The Burrow: Part 2

Day Three

"Come on, girl, it's nearly midday and everyone's ready to go!"

The annoyed English voice combined with the shaking of her shoulders had Hermione wake roughly. Still, dazed, she rubbed her misty eyes and mumbled, "Min?"

"No, dummy, it's 'Gin'. Geeze, 'Mione, I'm a little offended you can't tell the difference between me an old lady. Now get up."

A spell cast made the mattress start to shake, almost flinging Hermione off. "Okay, I'm up, Ginny. What the hell?"

"We're all going to Diagon Alley, remember? Well, those of us young enough to remember fun, anyway."

Hermione was still pulling herself up, drowsy from the double dose of potion the night before when a set of clothes hit her in the face.

"Get dressed quick. We'll have to hurry if we're going to make it out before mum remembers you haven't eaten."

"Fine," she whined at the slamming bedroom door before changing out of her pyjamas, grumbling.

She missed waking up to Minerva's gentle hand on her shoulder, or a plate of breakfast on the table beside her, and especially the rare times when she had woken first to watch the rising sun turning McGonagall's skin pink and orange.

Pushing those thoughts out of her mind, Hermione stuck her feet into sandals and grabbed her purse. There wasn't time to do her hair, so she pushed the mane back and tied it up with a band as she hurried downstairs.

Ginny wasn't kidding. Everyone was ready. She and Harry were holding hands while the latter spoke to Ron who had donned his home-knitted jumper. Fleur was standing with one arm folded while she chatted to Charlie's boyfriend, probably one of the few men who would never be caught by her thrall.

She apologised for keeping them waiting but Charlie just waved it off, saying they had just finished breakfast.

"Percy went back to work today and George opened the shop this morning, so we'll take the floo to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, two at a time so those of us with a little trouble with twisting tongues don't get caught at some Wheezy wizard's house."

"I still zink eet would be better to apparate," Fleur murmured to herself, conscious about her heavy accent.

Silently, Hermione agreed. She had never been comfortable with the floo network.

"Ready?" Charlie asked, turning to the dark haired lad who nodded with a grin before they both stepped into the fire, the Weasley son saying the name of the shop before they both disappeared.

"Where's Bill? Hermione asked Ginny quietly.

"He's a little moon-sick today."

"Oh." She looked at the veela who held her head high but still seemed uncomfortable. "Fleur, would you like to side apparate with me?" She asked quietly. "I can't stand floo."

The relief was obvious and the silver haired woman took her arm as Ron disappeared into the flames.

Hermione's ears popped as they landed in the Weasley's shop, her knees nearly caving. Fleur looked unperturbed by it. Almost immediately the group was joined by Harry and Ginny. Harry's face had gone a shade of green nearly as bright as the fireplace he fell out of. Ron laughed.

Their group was large and no one seemed to be able to decide where to go first. Hermione and Emillian wanted to go to the bookshop, Ron, Harry and Ginny wanted to look at the newest brooms while Charlie and Fleur quietly discussed whether to go to the ice creamery or café.

George came into the back of the shop to push them out, telling them he couldn't work with the racket they were making. Hermione was the only one completely flabbergasted that he was being the responsible one.

In the sunshine, Fleur looked at her and then declared that she wanted to take Hermione shopping for new clothes. This caught Ginny's attention and she practically burst with agreement. Ron ribbed her and rolled his eyes which Hermione returned.

"You girls do that, while the men go do manly stuff," Charlie joked.

"Us manly men," Emilian agreed, purposely holding his wrist limp. A friendly laugh passed through them and they all agreed to meet at the café in two hours.


"You and Ron are looking chummy today," Ginny said, looping her arm through Hermione's.

"We had a chat last night."

"Did you put 'im in his place?"

"I didn't have to," she replied proudly. Fleur was pretending to look into windows so Hermione asked her what shops she had been thinking of.

Invited back into the conversation, the French woman led them into a small, but beautiful dress shop. Hermione knew she couldn't afford anything there, so she just sat and waited, watching the other two trying on dress after dress. They bought a couple of outfits before it was Ginny's turn to take them into a shop.

It was discreet on the outside, but inside Hermione felt herself flush. "Ginny, what are we doing here?" she hissed, but the red head was already holding up lingerie to Fleur, the two of them enjoying the novelty of it.

"I want to treat myself and Harry for the few days we have left."

