AN: 100 + reviews! WoooHoooo! Y'all are awesome! Thanks Butterfly for the vision.
KNOCK DOWN DRAG OUT
The house was a shambles.The kitchen looked like a bomb had gone off. Every counter space was littered with empty take out containers, old newspapers, dirty dish cloths, coffee cups and the like. Unwashed dishes filled the sink. Pots and pans on the stove with unidentifiable left-overs molding inside. One of the chairs at the kitchen table had been overturned and broken. Discarded post lay scattered on the table, on the chairs, on the floor. "Oh my God." Hermione whispered, horrified at the state of her mother's once pristine kitchen. She glanced at Minerva. The older witch was on alert. Her feline hunting sense tuned way up. Her emerald eyes were wide and searching. She raised her head and sniffed the air. There was anger and fear in the air. Noiselessly, she pointed towards a short hall that lead to the family room. "That way." She whispered.
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Jean Granger was in pain. Her face hurt where John had slapped her, her lip was cracked and bleeding and she had a terrible headache. John had really punished her this time. "Why are you doing this?" She whispered, tears trickling down her saddened, bruised cheeks. The object of her torment stood in the center of what was once the family room. Now it had been turned into a room of punishment. All the furniture had been pushed to one side. Stacked and piled in a far corner. The sofa, once a haven for happy family times, lay pushed against the wall as well. Stained and torn. A forlorn reminder of a marriage gone horribly wrong. John Granger's once handsome face was twisted into an ugly sneer, his unshaven cheeks bristled, his thinning hair mussed and unwashed. "I have to protect what's mine." Was the raspy response to Jean's question.
"How? By beating up your family?" Came a familar voice. John and Jean looked to the doorway to see their oldest daughter standing there, fists clenched in fury. Her knuckles white, as she gripped her wand. Behind her stood Minerva McGonagall, tall and stately, her wand drawn as well. In her emerald eyes John Granger read contempt.
It enraged him.
"No magic in this house!" He roared angrily his faded blues eyes sparking.
Minerva nodded and tucked her wand into the wand sheath attached to the inside of her forearm. Hermione angrily followed suit. The young witch once again faced her father, "Why?" was all she asked. Her father, stood in the center of the room panting his rage. In his mind it was magic that caused all his problems. It never occured to him that perhaps it was his own insecurities that brought about the ruination of his marriage. All he knew was that two representatives of all his problems were standing in HIS house. "Get out!" He ordered, his voice deepening with murderous intent.
Hermione shook her head, her bushy curls bouncing madly, "This is my house too!" She blurted, her emotions running high. Her father shook his head, "Not anymore. You're one of them." He indicated Minerva, who thus far had remained silent. This was Hermione's family. She wanted to see if her fiance could diffuse this volatile situation. She had her doubts though. She felt John's eyes on her. Focusing on him with an unblinking stare, she said, "Perhaps we should all calm down."
Granger stared at the striking older woman. Her presence radiated power. Narrowing his blue eyes, he asked, "Who are you?" Still not blinking, Minerva replied in a calm voice, "I am Minerva McGonagall." Hearing her statement, Granger's eyes widened.
"YOU! YOU ARE THE ONE! YOU ARE THE FREAK WHO SEDUCED MY DAUGHTER!!"
Minerva frowned, trying to keep her anger in check, "No, I am the one who is going to marry your daughter." Granger was shaking in rage and fear. Here, before him, was the embodiment of everthing that he felt had caused his downfall. He took a step towards Hermione and Minerva and started ranting, "My daughter was normal till you came along. She was a good girl." He pointed at Hermione, "Now Jean tells me she's a fucking lesbian!"
Hermione chocolate eyes snapped as she retorted, "I am normal! There's nothing wrong with me! It's you that's fucked up!" Her eyes were blazing and there was a power that crackled around her. Granger advanced on his daughter, "You do not speak to me that way!" Hermione was furious. She stepped up face to face with her father. The man she used to call "Daddy". The man who held her while she learned to pedal her bicycle without training wheels. The man who stood proudly when she handed him her first school report card showing straight A's. The man who held her close and wiped her tears when the other children called her cruel names. The man who, now, had turned his back on her.
