A/N: Wow, I can't believe we're up to chapter 20! Whew! And still so much more... Thanks for all your supportive comments! I love hearing from you :)
The terrace upon which they were sitting looked down over the sea.
Minerva knew Diamantina held a deep love for open water, though she couldn't imagine how the witch had managed to stumble upon such a wayward Muggle establishment as this. The quaint restaurant née private home was incredibly lovely and Minerva appreciated the ambiance immediately. Giannino had quickly returned, bearing two wine glasses and a lovely bottle of Capri Bianco before leaving them to their conversation.
For a moment, Minerva had considered declining the wine, but the thought of the second convocation loomed and throwing caution to the wind she had happily toasted to old friends as the waves crashed upon the rocks below in soothing rhythm.
They sat, watching each other comfortably for a few moments as each witch drank in the familiar image of her companion... noting the small tells of age, shifts in energy and presence... and beneath it all, the both of them still appreciating her counterpart's beauty, though neither said a word.
As Minerva sipped her wine lazily, Diamantina arched a brow.
"I suppose considering the age we live in, I should have thought to have asked for confirmation of your identity," she remarked lightly, causing Minerva to chuckle wryly.
"I suppose. Were my first moments too uncharacteristically dramatic?"
Diamantina's eyes crinkled as she smiled into her wine. In the noon light, she seemed luminous.
"Unexpectedly fervent," Diamantina corrected after a moment, causing Minerva to chuckle again. The witch set her glass on the table and let her thumbs trace the stem lightly.
"May I infer from the alterations to your robes that convocation could be going better?" The witch misses nothing.
"And here I thought I was being subtle," Minerva drawled, raising an eyebrow and taking a large sip of wine while taking a moment to avoid the question. She glanced down at her robes critically.
"Aside from the usual pedantic squabbling, it goes as expected," she replied diplomatically. At that, Diamantina crossed ankles demurely and leaned back in her chair, one elbow propping itself up as her finger wound itself around a loose curl.
"That bad, mmm?"
Minerva winced. For Merlin's sake, you were bonded! Of course she can still read you like a book…
"I suppose you are curious about the upcoming meeting," she replied, letting her eyes drift past Diamantina toward periwinkle flowers climbing up old brick toward the terraced roof behind her. The witch had never been one to shy from difficult business. And it seemed that they both had agendas within agendas.
As usual.
"The letter was surprising, that much was certain. However I received a related notice from the Potions Society shortly thereafter... and I confide that the brewers are troubled. The summons for Transfiguration hangs heavy against the plea we received for our 'expert assistance' in responsive measures. It seems there are many who believe the ICW overstep their authority," Diamantina replied, still observing Minerva with her light gaze.
So at least Potions and Charms have been appraised of the precedent that the ICW wishes to set against Societies… Good.
"Fortunately, it seems that we will be met with only a few extra eyes," Minerva replied, vaguely aware that they were in an unsecured space, no matter how far off the beaten path.
"Giannino and Elena's restaurant is Secret-Kept," Diamantina stated gently as shock flooded through Minerva at how easily the other witch still read her thoughts. It was, and always had been… disconcerting.
Diamantina sighed and sat forward, one soft hand coming to rest atop Minerva's.
"Forgive me. I have forgotten how my skills used to upset you. I meant no disrespect," she said gently. Shaking her head, Minerva smiled and clasped the hand.
"It is nothing, my dear… merely the self-conscious musings of an old witch well accustomed to remaining shrouded in mystery to those around her," she replied tiredly. Oh, if only there were more to me than that.
"You are not old. And do not worry. You are still shrouded in mystery, Athena," Diamantina said warmly, surprising Minerva with the familiar nickname. She felt a genuine smile spread itself over her features slowly causing Diamantina to return it with a brilliant one of her own. Minerva felt her breath catch.
