I own none of these characters, only the way in which my imagination portrays them!
Chapter Three.
Minerva arose with a headache threatening to burst her skull, both from the drinking of the previous evening and her turmoil of emotions. She refused to let anything get the better of her, swinging her legs out of bed and covering herself in her warm tartan dressing gown. She traipsed across the bedroom into her bathroom, her footsteps falling in time with the ever persistent pounding in her head. When the shower had begun to run hot, Minerva quickly undressed herself, breathing out short, sharp breaths in a reaction to the cold air that prickled her skin.
Oh how she loved her morning showers; feeling the warm water trickle down her back, the first initial droplet too hot but once the skin had adjusted, was the perfect treat. Minerva let the water wash over her body, cleansing her of the night before. Her eyes still sore from crying, she washed her face and smiled contentedly; she could do this, without hurting herself or others. All she had to do was get on, like everything else in her life. She had sacrificed so much, one more thing would not break her.
The morning had gone particularly quickly; after answering a few notes, a Professors meeting, running personal errands at Hogsmeade, bumping into Kingsley, teaching a lesson and lunch, Minerva finally slumped herself behind her desk to mark the third years 'Transfiguration: Mind over Matter?' essay's. As she reached for her quill, she noticed a small, yellow envelope had been flopped onto her desk. It had neat, curly handwriting on the outer, simply reading: Minerva. This handwriting; the black ink, the obvious precision of letters, the line gently scratched underlining her name, the dotting on the 'i' and the curve of the 'm', they were all familiar traits of a certain witch that Minerva used to teach. She sat frozen, stunned at the unexpected surprise that lay silently on her desk. Replacing her quill in the ink pot, she stretched out a hand and smoothed the envelope, tracing the inked letters carefully with her fingers. She picked it up gently, tore the seal and unfolded the piece of parchment within:
Dearest Minerva,
I do hope this finds you well, especially after last night's festivities, I know that I am certainly feeling the effects!
I am writing in a request that I come and join you this evening at Hogwarts. I know this to be of short notice but I start an important investigation for The Ministry tomorrow and shan't have a moment on my hands, I know you'll understand this. It has been such a long time since we have all seen you and thought you may need some company – It's good for you!
See you at 6,
Yours
Hermione Granger
Minerva stared down at the words, unblinking. She licked her lips, unable to move anything else. She sank back into the massive chair, having become rigid with the anticipation, unable to form anything but an astounded guffaw. She read, and re-read the note, unbelieving that she had been plunged into such a situation without having a say in the matter. It was just past 1 in the afternoon, and Hermione Granger was coming here, to meet with Minerva McGonagall for social purposes, at 6PM. Nothing could have been more absurd.
Minerva paced her office up and down for the remainder of the afternoon, wanting to send a note to Hermione telling her not to come. She would recoil from the thought, wishing not to be rude to a girl who had shown such brash kindness as to keep her company. Looking at the clock, and being able to wait not one minute longer, she wrapped her outer cloak around her shoulders and bolted out through the door. She strode quickly through the corridors of the castle, avoiding eye contact with anyone in fear of striking up conversation and being late. She felt ill, her heart beating wildly and a lump protruding in her throat. Her stomach was tight and aching, her head still a dull pain. Her fists were clenched into a tight ball, her nails digging into the tender skin on her palm leaving tiny read semi-circles on the otherwise pale skin. Pull yourself together woman, she thought, as she finally came to the spot in sight of the gates where Hermione would enter. Minerva stamped her feet and rubbed her hands together, her breath causing billowing clouds of smoke to escape from her mouth. Her eyes never leaving the gates, she finally saw the familiar figure of the awaited witch. Minerva caught herself smiling stupidly, and scolded herself mentally for it. Hermione raised her hand, waving shortly then fastening her pace. Minerva too walked to meet her, feeling awkward just standing and waiting.
"Minerva." Hermione smiled, stopping before looking her former Professor up and down, then reaching her arms out for a friendly embrace.
