Torment of an Immaculate Soul
Hermione awoke to the sensation of bed sheets being peeled from her body. Her mind muddled from sleep and sensory input, she blinked into the darkness apprehensively until the unmistakable face of Minerva McGonagall came into view, staring expectantly at her.
"Pr…Professor? What…?"
"Shh, dear, 'tis quite alright." Minerva's brogue husked into the stillness.
Hermione sat up, pulling away from chilled fingers tracing up her calf.
"I don't under…"
"Did you think I was unaware, Hermione? I have known for some time, now. You desire this…you desire me."
"But…" Hermione weakly protested and rubbed at her eyes to better see the woman sitting by her hip. Minerva was recognizable but her features seemed to blur the more Hermione tried to concentrate on her.
"Don't fret. You are past the age of majority, are you not?"
"Ye…yes, but…."
"Do you disallow these facts?"
"N…no"
"Well then…" Minerva's hand slid without restraint up smooth legs, under a nightshirt, and directly to the apex of Hermione's thighs. "We have no reason to deny ourselves…"
Hermione collapsed back onto her pillows at Minerva's intimate touch. The experienced witch played Hermione's body like a Stradivarius violin, bringing the young woman to the heights of ecstasy multiple times throughout the night.
A completely enthralled Hermione was struggling to stay awake when Minerva rolled from the bed. "Wait! Don't you want..?"
"Oh, no, dear." Minerva leaned down to bestow a rough kiss to Hermione's swollen lips. "I'm fine, thank you, perhaps next time." She promised salaciously. "Now get some rest. And remember, this is our little secret. You are still a student, despite being of legal age."
Hermione's eyes closed in exhaustion, unable to follow Minerva's exit. A dreamless slumber finally claimed the woman, holding her so deeply in its spell that she slept through her alarm. Awakened by a sliver of sunlight that snaked through the slit in the window curtains and sliced across her eyelids, the fatigued witch fell out of bed and stumbled through her morning ablutions. She barely made it to the great hall to hastily scrounge some breakfast before her first class began.
Ginny glanced at Hermione when her friend plopped unceremoniously into the seat next to her.
"What happened to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You look…disheveled."
"Oh. I didn't sleep much last night."
"Pull an all-nighter?"
"Yeah, kind of."
"NEWTs are a bear. But, it'll be over soon."
"Yeah."
Their conversation stalled as Professor Flitwick took his position on the podium to begin lecture.
The day dragged on for Hermione. She felt lethargic and could not rally, despite multiple cups of coffee. Ignoring her body's need for sleep, she spent four hours after dinner studying in the library. Once she realized she had read the same passage three times without retaining a word, she gathered her things and staggered off to bed.
A weight held her down, restraining her movements. Gulping air as she swam from the depths of her somnolence, she cried out in pain from teeth sinking into the flesh of her shoulder.
"Sorry," a gruff brogue sounded in her ear. "I could nae resist."
"Uhnnn…Minerva…?"
"Aye, luv."
"What…?"
Minerva grabbed Hermione's wrists and dragged her arms over her head. "Don't." her deep voice ordered, her darkened emerald eyes boring into Hermione's
Hermione barely nodded in compliance before Minerva slid down her body, leaving heated tracings of lips, teeth, and tongue.
Hermione's legs gave out and dropped her to the floor when she tried to stand from her bed. With a Herculean effort, she dragged herself to her room's en suite bath and sat on the cold shower tiles while steaming water pummeled her body back to life. She felt a sharp sting as the water hit her shoulder, triggering her mind to replay images of her night's visitation. Despite being the beneficiary of Minerva's rapacious carnal knowledge, Hermione was bereft from being refused reciprocation. Deciding to leave her concerns for later examination, she shut the water off and concentrated on getting ready for the day.
Joining her friends at the dining table, Hermione was greeted by Ginny's worried expression and interrogation.
"Where have you been?"
"What? I just came from my room."
Ginny squinted her eyes in an attempt to better evaluate her best friend. "Hermione, it's after noon."
"What?!"
"You made it in time for lunch…"
"No! That can't be."
"What's going on? How late did you stay at the library?"
"Only 'til eleven."
"Didn't you go to bed?"
"Yes! I went straight to bed."
"Well, you look like you haven't slept for a month."
Hermione felt a panic begin to churn in her stomach. She glanced at the teacher's table and caught Minerva watching her in consideration. She arched an eyebrow in challenge to the Headmistress before turning back to her breakfast…or lunch.
"I think I'll go to the infirmary and see if Madame Pomfrey can give me something to help me sleep." She muttered into her water glass.
"Miss Granger. What can I do for you?" Poppy eyed the young woman speculatively.
"I'm having trouble sleeping. I wake up exhausted. And today, I was so late; I thought I was at breakfast when it was actually lunchtime. Perhaps you can give me an invigoration draught to get me through the day?"
"You do look rather ragged." Poppy agreed. "Let's check you out first. Make sure you haven't caught something." While running a few standard diagnostic spells, Poppy questioned Hermione. "Are you not sleeping? Having night terrors or invasive dreams?"
"The nightmares are few and far between, thankfully." Hermione frowned in puzzlement. "What are invasive dreams?"
"Vivid dreams that your brain cannot differentiate from reality. They are most often the cause of one's talking or walking while asleep."
"Oh, um…maybe."
"Well, that may be the issue. I find nothing physically wrong with you. It may simply be your mind is refusing to shut off. I will give you the invigoration draught, but I want you to use it sparingly. I am also going to send you with some dreamless sleep potion. If you have not rebounded after three nights of this, I want you back for further testing."
"Yes, ma'am." Hermione agreed respectfully.
"And maybe take a night off from the books." Poppy suggested knowingly.
"Maybe." Hermione conceded. "Thank you."
Hermione hurried to her potions class, disconcerted over missing her entire morning. She was a few minutes late, but Professor Slughorn had just arrived and she slipped in behind him. Taking her usual seat, she was immediately questioned by Ginny.
"You alright?"
"Yeah. She gave me a couple of potions to help."
"Oh, good." Ginny halfheartedly approved.
"What?"
"You sure there isn't something more going on? I mean, you look like death warmed over."
Hermione turned her face to her open book, avoiding Ginny's intense scrutiny. "I'm fine. I'm sure this will do the trick."
Later that night, Hermione was curled up in front of the common room fire staring absently at the flames with a book open on her lap. The sound of heels striking slate pulled her from her mental wanderings.
"Oh! Miss Granger. I was not expecting to find you here."
"I'm sorry. Would you prefer to find me asleep in bed?" Hermione testily shot back.
"Yes, I would rather you were sleeping. It is one o'clock in the morning." Minerva's lips pursed in baffled displeasure at Hermione's tone.
"Is that part of the thrill for you?"
