Will You Stay?

4 Jan 2003 Saturday

Of all the places to have a predestined encounter, a bookstore in London's soho district was probably the last on the list in Minerva McGonagall's mind. Standing in line with her arms full, her musings were unexpectedly interrupted.

"Professor McGonagall?"

Minerva turned at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Miss Granger. What a wonderful surprise. How are you, dear?"

"Really well, thanks. And you?"

"I still have my health," Minerva smirked in self-deprecation.

Hermione shook her head with amusement. Foregoing her usual argument against Minerva's "old age", the young woman responded politely, "What are you doing here?"

"Buying books," Minerva answered drolly, her eyes sparkling with humor.

"I mean in London." Hermione chuckled.

"I am here on business."

Hermione acknowledged that with a lift of her chin. Eyeing the stack in Minerva's arms she marveled, "Fiction?"

"Stocking up on a semester's worth of diversion." Minerva shifted under the intimate scrutiny of brazen espresso eyes.

"Would you like to join me for a cup of tea?"

Considering the offer seriously, Minerva opted to grant her former student an opportunity to step across the teacher-student boundary. "Yes, I would." She answered emphatically.

Minerva paid the invoice and they mutely made their way to the second-floor café. Settling in for their fortuitous visit, Minerva scrunched her nose at Hermione's choice of coffee.

"Do you actually prefer that now?" she asked disdainfully.

"Depends on the time of day and my energy levels."

"A habit from university, I imagine."

"I cannot tell a lie." Hermione giggled.

"How is it going, then?"

"University? It's great."

"What are you studying?"

"I'm about to complete my dissertation for my potions mastery."

"A mastery already? Well done."

"It's actually my second," Hermione admitted sheepishly.

"Second?! Goodness. What was your first?"

"Charms. I'm building a solid base before I go for my Transfiguration mastery."

"Three masteries? Miss Granger, that is…"

"Insane." Hermione supplied. "At least that's what everyone says."

"Yes, well, I am not 'everyone.' Where are you studying?"

"Mundaring Academy of Magic."

"Australia? Could you not find a university closer to home?"

"I went to Australia to be closer to my parents after the war. I decided to stay for a while."

"I see. Will you stay after you complete your study?"

"I don't know."

"Who will you be training under for Transfiguration?"

"Ka Ora. A Māori elder."

Minerva nodded her head in approval. "I have met him a few times at academic conferences. You will do very well." Feeling uncomfortable with the topic for reasons she could not pinpoint, Minerva changed the direction of conversation. "If your parents are in Australia, what brought you back?"

"I came back for the wedding, of course."

"Ah, yes, of course." Minerva suddenly felt foolish. "It was a lovely wedding."

"You were there?"

"Aye. I was double booked that day so I could not stay for the reception. I had to leave as soon as the vows were made in order to arrive on time for the wedding of my grandniece. But I was indeed there."

"I'm sorry I didn't see you."

"You were a lovely maid of honor."

"Thank you." Hermione ducked her head, flustered from the compliment.

"And I must say Ronald was quite dapper as the best man." Minerva's eyes glittered with mischief. "A much better turnout than the Yule ball."

The bark of laughter from Hermione drew an affectionate smile across Minerva's lips.

"You remember that? Gods, that was awful."

"Indeed. The poor lad."

The shared merriment was a natural place to end their impromptu visit. Minerva let her gaze turn to a window and announced, "Oh my, it is getting late. The streetlights are alit."

"Do you have an appointment this evening?"

"I do, actually. The reason I am in London."

"Oh? You aren't just here to expand your library?"

"A business meeting with my solicitor," Minerva admitted as she readied herself for departure.

"Here?" Hermione was intrigued by the idea of Minerva having business involving muggle legislation.

"Yes, here." Minerva smiled kindly at the ever-curious woman who was following her toward the exit. "McGonagall House holds a number of enterprises. My nephew has returned from the States to take on the helm of the distillery. I must now go sign a ream of papers to keep it all legal."

"It was wonderful seeing you, Professor." Hermione blew out with a melancholy sigh.

Minerva hesitated before taking leave. Eyeing the woman before her, she opened her arms and pulled Hermione into a strong embrace. "Thank you for an enchanting afternoon." She murmured into Hermione's ear. Holding her at arm's length she added, "And best of luck with your mastery pursuit."

An undercurrent of repressed emotion added weight to the words as Hermione called out a farewell to Minerva's retreating back.

31 Dec 2007 Monday

Minerva sighed into her near-empty glass. Another ministry New Year's gala was in full swing and all she wanted to do was return to her home and curl up with a good book. The same faces, the same conversations, and the same pitying eyes lamenting her singleness exhausted her. She often commented sarcastically to Molly Weasley, "How can I be the old spinster headmistress if I get married off?"

She glanced over to the table full of Weasleys. All the children she had taught at Hogwarts were now married with children of their own. She smiled wistfully as she observed Harry Potter and his wife Ginny double over in laughter at something Ron Weasley had said.

"Careful, Professor. Someone might start a rumor that you have a nostalgic heart."

Whirling around at the teasing voice Minerva filled her arms with Hermione Granger.

"Oh, dear lass, it is good to see you." Minerva cooed into soft hair. Pulling back she took a moment to examine the lithe woman in front of her. "You've cut your hair."

Hermione self-consciously reached up and tugged at the ends of her hair, tucking strays back behind her ear. "Do you like it?"

"I do," Minerva stated adamantly. "It makes you look quite mature, Miss Granger." Minerva glanced around quickly, "It is still Miss Granger, is it not? It's just I did not see you with anyone."

Hermione laughed at Minerva's concern. "Yes. I am still a 'miss'."

"It is good of you to finally attend our annual gathering." Minerva chided playfully.

"Thank you for saying, Professor. I am not usually one to pass up a chance to socialize with my peers. This is, of course, the first year I've been invited."

Amusement glittered in Minerva's eyes. "Perhaps we are at a point we may do away with formalities." She offered.

"You started it." Hermione countered with a grin.

Minerva shifted closer, laying a hand on her ex-pupil's forearm, and offered with deeper emotion than intended, "Hermione, it is lovely to see you again."

"You haven't changed a bit, Minerva."

A single eyebrow arched in disbelief. "Away with you." She countered, modestly. "Now that you are on the invitation list for our little soirees, will you stay in the ministry? Or do you have grander plans?"

"I will remain for the time being. There are so many causes to take up for the downtrodden and oppressed."

Minerva dropped her hand and took a step back when their little bubble was disrupted by a swarthy stranger.

"Here you go, love." The man handed a glass of wine to Hermione.

"Oh, Minerva, this is Ian Temple. Ian, I'd like to introduce Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of…"

"Hogwarts." Ian cut in. "Of course. Crikey, you don't look anywhere near as old as I imagined."

"Ian!"

Minerva's eyes flashed open in surprise before squinting in anger. "Ah daresay ah wid nae wantae ken whit ye imagined."

The thick Scottish brogue made Hermione cringe. She grabbed Ian's arm and squeezed in warning.

"Oh, well, no insult intended," he stumbled over his words. "I just meant that with your legendary reputation, one would expect you to be older than Methuselah. Which, obviously you aren't."

"Shut up," Hermione whispered heatedly. "You're only making it worse."

Minerva's eyes, bright with outrage, scanned Ian from head to toe. Finding him lacking, she sniffed imperiously and shut him out of her mind. Locking onto Hermione's soulful gaze, she smiled regretfully.

"I shan't keep you any longer, Miss Granger. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

She stalked off, leaving the impending explosion in her wake.

01 Jan 2008 Tuesday

Minerva awoke with a splitting headache. Staring at her reflection over a washbasin, she chastised herself for the temper tantrum that motivated her to drink more whiskey than she had a right to. She considered not drinking the small bottle of Cephalalagia anodyne as an act of penance, but the pain behind her eyes won out and she downed the draught in a single gulp.

