Chapter 35
Hermione POV
"We don't have to go, you know."
Hermione turned to Ginny with a withering stare. "I need to get out of the house. I need to start moving forward."
"Don't you think it's a little bit fast?" Ginny asked while giving the brunette a sceptical look.
"No," Hermione said decidedly before relenting. "Though, I did tell my parents I'd wait a few days - I just can't though. I need to at least know where I stand after this whole thing. I don't know anything right now and it's driving me mad."
"Okay," Ginny sighed as she held out her hand. "Let me know if you want to go home at any point though," she stressed.
Hermione cracked a slight grin. "I will." She cast her eyes upon Ginny's worried ones and took the girl's hand, ensuring to give it a small squeeze before apparating to Hogsmeade.
As they stood on High Street, Hermione looked out absently into the distance. Just being back here felt strange, yet it offered a sense of comfort in its familiarity. Also, the association of this place and Hogwarts with a time before the Ministry, before Ms. Blake, made Hermione long to be here. In fact, as they entered the halls of Hogwarts a short while later, Hermione realized that she had never felt safer inside these walls.
"It's good to be back," she exhaled as she tugged gently on Ginny's hand to pull them to a stop in the quiet corridor.
With a curious look that turned tender a moment later, Ginny reached out and grabbed Hermione's other hand to hold them both. "Maybe you could teach here?" The younger girl suggested. "Merlin knows you're more than proficient in nearly all subjects taught."
Hermione pondered the thought for a second. While it seemed like a logical suggestion, in fact, very logical - it just didn't sit right with her. She knew she could teach rather well, as essentially proven by the amount of time she had spent tutoring others while she was a student here, but it just wasn't her passion. Yes, she loved to learn, and yes, she realized the incredible value of professors and how they could change lives, but it just didn't feel like enough for her. Working with the Ministry, creating national, potentially world-wide changes, that had been what she wanted to do, that was where her passion lay, but now it was ruined. Everything that was so perfect was a lie, a setup, and now she didn't know what she could do. But, she guessed that was what Dumbledore wanted to speak to her about.
"Maybe," she finally said to Ginny as she offered her girlfriend a courageous smile that felt feeble and probably looked more-so. "I guess we should go find Professor McGonagall - I don't know Dumbledore's password anymore."
Ginny gave a nod of her head and soon they were headed deep into the castle.
"Miss Granger."
Hermione smiled up at the Headmaster as he smiled brightly back at her. His welcoming was much more subdued than the one she had received when she entered Professor McGonagall's office just a few minutes ago before the three of them headed to Dumbledore's office. Though Professor McGonagall had tried to appear professional and perhaps even a bit aloof, that front was quickly abandoned and Hermione soon found herself being scooped into a hug with the transfiguration professor - albeit a short hug that was swiftly dismissed, but a hug nevertheless.
"Hello, Professor," Hermione greeted with a nod of recognition - a gesture he readily returned.
"It's very good to see you again," Dumbledore went on. "How are you doing? If I may inquire."
"Certainly." She smiled quietly. "I'm doing well, thank you - all things considered. I wanted to thank you for all that you did to help me." She resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow in question as Dumbledore and Ginny exchanged a fleeting glance that resulted in Ginny shifting her gaze away.
"I believe that certain others were of much greater help," he replied modestly. "I am very happy to see that you are well, though. And I am very pleased to be able to report good news to you." Hermione nodded her head, urging him to go on.
"Please, have a seat," Dumbledore offered as he held an arm out to the large chairs in front of his desk. Though Hermione didn't want to sit down, as her mind instantly flashed back to her initial 'meeting' with Mr. Noirent, she did so. Only a glance was required to see that Ginny was struggling with the same level of reluctance, but too gave in. Hermione was still watching Ginny rather intently when Dumbledore began speaking once more.
"I understand that it's far too soon to consider this offer, but the Minister has been very clear with me about the fact that he is deeply sorry about everything that has happened and he is eager to tell you this himself if you feel up to speaking with him. I would encourage you to do so because he would like to offer you a rather prestigious position within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement-"
Dumbledore must've sensed her immediate outrage that was just begging to be released, because he stilled and a moment later offered her a snack in a light voice.
"No, thank you, sir," Hermione replied stiffly despite her efforts to reel in her displeasure. She didn't see how this offer was good news at all. It sounded like a nightmare already. Dumbledore merely shrugged and offered Ginny a snack as well.
