Summary:
This super short scene is, sadly, the end of part One. Fun fact: Part Two is already in the can, so...
Thank you all for joining me on this little romp. I hope it was fun to read because it was definitely fun to write.
Please join us next time when Hermione and Minerva struggle to heal from this huge debacle.
Chapter 9
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 spoke 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 restrain 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."