As Minerva received the hug, warmth spread throughout her, a sigh escaping from her lips. After realising she had settled slightly into Hermione, she pulled back eagerly,
"Hermione, dear, how lovely it is to see you."
"And you, I'm so glad you were able to accept my invitation at such short notice. I thought I would come to you, I know how much Hogwarts ties you down."
Minerva looked into the brown eyes of the woman opposite her, realising her selflessness and sincerity. She smiled curtly,
"Thank you, Hermione, that is very kind."
The younger witch gave her a beaming smile, and they proceeded to walk next to each other into the warmth and light of the castle.
Minerva watched all night as Hermione made conversation with all of her former Professors. The youngest witch had seated herself next to Minerva, catching eye contact every now and then and giving her a wide smile. Hermione's eyes twinkled in the lighting of the Great Hall, her dark brown hair shining. She laughed with the Professors, reminiscing about her school days, Hermione revealing secrets about the students and what they got up to. And Minerva had laughed too; it had been too long since the last time. People began to excuse themselves from the table, retreating for an early night, until only Minerva and Hermione were seated at the long table. Awkwardly, Minerva looked at Hermione, catching her eye and smiling; she desperately didn't want to push the girl away, but knew it dangerous to invite her back for more time.
"Can I come up for a cup of tea? I'm gasping..."
Hermione began to throw her napkin on the table and stand up before Minerva had even answered. The decision being made for her, Minerva stood from her chair to escort Hermione to her private quarters.
The two women in the large, tall standing lounge chatted as if they had never been apart. The room was lit with long stem candles and kept warm by a roaring fire centred on the far wall. Their voices echoed back and forth for hours, neither one knowing nor much caring about the time. Smiles creased their faces and laughs escaped from their mouths.
"Another tea, dear?" Minerva smiled, wiping a tear away from her eye from laughing so hard.
"No, thank you, I'd love to but I really must go."
Minerva had a sinking feeling in her heart; She felt her face fall and a sigh coming from her stomach, but she managed to suppress it.
"Of course. The Ministry cannot go without their star woman." She smiled and began to walk Hermione to the door.
Minerva turned with her hand on the door knob to see Hermione still standing in the middle of the room, her arms by her side and a smile tugging weakly at her lips. Minerva looked at the woman before her: No longer a mere pubescent girl addicted to her studies, with bushy hair, slightly bucked teeth and an annoyance to be correct in every individual situation, this woman was collected, elegant and poised, she practically glowed with ease and grace. Hermione walked towards Minerva, the elders heart beating to within an inch of its life. She dropped her hand off of the door knob and stood to face the younger witch.
"Thank you, Minerva. I've had a very lovely time." Hermione whispered, and placing her hands on Minerva's shoulders, she leant forward and gently pressed her lips against Minerva's own.
For a second, the whole world seemed to come to a stand still. Minerva's eyes stayed open, her body became rigid, her head receded back as much as it could, but still Hermione managed to plant a friendly kiss on her lips. Hermione pulled away as quickly as she had come forth, and with a smile and a wave, she was gone.
Minerva closed the door behind her, her head reeling for what had happened. She knew Hermione to be friendly, the girl greeted and said farewell to her best friend Ginny Weasley in exactly the same fashion. She sat on the sofa, brought her hands to her face and covered her eyes; she hated the way she had turned out, she hated the feelings she had for Hermione, but somehow all at the same time it was the most wonderful thing in the world, the best feeling you Minerva could ever have imagined. Yes, to Hermione, that kiss had been nothing but a simple goodbye, but to Minerva, it meant so much more. Minerva looked to the ceiling, biting her lip as she fought back tears; she wanted to forget it all, but she knew she wouldn't be able to. Gathering herself, she stood up from the sofa with a large sigh, catching something on the table that sat opposite and knocking it to the floor. Minerva looked to see a yellow envelope, identical to the one on her desk earlier that afternoon, reading: Dearest M.
A/N: Sorry this has taken a long time guys, let me know what you think!