Fortunately, Giannino took that moment to reappear and Diamantina rose and hugged him enthusiastically, quickly spouting off a long string of Italian that appeared to be both an order and an explanation of their relationship. Giannino responded with a few exaggerated comments, including a brief question about Minerva that she couldn't quite understand but whatever it was made Diamantina blush lightly as the old Italian man laughed his way indoors.
Her friend slid back into place, giving Mineva a shy smile that prompted her into asking the question she had nearly forgotten.
"Speaking of mysteries, where are we, little pony?" Diamantina's eyes widened briefly but she merely quirked her lips lightly as she reached for her wine. Mentally, Minerva kicked herself. Bloody hell. She hadn't meant to let that endearment slip.
"A question for another time, darling," Diamantina replied evenly, choosing to sip delicately and look out over the sea calmly. Minerva lifted an eyebrow but accepted the evasion gracefully. She waved her wand surreptitiously beneath the table and cast a Muffliato around them as well as a Disillusionment charm over the terrace just in case.
Diamantina looked at her curiously, perceptive enough to have felt the light flush of magic.
"Forgive me for the added measures. I don't doubt your discretion, but we cannot be too careful," Minerva explained, setting her glass aside and sitting forward. She frowned down at the weathered woodgrain in front of her as she collected her thoughts.
"The Assembly has just voted to close the impending Quorum to members of Society and twelve members of the Council for Security and Defense," she began. "However the vote was a close margin. The majority only won by eight votes."
Diamantina inhaled sharply in reply.
"Although this considerably lessens our visibility, it remains that the Assembly will also convene concurrently to the Quorum. As of yet, we have not been appraised of the security measures to ensure separacy."
"You are to be seated on the Quorum," Diamantina stated. Minerva nodded, not bothering to question how she had learned that bit of information.
"Stelios," came the answer a moment later. Minerva inclined her head and waited as Diamantina sat back, her features pensive.
It was clear that the other witch saw the glaringly obvious flaws in the ICW's plan as did she, but she felt her heart drop a moment later when Diamantina responded.
"Unfortunately, we both know that the perpetrator will not be in attendance at the Quorum as he or she is not a formal member of the Society," Diamantina said slowly, leaning forward and pinning Minerva with a serious gaze. Then it is as I feared.
Before she could comment, Diamantina looked away and continued.
"I have my suspicions as I am sure you have yours, Athena. Stelios and Eleni are away at the moment and there... have been whispers amongst the elder members of the Hellenic Council. Dark whispers of an ancient abomination…" she trailed off, her dark brows furrowing as one hand crossed across her chest and the other came to rest at her lips. "I cannot imagine how such whispers reached ears beyond our community…"
Something in the witch's posture seemed off and Minerva's eyes narrowed.
"Diamantina… what are you planning?" Minerva asked, searching the beautiful features for an answer even as they continued to gaze over the coast. Abruptly, the familiar gaze clouded and something passed across her face that Minerva couldn't recognize.
"The same as you, Athena. A swift end to these concerns," Diamantina responded flatly. Minerva narrowed her eyes.
"Diamantina Kallas, this web reaches far beyond you or I. If you have suspicions, then I implore you to make them known," she said firmly. At that Diamantina recrossed her legs, fixing Minerva with a sad smile.
"Athena, all I have are whispers and ghosts. Nothing that I will share until they are confirmed in fact, but if and when they are, I swear to you that I will share them, nah?" The Greek "yes" at the end made Minerva smile despite the ire she had felt a just moment before. As always, Diamantina was incredibly cryptic and stubborn. Wonder where she learned that?
"May I receive a similar assurance?" the witch asked after a beat. Minerva curled her fingers around the stem of her wineglass, drawing it upward and twirling it absently, watching as the light liquid refracted the sunshine into small prisms. The Order will need all the help it can get...
"You understand that my network and methods have remained as they were twenty years ago," she replied softly. Diamantina's expression remained unchanged, but Minerva felt a distinctive cooling of the energy at their table.
"I shall consider it," Diamantina replied after a long moment. Minerva inclined her head with a nod.
