AN: Hey y'all. Thanks for sticking with me. Special thanks to MirAndysCrow, LoveHermione and Marbleandtoast for their contributions. You guys are kewel! Kudos to the amazingly talented Asouldreams... girl you are awesome!
THE TIES THAT BIND
Chapter 12
The McGonagall Collection
To say Hermione Jean Granger was in heaven would be an understatement. Despite the fact that she'd been in this particular area of McGonagall Manor many times, the sheer magnitude and magnificence of The McGonagall Collection never ceased to stun her.
Standing in the doorway of the library, a hand on the polished brass knobs of each of the carved mahagony double doors, the young witch took a deep breath. The scent of ink and parchment, of wood polish, of ash from the fireplace, of fresh heather and a myriad of other subtle scents assaulted her olfactory sense. Another scent lay beneath the others. Familiar, like her own but not. She smiled as she picked up on the scent of her fiance. Quicksilver and elusive, yet so ingrained into Hermione's psyche. A spicy sweetness combined with faint hints of evergreen, lavender and yes, ginger newt. There was another scent present as well. Undefinable yet quite prevalent. Hovering just beyond description but recognizable to those who sought out what the library had to offer.
The scent of knowledge.
Leaving the doors open, the young woman stepped into the cavernous, yet amazingly cozy space. How Minerva managed that was beyond her, but she didn't care. It was wonderful.
Comfortable leather sofas of dark coffee brown were situated to her left in a corner forming a conversation pit of sorts. Low mahogany, cedar and teak tables were efficiently interspersed among the sofas providing convenient flat surfaces. Tasteful throw pillows were arranged in a few spots as well.
The floors were of stained English Oak. Durable, beautiful and resilient. Yet another reminder of the amazing Mistress of the Manor.
A huge stone fireplace was constructed on the wall just beyond the conversation pit. The chimney extended up the wall for two floors before disappearing through the vaulted ceiling. Hermione's chocolate eyes widened in awe as she stared up at the McGonagall family shield mounted on the chimney between the first and second levels. A swath of tartan fabric in the colors of the clan was attached to the grey mortared stones of the chimney. On top of the forest green and ivory fabric, the young witch could see crimson and gold threading as well. A top the tartan were two lances dating from Merlin's time. The weapons were some kind of dark grey metal which had blackened with age. The large items were crossed, one over another in the shape of an "X". The silver shield mounted at the center of the "X" was of breath taking design. A deep forest green background bisected with an ivory cross creating four smaller fields. The upper left quadrant of the shield contained a stylized depiction of the headpiece Merlin wore when his daughter married McGonagall. It was a golden crown. Simple in style, yet legendary in symbol. Next to the crown, in the upper right field there appeared to be a grouping of scrolls. Symbolizing the McGonagall family's devotion to literary pursuits. In the lower left quadrant of the shield was the symbol of a lion. The Gryfindor Lion, symbol of honor and courage, to be precise. Next to that in the lower right portion was a dagger. A sgian dubh dagger. Carried by the head of the house down through the generations. A symbol of protection of home and family.
At least in Hermione's eyes.
The young witch felt a swelling of pride at the rich heritage on display here before her. She found that she'd been holding her breath whist staring at the symbols of the family she was soon to join. Deep down inside, she hoped she would be worthy of such a noble, honorable bloodline. Sighing, she knew that only time would tell. All she could do was try and live up to the faith placed in her by Minerva, her mother, Dumbledore and so many others.
As she moved deeper into the large room, she noticed row upon row of mahogany bookcases lining the walls beyond the fireplace, turning a corner on the back wall and stopping at a gigantic stained glass window. Deep emerald green and ivory with thin sheets and red and gold framed the center art. The design of the window was unmistakable... a two story representation of Godric Gryfindor's sword crossed with another... McGonagall's sword.
The latter's weapon was decorated with scrolls intertwined with ivy. The message was clear to Hermione... Growth through knowledge and strength.