After a hot shower and a hearty breakfast, she relegated herself to suffering through the stack of official paperwork on her desk. She was pulled away from her correspondence by a sharp rapping on her window. With a wave of her hand, she allowed a small owl entrance. The bird hopped across the desk and settled on Minerva's forearm. The perceptive witch had to chuckle when she realized her little visitor was a species commonly known as "owl of Minerva".

"Well, thank you, mah wee mukker. Is this letter for me?"

Minerva accepted the envelope from the brown feathered creature, exchanging it for a chunk of cinnamon scone. "Thank you." She stroked the soft head with a finger before releasing it back to the blue skies.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

I must apologize for the behavior of my guest last evening. He had no excuse to cause you embarrassment .

I do hope you will allow me the opportunity to make it up to you. Perhaps you will join me for lunch later in the week?

I am ever so sorry.

Warmest regards,

Hermione

Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose in agitation. She drew in a deep breath and forcefully blew out the irritation that had churned up from her wounded heart. The thoughtless words of Hermione's date had cut her to the quick. She was fully cognizant of her age and did not need some young upstart inflating the evidence.

Minerva could feel the anguish and uncertainty behind Hermione's written words. Refusing to be the cause of any trouble in the young woman's heart, she scratched out a quick reply. Glancing up, she was surprised to see the little owl had not flown off but was settled on the window sill, awaiting an assignment. Inviting the bird in, she offered another piece of scone before handing it the note.

"Please take care not to lose this." She whispered before sending her newest friend on its way.

03 Jan 2008 Thursday

Minerva leaned against the doorframe, taking enjoyment in watching Hermione working diligently at her desk. After a moment of selfish observation, Minerva cleared her throat and chuckled as startled espresso eyes transformed into mirrors reflecting her own delight.

"Minerva! Oh no, am I late?"

"No, lass. I am early."

"Spare me ten minutes?"

"Of course."

Minerva picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet and settled into an armchair to await her date. Fifteen minutes later, Hermione finally pushed back from her work and gathered her things to head out. "Right. Let's get out of here."

Minerva rose smoothly to her feet and followed Hermione out. She was pleasantly surprised to be led onto the streets of muggle London and into a cab.

"And here I thought you were going to take me to the cafeteria."

"Oh, please. I think I can do a little better than grilled cheese and five day old stew."

Minerva laughed freely at Hermione's banter, relieved the young woman did not seem to be restrained with guilt or apprehension. Her initial surprise gave way to amazement when the cab pulled to a stop in front of Scully St. James' restaurant.

"Hermione?" Minerva's voice sounded a touch disoriented.

"It's an experience. Trust me."

Minerva felt Hermione's hand entangle with her own as she was tugged along behind a rather confident witch.

The restaurant was comfortable and airy and the Asian fusion cuisine was delicious, but it was the company that enthralled Minerva. Once their orders were placed with their very attentive waiter, Hermione jumped into the deep end.

"Minerva, I am so sorry for Ian's behavior."

"Hush. You have nothing to apologize for." Minerva instantly forgave her companion.

"He had no right…"

"Hermione," Minerva leveled an empty glare across the table. "He is Australian." She stated as if it explained everything wrong with the man.

The cheerful, light guffaw Hermione barked out was all they needed to right their connection.

"He really is an arse." Hermione conceded.

"Yes, well, we can't all be enlightened."

"Harry can't stand him."

"That boy always did have an affinity for reading people."

"Minerva!" Hermione laughed again, a happy smile lighting up her entire face. "I gave him the boot."

"Not on my account, I hope." Minerva objected, her voice thick with feigned concern.

"Not entirely. His horrid behavior that evening was just the nail in the coffin. To be brutally honest, I was only with him because he's gorgeous."

"I see." Minerva felt a twinge in her heart but rallied to keep the moment light. "An exhilarating ride despite an empty bonnet."

Hermione's peals of laughter turned heads through the restaurant.

Certain the subject was now closed Minerva left it in the past. Backpedaling a bit she refocused Hermione's attention. "How is Harry?"

"Oh, he's fine. He and Ginny are off on holiday to celebrate their fifth anniversary."

"That's right. Their wedding date is upon us again. Why did they marry on that particular date? A Thursday wedding is not usual."

"He wanted that date so he wouldn't ever forget their anniversary. 1, 2, 3. January second, 2003."

It was Minerva's turn to draw attention to their table with her laugh. "That is the same reason Isobel married that day. Her husband was also worried of the potential wrath a missed anniversary would induce."

During dessert, Hermione perplexed Minerva with an unexpected request.

"So, speaking of anniversaries…" Hermione hesitantly returned to a topic they had discussed a good hour earlier. "This year is the tenth anniversary of our scheduled graduation from Hogwarts."

"Indeed, it is," Minerva replied, a wrinkle of suspicion forming across her brow.

"I was thinking it might be fun to have a reunion like muggles do."

"A reunion?"

"Yeah. A class reunion. When you have a big social gathering with all your old classmates to catch up on everyone's life and relive memories."

"This is something muggles enjoy?" Minerva could not attain an appreciation for the concept.

"Of course." Hermione once again distracted Minerva from her puzzled thoughts with her bright smile. "It's loads of fun."

"Fun." Minerva tried the word, her voice flat with disbelief.

Choosing to ignore Minerva's impassive response, Hermione continued with her scheme. "So, anyway… I was thinking, with your permission of course, that we could perhaps arrange to celebrate at Hogwarts."

"Hogwarts?" Minerva put her wineglass down and placed her hands flat on the table.

"It would be ever so enjoyable to revisit our alma mater."

Minerva clenched her jaw to stop her immediate refusal. She reached for her glass again and swallowed the last of her wine, taking the time to ponder the request and study Hermione. The woman was virtually vibrating with excitement over the idea. Sighing internally with the knowledge she would never be able to deny Hermione Granger anything, she nodded her head in acquiescence.

"Very well. You may 'use' Hogwarts. However…" she cut Hermione's excited exclamation off. "It must be after the school year and I will need to be present."

"Oh, of course." Hermione agreed. "Will you stay and celebrate with us?"

"I expect the presence of an old professor would not be conducive to student revelry."

"You aren't old."

20 Feb 2008 Wednesday

After a particularly frustrating budget meeting with the board of directors and Kingsley Shackelbolt, Minerva decided she needed an afternoon away from responsibilities. She found herself once again leaning in the doorway of Hermione Granger's office watching her eat a watercress sandwich while engrossed in the pages of a very thick binder.

"Is eating lunch at your desk a regular habit, Miss Granger?"

"Minerva! Hello. Did we have an appointment?"

"We did not. But should I be concerned you might have forgotten me if we had?"

"I sincerely hope I would not have."

Hermione glanced discouragingly at her meal and hopefully inquired, "Have you had lunch?"

"I have not."

"Would you care to join me for something…better?"

"Come along," Minerva chuckled. "I'll treat."

Hermione did not need to be asked twice. She dropped the remains of her sandwich in the bin and trotted out to catch up with Minerva.

Utilizing the floo network to first get to Hogwarts, Minerva then apparated with Hermione to a small pub in Inverness. Over meals of a hearty fish chowder and ale they briefly caught each other up on work, school, and the latest in transfiguration theory. During a shared dessert of cranachan and tea, Minerva stretched the seams of her common sense.

"I have been pondering this reunion you wish to have. Will you be sending traditional invitations?"

"One good thing about working in the ministry is the access to public records. I already have an address list for the entire class. Only, I was thinking… I was not the most popular person among certain factions. I fear some of the invitations will be tossed without being opened."

"Perhaps, if the letters are sent officially from Hogwarts…"

"Really? I can use your letterhead?"

Minerva fought the smile threatening to break across her face. "I will even address them myself." She offered on a whim.

"Oh. That would be…"

"Yes, well. Shall we?" Minerva indicated the end of their luncheon.

"If we must," Hermione muttered.

Minerva escorted Hermione to the ministry office before taking her leave. In the comfort of her own rooms, she collapsed into her favorite chair and covered her eyes with her hands.

"Oh, Merlin, what did I get myself into?"

