A/N: Happy 60 to everyone still following. And thank you. I know it's a commitment to follow along for so long but hopefully, you're still enjoying it. We're edging closer to where I thought the ending might be but now I've kinda built it up like this, I may have to keep going lol We can just leave it where I had intended after all this. Guess we'll see how we go.
-0-
"I feel like we've not been down here forever," Ron muttered as they settled into their beanbags deep in the Chamber of Secrets.
"Right," Hermione said as she dragged her own closer. She'd set a fire in a little circle of rubble and after a little bit of tricky spellwork, had managed to catch the smoke in a bubble rather than let it cause trouble elsewhere. Ginny was poking the flames with a stick while they waited for her. Harry was sulking. "Harry?" She waited for Harry to look at her. "I'm sorry. I think whatever is going on is definitely worth looking at."
He blinked at her.
"What?"
"I don't know what is going on with Draco but something is going on so we're going to switch our focus slightly. There's also something going on with Snape and Dumbledore that I cannot really understand. Min," she winced. "Minerva cannot fathom believing that, so," she shrugged. "We're it, guys."
There was a poignant pause as it sunk in.
"But," Ron winced. "What does that mean?"
"I don't know," Hermione sighed. "Honestly I'm tired of figuring it all out myself so I am going to need your help."
"You know you got it," Ginny smiled.
"Right," Hermione huffed. "So. Draco is spending all his time in the Room of Requirement, and we are not sure why. But it's an obsession and that means we need to get in there and have a look at how serious it is. We already know he's got the Dark Mark and we already know that he is working for them. So we need to figure out what, if anything, we can do about Snape and," she took a deep breath. "Albus."
"What do you think he is doing?"
"I have no idea," she groaned. "But they're all terrified."
They all let that sit for a long time until Harry groaned.
"Well, what are we doing?" Harry huffed. "Why don't we just grab Draco and interrogate him?"
"Cos no matter what," Hermione said gently. "We're still here, at Hogwarts, and if you want to remain here, we have to follow the rules."
He groaned and got up.
"I need to know what he's doing."
"It's becoming increasingly clear that we all do, Harry. I know. But we need a plan. Tonight we have to go and spend some time with Albus discussing the Horcruxes. Each of you notices different things so I want you to pay attention to what is going on in the room as much as what is said, okay?"
They each nodded and Hermione sighed as she sat back.
"I want you all to know as well. I'm sorry I haven't had the time to tell you this earlier, but Filius Flitwick is part of this," she said softly. "As is Tonks, now."
"Tonks?" Harry frowned. "How?"
"She's here. The Order is here, in the castle. Albus has them stationed in the corridor outside the Room of Requirement."
"Oh!" Harry blinked. "Um," he scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah. I did know that."
Hermione chuckled.
"I did think it was odd you hadn't mentioned it."
"Sometimes Albus is there too but once I know Draco's going to the Room of Requirement I often don't watch too closely anymore."
"Albus is there, in the corridor, too?"
"Sometimes," Harry winced. "Not for long and only once Draco is inside."
"But what does it mean that they're here?"
"They're here to keep an eye on me," Hermione revealed before Harry could speak. "They've been told that they're here to watch Draco and the corridor but I think Albus knows, or at least has an idea of what Draco is doing. He doesn't need them for that. I believe they're here because of me."
"But -"
"Exactly," she whispered. "He doesn't trust me, or he is concerned I'm going to fly off the handle or something."
"Are you?" Ginny grinned.
"Shut up, Gin," Hermione laughed.
She sat back and sighed. Everything felt so convoluted she couldn't see the edges of it anymore.
"I don't really know what to do. So," she shrugged. "Let's play it by ear. Keep your eyes and ears open, pay attention to everything and tonight we'll go and see what Albus wants but beyond that, we'll just take it one day at a time. Harry?" He sat up. "I want you to check in with Neville. Put him to work with the DA. Make sure all our coins are working in case we need help. I will speak to Filius, make him aware that The Order are here and get him clued in, in case we need the Professors as well." She felt the tension but also the unwavering loyalty in her as well and she smiled. "Alright," she nodded. "Let's go to breakfast and have a good day and we'll go tonight and see what he says."