"Eet is fun, Hermione," Fleur smiled, turning with a set in each hand and holding them up to her, "and you do want to look appealing for whoever eet is you are seeing, non?"

Hermione blushed and moved away from them to take a seat. "I'm not seeing anyone," she objected, although her mind was already reeling with thoughts of the last kiss she had shared with Minerva.

"Not at the moment, but you want to, right, 'Mione?"

"Ginny!"

"Oh, relax. Besides, I need you here as an advisor."

Her already red face went a shade darker, rivalling the famous Weasley blush. "Why not get Fleur to tell you? She obviously has better taste than I do."

Fleur waved her hand with a smile, flattered.

"I know that, but she can't tell me what Harry would like."

Hermione's eyes widened. "How the bloody hell would I know what he wants?"

Ginny pulled the curtain closed on the dressing room, but her voice lifted. "You are gay, aren'cha?"

Hermione's eyes widened, "I am not!" She objected. "I mean… It's more complicated…" she glanced worriedly at Fleur.

"Do not be worried about me. I am not a… a…"

"Prude. She's not a prude."

"Yes. And what is said in the confines of Mademoiselle Allure's will stay."

"What Fleur said," Ginny called out. Hermione wanted to disappear, but without the option she just covered her face with shame. A grunt of discomfort came from the dressing room followed with a string of curse words. "And," grunt, "if things are going as well with your – bloody hell – lady friend as I suspect then it's about time you got a little daring. There."

Hermione looked up when the curtain opened and Ginny stood, discomforted, in nothing but the raciest thing Hermione had ever seen anyone wear.

"What about this?"

"Non," Fleur said, tilting her head to one side.

They both looked to Hermione who shook her head in defeat. "Definitely not."

"Damn. And it changes colour, too. Look."

It turned out that it was fun browsing the store with two women who were happy to give tips on what colours she should wear and far too happy to offer tips of other kinds. When she realised they weren't teasing her, Hermione finally relaxed into the setting and let herself be dressed up (or down) and laugh at some of the more ridiculous ensembles to the annoyance of the shop keepers.

Both of the other women made a purchase and with a little bit of time to go, Hermione chose to take them both to the second hand bookstore which was stuffed floor to ceiling with an awe inspiring number of books. From here she purchased a number of titles and Fleur found a couple in French.

By the time they reached the icecream parlour all three of them were tired but pleased with themselves. The waited five minutes before ordering milkshakes and coffees and it wasn't for another ten that the boys arrived toting their own bags.

Harry placed a chaste kiss on Ginny's lips and slipped in beside her. Two extra seats had to be dragged in for them all to fit, Ron complaining that if they hadn't had to spend so much time at Florean and Blott's then they could've gone to the candy store. Harry ignored him and told Ginny he bought her a gift and she grinned cheekily, saying she had gotten him something too before telling him they should wait until back at the Burrow to swap. Hermione rolled her eyes at the wink sent her way.

Surrounded by friends and family, Ron looked at ease and whenever his eyes met Hermione's they both smiled.

On the way back to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Hermione told Emilian about the book shop she had gone to and he moaned that he would have preferred going with the girls than spending half the time in Broomstix.

They returned to the Burrow with enough time for a few rounds of exploding snap before everyone arrived for dinner. It was uneventful and easier for Hermione who was comfortable talking to Emillian.

It wasn't until much later and everyone was going to bed when Molly stopped her, an envelope in her hand.

"This came for you earlier, but I wasn't sure whether you'd be comfortable opening it in front of the other kids."

She took it and turned it over, checking to make sure the seal was intact. The other woman saw her and smiled compassionately.

"Minerva told me you've been sick and asked me to keep an eye on you."

It grated on Hermione that her friend had so little faith in her but her curiosity won out. She nodded her thanks and receded into the heavily postered room.

She sat on Ron's bed with her legs crossed, her finger running over the emerald cursive. Her fingers broke the Hogwarts seal and slowly, she removed the letter. There were two pages written in McGonagall's even writing. She could feel her hope fading as it went on, the whole first page explaining the techniques a doctor would consider using after a consultation. She tried to imagine Minerva writing it, sitting at her desk, stoic and logical. By the time she flipped to the next piece of parchment she felt a burning urge to scrunch up the letter and throw it away. The feeling died down until she only felt it around her eyes, the pressure to cry out her frustration prominent. Forcing herself to breathe, she pinched the inside of her arm, so hard tears of pain slid out.