07 MAR 2008 Friday

Finding herself already ensnared in the habit of stopping in to check on Hermione whenever she had business in London, Minerva escaped from yet another meeting with the board of directors and headed towards Hermione's office. She felt the younger witch's agitated magical signature as soon as she stepped off the elevator. She entered the office in time to catch Hermione about to hurl a glass paperweight across the room.

"You'll only have to clean that up."

Minerva's pragmatic voice restrained Hermione's actions.

"It's a better outlet than blowing up Quartermain's office." Hermione replaced the glass dome on her desk.

"Difficulties with your supervisor?"

Hermione leaned heavily on her desktop. "I have been assigned the task of devising a registry to track garden gnomes." She spat out in frustration.

"Garden gnomes? Whatever for?"

"Because this ministry cannot tolerate the freedom of any magical creature. Everyone and everything must be accounted for and traceable. 'We shall not allow the ascension of another Voldermort.'"

"Why, that is utter nonsense."

"That's what I said. And yet, here I am with my marching orders."

"I am sorry, Hermione."

"Thanks. I appreciate your understanding."

Minerva watched Hermione speculatively as the woman straightened the paper stacks on her desk. Throwing her normal reticence to the wind, Minerva spoke without thought.

"I happen to be unfettered this weekend," she preluded. "Would you like to escape this aggravation for a spell?"

Interested espresso eyes looked up hopefully. "What do you have in mind?"

"How about I surprise you?"

"Will there be alcohol included?"

"If you so wish."

"Lead on."

Hermione tugged her cloak tightly around her shoulders as a bitter wind cut across the lea. Although darkness had settled across the land, patches of sod could be discerned breaking through the covering of snow. Staggering after Minerva's unwavering progress she called out, "Where are we?"

"Home," was the simple answer Minerva carelessly tossed over her shoulder.

"Wait, what? Home? Whose home?"

"Mine."

A path of lights illuminated with Minerva's approach, leading the pair to a rustic cottage that had initially been invisible to Hermione.

"What is this?"

"As I said, this is my home," Minerva explained as she opened the front door for Hermione.

"Your 'home' home?"

"Yes." Minerva chuckled, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"But you never have people to your home." Hermione protested weakly.

"I admit, I am not known to freely entertain, but I do on occasion welcome a guest or two." Relieving Hermione of her cloak, Minerva offered, "May I get you a drink?"

"Yes, please."

Minerva moved further into the home, lights igniting in her wake. Busying herself with pouring she coaxed, "Come in, Hermione. Make yourself comfortable."

Hermione drifted aimlessly through the room, taking in as much as she could at once. The entryway dumped them directly into a small sitting room with a large fireplace at the far end already aglow with snapping flames. Two large armchairs and a small sofa surrounded the hearth, creating an inviting nest. From the middle of the front room, Hermione could see an efficient kitchen and a dining area. Behind closed doors, she could only assume the presence of a bedroom, closets, and hopefully an indoor loo.

With a voice full of wonder she asked again, "Where are we?"

Handing a glass of ice floating in a rich amber liquid, Minerva explained. "This is my home, Hermione. We are in Caithness on the shore of Glas-Loch Mor. This is my retreat."

"It feels so open and airy, positively cheerful."

"Yes, well, after months of living in the oppressive heaviness of Hogwarts' stone, this offers a refreshing reprieve."

Minerva watched intently as Hermione processed exactly what was being shared. She chuckled at Hermione's surprise at her first sip of whiskey.

"Oh, wow. What is this?"

"A bit of our own spirits. McGonagall, twelve year."

"Smokey."

"Aye. Forgive me if you prefer it straight, but I thought it might be a bit strong."

"No. No, ice is fine. Whoo, definitely strong."

"Are you hungry?"

"A bit."

"Will venison stew be acceptable?"

"Definitely."

Four hours and three times as many whiskeys later, Minerva pulled a thick wool tartan from the back of the couch and covered Hermione's unconscious body. She dragged herself to bed after taking a spiritus opposis draught to avoid an imminent hangover.

Lying awake, she let her mind replay the evening. After her first drink, Hermione had relaxed enough to regain some semblance of their usual camaraderie. With a second drink and minimal prodding, Hermione unloaded her work-based grievances, admitting the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was not a good fit. Minerva simply listened, allowing Hermione to vent. After twenty minutes of railing against governmental corruption, Hermione looked impassively at Minerva and asked, "What do you think?"

Minerva laughed and offered another drink. "I think I should keep my opinion out of this."

"No, no. Tell me what you really think."

"I think… perhaps you ought to consider changing your position. In your current post, you are merely a small cog in the grand machine. I think," Minerva leveled Hermione with a meaningful stare "you would do better in the DMLE. And then, after a few years, run for minister."

The laugh that exploded from Hermione expressed just how absurd she thought that plan was.

"I could never be minster, Minerva. What self-respecting wizard would vote for a muggle?"

"There are many wizards and even more witches who would vote for you."

Conversation topics jumped around after that. They covered everything from wizardry fashion to transfiguration as a means to counter climate change. Minerva and Hermione debated well into the bottle of whiskey. Hermione had passed out after arguing that a blanket obliviation of the entire muggle world to erase their memories of current geopolitical boundaries could reset humanity to a worldwide singular family, effectively ending war.

Minerva fell asleep with an amused affectionate smile on her face. The smile remained fixed through the treatment of Hermione's hangover the following morning and lasted well after Hermione had taken leave that afternoon to tend to personal errands.

19 Apr 2008 Saturday

Minerva studied the chessboard. She sat back with a satisfied grin.

"You did it." She lauded Hermione. "That is indeed checkmate."

The matching grin on Hermione's face alleviated any sting of losing a game. The pride shining from espresso eyes melted Minerva's heart a little more.

"Right," Minerva announced, "The reunion."

"Oh, yes! I nearly forgot. Did the invitations go out?"

"They not only went out, but most have already returned."

"And?" Hermione leaned forward in her seat, excited with expectation.

"And… almost everyone has confirmed. We have three from Slytherin who have not replied and one Ravenclaw and two Hufflepuffs who have declined."

"Oh wow."

"Wow, indeed," Minerva observed with mirth.

"It's going to be a full house."

"Aye. Quite."

Minerva was captured by solemn eyes.

"Thank you, Minerva."

"Of course. It's been my pleasure, Hermione."

"I was thinking…"

"Yes?"

"Should we have a live band for dancing?"

"I am afraid that decision is entirely yours."

"I think we should." Hermione decided, her eyes searching Minerva's for any sign of discontent.

"We have had musicians previously set up at the northwest end of the great hall."

"Will you mind terribly if we have contemporary music? It tends to be loud, like in the dance clubs."

"Have you never heard of a muffliato spell, Miss Granger?" Minerva teased.

Hermione laughed gaily, lighting a spark of tenderness in Minerva's eyes.

"It's getting late." Hermione declared. "I should get going. I'm going to Harry's for dinner tomorrow and need to get some things done before work Monday. Shall I plan for the same time next week?"

"I will be here," Minerva assured.

"Right. Well. Goodnight, Minerva."

"Goodnight, Hermione." Minerva wrapped Hermione in a farewell embrace. "Until next Saturday."

Minerva stood sentry as Hermione stepped into the fireplace and dropped the floo powder. After the younger witch had vanished, Minerva wondered if Hermione was aware that her home was only the third open connection to the Headmistress' floo. Besides Minerva's own home and the ministry, no other network was tied in. Refusing to consider why she allowed Hermione's home to be connected, Minerva cleaned the remains of their evening visit and headed off to prepare for bed.

28 JUN 2008 Saturday

Minerva stood at the head of the stairs in the entryway. It was two minutes to seven. The class of 2008 was waiting en masse right outside the front doors. Thinking back to their initial arrival in 1991, Minerva's heart ached for the lost childhood of these students. From the first day of class, Harry Potter was a marked man, and the adversity he and his friends endured forced them to mature well beyond their years. Ten years of peace created a base of stability, but the 'golden trio' still faced certain expectations that left them bereft of a carefree life.

