Chapter 17 ~ A Beautiful Memory

Minerva wasted no time as she purposefully marched to her destination; her concerns for the woman's welfare abated. Helena had assured her that Molly was stable and could handle some stress. Granted, she hadn't relayed exactly the nature of her pending conversation with the Weasley matriarch; she was sure it would cause some stress.

She found herself turning into the room, a half dozen pair of eyes glancing upwards; warmth,

ease, comfort lacing their expressions…until it was quickly replaced with concern and worry. No doubt from the frostiness of her expression. "Everyone out." Her contralto voice cutting off any and all greetings and salutations; causing the room to openly stare at the venerable Headmistress, paralyzed by her demand.

There was no humor. No sparkle. Just an iron will command; and her larger than life presence. Percy about jumped out of his chair as she followed with the singular word. "Now."

Arthur stepped forward, "Minerva, what is the matter? Molly has just recovered from…"

Fire laced green eyes leveled upon the younger wizard, "I've already spoken with Helena; and was assured her condition has stabilized. Now," Her thick cadence rumbling over the occupants. "Out."

His back bristled, "I won't leave her…"

"Very well." Her glacial gaze landed upon Percy, George and then swept to Harry and Ginny. "The rest of you have five seconds."

She didn't have to finish the sentence, the other four were gone and the door closed thankful that whatever was about to be discussed; they were not there to bear witness.

Harry kissed the top of Ginny's head as the group went to get some lunch. "I've never seen McGonagall so furious."

"Me either." George muttered, "Even with some of the pranks Fred and I used to pull."

"Wonder what happened?" Ginny asked, concerned. "Think it has to do with Hermione? She was pretty upset when she returned from talking with her last evening."

Percy shrugged, "Don't know. Maybe Ron does."

"I'm sure; as he's been a right git to her of late." George met his brother's look, "Don't act as though you haven't noticed, either Perc."

"Even so," Harry opted to side step the whole of the conversation. "It doesn't track as to why Minerva would be so irate. " Harry pulled his pocket watch out, "Nor…why either he and or Hermione aren't here yet."

Xoxo

Molly's brow furloughed, blue eyes staring honestly into green. "I have no idea what you are talking about Minerva. I did not abscond with a letter addressed to Hermione." She turned to her husband, "Do you know what she is talking about, dear?"

"I did receive a letter late one evening," He held up his hands, halting the fury for a moment. "However, I gave it to Ginny to give to her; she had just arrived and was speaking with Ron. He assured me he would give it to her; as I was going to bed."

Minerva felt a wave of relief; her friends did not try to sabotage her and Hermione's life. It appeared as though their daughter had.

Molly could see her friend's conflict, "Minerva," Green eyes drew to hers, "What was in the letter?"

Seconds passed and the normally stoic woman's features softened, "An admission of love." She whispered, "One it seems would have been better done in person."

Arthur's hand involuntarily tightened around his wife's, "Do you still love her?"

"Her happiness is my paramount concern."

"Minerva," Molly moved forward, "They have been married for close to twenty years, have a family, friends, a beautiful life."

"One that was built upon a lie." Minerva countered, "And that your daughter has perpetuated."

"Please, don't…take that away from them."

"It is not mine to take or leave; nor yours Molly." Her eyes hardened, "However, it is time for the truth to be heard."

"What of their marriage?"

An image of Hermione writhing beneath her, along with the faint sighs and whispered moans sprung to mind; and Minerva pushed the beautiful memory aside. "That is for Hermione and Ronald to decide."

"But you hope she chooses to leave him." Molly whispered, almost cutting. "For you."

"No." She quietly answered, shame prickling up her spine for what had already happened between them. For while it was a memory she would always cherish… "Because she is a wife and a mother; and a part of a family. One that she cannot lose, no matter what her heart wants." She knew it could only be that, a memory.

Xoxo

A/N: Oops, it wasn't Molly.