"That is all I ask, Diamantina," she said. A moment later, the witch graced her with a soft smile, gazing at her with affection in a manner that suddenly threw Minerva back twenty years… when they had sat together in her quarters and talked for hours about everything under the sun until the embers had nearly gone cold.
"Things were much easier back then, weren't they?" Diamantina remarked gently.
"Until they weren't," Minerva stated with a sniff, sipping her wine and appreciating the crisp flavor as it rolled across her tongue. She felt Diamantina's gaze softly tracing her features.
They lapsed into comfortable silence, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine as it soaked through their robes. Minerva watched the fishing boats in the small bay far below. They looked like little toys floating upon a patch of blue, almost too perfect to be real.
Shortly thereafter, Giannino returned bearing a platter of mouthwatering dishes, accompanied by a small Italian woman who appeared to be his wife. They both had dark, tanned skin, and the same open, twinkling faces and Minerva found herself rising to hug both of them even as Diamantina chattered away with the woman called Elena.
The couple presented their lunch with a flourish and Minerva couldn't help be but curious at how the Muggle couple fawned over Diamantina as if she were their long-lost daughter home for a visit. Elena kissed Minerva's cheeks before muttering something quickly in Italian and bidding them a good meal. At Minerva's questioning glance, Diamantina lips dipped into a curve and she explained that the woman had given her an old Italian blessing wishing her a successful relationship.
Minerva's face must have registered her confusion because then Diamantina laughed - a sweet musical sound that trickled lightly across the table making her blush.
Fortunately, a moment later the witch was quickly spooning different dishes onto Minerva's plate along with fast explanations of the different foods in the one of her more stereotypically Greek mannerisms that Minerva had always found rather endearing.
She watched as Diamantina prepared her a plate, expression changing animatedly as she spoke and gestured, enjoying the openness infusing the typically serene and unreadable features. Minerva had forgotten how her former apprentice had used to prepare their meals, even going as far as marching down to the Hogwarts kitchens and assisting the Elves with the more delicate recipes from both of their respective cultures.
"Well, darling? Are you going to sit and appreciate my beauty all day or eat the amazing meal before you?"
Minerva's eyebrow rose at the swift burst of sass from the witch across from her, who sat with a confident lift of her chin and flash of mischief igniting her seafoam gaze.
Very slowly and deliberately, Minerva wound a long noodle around her fork before drawing it to her lips and placing it on her tongue with exaggerated care. Diamantina's eyes never wavered from her mouth...
... And a moment later they both dissolved into laughter as the noodle unexpectedly made a huge slurp.
Toasting again to rekindled friendship, Minerva allowed herself to genuinely smile - a sweet, easeful feeling that seemed to permeate her entire being and temporarily erase the concerns and looming questions of the world.
For a few moments she was simply Minerva… sitting at a restaurant with an old friend, enjoying the sunshine and the company... without a care in the world.
Hermione brushed her hair out her eyes impatiently as she stalked through the library's tall shelves.
It's here, I know it's here… Her fingers traced the spines of old books and tomes, searching for a thin, cranberry colored edition that she remembered spying last week.
Master Kallas' personal library was extensive and the first time Hermione had visited she had nearly swooned at seeing so many texts devoted to both her disciplines. Her master did not believe in anything such as the Restricted Section at Hogwarts which meant there were plenty of tantalizingly advanced texts scattered throughout, though a number of the Darker books were safely enclosed behind glass cabinets on the western wall.
She had slept overnight on the comfortable couches near the windows on more than one occasion, having fallen into an engaging book and lost track of time… though with no Madam Pince to stop her, there was very little recourse for her actions beyond Master Kallas' amused expression and occasional lifted eyebrow if her sleep schedule began to suffer.
Casting a quick tempus, Hermione quickly deduced that she had thirty more minutes to search before needing to switch over to her Potions theses.