The clock struck seven and the front doors opened. The assembled moved in as one, coming to a stop at the base of the stairs, their progress halted by the imposing presence of Headmistress McGonagall standing halfway up the stairwell.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts." Minerva's voice filled the hallway, reverberating off the walls. "We are honored to be host to your tenth year reunion. You have free access to the grounds, your school houses, and, of course, the Great Hall. I do ask that you respect these boundaries and do not wander off to investigate other areas. Since the school is technically closed for the summer season, there are security wards in place that could cause permanent damage to those unauthorized to cross. Although we all hope there will be no need for medical intervention this evening," Minerva's gaze fell to Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione, "Madame Pomfrey has agreed to be on call, should an emergency arise. The fireplace in the hall can be used to floo call her if necessary. Please feel free to wander. Dinner will be served at nine. Enjoy."

Minerva stood aside to allow her former students to pass. Greetings were called out as the crowd streamed past. She watched the faces go by until someone stepped aside to stand at her shoulder.

"Thank you, Minerva. The decorations are beautiful."

"No need to thank me, Hermione. It took all of five minutes."

"Still."

"Yes, still." Minerva turned her head to take in her most favored student. "Miss Granger, whatever is the matter?" she asked, noting the sparkle of tears in the younger woman's eyes.

"I don't know. Nothing. I'm just so pleased that everyone came, and you're here, and…"

"Pull yourself together, lass. There is no need to be so emotional."

"But… Thank you. For granting us access tonight."

"You are welcome." Minerva's voice softened. "Hogwarts has been a second home to so many in our community. It only seems right to open the doors in welcome to those who wish to revisit."

Minerva was distracted by something on the stairs. When she turned her full attention to it, she realized it was the too familiar platinum blonde head of Draco Malfoy. Upon gaining their level he pushed his way into their intimate space.

"Still teacher's pet Granger?" he smugly accused.

Minerva observed as Hermione passively accepted his barb and retorted.

"Yes, actually I am. But at least at the end of the day, I can go to sleep knowing someone likes me for who I am, not for my daddy's money and reputation."

"Why, you filthy…"

"Mr. Malfoy." Minerva's voice froze the air. "If ye finish that insult, ah wull personally see tae it ye wull ne'er hae th' ability tae procreate."

A paled Malfoy ran off to join his school housemates, leaving the women alone.

"So, he still bears you ill will," Minerva stated obviously.

"Yeah. Although I think it's really more a matter of routine than malice."

Minerva closely scrutinized Hermione. Satisfied the woman did not appear damaged from the abuse, she let the matter rest.

"Would you care to join me later for tea? It is Saturday night, after all."

The face-splitting grin she received in response assured Minerva that Hermione was not damaged… at all.

"I would love to. But it'll be really late."

"Yes, well, it isn't like I'll be asleep with this caterwauling going on."

"But, aren't you going to join us?"

"Oh, Hermione, this is your party. You dae nae need a stuffy old teacher chaperoning you."

"You aren't old."

Minerva smirked.

"And not as a teacher, but as a guest." Hermione pressed.

"No, my dear, I dae nae think this is a celebration needing my attendance." Minerva laid a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "You go and enjoy your friends and I shall see you after." She gave a quick squeeze to Hermione's upper arm before leaving the girl to her evening.

xxxxxxxx

Minerva rolled her eyes when she heard the commotion through her door. Waving her hand, she allowed entrance to the group of friends.

"Minerva!" Hermione slurred. "Look who came to shay hi!"

"I see." Minerva chuckled. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley." She nodded. "Hello Ginevra. It's lovely to see you."

"Hi Professor," Ginny responded lightly. "I hope you don't mind us bringing her here. She insisted you just had to see us."

"I'm sure she did." Minerva accepted the explanation as if Hermione's intoxicated exuberance was a usual affair. "Would you like to stay for tea?" she offered the cohorts.

"No thank you, professor." Harry declined. "We need to get home. We should try to rescue the kids from Molly."

"Everyone else is gone, professor. No one got hurt. Madame Pomfrey can rest easy."

"Thank you, Mrs. Potter." Minerva teased lightly.

"You want us to take Hermione?" Ron offered.

"Tis fine, Mr. Weasly. She expected tea tonight, so I shall give her a draught of spiritus opposis to straighten her out before sending her off. Thank you."

"Right well, good seeing yah, Professor."

"And you. Good night." Minerva ushered the three friends out before tending to Hermione.

She found her young friend splayed out across the loveseat. She dragged slender fingers through the thick tawny hair covering Hermione's face and brushed it back out of the way. Taking in the woman's somnolent expression, she smiled wistfully and reached for the tartan throw on the neighboring chair. Just as she shook the blanket open Hermione bolted upright, fell off the couch, and emptied the contents of her stomach on the floor.

"Well, that will be best in the long run," Minerva muttered.

She knelt behind Hermione and pulled tawny hair out of the way while the inebriated witch continued to actively reject the alcohol. Once the spasms finished, Minerva gently pulled Hermione back against her chest and, with a wave of her hand, cleaned the mess away.

"Feeling any better?" she murmured against Hermione's ear.

"Uhnnnn." Hermione groaned.

"Oh, my dear, what happened?"

"Drank too much." Hermione slurred.

"Yes, you did." Minerva chuckled. "Do you think you can get to your feet?"

"Noooo."

"Right. Well, let's try, shall we?"

Minerva adjusted and rose to her feet. Squatting down, she slipped her hands under Hermione's arms and hoisted her to her feet. Wrapping an arm snuggly around a slender waist, she ushered Hermione to her bedroom after a quick stop in the loo to wash her up. Once she deposited her ward into the bed, she transformed Hermione's clothes into comfortable sleepwear and summoned a vial of a blue-green potion that she poured down Hermione's throat.

"Ugh, that's horrible."

"Yes it is. But so is a hangover. Now go to sleep."

Minerva extinguished the lights and pulled the door nearly closed as she exited.

29 JUN 2008 Sunday

"Good morning, lass. How are you feeling?"

"Embarrassed beyond belief." Hermione pulled a pillow over her head. "I'm so sorry, Minerva." Her muffled voice beseeched.

"There is nothing for you to be sorry for, Hermione."

"I was a complete tosser." Hermione moaned. "I can't believe I spewed all over your sitting room."

Minerva pulled the pillow from Hermione's clutches. "Vomiting on my floor is hardly a reason to hide yourself." She offered Hermione a magnanimous grin. "Come on now." She tugged on Hermione's arm. "Let's get some food into you. It will make everything better."

While Hermione utilized the lavatory, Minerva called up a huge anti-hangover breakfast.

Savoring their tea after consuming a substantial meal, conversation ebbed and flowed with their usual rhythm.

"I won't be able to make it for tea on Saturday." Hermione disclosed.

"More revelry with your cohorts, perhaps?" Minerva teased.

"No. I, uhmmm… actually… I have a date." Hermione hid with a sip of tea.

"Oh, how exciting. Do tell."

"There isn't much to tell." Hermione tried to evade the question.

"Who is it? Someone I know?"

"I don't think so. He's a researcher at the Kroening Institute. He's working jointly with a muggle energy company to expand green energy options."

"Muggles have decided to rely on magic for their energy needs?"

"No. But maybe there is some magical theory that can cross over."

"And what is the gentleman's name?" Minerva's arched brow gave away her enjoyment at needling Hermione.

"Robert MacGregor."

"Robert MacGregor? As in Robert James MacGregor of Glenbyre? The vice president of Research and Development at Kroening?"

"Ummm, maybe?"

"Hermione," Minerva exclaimed with distaste. "That man is old enough to be your father."

"Well, actually… he's old enough to be my grandfather. But, it's not like I have a hang-up about age."

Minerva leveled an irritated glare at her young friend. "He is also a charlatan and a cheat."

"Minerva!"

Swallowing her ire, Minerva contritely apologized. "I am sorry, Hermione. I have no right to judge. I have no excuse for stepping over the line like that. I can only try to justify my behavior by disclosing that the McGonagalls have a history with the MacGregors. But it is indefensible for me to impose my personal experience on you."

