So, the fan is holding up. Some might have been expecting a lovefest between the two, but Hermione is scarred by war and feels a tad invincible in helping to defeat Voldemort. McGonagall is reckoning with being left in the dark about most of Dumbledore's plans and revisiting painful choices.
Minerva:
She had been here several times over the years in cat form. Now she was walking to the Granger's residence for the first time in human form since she left Hermione with them. It was unnerving. Dressed in a simple green dress appropriate for a woman her age with a handbag, it was her hope she would not cause unwanted attention to their home.
Minerva knocked on the door. She wasn't banging this time. A simple gesture with the knuckles three times.
Tim the husband opened the door. For a moment she was speechless. It was all coming back to her. Leaving her bloody granddaughter child with some stranger she didn't even get a good look at.
"I've often wondered when you'd come back," he said. "Hermione tells me you've come in cat form a number of times over the years. As much as we love her, we would have given her back as you are her grandmother."
Tears fell. "Mr. Granger, you and your wife are among the nicest people, not just muggles, I have ever encountered."
"Come in," he said. "I'll put the tea kettle on."
Hermione appeared. "Professor, what are you doing here? We agreed to meet at Hogwarts in three days."
"Is that any way to greet your grandmother?" Beth said.
"No, it's perfectly fine," Minerva said. "This is extremely awkward for all of us."
"It must have been hard to watch her all of these years and never say anything," Beth said as they sat in the living room.
"I've spent years trying to separate these thoughts," Minerva said.
Tim brought out a tea set and distributed cups.
"So, what does bring you here, Professor McGonagall?" he asked.
"First, I wanted to offer you my profound gratitude for taking such good care of Hermione for her entire life. If there is anything I can offer such as financial assistance; it would be my honor to do so."
Tim laughed. "Clearly you don't know much about muggle careers. We're doing quite well financially and have been saving for retirement. We do not need anything."
"If anything, we should be thanking you," Beth said. "Hermione has been a blessing since you brought her into our life. I was a miracle child in my family as my mother struggled to get pregnant. I didn't have regular cycles and had 'lady parts' issues starting at an early age. We weren't optimistic about having a child of our own. Hermione is the child of our dreams."
"You never told me that," Hermione said.
"It wasn't something you needed to know," Beth said.
Minerva took a sip of tea to try to compose herself. She underestimated how hard this would be emotionally.
"I assume Hermione has told you about the deal I made with the red witch."
"She has to duel to kill the witch before she turns twenty to have a long life," Tim said. "That is the gist, right?
"The witch will cheat," Minerva said. "She has the natural ability to bend time. Voldemort depended on things like Horcruxes and followers to maintain power. Wand laws don't apply as she doesn't necessarily even need one to win a duel. To compare Voldemort and the red witch is as the muggle phrase, 'apples and oranges,' in terms of threat."
"But there is no other choice?" Tim said.
"I never intended to get Hermione involved," Minerva said. "I have been stockpiling debts owed to me by over a dozen witches and wizards I have associated with over the years located all over the world. I intended to pool these resources to find another way."
"You never wanted me to decide my own fate!?" Hermione yelled. "Even Dumbledore gave Harry a choice!"
"Do not say his name in front of me!" Minerva shouted. "People died needlessly because he refused to find another way. He was willing to sacrifice your best friend for the greater good. I could not ask that of you!"
"Let's all take a breath before things that will be regretted are said," Tim said raising his hands. "Hermione had the right to know and choose. However, Professor, I understand your desire to try to protect her."
Hermione stood up. "I can do this on my own," Hermione said. "She'll be at the town under Niagara Falls, right? I'll just ask the locals where to find the old troll residence."
"You're more likely to find a trap than her," Minerva said.
"Like I haven't dealt with traps before," she snapped. "I faced down Nagini on Christmas!"
"Hermione, have you been listening?" Minerva countered. "This won't end there. You'll need backup. Not just in the form of Ron and Harry either."
"Dumbledore trusted us to take down Voldemort without your help!" Hermione said.
"Hermione this does sound harder," Beth said.
Minerva took a deep breath. "You are not immortal Miss. Granger. I have something for you to put things in perspective."
She opened her handbag and pulled out a pensive. It was slightly lighter and smaller.
"This device allows people to see and experience memories. This one can only hold a handful of separate experiences compared to Dumbledore's. I have included the relevant ones for you to review. If you still want my help, come to Hogwarts at the time and date as we had previously agreed upon."
Hermione said nothing and refuse to look at her.
Minerva stood up. "I think I should leave. I will say this in my defense though: Dumbledore needed me to protect the students. He also cut me out of plans because I was an obvious target during the first wizarding war that cost your mother her life. He did not want to lose me, even as it enraged me how little he told me about his plans. I have always been his most ardent defender, but I can see he was wrong in depending on only you, Harry, and Ron. I'm not sure ready to accept that."
She quickly made her way to the entrance.
"Professor."
Minerva turned. It was Tim.
"She is still a teenager."
Minerva understood the subtext. Hermione did not fully grasp the harshness of what she said.
She met his gaze. "I know."
Then she opened the door and left. Time would tell what would come next.
