A/N: Enjoy!
Minerva appeared before a wrought iron gate with a quiet pop of displaced air.
At first glance it appeared dilapidated, with a sign in Greek warning against unstable ground. Pressing it open, she felt the telltale pressure of active warding before the resistance abruptly dissolved, allowing her entrance.
Walking forward confidently, Minerva made her way up the flagstone path that appeared at once. She drew comfort from the myriad of fresh smells, that brought forth a wave of old memories. The salty brine of the sea wafted past on a gentle breeze and she felt an unexpected pang of nostalgia… how many times did you swim off this coast?
Wearily, she lifted the hem of her robes and carefully made her way up toward the clean silhouette of the Kefalas villa. With a sigh, Minerva felt the impending wave of fatigue settle upon her shoulders. Her head still swam with far too many unanswered questions from the session.
And that is where there they shall remain for now, old girl…
Stepping up toward the bright blue doorway, Minerva paused, drawing herself upward. In an instant, she cleared the web of suspicion from her mind, tucking stray thoughts into place as she would an untidy room. At least her Mastery still served.
Lifting a hand she knocked confidently, smiling lightly as she thought of the two witches awaiting her arrival. Both unique and strong individuals to be sure… confident, intelligent, courageous, beautiful... it promised to be an engaging evening to say the least.
A rustling in the bushes to her right had Minerva drawing her wand and bending her knees immediately.
"Mrrowrr?" A black face with gold eyes popped forth and a moment later, Minerva found herself sinking down, offering an open hand to a rather large black cat with white paws who emerged from the carefully pruned leaves.
"Well, hello…" she murmured quietly, smiling in bemusement as the feline stepped carefully onto the stoop, approaching her hand rather cautiously. Of all people to own a cat…
With furrowed brow, Minerva recalled her former apprentice's distinct expression of distaste after Minerva had first transformed into her Animagus. She sniffed in amusement at the memory. I wonder if he's Miss Granger's?
::A friend?:: Came a wordless query.
Gold eyes observed her carefully and Minerva lifted an eyebrow in surprise. A Kneazle, then.
::Yes, a friend. Of Diamantina and Miss Granger:: She sent images of both witches and the tail curled in understanding.
::But you are not human?:: The message was slightly more complicated but Minerva understood the gist. The animal was concerned about her Animagi. It stared at her impassively.
::Not always:: She sent a few more images attempting to explain, and the gold eyes narrowed again, eyeing her suspiciously as if she were about to burst into feathers or fur.
::I accept this:: A moment later a small and rather inelegant "oof" escaped her as the large animal launched itself into her arms. Minerva chuckled lightly as he rubbed his face against her chin, purring like a motor while she attempted to rearranged herself to accommodate him.
Just as she was about to straighten, Minerva felt a shift of light and a gentle voice resounded in surprise.
"Professor?"
Abruptly, the Kneazle was gone and Minerva found herself holding her arms rather awkwardly as the furry mass disappeared. Blast it. She straightened immediately, meeting caramel eyes that were looking at her with a combination of bemusement and happiness.
"Hermione," the name was blurted in surprise… and Minerva found she couldn't take it back.
Her former protégé stood at the threshold, framed in warm light, wearing a becoming set of thin ivory robes that could only have been chosen by Diamantina. Minerva's eyes drank in the lovely vision before her - noting how the light fabric hugged a strong, lithe frame rippling with muscle, falling gently over long legs and resting on bare toes just peeking out over the tiles. The witch fairly beamed at her, her tanned features contrasting the whiteness of her smile attractively.
They stared at each other for a long moment and then Minerva was caught off guard as the witch fairly launched herself into Minerva's arms, enveloping her in a warm hug that she quickly discovered she was only too eager to return.
"It's so good to see you, Professor," the witch murmured before stepping back and allowing her entrance.
"It's wonderful to see you too, Miss Granger," Minerva said, hoping to regain a bit of familiar footing. Her robes suddenly felt rather warm.
"Hermione," the witch said firmly, shaking her head slightly. Her heart leapt briefly at the invitation but Minerva simply smiled.
"Hermione," she affirmed, stepping across the threshold with a careful sweep of the godforsaken violet robes. Looking around the foyer briefly, Minerva's senses swam as the familiar environment impressed itself upon her. The younger witch closed the door gently and Minerva felt her brow furrow as she paused to consider her options.
"I suppose it is only fair that you call me Minerva, then," she murmured after a moment, attempting to toss the sentiment off lightly.
Hearing no immediate answer, she turned and found the young woman leaning against the door and watching her quietly, her full lips tipping into a gentle curve that was… is she being coy?