They left the bathroom one by one, so as not to draw attention and Hermione went last. She spent a long time staring at herself in the mirror until something flashed just outside of her peripheral and she turned to look.
When she looked back, she jumped.
The woman that was the spitting image of Minerva was standing just behind her.
"I did not mean to frighten you," she said softly.
"I mean this with the greatest of respect," Hermione said. "But why is it you and not," she winced. "The other one."
The woman nodded and stepped forward. Hermione felt her hand on her shoulder even though the woman was definitely in the mirror and not in the bathroom with her.
"For you, like them, I am the one that you connect with most."
"What is your name?"
"Lucia," she smiled. "Their name is Amalle."
"That makes things easier," Hermione chuckled.
"You are obfuscating."
"I am," Hermione admitted. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I cannot see a way forward."
"Sometimes, there is no way forward. Sometimes there are only reactions and you, like my Amalle, are so very good at reacting that I believe you can do whatever it is that is coming."
"My people are hiding things from me."
"There is always one that takes longer to come to belief than the others," Lucia smiled. "For us, it was Amalle's mother." Hermione laughed even as she tried to imagine her parents still being here. "You are so sad, in moments, little one. Have you had such sadness in such a short life?"
"You could not even begin to imagine," Hermione sighed. She met Lucia's eyes in the mirror. "Thank you," she whispered. "For speaking to her."
"She is of my heart, little one. I know her fears. Have felt them here." She reached over and pressed her hand against Hermione's heart. For a moment, Hermione leaned into it and the woman held her there.
"You are needed," she said softly. "Amalle and I can see it."
"See?" Hermione clarified.
Lucia laughed.
"Learn to walk before you run, little one."
"Well help me, then!" Hermione begged. "What are we, why are we? What can I do?"
"The First is a lonely road, little one," Lucia said softly. "You must come to these things on your own. I could not begin to tell you the powers of The First. It is not my place."
"So Amalle is not -"
"No," the woman smiled. "They are not."
Hermione frowned.
"Let that go," Lucia whispered. "Your time is so different. With different rules and different players. Keep your eyes open and your ears open and your heart," Lucia reminded her by pressing on her chest. "Open. Life is, as ever, poised on a knife edge with only those who are good to right the balance. It is an exhausting existence, but you are strong enough. Trust, little one. Lean on your love," Lucia winked. "She will hold you steady when you need it."
Hermione blinked and Lucia disappeared. She cast a Tempus and discovered she was now forty-five minutes late to her Arithmancy class and she rolled her eyes at herself. Honestly, it was a miracle she was passing any of her classes at all.
-0-
"Good evening," Albus said absently as Hermione slipped into the room. Harry was already there, stroking Fawkes' chest on his perch and Ron, she had seen on his way. Just as she was about to ask, the fire flared green and Minerva spun out of the grate.
"Good evening," Minerva muttered. Hermione managed to beat her to the punch and spelled away the soot that had gathered. The warmth in Minerva's eyes made her smile as she sat down but she did not draw attention to it.
Ginny was the last to arrive and she bustled in, in a way that reminded Hermione so much of Molly that she hid her smile in a glass of water. She sat back with a sigh and let her magic loose. Albus was obviously preoccupied, but Minerva was relaxed and it made Hermione smile. She had held onto her gift so hard lately that it was just nice to relax against it.
"We have not met properly for a while and I wanted to bring you all up to speed over where we are and what comes next and also go back over what Minerva and Hermione found at the Muggle library."
Minerva snorted.