"I will speak to you as you speak to me." She stated in a suddenly deadly calm voice. Her father shook his head and turned to walk away. Suddenly, he whipped back around and backhanded his daughter across her face.
"NO!" Minerva thundered seeing her love being slapped. She stepped forward and pulled Hermione back. She checked her love to make sure she was alright, then she placed herself between John and his daughter. Minerva had about six inches in height on John and she was using it to her full advantage. Without taking her eyes off Granger, she said to Hermione, "Take Dawn back to the flat."
The Granger's youngest daughter had been standing in the hall, just outside the kitchen. Hearing Minerva's command, she charged into the room yelling, "I don't want go!" Jean, who'd been pressed against the far wall, stepped forward and said, "Dawn! For God's sake please just go!" She focused her wide dark eyes on her older daughter and added, "Please take her out of here." Hermione nodded angrily and grabbed her sister's arm, "Come on, let's go." She pulled her sister tightly against her side and looked straight at her father saying, "This is magic." With that, she disappeared, apparating herself and her little sister to the flat. There, she met up with Hooch and told her to get Dawn to the Manor as all hell was about to let loose. The flying instructor nodded in agreement and watched as Hermione hugged Dawn saying, "I'm going back." Stepping back, Hermione Granger disappeared with a small clap of thunder.
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"It's you who turned her!" John Granger yelled into Minerva's face. There was alcohol on his breath. Her face twisted in an angry grimace as she shot back, "Hermione is as she was born to be. No one "turned her"." Jean, heartened by Minerva's words stepped to his side. "Please listen to her." Her voice was soft, pleading. Granger turned, his face in a sneer, "Get away from me." He pushed her so hard, she fell backwards onto the floor. Suddenly, he felt two stong hands on his chest. He was propelled to the floor as well... hard. Minerva was furious, this was going to stop now! "You like beating up on defenseless women don't you John Granger? Does it make you feel strong?" She placed her body in a fighting stance as her opponent rose to his feet. There was a bit of surprise on his face. Frowning, Minerva rumbled in a low voice, "Here is one woman you are not going to bully. You hear, you are NOT going to bully me... you ruddy bastard!"
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Back at the Manor, Dawn was sobbing out her story to the group gathered around her. Ron was sitting beside her, his large arm wrapped around her shoulder, trying his best to comfort her. Dumbledore tugged on his beard, worry etched on his ancient face. "Minerva won't let anything bad happen." He muttered, almost to himself. He wasn't sure if he was trying to convince himself or the others. Harry and Ginny sat opposite Dawn and Ron, offering quiet support. Arthur held Molly close as his wife sobbed sympathy tears for the youngest Granger. Rolanda Hooch paced back and forth like a caged tigress. She was consumed with worry for not only Jean, but Hermione and Minerva as well. Angus floated above everyone. He couldn't believe that a man could be so cruel to his family.
Finally Hooch couldn't stand it any longer. "I'm going back to the flat." Harry focused on her and asked, "Why?" Fixing her piercing yellow, hawk-like eyes on the young man, she said simply, "That's where Jean expects me to be." That said, she closed her eyes, threw her head back and disappeared.
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Hermione stood just outside the family room. From her vantage point, she could see her mother on the floor. Her father and Minerva were circling each other in the center of the room. She was glad that the furniture had been moved. She didn't want Minerva tripping over something.
John Granger stood in a boxing stance, his fists clenched. Minerva balanced lightly on the balls of her feet. Both fighters appeared to have already engaged in combat. Minerva's lip was bleeding and she had a bruise high on her right cheek. John had scratches on his chin oozing blood. Both fighter's clothes were torn in places as well.
"I'll beat the shit out of you!" Granger rasped. Minerva shot a feral smile his way saying,"Well you are certainly trying. I am warning you..." Her emerald eyes gleamed wickedly, "I am very good at defending myself with or without a wand." Granger snorted, "You're just so full of hot air old woman."
They circled each other carefully. Suddenly, Granger threw a punch which Minerva dodged easily. Granger countered with another. This was also dodged by the older witch. Granger saw Jean crouched on the floor. It gave him an idea, he maneuvered himself in that direction. As expected, Minerva moved to protect Jean. Seeing his chance, he used his body to force Minerva to trip over his cowering wife. Minerva went down on one knee and John Granger connected with a right cross to the proud McGonagall jaw.