"The thrill?" Minerva's eyebrows knitted in utter confusion. "I'm sorry Miss Granger, but I do not understand to what you are referring."
"Seriously? The last two nights?"
"What about them?"
"In my bed..?" Hermione prompted.
"Did something occur that I should be aware of?"
Hermione squinted, studying the Headmistress. There was no guile or deception in the woman's demeanor, just a keen curiosity blending with concern. Doubting her own memory, Hermione asked meekly, "Did you come into my bedroom to check on me?"
The look of horror that flashed across Minerva's face was almost comical. "Ne'er in a' th' time ye have lived in this castle." Minerva's brogue was laden with mortification. "Ah hve always respected my students' privacy. I would ne'er intrude unless an emergency …"
"I apologize professor. I do not mean to accuse you of impropriety. I haven't been sleeping well. Madame Pomfrey thinks I may be having invasive dreams."
"Ah. And you have had a dream that I disturbed your slumber?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"And you are here now because…"
"Because I'm afraid to go to sleep."
"Would you like a dreamless sleep potion?"
"I have one."
Minerva eyed Hermione wondering what could be so troublesome to cause the woman to resist sleep. "Maybe you should take the potion and get some sleep. It is Saturday. You have no demands on your day. Enjoy a lie-in and get some well-earned rest."
"I will. Thank you, Professor."
"Of course. Have a good night."
"You too." Hermione watched indifferently as Minerva returned to her night patrol.
"Oh fuck! Minerva, please…" Hermione's voice cracked in rapture, her body strained to meet Minerva's ministrations. The bedsheets were damp from sweat and her thighs were soaked with need. As the last flames of desire licked through her veins, Hermione succumbed to a cadaverous stupor.
A pounding echo vaguely infiltrated her coma like state, pulling Hermione closer to consciousness. Ginny yanking her blankets off and, dragging her by the ankles toward the foot of the bed, expedited her awakening.
"Good morning sleepyhead!"
"Urgh…"
"Come on, Hermione. The boys are meeting us in Hogsmeade. They're probably already there."
Hermione buried her head under a pillow, begging for another twelve hours of sleep.
"Ron hasn't been up in weeks. Don't you want to see him?"
"Not really," Hermione confessed.
"Oh, come on. You can catch up on your lost sleep tomorrow. Now get up before I drag you to the shower."
Believing the verbalized threat, Hermione slid from the bed and crawled half way across the floor before Ginny helped her to her feet.
"Damn, Hermione. You look worse than yesterday. I mean, talk about raccoon eyes." Ginny followed her into the bathroom. "You might want to use some makeup today."
"Right, yeah, I'll be out in a few." Hermione closed the door in Ginny's face. Turing to evaluate herself in the mirror, Hermione's jaw dropped. Her eyes looked bruised and her skin had the pallor of a vampire. Her hair was dry and hung limply down her back. And her body ached worse than after the battle of Hogwarts eight months ago. "Shit. Invigoration draught it is."
Ginny burst through the door of the Three Broomsticks and rushed through the room to join Harry and Ron in the back booth. Nearly jumping into Harry's arms, she gave her boyfriend a greeting to last through another week of separation.
"Where's "Mione?" Ron inquired sullenly.
"She's coming," Ginny replied through the joyous grin on her face.
A few moments later, Hermione shouldered the door open and plodded in. Her movements could best be described as dragging ass. She shuffled her feet in a forced, steady progression. Ron met her halfway and she sunk into his arms like they were all that held her upright.
"Hey, what's going on?" Ron asked; more miffed that he wasn't getting the same enthusiastic welcome Harry had received than concerned about Hermione's condition.
"Not feeling very well." Hermione allowed.
"You look like hell."
"Way to be sensitive, Ron." Ginny smacked his arm.
"What? She does." Ron maintained. "Are you sick or something?"
"Yeah," Hermione glared at him, infuriated by his reaction. "Sick of you," she bit out through teeth clenched in rage.
"What did I do?"
Hermione stared in disbelief at her boyfriend's lack of emotional comprehension and intellectual capacity. Giving in to everything burning within her she pulled herself to her full height, stiffened her regard, and heatedly cursed, "Fuck you, Ron."
"Wha…? Hermione…wait." Ron ran out after Hermione, oblivious to his inconsiderate behavior and the depth of her anger.
"'Mione…wait…where are you going?" He grabbed at her sleeve only to be thrown a few meters back from the stunning spell that caught him full in the chest. He struggled to his elbows to find empty air where Hermione had stood.
"Good luck fixing this one, mate."
"What the hell, Harry? What did I do?"
"You were a right git, Ron," Ginny yelled at him.
"What?"
"You were so caught up in your own perspective; you couldn't even see how ill Hermione is. You don't deserve her."
"I figured she was just studying too hard, like always."
"Yeah, well, you were wrong."
"Will you bring her back?" Ron pleaded with his sister.
"No. I'm going to spend my free afternoon with my boyfriend. If you're smart, you'll go home and send her a letter begging…and I mean begging, for forgiveness."
Ron scrunched his face in consideration. "Yeah, maybe you're right. See ya later then."
"He is such a prat," Ginny complained after he disapparated. "Come on," she grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him back to the inn. "Let's get a drink."
Hermione was intercepted on her way back to her room by Minerva. The headmistress was returning from a quick supply run to Diagon Alley when she literally bumped into Hermione at the main gate.
"Miss Granger, I do apologize."
"No harm," Hermione muttered, averting her face.
"Miss Granger, are you quite alright?"
"Been better."
"Hermione…" Minerva's low voice, filled with concern drew Hermione's eyes to her. "You do not look well."
"It's nothing."
"It is not 'nothing'. Come with me." Minerva grasped Hermione's arm and assisted her into the castle and all the way to the Head's office.
"I really just need to go get some rest." Hermione pleaded weakly.
"And you will. I would like a word, first."
Hermione knew by the clipped words that Minerva would not brook argument so she followed along passively. Once within the office walls, Minerva summoned the usual tea and biscuits and guided Hermione to the chair closest to the fireplace.
"Now, what is going on with you?" Minerva inquired gently.
Hermione's voice got stuck in her throat when she looked at Minerva and their eyes locked. The concern and sympathy shining in Minerva's emerald green gaze, so unlike Ron's, broke Hermione's stoicism, eliciting a tear to break over the damn of hubris.
"Oh, my dear…" Minerva dropped to her knees and engulfed Hermione in an embrace that destroyed all of her protective walls. She held the younger woman through a release of frustration, exhaustion, confusion, and fear. Once the flood was suspended, Minerva released her charge and pushed herself back into her own chair. Keeping ahold of Hermione's hand, she pressed gently for information. "Hermione, can you tell me…?"