She doesn't love you. She thinks you need a babysitter. Stupid child. Broken, ugly, mangled mudblood.

The letter was partially crushed in her fist and she relaxed her hands. Smoothing out the crumpled portion, she wiped her eyes so she could see and continued to read.

After a short time to think I understand the way I left you may have been confusing or upsetting. I have told you before that I never want to be a source of pain for you and this remains true. However, I am only human and I can be selfish and irrational at times. I was not willing to talk to you because I did not know what to say or because I was afraid of what would be said. I'm still not certain. This is the reason I asked for time and I thank you for allowing it. When you return I swear on my wand that we will have the discussion you want, but for now please know that I care for you very much. I think this time away will give you a chance to think without my influence (here the writing became slightly shaky and the new words were written with the thick lettering of a quill that had been sitting in an inkwell for a while) as well as to reacquaint you with your friends. Please give my regards to Harry and Ron, and make the most your time. If you require any additional potion please let me know. Also, please ensure Miss Weasley finishes her homework.

Warm Regards,

Professor McGonagall

When Hermione got to the end of the page she dropped it to the mattress and stared at it. She had begun to feel a buoyancy at the start but it quickly turned to confusion. Like sharks smelling blood the gritty-voiced thoughts began to frenzy in her head.

She's setting you up to fall. She wants you to change your mind. She's going to pretend like it never happened because the thought of it sickens her. You sicken her.

Hermione knew none of it was true, or at least not entirely. In her logical mind it was obvious that Minerva was trying to do what was right, but knowing was entirely different from believing it. The frightened part of her believed the thoughts that said she had suffocated McGonagall into wanting her gone. The most frightening voice felt like it was whispering into her ear.

You could top yourself here and no one would stop you.

It wasn't true. People loved her. Ginny, Ron, Harry, even Minerva. It didn't stop the thoughts from telling her lies, but it was starting to get easier to see them for what they were. Hermione lay on her side and read the letter again, trying to see it from a purely rational point of view. It was difficult. Every sentence drew a new thought but she challenged each one. There was no indication of whether Minerva felt the same way about her, but that didn't mean she hated her. She read it again and again and again…


It was right behind her, the sound of scales on stone, long body slithering, hissing, laughing. On top of her can't breathe. Hands around her throat. Laughter. Eyes watching her. Can't move. Ron! Laughter. No one's coming for you, it's just you and me. Get up keep running keep running why do I keep ending up in the same room falling stone dungeon. Stupid Mudblood, no one's going to want you when I'm done. Knife.


Day Four

Hermione was sitting up, her hoarse screams fading as her vision cleared. The Chudley Canons donned every wall, the blanket on her legs was scratchy but warm, and her hand was still gripped tight around the letter she had been studying before she fell asleep. She shivered, body aching, but she repeated to herself that it was just a dream. Forcing her breathing to return to normal, she pushed the blanket away from her with sore arms and kicked her legs over the side of the bed. Her pyjama sleeve was crusted with dried blood and her body was sore. One hand was still a fist around the crumpled letter. Putting it aside, she got up and checked the rest of the damage. Her muscles ached and there was blood in a couple of other places as well as fading bruising and skinned knees. She didn't remember that happening before. Sighing shakily, she pointed her wand at the blood and cleaned it off the healing cuts. She dressed conservatively. No one needed to know.

Most of the day was spent goofing off with her friends or practicing duelling in the field, but in the afternoon Hermione and Ginny worked on their assignments while the boys played wizard chess. When no one was looking, she pulled out a fresh parchment and rushed a reply to the letter. She still didn't quite know what to make of it, so she kept hers short and avoided saying anything that might make her write words like 'coward' or 'love' or 'fault'. She thanked her for the news and agreed to see the doctor. She wrote that a new vial would be useful (here she mentioned the nightmare in passing). Almost out of spite she said she was having a lovely time shopping and playing quidditch or chess. She recognised the moment of cruelty and finished by saying that she was still looking forward to returning to her studies. Simply signing off with her name, she folded the letter and stuck it under her homework to send later.

Percy brought a number of documents home when he had finished work. He sat them beside Hermione while she was sitting at the kitchen table writing her essay on Chaldean versus Aggripan forms of arithmancy. She waited until he was out of the room before leafing through them- information on how laws are passed, departments of the ministry, and hand written notes that decoded some of the governmental gibberish. It felt good to have something to focus on.


