Disclaimer: I do not (regretfully) own any of the characters in this story thus far, these all belong to JK Rowling and WB etc etc - I know you've heard all that before but it has to be said.

Warnings: this story contains ref of abuse, and hints of a F/F admiration/relationship of sorts so if you don't like don't read its as simple as that :-) you have been warned.

Authors notes: I'm sorry its taken so long to get back into this lol but as i explained i had a project I was working on that seems to be getting underway slowly. Now as promised in my other fic Lost In Thoughts here is the latest small drabble to this story. I apologise for its lateness and the fact that is short - but that's only because i had a little trouble getting back into the swing of writing - I hope you can forgive me.

now on with the story

thank you for reading

Minervarulez

Chapter 5 - A walk

Dinner seemed to last for ever to Minerva, and even when everyone had finished and the dishes had been cleaned and spelled away in the nearest cupboard - they were all still sitting in the large kitchen come dining hall chatting away, each wrapped up in their own wee worlds to notice anything else that was going on around them. Harry, Ron, Fred and George were all huddled in a corner with the pretence that they were trading chocolate frog cards and talking about the most recent Quidditch match, but they were really planning Fred and Georges latest in their skiving snack boxes line. Ginny was chatting with Tonks - other than Hermione, Tonks was the only other female member of the order here that was close to her own age, they were sitting at one end of the table talking about boys and make-up and what attributes make the best boyfriend. Molly was sitting by the fire reading the latest edition of her weekly magazine - this left Arthur to indulge himself in a game of cards with Remus and Albus - something he was only too happy about. "Mad-Eye" had already left saying he had a lead to follow on potential death-eater hiding locations. So with everyone else currently pre-occupied with their own activities it gave Minerva the perfect opportunity to approach Hermione.

"Hermione dear" she said with a slight smile, as she walked over to the end of the dinner table where she was still sitting "I wondered if you would join me in the Library, I have some research to do and I might need your help with it"

Hermione's face almost lit up with the prospect of sticking her head in a book and studying (throughout the summer it was the only enjoyment she had), she had what you could almost describe as a "Fleeting" smile on her face with the mention of her favourite words 'Library' and 'Research'

"Of course professor" Hermione replied as she stood up, and slowly followed her into the corridor - it was at that point that a few heads around the room looked up - each one of them wishing and hoping that Minerva could bring her out of the shell she had built up around her.

Minerva walked with Hermione down the long hall ways of the orders headquarters'. The only sounds that could be heard were their footsteps on the floorboards (the screaming painting of Sirius's mother had long since been removed from where it hug near the main entrance which left the halls extremely quiet). Hermione walked in silence next to Minerva, and Minerva took the time to silently study the young woman's face, eyes, searching for any sort of sign into what was troubling this beautiful young woman beside her. As she tried to read the emotions behind Hermione's eyes, she realised that the young woman looked lost, there was something disturbing behind the young woman's eyes and it was painful for Minerva to see, she cared deeply for her and wanted to help her - whatever it was that was troubling the girl she'd find out and she knew she had to do her best to help her through it. As they neared the Library Minerva stopped, "Hermione dear, what's troubling you?" she asked softly watching her face for any sort of reaction.

Hermione looked at her, her face expressionless but her eyes telling a thousand words "N-n-n-nothings wrong pro-f-f-fessor" she replied "I-I-I'm f-f-fine really" - there was fear, pain and anger flashing behind Hermione's eyes and Minerva looked at her with concern "I know something's troubling you Hermione but just know that I'm here to help." she said "when your ready to talk then I'm here"

Hermione gave her a grateful smile, "thank you" she said quietly barely above a whisper but loud enough to be heard.

"Come on the library is calling" Minerva said cheerily, if she won't talk right away then company of someone who cares, and doing something she enjoys, maybe it'll be a step in the right direction Minerva thought to herself as the entered the huge library.

hope you enjoyed now please remember and review - no reviews no more fic simple as that :-) if there anything you want me to include let me know and i'll do my best to accomodate you.