"I accept your apology. And although you have now totally piqued my curiosity, I am not going to ask. I want to go on this date. If it goes horribly, I will interrogate you. If it goes well…well, I hope you will still hold me in favorable regard."

"Even if you marry the man, I will hold you in the highest esteem. I just will not come to family dinners."

"Fair enough. So, tea in two weeks then?"

"I fear I will not be available. I am traveling to Asia for a cultural symposium. We are working with our counterparts from the East to establish an academic protocol that will allow us to institute a student exchange program."

"Oh, wow. That's incredible."

"Indeed. However, I will be away for two weeks."

"Oh, well that brings us to the end of July. I have a conference in Paris and then I will be going to Australia to visit my parents. I'll be gone until mid-August."

"Then we will try again in August."

"Right. August. Perhaps I should send you an owl with my schedule." Hermione offered sullenly.

"Welcome to the world of adulting, where nothing goes the way you wish it." Minerva retorted.

"Hmph. Well, I suppose I ought to head out. I do have some things I need to get done before I am swamped with the demands of my job."

Minerva followed Hermione to the hearth and watched joylessly as Hermione stepped in. The vivacious witch reached for the floo powder but froze when she noticed the dejected expression in Minerva's eyes. Suddenly, Minerva's arms were full of a warm svelte body. Soft lips brushed her cheek before Hermione whispered in her ear.

"I will miss you."

"Tosh." Minerva scoffed. "It will not be long, just a moment in time."

Hermione returned to the fireplace. "Right. Until August."

Minerva remained staring into the empty inglenook long after Hermione's essence evaporated.

20 August 2008 Wednesday

Hermione,

I will be at my home for the next week before the school year begins. I would be pleased if you have the opportunity to stop in for a visit. The summer has passed more quickly than I expected.

Warmest regards,

Minerva

The missive was sent with little hope of a positive reply. Minerva heard through the grapevine that Hermione was rather enthralled with Robert MacGregor and was filling most of her free time with his company. Grinding her teeth at the memory of that man and the generations of animosity between the two families, Minerva decided, in order to avoid indulging in day drinking, she would enjoy a constitutional around the loch.

While she was resting on a rock outcropping in the warm August sun, a familiar small owl circled around Minerva's head, waiting until the witch offered an arm as a perch.

"Ah dae apologize, mah wee friend. Bit ah dae nae hae a morsel tae share." She murmured to the bird. "Let's see wha needs me th'day, shall we?" she added as she accepted the offered letter.

Minerva,

Thank you for the most welcome invitation. It is indeed a timely request considering I am on an abbreviated holiday for the week. I gladly accept and will arrange to arrive Saturday afternoon.

Until then,

Hermione

Minerva dismissed the owl and returned home to ready for her guest.

23 Aug 2008 Saturday

"It is wonderful to see you." Minerva breathed past Hermione's ear as she crushed her in an ebullient embrace.

"And you," Hermione murmured. "It's been too long."

"Indeed." Minerva released the younger woman and held her at arm's length. "You look thin. Are you not eating?"

"I weigh the same as the last time you saw me." Hermione laughed. "You look tired."

"Hmmm." Minerva offered neither counter nor explanation. "Are you in need of sustenance or are you up for a stroll?"

"I have the right shoes, so let's walk."

xxxxxxxxxxx

"Is this… your definition… of a 'stroll'?" Hermine panted two hours into their hike along the loch.

"Do you ever get out from behind that desk of yours?"

"Can we just…take a break?"

"Of course. This is a lovely spot for a sit."

Hermione nearly collapsed to the ground next to the boulder Minerva hopped upon.

"The view is a little better from up here," Minerva suggested.

"Bugger your rock," Hermione grumbled under her breath.

Minerva's amused laugh lightened the atmosphere.

"Oh, my dear, a month of this would make you a new woman."

"A month of this will put me in the ground." Hermione glared. "And we have to walk all the way back." she griped.

"Nay lass. We can cheat if you are truly not up to it." Minerva offered an out. "Would you feel better with some nourishment?"

"I'd kill for a Bakewell tart right now."

"I think I can do better than that."

Minerva produced a picnic basket full of meat pies, finger sandwiches, potato salad, cheeses, water biscuits, fruit, and wine.

"Did you actually have this stashed here?" Hermione wondered aloud.

"No. I was not sure you would make it this far so I summoned it."

"Your wandless magic always amazes me."

"Shall we?" Minerva unfurled the blanket and set the picnic out properly.

They enjoyed their lunch under the late summer sun, serenaded by crickets, bees, and songbirds. They updated each other on their respective business trips and projects and dozed through their postprandial stupor.

"I'm moving to the DMLE September first," Hermione announced into the quiet.

"Is that a good decision for you? You do not sound very happy about it."

"No, it's good. It's just a change, you know? I don't like starting over."

Minerva rolled onto her side and propped her head up with her hand to better observe her companion. "Is it though? Starting over, I mean? You already know and have worked with half of the department. Your best friends are there. What bothers you about the move?"

"For one thing, my hours will change and I'll have to take on weekend duties." Hermione practically pouted.

"It wouldn't be every weekend."

"Robert thinks it will be much more demanding of my time and will eat into my personal life."

"Robert is an ass," Minerva spoke before thinking, earning her an irritated side eye from Hermione.

"Why do you dislike him so?"

"I am sorry, Hermione. I promised to not do that. Please just forget it."

"No. I don't think so." Hermione shifted, adjusting herself to mirror Minerva's position. "What did he do?"

"His crimes against me are merely a continuation of the sins of our great grandfathers. You know how Scots are inclined to clan feuds."

"Minerva, you are not one to blindly follow. You always evaluate a situation and make your own educated decision about a matter. So, what did he do to you?"

Minerva stared solemnly into Hermione's espresso eyes, debating how much to share. She stretched her hand across the distance between them and gently brushed the windblown tawny strands out of Hermione's face, tucking them behind an ear.

Hermione captured the forward hand and held it still. "Minerva…"

Minerva sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees, hugging them to her chest. "We have had hostile business interactions in the past. At one point, after the first wizarding war, due to a series of mistruths and lies he spread, McGonagall House nearly went bankrupt from a hemorrhage of customers."

"What lies?"

Minerva eyed Hermione cautiously. "The most damaging was a rumor he started and perpetuated that I was a sworn Death Eater and Tom Riddle's lover."

"No, he didn't." Hermione denied in horror.

"I am sorry, Hermione. I said I would not say anything against him while you were in a relationship." Minerva stood and moved towards the shore, turning her back to Hermione.

After a few moments of silence, Minerva trembled at the feel of Hermione's hand on her back.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"You seemed happy with the idea of him. MacGregors, like all good Scotsmen, are faithful and true to the ones they love. Without knowledge of my adverse record with him, you could well be very happy with him as a partner. My history should not hold sway over your life or decisions."

"But you are my best friend."

"A friend's office is to side with you even if you are wrong. No matter what my personal opinion is, my place as your friend is to support you." A thought suddenly occurred to Minerva. "Is he aware we are friends?"

"Ummm."

"Hermione," Minerva fully turned and grasped Hermione by her shoulders. "Have you told him that we are friends?"

"Due to your acrimony, I never brought you up in conversation."

"He does not know you are here with me?"

"No. I don't tell him everything I do. I just said I was busy this weekend and wouldn't see him. Why are you so upset?"

"I tell you with all honesty, our animosity is so potent, I would not doubt he would cause you injury to harm me."

"Ok, now you're sounding paranoid."

"I am not delusional." Minerva's brogue was getting heavier. "Other than the fact I know he never sided with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, I would swear he is evil to his core."

Hermione stared in disbelief at her mentor and friend. Glancing at her watch she ended the standoff. "It's getting late. We should probably head back."

Minerva irritably banished the entire picnic and offered Hermione her hand.

"Come along. I shall apparate us home."

Once at the cottage Hermione grudgingly went to the fireplace, pausing only for Minerva to inform her, "After you leave, I will disconnect from the network." At Hermione's crestfallen expression, she added, "It is for the best."