"Honestly, I can save you the trouble," Minerva said with a sigh. She met Hermione's eyes and Hermione smiled again, thinking back to that moment under the lamppost. Minerva's eyes flashed as she too remembered it. She cleared her throat and continued. "There was not much there that was of use. We have not been back for that reason. I do not think there is much point in sitting there for a whole afternoon looking for obscure references to something they have no understanding of." She glanced back up at Hermione. "No matter how enjoyable I find it."
Hermione choked on her water and cleared her throat.
"I concur," she managed, glaring at Minerva. The older woman was unflappable though and Albus moved on.
"Well," he grumbled. "That's that then. To other topics. As a recap, I now believe there to be seven Horcruxes."
Hermione shifted as that same wave of sadness overcame her again. She stared at their headmaster for a long time until Minerva cleared her throat and she looked over. Minerva crossed her legs and Hermione felt a wash of magic over her and looked down as her hand cooled. She blinked as she looked and saw the remnants of her handful of flames. She glanced at Minerva who stared at her and minutely shook her head.
She had to calm down if she was going to get through this meeting.
She refocused and caught the end of a discussion that was mainly about Harry.
"You are greater than him in every moment, Harry," Albus said quietly. The sadness was so overwhelming, Hermione stood quietly and went to stand behind Minerva. She leaned on the back of the chair and just reached forward to put her fingers against Minerva's neck. It calmed her significantly and she breathed out slowly.
While Albus was discussing the answer to a question Ron had asked, Minerva reached up and held her hand tightly. Hermione leaned down like she was tired and managed to chance a kiss to Minerva's hair.
"Thank you," she whispered.
A squeeze to her hand was the only acknowledgement but it was enough. Hermione stayed where she was as the discussion moved on.
"I am close to finding the next one," he said confidently. Hermione's ears perked up. "I am searching for someone close to Tom that can provide me with more detail."
"What details," Hermione heard herself asking. "What are we waiting to find out?"
"I need a location," Albus said carefully. "There was an incident, a lifetime ago, between Tom and a number of other children at the orphanage he resided in. I believe that place to be the same as I saw in the vision when I destroyed the last Horcrux."
Hermione nodded.
"Harry," he said quietly, in that way of his. "When it is time, you will accompany me to find it."
"What?!" Minerva snapped.
"I may need him," Albus shrugged.
"Take me then," Minerva argued. Hermione growled without thinking and Minerva glared at her before she turned back. "Albus, you cannot be serious. I absolutely forbid it."
Hermione blinked. Minerva, in general, let Albus do the talking and the planning at these things but this, apparently, was not going to fly.
"Min -" She started sternly, unable to hold her tongue. "You definitely aren't going -"
"Minerva, it is imperative."
"No!" she protested as she stood. The others stared at her like she had grown an extra head. "I will not allow it. He is not a -"
"Min," Hermione said quietly.
"Don't you start," Minerva snapped. Hermione stood taller at the attack. "He is not to go."
"Minerva," Albus said quietly. "It was not a request. Harry will accompany me when it is time."
Hermione sighed as Minerva looked between them, anger rolling off her in thick waves but underneath like a slow-moving river, endless terror. She left without another word and slammed the door behind her. Hermione put her head in her hands for a while before she looked up at them. Albus looked at her and she shrugged.
"I suppose we shall conclude the meeting there, then." Albus chuckled. "He is coming with me."
"Oh, I know," Hermione nodded. "And I agree." She looked at Harry. "It is not because she doesn't think you can, you know that right?"
"Yeah," he shrugged. "I guess."
"She cares about you. Ideally, she'd probably like to wrap you up and put you away somewhere." She glanced at Albus and then back to Harry. "But we did that and it didn't work. I'll go and talk to her."
Albus nodded and Hermione gave the others a pointed look before she left immediately. She raced down the spiral stairs and marched up to Minerva's quarters.
Michael saw her coming and grinned.
"She did not give me instructions not to let you in, so," he shrugged. "Welcome home, good luck!"
