Chapter 11 ~ A Word in Private
Hermione was startled to see Minerva stride through the doors, her breath hitching at the sight of the woman she had tried to visit with less than 24 hours prior.
She vaguely heard the chorus of hellos and well wishes; along with a summary of her mother-in-laws prognosis. A prognosis that was of little relevance to Hermione; because the woman lying on the bed had irrevocably altered her life twenty years ago. She didn't know all of the details, but knew enough of the facts to piece together what had transpired.
Minerva had sent the letter at some point that evening; she recalled having gone to the Burrow to talk with Ron about ending their engagement. The letter must have been delivered and for whatever reason; Molly had received it…opened it and read it.
And what a letter to have read. It still brought her heart to a flutter just thinking about the words composed within those few short paragraphs. It was no wonder why Minerva had hardly spoken to her following that dreaded evening all those years ago; for she had. She had said everything that had needed to have been said; only for Hermione not to respond and appear as though, she didn't feel the same way.
Now, twenty years later, she didn't feel the same way for the woman; she felt more and less all at once for she still yearned to touch her – the love she once felt for her had been replaced with a deep affection. Because, she had moved on.
Hadn't she? She questioned herself as her eyes bored into Minerva's, waiting for an acknowledgment so she could ask to speak with her for a moment in private. Her thoughts and feelings as scattered as the wind save for one – her burning need to speak with Minerva.
Finally, green eyes shifted to momentarily meet hers before skirting off to find another's; Hermione stood. "Do you mind if I have a word with you in private?"
Minerva's features remained as they always did, poised and dignified belaying little of her true emotions. "Of course." Minerva easily stated.
Both women strode down the hall, little conversation occurring between them; one wondering what the other wished to speak with them about as it had been years since they had spoken privately, the other…wondering how to broach a topic that in some ways was best to remain dormant – as in either case, she doubted the others heart could take much more.
A/N: What do you say to someone twenty years later after learning the truth?