24 Dec 2008 Wednesday

Minerva stared blankly at the leaping flames heating the room. A night with a bottle was in her immediate future. She had no plans or demands on her time for the holidays. She warned her entire staff she would not be available during the break. She declined invitations from her family for Christmas and to the Ministry ball for the New Year celebration. She also reinforced the wards around her cottage. For all intents and purposes, Minerva McGonagall had disappeared from the face of the earth.

Despite a well-earned reputation for being stoic and resilient, Minerva, on rare occasions gave in to the ever-present shadows of melancholy that had inhabited the deepest corners of her heart. Surviving three wars, the loss of immediate family, friends, and too many students etched scars of defeat, sacrifice, and inadequacy into her soul. On this Christmas Eve, the elemental light that Minerva had found in Hermione had been extinguished.

Four glasses into the evening she finally allowed her mind to veer off into the subject of her wounded heart. The pain from the emptiness in her soul was onerous. She had inadvertently opened her heart to Hermione Granger from the very first day she met her delivering her invitation letter to Hogwarts. As one of the 'Golden Trio', Hermione had often been the cause of fear, worry, and anxiety. But even the months the trio went missing hunting horcruxes had not cultivated the intense anguish she was currently experiencing.

This time Minerva was the one actively responsible for the rift. Her own pride and vanity severed the ties between them and her infamous stubbornness prevented an apology. Since that fateful August day, Minerva had been operating on autopilot. Everything she did from day to day was a rote reaction. From her morning tea to board meetings and everything in between, Minerva functioned in a detached capacity. Any time she found herself within the walls of the Ministry of Magic she escaped as soon as possible to avoid a chance run-in with Hermione.

The winter's cold invaded the room as the last of the fire's embers extinguished. Violent shivering woke Minerva who, with bleary eyes and a fuzzy head, stumbled into her bedroom and collapsed onto the mattress. Dragging a blanket over her head, she fell back into a fitful sleep.

Waking late morning on Christmas day, Minerva found a breakfast tray set out for her on the bedside table, a vial of spiritus opposis set prominently on display by the food-laden plate. "Damn that elf." she swore. Pushing the offering aside, the haggard witch staggered to the lavatory to free the toxins from her stomach. Gaining minimal relief from emesis, she located another bottle and reoccupied her leather club chair in front of the fireplace. With a wave of her hand, she ignited a new fire and slouched down, intent on drinking the vexing thoughts from her mind.

26 Dec 2008 Friday

Boxing Day arrived with a brilliant sun rising in a cloudless sky. It was a deceptive ruse considering the bitter cold and biting wind that blasted the shoreline of Glas- Loch Mor. After spending the previous thirty-six hours in the comforting hold of her friend, alcohol, Minerva finally showered off the residue of self-loathing and downed two vials of spiritus opposis. She opted for a light meal of dry toast and tea before braving the savagery of the Scottish winter.

Following the same trail she had traveled with Hermione, Minerva set off to eradicate the memories that continued to rend her soul. She felt the shiver of magic as she passed through the expected wards around the cottage and soon after felt a tingle that was foreign but somehow familiar. Distracted by her state of mind and the remainder of her intemperance, she did not examine the magical impression.

Sitting once again on her favored rock, Minerva twirled her wand fitfully. In the cold emptiness of night, she had decided that obliviating her memories of Hermione would be the best course of action. Resting on a cold stone with an icy wind off the loch pummeling her and the clean winter air filling her lungs, she began to challenge the soundness of her plan. The sound of a muffled crack to her left caught her attention and made her question her sanity as she caught sight of a very familiar tawny-haired woman striding dauntlessly toward her.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?" Hermione demanded angrily.

Shocked by her presence and her vehemence, Minerva answered compliantly, "I am contemplating my life."

Hermione grabbed a thick woolen blanket out of thin air and swathed Minerva in the insulating material. She then wrapped her arms around Minerva, dragged her from the boulder, and fiercely clasped the freezing woman against her heated body. Muttering an incantation, she infused the blanket with a permeating heat.

"God damn it woman, what is wrong with you?" Hermione's voice was harsh and bitter.

"Why are you here?" Minerva countered the raw anger with innocent wonder.

"Why am I here?! Your little egocentric melodramatic performance caused a number of people some unnecessary anxiety. Filius came to me worried about you. Madame Pomfrey accosted me in the cafeteria asking if I had any idea where you could be. Pamona tracked me down to my flat, concerned about your state of mind. Yesterday at Christmas dinner Harry, every Weasley, and Neville interrogated me about you and your whereabouts. Your refusal to accept any form of contact from anyone had everybody assuming you were going to harm yourself."

Minerva was distracted by the tears freely flowing down Hermione's cheeks. She raised a shaky hand to brush away the salty droplets leaving icy tracks down chilled skin. "It's bloody cold out here," she whispered, seemingly bewildered by the fact.

"Come on. Let's go home."

Hermione apparated them to the edge of Minerva's wards. Minerva kept hold of her hand and led her through the security net around her home. Once indoors, Minerva sat desolate while Hermione fussed about igniting a roaring fire and steeping a pot of tea to warm Minerva inside and out. Eventually settled in, Hermione began the expected interrogation, but with a much gentler voice.

"What were you doing out there?"

"When you arrived I was questioning my decision."

"What decision?"

"It doesn't matter. I changed my mind."

"Minerva…"

"No. I have spoken enough words to ruin us. I will no more."

"What are you talking about?"

"Should I be concerned with your memory loss?"

"Minerva, please talk to me."

"You walked out of my life over a disagreement brought on by my words. I will not cause more damage."

Hermione considered Minerva's words and let the subject drop to pursue another line of questioning.

"Why did you shut yourself off from everyone?"

"Is that not self-explanatory? I wanted to be alone."

"Minerva, I am very concerned about you right now."

"Don't fret over me, lass. It is not worth your energy."

"See? That right there. Minerva, you are sounding very despondent."

"It is true I am dispirited. But, I am not about to end my life, even if I want to forget."

"What do you want to forget?"

Minerva's green eyes, cloudy from the aftereffects of a thirty-six-hour binge bravely focused on Hermione. Agonizing pain radiated from the depths of Minerva's being in a single word. "You."

"What? Why?"

"In my defense, I made the decision with the guidance of an evil spirit."

"Evil spirit?"

"Aye, a 1972 McGonagall Dark Amber. Oh, she is seductive…so smooth and easy with the taste of Autumn. She is never harsh, but the aftereffects can be… most troublesome."

Minerva's cheeky explanation did not remove the sting from the intent of her actions.

Hermione reached out to connect with Minerva but her hand dropped to her side as Minerva turned her attention back to the dancing flames.

"Althoogh it wid be best, ah cannae dae it."

"Minerva, no, please, I didn't walk out on you. I only walked out on one argument. You shut me out."

"For your own good."

"I'm pretty sure you have been missing the mark on what is good for me," Hermione argued, her voice gaining strength. "For the record, Robert and I didn't last another month after our last conversation. If you had accepted my attempts of contacting you, you would know this."

"You deserve to be happy with someone. I have been the catalyst of two broken relationships. I have not been a good friend to you. I have let my personal opinion discolor your view. It would be best if we remain parted."

"You don't get to decide that for me. If you hate me and want to remain out of my life, well… that's on you. But you do not get to dictate what is good for me and make my decisions for me. I think you happen to be the best thing in my life. Your intelligence and wisdom. Your wit. Your uncompromising demand that everyone tries their best and your loving support when someone fails. Your honesty and directness and your steadfast loyalty are all traits that I honor and try to imitate. You are a beacon for all us confused and faulty mortals. And I would prefer you not take that away from me."

Minerva's hands were held in a painfully tight grip by the young woman now kneeling before her. She tugged her hands free but pulled Hermione into her body, holding the younger witch securely against her breast.

"Och lass. Yer th' dearest thing in mah life. Ah dae nae fair weel wi'oot ye."

"Then stop pushing me away."

Minerva released Hermione and they resettled themselves on the couch. Hermione sat with her back against the armrest and her legs crossed over Minerva's lap. Minerva absently rubbed her thumb across the knuckles of Hermione's hand that she held gently in her own.

