AN: Just wanted you all to know that, if you haven't caught on yet, I'm trying to follow Minerva's backstory as closely as I can. Though there are some changes to help fit the story, make sure to let me know if you ever notice any major differences that don't seem to fit. Thanks for the reviews!
Hermione appeared in the marshy fields near the Burrow, it was a cloudy day in Ottery St. Catchpole in Devon, England. The sun could not be seen behind the clouds, and the wind was whipping through her hair, getting in her face. She could tell it was about to storm and started toward the Burrow, knowing if she didn't hurry she'd get soaked, but by this point she didn't really care. As she made her way out of the tall fields she came to the edge of a large pond, on the other side she could see the lights of the Burrow, as she looked at the water's surface she could see small raindrops rippling the surface. She heard thunder claps and could see lightning flashing in the distance
She wished she could just stand here and watch the storm alone, but she knew they'd be worried if she was late. She wasn't ready to face them all, act normal, pretend like nothing was wrong. When at the moment she just wanted to scream, and let out all of the sadness. Her vision started to blur as tears slipped down her cheeks, her eyes were still puffy and red, but she couldn't stop the tears. She felt light-headed as she started hyperventilating, and carefully lowered herself to the ground, sitting in the wet grass.
The rain slowly worsened as she sat there, for what felt like forever, letting out her anguish. But her tears eventually slowed, before coming to a stop, and her breathing returned to normal. She wiped away the tears, feeling slightly better, and cast a glamour charm over her puffy, red, face. She stood and walked around the pond to the Weasley's, hoping there wouldn't be too many people there. She was hoping to be left alone, but knowing the Weasleys the house would be packed, though there was still another week till the wedding.
The only person she wanted to talk to at the moment was Minerva, but they hadn't planned a meeting for today. And even if they had, Minerva was upset with her. She knew Minerva would eventually understand her insistence, and forgive her, or at least she hoped. But until then Hermione would try to apologize, and avoid talking about death. She was starting to consider sending the women a message asking for a meeting today, but didn't want to keep the women from her work. She sighed, trying to stop thinking of Minerva, as she continued walking.
She reached the garden of the Burrow, wet from the rain, and starting to notice how cold she was. As she'd approached she felt the wards of the house surround her, and saw Mrs. Weasley looking out the window. She tried to smile at her, but the woman had quickly left the window and was soon standing at the door waiting for her with Ron behind her. As she reached the door Mrs. Weasley pulled her inside with a worried look on her face. Hermione knew she would have to wait to escape, and just hoped this would be quick.
"Hermione dear, you're completely soaked!" the women whipped out her wand and cast a drying spell over her. "Ronald, fix her a cup of tea." She ordered without even looking at him, Ron frowned but quickly went to do as he was told. She looked around the kitchen; there were pots on the stove, as it seemed they'd started making dinner, and for a big amount of people. Ron was standing at the counter getting her tea ready, while Ginny and Fleur stood cutting vegetables, and Charlie sat at the table peeling potatoes. Ginny gave her a quick look, smiling at her. She was glad not many had noticed her arrival yet, but knew she'd be expected at dinner.
"How are you dear?" Mrs. Weasley questioned giving her a bright smile. She looked to the woman trying to return the smile, "I'm fine Mrs. Weasley." She lied, hoping she wouldn't notice. "That's good dear." Thankfully she didn't, but she did see Ginny give her a look, she hoped she wouldn't say anything about it. Ron came over handing her the tea, "Ello 'Mione." He said giving her a quick side-hug before running off to the living room, where she could hear a loud conversation going on. She sipped the tea, glad for the warmth, though she didn't like it as it had neither milk nor sugar in it.
"You'll of course be rooming with Ginny, you can go unpack now, and dinner will be in a few hours." Mrs. Weasley said before hurrying away to check on the food. Hermione quickly headed for the stairs passing by the living room she saw the rest of the Weasleys along with some of the Order, sitting and going over some plans. She didn't feel like it now but she'd have to ask about it all later, she could guess they were talking about Harry. Whatever it was, she'd have to be involved, she was of age and refused to be left out. Harry would be there in a few days and then they could start making plans of their own, maybe get a few things sorted out about the mission.
She opened the door to Ginny's room, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. It was small room with pink painted walls; one wall was taken up with large windows giving a nice view of the orchard and storm outside, another wall had a few posters hung up. There were two beds, a bedside table, and a dresser. Taking her shoes off, she set her handbag on the bedside table. Feeling emotionally and physically exhausted she decided to take a nap, she fell onto one of the beds and closed her eyes, quickly falling asleep.
She slept for a two hours before being woken by Ginny; she opened her eyes, confused for a second of where she was, before remembering. "Hermione, dinner will be ready soon." Ginny said walking into the room, when she saw Hermione lying in bed she got a confused look on her face. "Why are you sleeping, are you ok?" Hermione quickly set up, getting out of bed. "I'm just tired, I'm fine." Ginny crossed her arms, looking unconvinced. "Are you sure, you seem like something's wrong." Hermione went over, getting her shoes back on. "I'm sure." Ginny sighed, walking out of the room.