Despite the shock of her early morning dip in the sea and her current inability to find Fluid Dynamics: Advanced Principles of Electromagnetism, the rest of the day had unfolded rather smoothly. An unexpected owl revealed that she would be meeting with both Yiayia and Ana in the coming two weeks… though she was unsure if the latter had been approved by Master Kallas.
Yiayia was to continue to instruct her in behavior and etiquette, writing that she intended to introduce Hermione to more of the Wizarding community in Greece, while also indicating that Ana was to help her learn the traditions and history that governed both societies as well as providing an introduction to formal dueling.
Hermione wasn't sure how she felt about the last bit of information, having immediately made a note to ask her master why such a skill would be relevant before the Quorum.
She hadn't seen Master Kallas since the morning however… though in retrospect that had probably been helpful. It wasn't until after her swim that Hermione had realized that she had unknowingly plucked another swimsuit sent by Jean Granger, which didn't exactly lend itself to the studious demeanor that she intended to apply to herself over the next few weeks.
The older witch had left a short note that Hermione discovered at breakfast explaining that she intended to meditate, spend time in her chambers addressing a bit of correspondence and research. At the very bottom it was written that Master Kallas had a lunch date in the early afternoon and that Hermione was not to leave the villa until she returned.
Part of Hermione had chafed under the last instruction, though it wasn't an unreasonable demand and it's not like she had anywhere else to be. She preferred to do her physical training in the morning and beyond that, the rest of her day had been divided into writing her theses, fact-checking her work, and studying the information Master Kallas had provided before the Quorum - transcripts from previous meetings of the Society, texts on history, and a few papers on contemporary theories.
There was also a pile of books on Atlantis that Hermione was aching to read, though she couldn't rationalize putting the mysterious island before her formal work. They sat at one end of the couch like a beacon and she hoped to crack at least one open after dinner.
Yes!
Tucked in a corner, the thick Muggle book was in a slightly different section than she had thought. Plucking it from the shelf deftly, Hermione swept back to the couch, fingers already flipping through the index eagerly.
Settling in comfortably against a light blue pillow, Hermione tucked her feet under herself and began to read.
"Well, I must say that I see where my apprentice learned her perfectionistic ways," Diamantina tossed lightly, one eyebrow rising as she pinned Minerva with a hard look.
They had been discussing their recent research and though it had been many years since Minerva had had time to submit anything for official publication, she admitted to her friend that a new paper had been in the works for the last five years, held back due to her own prescribed revisions.
(The paper required editing.)
"Ah, so you take no credit, then?" Minerva replied causing them both to chuckle. She waited a moment before reaching for her tea, casually asking, "So how is Miss Granger progressing?"
They had not yet discussed their mutual protégé at all.
When Diamantina didn't immediately answer, Minerva looked up to see the witch staring into the distance with a curious little smile gracing her lips.
"Hermione does very well, Minerva... As I'm sure you expected prior to sending her to me. Her mind is astounding," Diamantina replied evenly, her expression open and proud. Minerva nodded and smiled, sipping her tea with both hands to hide her own expression for a moment.
"She has a natural affinity for Transfiguration, as I'm sure you're well aware. But recently, I believe she's finally come to appreciate the sensuous passion that Potions can offer. She's applied herself to the training with a level of discipline I have never witnessed. If I am to be honest, Hermione's ability to navigate the difficulties of both curriculums is… unmatched, by anyone I have trained. I look forward to seeing her development in both disciplines as I feel she has a uniquely developed perspective for one so young," Diamantina said thoughtfully while Minerva listened with interest.
She had known from the beginning that theirs had promised to be an excellent match. She was incredibly pleased to hear Diamantina's confirmation of what she had hoped would transpire - that Diamantina would manage draw out the young witch's talent and provide her with the multifaceted challenges that would help Miss Granger develop her own voice within both disciplines as well as her individual voice as a strong and talented witch.