"Forgive me, Professor," Ginny started as she sent a tentative glance Hermione's way, "but how could this be a good thing?"
The brunette felt warmth radiating in her chest as Ginny spoke her mind, as well as Hermione's, even if unknowingly.
"As I said, it is too early to consider such an offer," Dumbledore replied patiently, "but Ms. Blake is no longer in the picture. While I fully understand if Miss Granger wishes never to work with the Ministry in any capacity ever again, perhaps something good has come from this - beyond Ms. Blake finally being given her just desserts." Both girls looked on at Dumbledore with newfound curiosity and he elaborated. "You see, Brumski's situation was a glaring example of how Britain's house-elf rules are impeding rights and justice. Seeing what could've been avoided if Brumski had the freedom to approach the Ministry as he had wanted to in the first place put the Minister, along with the majority of the Wizengamot, in favour of starting a liberation for the house-elves."
Though Hermione was far from comfortable - the idea caused some part of her deep in the pit of her stomach to stir with excitement. Nevertheless, this positivity was greatly overshadowed by doubt. She couldn't believe the notion just yet - even if it came from Dumbledore.
"I can understand that you're sceptical," Dumbledore commented, "and you have every right to be, but you can see the logic in their thinking." The brunette and Ginny shared a brief glance - both remembering Hermione's outburst with this exact logic at the tent after first visiting Brumski.
"You have more than proven yourself to the Minister and to others of great authority there, as such, they would like for you to head up this project. And to give you more authority, they want you to work under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, rather than Magical Creatures. Mr. Thicknesse has been reinstated as Department Head, thus he would be your supervisor, and I trust you would be in good hands."
Hermione unknowingly began to fidget in her chair as discomfort over the whole situation settled in even further. It sounded all well and good in some sense, but she just couldn't trust it right now.
"When or if you are up to it, please speak with Mr. Scrimgeour - he's eager to meet with you." A beat passed and Dumbledore carried on in a cheerful voice, "If you choose not to accept the offer, you are always more than welcome to take up a position here at Hogwarts - we'd be very lucky and happy to have you."
Hermione resisted the urge to chuckle, and instead settled with a flat look to Ginny who merely smiled back with a hint of smugness.
"Thank you, professor," Hermione said. "I clearly have a lot to consider. But thank you for letting me know and thank you for your help with everything."
Dumbledore merely shook his head. "Thank you for coming by Miss Granger. Again, I'm very glad that you're okay. Please take care of yourself and don't feel you need to rush into anything. I'm just letting you know that when you're ready, you have options."
"Thank you, sir," the brunette reiterated with newfound warmth and sincerity. "It does help actually. I would like to keep busy, but I don't feel at all ready to commit to the Ministry at this point."
"Minerva," Dumbledore called out lightly as he and the girls shifted their attention to the other professor who had been quietly observing this whole conversation. "You wouldn't happen to need an assistant, would you? Just temporarily, of course."
Hermione felt a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as Professor McGonagall played along. "Why now that you mention it, Albus, I believe I do. N.E.W.T.s and O.W.L.s are coming up fast. Students," she drew out the word as she eyed Ginny pointedly, "may need a lot of guidance over the next while. I am very confident that Miss Granger would be more than competent in helping them."
A soft laugh escaped Hermione's mouth as both professors eyed her patiently with some level of amusement in their eyes. She turned to Ginny with a half-hearted look of weariness to see that Ginny was nodding eagerly.
"Fine," Hermione relented with a laugh. "I mean - I'd love to help. Thank you, professors."
"Wonderful," Dumbledore said as he clasped his hands together in enthusiasm. "Whenever you feel prepared, just let Minerva know and we will make the proper arrangements - again, please don't feel the need to rush."
"I would prefer to start sooner rather than later, to be completely honest with you," Hermione admitted as she glanced between Dumbledore and McGonagall.
"Very well, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said. "Perhaps it's for the best - it may mean that Miss Weasley will actually attend class again..."
Hermione struggled to remain serious as she noted Ginny blushing out of the corner of her eye.
"I had a good excuse," the redhead muttered.
"I realize that," Professor McGonagall said with underlying compassion in her voice, "unfortunately, 'good excuses' won't get you your N.E.W.T.s."
Ginny's shoulders rounded just slightly. "I'll study. How can I not when Hermione will be hanging around, making sure I'm done my homework a week ahead of time?" The redhead's voice was playful and affectionate, and held at bay any offense that Hermione might've taken otherwise.