"Minerva," the witch purred and Minerva fought not to let her features betray her surprise and… distinct pleasure.
A moment later, Hermione shifted… opening a hand and Minerva watched as a neat pile of fabric appeared.
"Before we continue, Minerva… I've been instructed not to let you any further until you agree to change into something more comfortable," Hermione said, one dark brow lifting slightly as Minerva's own crept into dubious expression.
"Oh?" she replied dryly. Hermione appeared to be trying not to laugh as she leaned forward conspiratorially.
"Please understand that if you do not do as I say, there will be… consequences." At that Minerva took a deep breath, hazarding a glance in the direction of the kitchen where she knew Diamantina would be working. Doubtless the witch was responsible for such a ridiculous request. Looking back, she found Hermione smiling in a way that was unfamiliar and unnerving.
"Am I to divine then that these are for me?" Minerva asked, eyes raking over the bundle of ivory with no small amount of suspicion.
"Yes. Though Master Kallas wished me to communicate that while you are free to change the color, she will be displeased if you transfigure the amount," Hermione replied evenly, both eyebrows lifting in challenge.
Minerva sighed and took the bundle, noting that it was clearly only two sets of robes. The nerve of that witch. Undressing me in the presence of a former student. For shame!
"Very well. I am much too tired to argue against consequences… no matter how enticing they may prove to be," she finally said, wondering how her statement would be received. Minerva experienced a brief moment of disbelief as Hermione's cheeks flushed lightly, her lips parting as if to say something, before her expression settled into a simple one of challenge.
Minerva filed that information away for later as she turned and swept off in the direction of Diamantina's rooms.
"Don't think I don't know what you're up to, Diamantina!" Minerva called loudly, even as her nose picked up the scintillating smell of gourmet food. Oh, that witch will be the end of me for sure.
A musical laugh reached her ears and Minerva allowed herself a broad smile.
It has indeed been far too long.
Hermione drifted back into the kitchen as Dia was removing a glass pan from the oven. Her focus momentarily on the food, she almost missed the dreamy sigh as the witch settled in at the island, toying with her wine glass quietly.
"We have a bit of time, darling. I've charmed the doors to remain shut until she showers and re-dresses," Dia explained lightly. "There's a note waiting for her in my chambers."
A moment later, Hermione's features shifted from surprise to delight as she laughed, causing a rippling sensation to pass over Dia's body.
"Well… in that case, is there anything I can do to help?" Hermione asked. Dia tidied up the area with a wordless Scourgify and turned back to the island.
"Not at the moment. Most everything is under a stasis charm until we are ready, and the kataifi require a bit more time," she replied evenly, watching her apprentice surreptitiously even as she poured herself a glass of wine. Something had changed.
Electing to wait, Dia smiled softly even as Hermione bit a lip, leaning on the island in a way that she typically wouldn't have appreciated… but then… this evening is about letting things go.
"She told me to call her Minerva," Hermione admitted after a moment, fixing Dia with a somewhat guilty expression. Rather than comment on the complex spiral of emotions she was detecting, Dia simply lifted her glass and clinked it against Hermione's with a soft smile.
The witch gave her a lopsided smile before sipping her wine quietly.
"She would not have granted that honor if you weren't deserving, darling," Dia murmured, stepping around to slip an arm around Hermione's waist. When she received no response, she shook her gently until Hermione eyed her and gave a light giggle.
"It is high praise," she said, bumping the witch's glass again. The light sound resonated in the room and Hermione nodded, swallowing a smile.
Satisfied that her apprentice had been reassured, Dia stepped away and moved around the kitchen to pass a glance over the dessert which was beginning to brown. The delicious scent of caramelized sugar began wafting through the room.
Hermione's mood shifted again to one that had Dia quirking her head a moment later. She felt her brow furrow.
"Tell me, are you worried of how Minerva will react to your sexual orientation?" she asked curiously, attempting to get at the heart of what their bond was intimating. Hermione flushed and shifted, her features betraying her conflicting emotions.
"Y-ye… No? Maybe? I don't know," she replied, apparently surprising herself. A thoughtful look crossed her features.
"You do realize the irony of such a fear, don't you, darling?" Dia asked dryly as she sipped her wine delicately. Hermione gave her a suffering look before dissolving into a quick burst of laughter. A moment later she sighed rather dramatically and took a small circle around herself.
"I'm being stupid, aren't I?" Hermione moaned, passing a hand through her mane of curls. At Dia's request, she had left them loose and they spilled across her shoulders and down her back like a waterfall. Or lioness.
