Hello,

I apologize for being absent for a while but here is a new chapter for those still wanting to read this little adventure. I have no excuses other than life did not give me the opportunity to slow down. Please excuse my absence and my poorly edited chapter. I am simply happy to get this written and I hope you enjoy.

Alex

Chrismas Surprises

Hermione woke before the sun peeked above the trees of the Forbidden Forest. In her pajamas, she walked from the window gazing out over the white of the grounds on Christmas morning to the hearth warming her hands and legs. Sitting next to the window looking into the pristine morning left her colder than death. She smiled at the thought. Colder than Death. She inwardly chuckled. What would people think if they knew he was a mess of warmth and curiosity?

"HERMIONE!"

Hermione turned from the flames she lost herself in to find Harry Potter trampling down the stairs red and smiling from excitement. Hermione had the throw up her hands to ward off the boy who almost bulldozed into her. She smiled at his excitement.

"LOOK!" he ordered as he shoved something into her hands. In an instant, she felt eons of power feed into her hands and gasped. She held up the fabric in her hands and blinked. No way could it have been this easy.

"What is it, Harry? Its different and feels lighter than air," she deflected her sudden reaction to the item in her hands. He pulled the fabric from her hands and threw it on. Suddenly the boy was gone. She couldn't see him, but more importantly, she couldn't feel him. Oh, Father you were a fool making this cloak, she thought.

"Oh my," she whispered for the boy in front of her, or around her.

"Can you see me?" Harry asked from her left. She snapped her head toward his voice and then smiled as his head floated in midair. HE chuckled as he pulled the cloak from his body.

"Harry, that is a magnificent gift, but…" Hermione began but intentionally didn't complete her thought.

"But what, Hermione? You can say anything to me," Harry pushed gently.

"That is a very important gift. Powerful if it fell into the wrong hands. I think … I think you should not tell anyone about it. Keep it strictly to you and for you," Hermione spoke softly as she watched Harry's thumbs run back and forth over the fabric.

"I think you are right, but I won't hide this from you. You are my best friend. Friends don't hide things from each other," he said with a charming smile for an eleven-year-old. Hermione only smiled back as he continued, "The note said it was my father's, and he would want me to have it back."

Hermione smiled and sat on the sofa after she indicated to Harry that he put it in a safe place then he handed it back to her shocking her.

"I like my dorm mates, but I don't think it's the safest place. I don't know any locking or warding charms for my truck. Can you hold on to it for me until I ask for it?" Harry's eyes glimmered in truth and Hermione reverently took his most prized possession. She looked up and saw him smile as she carefully folded it and treat his stuff with respect. She nodded. Words escaped her, and her chest filled with warmth and pounded.

"I will take the best possible care of this for you Harry," promised Hermione. She dashed upstairs, then shifted through planes and dropped the gift in Minerva's guest quarters then planed back to the girl's dorm. She and Harry had their own little Christmas party that morning.

Traveling and Requests

Harry and Hermione split ways once they reached the hallway. Harry wanted to spend time with Hedwig, he missed her dearly and send Neville an owl. Hermione needed to get to Minerva's chambers. She waved after Harry and made her way to the library, picked up a book on magical and mysterious artifacts in the magical world and made her way to Gryffindor Tower. She walked to the portrait, spoke the password, looked around and noticed a slumbering portrait and walked to the girl's dorm. She quickly tossed the book onto her bed and planed outside of Minerva's quarters.

Even though she had a standing invitation to her guest chamber for recuperation, she found she didn't feel comfortable simply walking into the chambers. She lifted her hand and knocked. She heard a sharp Come, then opened the door. Hermione sighed as she saw the person in attendance and the tense posture Minerva had. Hermione pulled a letter from her pocket, a letter she had multiples of, and walked to Minerva.

"Happy Christmas Professor," she said as she handed the letter to Minerva, "I would like your help with something please," Hermione began as she watched the headmaster out of the corner of her eye. Minerva placed the letter on her desk and Albus began to reach for it, but Hermione quickly Accioed the letter. He stood straight and walked toward her.