"I am so terribly exhausted. I can't sleep. Or I do sleep but it isn't at all restful. My dreams interrupt the night. When I wake, I am more tired than when I went to bed. I'm taking dreamless sleep potions at night and countering with invigoration draughts when I get up. I feel like I am going mad."
"What are these dreams that are haunting you?"
Hermione dropped her gaze, turning her face back to the fire. "I don't remember." She mumbled.
Minerva knew without a doubt that she was just lied to, but would not push. "Do you think it is the stress of your upcoming NEWTs?"
"Maybe? I don't know. I never had a difficult time with exams before."
"Perhaps the separation from your friends?"
"I doubt it. We've been seeing each other regularly. Although, I think I might have just broken up with Ron." Hermione surprised herself with that admission.
"Oh. Well, I am sorry to hear that."
"Are you?" Hermione's voice was full of actual wonder.
"I had presumed you two would go all the way to marriage."
"Yeah, well, inconsiderate egotism will kill any relationship."
Minerva wisely remained silent at that remark. "Is there anything I can do that might help you?"
"I don't know."
"Fair enough. How about you stay here in the peace and quiet to finish your tea while I busy myself with overdue correspondence?"
Hermione's smile was genuine when she accepted. "That would be lovely. Thank you."
It wasn't five minutes before Hermione was softly snoring in the chair. Minerva deftly transfigured the chair into a chaise and placed a throw over her young ward, leaving the girl to sleep peacefully.
Hermione didn't as much as move a finger as she slept the evening away. Loathe to disturb the girl's rest, Minerva left her alone during the dinner hour and, on return, snuffed out all the lights to allow her to rest as long as possible.
The following morning, Hermione finally stirred just after sunrise, surprised to discover her whereabouts. She hastily folded the blanket and, with the demands of her full bladder pushing her, was about to run when she was stopped by an alert, smooth contralto voice.
"You may use my private washroom…"
"Oh, Professor, I'm sorry."
"There is absolutely nothing to be sorry for," Minerva stated sincerely. "Right through here." She guided Hermione into her private quarters and directed her to the necessary room.
Hermione re-emerged to find the headmistress already back to work at her desk.
"Thank you, Professor."
"I think we have been through enough over the past few years that you may feel free to use my given name when we are in private."
"Oh, ok…ummm…thank you…Minerva. I mean it. This has been the best sleep I've had in days."
"You're welcome, Hermione. You do look better."
"Mmm, I feel better."
"Any time you need a moment; please don't hesitate to come by."
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely. Now, you best get yourself refreshed. Breakfast is in twenty minutes."
"Right. Thanks again, Minerva."
Hermione ran back to her own room feeling more alive than she had in ages. "Banded Treeblights," she announced to the fat lady.
"Hmpf" a derisive huff of disapproval sounded from the painting as it swung open to allow entry.
Hermione frowned in perplexity at the portrait's response but skipped through the door and into the common room.
"Where the devil have you been?" Ginny attacked as soon as Hermione emerged.
"I…" Hermione began to explain but stopped herself, "don't need to explain myself to you."
The women stared angrily at each other for almost a full minute. Ginny capitulated first. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I've just been worried. I got back from Hogsmeade and you were nowhere to be found. I've been here" she waved at a chair "all night."
"Well, now you can experience a tiny bit of how I've been feeling for the last week."
"Where were you?" Ginny tried again in a much softer tone.
"I was with the headmistress."
"McG?"
Hermione nodded.
"What were you doing with her?"
"I was sleeping." Hermione offered a crooked smile. "I have no idea what she did."
"You had a sleepover with Minerva McGonagall?" Ginny laughed incredulously.
Hermione started for the stairs to her room with Ginny shadowing her. "I did. I ran into her on my way back here yesterday. She invited me up for tea and a talk. Next thing I know, I'm waking up on a chaise in her office."
"Crazy. Did you actually sleep through?"
"I did."
"You look better."
"Feel better, too. You going to breakfast?"
"Yeah. Meet you downstairs?"
"Sure. Give me five."
Hermione's Sunday passed with little fanfare. She didn't even pick up a single textbook. Instead, she filled her time by just hanging out with Ginny, taking a few cat naps, and making a decision about Ron. His owl had arrived at the lunch hour with his epistle of self-righteous excuses and affected apology. Hermione spent mere moments in consideration of her reply:
Dear Ron
I have finally come to understand, in light of your reaction yesterday and your letter this morning,that you and I have nothing in common. It is with a reconciled heart that I now grasp my freedom. We were never good together, and after you have some time to consider everything, I am sure you will agree. I would like for us to remain friends, but I feel we will need some time apart to get back to that.
I wish you well in all you do.
Fondly,
Hermione.
Knowing Ron, she expected to be hearing from Harry in the near future to plead the man's case. In the meantime, she was happy to submerge herself in her usual study habits. By the time she headed up to bed, she had almost forgotten all her anxiety.
"Ow! Stop! Get off!" Hermione struggled to get out of the bed and away from the violent handling from the body straddling her hips. Teeth bit sharply and fingers dug cruelly into her. Despite the pain and rage engulfing her, she could feel the betrayal of her body responding in arousal. Dream Minerva was not one for speaking in the throes of passion, but tonight she was verbally castigating Hermione.
"You filthy little whore. Who were you with last night? Who dares to try to take you from me? Was it that imbecilic ginger tosser? Or was it her?"
"Uhnnn…" Hermione couldn't speak as the waves of her first orgasm choked her breath.
Hermione did not show up for her morning classes again. One missed day was unusual, but a second in as many days was unheard of. Ginny could forgive Hermione skipping Potions, but her nonappearance for Transfiguration was ominous. Like a fish swimming upstream, Ginny headed back to the Gryffindor tower while everyone else headed to lunch.
"Hermione? 'Mione are you here?" she pushed the bedroom door open. The room was darkened by the curtains blocking all the light. Ginny flicked the wand she held at the ready in her hand and the curtains flew apart, bathing the room in sunlight.
"Holy shit!"
The bed was trashed. The bed sheets were strewn across the room, the mattress was hanging half off the bed frame, and there was broken glass and splintered wood scattered about. Ginny was just about to bolt to get help when she heard a groan from the far side of the bed. Walking cautiously around the four poster frame, she stopped short with a cry. Hermione was lying prone on the floor, her nightshirt bunched up around her neck and, what Ginny imagined, bite marks all over her back.
"Hermione!" the young Gryffindor fell to her knees by her friend's side. Rolling her over, she cradled Hermione's body against her breast, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to get a response from the woman she called sister. "Hermione…come on…please…talk to me. Open your eyes. Please!"
With no reaction to her pleas, Ginny pointed her wand towards the tower and shot off a patronus.
Minerva was standing at her window, gazing blindly out over the school, her mind drifting with the clouds. A flash of light behind her caught her attention. Turning, she spied a silver white horse in her sitting room before the words that shattered her heart were spoken; "Help me! Hermione is injured. She won't respond. Come to her room quickly!"