"It's settled then," Dumbledore announced. "Minerva, please show Hermione - and Miss Weasley," he added, "to Miss Granger's new quarters. Feel free to move in whenever you wish."
With a series of nods, the trio left Dumbledore's quarters and headed through the castle.
"How is your shoulder, Miss Weasley?" Professor McGonagall asked as she glanced towards the redhead while they were waiting for a set of stairs to shift.
"Oh," Ginny blushed as her eyes worriedly flicked towards Hermione who was now studying her with furrowed brows. "It's fine. Nothing to worry about," she smiled.
"Good to hear. You're lucky that's all you walked away with," the professor added on as she eyed Ginny purposefully.
"Yes, Ma'am, I'm aware. Thank you for helping...," she trailed off. Hermione continued to stare unabashedly at Ginny, trying to pry into the younger girl's mind to discover what this 'shoulder' incident was all about. However, the sinking feeling in her stomach told the brunette all she really needed to know.
A short while later, Ginny and Hermione were alone in the brunette's new quarters. Professor McGonagall had just shut the door a moment prior when Hermione rounded on Ginny and stalked towards her.
"What happened to your shoulder?" She asked sternly as she moved Ginny's jacket aside to examine the girl's shoulder as though that would tell her something.
"Nothing major," Ginny asserted as she shrugged Hermione's hand off of her. "I'm fine, clearly."
"What happened?" Hermione repeated, irritated by Ginny's rebuff and shooting her a displeased look.
The younger girl let out a frustrated sigh and shifted her gaze away in irritation before settling upon Hermione once more with a gentler look. "Ms. Blake got me with a spell. Dislocated my shoulder, but that's it. Madam Pomfrey fixed me up and I was fine in no time."
"Ginny," Hermione said sadly as she eyed the redhead.
"It's no big deal, Mione," Ginny asserted in a chipper manner that Hermione imagined the girl hoped wasn't too transparent.
"No big deal?" Hermione retorted, the sadness in her eyes growing and causing Ginny to automatically avert her gaze. "What if that had been a killing curse! Ginny, you could've died!"
"Come on-"
"No!" Hermione continued. "I mean, I know you said you duelled with her, but just hearing that you were hurt, knowing that it could've been so much worse..." Hermione's mind failed to formulate the words she so desired. She felt emotion begin to creep up furthermore and she had to take a moment to calm herself. She noted Ginny's patience, the girl having remained silent during this, and continued on.
"Ginny, you shouldn't have done that. If you had been killed," Hermione paused as she swallowed her impending upset. She tried again. "I just could never forgive myself," Hermione finished, her voice not nearly as steady as she had been aiming for.
"I couldn't let you rot away in Laurophey," Ginny declared with conviction as she sought eye contact that now Hermione longed to deny. "Five years is a long time."
"Yeah, well a life without you would've been longer," Hermione retorted.
Ginny ignored the brunette's point and instead changed tactics. "And it was about redeeming you and clearing your name. You heard Dumbledore," Ginny said as she gestured outside, "you're practically a hero now. You can have your career back. And Ms. Blake won't be pulling this shit on anyone else. So guess what, I did what I had to do to protect you and to stop that horrible woman."
Hermione shook her head silently before sighing. Hero - far from it. Career - yeah, right. Ms. Blake...there were no words for her. However, in the back of Hermione's mind, she knew she shouldn't reprimand Ginny. Finally, she lifted her eyes to look at Ginny. "I know. You're the hero, not me. And you're amazing for doing what you did. But, God, Ginny...the thought of losing you...I just can't-"
"Stop," Ginny ordered quietly. "I'm fine, I'm here, we're still together - so please don't think about that, okay?" She could see that the older girl was going to protest further, but Ginny shot her an imploring look that caused Hermione to surrender.
"You're right," she concurred. "I'm so lucky to have you."
"Aww, my ego," Ginny teased as she pulled the brunette into a playful hug, which she reciprocated with a bit of fake resistance.
"Well, I hate to admit it, but I think your ego deserves a bit of boosting after the feat you pulled off," Hermione offered with a crooked grin.
"But I'm amazing every day," Ginny responded with mock arrogance and laughed heartily as Hermione swatted her on the arm and gave her a look of admonishment. "Aww, come on, Mione. You know you love me."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, I suppose."