"You didn't ask to see that letter and you are not my magical guardian," Hermione said as she waved the letter in her hands gesticulating then narrowed her eyes and slammed Albus with a glare, "You could have asked," Hermione tilted her head hoping the headmaster would straighten up.

"I am…"

Yes, yes, Headmaster of this school, but you are not my guardian. You really have nothing to do with me other than ensuring I get my education in the magical world and making sure I am safe. I am afraid the second is in question with the troll incident, wouldn't you say?" Hermione challenged the man.

"Look here you arrogant…"

"Now I know where Professor Snape gets his etiquette from," Hermione jabbed then shifted her attention from the headmaster to Minerva, "If it would be no trouble. Also, you are welcome to stay to make sure I get back safely. My father rather appreciates your honesty," Hermione said eyes twinkling and winked at Minerva covertly. Minerva tried not to smile.

"It has been some time since I have had a parent-teacher conference, and an invitation to Christmas dinner," Minerva nodded making sure Hermione understood that Minerva knew her cover.

"Thank you. We have time since I believe father won't be home until later but he we will not be meeting him there and we will have to travel muggle. Will that be alright with you?" Hermione asked.

"I am right here, and I am still in charge. Minerva, I need you here," Albus stated and straightened his posture in victory.

"As you have stated, you are headmaster. I am sure you can handle the only other student on campus," Minerva dismissed him as she stood but the headmaster did not move.

"Albus, a parent had a last-minute opening to see their child on Christmas. What is so very wrong with that?" Minerva challenged her boss. Albus Dumbledore could not provide a rebuttal. Just as the headmaster was about to try once more Minerva's floo cracked.

"Minerva, you there? Its Andromeda," the head in the flames spoke. Minerva shook her head at the headmaster as she walked through the flames.

"Yes, I'm here how can I help you?"

"John was hoping you can help Hermione, and hopefully Hermione gave you the letter he sent her. Damn man doesn't understand owls are not as fast as phone calls," Andromeda groaned.

"Aye, she just gave me the letter and I will be with her to make sure she gets back to the castle safely. Its my understanding he must leave this evening after spending time with her?' Minerva voiced her question from the letter for Albus's ears.

"Yeah, he is flying in from down under. He had the time to get to her and then fly back out. He misses the hell out of that girl," Andromeda spoke.

"Aye, Hermione said I should go muggle. I am assuming we are to go to the Granger's residence?"

"No, come to my house. Nymphadora will be here, and John wanted a normal family dinner, but he still had thousands of questions. I swear we wants to know everything possible from the simplest blade of grass to the upper echelons of society."

"Very well, what time?"

"Whenever, you know you are always welcome but do check yourselves for tracking charms. See you soon," Andromeda's face simmered down into glowing embers and Minerva turned to face Dumbledore.

"Wizards can track people. I wonder why," Hermione asked and then looked straight at Dumbledore.

"Have a good evening, Miss Granger," Then Albus swept out of the room. Minerva shot a silencing spell out of the door. When she turned around Hermione smiled at the woman. Gone was her glamor once more and Minerva could not help but feel a herd of elephants stampede in her guts.

Hermione walked to Minerva and stood close but not touching. She watched Minerva and saw her hesitancy. She slowly slipped her arms around Minerva's waist. Honey, dew on flowers, and shockingly enough clean laundry assaulted Hermione's senses.

"Happy Christmas," whispered Hermione.

Minerva's hands slid around Hermione. So many warring thoughts invaded Minerva's mind.

"I'm not a child," Hermione said and pulled from Minerva softly smiling warmly.

"No she is not," came a voice causing Minerva to jump from Hermione feeling like a teenager caught by her parents in a less than savory position with a suitor.

Death chuckled and opened his arms. Hermione walked to them and gave him a quick hug.

"We did not plan on you obtaining the cloak so quickly," Death began but was cut off.

"We need a replacement, and a spectacular replacement at that. Dumbledore will know if it is a fake because you, in your foolishness made the cloak unable to see or FEEL where the user is," she admonished her father and he seemed firmly chastised. He asked her to go and fetch it but both adults were surprised to see Hermione zip off to the guest quarters.

"She is spectacular," Death said, in which Minerva could only nod she walked to the fireplace and made sure there was enough room for them to destroy the cloak in the ashes.

