Author's Note: So this story has been my Roman Empire. I started it over fifteen years ago, and haven't touched it in a decade – I have no excuses, just life getting in the way, and other passions and priorities. However, I always wanted to finish the final chapter, and made it my goal before the year was through. So if there's anyone who did stick with it, hoping for closure, here you go.
Chapter Twenty Two
Minerva stepped out of the floo, and glanced around at The Leaky Cauldon. It's empty, bar her and Hermione, for which she was glad - the less people to interact with, the better. "This way," she said to Hermione, and nodded towards the door that leads out to Muggle London.
However, before she took more than two steps, she faltered. "What's wrong?" Hermione asked immediately, as she stepped closer to offer a supportive hand, but then realized Minerva's attention was caught by the stack of Daily Prophets on the table.
Minerva reached for a copy of the paper and brought it closer, and angled it so Hermione could read the cover. The headline exclaimed about the death of a Ministry employee, with a headshot of Amelia Bones underneath it. Her eyes scanned the article quickly, her heart clenching as she read. She'd considered Amelia a good friend of hers.
"I'm sorry," Hermione said quietly, as Minerva placed the paper back on the stack. "I'm guessing she was a friend?"
"Yes," Minerva replied, just as quietly. "Come, let's go."
Hermione nodded back, and followed her out into the summer air. Once on the busy London street, Minerva flagged down a taxi, and gave the driver the address of a cafe that she knew was close to the Muggle entrance to the Ministry.
The cafe wasn't too busy, most patrons getting their coffee to go, so Minerva and Hermione had no trouble getting a table. They placed their order with a friendly waitress, and sat in companionable silence until their coffee and breakfast was brought over.
"I went to Hogwarts with Amelia - Madam Bones," Minerva finally said, after they'd taken a few bites. "Seeing that article gave me a bit of a shock."
"I'm not surprised," Hermione replied. She bit her lip in worry. "To think that she was head of the Magical Law Enforcement, and they still managed to get in…"
"I know," Minerva replied simply. The thought worried her too, and made her feel anxious about sitting out in the open there at the cafe. "As soon as we're done eating, let's get going. I don't mind being early, I'm sure Albus will be as well."
True to her assumption, Albus had been waiting for them already when they arrived at the Ministry, despite being forty minutes early.
"Ah, I'd hoped you'd arrive sooner," he greeted them. "I'm presuming you saw-"
"Yes," Minerva replied, and they exchanged a look.
Hermione caught it, and frowned to herself. She knew that they obviously had bigger concerns, with the Order and increasing safety and security concerns, and it put her on edge to see how worried they each were, despite hiding it.
"Right, to the Administrative Registration Department. I believe that's on the first level. This way," Albus told them, and gestured to the elevators. The Ministry already has quite a number of people bustling around, and more than a few stopped to gawk, but Hermione kept her head down and hastened to keep up, even with Minerva and her walking stick.
They managed to get an elevator to themselves, stopping only once for some inter-department mail to join them. The elevator finally clunked to a stop and they exited down a long corridor. Albus stopped them after only a few doors, and rapped his knuckles sharply on one of them.
A voice called them to enter, and Hermione blinked in the dim light as they stepped inside a small, dusty office. A small, wrinkled old witch sat behind a desk piled with paperwork, and she nodded towards the two chairs in front of her desk.
"Ah, it's a bit crowded in here," Albus said politely. "I'll just step outside. Minerva, you'll be fine, yes?"
"Of course," Minerva replied, nodding as he turned to leave, and gestured for Hermione to sit first. She settled in the seat next to her, and made eye contact with the witch. "My name is Minerva McGonagall," she stated. "I have a custody appointment for nine. I believe we're early, if that's not a problem-"
"T'is fine, I don't get much down here anyway," the witch replied in a raspy voice. "Let me see…McGonagall. Right. You're here to complete paperwork to take custody of a muggleborn, I believe?"
"Correct, Hermione Granger," Minerva replied.