She snorted and went up into Minerva's rooms to find the woman pacing in front of the fire.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Following you," Hermione snorted, leaning on her hip with her arms crossed against her chest. "Do you want to discuss what just happened?"
"You cannot seriously imagine that you can just swan in here and ask me that, do you?"
"Minerva," Hermine said carefully. "Please don't speak to me like that."
"He -" She was visibly shaking as she pointed in the general direction of Albus' quarters. "Wants to take that boy -" Her voice cracked. "Our boy from here, where he is safe, to where? God knows where, where that fucking evil man has placed god knows what spells to defend a piece of his fucking soul from the rest of the fucking world."
"Min," Hermione whispered as she stepped up to her. "Minerva, breathe."
"He is not to take him."
"Minerva?" Hermione snapped.
"Do not take that tone with me, woman."
Despite the aggravation, Hermione was at least gratified that she'd been called a woman and not a girl in the face of Minerva worrying about Harry being too young to be involved in a war he was destined to end.
"I will speak to you in the same way you are speaking to me," Hermione snapped. "If you cannot control your tone, how in the hell do you think I am supposed to."
"He cannot have him."
Hermione paused, even as she'd opened her mouth to retort. Something about that statement made her pause. She felt it in her soul, somehow, and she looked at Minerva carefully. The woman's delicate hands were flexing angrily and her lip curled a little as she waited.
"Listen to me," Hermione said, switching tact. "Minerva?" she said purposefully. "Listen to my voice, love." Minerva stared at her angrily but Hermione could feel the worry and the hurt and knew she needed to work with that, rather than the anger. "Listen," she said again as she stepped closer. "Nobody is going to take him from us," she whispered as she stepped into Minerva's space. "Nobody can."
"He would -"
"Harry needs to do this," Hermione said gently. "He needs to understand that there are parts of this that are bigger than him; that some of it requires long, boring grunt work, focus, and patience. That he cannot get by on luck alone. That he must make good decisions and good choices ahead of time. He needs to learn and Albus would not let anything happen to him. Albus would die before he let anything hurt Harry. Of that, I am absolutely certain."
"But he -"
Hermione felt the heartbreak and pulled Minerva in. Minerva resisted, pushing against Hermione's shoulder but Hermione didn't budge. After a while, Minerva gave up.
"It's alright," she whispered. "He's going to be fine."
"I cannot lose another one," Minerva whispered, her arms pinned against her chest where Hermione held her. "I cannot -"
"Min," Hermione soothed. "It's okay. It's going to be okay."
Minerva was almost catatonic as Hermione stepped back when she wasn't embraced as expected.
"Minerva?" she whispered, cupping the woman's cheek.
Blank eyes blinked at her and Hermione was beginning to get genuinely worried. She snapped her fingers near Minerva's head but she just stared sadly.
"Minerva," she said, sharper.
This time Minerva did blink and her eyes cleared a little.
"Speak to me. What is going on inside that head?" No answer. "Minerva, listen to me, I would never let anyone hurt them. Never. I will do whatever it takes to protect them, if you can't trust anything else, trust that."
Minerva shuddered and Hermione let a little more of her gift out and stepped back in shock at the level of want suddenly rolling off Minerva. She stared as Minerva's eyes met hers and then glanced down at her lips before she looked back into her eyes. Hermione chuckled as Minerva stood straighter and looked down at her lips again.
"Minerva, we need to talk about -" she started.
Minerva didn't listen to the warning and pounced on her. Hermione thanked whatever higher powers there were for giving her more strength than she'd ever had as Minerva's legs wrapped around her middle while she was kissed hard. Her blood was boiling as Minerva took possession of her face. She kissed Minerva back with the same fierceness she was being given as her heart thumped in her ears. Minerva's thighs gripped her hips hard enough to let her hands rest comfortably on her ass and she groaned as Hermione moaned in her mouth.
"Stop," Hermione muttered as a sliver of clarity pierced her mind. "Minerva," she ordered. "Stop."
Minerva jerked back and looked at her with wide eyes.