"Minerva, she has lived for eons. Aside from Adam and Lilith, she is the oldest living entity on this planet," Death paused as Minerva turned from the hearth and found fathoms of space and time in his eyes, "Be gentle with her heart."

Before she could reply Hermione came down the stairs and held the cloak. She placed it in the fireplace and just as before it was burned to nothing.

"Good, now we need a replacement," Death commented as he sighed.

"Leave that to me," Hermione said with a devilish smile then turned to Minerva, "How would you like to take a trip with me to a place people can't go until they are gone?" Hermione asked.

"Hermione," Death warned.

"I'm not taking her there, but to the Domain, and then it is to your office," Hermione placated her father. Death hesitantly nodded and then blinked from existence. Hermione looked at her watch and sighed.

"It will take a moment, but we will be just fine, and he will be done," Hermione nodded.

"He who?" Minerva asked.

"Gil," Hermione answered and then Minerva nodded not knowing who she was talking about but knew it was too large an opportunity to pass up.

"Excellent, take my hand, and I will guide you," Hermione gallantly held out her hand, but Minerva shook her head.

"First floo to Andromeda's. Floo can be monitored and if we are recorded going to Andromeda's it sticks to the story," Minerva argued and Hermione nodded.

Andromeda did her job. She knew she did the right thing, but she wanted to see her, even for a moment. Her floo cracked to life, and out came Minerva and Hermione, her beautiful Hermione.

"Mum," called a voice from the door. Andromeda was not sure if she was ready for Hermione to meet her sibling.

Hermione looked at Andromeda just as a woman with spiky red hair came into view and then hugged Andromeda.

"Wotcher. 'Ello I'm Tonks," the woman held out her hand toward Hermione and then nodded her hello to Minerva.

"I am Hermione," Hermione shook her sister's hand. She had a sibling, no, she had a sister. She looked at her face, she saw parts of her mother, but she must have taken after her father.

"So, you are my long-lost sibling," Tonks dropped a bomb.

Everyone in the room grew silent. No sound, not even the cracking of the fire could be heard. Breaths had seized, and hearts stopped.

"I'm not sure," Hermione began.

"Oh, you can drop the act. I know everything about Mum. EVERYTHING," Tonks said with a smile and a wink.

"I'm afraid I am at a loss for what to say or do," Hermione admitted honestly.

"That's alright but during the summer or after your quest, come by. I would like to get to know you," Tonks smiled once more. Hermione nodded and then looked to Andromeda. She toed the carpet bashfully.

"I would like to get to know the both of you. However, could you excuse us?" Hermione asked and then spoke directly to Andromeda, "We are on our way to a replacement item," Hermione confided.

"Of course. I told D he was an idiot to the maximum degree for making those dreaded things," she said with a wave, but Hermione could tell she wanted more.

"I will write to you soon," Hermione offered as a peace offering. Andromeda looked squarely at Hermione.

"I would like that. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas," Hermione looked to a smiling Tonks, "Mum."

Hermione, never having let go of Minerva's hand, blinked them from the Tonks living room.

"She is intense," Tonks commented. All Andromeda could do was hum her agreement.

Hermione staggered through a room she new so well and went straight for the brandy. She took a sip and then felt a hand on her shoulder and then reality came rushing back to her in spades. Where she was, who she was with, and why they were there.

"Hermione," Minerva spoke her name softly.

"I'm ok. I'm ok," Hermione spoke that phrase like a mantra. Minerva never took her hand from Hermione's shoulder. She wasn't prepared. She never thought of this today. They were on a mission. But lips found hers. Arms snaked their way around her waist and all she could taste was brandy and then a deep red wine. Minerva's hands had a mind of their own as her fingers slipped up Hermione's arms and one settled to the back of Hermione's neck drawing her closer and the other slid to cover her chest, cover her heart. Her secret moment of peace was abruptly slammed to a halt.

"I am sorry, I should not have. I was…" Hermione was cut off. She was more than cut off Hermione was taken. Those gorgeous lips, those lips she had dreamed about, fantasised about, took her own, devoured fer mouth.