Hermione sat quietly, watching the witch rifle through a stack of papers. She's anxious - not entirely sure why - but it helped to have Minerva's calming presence right next to her.
"Ah, yes. Filed on your behalf by Mr Albus Dumbledore. The child in question is no longer living with the Muggle family, right, that was alerted in the Muggleborn department. Pressing it a bit close to complete the paperwork, you know, you only had until tomorrow before a warrant would be put out for Miss Granger."
"Wait, what?" Hermione cut in, startled. She had no idea that leaving her home could get her arrested.
Minerva seemed to already know this, and gave her arm a quick reassuring pat. "Yes, however we made it," Minerva replied confidently. "Had a little health trouble that delayed coming sooner."
"Ah, of course," the witch replied, nodding at Minerva's cane. "I understand that. I had to take a whole week off work last year because St Mungo's wouldn't clear me from a little Dragon Pox, can you believe it?" She let out a rasping cough, and shook her head. "Anyway, this won't take long. I'll just have you both sign here, and here, and anywhere with a yellow mark…"
She thrusted a handful of parchment to Minerva, who shuffled them quickly into an orderly stack. She withdrew two quills from her robes, one of which she gave to Hermione, and started to skim read each sheet before signing. After each scrawling signature, she handed the parchment to Hermione, pointing to where she needed to sign.
"Now, Miss Granger, will you be keeping your last name? Or changing to your guardian's last name?" the witch asked, finally meeting Hermione's eyes.
Yet again, Hermione was startled. She wasn't expecting the witch to ask this, she had no idea it would even be considered. "Oh," she said, and faltered. She had no idea what to say, and didn't know what Minerva expected her to say either. She glanced over, and her eyes met Minerva's warm ones.
"We actually hadn't discussed that," Minerva answered. "Hermione, that's completely up to you. You're more than welcome to take my last name, but it's also okay to keep your current surname. I'll support whatever decision you make."
Hermione considered it for a moment. She loved the idea of changing her last name away from her horrible parents, instead linking herself to the one adult that has been there for her for the past five years with no hesitation. However, she was then struck with the thought of the dark times ahead, and the prospect that she could be putting Minerva at risk by linking their names together, especially considering how much danger she was already in just by being Harry Potter's best friend.
"Right now, I'll keep my last name," Hermione said at last. She thought she caught the tiniest, fastest flash of disappointment on Minerva's face, however it was gone so fast she wasn't sure she imagined it.
"Right. Then this seems to all be in order," the witch replied. She collected the pile of parchment from Hermione, added her own signature, and then tapped the stack with her wand. "Change of guardianship is official. You're all set, please close the door on your way out."
Minerva thanked the witch, and gestured for Hermione to stand. She led the way out of the room, making sure to close the door behind them, and glanced down the empty hall.
"Albus must have been called away," she remarked. "Perhaps we go back to the Atrium to wait, I think."
Hermione nodded, and followed her down the corridor. She reached to press the button to go up, as Minerva touched her shoulder.
"Hermione," she said gently. "I'm your guardian."
"I know," Hermione replied, and beams. Without hesitation, she flung herself forward, and caught Minerva in a tight hug. She was careful of Minerva's cane, and grinned wider to herself when she felt Minerva's arms tighten around her.
The elevator door clanged, and they pulled apart to enter the empty elevator. As the doors closed, Hermione caught Minerva's eye. "So, back in the room, when she asked me about changing my name?" she asked.
"Right," Minerva replied. "I didn't actually realize that would be an option either."
"Are you..I didn't disappoint you, did I? That I kept Granger?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
"Merlin, of course not," admonished Minerva lightly. "You are welcome to do whatever makes you happiest."
Hermione swallowed. "I think I would have been happier with your last name," she admitted quietly, but continued before Minerva could respond. "But with the dark times ahead, and the likely war we're going to have, I didn't think it was the smartest idea to link my name publicly to yours. I mean, you're one of the most powerful witches, and I'm friends with Harry Potter - we'd be putting each other at risk. And I wouldn't be okay if someone harmed you because of me."