The barely controlled panic in the voice from the horse spurred Minerva on more than the words, without hesitation, she disapparated.
"Where… Oh gods… Hermione!" Minerva was on her knees across from Ginny. "What happened?"
"I don't know. I found her like this."
"Hermione? Dear, can you hear me?"
Hermione lay unresponsive between the two women. Ginny had thoughtfully tugged the nightshirt down, covering the damage and allowing for some semblance of dignity.
"We need to get her to the infirmary. Give her to me." Minerva pulled Hermione into her lap. Glancing at Ginny she hastily directed, "Leave here and lock it behind you so no one can get in. We need it untouched for an investigation. Then join us in the hospital wing."
Ginny nodded and Minerva disapparated. The youngest Weasley stood on shaky legs and followed orders. After closing the door, she threw every protective ward, charm, spell, and hex she could think of. Satisfied that Merlin himself would not be able to get in, she ran through the halls to the hospital wing.
"Poppy! Quickly!" Minerva shouted on arrival.
"What in Merlin's name…" Poppy fumed as she emerged from her supply room. Her eyes flashed in surprise at the sight of Minerva carrying the limp body of Hermione Granger across the room. "What happened?" she demanded, rushing to assist.
"I have no idea. She was found in her room, unconscious and unresponsive." Minerva grunted, depositing Hermione on the nearest bed.
"Let's have a look." Poppy immediately began casting diagnostics. "This is not good…" she muttered to herself.
"What? What's wrong?"
Poppy started, so caught up in her work, she forgot Minerva was standing at her shoulder. "Her vitals… her pulse is thready and fast, respirations are shallow…she is in shock and her vital force is diminished." Poppy stood back and faced off with Minerva. "She is dying."
"What?! No!"
"I need to work. Please wait outside." Poppy dragged Minerva away and shoved her towards the door as she rushed to her potion supplies.
Ginny barreled down the hallway in a collision course with the infirmary doors when she was caught up in Minerva's arms.
"Let me go!"
"Wait!...wait, Ginevra. We must allow Poppy to do her job."
"But…Hermione!"
"I know." Minerva locked eyes with Ginny, expectation calming the girl. "She is in capable hands. We must give her time."
Minerva twisted her wand and pushed Ginny onto the bench she constructed. Sitting next to the girl, Minerva clasped her hand, hoping to get as much comfort as she was offering. It was hours of nerve wracking inaction before Poppy finally emerged from the hospital room, exhausted from her efforts.
"She is stable. I am confident we got her in time. It might be best to transfer her to St. Mungo's, but I want to monitor her for a few more hours before making that decision."
"Can I see her?" Ginny hopefully inquired.
"Yes, of course."
Ginny bolted through the door. Minerva stepped to follow but was held back by the medi-witch. "A word, Minerva?"
"What is it?"
Poppy led Minerva to her office and closed the door firmly. At her desk, she rummaged in a drawer and pulled out two glasses and a bottle of dwarf whisky. Pushing a double pour across the desk to Minerva, she lifted her own. "Drink it." She ordered evenly.
Minerva raised the glass and, under scrutiny, downed half of it in one. "Tell me."
"Minerva…I…I'm not sure how to say this."
"In one…" Minerva directed.
"Right, yes…well…" Poppy sucked in a deep breath. "Minerva, I believe Hermione is a victim of a sexual assault."
Poppy winced at the sound of crystal shattering. She pushed away from the desk in preparation of the impending explosion. Watching the changing expressions across Minerva's face and the tensing of her body, she slid her wand from her sleeve.
"Who…how...?" barely whispered past lips thinned in rage.
"No way to tell at this point."
"She was in her room. No one could get up those stairs…"
"No male could…"
"What?! Are you saying…?"
"I'm saying I do not know who or how. I just know the facts before me.
Minerva froze, barely breathing as facts swirled through her mind. "She has not been right…Poppy, has this been happening…?"
"Considering the most recent lacerations and bruising as well as the signs of injuries in various stages of mending, it is my suspicion that it has been ongoing for a number of days."
Minerva's hand covered her mouth, holding back her reaction. "Since…?"
"I believe so."
Unable to hold it any longer, Minerva turned away and retched, losing the contents of her stomach across Poppy's floor.
"Oh gods…"
Poppy's arm was across Minerva's shoulder, guiding the choking witch back to her seat. A hastily repaired glass was again full of whisky and placed in Minerva's trembling hands. Absently, Poppy cleared the mess as she dragged another chair close to Minerva's.
"My dear, it is not your fault."
"Isn't it?" Minerva turned baleful eyes on Poppy. "I am the head of this school. The safety of the students in my care is absolutely my responsibility. 'The buck stops here', as they say. It is as much my fault as if I committed the act myself."
"MINERVA! Do not go there. That is the most irrational argument I have ever heard. And you have spoken some doozies over the years. This was an attack executed by someone with an evil psyche. It was not you."
They sat silently, mulling over their arguments and examining the facts.
"Why would she not fight back? That girl has depths of power even I cannae fathom. Surely she could best an assailant. Were there drugs involved?"
"I found no trace of any but the dreamless sleep potion."
"I dae nae understand this."
"I doubt, without Hermione's help, we will ever figure this out."
Minerva faced Poppy, her right eyebrow inching up. "Legilimency?"
"Not in my hospital. This is a sanctuary, Minerva. I will not allow anyone to lose their rights to privacy without their consent."
"You are right, of course." Minerva capitulated contritely.
After another period of consideration, Poppy counseled, "I expect you will need to inform her parents."
"Actually, I am relieved of that duty."
"Why?"
"They are currently somewhere in Australia, their minds altered with no memory of their daughter."
"What?!"
Minerva shrugged. "The girl wiped their memories to save them before running off with Harry to hunt for Voldemort's horcruxes. She has not gone to retrieve them, yet."
"That is…"
"I know. So much…"
Minerva stood and literally shook herself off. Righting her hat, she turned to leave the office. "I suppose I should…"
Poppy followed, resting a hand on her friend's shoulder in support.
"Take some time with her. Letters and reports can wait."
"Thank you, Poppy."
With a nod, Poppy showed Minerva out.
Ginny was sitting in a chair next to the bed with her torso folded over Hermione's legs, her hand clutching tightly to her friend's hand. Minerva felt a twinge of envy at the indiscretion allowed the young woman to openly display the depth of her love. Minerva stood back and respectfully delayed interrupting Ginny's time of introspection, allowing the girl to grieve as she needed.
"It's alright, Professor." Ginny offered Minerva an opening to approach.
"I did not want to interrupt."
"Thanks. But there isn't much to interrupt. Not like we're having a conversation."
