Chapter 42

Hermione jerked awake at feeling the covers being gently pulled up over her arms, "Hey…" she rasped, causing Minerva's eyes to meet hers.

"I apologize for waking you."

Hermione reached out, grabbing Minerva's hand before she could pull fully away, "Are you alright?"

"Quite."

Hermione sat up, trying to not notice that it was the moon's and not the sun's rays streaming through the window. "Kreacher showed me what happened in the kitchens yesterday."

"My back is slightly bruised, but it could have been much worse." She glanced to her left side to see where the coffee table was at to sit, but Hermione's words stopped her.

"Here." Hermione pulled her legs back, sitting cross legged, "I think I can share."

A warm smile passed across refined features, "I'm sure you can, but I also think it wise for you to get a few more hours of sleep."

"And what of you?" Hermione countered, "Is it even four yet?"

"Just after." Minerva admitted.

"Well, I'm up right now, so…" Hermione motioned to the other side of the chesterfield, "how about I have a cup of coffee with you while I make the decision as to whether to stay up and start my day or go back to sleep."

Minerva took two steps and with a wave of her hand, the sconces burst to life creating a warm glow across the previously dark room. "How are your parents?" She asked while sitting, back straighter than normal; an indication of how sensitive her back was.

"Well but still unconscious." A hesitant expression passing over tired features, "Though, they'll be awake this afternoon."

Minerva easily read Hermione's nervousness, "You need not worry; they will be comforted to know that you are well."

"I'm more concerned about how they'll react to having their memories altered and if they can forgive me for what I did."

"I've met parents from all walks of life." Minerva quietly stated, "And while I may be inaccurate in my estimation of yours, I do believe that they will readily forgive you."

"How? I…betrayed them. I took their life away from them and sent them to Australia."

"Because you did it not out of malicious intent but out of love for them, and it is out of their love for you that they will understand and forgive you."

Hermione tried to fight back the tears, but they were pooling along the edges of her eyes, "But what if they don't?"

"Then, as with all aspects of life, time will march on and you shall be forced to make a decision on whether or not to purse rebuilding a relationship with your parents or not."

"That's it? Time marches on?" A chortle left Hermione's lips as she wiped her eyes dry, "Not much for consoling, are you?"

Minerva inwardly sighed, "It isn't about consoling, rather being honest, Hermione. Or would you rather I present you false aspirations as to what may happen?"

"No, I just…" her shoulders sank, "wish I had another day or two until…I had to deal with this."

"Would it be any easier?"

"No," Hermione admitted, "and probably more difficult." A sigh left her lips, "I suppose, I'm just…nervous and scared because what if they don't understand? And after everything, I lose them too?"

"You shan't." Minerva's voice holding a warm reassurance, imbuing Hermione with a smidgen of hope. "And if perchance you do, I am assured that your friends will always be there for you. Especially, Mr. Potter."

"And here…" Hermione pushed the words from her mouth, hoping she wasn't overstepping her bounds in doing so, "I thought you were going to include yourself too."

Emerald measured the sincerity behind hazel eyes, and at realizing the genuineness of the offered friendship to the younger woman – Minerva heard the soft words leave her lips before her mind had an opportunity to negate the notion. "I believe I may."

"I'd be honored if you did."

Xoxo

a/n: :)