"Well, well," toned a voice from the doorway. Hermione continued to nip and map her way around Minerva's mouth ignoring the presence in the room, but Minerva was unable to let the presence go. She felt a power, and she didn't like it. She turned her head and saw an Adonis leaning on the doorframe of the study she didn't have time to take in earlier.

"Gil, I need a replacement cloak. Makes the wearer…." Lips spoke against Minerva's throat, "Invisible and undetectable even by death," Hermione continued her feather like caress on Minerva neck.

"Why should I help you?" Gil asked playfully and then his playful nature dropped as Hermione looked upon him. Minerva did not relinquish her hold on Hermione but when both women stared at him, his smile faltered but his relaxed posture never did.

"Those stupid Hallows Death made are about the tear the world apart. We destroyed 2 but we need replacements so people will not be tipped off about their absence," Hermione almost growled at the man.

"I don't have what you seek but I have a feeling I can get ahold of someone who does," Gil said, and Hermione turned back to Minerva, "But it will cost you."

"Oh," Hermione toned and slowly withdrew from Minerva's hold. She advanced onto Gilgamesh, "You tout and lord over everyone willing to listen that you have the most powerful objects in your burial tomb. Are you now saying you were lying?' Hermione challenged.

"Not entirely, but what you ask for are items from gods. I do not have those items," Gil backpaddled and Hermione advanced slowly as if she were about to pounce on prey, "But I could get it," Gil squirmed throwing his hands in the air to ward her off if she so chose to use force.

"Excellent," chirped Hermione pulling back relaxed, looking at her nails, "And who will I have to compensate seeing as it isn't you?" Hermione asked inwardly smiling seeing Gilgamesh's shoulders drop thinking he escaped her wrath.

"Hades," Gilgamesh whispered. Minerva felt her eyes grow wide. Then in a swirl of black fire and man dressed in a simple black toga and sandals appeared.

"Gilgamesh, what is the meaning of this?" The deep gravelly voice of the man asked.

"Sir, I need your help if you are willing. I will not trap you in a riddle or agreement. Clear terms for exchange," Hermione said, and she moved between Hades and Minerva. Hades took a deep breath and then looked past Hermione and straight to Minerva.

"She has been touched before," then Hades looked at Hermione and smiled softly, "Will of iron," he took a deep breath and then looked at Hermione, "Deaths Child. Interesting, very interesting," Hades indicated to a seat in front of the fire. Hermione nodded and followed and then snapped. Two more chairs appeared. Hades took a seat and took one more deep breath.

"It is so crisp here. Clean," then Hades snapped his fingers and the doors slammed shut, "Gilgamesh, you will stay here. Your ruler has been so hospitable in providing a perch for your peacock preening ass to remain," Hades demanded of the frightened man. Hermione paused and then burst into laughter.

"I find him quite intolerable as well. Come love, join us," Hermione held out her hand to Minerva. Minerva blinked and then straightened her back and then regally walked to her seat next to Hermione, but furthest from the Greek god of the underworld.

"What do you ask of me?" asked Hades as Hermione served them Brandy, but made sure Minerva had her own label Scottish whisky. Minerva hummed and nodded but kept her venerable Scot persona in place.

"I ask for a cloak that makes the wearer invisible and undetectable, even by Death," Hermione said as if the topic were nothing more than ordering a pizza with special toppings. Hades hummed and took a sip of his Brandy.

"I can make what you ask but on one condition," he said and looked at Hermione and then to Minerva. Hermione placed her hand on Minerva's in a clear bid. Hades laughed. "You misunderstand my intentions. I want to know more about magic in the modern world. You see, the Greek gods are not as worshiped as they used to be, thus lost a lot of their power. So how can magic thrive in a world of atheists and persecutors?"

Hermione looked to Minerva, "Your choice. You will not be forced into what you don't want," Hermione said.

"How about this?" Hades began running his middle finger around the rim of the crystal glass making it sing, "When it is her time I come to your halls, and we have chats about the magical world? With you in attendance. I find you equally fascinating, Daughter of Death," Hades replied.

"A cloak with those specifications for tutelage of magic in the modern world?" Hermione asked and Hades nodded, "No tricks, no abductions, nothing but pleasant company?"