"Breathe," Hermione whispered, her hands still on Minerva's ass, holding her up around her waist.
Minerva gasped as she looked down at Hermione from where she was.
"Are you with me?" Hermione asked quietly.
"I -"
"Keep calm," Hermione smiled. "I've got you."
"Herm -"
"It's alright," she said again. "Breathe."
"Let me down," she muttered, her face as red as ever.
Hermione purposefully didn't. Instead, she ducked a little and met Minerva's eyes before she kissed her softly.
"I love you and it's okay."
She let Minerva down, feeling her slide down her body with a shiver.
"I don't," Minerva put a shaking hand to her mouth as she stepped away. "I can't -"
"Stop," Hermione said gently, holding out her hands. "Stop. I think I know what happened and it's okay." Minerva shook her head. "Come with me," Hermione requested, offering her hands to Minerva. "It's alright, I've got you."
Hermione drew Minerva into her bedroom and stayed with her until she sat, shakily, on the bed.
"Wait here," she whispered. "It's going to be alright. Trust me, love."
Minerva blinked up at her and Hermione leaned down to kiss her forehead. She went into Minerva's bathroom and took a quick look around. She set the taps on the large claw-foot tub and went back to find Minerva curled around a pillow crying softly.
"Oh Min," Hermione whispered.
"I couldn't control it," she sobbed. "I couldn't -" She buried her head in the pillow and cried before she pulled her head back and took a deep breath. "It's like I could see it happening, from someone else's perspective and I was horrified," her face hardened. "But I cannot have that happen. Not again." She looked up at Hermione beseechingly. "Please don't make me go through that again."
"I cannot promise in a time of war that nothing will happen to us," Hermione said gently, sitting beside her and stroking her hand over her head. "But I can promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't," she promised. "You know it was this, right?" Hermione asked. "Us, I mean. Harry is ours and this," she sighed. "This is dangerous. All of life is dangerous and we want to protect them by hiding them away." She chuckled sadly, still stroking her hand over Minerva's head. "They are our treasures, Min. Dragons have treasures, remember? Gold, silver, shiny jewels. These people? They are our treasures; our equivalent and we will not let anyone take them from us."
Minerva sobbed and covered her mouth as she wrapped her arm tightly around Hermione's shoulders and held on.
"It's alright," Hermione chuckled. "Breathe, my love. I'm running you a bath and then I'm going to tuck you in."
"You shouldn't," Minerva hiccupped. "I shouldn't, but please don't leave me. Hermione, please."
"I won't," Hermione whispered, damning however it looked. "I promise, I'm not going anywhere."
She heard the water turn off and smoothed back Minerva's hair.
"Come on, your bath is ready."
"Will you," Minerva swallowed hard. "Will -"
Hermione realised what she couldn't seem to say.
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked quietly. "I will, if you want me to, but are you sure?" Minerva nodded and Hermione helped her up. "Come on then, love."
Minerva had managed to find a bit of herself again by the time they got into the bathroom. She doused most of the lights and dimmed the rest so that only a little light came from the candles and Hermione smiled.
"Want me to wear a bathing suit or something?"
"I -" Minerva was shaking. "Would you think me forward if I said no?"
"No," Hermione said carefully, stroking her forehead. "As long as you are comfortable, I will do whatever you need."
"I feel like an idiot," Minerva muttered.
"You're not. That was something new and big and terrifying. Your emotions are overwrought. It's alright to need some comfort after that."
"I don't know how to do this, Hermione," Minerva muttered. "And I don't really know how to ask this so I'm just going to blurt it out." Hermione kissed her gently.
"Go for it."
"Will you please hold me?"
"Yes Min," Hermione soothed, tracing her fingers up and down Minerva's back. "Absolutely, I will."
Hermione turned around while Minerva undressed and didn't turn back until Minerva got in the water. She heard her groan at the heat and watched sadly as she scooted forward and curled into herself at the front of the bath. Hermione was quick to follow and settled at the back, with her feet sliding either side of Minerva's hips.