"Likewise," Minerva replied quietly, and sighed. "You're far wiser than your years, Hermione. Look, when we get through all of this, the Dark times - I want you to know that the offer will still be open, okay?"
"Deal," Hermione replied, and grinned, right as the elevator doors opened. However, the smile is quickly wiped off her face.
"You!" came a screeching voice, and Hermione looked in shock to see none other than Dolores Umbridge standing before them, glaring with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Minerva stiffened, and moved her body to partially shield Hermione as she drew her wand. Behind her, she sensed Hermione moving slightly, as if she pulled her own wand out. Umbridge already had her wand out, and immediately slashed it through the air. A red light shot towards them, which Minerva blocked with ease, and Hermione cast a shield spell.
"Control yourself, Dolores, we are not here for you," Minerva told her firmly, blocking another two jets of light. Over Umbridge's shoulder, she could see several Ministry officials rushing over. "Kingsley, control your staff!" she called out sharply.
Umbridge was mad with rage. She spat out hexes and dodged Minerva's disarming spells, clearly trying to do hard to either Minerva or Hermione. Fortunately, it only lasted another couple seconds, when Kingsley Shaklebolt caught up and had her unarmed in a moment. Two other Ministry officials grabbed her arms and hauled her away, as she yelled obscenities the whole way.
"The Ministry might want to consider vetting their staff a little better," Minerva said, somewhat harshly, as she straightened her robes. Hermione couldn't help but agree, and canceled her shield charm.
"Apologies," Shacklebolt replied with a huff. "Are you heading out?"
"No, to the Animagus office next, assuming I can locate Albus," she said.
"Minerva, I'm here," a voice called out, and they turned as Dumbledore approached. His normally calm face was tense, and Hermione bit her lip a little, unsure of what she was missing. "All set downstairs?" he asked, and when Minerva nodded, he offered her and Hermione a small smile. "Congratulations to you both. Right, we don't want to extend this visit more than necessary. Back into the elevator, please."
They re-entered the same elevator, this time joined by Albus and Kingsley, who bowed their heads together and were speaking rapidly, too fast for Hermione to catch the words. Minerva noticed Hermione trying to listen, and instead gave her shoulder a squeeze. "Feeling okay?" she asked. "Remember, when you transform, you need to be relaxed. It's been an eventful morning, shall we say. If we need to postpone this-"
"No, I'm fine," Hermione said hastily. "Promise. Besides, do we really want to make a second Ministry visit this summer?"
"Good point," agreed Minerva.
The doors clanked open as the speakerbox announced they had reached the Department of Magical Creatures. Kingsley stayed with them and led them down the hallway to another door, to which Albus opened it and gestured for Minerva and Hermione to enter. "I'll be here with Kingsley," he told Minerva. "I'll stay this time."
Minerva nodded, and guided Hermione inside. This office was larger and airier, with magical windows showing the sunny English countryside. There was a large podium in the middle of the room, a heavy, gold-edged book resting on top.
"Good morning, can I help you?" a young man, not more than twenty, asked from behind the desk. "Oh, Professor McGonagall, hello."
"Mr Buckling, good to see you," Minerva responds with a nod and small smile. She turned to Hermione. "Mr Buckling graduated three years ago, when you were in your second year."
Hermione doesn't recognize him at all, but smiled at him with a nod.
"Now, we are here to register Miss Granger here as an Animagus," Minerva told the man, who nods excitedly.
"Excellent. I don't think they've had a new one all year. Let me just get my supervisor…" he said, and trailed off as he got up. He hurried over to a door, knocking, and stuck his head in for a moment to speak with the person inside.
Hermione waited patiently next to Minerva, and felt her stomach knotting up. She knows she's mastered her transformation, but there was always the chance it might not work out. Absently, she started drumming her nails on the counter, but stopped when Mr Buckling returned, followed by a tall witch.
"Minerva, darling, good to see you," she said in a cheery voice, as she came around the counter and gave Minerva a hug.