"No darling. Again, I apologize for springing this evening upon you. I realize it must be difficult for you to navigate this collision of two separate aspects of your life. It is always challenging to reconnect with others who remember you from a different time in your life," Dia replied gently, even as Hermione turned and leaned against the island facing away from her.
"How did this evening come about anyway?" Hermione asked after a moment. Dia tilted her head, hoping her apprentice wouldn't be offended by her secrecy.
"Minerva sent me a note earlier this week indicating that she had business in the Mediterranean... I offered to meet her for lunch. We exchanged correspondence and decided to meet this afternoon," she summarized evenly.
"So then she's doing something with the ICW?" Hermione asked curiously, turning to look over her shoulder. Dia chuckled. Nothing escapes this brilliant mind.
"That is not for me to say and it is up to Minerva should she wish to divulge anything to us tonight."
"You mean to me." Hermione twisted, leaning on one hip as her features settling into a more impassive expression. Dia tilted her head, unsure of which direction her apprentice's emotions were heading.
"As I said, it is not for me to say," she replied carefully. The moment passed and Hermione nodded her acceptance much faster than Dia anticipated.
Her apprentice set down her wine glass and circled the island in a deliberate manner that made Dia tense. The witch's long curls fell across her face, obscuring her expression while one long hand trailed along the counter as she sauntered over.
"Master?" The question came out as a gentle purr, as Dia lifted an eyebrow. This is new.
"Apprentice?" She responded as professionally as possible.
"I don't suppose you could indulge me for a moment…" She pressed closer, lips parted as her eyes raked over Dia's face and to the exposed skin of her decolletage.
"In what manner?" Dia asked neutrally, willing herself to remain still. What is this witch up to?
"A personal one."
Dia's thoughts grew muddied as the witch took a step closer and pressed her body flush against Dia's left side, one arm crossing over her to fiddle with the hem of her right sleeve playfully.
"What might that be?" she managed. Hermione drew closer and her full lips came dangerously close… Dia's vision was swimming with tanned skin, caramel, and honey.
"I was wondering if you could tell me… one thing that I absolutely hate?"
Dia's brow furrowed as it took a bit longer for the question to compute. Hate?
"Wh-" she began, stopping as an elegant finger pressed itself to her lips. Distantly she was aware of another set of long fingers caressing the back of her neck lightly. Sweet Circe!
"The one thing I hate more than anything in the world…"
The lips drew closer as the finger abruptly left and Dia's pulse hammered in her ears. She was suddenly far too hot -
"Is when others withhold relevant information from me." Hermione finished by pinning her with a glare even as her body held Dia captive. Oh.
Dia was at a loss.
"Interesting."
The third voice was unexpected and the both of them swiveled their heads in comedic synchronization to see Minerva standing at the threshold to the kitchen, leaning against the door frame with a smug expression. Despite her growing dismay, Dia was pleased to see her former mentor wearing the light robes she had provided and the long ebony hair confined to asimple braid over one shoulder.
"I might have to agree with you Miss Gr- Hermione…" Minerva stepped forward and moved to the island where she began pouring herself a glass of wine. Interestingly enough, Hermione did nothing to move herself from the compromising position, remaining pressed against Dia suggestively even as her caramel eyes watched Minerva carefully.
"There's nothing I dislike more than having information withheld from me… though I suppose, Diamantina, in this instance you can consider yourself lucky. You've managed to lure me here and demystify my person, yes… however I can only thank you for not having completely unraveled Hermione's sensibilities. Good witch." Minerva paused and lifted her glass in Hermione's direction before holding up an elegant finger. Dia's brows rose.
"However, I do not forgive the mere two layers of robes. Last I checked this was not a brothel."
The amusement bubbled up from below and Dia quickly found herself laughing with abandon, drawing Hermione along with her as Minerva sipped her wine with the delicate arch of one brow. Hermione shot Dia a playful glare as she sauntered over to the island to refill her own glass, ivory robes swirling around her ankles attractively.
Dia recovered quickly, shaking her head in amusement while absorbing the willowy frame encased in bright emerald silk. She looks gorgeous. Despite Minerva's protest, she could tell the witch was more at ease after her long day… and hopefully more willing to unwind. She deserves a break.
"I will not apologize for giving voice to your oft-concealed beauty," Dia replied succinctly, turning to adjust the oven with a flourish of a hand. Hermione nodded, clearly more at ease with her former professor's presence. That was proved a moment later when caramel eyes narrowed and gave Minerva an appreciative once over.
"Yes, don't. She's right Minerva, you look… positively delectable," Hermione declared confidently, her smile broadening as Minerva's green eyes widened in surprise and a blush lit her cheeks. Dia swallowed a grin before pointing a finger at Hermione.