"Ready?"
"No," Minerva whispered.
She did not unfurl and Hermione scooted forward a little.
"This is alright, right?" Hermione whispered. "Are we still okay?"
"I am uncomfortable. On the weekend it is easy to forget why you are here, in this castle."
"I had already had this thought and I don't recall if we spoke about it, but I'm going to tell you so you can look forward to it. I'm going to ask Albus to let me take my N.E.W.T.s as soon as possible so I can graduate early," she said softly. "I need to make this right for you."
"Hermione -"
"It might take me a little while, but I'm going to do it as fast as I can, alright?"
A small sniff was all the reply she got but Hermione was unphased.
"Come here," she whispered. "So I can hold you. If you still want me to."
She cupped the water in her hands and let it dribble down Minerva's pale back. Even in the dim candlelight, it seemed to glow. And she traced swirls over that skin, skipping the puckered scar on her shoulder and the slice on her left hip. Minerva gradually relaxed enough for Hermione to tug on her shoulders gently and pull her into her arms.
"Easy," she whispered as Minerva lay back against her. "If this is too much then that is okay, but let's at least try?"
Minerva's eyes were closed but she nodded and allowed Hermione to settle them back against the tub. Minerva was so tense, but Hermione put her palms over Minerva's shoulders, being careful to remain in areas of safety. Her touch did nothing to ease the tension, so instead, she squeezed Minerva's shoulders gently, massaging them. Minerva groaned quietly and Hermione breathed out over them. Finally, she felt all the tension leave in that one breath.
"There we go," she muttered as she kissed Minerva's temple. "I love you."
Their weekend behind closed doors had produced moments of intense longing and deep, all-consuming want. Hermione could remember desperately needing to explore every inch of Minerva's body until she screamed and had to resist. This was different. Minerva needed her and as such, all she wanted to do was hold her tightly until she felt right again. She shifted then further down into the water, holding Minerva around her middle and sinking into the warmth.
It did not take long for Minerva to crack and sob into her hands.
"Shh," Hermione whispered. "It's alright. It's over now."
"I hate being so out of control!"
"I know, love," Hermione soothed. "I know. But it's over now. And that uncontrollable reaction? That was love, Min. If ever there's a time to be out of control, it's because of love."
Minerva cried for a little longer before she managed to catch her breath and hold it.
"That's it," Hermione said, coaching her through it. "Just breathe."
She kissed Minerva's wet shoulder and felt the woman relax further.
"I'm a bloody mess."
"Yeah, but you're my mess, though," Hermione chuckled.
Minerva snorted and tangled their fingers together over her belly.
"I do not know how to match this up in my brain. Do you understand?"
"I absolutely do," Hermione said. "And if this is all you can deal with, I can go. It won't hurt my feelings to tell me you need space."
Minerva's fingers tightened almost to the point of pain and Hermione smiled against her shoulder. She was purposefully not looking anywhere but the wall in front of them to keep as much of Minerva comfortable as she could.
"I have you, love. I'm right here."
They stayed tangled up together until the water cooled and Minerva added more hot. Hermione kissed her hair or her face when she could and cupped the water in her hands to soak Minerva's shoulders, but otherwise, they simply existed in the dark.
"I need to sleep," Minerva said eventually, turning her face into Hermione's neck. She sounded exhausted. "You should go but I -"
"It's alright," Hermione soothed. "I seem to exist outside of all that right now. If you need me to stay, I will."
"If they," she swallowed. "Hermione, if the Ministry finds out."
"Nobody will," she promised. "Nobody. Our family will protect us, it's okay."
"Hermione."
"I know," she whispered. "But trust me, love."
Minerva sighed and leaned sideways so she could look over her shoulder.
"I do," she whispered. "Hermione, I really do. I just -"
"You're scared," Hermione murmured as she nuzzled Minerva's nose. "And that's ok. I'm right here to protect you. But don't stop talking to me though, okay? Don't shut me out."