Minerva reached out and tentatively combed her fingers through Ginny's hair. "I am so sorry, Ginevra."
Red watery eyes glanced up to catch Minerva's. "I know. Me too."
"Can I get you anything?"
Ginny shook her head. "No, thanks. Do you think we should tell Harry and Ron?"
"I cannae. Neither is listed as emergency contacts."
"But maybe I…"
"I cannae advise you on that matter." Minerva explained in a voice thick with an obvious undertone.
"Right. Ok."
"I must go to look after a few things. Madame Pomfrey has given you leave to stay as long as you wish. I believe she has a few more treatments prescribed, so you will need to afford her the courtesy…"
"Oh, of course. I'll stay out of the way."
"Very well. I will return later this evening."
Minerva crept stealthily into the hospital ward and settled into the chair abandoned by Ginny. Entwining her fingers with Hermione's, she bent low over the woman's chest, listening to the measure of respirations. Relieved to auscultate a strong steady airflow, Minerva pulled back to better examine Hermione's face. The shadows around the young witch's eyes looked like smudges of charcoal, her pallor was still wan, and there was a peppering of small cuts across her right cheek and forehead.
"Oh, lass…" Minerva combed the hair off Hermione's face with her fingers, tucking strands behind delicate ears. "I am so sorry. I should have seen. I knew there was something amiss."
A reflexive tightening of Hermione's hand elicited a remorseful smile from Minerva. "Ah, if only you were forgiving me. I'm not sure I ever will." Tracing her fingertips along Hermione's jaw, Minerva vowed, "I shan't abandon you again. I will be here with you until we catch whoever is behind this. I promise you, Hermione, I will not rest until you are avenged."
Standing, she tucked the bedsheet tightly around her victimized pupil and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Sleep well. I will be right here." She frowned at the absence of response and, seamlessly morphing into her animagus, leapt onto the neighboring bed and curled into a furry ball determined to stand watch for the night.
Minerva lay awake listening to the sounds of the castle. A windblown rain was buffeting the windowpanes and a fire crackled from across the room, casting heat and an orange glow through the dorm. A breathless, choked moan from the bed next to hers abruptly caught Minerva's attention. The tableau before her froze her heart. Hermione was on the bed, her body bowed off the mattress caught up in a moment of frenzied rapture. Feline eyes detected a hulking dark shadow contorted between Hermione's writhing legs.
Before she was even off her cot, Minerva struck the assailant with three spells. "GET OFF OF HER YOU FUCKING BITCH!" Minerva roared.
A screech of pain and anger reverberated about the sterile space as Minerva's curses hit their mark. Minerva leapt onto the mattress, covering Hermione with her own body, and searched for her opponent. Initially she had cast an anti-apparition net around the room before blasting the creature off of Hermione with a stunning spell. From her new vantage point standing over Hermione, she tapped into her animagus hunting skills and opened her senses. She turned in a half crouch to face a soft scratching sound and pulled back with a hiss of pain from catching a handful of claws across her jaw.
She shot a curse blindly toward the foot of the bed when she felt Hermione's body start to slide away. Quickly lashing Hermione to the bed with ropes converted from the blanket to keep her in place, Minerva leapt across to another bed, turned and fired off a number of curses aimed under Hermione's bed. She earned another unholy shriek for her efforts. Catching a glimpse of a shadow skittering across the floor, Minerva lit up the hospital wing in bright colors as she, in a display of inhuman speed and accuracy, threw hexes and curses without pause.
After bludgeoning the intruder with countless offensive spells, Minerva ended the barrage with a transfiguration spell that turned her opponent into a stone statue. She stood atop a mattress, panting and disheveled, watching the block of granite for any sign of spell deterioration.
"Bloody hell! Now I know why Snape ran away from you."
Minerva whirled about to find Ginny standing with her back pressed against the door. Raising her eyebrow in defiance, Minerva agreed with an arrogant smirk, "Indeed." A quick check confirmed no change with the enemy. "Will you go and fetch Madame Pomfrey and then find Professor Flitwick and Professor Corbyn for me?"
"On it."
The door banged shut behind Ginny and Minerva stepped down from her perch. Not willing to take any chances, she transfigured a set of shackles from the ropes holding Hermione and locked them to the limbs of her fallen adversary before attaching them to metal rings she fastened to the floor. She had just stepped back from the task when Poppy flew into the room.
"What on earth happened?"
"A bit of a kerfuffle." Minerva responded loftily. "Will you give me a hand?" she directed Poppy towards Hermione. They worked together to place Hermione properly in the bed before rearranging blankets over her.
"I'm afraid you will need to reevaluate our patient. I interrupted another attack."
"You… who was it?"
"I think the proper question is what was it?" The door banged open again, admitting Filius and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Reginald Corbyn. "Ah, here you are. I need you to confirm an identification," she instructed Corbyn, "and I need you to add some security measures, Filius."
The men stepped forward together, both freezing in their footsteps at the sight before them. On the floor, encased in stone, was a creature best known through horror stories told around campfires. It was a humanoid form with horns atop its head, large bat like wings protruding from its back, and a whip tail extending from the base of its spine. Minerva's spell did nothing to precisely preserve the facial features, but what could be made out was hideous.
"By Merlin's whiskers, that's a succubus." Corbyn exclaimed excitedly.
"Minerva, what has happened?" Filius was never one Minerva would consider slow or inept. She watched him closely as he took in the entire scene, his eyes coming to rest on Hermione. "Did it...?"
"Yes, Filius. She was the victim."
"Is she…?"
"No. She is still alive, if barely."
"Headmistress, is it ok…?"
"Yes, Ginevra, you may come in. I believe we have managed to contain the situation."
Poppy sat back from her examination with a sigh, "One step forward and two steps back. She is not as bad off as she was earlier today, but she did relapse a bit." Grey eyes widened as they took in the sight of Minerva listening intently. "What happened to you?"
"What?"
"Your face. You're bleeding."
Minerva wiped a hand along her jaw and came away with fingers sticky from blood. "It got me with its claws." She confessed.
"Well, let's get it cleaned up." Poppy summoned a cloth soaked with a foul smelling liquid.
"Must you?"
"We don't want it getting infected, do we?"
Minerva reluctantly allowed Poppy to treat her wound. When the medi-witch finally stepped away, Minerva questioned, "What about Hermione? Will she come back to us soon?"
"I cannot predict when she might awaken. I expect it will be a long vigil."
"I'll stay with her." Ginny offered.
"I think we will take turns." Minerva amended. "You may stay the rest of the night. These creatures are solitary, so I do not expect any further activity. Gentlemen…" Minerva returned to the subject of the succubus in their midst. "Shall we?"
"Where to?" Filius inquired.
"Control of Magical Creatures. I believe they still have overnight staffing."
"Very good. Will you join us?"