"How did you know where to find me?"

"You may have strengthened the wards around the cottage, but I returned to our picnic sight and walked down the trail to a spot where I began to get confused. I figured you would at some point go for a walk, so I placed a tracking marker just down the trail from that place of disorientation. I was alerted when you passed. I apparated thinking I would intercept you but you're a lot faster when you aren't traveling at my pace."

"You are a bit slow," Minerva smirked. "Your plan was brilliant, Hermione although, if I was paying attention, I would have countered your tracking spell."

"Really? How?" Hermione's thirst to learn never slept.

"I could have set an obliviating net to wipe your mind, or simply a confundo to confuse you and let you wander lost over the moors."

"I'm glad you weren't of sound mind."

"Hmmm. That is a true assessment."

"How are you now?"

"Better."

"You know, you had nothing to do with the failure of either of my relationships."

"We will agree to disagree on this point."

"Fine. But do you think so little of me that I wouldn't be able to realize the true character of someone? I knew all along that Ian was a bit of an ass and we would never work in the long term. And Robert, you'll be thrilled to learn, is not adept at hiding his true disposition for very long."

"I am sorry, Hermione."

"You have no reason to be. You are my dearest friend. And I am quite capable of deciding if a partner is a good match. But, you must allow, there needs to be some trial and error. No one shows themselves in their entirety on the first meeting. However, in the future, if you happen to know my chosen courter, I will listen to and trust your opinion. It'll save me time overall."

"I will only speak if I have a personal history with your intended suitor, not if it is someone who simply rubs me the wrong way. Now, it is getting quite late. Will you stay?"

"Yes."

27 Dec 2008 Saturday

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you rest well?" Minerva asked over a steaming cup of tea.

"I did, thank you. And I'll have you know, 7 o'clock is a perfectly respectable time to arise." Hermione poured herself a mug and joined Minerva in front of the fire.

"Yes, well, while you were enjoying your lie-in, I completed two hours of work."

"What ungodly time did you get up?"

"I arose at 4:30."

"Must be the cat," Hermione mumbled.

"A cat with a superb sense of hearing, I'll have you know."

"Speaking of your cat, do I want to know why you were sitting on the foot of my bed in the middle of the night?"

"I was checking to be sure you were warm enough. The loft can get quite cold even with the door open."

"Well, thank you. That explains the extra wool blanket I awoke with."

"Would you care for some breakfast?"

"I'd love some. What do we have?"

"Toast and tea?"

"Toast? Seriously?"

"I do have a lovely Seville orange marmalade."

"Do you have the staples for a good fry-up?"

"Good lord, no. I have not lived to this age by clogging my heart with all that fat."

"And you call yourself a Scot. For shame."

Minerva's free laughter seemed to lighten the entire house. Neither witch was unaware of the complete turnaround in Minerva's disposition. Still grinning from their banter, Minerva unfolded herself from her position on the sofa and stepped to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" Hermione inquired curiously.

"We cannae walk to town for groceries, so I am making other arrangements to fill your belly."

"Why can't we go to town?"

"We are in the middle of a snowstorm. Do ye ne'er look out the windows?"

Hermione jumped from her seat to investigate while Minerva proceeded with her plan. Dropping some powder in the fire, Minerva leaned into the flames and called out. "Winky?"

"Yes, Headmistress." Winky's voice immediately responded.

"May I trouble you to assist me?"

"With what does yous need help?"

"Specifically, breakfast."

"In moments."

Minerva left the hearth and moved to stand beside Hermione at the large picture window.

"That must be forty centimeters." Hermione breathed, not wanting to disrupt the silence of the world outside the window.

"Fifty, with drifts of eighty. And it will continue to storm through the afternoon."

"We're snowed in!"

An amused side eye was cast at Hermione as Minerva reminded her, "My dear, we are witches."

The bark of laughter from Hermione carved a smile in Minerva's heart. A muffled pop from the fireplace interrupted the soft silence that had fallen over the room.

"Ah," Minerva started and stepped away from Hermione. "Breakfast as requested." She led the younger woman to the dining table where a familiar house elf was setting out the trappings of a feast.

"Oh, Minerva. This is too much." Hermione laughed again.

"I refuse to suffer the reputation of being an appalling hostess." Minerva sniffed in distaste at that idea. "Thank you, Winky. This is perfect."

The little elf bowed gratefully and took her leave.

"Well, shall we?" Minerva offered.

"Absolutely."

xxxxxxxxx

The fire's glow was the only light in the house. The storm had blown off, but with a new moon, there was only starlight faintly reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. The conflict of the glowing orange flames versus the black of night and the fire's surrounding warmth versus nature's encroaching cold imposed a moment of quiet reflection. Minerva and Hermione were both ensconced on the sofa engrossed in reading materials.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"If I may, what is it you are looking for?"

"I'm sorry? Looking for?"

"In a mate, for lack of a better word."

"Ah." Hermione dropped her book on the coffee table and sat back to fully engage in the conversation. "Well...um…yeah, it's fine. I don't mind you asking."

"Perhaps it would be easier to explain what you found attractive in Robert MacGregor."

"Oh, well…that is easy. I mean, he looks like he could be George Clooney's older brother."

"Is it just physical appearance that attracts you, then?"

"No," she laughed. "No, I'm not that shallow. Give me some credit." Hermione shifted in her seat, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her chin on her knee. "I know you despise him, but you have to admit, the man is fairly brilliant. His intelligence and his position in life, his power… it makes for an attractive package."

"Hmmm. You know, the sorting hat did give pause over him. Ravenclaw versus Slytherin. His ambition overwhelmed his intelligence. Still does."

"I understand that now." Hermione gazed regretfully at Minerva. "I'm sorry."

"No. None of that. You have nothing to be sorry for. It is the past."

They sat quietly for a few minutes before Hermione continued.

"An equal." She muttered.

"An equal?"

"For a 'mate'… I want someone who can stand beside me. Not in front of or behind me. I don't want someone who thinks they own me like I'm a prize or an object. I want someone to support me and whom I can support. Someone to talk to, who will challenge me on my ideas and opinions… someone who will force me to really think and learn and grow. I want to find that someone who makes me want to come home at the end of the day to share my day and my bed."

Minerva broke away from the conversation to add logs to the flames. She resettled and Hermione continued without prompting.

"I'm not very successful at finding the right one."

"Perhaps you are fishing in the wrong pond."

"Yeah, maybe." Hermione agreed. "I'm not good at love. Or what I believe love to be. Back in Hogwarts, I believed I was in love with Ron. He challenged me, but not really as an equal. I think I was in love with the fact that I was always ahead of him and he needed me to catch him up. I loved that he needed me. The four months we were together after the war proved to be hell. Every day we were together, we ended up fighting. We had to split up to save our friendship."

"I must admit, I always questioned that dynamic. It seemed to me you were invested in the appearance more than the actual connection. Perhaps out of a sense of duty."

"I can see that. I forced it out of stubbornness. I should have pushed him to stay with Lavender."

"Lavender Brown?"

"Yeah."

"For the longest time, I could not understand how that lass was sorted into Gryffindor. Her actions during the final year of that horrible war proved the hat was correct."

"Everyone I dated since Ron was, initially, an intellectual challenge to me. But, I always ended up finding them lacking in the end. Ian was the first I dated simply on physical merit. It was a fun break, but never meant to last."

"It took all my willpower to not turn him into a frog."

"That was one of the most embarrassing moments in my life."

"Yes, well…" A sense of dread crept up Minerva's spine with the memory, raising the hair at the nape of her neck.

"Robert is the first 'older' man I've been with. I found his maturity to be a better fit for me, but, as you well know; his arrogance got the better of him. The more comfortable he became with us, the more his true personality escaped. He has the intelligence and sophistication I long for, but the heart of a mountain troll."

"Oh Merlin, that mountain troll in your first year…" Minerva chuckled. "I didn't know whether to punish you or hug you. When I saw you in the demolished remains of that lavatory…"

"What?" Hermione prompted breathlessly.