"Yes, I do enjoy getting out of the depths. Your Father was recently there and has returned for a meeting. He was taken aback when your idiot retainer called for me," Death looked at Gilgamesh and Hermione smiled as she watched him squirm.

"If Death is in the Down Under, please run the terms by him. It is his domain, and she will be a guest here. If he agrees, as well as Minerva, I will agree to terms. But NO TRICKS, Hades. I like you. Please do not abuse my trust nor my people," Hermione said, and Hades nodded and flamed out from his chair.

"I never knew bringing you here would make you a bargaining chip, I am so very sorry," Hermione apologized griping Minerva's hand to her lips. Minerva straightened out her index finger and Hermione looked up at her.

"I am old Hermione, and if teaching a Greek god about our world, that is a small price to pay. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would meet a god," Minerva smiled softly as Hermione sat back leaning her head on the chair closing her eyes but didn't let go of Minerva's hand.

"How are you associated with Hades?" Hermione asked lowly never opening her eyes. She heard Gill shift.

"I had a choice. Go to his Elysium and pretty much do nothing or have a purpose, but he kept the offer open in case I ever wanted to come back to him," Gilgamesh said softly almost afraid to be heard.

"Loyalty Gil. Make sure you are aligned with your true masters," Hermione said, eyes still closed.

"Yes, mistress," Gill whispered in relief.

Black flames appeared and so did a smiling god.

"Terms are agreed upon," he said as he produced a scroll outlining the agreement. Hermione nodded and gave it to Minerva.

"I agree because I will be accompanied by Hermione and sessions will happen here in these chambers," Minerva said.

"Excellent. Please sign it," Hades said, and Hermione saw a tick in his jaw.

"Wait," Hermione took the scroll and placed the scroll in the fire. White paper shed away to a black parchment with white words. Hermione took it from the flames. She read it and then shook her head. Then gave it to Hades.

"I will not agree to this," Minerva said.

"And due to the falsehood of this agreement, you forfeit your bargaining piece by proxy. Cloak please," Hermione said to an enraged god. With a growl Hades waved his hand and there lay a cloak.

"Ill let father know of what happened and then look the cloak over," Hermione turned to Gilgamesh "Get out. You brought a trickster to me."

Gill nodded and approached a door, but a voice called to him.

"Thank you, Gil," Hermione said as she stared at the flames.

Once Gilgamesh was gone Hermione looked to Minerva.

"You could have been a god," Hermione said.

"Pft, a god of death. I'm perfectly fine being a mortal thank you," Minerva waved her hand but smiled at Hermione. Both women could not break their gaze. Both women then looked to the other lips and both swallowed.

Things shifted and, dare Minerva say, quite interesting between them.

Once back to Hogwarts Minerva and Hermione stepped from each other as they walked from Hogsmeade thinking that the walk would be nicer but in all honestly, they didn't trust the floo network, both not trusting the castle. Talking in soft tones and agreeing that the cloak should not be in this world and taken back to Hades as soon as this quest was over, if not sooner. Invisibility cloaks can be replaced. Dumbledore and his meddling cant. This was a necessary evil.

When they parted at the Grand Staircase, Hermione toward the library and Minerva to her chambers, there was a look, a thickness in the air about them that only they could feel. The intrigues, threats, and manipulations weighed heavily on the two women, but it did not alleviate the longing both women felt.

Later a package was found in Minerva's main sleeping quarters. Hermione, the woman thought but as she read the letter, she was shocked.

Dearest Minerva,

I was compelled to deliver this myself. I apologize for trying to trick you into taking my kingdom. It is frightfully lonely, but I digress. I admire your will and fire. I am delivering the true cloak to you and a watered-down duplicate to the daughter of Death for her replacement item. Hold on to her, for she will hold onto you. There is a legend amongst those associated with death. Those who Death falls in love with will forever be faithful to. No matter life or death, they will always be faithful to them.

Hold on to her. Love her. Be her light in a dark existence. She deserves it.

Your Servant,
H

"Weirdest year ever, right?" joked a voice from her left. Minerva groaned but smiled as she led a mother to her common quarters for a drink and a few answers.