"Aye. I will need to give a statement. Mr. Corbyn, will you assist please?"
"Oh, of course. Yes. I'm with you."
The two wizards, with the help of a levitation spell, hauled the stone demon out of the room and headed towards the Headmistress' office to access the floo network. Minerva followed, leaving Poppy and Ginny with their precious patient.
Minerva was once again staring blindly out her window as the sun rose from the horizon. She held a half empty glass against her chest, lost in thought. After signing her statement and ensuring the succubus statue was safely catalogued and locked up securely in storage, she returned to her office and pondered over the events.
The vision of Hermione's physical response to the manipulations of the succubus would forever be burned into her retinas. She also would never un-hear the sound of her own name emitted in a sob through those tortured lips. Linking the evening's events with the late night accusatory conversation she had with Hermione less than a week prior, it was obvious who the succubus impersonated during the molestations. The weight of the repercussions from the entire situation sat heavily on her heart. How could she ever look Hermione in the eye knowing the vial fiend used her visage to seduce the younger woman? The facts would forever change their relationship dynamic. Just as Minerva was warming to the idea of cultivating a friendship with a post graduate Hermione, the abhorrent truth of events destroyed any chance of fruition.
Minerva was distracted by a demanding knock at her door.
"Come."
Poppy strode through the threshold, her grey eyes instantly capturing Minerva's and holding steady as she marched across the floor. Taking Minerva's hand, she led the reserved headmistress to the sitting area and pushed her into a chair. Dropping to the seat next to her, Poppy addressed her as a friend.
"You are not at fault, Minerva. I know you. I know you will turn all of this inward and censure yourself until you will not be able to even be in the same room with the girl."
Minerva huffed and turned her face away.
"Minerva McGonagall," Poppy grabbed Minerva's chin and forced the woman to face the sympathetic criticism. "If you insist on making this your fault, then you must share the blame with me." Poppy dropped her hand to her lap, releasing Minerva's face. "I examined her. She came to me for help, and I put her off. I did not do extensive diagnostics. I simply checked for any common ailments. I missed it, Minerva. I, the trained, experienced medical professional missed what in hind sight should have been an obvious conclusion. Had I asked more questions…pushed her to share the subject of her dreams… I would have known. Not one of us would have considered this outcome. Never has there been a case of demonic infiltration within these walls. Now, you tell me truthfully, who could possibly have foreseen these events? Who would have protected her from this?"
"Albus." Minerva's resigned voice admitted.
"I don't believe it. I do not believe that even the great Albus Dumbledore would have seen this for what it was. Ask him yourself. And once you have been convinced of your innocence, come to the infirmary and visit the girl."
Minerva's eyes snapped to Poppy's, unable to repress the hope that burst from her heart.
"Yes," Poppy confirmed, "she's awake. She woke an hour ago." Standing from the chair, Poppy turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Do what you need, Min, but get it under control. You need to see her…and she needs you."
Minerva stared vacantly at the closed door as Poppy's words spun through her head.
"Poppy is quite right, my dear." Albus' benevolent voice carried through the room from his portrait on the wall.
"It does not feel right." Minerva discounted his counsel.
"Minerva, she is right that you will take the blame to heart, allowing it to injure your relationship with young Miss Granger. And, frankly, that is quite unfair."
"Unfair?!"
"She needs you, Minerva. More than you can even imagine."
"It was me Albus! That…that…creature… came to her in my likeness."
"Exactly. But do you understand why?"
"Nae, I dae nae understand any of this."
"A succubus uses a form of legilimency to suss out an individual's deepest, truest yearning."
"That is…if that is true, then surely it is even more reason for me to keep my distance."
"And what, pray tell, do you think that would do to Hermione?"
The arrival of another visitor cut off Minerva's reply.
"Come in." Minerva could not disguise her surprise when Harry Potter stepped through her doorway.
"Professor, may I have a word?"
"Mr. Potter, please come in."
Harry joined Minerva by the fireplace, taking the seat Poppy had recently relinquished.
"May I get you anything?"
"No, thank you, Professor. I was hoping you could help me."
"What puzzle are you working on now, Potter?'
"Why Hermione?"
"Excuse me?"
"Ginny filled me in on everything…at least everything she knows. But, why did it go after Hermione? With all the witches in this school, why her?"
"I have no idea, Mr. Potter. Perhaps because she has a single room?"
"If all it needed was privacy, why didn't it choose you? You have the most isolated rooms in the entire castle?"
Something inside Minerva seemed to click into place. Harry's innocent question silenced Minerva's guilt and incited her inquisitiveness. "Why did it choose her?" she wondered.
"Is there any way to question it?"
"I'm not sure…" Minerva was already mentally jumping ahead, considering how one would securely confine a demonic being to safely interrogate it. "Excuse me, Potter. I have some things I must attend to."
"Oh, right. Umm…I'll be in the hospital wing…if you would keep me informed?"
"Yes, yes…of course." Minerva was getting agitated by her eagerness to follow up with the theories that were suddenly dancing through her mind.
"Hello Hermione, how are you today?"
"Much better, thank you Professor Corbyn."
The youthful teacher drew a chair near and sat down, settling in for a long chat. Hermione eyed him skeptically, waiting for the shoe to drop.
"Well, now that you are awake, the headmistress asked me to try to explain what happened to you."
"Did she?" Hermione's even voice was dripping with sarcasm, unable to conceal her skepticism over his words.
"Has anyone told you…?"
"I know I was attacked by a succubus. I know I almost died."
"Yes, well… Do you remember who the succubus impersonated?"
Hermione watched the man sitting in front of her as he eagerly shifted forward in an attempt to get closer, to get the sordid details. He reminded Hermione of Rita Skeeter chasing after a story. Swallowing the bile that suddenly rose to her throat she lied. "No. I have no recollection whatsoever," she denied innocently. "Do you think it could be relevant in figuring out why I was singled out?"
"Possibly. Some texts explain that the person who's visage the demon takes is the person who conjured said demon."
"Now that is quite interesting. I thought succubi were free spirits, beholden to no one."
"I don't think anyone is certain. Sightings are so infrequent; no one has been able to truly study them. Other than their existence, everything we know is mostly conjecture."
"Do they always kill their prey?"
"Not always. Normally a succubus will choose a man as her victim. It is most often an incubus that will visit a woman. Both will extract the vital force from their victims. Occasionally they will select an individual to copulate with for the purpose of reproduction, leaving their chosen alive."
"Enlightening. Thank you, Professor. I do appreciate your time and knowledge. If you'll excuse me, I am a bit tired now."
"Oh, right. Well, if I can be of service again, please let me know."
Before the man was out of sight, Hermione summoned her wand and sent off a patronus.
A silvery otter scurried through the library stacks, searching for its quarry. Leaping atop the study table it achingly requested of Minerva, "Will you not come to see me?"