The young witch smiled as she realized how deeply to heart her wife-to-be had taken the family motto. Shaking her head, she noticed that the bookcases continued on the other side of the huge window and followed the wall to the other corner. A simple, yet elegant desk and chair were situated against the last wall. A few paces behind the desk were two cozy loveseats made of the same leather and color as the sofas in the opposite corner. These pieces of furniture faced each other. A low gleaming teak tea table was set up between. A few paces back towards the wall was a wrought iron with inlaid brass spiral stair case leading to the second level. More bookcases ran along the wall just beyond; completing the square. Hermione flashed the "cheshire cat" grin as she moved to the staircase and proceeded to make her way up.
The second level of the library was nothing but more bookcases lining the walls. The design was in a "U" shape with the stained glass window area left open so the pure granduer of the window could be appreciated from both levels of the library. There was a half wall forming the "U" shape providing safety to keep unsuspecting young witches and wizards from toppling to the first level. In addition to the many bookcases, Hermione noticed a work space with a long table at the opposite end of the room from the window. She smiled as a picture of a young Minerva studiously pouring over a text popped into her head. She nodded her appreciation of this grand room and walked to the half wall to peer over the side and down to the first level.
The regal splendour, the underlying warmth, the very essence of the library was so very much like the Mistress of McGonagall Manor herself. Hermione sighed deeply. "This room is so you." She whispered to no one in particular.
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Minerva McGonagall found herself in her office on the third level of the manor. Izer had brought her the morning post and now she was busily sorting the junk from the items she really needed to look at. During their stay at Sanduvall Island, the post had amassed to an epic mountain of letters, parchments, scrolls and such. She had a Hogwarts pile, a manor pile, a personal pile and a "Hermione" pile. Small as that last group was, the older witch couldn't help the delighted grin that brightened her whole countenance as she gazed at the letters and parchments. Soon Hermione's pile would be as large as her own. Soon Hermione Jean McGonagall would truly be a part of the legends and lore of McGonagall Manor.
Her musings were interupted by Izer popping in. "Mistress the boxes froms the books place has comes."
Nodding, she replied, "Have them sent to the second level in the library. I'll attend to them immediately."
The tiny creature nodded and disappeared with a pop.
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Hermione looked up startled as several boxes materialized on the work table on the second floor. She'd been idly perusing the bookcases on that level when the boxes appeared. Padding closer, she studied the labels.
"Flourish & Blotts, Estate Acquisitions, Attention Minerva McGonagall." Hermione mumbled as she scratched her nose thoughtfully. She continued her inspection, not noticing as a bookcase in the corner silently slid outward revealing her fiance stepping into the library through the hidden doorway in the linen closet on the second floor.
Minerva paused as she saw Hermione looking at the boxes. Grinning, she spoke, "Now how did I know that this is where I would find you?" Her eyes twinkled brightly.
Hermione's chocolate eyes crinkled in amusement as she shrugged expressively and replied, "This IS a library after all."
Both witches chuckled as Minerva approached the table and reached to open the shipping lable on the parcel closest to her.
Interested, Hermione moved nearer asking, "What is this?" She pointed at the boxes and added, "Estate acquisitions?"
The older witch nodded as she read the shipping list, "I have a standing order with Agatha Blott regarding purchasing rare and exotic books from the estates of witches and wizards who have passed on." She read the name of the estate these particular books came from and added, "Apparently a wizard named Artemis Foxx from San Francisco has passed on.. Hmmmm." She adjusted her spectacles and waved her wand over the packages checking for any hidden hexes or charms. Usually Agatha was very good about checking for such surprises, but one could never be too careful. She smiled at her young fiance and said, "I was searching for something for you. Apparently the book I wanted was included in an estate lot." She noticed Hermione's puzzled expression and continued, "In order to get this particular book, I had to take the entire grouping."
Hermione's eyes widened as she listened to Minerva. She had purchased something for her! These books included something Minerva thought she would appreciate. "What is this book?" She asked eagerly helping Minerva open the packages.
The older witch grinned mysteriously and replied, "You'll see."
Together the two women began opening the precious cartons. Hermione working on the smallest box, while Minerva proceeded to open the largest.