"I was horrified. You were standing there alive and well, by sheer dumb luck, and all I could imagine was your lifeless body, crushed by that nuisance creature."

"Our minds do play awful tricks on us sometimes."

"That they do."

They again slipped into a mutual silence as they each processed the conversation and the emotions brought to the surface.

"You scared me too, you know." Hermione broke the stillness.

A thin eyebrow shot up with Minerva's surprise. "With the troll?"

"No. Yesterday… well, really, the last few months. But, especially yesterday."

Minerva sat up, her feet flat on the floor, her hands folded tightly in her lap, and her eyes focused on her teacup resting on the coffee table.

"I do apologize. It was perhaps not my finest hour, but it is now in the past."

Hermione understood Minerva was shutting down to avoid the discussion. Rapidly weighing the benefit versus the cost of pursuing the conversation, she opted to let it rest.

"Would you like to trounce me in a game of chess?"

The grateful smile she received told Hermione she made the right decision.

"Are you sure you're up to the humiliation?"

"Only because you don't crow."

Minerva summoned the chessboard with a hearty laugh.

28 Dec 2008 Sunday

Minerva stood in the window of her office, her unseeing eyes gazing out over the grounds of Hogwarts while her mind replayed the last few days with Hermione. She had seen the younger woman off from her home nearly four hours earlier with an agreement to return to their weekly visits. Now, distracted from her work by the memories of Hermione in the familiar safety of her office, she allowed her heart to disclose its secrets.

Considering their history; her life shadowing along the periphery of Hermione's, intermittently connecting and her ever-increasing fondness and devotion, Minerva admitted and accepted the depth of her affection for the tawny-haired siren. The feelings for the girl she nurtured and admired during the years at Hogwarts had grown and morphed into more. No longer did she simply care about and adore the girl, she now loved and desired the woman.

"You silly old woman." She muttered angrily, turning sharply from the pastoral view. She returned to her desk and the pile of midterm grades waiting to be posted. Taking a deep breath, she packed away the exposed emotions, swearing to keep them buried within her damaged heart.

14 Feb 2009 Saturday

Minerva observed controlled chaos from her elevated position in the dining hall. The Valentine's Day morning post delivery quickly attained outrageous status. The sheer volume of red envelopes carried by owls made it look like the very sky was bleeding. The squeals of excitement amused Minerva to the point of laughter.

"Oh!" she jumped in surprise when a certain small brown owl flew directly at her and dropped an envelope in her lap.

"Secret admirer?" Filius chuckled.

"I dare say." Minerva countered. Unwilling to become the brunt of a practical joke, Minerva pocketed the note for later perusal. "Is it not time to muster for the Hogsmede excursion?"

Minerva used the day's diminished student capacity to take her own excursion away from the responsibilities of the school. Once the hall cleared out after breakfast, she returned to her office, locked the door, and made a beeline to the floo and home.

After a long soak in a hot bath, Minerva dressed in flannel pyjamas and thick wool socks, summoned up a pot of steeping tea, and snuggled under her tartan throw in front of a roaring fire. Before opening the novel she chose to spend the day with, she drew the small red envelope from a pocket. Turning the message in her fingers, the absence of writing across the face piqued her curiosity. Using her wand, Minerva tapped the paper sheath as she murmured a Revelio charm to check for untoward magic. Relieved by the absence of response, she thumbed the parcel open.

My dear Minerva,

Though this is a day of poetry and song, I am neither a poet nor a songstress. I am logical and pragmatic. I study and analyze facts. I find beauty in truth, joy in a challenging mind.

That being said, I have made a fair attempt at romance. I have had flings, trysts, and relationships. Yet, I have never cried over a broken heart, nor have I ever considered marriage.

I am aware, in the grand scheme of life I am no more than a "wee bairn" however, I have always lived a life beyond my years. I was the brainy child who never fit in with her peers, the smart third of the "Golden Trio" fighting a war against a wizard, who by all counts could have killed me at any time, and I have studied and accomplished more scholastically than any of my contemporaries.

Minerva, it is fact that, in you, I have found an equal. You challenge and support me like no one else I know. It is fact that you are the most important person in my life. It is fact that despite our weekly visits, I miss you terribly the moment I leave you. It is fact that the moment my eyes alight on you, a soothing warmth pervades my entire being, surprising me because I hadn't realized I was so cold. It is fact when you look into my eyes, my heart stutters, and I must focus to breathe.

My fondest memories are all tied to you. I remember the very day you knocked on my front door with a letter and a fantastic explanation. I remember the afternoon we discussed my education and you presented me with a time turner. I remember the fear in your eyes when you realized I would not return to school in the midst of a war. I remember how you held me after the battle of Hogwarts when you found me alive. I remember every day working next to you to repair the school. I remember your smile when you handed me my diploma and how proud you were of me for my outstanding NEWTs. I remember the joy in your eyes when we accidentally met at a bookstore. I remember your protectiveness, your humor, your intellect, your sense of fair play, and your biting wit.

I have spent months considering these facts and others, and I can only come to the conclusion that you, Minerva, hold my heart. Without you, I am but a shell of myself. I have also deduced from my musings that you love me, and you have been divulging this very fact to me forever.

I now understand that I have failed in my attempts to find love simply because I am already in love.

So, on this day of declarations, I, Hermione Granger, do hereby declare that I love you, Minerva McGonagall. With all that I am.

Happy Fact Day,

Hermione

Minerva gasped in a lungful of air, surprised to realize she hadn't taken a breath while she read and astonished by the words she devoured. The sacred confession held reverently in her hands burned a brand into her soul. She read the words again, a tear tracking down her cheek. Then she read a third time, grinning as possibility filled her heart. After the fourth round, she summoned quill and parchment.

Hermione,

I am home.

Minerva

Going to her kitchen window to summon an owl, she smiled when she saw her small brown feathered friend sitting on the sill.

"An enchantment fur certain. How else wid ye ken? Be swift, now." she directed.

Once the owl was out of sight, Minerva hurried off to prepare herself for Hermione's expected arrival. Digging through a wardrobe full of muggle clothing, Minerva found an ensemble that was understated, comfortable, and easy on the eyes. Black wool slacks below an emerald green satin blouse that covered black lace lingerie. She used a charm to dry her hair which was still damp from her bath. Running a brush through it to calm the thick waves, she decided to leave the lustrous black tresses free from the usual restraint.

Padding barefoot through the house, she stopped at the bar cart to pour a double scotch on her way back to the couch and her book. Two chapters later, Minerva whispered a grateful word of thanks for whatever magic helped owls cover great distances in such little time as her fire flashed green and Hermione stepped into the room.

"I am really glad you reconnected mine." Hermione's smile grew as her eyes drifted over Minerva sitting in the corner of the small couch with her feet tucked under and a book open on her lap.

Minerva rose easily from her spot and stepped around the coffee table to engulf Hermione tightly in her arms. "I do love you. I think I always have." She whispered into the shell of a delicate ear.

"I know." Hermione responded.

Minerva released Hermione once she felt everything realign. Holding the younger woman at arm's length, she took her time to scan the person before her. For the first time, she allowed herself to leisurely take inventory of everything she found attractive. From Hermione's gentle curls flowing down her back to her open espresso eyes to her delectable lips, along her gracile neck, over her alluring breasts, and past her lissome waist. Her travels were stopped by fingers brushing along her cheeks and palms cupping her jaw to frame her face.

When her eyes reencountered Hermione's the only word she could think of snuck past her lips. "Beautiful."

The press of Hermione's lips against her own caused a sigh to blow lightly from Minerva's nose across Hermione's cheek. Freely losing herself in the sensations; the gentle tug of fingers in her hair, the warmth of a body pressed against hers, and the slip of a tongue across her lips releasing the captive feelings from her heart, Minerva knew she was finally home.

Minerva pulled back enough to find the espresso eyes she could fall into forever. Studying the emotions swirling within, Minerva summoned every trait of a Gryffindor and asked,

"Will you stay?"

"Forever. If you'll have me."