"You too, Teresa," Minerva replied with a warm smile. She brought hand to rest on Hermine's shoulder. "This is Hermione Granger, here to be added to the Animagus register."
"Miss Granger, yes, that's a famous name around here lately," the witch replied, but offered Hermione a friendly smile. "I'm Madam Cribble. Old friend of your Professor. Now, come with me, and we'll get started, shall we?" She started to lead the way to another door, but paused. "Minerva, I'm sorry, you can't join. We'll be back shortly."
Minerva hadn't expected that she wasn't allowed to accompany Hermione, but realized it made sense - Albus never came in with her either, when she registered all those years ago. She offered Hermione a comforting smile, who looked a little pale, and settled on one of the comfortable waiting chairs.
Hermione gave a weak smile back, and followed the witch to the next room. It was just as bright and airy, with a table in one corner, and the witch led her there first. "Now, just some paperwork that I need you to fill out," Madam Cribble said in a friendly voice, and tapped a parchment on the stack. "Start here, and then I'll have you transform. While you're in your Animagus form, I'll be taking several photographs and recording remarkable features. Then we'll get you back out to sign the registry, alright?"
Hermione nodded, and picked up the quill. She started to complete the paperwork, then faltered at the second line - her address. She realized now that she actually had no idea what Minerva's address was, and likely couldn't write it as it was under a Fidelity protection spell. But she couldn't write her parents address, considering she was never going back there.
After a few moments hesitation, she just wrote 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry', and hoped Madam Cribble wouldn't complain. She finished the rest of the page, and then put the quill down. "Finished," she said, and Madam Cribble smiled.
"Excellent. Now, dear, just come to the middle of the room, and if you'd transform for me, please?" she asked.
Hermione nodded, and moved to where she pointed. She drew a slight breath, and hoped for the best.
Pop
She transformed immediately into her kitten form. If a cat could smile, she would have, but instead looked up at Madam Cribble looming above her. The witch made notes on a parchment, slowly making her way around as she examined every marking and patch of fur.
It only took five minutes before Madam Cribble told her she could change back, and she did so with another quick pop. "Very good," Madam Cribble said. "Good control. Come with me."
Hermione nodded, and followed her back out into the front area, where Minerva was perched on a chair, making idle chat with the man at the desk. She rose as soon as they came through, and raised her eyebrows expectantly. "Well?"
"We have a new Animagus to add to the register," Madam Cribble announced, and Hermione felt the biggest rush of relief. The only thing better than that, was the look of pride on Minerva's face, who immediately stepped over and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Congratulations, Hermione," Minerva murmured into her ear. "I'm so very proud of you."
Hermione flushed, and felt her eyes well up with emotion. She can't believe she finally did it.
"Miss Granger if you will," Madam Cribble said, as she flipped the large book open that was on the podium in the middle of the room, and handed her an obnoxiously ostentatious quill. "Right along here, your name, form, and signature."
Hermione glanced down the register - it appeared that each Animagus had their own page, with a picture of their form added. There was a blank space on Hermione's page where she assumed her picture would be added. She carefully added her information, signed, and then placed the pen down. Minerva, who had stepped up right behind her, gave her shoulder a quick squeeze.
"Right, we should get going," Minerva said, and gave her farewell to the staff. Hermione thanked them as well, and when they step outside, they find Albus waiting for them alone.
"Ah, you're all set. Miss Granger, was it successful?" he asked, peering at her over the bridge of his glasses.
"It was," she confirmed, and grinned again as she felt Minerva bump her shoulder. All the worry and chaos of earlier was gone from her mind, focused only her success.
"Congratulations. Welcome to the club," he told her. "Right, I believe it best for the two of you to depart. The Ministry is not the safest place to be these days, unfortunately. Minerva, Kingsley was gracious to allow me to connect his office fireplace to Hogwarts, which I'll close as soon as you're both through. But you'll be able to get to your home from there easily enough, yes?"