"Nor will I apologize for keeping such a delectable surprise a secret… even from my own apprentice," Dia finished, tipping a lazy smile.
"Touché," Hermione replied, lifting her class toward Dia with a saucy smirk. Minerva remained silent, clearly at a loss for how to respond to their appreciation. Dia was pleased a moment later when Hermione stepped back slightly and gave Minerva a bit of space, shifting to open her attention to the both of them.
"So… there is but one question remaining before dinner. Would you care to eat inside or outside, Minerva?" she asked lightly. The witch in question shifted lightly, her features retreating into an inscrutable expression.
"Outside, perhaps. It would be a shame to waste such a lovely November evening indoors," Minerva replied, her eyes warm as she looked beyond Hermione toward the bay windows. The sea was stained a brilliant shade of crimson as the bright orb of the sun fell toward the horizon.
"Very well. If you would prepare the table, Hermione? I shall join you in a moment," Dia said, already turning back toward the kataifi with a smile. Her apprentice nodded and gestured for Minerva to go first as they made their way toward the outer terrace.
They deserved a bit of time on their own.
Minerva stepped into the sea breeze with an appreciative inhale, trailing behind slightly as Hermione led her toward a dark outdoor table boasting a bouquet of generous blooms and a number of Diamantina's favorite candles. The terrace was beautiful - wreathed in candlelight all around with a number of floating lights that reminded her of the Great Hall.
"I have missed this place," Minerva found herself saying absently as she gazed out over the coast to where the sun was slowly sinking below the waves. It had always seemed much larger on Naxos. She crossed her arms gently, feeling the breeze tug at a few tendrils that had escaped her long braid.
Hermione said nothing, simply smiling softly to herself as she quickly set the table with a few deft flicks of her wand. Another wave and Minerva felt the telltale signs of a Warming Charm and she shivered lightly in appreciation.
At once, Minerva found herself curious. While the young witch before her was clearly still the same young Gryffindor that had once been under her charge, she found herself surprised by the woman's grace and confidence. Her own thoughts startled her and Minerva realized with a start that, yes, she is a woman.
Beyond the lean figure and timeless features that no longer held the softness of youth… she had been caught off guard at having returned to the kitchen in time to witness a… seduction in progress?
Her mind had quickly ground itself to a halt at seeing her two former proteges in such close quarters. It would not have been such a stretch if Diamantina had initiated, but Hermione? A few more moments had revealed the younger witch's slinky disagreement, but still… the familiarity and underlying sensuality could not be entirely false. How had Minerva missed such a crucial aspect of the girl - no, woman's - development? Was this the reason she no longer conversed with her childhood friends?
"Minerva? Would you care to sit?" The light voice drew her out of her thoughts and Minerva smiled politely.
"Certainly. Forgive me… it's been a rather long day," she replied, sweeping forward and settling across from Hermione gently. Caramel eyes seemed much darker in the dim lighting and Minerva found herself tracing the elegant features as if she had never seen them before.
"Master Kall- Dia, has essentially told me not to ask, but may I infer that you have just come from Atlantis?"
Perceptive.
"I can neither confirm nor deny," Minerva replied neutrally, drawing a half-smile from the witch. Hermione nodded her acceptance before taking a sip of wine, one thumb rubbing the stem absently.
"Than I suppose my questions will be answered in a few weeks," she said softly, leaning back slightly and gazing at Minerva through lidded eyes.
Minerva took a deep breath. On one hand, she knew logically that Hermione had very little opportunity to interact with those who would abuse the information… and that in certain circles, it was common knowledge that she held a seat on the General Assembly.
However, a larger part of Minerva had difficulty divulging information that would potentially place Hermione at risk... and though it seemed her plans would reveal most everything shortly, she wanted to hold onto her knowledge for as long as possible.
"I had hoped I wouldn't see you for some time."
Minerva stilled, unsure of what to make of the opaque statement and the impassive expression gracing the witch across from her. Unexpectedly, she felt a rather unpleasant heaviness settle into the pit of her stomach as she considered the weight of those words.
"I had wanted to wait until I had finished my third classifications…" Hermione twirled her glass between her fingertips, her lips twisting into a wry smile. "Perhaps that is foolish, I know. But I had hoped that we would meet again as colleagues… and that you could learn to see me in a different light, perhaps."
Sweeping cheekbones flushed lightly and Minerva felt her heart warm.
