Chapter 35

Hermione was surprised to see Minerva already awake and a cup of coffee mostly gone. "Good morning," she stated as her eyes scanned over Minerva's angular features, noting the fatigue lacing emerald orbs.

"And to you," Minerva replied before leaning back and fully meeting Hermione's gaze, hesitancy lacing emerald irises as she quietly continued on, "thank you," the words heavy on her lips as she forced them out, "for last night."

"I told you, that I'm here." Hermione reached into her robe, withdrawing the folded letter, "This fell from your robes when I levitated you back to your quarters this morning." She stepped forward, handing it to Minerva, easily seeing the trepidation pass across her face, "I didn't read it," long fingers took the parchment from Hermione's outstretched ones, "but I want you to know that if you ever want to talk about it, I hope you know I'd never judge you."

"Hermione, I…" Minerva's voice was thick as she swallowed and met Hermione's earnest gaze, "I do not believe you would. I just…need some time."

Hermione nodded, "Well, know that I'm…" she tipped her head to her room, "right there, alright?"

"I shall keep that in mind." Minerva replied causing Hermione's lips to pull into a small smile.

"That's all I ask." She moved around the chesterfield, "So, are we working in the kitchens again today?"

"I received word this morning that your parents will be arriving at St. Mungos at just after 10 this morning," Minerva handed Hermione a cup of coffee, "and the Administrator from St. Mungos will be assessing the memory charm and potential ramifications of reversing it. But before Helena begins, I thought you would want to see your parents."

Her hands were shaking as she set her coffee cup down, "They're….going to be here?" Her voice lifting up an octave as she continued, "Today?"

Minerva found herself nodding, "Yes," she breathed as a smile graced her lips, "and they are fine."

Hermione tipped her head back as a silent chortle of relief left her lips before once more gazing at Minerva, a lightness bubbling up in her soul, "I can't believe that after everything, they're going to be…here." Her voice cracked as tears fell from her eyes, "And they're alive and okay." She chuckled, "I…" she stood and covered the scant distance between she and Minerva, "thank you." She leaned over giving Minerva a hug as she breathed out, "Thank you for finding them."

Despite her own reservations, she found herself returning Hermione's embrace, "You're welcome."

Hermione tightened her hold along the elder woman, "And keeping them safe the past week."

"They're safe, Hermione." She murmured as she felt Hermione's body begin to shudder against her, "They're safe."

Hermione nodded against Minerva's shoulder, "I just can't believe…" she pulled back as she gasped for a swallow of air, "they're alive."

xoxo

Helena had been nothing short of surprised to see Minerva stride through her office door alongside Hermione Granger an hour prior. They had spoken about Hermione's parents' welfare and projected treatment and Hermione had briefly seen her parents without them noticing. However, before Hermione had returned to Helena and Minerva; she had been enveloped in Harry Potter's arms along with several members of the Weasley family.

"When will you attempt the memory charm reversal?" Minerva asked while her eyes remained on the animated conversation just beyond.

"First thing tomorrow morning," Helena answered, her gaze drifting between Minerva and the gathering surrounding Hermione, "but I'll keep them unconscious for forty-eight hours so as to not cause shock and a reversal of the charm."

"If you'd be kind enough to keep me posted?" Minerva asked while turning her gaze back to Helena.

Helena laid her hand atop Minerva's forearm, "It's a strong charm, but not irreversible, and one that I can remove without damage. They'll be fine." Blue eyes leveled with green, "I'm far more concerned with how you are doing." Her voice dropping in pitch, "I saw the report this morning."

Green eyes misted over, "I have to attend another set of funerals." Her jaw rippled, "Nothing more."

Helena's grip tightened, "We both know that isn't true."

Minerva patted Helena's hand, a faint smile lighting her eyes and passing over her lips, "We do, but we also both know why it has to be true. No different than for you." She felt Helena's hand ease along her forearm as she finished, "Just watch your family, my friend; lest they join what remained of mine."

Xoxo