"Of course," Minerva replied. The crease around her eyes was the only giveaway that she was anxious about his words. "Come, Hermione."
They returned to the elevators for a third time, and it's only a short trip and several corridors before they arrive at Kingsley Shacklebolt's office. He's behind his desk, and flicked his wand at the fireplace for a roaring fire to appear. "Order meeting tomorrow night," he said to Minerva and Albus, who nodded.
"See you then. Thank you, Kingsley. Hermione, come right after me, alright?" Minerva said, and then threw in a handful of floo powder and stepped into the flames.
Hermione took her own handful, thanked both Albus and Kingsley, and stepped into the fire. She stepped out into Minerva's office, and took a moment to brush the soot from her robes. Minerva was doing the same thing, but gave her a smile. "Good, you're here. We'll apparate home from here, if that works for you?"
Hermione agreed, and they headed out into the quiet corridor. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls as they made their way towards the entrance hall. "Can I ask a question?" Hermione asked, somewhat hesitantly.
"Always," Minerva replied. "What's on your mind?"
"I heard Kingsley tell you and Professor Dumbledore about an Order meeting tomorrow," she replied. "I don't suppose you'll let me attend, would you?"
Minerva sighed, and glanced over at Hermione. "You supposed right. Look, I do trust you, and I do feel that you deserve to know some of the information," she replied carefully. "More than what I believe Molly Weasley is comfortable with for her children, at any rate. However, you are still underage, so you can't join the Order yet. But can you trust me, that I'll tell you what you need to know?"
It's more than Hermione had hoped for, and she nodded. "That works. Thanks. Will I stay home while you go tomorrow, then?"
"Actually no, I'd prefer you come with me," Minerva replied. "And that's not that I don't trust you home alone. I'm just anxious. I would never have thought Amelia Bones wouldn't be safe, and look at what's happened. I'd rather you come with me to Grimmauld Place, and you'll see Ron and Ginny there while we meet."
Hermione agreed to that as well, as they reached the Entrance Hall. Minerva muttered a spell to unlock the doors, and muttered it again to relock the doors once they stepped out. It was only a quick walk to the gates, and with a sharp crack, Minerva took Hermione's arm and apparated them out.
Once arriving back at Minerva's home, Hermione offered to make tea. Minerva accepted the offer, and gratefully sank down into the soft couch in the living room - she was tired. And she was also anxious for the weeks ahead - she knew that Amelia Bones's murder was only the start of things come come.
However, the sound of Hermione bustling about in the kitchen calmed her. The knowledge that Minerva was now the girl's guardian, and that she had that extra protection of being there, made Minerva feel comforted.
"Here," Hermione said, as she came into the room with two mugs of tea. She carefully handed one to Minerva, and settled down next to her with her own mug.
Minerva took a long sip, not caring the heat was almost scalding her tongue, and felt immediate relief. The sensation flooded through her body, and the pain she was feeling in her back from the Stunner attack instantly eased. She narrowed her eyes at Hermione. "Did you spike my tea with a pain relief potion?" she asked.
"Yep," Hermione replied unabashedly. "Are you going to tell me you didn't need it?"
Minerva didn't answer - the girl knew her too well. She had been feeling achy from being at the Ministry all morning, as well as the extra energy she exerted from deflecting Umbridge's spell barrage. "Thank you," she finally said, and Hermione smiled.
"Anytime," she replied. "Although, I should be the one thanking you - taking me to the Ministry, helping with my Animagus, taking guardianship - honestly, thank you isn't enough."
"Psh, you don't need to thank me at all," Minerva told her. She set her mug down on the coffee table, and gave Hermione her full attention. "Hermione, I love you like you're my own family. I'd do anything for you, you know that right?"
Hermione was touched. She set her own mug down next to Minerva's. "I do," she replied. "I love you too."
Minerva smiled, her soft, rare smile, and reached out. She pulled Hermione into a hug, and knew that no matter what Dark times lay ahead, they'd be okay.
Fin
