Chapter Four - And it's my business if I feel the need to Smoke and drink and sway
August 1999 – Newt Results day
The London air carried the scent of happiness and joy little more than a year ago Minerva doubted she would ever be surrounded by such a thing again. But she had survived yet another war, darkness falling to light, the sun emerging once more from the clouds. Darkness would come again, such was the cycle of life but Merlin she hoped it would be long after she was buried and forgotten. Three wars were more than enough for anyone to have to endure.
Minerva's eyes swept across Hermione's back garden, the relatively small block of flats where the young woman lived loomed over them as the setting sun caused the windows to sparkle down on the revellers. Witches and wizards were everywhere, the numerous red heads dotted around attested to the presence of the Weasley clan. Nearly all of the surviving members of the order, and most of those Hermione had gone to school with, including a good chunk of those who were also graduating this year.
The few muggles in the crowd looked astounded at the number of people crammed in to the back yard. Which wasn't surprising since Hermione and Filius had conducted a tricky piece of wand work to extend the space. According to Filius the garden was a communal one and Hermione was honour bound to invite her neighbours, who unfortunately, would find tomorrow morning that they had only fuzzy memories of tonight.
Teaching Hermione this past year had been heaven and hell. She had been the only student to decide to return to Hogwarts and study her seventh year in full. In actuality she had been through a much more rigorous regime of teaching, being exposed to many master level magic's by each of the teachers during one to one lessons rather than proceeding through the standard 7th year programme.
Yes this year had been hellish but the education Hermione had received had been what the witch's talent deserved. Albus had been wrong to say that Hermione would be competition for the title of greatest living witch. Hermione already had it, it was just nobody realised it yet.
Music and laughter filled the air and smiled as Minerva made her way towards the drinks table. Pouring herself a glass of coca cola she smiled as the bubbles fizzed on her tongue.
"I wouldn't have taken you for a coke drinker." The familiar voice sent a small spark through Minerva. Her cat kneaded its paws in anticipation of pursuing the young woman. The past few months had shown just how right Albus had been, she felt like there was a real chance that maybe just maybe there could be something real between Hermione and herself.
"What can I say Hermione, I am filled with surprises." Minerva allowed her voice to take on a seductive edge as her emerald eyes enjoyed the view in front of her. Hermione's red silk dress conformed to every contour of the witch's body, the modest V-neck hinting at the treasures beneath. It took a moment for Minerva to summon the strength to move her gaze away from Hermione's chest. And her breath hitched as she took in the shapely legs, a convenient breeze revealing that Hermione was wearing stockings and not tights.
Hermione's eyes widen slightly, before her eyes sparkled and a coy smile lifted her delicate rose lips. Perhaps the old coot had been more right than she had wanted to admit. The surge of curiosity and desire to learn if those lips tasted as good they looked was almost overwhelming.
"That you are Minerva, in fact I think maybe we shoul – " The intimate lilt of Hermione's voice was cut short by a much coarser vocal.
"Hey there you are. Come on 'moine I've been looking for you let's dance." The clearly intoxicated red headed boy grabbed Hermione's arm pulling her away. His maroon robes already showing signs previous mishaps caught on his own foot, tearing slightly. Not that Weasley noticed as he continued pulling a reluctant Hermione away from Minerva. Her fingers squeezed the plastic cup in her hand and the brown bubbling liquid threaten to spill over. She wanted to march after them and demand he release Hermione.
"Ronald I'm talking, I don't want to dance." Minerva found herself unduly pleased with the angry tone Hermione used towards him.
The words of Ronald Weasley's answer faintly reached her ears, if it wasn't for her slightly enhanced hearing and Mr. Weasley's rather loud voice she would never have been able to make them out.
"Oh it's just ol' McGonagall she won't mind. She'd rather you had fun than be stuck talking to her." there was such an utterly dismissive tone to Weasley's voice. Minerva let her eyes flutter shut as she absorbed the cutting words.
"They make a good couple." Minerva's eyes opened to find Molly Weasley's standing in front of her, a proud look upon the matriarch's face as she watched her son and Hermione. It seemed Minerva just didn't have the will inside her to agree. The best she could summon up was a non-committal noise as raised her slightly battered cup.
"Just between you and me, Ron's planning on purposing soon. They're going to be so happy together."
Pain seemed to flare around her chest. Damn it she was a fool for letting herself believe Albus's words. Even from beyond the veil she had let herself be manipulated by her friend. She was meant to be alone, no matter what Albus had believed she was better off that way.
"Are you alright Minerva?" Molly's eyes watched the witch in front of her worriedly as Minerva rubbed her chest.
"Yes quite. Just a little heartburn. Congratulations, Hermione is a wonderful woman. I am sure she will make a good daughter in law." The brisk professional persona slid in to place, the Scottish accent helping to ensure no hint of Minerva's true feelings entered her voice.
"Heartburn." Molly tsked "probably from drinking these muggles drinks."
"More likely my age. I'm afraid I have to be getting back to Hogwarts." There was simply no way Minerva could remain if there was even the slightest chance of witnessing Weasley getting down on one knee. Better to leave now and work on forgetting the foolish notion of dating Hermione. Her brain was clearly addled from Albus's manipulations, she had even thought Hermione was flirting with her, that she had spelled that small gust of wind teasing Minerva with a view of her stockings.
"Already? But it's still so early."
"Unfortunately I find myself searching for another transfiguration professor. It has been good to see you again molly. Give my best to Arthur and the others." All Minerva wanted was to be away from this, away from the foolish notions she had allowed Albus to fill her head with. Hermione was a woman in love with another and barely out of school.
The problem with Albus, was he could always make you hope, even when no other could. And hope was powerful and addictive it could cause people to do the most ridiculous things. It overrode logic and fear, pushing you onwards long after you should have surrendered. It wasn't love that conquered all but blind hope and even knowing that Minerva had still fallen for the lie that was hope.
"Of course, goodnight Minerva."
"Goodbye."
Molly watched as Minerva walked to Filius and whispered to the floating charms professor before apparating away. Molly shock her head hoping the few muggles present would chalk up anything they noticed to over indulgence. She couldn't help thinking though that something was wrong with the world renowned headmistress.
"Where did Minerva go?" the anxious and slightly out of breathe question took Molly by surprise. Not least because of the use of Minerva's first name, which for some unknown reason it made her deeply uneasy. Turning she met the gaze of her soon to be daughter.
"Professor McGonagall had some business at Hogwarts she had to get back to. She said to give you her best wishes though dear."
Hermione blinked at her for a moment and if it hadn't been for the movement of her eyelids, Molly would have thought Hermione had been hit by a stunning spell. Molly watched with rising worry as Hermione reached for the drinks table and poured herself a rather generous measure of gin. The young witch knocked it back in one go before reaching for the bottle again.
Molly couldn't help herself, her hand shot out stalling Hermione's arm. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I really don't think - "
"As it is my party and I wish to drink, yes I think it's a good idea. You are more than welcome to leave whenever you like Molly."
She released Hermione's arm surprised by the coldness of the girl's words. Since their year on the run Hermione had become colder, more jaded. But it had seemed better the last time they had met.
Ron's arm wrapped around Hermione's waist as the girl swallowed the potent alcohol grimacing, it was odd that Hermione hadn't grimaced before but Molly dismissed the random musing. Ron was here now, he would be able to cheer Hermione up. Molly smiled slightly as Ron pulled the brown haired witch on to the impromptu dance floor despite her protests.
Yes, she had a feeling everything was going to work out for the best. She was sure her hopes for Ron would come true, a loving wife and a family with you know who gone and Hermione's schooling over, it was just a matter of time.