advised Ron and George about.
Harry said that Minerva chuckled after he told her that Ron actually got the idea from her. From that one time he saw Minerva in muggle clothes when she joined them to go to a muggle diner… of how Ron was so shocked at how Minerva seemed like a different person just with different clothes and with a less severe hair-bun… Minerva even laughingly responded that perhaps she should send a bill to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes for a product conceptualisation fee.
Furthermore, Minerva was the one who brought the idea to Harry if Ron and George would consider having the product named in relation to Metamorphmagus, particularly to Nymphadora Lupin, as it did demonstrate its uniqueness. But of course it was a mere suggestion, and really up to them, and upon approval from Andromeda. It turned out that George really loved the idea, and Andromeda actually got teary eyed at the tribute. Hence, 'Be Tonks Candies' would be out sometime this year at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
Hermione could still hear Katie trying to ease her gaffe that she was convinced she had made when she told them how her new look came about. She felt bad and thought about saving the quidditch player by telling her of how Ron and George made Harry take one candy that had her olive-eyed best friend completely bald for 3 and 1/2 seconds. She knew the funny account would end Katie's current mortification.
"So Montrose's chance this year to win the cup is better? Is Mr. Campbell still hands-on with the team?"
Minerva was the one who made to save the quidditch player from her discomfort by steering to another topic… one about Katie… about her quidditch team… about Minerva's favorite team. Hermione suddenly felt a certain displacement, and it amplified the jealousy inside her.
"We can only hope so, Ma'am." Katie's relieved countenance was apparent, as she hurriedly got hold of the escape topic…
"And yes, Mr. Campbell is very hands-on. Like earlier, he attended the team's practice. I didn't think I could catch today's luncheon since Coach was not too keen that I cut practice short. But Mr. Campbell approved that I could skip the rest of the afternoon's practice when I told him that the reason was my wanting to go to today's commemoration. Then he asked that I give his regards to you, Ma'am."
"Convey my regards back, Ms. Bell."
"Will do, Ma'am."
"Angus Campbell is the most quidditch embedded person I have ever met."
"Yes, yes." Said Katie as she nodded her head several times. "The first time I met him, he told me he was married to several people, mostly at the same time, and I am marrying him too. I was shocked until he laughed at my expression, that he meant the Montrose Magpies team members."
"The very same thing I heard from him 50 years ago..." responded Minerva with slight tone of reminiscence.
Hermione realized that she must be mental— for feeling a very wide array of emotions, and all at the same time... She was jealous at hearing something that Minerva had experienced that Katie also experienced. She was hopeful at the thought of marrying Minerva one day. She was envious not to have seen Minerva play quidditch. And she was beginning to really hate Katie for merely having this conversation with Minerva…
"Ma'am, he told me that he recruited you. But that—"
Katie paused and despite the jealousy and the other bunch of emotions that were incarcerating her, Hermione could read Katie's internal debate on how to proceed with something that was obviously about Minerva McGonagall outside of her being 'The Headmistress'. And Hermione was inherently curious, ESPECIALLY about Minerva. For a moment, she shuffled her jealousy and its companions behind, and let curiosity overtake them.
"—Mr. Campbell said that he wanted you with Montrose the moment he saw you in a game in your fifth year… But Sir Dumbledore didn't allow you to play in the professional league because you just turned 16, plus he insisted that you finish Hogwarts first…"
"Angus Campbell told you that?" asked Minerva with mild surprise.
"Just this morning after he told me to say hello to you from him… So wow, you were really just in your fifth year and they already wanted you to play with them! You could have been the youngest professional player, because up to now the youngest that made pro are a couple of 17 year olds. You must be a superb quidditch player, Headmistress!"
Predictably, Minerva responded with a dismissal of the acclaim given to her. "It was really untested against professionals. And you do know Ms. Bell that a player could be an early bloomer who would tap out once playing professionally. Or like yourself, advancing and maturing your playing skills as you play more."
"Mr. Campbell said that Sir Dumbledore's refusal and your nasty fall playing against Slytherin in your seventh year where you busted your ribs and had your head in concussion effectively stole Montrose's decades long winning streak."
"Angus Campbell had been saying that for over five decades just to stir intrigue of 'what could have been'. But really, it was just that, an over-presumption, and an unmerited one if I may say."
"He said he saw you free drive in one of your matches at Hogwarts and until now, he has not seen anyone else do it like you did. Sure, a couple of players learned how to do the maneuver, but his words were, 'none like McGonagall's grace and technique'. He said he was surprised when you registered your animagus form as a tabby cat and not a flying creature, as he was sure you could already fly."
"He's a wonderful man, but has always been one to exaggerate. It comes with his territory to promote hype for his team. But really, Ms. Bell, that was too inaccurate. What is accurate is how you are now winning games for them."
Hermione watched as Katie beamed and she was shocked at how she wanted to slap the smile off of this quidditch player. And almost did so when Katie rolled out her invitation to Minerva.
"I know the Headmistress is absolutely loaded with duties, but Ma'am, if you ever find yourself free or just wanting to have fun, please do know that we would love to have you at the games! Please, please just owl anytime and we will get you the best seats!"
"I appreciate the invitation, Ms. Bell."
Hermione heard Minerva's response and she focused her gaze on Katie, refusing to look at emeralds that she felt directed at her. She really did not want to make another foolish emotional declaration.
"And If I am not mistaken, your next game is actually against your old team. Good luck and have fun wiping their idiotic gender bias proclivity."
Hermione watched Katie beam further. She found herself pocketing her hands into her robes to prevent herself from actually committing a senseless act— like slapping Katie.
