Chapter Three

Three hours later and Hermione was fed and was now unpacking with the help of Minerva. She didn't want to unpack, not wanting to up her hopes of being able to stay with the professor, but Minerva had insisted.

Once the pair had finished unpacking, Hermione showered, changed and snuggled under the sheets, she had her teddy held close to her as she lay on her side, every time she put pressure on her back, tears were brought to her eyes.

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Minerva lay in Albus' arms.

She broke the silence with a whispered question, "What happened between you and Hermione's father?"

"Nothing special."

"Albus."

"I didn't do anything Tabby."

"I know you Albus, you were angry; what did you do?"

"I punched him, put a full body bind on him and left him in the living room. He was too drunk pay any attention any way."

Minerva shook her head. "I wish you would keep your anger under control sometimes Al."

"I know. Now, how is the little kitten?"

"She's good, at least I think so. She's so quiet and I just don't know how to make her talk and smile like a normal little girl."

Albus ran his fingers through her hair. "Tomorrow, I need to go back to the castle to do a few things, why don't you spend the day with our little kitten, take her out or go for a walk around the grounds."

"That's a great idea Al." Minerva snuggled into his chest and sighed, she so wanted to make the little girl happy.

Early the next morning, Hermione and Minerva sat at the dining table and chatted with each other. Albus snuck down the stairs and stood at the door way, he wasn't quite sure what to do. He listened to the conversation and decided to walk in when she heard Hermione sob.

"Minerva," he whispered as he saw her holding the little girl on her lap, running her fingers through her hair and whispering soothingly to her.

When she heard her name, she looked up and smiled at her husband before shaking her head. She didn't want Hermione to react badly to Albus now that she was only just starting to calm down.

Half an hour later and Hermione was sat on the floor in the living room in front of the fire. Minerva was sat on the sofa next to Albus, neither wanting to get too close, worried that they would spook Hermione; when the clock struck nine and Albus sighed.

"I have to head of now my love."

"Okay Al." Minerva turned on the sofa and Albus kissed her cheek.

"You don't have to act differently around me you know," Hermione whispered.

Minerva smiled at the girl and nodded, grateful. "Take care Albus."

"Always," Albus whispered and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Minerva smiled against his lips. "I love you," she whispered when they pulled apart.

"I love you too Tabby." Albus stood after pecking his wife on the lips once more and sat next to Hermione. "Can I have a hug?" Albus asked gently.

Hermione nodded slowly then hugged the elder man.

"I want you to do me a favour today." Hermione nodded. "Can you look after Minerva for me please?"

"Ok," Hermione whispered.

"Thank you my dear." Albus hugged her one last time before standing and walking out the door.

Hermione watched as Albus walked out the front door before sitting herself next to Minerva on the sofa. Minerva instantly brought the girl into her arms and held her tight.

"What do you want to do today Kitten?"

"I'd like to go for a walk please."

"Okay. Want me to ask Dizzy to make us up a picnic or would you like to eat in town?"

"Can we eat in town please?"

"Of course." Minerva smiled and stood.

Hermione instantly followed and grabbed hold of her hand. Minerva looked down at her and they both smiled at each other.

They were silent until the house had shrunk into the distance as they headed down to the lake at the far end of the grounds.

"How are you feeling Kitten?" Minerva asked quietly.

"I'm okay. Why are you calling me that?"

"I'm not sure. I'm sorry Hermione, would you rather I not call you it?"

"No, I like it. No one has ever given me a nick-name before." Hermione sounded sad and ashamed at the same time.

"Then I shall continue to call you it." Minerva smiled down at Hermione as she watched her smile the widest she had done since she had brought her to the manor.

They walked for a little longer making small talk about magic and Albus.

"I'm sorry if I've been funny around Albus."

"It's alright, he understands."

"I just don't know how to act around him."

"Just be yourself, and Albus will welcome you with open arms. Actually, I'm pretty sure he already has. He gave you a hug today and he doesn't do that to everyone."

Hermione hung her head. "It was hard."

"I know Kitten; I've been through it when I was a little older than you."

"Really?"

"Yes, but perhaps I'll tell you more when you're older."

"Okay."

Again, they started to talk and sat at the edge of the lake skipping pebbles across the surface until Hermione's stomach rumbled.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"Don't worry; we'll head into town now." Minerva stood and held Hermione's hand.

"Okay, you don't have to buy me lunch you know."

"Well I want to."

Hermione nodded and they walked side-by-side into the small town that wasn't far from the lake on the McGonagall estate.

"What do you fancy to eat Hermione?"

Hermione shrugged. "I've never been asked before."

"Then look at the menu and choose anything you want."

"Really?"

"Yes Hermione, and don't worry about the price."

Hermione nodded and scanned the menu, everything looked so tasty. "I don't think I can choose, it all looks so nice.

"You can always choose something now and then we'll do some shopping and come back for dinner."

Hermione nodded and turned back to the menu. Minerva smiled and shook her head, she was starting to love the girl and she had only known her for two days.

To Be Continued ...