However, Minerva was surprised to note that a separate part of her was unexpectedly disappointed to not be participating in the young witch's education. And abruptly, she realized it was no longer her concern. While she was entitled by Society rule to ask further questions as Miss Granger's former mentor, she held them back. Whatever curiosity and interest she thought she held in Miss Granger's future was second to the burgeoning bond between master and apprentice.
"Indeed."
They both sipped their drinks silently for a moment, enjoying the soft birdsong and whisper of a breeze through the leaves overhead. It was something Minerva had always appreciated about her former apprentice. Diamantina was entirely comfortable and capable of allowing long silences between them while each witch held her own counsel.
"I wonder, perhaps, if you know whether or not Hermione's close friends have been away as of late?" Diamantina's quiet question rang in measured tones, and despite the many years since having seen her, Minerva recognized the other woman's veiled concern immediately.
"Both Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are in the midst of their second year at the Auror Academy," she replied, brow furrowing slightly. "To my knowledge they remain engaged in their studies."
She waited a beat. "Why do you ask?"
"Hermione conducts herself with grace and maturity that belies her age," Diamantina began, her long fingers stroking the edge of her napkin. "However it concerns me that she has had little contact with anyone from Great Britain since arriving on Naxos."
"Do you mean to say she has not been keeping correspondence with her friends?" Minerva asked curiously. That seemed rather out of character for the young witch. Diamantina tilted her head for a moment as if assessing whether or not she should answer.
"It has been many months since my apprentice has engaged with anyone beyond her parents," she replied softly. Interesting.
To Minerva's knowledge both young men had their hands quite full under the strict tutelage of Gawain Robards at the Academy. It was no secret that the program was intense and despite their natural affinities for the fieldwork, Minerva had imagined the theoretical coursework had come as a rather unpleasant shock to both wizards. In their last meeting however, Molly Weasley had proudly revealed that the duo had taken to spending their evenings at the library of Grimmauld Place in order to study undisturbed. Minerva had wryly imagined it was a newfound practice.
Still, from what little she had observed of her Gryffindors in the summer following the War, all had been well. Her three charges had conducted themselves admirably despite the falling out between Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley. Privately, Minerva had been relieved that their relationship had met a cordial end. While she knew Miss Granger better than she knew the other two, it had been clear from the start that both witch and wizard were mismatched. However, aside from that hiccup in events, Minerva could recall no indication of any discord between the three. Interesting indeed...
"I shall inquire discreetly," Minerva promised after a moment, earning her a thankful nod.
They lapsed into comfortable silence again, the clouds breaking to envelop them in warm sunshine.
Diamantina shifted as her robes caught the breeze and Minerva was treated to a full breath of the witch's familiar scent. The comforting, yet heady blend of eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender mixed with light perfume had once ignited her ardor so easily.
She turned into the delicious smell and watched the last moments of the witch's neckline gap tantalizingly before Diamantina rearranged the fabric. Despite herself, Minerva's pulse quickened and she found herself moving to turn her gaze out to the azure coast, hoping the witch hadn't noticed her attentions.
"When must you return?" Diamantina asked in a low voice, and Minerva knew she had been caught. She folded her hands neatly, schooling her features into an impassive expression.
"In the next half hour," she replied evenly, returning her gaze to her friend.
Diamantina smiled gently and let her light eyes wander over Minerva's features lazily. At once, Minerva felt strangely naked to the seafoam gaze, a gentle flush beginning at her chest and spreading upward to burn at her cheeks. She had forgotten how easily Diamantina navigated the line between natural sensuality and something more. A small smile ghosted the full lips across from her and Minerva told herself it was simply the autumn chill that caused her to shiver lightly.
"Perhaps you would care to drop by the villa for dinner. I know Hermione would be pleased to see you," Diamantina suggested, sitting back and looking beyond Minerva to the sea. Ever perceptive, Minerva knew she was being given a moment to recover from the swell of tension that had abruptly arisen between them.