The witch was more unpredictable than she had anticipated, though bizarrely Minerva felt a buoyant sensation flood through her that quickly soothed and replaced the tendrils of disappointment at having imagined that her former protégé wanted nothing more to do with her. For a moment, Minerva had wondered if Diamantina had become something greater to Hermione than Minerva… that perhaps they possessed something deeper, and while she shoved the feeling away, Minerva wasn't sure how she felt about that.
"I have not asked after your progress with Diamantina, nor shall I. Though it is clear to me, even at this moment that you are not the same witch who asked me for a recommendation letter before leaving Hogwarts. You are much changed, Hermione," Minerva said softly, her voice low.
Hermione remained silent, expression inscrutable as she watched her with luminous eyes.
Minerva sighed, realizing that even now her words rang true. This was not the same witch… and she deserved a measure of honesty.
"It is not that I do not trust you, Hermione. On the contrary, I trust you implicitly. However there are certain facts and events of our world that remain unclear to me at this time and I will not risk your life by giving you partial information. I value you too much for that…" Minerva trailed off, choosing to focus on her wine glass as the weight of her words echoed in the space.
"There are many things unfolding at this time, Hermione. I cannot say where they are leading, but indeed some of them are quite Dark. There are a number of choices to be made in the coming days and weeks, and I worry-"
"I appreciate your candor, Minerva. I will not press the issue," Hermione interrupted softly, lifting an elegant hand.
Minerva looked up sharply to see the younger witch smiling at her gently, an understanding expression spreading itself across her features. Minerva bit back her surprise at the interruption and a moment later, the smile broadened as Hermione's eyes fluttered toward the vase of flowers shyly.
"This is not an evening for heavy thoughts. Thank you for your honesty and I apologize if I made you feel as though you had to accommodate my insecurities."
Minerva blinked, suddenly unsure of what to make of the woman before her. Her brazen lion cub was much changed, to use her own words from a moment before… it seemed she had learned a great deal from Diamantina.
The direct, forthright nature that Minerva had learned to appreciate about the witch had developed into something much more enigmatic and unpredictable.
But before she could hazard a reply, Diamantina emerged from the villa quietly and they both turned to watch her approach. Minerva's eyes drank in the petite form, noting that the witch had taken her hair down. The riotous mane of dark curls rivaled Hermione's and Minerva decided it was a most becoming look for the both of them.
Diamantina settled between them at the head of the table, giving them both a coy smile.
"Are you hungry?" she asked playfully. Minerva glanced across the table where Hermione lifted a brow in her direction.
"Famished."
"Ravenous."
"Starved."
"Peaked."
"Dying."
"Voracious."
"I could eat a hippogriff," Hermione deadpanned. Minerva paused and bit back a laugh.
"Ditto." Though she hated that word, it was worth it to see Hermione dissolve into laughter even as Diamantina rolled her eyes and swept an arm over the table to present their meal.
A short moment later, she and Hermione shared another conspiratorial glance as Diamantina quickly took both their plates and began loading them with fresh salad, moussaka, Mediterranean chicken, and a few other side dishes that Minerva didn't recognize.
"Please, Diamantina… if you weigh me down with that much, I shall be unable to Apparate home," she said sternly.
"Would it be so bad? You could stay overnight and join us for a morning swim," Diamantina replied playfully. Hermione simply chuckled and Minerva pursed her lips in disapproval before accepting the meal carefully.
"There's always Mount Zeus, too," Hermione added, even as she lifted a forkful of salad toward her lips.
"Or morning yoga…"
"Weightlifting."
Minerva sent Hermione a glare.
"We could go for a run," Dia suggested, nudging Hermione's elbow. The younger witch bit back a snort.
"Enough. As delightful as it would be to stay, you both are well aware of my duties at Hogwarts," Minerva replied archly, taking a smooth bite of moussaka. The flavor burst upon her tongue and she was hard pressed not to sigh in contentment.
"Duties shmooties," Hermione said, waving a hand airily. Diamantina chuckled and Minerva simply rolled her eyes.
There was a bit more teasing chatter from the both of them before the discussion moved on to other topics. They continued eating - Hermione asking a few pointed questions about preparation and spices that made Minerva curious as to the nature of her Potions classifications, but she simply sat back and listened with appreciation as her former students spoke quickly and with the pointed perspectives of discerning scholars.
And despite the initial trepidation she had felt before arriving, Minerva found herself relaxing slowly… lulled by the combination of good food, good company, and the beautiful ambiance.
As the sky continued to grow darker and the stars began to grace the inky velvet, her sense of peace grew stronger… and for once, she allowed herself to simply enjoy and let everything else go.
A/N: Prepare yourself to learn a little bit more...