The plaintive voice behind the summons tore at Minerva's heart. She longed to see the young witch, but her embarrassed, bruised pride was steadfast. Preferring to continue with her research, she jotted a quick note and banished it to the infirmary, hoping it would allay Hermione's apprehension enough to allow Minerva time to find some answers.
Harry walked into the infirmaryin time to witness Hermione thoughtfully folding a piece of paper. "Hey, what are you doing lying about in bed? Don't you have NEWTs coming up?" He tried for jovial but sounded strained.
"I have plenty of time." Hermione followed his lead. "I can probably forget half of what I know and still get outstanding results."
"I don't doubt it." He laughed genuinely. "How are you?" Harry dropped into the chair Professor Corbyn had left behind.
Hermione reached for Harry's hand and squeezed it gratefully. "Exhausted."
"Can I get you anything?"
"A time turner?"
"No can do. Those are off limits. I'd need five authorized signatures or an army to get my hands on one." He expounded, "But, I could get you some chocolate frogs."
"No thanks. I'm good." Hermione smiled.
"Pomfrey said you just woke up a few hours ago. Do you know everything..?"
"Yeah. Probably more than anyone else, actually."
"Yeah, I suppose so. You ok?"
"As ok as I can be, considering."
Harry eyed his best friend and determined she needed a dose of the dark humor they shared during the year on the run. "Look on the bright side…at least you can't be pregnant."
The laughter that exploded from Hermione made Harry grin with relief and called Poppy out of her office. "What is going on in here?" she demanded.
"Nothing, Madame Pomfrey, just visiting with Hermione." Harry explained innocently.
"Don't overtax her, Mr. Potter."
"No, of course not." He grinned at Hermione.
Once Poppy closed herself in her office again, Hermione grinned at Harry. "Thank you, I needed that."
"Anytime." Harry offered. "Have you seen Professor McGonagall yet?"
"No."
"I stopped by her office on my way here. I think she may have an idea how this all happened. I think she was pretty keen on getting some answers when I left."
"Well, that's something I guess."
The despondency in Hermione's voice was unmistakable.
"I'm sure she'll come to see you as soon as she can."
"Maybe. She sent a note."
"Oh?"
"She says she hopes I am well and she will visit when she can."
"There. See? She'll be here."
"Yeah." Hermione slid down the mattress and pulled the covers up to her chin.
"Well, I guess I'll get going. I need to get back to training."
"Did you see Ginny?"
"Not yet. I'll find her before I go." At Hermione's questioning arched eyebrow, Harry added, "We get a whole hour for lunch." Dropping a kiss on her forehead, he added, "I'll see you soon. Ok?"
"Ok. Thanks, Harry."
"Love you."
"Love you, too."
Once the door swung closed behind her dearest friend, Hermione curled into herself, attempting to protect her heart from her fears.
Minerva arrived at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures with four Aurors and Kingsley Shacklebolt in tow. The receptionist at the desk swallowed his mouthful of tea with an audible gulp.
"What can we assist you with today?"
"I need access to the succubus I brought in last night."
"Oh, well…that is logged as highly classified. We will need proper…"
"Do you think I might be the proper authority?" Kingsley cut in.
"Oh…oh, yes sir. Of course. I did not realize…"
Momentarily, a wizened witch shuffled into the reception area. She evaluated the members of the somber group and waved at them to follow. "This way."
In a secured, cavernous room they were led through a maze of aisles to a sealed cell.
"I don't need to tell you…?"
"No, I understand the risk." Minerva confirmed. "We have taken precautions."
"Very well. Here or…?"
"We will take it with us. We have prepared a room."
"As you wish. If it gets loose, it will return to its host."
"Not if it wants to live." Minerva bit out through clenched teeth.
One of the aurors stepped into the cell and encircled the stone demon with magical chains. Once locked in place, he nodded to the others and they levitated the statue and transported it back the way they came.
"Minerva, are you certain about this?" Kingsley's gruff baritone demanded her attention.
"I am." She glared at her old friend. "Now, dae nae open this door 'til ye confirm it's me requesting exit."
The door locked solidly behind her. She nodded to the four Aurors who had volunteered to assist her. Once they were positioned around the monster with wands raised, Minerva cast four muffliato charms and the counter to her sculpting hex, releasing the beast from its stone prison.
A shriek of anger filled the room, causing each of the humans present to wince in pain. Minerva was the first to react, catching the imp with a binding spell that forced it to crash back onto the floor.
"Desist with your bloody screaming." The angry witch demanded as the Aurors took over the restraint.
"Release me, witch. You know not what you play at."
"Give over, ye filthy beast. I know what you are. And I know you are without a master."
"LIES!"
"I killed her myself." Minerva claimed.
"You don't have the power to kill Mistress Bellatrix."
"I assure you I do." Minerva stated calmly, satisfied in the fact her hunch was correct. "Now, tell me, did Bellatrix direct you to molest Hermione Granger?"
"You waste your breath, human. I will reveal nothing to you."
"Perhaps." Minerva hedged. "The fact is I already know she did. I know she sent you. What I haven't yet figured out is how."
"You are unworthy. You cannot even see what is right before you."
Minerva accepted the spoken challenge and studied the creature in front of her. A broad forehead sported a pair of small horns with two larger horns protruding from its skull which was covered in a mass of greasy black hair. Narrow beady black eyes, a large hawkish nose and a grimace exposing sharp canine teeth similar to vampire fangs created a gruesome visage. Its body was thick but decidedly feminine. Stout, heavy, fur covered legs supported the demon and a long fleshy tail extended from the end of its spine. Large leathery bat-like wings stretched out from its shoulders, spanning a good three meters across.
Minerva took a step forward to get a better look at a silvery line that shimmered along the inner spine of its left wing. With a horrified gasp, she stumbled back. "Mudblood."
"It is the signifier."
"Her scar." Minerva muttered in revulsion.
"My mistress marked it for me. It is mine."
With great effort Minerva belayed her immediate reaction to obliterate the succubus and held her wand down at her side. "Why did you wait a year to act? What took you so long?"
The demon's egotism loosened its tongue and it disdainfully spewed forth vile details that shredded Minerva's heart. "It took time to find its filthy little desire. And I needed to perfect the mimesis for this one. It is strong, and it held you in such high esteem; your name from its mouth every single time, begging for more even as it begged me to stop. I never came across such depth and intensity. It was…real…and pure. I usually string my playthings along, taking months before they break, but this one…I could not stop myself. I had to take it three or four times every night. It was the best fuck I ever had; so…responsive and…tight. I'm pretty sure I was its first…and last."
Without indication or word, Minerva transfigured the fiend back into stone. "Fuck you, you motherfucker."