Day Five

Everyone was leaving again. Hermione had known it was coming, but saying goodbye still felt ominous. Bill and Fleur's stay was only for as long as the Gringotts goblins considered Bill a security risk and were returning to work. Emillian had told Hermione days earlier that he and Charlie were flying to Serbia to spend the last days with his family. It was a day she had known was coming, but she still felt the heavy weight of sadness when she finally joined the others inside.

The tiny, busy cottage seemed increasingly vast, her three close friends the only ones left. She couldn't help wonder whether they would leave as well. Clinging to the doorframe, Hermione didn't feel ready to join the conversation they were having about the quidditch. She faltered, watching those she loved involved in conversation without her. It hurt. Everything seemed to crush down on her. Her breath pulled in, dragging with it a loneliness she had managed to put away so far. It was easier to run, even if the only place she had to go was the room she had taken as her own.


"Get up. Hermione, get up."

Hermione had been lying in Ron's bed ever since Bill and Fleur had disappeared through the fireplace. She had watched Charlie and his beau leave on their brooms early in the morning and then stood aside as everyone tearfully said goodbye to the others. Now Ginny was at the foot of the bed, pointing her wand threateningly.

"Just a little longer, Gin," even her voice was tired.

"No, you don't get to pout and lock yourself away." Ginny actually sounded mad. "I know you have some problems, but hiding in here isn't going to do anyone any good."

"Please, I need some time." Hermione blinked at her words but wasn't given any time to think.

"You've had three hours and now everyone's worried and you're no better than when you came up here."

Hermione sighed and listened to her friend moving to the side. The springs squeaked when the red-head sat down.

"Just tell me what it is. I can't help if you don't talk."

Hermione groaned and went to cover her head with a pillow but Ginny grabbed it and smacked her with it.

"Is it your parents? Ron? McGonagall? Is it something someone said?"

A poke in Hermione's side made her recoil in annoyance. "I don't know. It's a lot of things. It's people leaving and people not leaving me alone."

"Sure, blame me. How would you feel if I did stop checking up on you? Not very good, I hope."

Hermione was quiet, but she knew it was true. She'd feel far worse if she thought Ginny didn't care.

"You're a pain when you're right," she mumbled.

"Good. Now we've established what a brilliant logicatician I am, tell me what's going on or else I'll tell mum you didn't eat lunch." Ginny's voice went softer, more genuine, "It is McGonagall, isn't it."

"It's not just her."

"But she's a big part of it."

Hermione nodded. She had spent most of the week trying not to think about what had happened, but now she was considering whether to tell her friend. Would it jinx it? Of course not, it had been jinxed since the beginning.

"Will you stop thinking and just tell me, already?"

She sniffled and looked at the book the letter was kept inside. "I kissed her."

"Wait… no, wait. What? McGonagall? You kissed the headmistress. Is that what you're saying?"

"You're the one who said I needed to be more forward!"

"Yeah, I know, but… woah. It obviously wasn't here so why is this the first I'm hearing about this?" Ginny looked flabbergasted before trying to compose herself despite the massive grin, "So, did she kiss you back? She did, didn't she. I knew she was into you!"

"She didn't kiss be back."

"Oh." Ginny sobered up, "I'm sorry, Hermione."

"But then she kissed me."

Ginny screamed and jumped up from the bed. Hermione was surprised enough that she pulled herself up against the headboard.

"Why wouldn't you tell me?! When did it happen! What happened? I need to know everything, Hermione, tell me." Her excitement drew a smile from Hermione but it died after a moment.

"Ginny, it didn't mean anything."

"Bull! Of course it meant something. McGonagall isn't the kind of person who does anything without it meaning something."

"She wouldn't talk about it, though. She said we needed time apart."

"Then you make her talk about it. You go up to her and say, 'hey, we are going to talk about this and if you don't I'm telling Mrs Weasley you didn't let me eat lunch'."

Finally, Hermione laughed, seeing she had been played by a professional.

"Don't worry, we'll work on it. Now. Tell me all the juicy details."