"NO!" Hermione screamed charging into the room. She launched herself onto her father's back and started slapping him about the head. "You will not hurt her!" She screeched madly. Granger reached behind himself and plucked Hermione off his back. He used a closed fist on his daughter. A punch that split her plump lower lip wide open and snapped her head back. There was blood. Hermione felt hot tears explode down her face.
Seeing her fiance with blood running down her chin did something to Minerva. She saw red. She snapped. Granger was just turning back to Minerva when she thrust a powerful knee into his abdomen knocking the wind out of him. As he doubled over, her flinty fist met his chin with a wicked upper cut. Granger's head snapped sideways and he staggered backward. Not giving him a chance to recover, she advanced with another kick. This time to his ribs. Growling deeply, she advanced for another blow.
On the floor, Granger spied a broken chair leg under the sofa. Grabbing it like a club, he rose swinging; connecting with Minerva nose. A sickening crack echoed throughout the room and blood spattered everywhere. Proud McGonagall pureblood spilled down her face as she staggered backwards a few steps and fell to the floor.
Seeing this, Hermione raced to the kitchen. She needed a weapon and she promised not to use magic. Glancing around frantically, she spied a broken chair. Reaching down, she grasped a leg and ripped it free. Moving as fast as her legs could carry her, she hurried back to the family room and ran at her father swinging wildly, "I'll show you... dirty fighting!" She connected with his ribs. Howling, he doubled over and dropped to his knees.
Hermione helped Minerva off the floor and handed her the chair leg. Grasping her weapon, Minerva sent Hermione in Jean's direction. She was shaking with rage as she said in a low deadly growl, "Dis ends dow." Her pronounciation reflecting the fact that her nose was, indeed, broken.
Hermione helped her mother to her feet, "We're getting out of here." She moved her mother to the hall and said, "Take the car back to the flat. There's nothing worth saving here." Jean looked in the room where she saw John's club connect with Minerva's with a mighty crack. "What about you?" Hermione gave her mother a reassuring look and replied, "We'll be fine. Now go." Jean nodded, grabbed her purse from the a side table beside the front door and left.
"You are dot going to dwin dis John Granger!" Minerva bellowed, ducking another swing from him. She countered swinging backhand and connected with his shoulder. The resulting explosion of pain caused him to drop his weapon to the floor, where Minerva quickly kicked it away. She took full advantage of the situation by belting his legs out from under him. As he hit the floor, she stepped forward and grabbed his shirt collar. "I dwin." Was the last thing he heard before a felt a fist connect with his face. There were stars then everything went black.
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Hermione made her way into her father's study. Unlike the rest of the house, this one room was still completely intact and neat. She crossed to where John's well stocked bar was. 'Not as well stocked as I remember.' She thought as she surveyed the contents. She did find what she was looking for though. One unopened bottle of Jim Beam. An American whiskey her father had brought back after a dental conference. She didn't see any shot glasses. Shrugging, she made her way back to the family room where Minerva was sitting rather painfully on the sofa. She was dabbing the blood from her face . Her father was still unconscious lying on the floor. They didn't just want to leave him lying there. After all, in spite of everything, he was still Hermione's father.
Sitting beside her fiance, she opened the bottle and took a swig. It was smooth going down and lit a small fire in her belly. It burned her split lip a bit, but she just didn't care. Handing the bottle to Minerva, she smiled as she saw astonishment on her lover's face, "What?" Minerva McGonagall gaped at her fiance. Never before had she seen Hermione gulp hard spirits like that. Although considering the circumstances, she didn't blame her one bit. The one time she'd tried firewhiskey, she gagged. Eyeing the bottle curiously, she took it from her love.