Hermione quickly brushed her hair and made herself look presentable, before getting ready to go down. She could hear all the noise downstairs, and from the sound of it even more people had arrived for supper. Double checking her glamour charms, she took a deep breath and walked out of the room. The noise got louder as she descended down the steps, and she hoped she would be able to eat and then go back to Ginny's room quickly. She got to the bottom of the steps, she looked around, seeing who was there.
She saw Tonks and Remus sitting closely on the living room couch, with Mad-eye looking out the window at the storm. Mundungus stood staring into the fireplace, and Kingsley was having a discussion with Mr. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley was at the stove watching over the pots, and Ginny checked things in the oven. Fleur and Bill got down dishes, while Charlie set the table. Ron was trying to sneak some food, and the twins were suspiciously nowhere in sight. The door opened and Hagrid ducked his head through, loudly saying his hellos.
As he moved out of the doorway another person stepped in, and Hermione's breath caught in her lungs. Minerva McGonagall pulled out her wand as she cast a drying spell over herself, before putting it away and looking up. When she caught sight of Hermione her face lit up, she quickly made her way over to her smiling the whole way. Hermione returned the smile; it was the first real one of the day, she wanted to run to the women and embrace her. She restrained herself though, and waited for the woman to reach her.
As soon as Minerva reached her they both threw theirs arms around each other, "Minerva I didn't know you'd be here!" She said as the hug ended, "I wanted it to be a surprise." The women said facing her, her green eyes sparkling. Hermione looked her over; she wasn't wearing her glasses or hat tonight, she wore a loose dark green outer robe and tight black inner robe. "I'm so glad to see you my dear." Minerva whispered her voice thick with emotion. Hermione threw her arms around the women again, squeezing her. Minerva quickly returned the hug, holding her close. Hermione closed her eyes inhaling the sweet scent of the woman, she smelled like ginger newts, parchment, and mint.
They pulled away as Mrs. Weasley called everyone to dinner, smiling at each other as they walked to the table together. They sat side by side, and talked to each other throughout the meal. As everyone retreated to the living room after dinner, Minerva pulled her into the small scullery beside the kitchen. Closing the door and casting calloportus, to lock the door, and muffliato, to make sure they wouldn't be heard. She turned to Hermione; she had a serious and sad look in her eyes.
"How did today go, did you erase their memories?" She asked gently coming closer. Hermione looked down, tears welling up again. "I did." She whispered, leaning into Minerva's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, I should have been there." She said wrapping her arms around her. Hermione started to cry, "There's nothing to apologize for, I had to do this by myself." Her tears slowly started to form a wet spot on Minerva's robes "No, you shouldn't have had to do it on your own." She could feel Minerva start to cry with her, and she pulled them both to the floor.
They went silent for a while, just holding each other. Finally Hermione looked up at the woman; Minerva took her wand out again and cast a spell to remove the glamours on Hermione's face she'd forgotten about. She laid her head on the older woman's shoulder, enjoying the closeness. "Minerva, please forgive me." The woman pulled back with a questioning look, "Whatever for?" Her eyes lowered "For asking so much of you, and making you promise me things no one should have to promise." She looked into the woman's eyes. "You must understand I only wanted to make sure my parents would get their memories back." Minerva pulled her close, giving the top of her head a quick peck.
"I overreacted. You talking about death made me remember death is a possibility for us in this war. It scares me because you are right, you could die, we both could. That's something I don't like to think about, I like to keep my hope that we will see the end of this. I do understand, and forgive you. But try to always have hope, please darling." Hermione nodded, so glad she'd been forgiven. "I'll try." She whispered. They leaned towards the other slowly coming closer, the air feeling thick with emotion. Both women were looking between each other's eyes and mouths, and Hermione couldn't breathe. Suddenly a huge bang came from the living room and they both jumped, up wands out and at the ready.
Running out of the small room, they arrived in the living room. At the sound of laughter they relaxed, realizing it was just Fred and George pulling a prank. Putting her wand away Hermione silently cursed them for ruining whatever had been about to happen. She thought they'd been about to kissed, but didn't know if that's really what would have happened. She looked at the woman who was already staring at her, with a strange look on her face. Did she suspect her feelings, what was she feeling?
Not long after people slowly started to leave, all thanking Molly for dinner. Minerva was among the last to leave, she stood saying her goodbyes, walking to the door. Hermione followed her. "Will you be here for the wedding?" the woman turned to her. "Of course, and I shall see you then. Goodbye my dear." She squeezed Hermione's shoulders before turning away and opening the door.
"Bye." Hermione called before she closed the door behind her, she moved to the window to watch the women disappear. Soon after she retired to bed, laying there for hours with one question going through her head, 'Could Minerva McGonagall ever feel the same?'
Well this chapters longer than the last, if you have any comments or questions feel free to PM me. I hope you like this chapter, please review! -Fae