Hermione heard Katie confirm that they were playing next Saturday against Lanchashire. She also heard her say that she invited Ron and Harry, and that even Ginny was game-on, as her best friend's wife was still on leave from the Harpies. She also heard about George, Angie, Jordan and Neville coming to watch as well.
Hermione could not believe the strange emotions brewing inside her. She tried to identify them once again and she located an added mixture of aghast anger, annoyance, and a great deal of antagonism.
Then she felt a touch on her shoulder; Katie's one hand was on her again. Vaguely she realised that Katie just invited her to watch the game. And that she had not given a response; she had not even given an acknowledgement. And that was probably why Katie had touched her, to get her attention. So Hermione dragged herself to the here and now and completely tuned back into what Katie was saying to her.
"I… I know you don't like quidditch much but I thought maybe you would like to watch the game with our friends. And then after, maybe I could treat you guys to dinner."
"Why?" Hermione asked bluntly. And immediately she was half guilty at the harshness of her question to Katie's offer. Then somehow her guilt turned to the hilt when Katie withdrew her hand and clasped and unclasped with its partner. And suddenly Katie sported a very shy expression.
"Uhmn, I know we sort of crashed your dinner celebration on your charms mastery last Friday and… and—"
Remembering her manners, and how to use her brain, Hermione interrupted Katie's obvious self-reproach. "No Katie, it was okay—"
"Harry said that you were fine with it when you found out that Ron extended his invite to George who extended it to Angie who extended it to me. On how Neville and Jordan got there, I actually don't know. I know you said it wasn't really a big deal. And you made us feel that it wasn't so. It's just that afterwards when I thought about it, I had a super delayed realization that we intruded on your dinner with your best friends. So please, let me make up for it."
Katie rambled and Hermione felt bad about it. And then her brain reminded her furthermore of her public persona. That she was now a Ministry Department Head and there were certain expectations of courtesy that came with such. But above all, she could not dismiss Katie's gallantry. After all, the witch was considering her as a 'friend'…
Hermione inwardly sighed and decided to adopt appeasement, "Katie, there's no need." She even picked an honest amicable remark, "That dinner was great, George was hilarious. We all had a brilliant time. Don't worry about it, I promise."
"Okay… Then lets have another one and let me treat you guys this time."
Hermione inwardly cursed. She was exerting effort to shove away her antagonistic feeling but Katie was really doing everything to direct it to herself… making Hermione hate her…
'Why is she insisting? Watch her games? Have Dinner? Implying we are close friends?'
And then it hit Hermione, and a massive cold sensation attacked her…
'Katie is using me, using Harry, using us to get to Minerva? To get Minerva to watch a game—Katie's game? And also to get Minerva to a dinner— Katie's dinner treat? FUCKING Quidditch player! Katie wants Minerva? Katie WANTS Minerva!'
"I was told this morning that Montrose is drawing my playing contracts for three seasons instead of just riding to expire my Lanchashire's contract." Turning to Minerva, Katie added, Mr. Campbell even said that he is inclined to make it 5 seasons."
"Congratulations, Ms. Bell! I heard Montrose is very generous to its players."
Minerva's latest commendation to Katie turned the jealousy inside Hermione into full-blown warfare alongside insecurity, resentment, and wretchedness.
Hermione's impeccable memory was sometimes a curse as without warning, it prompted clear unwanted memories… One when Minerva called out Angelina one quidditch practice and later Harry told them that the woman was actually concerned with Katie's shoulder… Then the times that Katie 'celebrated' her good work in her Transfiguration classes and Katie's friends teased her about it. Maybe they were really teasing Katie about Minerva… Then that one time Minerva told her how Katie had a talent in Transfiguration…
Then further fragmentation enveloped Hermione. She thought about Minerva with Katie… Katie with Minerva… Then of other nameless witches with Minerva… Of Minerva getting any witch whenever she wanted to. Of how others were more beautiful, talented, and probably of 'purer' blood than her…
Hermione's defence mechanism of fight or flight kicked-in, and the winner as usual— was flight. She needed to get away from them. The sense of betrayal was eating her inside out…
"I apologise I need to—"
But Minerva cut her down, "Ms. Granger, please let me have a few more minutes of your time as there is one more thing I need to discuss with you."
Hermione wanted to say no. But a hand on her shoulder trapped her— this time it was Minerva's.
Despite her current predicament, Hermione had to give it to Katie Bell and her unmistakable refinement. The Quidditch player quickly made way to take her leave after she briefly expressed once more of her hope to see them at the game and have that dinner.
The very moment they were alone, Hermione started, "Please excuse me Headmistress, I have to—"
Again, the emerald-eyed witch cut her down, and with almost inaudible voice told her, "I am not the one being wooed to a dinner date. You should not be the one harbouring that green monster."
Never in her life till now had Hermione felt so jealous that her brain and heart struggled to explain to her what just transpired. When Minerva withdrew her hand from her shoulder, she finally braved and met emerald eyes.
Disappointingly, most of the older woman's walls were raised. And Hermione's suffocating jealousy was pushing her to just walk away from Minerva. But before she could do so, Minerva's much softer voice meant only for her, reached her—
"Darling, know that you are mistaken… But Harry is coming back, so we'll have to talk about this some other time."
And before Hermione could fully comprehend what Minerva meant, she did hear Harry's return so she pushed everything she was feeling into a compartment. Immediately she schooled her features into free and easy ones to escape Harry's sharpness.
.
.
.
End of Chapter 19
Year 2000 – Quidditch Player
Darn it, Harry!