The young witch was the first to fish out a tome. A dark blue bound book entitled: Water Into Wine, Uncovering The Magics of the time of Christ. She couldn't believe the treasure in her hands as she read the title out to Minerva.
The older witch nodded thoughtfully as she pulled out a large black leather book that looked fairly new. There was an overwhelming smell of perfume to this item that neither woman could fathom.
"That smells like fish and roses!" Hermione commented scrunching up her pretty face in a grimace. She cocked her head to the side reading the title, "Tranny Transfigurations: Confessions of the Closeted Population by Ima Gurlinsyde..." Her mouth fell open.
Minerva frowned disbelievingly at her love and turned the book to the side. Sure enough that was what it said, "Merlin, what kind of wizard was this Artemis Foxx?" She mumbled arching an eyebrow as she heard Hermione snickering. She leaned down and sniffed the binding. Blinking, she looked up and said, "I smell lilac and sweat socks." She grinned and set the interesting book to the side muttering, "I have got to read this one."
Hermione was still sniggering as she reached into her box and pulled out a thin, red bound edition of: From Man To Beast In Ten Easy Steps. She held it up and said, "Maybe a guide to becoming an animagus?" She smirked as Minerva shrugged.
The older witch raised her eyebrows and reached into her box for another book, "What will we find next?" She winked at her young love and pulled out a large green cloth and leather bound book. She turned it on the side to read the binding, saying, "Same Sex Karma.. The Mysteries of Witch on Witch."
Grinning, Hermione reached out and plucked the book from Minerva's hands, "I'm reading this one!" Together they laughed till tears came.
Minerva wiped her cheeks and muttered, "This Foxx fellow was...." She trailed off, completely lost for words.
"Eclectic?" The young witch offered, her chocolate eyes dancing with glee.
Emerald eyes sparkled in return, "Precisely!" The older witch reached into the box and pulled out, "The Magical Kama Sutra!" Minerva McGonagall was feeling the beginnings of a blush or a hot flash. Take your pick.
Hermione tossed her chestnut mane and reached into her box snorting, "This guy was a hoot." She pulled out a neon pink book with silver lettering that read, "Unicorn, The Real Story." She looked over at her fiance and added, "I'll bet Odaan would love this one!" She winked and added, "If he could read that is."
Minerva grinned her agreement and reached into her box saying, "I seem to have gotten the sex box." She smirked at her young wife-to-be and stated, "Perhaps you should be going through this one." She waggled her eyebrows referring to their morning activities in the bedroom.
Hermione scoffed and shot back, "Oh like you weren't the randy witch who poked me this morning asking for a "pickle tickle" or some such nonsense!" She grinned at the scarlet blush that decorated her fiance's lovely face.
Minerva shook her head and pulled out another green book, "Masters & Johnson's The Art of Making Love, The Witch's Edition."
Hermione's mouth fell open once again, "Were they wizard folk?"
Minerva raised an eyebrow as she opened the book to the table of contents, "Apparently so..." She trailed off as she silently read the chapters. Suddenly both eyebrows shot up her forehead, "There's a chapter in here for lesbian's!" She quickly turned to that chapter as Hermione rounded the table.
"Oooooh let me see!" She stood on tip toe and peeked over Minerva's shoulder. The older witch turned her head and gave her love a sweet peck on the cheek. Hermione grinned up at her woman and said, "I think we should take the sex books to our bedroom." She shot her woman a saucy grin saying, "Who knows, we might get a few ideas."
The older witch nodded with an answering saucy grin and placed the book she'd been holding on top of the pile Hermione was referring to. Next she reached into the bottom of the box and pulled out a handful of periodicals. She lay them out on the table as Hermione reached into her own box asking, "What are those?"
There was silence.
Hermione looked up to see Minerva with one of the periodicals open and turned sideways. A centerfold stretched out. Her eyes were wide as dinner plates and her mouth was hanging open. For all intent and purposes, Minerva looked like a green-eyed goldfish. The young witch noticed the name of the magazine on it's cover, "Tools? What's that?"
Again there was silence.