"I can't 'niff the bloody 'tuff." She grumbled through her battered nose. She wasn't sure if it was broken or not. It just hurt like hell. Hermione grinned at Minerva's vocalizations saying, "Then don't sniff it, drink it." Minerva glanced at the lable, "Where might Mr. Beab be fum?" With that, she took a healthy gulp. It hurt a bit to smile, but she did anyway. "Dis is good." Hermione nodded with a grin, "I think Mr. Beam is from Tennessee or Kentucky, I'm not sure." Recognizing the names of the U.S. states, Minerva said, "I bill see aboud procuring dis for duh banor, berhabs all ob Scotlan't!" Hermione laughed, hearing Minerva try to speak with a possibly broken nose was just too funny. She winced as her lip ached, "Ow.. I think Scotland might object." Minerva took another huge gulp, "Well den, jus duh banor." Hermione took the bottle back and helped herself to another healthy gulp. Minerva grinned, seeing this. She too, winced in pain, "Ouch... dis hurds a bid." Hermione leaned over and placed a tiny kiss on the cheek that didn't have any bruising, "I'll kiss it better later." She handed the bottle back to the older witch. Minerva proceeded to knock another one back, "I dwould like bore of Mr. Beab's delightful dwink."
"I have a case in the study you can have."
Both witches were startled as John Granger sat up. He too, winced in pain. He eyed Minerva McGonagall with grudging respect. "You put up a hell of a battle old woman." Cocking an eyebrow, Minerva quipped, "Id 'as been'd a long dime since I 'ave 'ad du engage in 'and du 'and combad." Granger raised an eyebrow himself, "Done that alot have you?" Minerva took a deep drink and leaned forward saying, "I learn't 'and du 'and techniques fum an Aberican soldier stationed in London during World War II. Duh wizardink world was baddling Grindlewald while you buggles were baddling 'itler."
Granger took a deep breath, he still didn't want to have to deal with the wizarding world. He glanced at her daughter. She had become the symbol of everything he despised. Yet she was his daughter. He knew he'd said some awful things to Jean, but deep down, he knew Hermione was his. There was a rift between them that would probably never be repaired. He had to admire her courage though, "You, young lady, are a little spitfire." Hermione nodded solemnly, "Daddy, we're never going to be O.K. with this are we?" Her father gazed at her thoughtfully, then he shook his head, "I'm sorry. I just don't want anything to do with the magical world." Minerva nodded as she took the bottle from Hermione. Taking a drink, she said, "Bair 'nuff." She fixed her black and blue surrounded, yet still stunning emerald eyes on the muggle man and asked, "Bill you gib your blessink bor our barriage?"
Surprise made it's way across the battered features of John Granger. Minerva McGonagall was tenacious, he'd give her that. He didn't approve of homosexuality at all. However, she'd just proven herself to be a worthy opponent. "I don't approve of your lifestyle and I want nothing to do with the world you live in." He scratched his chin thoughtfully, then added, "But if Hermione is living in that world, then at least with you, I know she will be safe." Emerald eyes met faded blue ones in silent understanding. "Wid my life." Minerva stated with conviction. Hermione stood saying, "We've got to go." There were sad tears forming in her chocolate eyes. Eyes so like her mother. "Goodbye Daddy."
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Jean Granger sat on the sofa in the living room at the Manor. She held her youngest daughter beside her as Dumbledore waved his wand over Dawn's battered face. Slowly the stinging handprint faded away. Gently he cupped the young woman's cheek saying, "I can't do anything for the bruising, but at least the cuts have healed." Dawn wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a fierce hug, "Thanks Santa." Smiling, he leaned down and kissed the top of her short cropped head.
"You were very brave." Jean whispered proudly. Dawn raised her mocha eyes to her mother's chocolate ones, "Mum you fought Daddy. You protected me. You were the brave one." Jean sighed ruefully and looked down at herself. She was bruised and cut and her clothes were torn and dirty. "I guess I'm a lover not a fighter." She found herself staring at Rolanda Hooch as she said that. Dawn grinned as the rest of the room gaped at the now fiercely blushing flying instructor. The latter did not get a chance to retort as a loud whining from the floo alerted everyone that someone was coming through. They all hoped it was Hermione and Minerva.
Loud, off-key singing came blaring out of the floo... "Diedee dine boddles ob beer ond duh wall, diedee dine boddles ob beer. Dake one down, bass ib abound, diedee eighd boddles ob beer on duh wall..."
-to be continued
AN: I apologize if this chapter comes off a bit differently than the rest. My life has turned rather crappy at the moment and unfortunately, as so often happens, it is reflected in my work. Please don't beat me up too much y'all... it'll sting.