Day Six

By the time Hermione had awoken Ron had left to help George in his shop and Ginny was running errands for her mother. Everyone was used to her sleeping in late, but the empty house felt like a desolate church for the loved. Only the ghoul in the attic filled the emptiness as she descended the stairs, still trying her hardest to hear footsteps other than her own. Her chest filled up with fear until the sound of someone fiddling with coffee cups disrupted it. Harry was still there, his Auror paperwork spread out over the breakfast table, setting the kettle upon a flame. He was surprised for a moment at her silent appearance, but seemed happy to see her. He admitted Ginny had asked him to stay, but said he didn't know why.

They sat for a while and drank tea he made (burnt and still sugary) until Hermione suggested they leave. It felt obscene for them to remain in the Burrow while all its inhabitance had left. No matter how much she wanted to curl up in bed and sleep it still wasn't their home. In the end they settled for a stroll through the nearby orchards.

After a while they felt comfortable walking in quiet amongst the apple trees. Hermione didn't feel the need to fill the void with incessant talk and Harry seemed fine with it. The only times he commented was on how the smell of the grass reminded him of Ginny or how the freedom was so different from his childhood. When they did fall into a warm conversation it was about things they missed from the muggle world, tv, telephones, pencils. Hermione found herself laughing about an anecdote from Auror training where they were training to find concealed people and he had asked whether he could use a heat finder.

It had always been nice being able to find solace in Harry without saying much about anything, but she appreciated it more now than ever. Between Ron admitting his difficulties to her and Ginny forcing her problems into the open, it was nice to have a neutral person. They knew of each other's issues with nightmares and waking dreams, but they didn't have to talk about it to know they were there for each other.

They walked for a long time, but the distraction was good and Hermione was almost anxious about returning to the empty Burrow. Hermione mentioned the eeriness and Harry agreed. It was as near as home as either was likely to get (Grimmauld was still host to the screaming racist at the front door). They sat across from each other in the kitchen and Harry's eyes fell onto the old radio. Hermione followed his gaze and saw it. It was likely the one the Weasleys used during the war. It even reminded Hermione of their time huddled around a similar one, listening to the lists of deaths. They both looked at each other at the same time, probably thinking the same thing. After a minute Harry asked:

"Do you think you could make it work?"

Hermione scoffed, of course she could make it work, but she didn't want to. She hated any memory of their time fleeing, fighting, being terrorised.

Harry rose from his seat and picked the machine up, turning it upside down and checking to see if it ran on batteries. He sat it between them and pointed his wand. The first spell made it puff out smoke and drew a laugh from Hermione. The second one made a noise, but the type that would call for an electrician. The third time he uttered something the battery lodge fell open and a spring came undone. Hermione couldn't watch any more. She laughed at him and repaired it. She problem was obvious and she left for a minute before returning with two batteries from Arthur's collection. She inserted them and the radio sputtered into life. Adjusting the dials the room filled with static until she found a station obscured by magical interference. Using what she knew about it, she tried to clear a path for the radio signal until the static lessened and the sound was clear and loud.

The music filled the space where people ought to be and Hermione found that despite her reservations, it improved her mood. They laughed at the small victory, talking about movies and books from home (Harry hadn't had as much access as Hermione, but he was just as excited by it). When quiet fell between them again, Hermione mentioned she had a 'row' with McGonagall. Harry looked uncomfortable with the subject but said she should just do what feels right. When she told him she wanted to talk to her he was understanding. They lapsed into another silence until a new song came on. Hermione had never heard it before and it was definitely American, but Harry rose and offered her his hand. They had done this before, but this time the song was upbeat and positive and the rhythm was fun. She let herself be dragged from the seat and Harry began to dance, terribly, awfully, horribly, but it made her laugh. She joined in, knowing she looked ridiculous.

Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually.

She hadn't noticed when the kitchen door opened, but Harry paused. Hermione turned and saw Ginny loaded with groceries, her mother behind her with a raised brow. She couldn't hide her smile at the fun she was having. Grinning wide, Ginny dumped the bags on the kitchen table and flounced over, grabbing Hermione's hands and spinning.

Let's love ourselves and we can't fail
To make a better situation
Tomorrow, our seeds will grow
All we need is dedication
Let me tell ya that

Everything is everything…


A/N: Sorry this took so long, also sorry it isn't great. It's not a great month for me and I edited all of this drunk because I might not have sent it otherwise. At least next chapter (or the one after) McGonagall will be back.

Edit: deleted a doubled paragraph :( I need to do so much editing it's driving me mad.