The following evening, Hermione lay in bed, Ginny in her arms as they both stared absently up at the ceiling of Hermione's new room. The living arrangements were quite nice - private room, spacious, and plenty of room for plenty of books. However, for now it was rather dull and plain as she'd hardly moved anything in yet. Her parents had given her a hard time about leaving so quickly, so she decided to make it a bit of a prolonged move.
"You know," Ginny started, her voice a bit hesitant, "that offer that Dumbledore talked about with the Ministry?" Ginny paused, waiting for confirmation from the brunette to go on. After a moment, Hermione granted her permission with a vague nod. "Well," Ginny ventured, "if it is what Dumbledore says it is...it might actually be decent." Hermione was well aware of how quiet Ginny's voice was by the end of her statement, oddly afraid of Hermione's reaction. The older girl sighed heavily.
"I can't, Gin - not after what happened."
"We could look into it though," Ginny offered lightly. "At a later point, anyway. We could do some thorough research to see how legitimate the job opportunity is and see who is involved. I know it sounds crazy that I'm suggesting it, and I'm oddly confused by my own actions, but...it's true...if Brumski had the same rights as the rest of us, none of this would've happened. If the Ministry's sincere in their intentions to change things, this could be a great opportunity."
Hermione scoffed. "I've heard that before." She instantly felt regretful for being snarky with Ginny - Ginny wasn't the one she was upset with, but for some reason her apology got caught in her throat.
"Well, I guess the project will go forward with or without you," Ginny stated with a shrug, "but I think they know that you're the right person to get it done right. And you'd be in London - that's a huge improvement. Dad will be there, Harry, Ron, your parents...it'll be so different."
Hermione refused to acknowledge the thought, though she knew Ginny had a point - at least about the latter.
"At least think about it at some point."
With reluctance, Hermione offered a small nod. Ginny tilted her head up and Hermione could feel her looking fixedly at her. Hermione sighed exasperatedly. "Fine - I'll think about it at some point. Not right now though." She cracked the smallest smile as she felt Ginny's warm lips upon her cheek.
"That's more than okay," Ginny said brightly. "I'm quite content to have you here at Hogwarts for the remainder of the year."
A quiet smile formed on Hermione's face. "That sounds very comforting, actually. I'm sure we can get away with you staying in my quarters at least a few times a week." Her smile grew as Ginny rose up on her elbow to smirk down at her.
"When did you become such a rule-breaker?"
The second the words were out of Ginny's mouth, Hermione felt her stomach drop and Ginny's smirk faded away just as instantly, only to be replaced by a look of regret.
"Blimey, I'm so sorry, Mione. I wasn't thinking, I just-"
"No, Gin, it's fine. You should be able to make a joke," Hermione insisted as she struggled against the knot in her stomach. It was just a joke, she shouldn't feel upset over two simple words that no intentional link to her recent experiences in Paris.
"I shouldn't have said that," Ginny stressed.
"It's fine, really," Hermione repeated as she mustered up a smile for the girl. "Don't worry about it."
"I don't want to say anything to upset you."
"I'm not a china doll, I can handle it."
"A what?" Ginny asked as her brows furrowed together.
"Right," Hermione chuckled as she subconsciously gave Ginny a gentle squeeze. "They're a muggle thing. They're very fragile," she explained.
"Oh okay," the younger girl nodded. "Well, still."
"No, it's fine. Let's not make this an issue." Hermione could see that Ginny was about to argue further with her, but it seemed that after a moment's contemplation, Ginny forfeited the debate and lay back down, stretching an arm out across Hermione's torso.
"Anyway," Ginny continued, "I'd love to stay with you 'a few nights a week'."
"Good," Hermione replied with a smile of approval. "And now that I'm back, I can make sure you aren't sneaking off to the Room of Requirement with any members of your fan club."
Hermione bit back a snicker as Ginny propped herself up again to shoot a nasty look her way.
"The only person I ever go to the Room of Requirement with is you."
"Good. Let's keep it that way," Hermione replied with fake loftiness that earned her a light nudge from her girlfriend. Again, Hermione had to struggle to not laugh. Despite everything, she still enjoyed ribbing Ginny from time to time about her popularity with other girls.
"It amazes me how silly you can be sometimes."
Hermione smirked. "Only for you."
AN: A bit of unfinished business left to resolve. Nearly there ;) Thank you for all your support!