Giving no warning at the exit the incensed witch simply blasted the door from its hinges. Storming past a surprised Minster, she rushed from the interrogation room, leaving behind echoing questions and a clutter of stone rubble.
Hogwarts was dark by the time she returned. After the cross-examination, Minerva fled to her family home and stormed across the hills in an attempt to exhaust her fury. Violently turning a number of boulders to pebbles, she released her rage in the protective cover of solitude. Finally, with her anger spent, she gave into her heart's desire and made her way to the infirmary.
Once again, the only light emanated from the fire and there was still only one patient in the ward. Cautiously sneaking through the hospital, Minerva felt like she was trespassing where she was not wanted. As she approached the occupied bed she fought back the remorse threatening to choke her. Swallowing her guilt and anguish, she perched on the edge of the mattress by Hermione's hip.
Her most cherished student was curled on her side, holding herself in a protective fetal position. Minerva tugged the blanket over Hermione's shoulder and gently tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. A soft mewl made her pause with her hand hovering over tawny hair. Unable to pull away, Minerva succumbed to an innocent longing and rested her hand on Hermione's arm.
At the moment of contact, a contented sigh escaped Hermione's lips. Minerva sat in awe as the young woman's body seemed to relax from the warmth of her hand. She reflexively squeezed the sinewy muscle within her grasp, inadvertently waking the slumbering patient.
"Minerva?"
"Aye, lass." Minerva acknowledged, despite her mind screaming at her to run.
Hermione rolled onto her back, unintentionally knocking Minerva's hand away. Measuring the woman's demeanor, Hermione probed, "Did you find the answers?"
"Aye." Minerva admitted tiredly.
"The answers are as horrible as the questions." Hermione concluded.
"Evil begets evil."
Hermione considered the statement and, in an attempt to break the tension announced, "Professor Corbyn is an imbecile."
Minerva chuckled at Hermione's estimation. Brushing the back of her fingers across the girl's cheek she allowed honestly, "He was the best applicant for the job."
Hermione caught Minerva's hand and held fast. "This was an intentional attack."
"What do you mean?" Minerva cocked her head in a familiar habit.
"Historically, a succubus will idly play with their victim, taking weeks or months to drain the vital force. I was depleted in only a few days. There was something more…something else behind this."
Unable to lie to her frightfully intelligent charge, Minerva agreed. "Aye, 'twas an intentional undertaking with the sole purpose being your suffering and demise."
"Why? How…?" Hermione choked up with anguish. Her eyes searched about the room, trying to find an anchor for the terror threatening her sanity.
Minerva instinctually palmed the girl's face, directing the frightened eyes to unite with her own calm, stable green. "Stay with me, lass. We are safe. I have you. Dìonaidh mi thu le mo bheatha. (I will protect you with my life.)"
Watery eyes pleaded with Minerva's. "You know."
Believing the accusation only meant the identification of the mastermind behind the assault, Minerva nodded without breaking eye contact. "Aye, I know. It doesn't matter. I will nae desert ye. Hermione, 'tis alright… we are alright."
Tears began to drip over long lashes, splashing onto reddened cheeks. "I…am…so…sorry." Hermione hiccupped. "I…"
Minerva broke her resolve and pulled the slim body against her chest, holding the broken woman through her torment. "Och mah wee lass, let it go. There is no shame. Ye have a beautiful soul. Yer love kin ne'er be impure or indecent. There is no need tae be sorry."
Hermione purged all of her fear, pain, embarrassment, and misery in the safety of Minerva's arms. Her tears washed away the pent up anguish that had been buried since the beginning of the war and the strong arms of the inimitable witch cradling her freely accepted the burden.
When Hermione's tears dried and her breathing finally returned to normal she tried to pull away from Minerva but was held firmly in place.
"Dae nae panic, 'tis alright." Minerva's soft brogue and body heat kept Hermione from overreacting. "Yer safe. No one will harm ye while I'm here. Just breathe." Minerva waited until she felt Hermione release her growing stress. "Mo ghràdh, no one need ever know. It is your story to tell…or not. I will never betray your trust. You and I are the only ones who know the truth, and it will remain as such, unless you choose to divulge. You may use me whenever you need to expel your apprehension and unease. My door will always be open for you, even after your departure from Hogwarts. You are welcome. You are cherished. And you are loved." Minerva pressed her lips to Hermione's temple while she breathed in the woman's scent. "You and I shall forever be bound after this tribulation, but it will be love, not hatred that ties us."
Releasing her pupil, Minerva helped Hermione settle under the blankets and tucked her in. With a lingering caress of warm fingers across her cheek, Minerva bade her "goodnight" before walking determinedly away.
Hermione returned to her classes the week following her hospitalization. She was once again the subject of hearsay and slander. The gossip mills were operating at full speed and it wasn't long before Hermione had supposedly died and returned as the queen of the underworld. Finding reprieve in Ginny and a few other friends from the days of Dumbledore's Army, Hermione was able to focus on her studies and even restored a sense of humor.
The NEWT examinations passed and graduation ensued. Hermione was ambivalent with the idea of leaving Hogwarts. She was a product of her formative years, raised in the midst of a war, battle scarred and tortured, she had carved out a home with friends and an assumed family. She had been vilified, celebrated, hated, and loved. Leaving the place she had come to consider home, the day of her graduation was, indeed emotional. With all her belongings packed and loaded, Hermione ran to catch up with Ginny waiting in the courtyard.
"Miss Granger, might I have a moment?"
Minerva McGonagall's low voice caught Hermione midstride across the entrance hall. Struck with a case of tunnel vision, Hermione saw nothing but the vision of Minerva standing at the head of the stairs. Running back up the steps, Hermione came to a halt at Minerva's shoulder.
"Yes, Professor?"
"Are you well, Hermione?" Minerva's eyes said more than her words.
"I'm alright, Professor." Hermione gripped Minerva's elbow. "Honestly, I am."
"You are ready to move on to university?"
"I already received my acceptance letter to Ross University in Halifax."
Minerva nodded. "They have an excellent program in Transfiguration."
"I know." Hermione smiled. "They also have strong curricula in Charms and Potions."
"Three masteries?"
"You know me; I want to learn it all."
"I wish you luck in all your future endeavors."
"Thank you." Unable to control her emotions, Hermione threw her arms around her teacher's neck.
After a brief moment of surprise, Minerva slid her arms around her student's waist and held her tightly. A small sniffle sounded just before she felt Hermione's breath against her neck. "Thank you, Minerva. For everything."
"Och, mo ghràdh, you are most welcome." Gently pushing Hermione away, Minerva caught the girl's eyes with her own. "Be well, Hermione. And let me know if you ever need anything."
"I will."
"Now, away with you. The train will be leaving soon. You'll have to run to catch it."
Hermione laughed as she backed away. "I've been running for a long time. Another three minutes won't kill me. Goodbye, Minerva."