"I will try," she shuddered. "I really am trying."
"I know." She suddenly felt it was important for Minerva to know that. Hermione smoothed Minerva's damp hair back and kissed her forehead. "I know you are, I really do Min. I promise."
Minerva reached up over her shoulder and held Hermione's face in her hands while they looked into each other's eyes. Hermione smiled and leaned down to kiss her.
"I love you," Hermione whispered against her lips. "I love you with every fibre of my being."
Minerva moaned and kissed Hermione deeper. Hermione's arms tightened around her even as she splayed her hands out over Minerva's flat stomach. Delicate, strong fingers gripped Hermione's thighs as the older woman arched into their kiss. She squeezed Hermione's thighs desperately and Hermione couldn't help but gasp at the connotations it brought to mind. Her own hand slid upwards and gently cupped Minerva's breast. She moaned at the feel of it, even though she immediately realised it was a mistake. Minerva did not indicate she was ready for that, and Hermione knew she had blundered.
Hermione's hand was held where it was as Hermione kicked herself for her stupidity. Minerva ripped her head away as she tried to catch her breath and after Hermione gathered her wits a little, she pressed a series of kisses along Minerva's shoulder to soothe them. She rubbed her thumb against Minerva's where it held her still and did her best not to move otherwise.
"I'm sorry," Hermione said in earnest.
"I'm sorry," Minerva answered.
Hermione flattened her hand so she wasn't holding on and Minerva let her go. She purposefully wrapped her arms back around Minerva's middle and kissed her temple.
"You do not have to be," Hermione insisted. "I am sorry for losing myself," she whispered. "I did not -"
"I am not upset, I just -"
They breathed together for a while before Hermione kissed her cheek.
"Neither of us is ready for that, and that is okay. I love you. I am not in a hurry, Min. Let me hop out and get you a towel and then I'll leave you be."
"Don't," Minerva shook her head. "I don't want you to go."
"Ok. Do you want me to get you a towel, though?"
The tension that had been building disappeared with Minerva's quiet chuckle as she extended her arm and twisted her fingers. Hermione burned with embarrassment as two towels came floating towards them. She dropped her forehead on Minerva's shoulder and groaned.
"Did I mention I was a Muggleborn?"
Minerva managed a quiet chuckle and got out. Hermione very deliberately stared at the wall and did not look until Minerva cleared her throat.
She smiled and took the towel from her as she stood as well. They dried off in silence and after finding pyjamas for the both of them, Hermione met her in the middle of the bed.
Hermione watched Minerva war with herself in the pitch black, having clearly forgotten that Hermione could see in it. She reached forward and traced Minerva's features.
"Oh bloody hell," she muttered.
"It's alright. I promise I didn't look past your shoulders."
Minerva snorted and captured Hermione's hand against her cheek.
"I'm sorry that I am not -"
"Don't," Hermione insisted. "Don't apologise for that. There is nothing to be sorry for."
"I don't want you to think that I do not -" Hermione held her breath. "That I don't care for you deeply. Because I do. I just cannot, at this time -"
"It's okay," Hermione assured her. "I pushed without thinking." She blushed now. "You make me feel things that defy logic. But I won't do that again. I promise."
Minerva swallowed but didn't reply. Hermione traced over the furrows in her brow and shifted forwards to kiss them.
"Would you like me to hold you, or just be here?"
Minerva shrugged, so Hermione settled on her back with her head on one of her arms. She left her other next to Minerva's hand and offered her pinky by placing it on Minerva's. Her whole hand was gripped while Minerva settled on her side.
"I'm right here Min," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."
Minerva sighed and Hermione dozed for a while before Minerva huffed and shuffled forwards. She snuggled into Hermione and brought her body to rest partially on Hermione's chest. She sighed deeply as Hermione held her tightly.
"Sleep now," she whispered. "I've got you."