She opened her mouth to politely decline and somehow found that she couldn't. Although the conference was more than an inconvenience, Minerva had to admit that it was freeing to exist in the world outside of Hogwarts. And her lunch with Diamantina…
It has been too long since I've… what? Engaged in stimulating conversation? Been someone other than the Headmistress of Hogwarts? Been simply a woman?
Minerva's gaze traced the line of Diamantina's neck and the soft planes of her body tastefully hidden by ivory folds. Her sharp eye was drawn to the exposed skin of the witch's forearm which rose in goosebumps as Minerva's eyes raked over her. Oh, Diamantina… I see neither one of us has forgotten…
"I imagine the session will conclude around seven," Minerva found herself saying. Diamantina's eyes immediately flicked back to hers, narrowing slightly as if assessing the seriousness of her intentions. A moment later, Minerva was graced with a lovely smile and tilt of the head.
"Then we shall await your presence with anticipation," Diamantina replied. "I trust you remember the way?"
"I trust that the wards will still recognize me?" she quipped lightly.
Unexpectedly, it was the wrong thing to say.
Diamantina ducked her head, a few loose curls falling across her face and Minerva caught the pained furrow between elegant brows.
"You know that you have always been welcome," Diamantina whispered in a constricted voice, her eyes suddenly bright as she gazed across the table intently. Oh Dia...
Minerva smiled and rose gracefully, stepping forward and placing a reassuring hand on Diamantina's shoulder. The younger witch looked up at her, her beautiful features a mask of uncertainty and long-forgotten pain. Inwardly, Minerva felt her heart clench as a shadow of the leaves from above played across soft skin and features she knew... and had known all too well.
"I do know that, my love. Never doubt that I have always known."
They looked at each other for a long moment, a myriad of unspoken emotions and thoughts passing between them as past and present collided. Inhaling deeply, Minerva skimmed the curve of Diamantina's chin with the back of her knuckles before stepping back.
"I shall see you tonight," she said, her eyes warm. Diamantina simply nodded and watched her leave.
Inside, Minerva quickly began reorganizing her thoughts, shuffling away all questions or concerns for the coming evening.
She had tipped the owners rather generously upon realizing that Diamantina had somehow managed to cover their shared lunch, thanking them profusely for the wonderful meal. They had smiled knowingly and assured her that any friend of 'Tina's was a friend of theirs and they would be happy to see such an elegant witch in their establishment again.
She had left feeling rather flustered and surprised, a subtle tempus indicated that her portkey would activate in ten minutes. Minerva chose to slow down somewhat and revel in the fresh air and quaint scenery. She felt unexpectedly jittery.
The events of the morning seemed to rise up from the backdrop of her thoughts and Minerva flitted from concern to concern. It was too early to ask Diamantina about her own suspicions regarding the event in Río. Besides, now there was Hermione's safety to consider in the equation.
Hermione.
Bizarrely, Minerva found her thoughts escaping to her young cub.
Not a cub.
The young witch, then.
Diamantina's intuition was rarely wrong, though distantly Minerva was concerned that her friend had not yet addressed her own apprentice's shrinking circle of correspondence.
Stop it, Minerva. You are in no place to judge their relationship…
Still… she knew that the end of the war had not come without its losses. The Trio had never confided the entirety of their journey to anyone, though Minerva suspected that they had suffered far more during their mystery year away from Hogwarts than anyone truly knew. That uncertainty hung like a blanket of guilt at the edge of Minerva's thoughts.
It was exactly that sort of knowledge that had forced her into her current predicament - desperately invested in the wellbeing of the school and all her young charges, but torn in wanting to lend a hand in thwarting the new threats that were rising to endanger them. She could not be in two places at once.
Minerva sighed as she dissolved into the dark shadows behind a stone wall. It was time to Apparate back to Sorrento before the Portkey activated to pull her away. There would be no documented record of her journey to Capri this day.
Too many young people have been scarred by fights that were never theirs to inherit.
She only hoped that Hermione had been spared.