Scurrying around the table, she came up beside her shocked fiance and spied what had fascinated her partner.... "Day-Em!" Chocolate eyes widened.
"Oh my..." Emerald eyes stared in disbelief.
"That's just not normal!" Chocolate eyes twinkled in awe.
"Oh my..." Emerald eyes stared in disbelief.
"He must've been awfully lonely, because I don't think it's medically possible for a male or a female to handle that! Unless this guy was doing a giant!" Chocolate eyes gazed in wonder.
"Oh my..." Emerald eyes closed and an elegant, yet regal demeanor visibly shuddered. The older witch closed the magazine and placed that particular pile back into the box. "I think I'll give those to Albus. I'm sure he'd appreciate them."
Hermione giggled raucously as she reached inside her box once again, "This one is empty."
Minerva nodded and moved to the last box, "This must be the one for you. If it isn't and it's filled with more of the same, I swear I am going to hex Agatha Blott's unibrow so it covers her beady little eyes!" There was a vengeful expression on her face as she opened the last parcel and looked inside. Smiling, she muttered, "She is sooo lucky." Pushing the box over to her fiance, Minerva said, "This is for you my love."
Eagerly Hermione peered into the box. "Oh Tabby!" She exclaimed as she pulled out an edition of "Olde Magycks" written by Merlin himself. There were tears in Hermione's doe-like eyes as she gazed in adoration at the book, then up at Minerva. "I have always wanted to read this!"
Minerva smiled and said, "You know Merlin's books were charmed so that only those that he deemed worthy were able to read his works."
Hermione nodded absently as she ran her hands over the aged binding, "I know. Only the first editions though..."
"What do you think that is?"
The young witch gasped and gazed up at Minerva, "What?" She stared back down at the book and realized that Minerva's words were true. She was holding a first edition in her trembling hands.
The older woman smiled, "Ever since you told me of your interest, I've had Agatha Blott seeking out the books you wanted." She watched as a glow of pure love enveloped the young witch. It's warmth stretched out and wrapped around Minerva's heart. Tears sprang into the deep emerald depths of the Headmistress's eyes as she felt Hermione's love through their bonding. She placed a hand against her heart and said, "I shall endeavor to provide you with everything you desire my love."
Hermione reverently placed the book on the table and opened the cover. The page appeared to be blank and the young witch felt a momentary sinking feeling in her chest. Then a tiny swirl of golden sparkles twirled up from the page like a miniature tornado and surrounded the young witch.
"YOU HAVE BEEN JUDGED WORTHY!" A deep rough voice boomed out from the book. Startled, both witches stepped back a wee bit and gazed at each other with widened eyes.
Hermione took a deep breath and moved back to the table and Merlin's book. There, in spidery, old world script were the words: Olde Magycks. Grinning, the young witch threw back her head and laughed.
Minerva gazed in awe at her fiance. Once again blown away by her beauty and wit. By her power and grace. But most importantly, by her potential. This young woman was going to change the world. She just knew it!
Oblivious to the thoughts of the older witch, Hermione looked back inside the box and found another book. Reaching in, she pulled out an edition of Elemental Magic for Healers, "Oh wow! They talked about this book at University, but they are so rare that we couldn't study from it."
Minerva nodded, "Well now you have your own copy." She was rewarded with a smile brighter than the sun.
The next book pulled from the parcel was a copy of Moste Potente Potions. Again, an older edition that included many potions that were now banned in the modern era. Hermione felt truly blessed to have been given such an amazing assortment of knowledge. Gazing into the box, she saw that the last item was actually a satchel. Frowning, she carefully pulled it out of the box, "Look at this!" She called excitedly.
Minerva leaned across the table for a better look, "What is it?"
There was a gasp as all the air suddenly left Hermione's lungs. "Oh my God! These are Merlin's journals!" She placed the satchel gently on the table and squealed in delight, "Oh Tabby this is incredible! Thank you!" She bounced around the table and over to the older witch who gladly swept the young woman up into her strong embrace.
"I love you."
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-to be continued
AN: Next up... a wedding!
