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Uprisings: Reservations II
“Hermione?” Minerva McGonagall, in search of her partner called out into the back garden.
“Out here, Min.” Hermione’s disembodied voice floated back to Minerva like a distant echo.
“Where are you?” the Scottish witch followed the response out beyond the terrace.
“Up here.”
“What in heaven’s name are you doing on the roof?” Minerva’s tone immediately shifted into her worried Scottish professor pitch.
“Nothing.” Hermione innocently replied from her elevated position sitting on the roof peak, her feet dangling over the edge.
“Hermione Granger, you are no longer a twelve year old lass under my tutelage. You are, however, still a terrible liar. Now tell me what you are up to.”
“I’m running an experiment.”
“Please elaborate.”
“You know I was reading those books on computer programming?”
“Yes…”
“Well, I was curious to see if I could translate some aspects of programming to magic.”
“How so?”
“See, with a computer, you can create a program that can logically solve a problem and come up with a different result depending on the information input.”
“And?”
“And… I am trying to see if I can create a spell that will effectively be able to create a different outcome depending on the situation.”
“And what is your model?”
“My dragon. Currently, as you have experienced firsthand, it is a strong protective shield.”
“Aye.”
“Well, now I want to see if it can perform another action.”
“What action?” Minerva’s vocal timbre was lowering with each response as she began to imagine just what Hermione might be planning.
“I’ve tweaked it a bit to see if once cast it can, without added input, alter its function and catch me if I am falling.”
“You ‘tweaked’ it. Are you insane?”
“I don’t believe so.” Hermione threw back lightly, ignoring Minerva’s building exasperation.
“What, exactly, is your great trial plan?”
“I’m going to jump off the roof and hope it catches me before I hit the ground.”
“Oh for… Hermione, that is completely irresponsible.”
The carefree grin Hermione projected did little to assuage Minerva’s concern.
“Before you throw yourself to your possible demise, perhaps you will allow me to construct a soft landing?”
“Ooh, that’s a good idea. See? This is why we make such a great team. I was so focused on my theory, I never considered that.”
Minerva just shook her head in disbelief and directed her wand toward the area of Hermione’s potential crash landing.
As Minerva cast her spell, Hermione could see a shimmer of magic blanket the ground well below her shoes. Scrambling to her feet, she sucked in a deep breath and blew it out, screwing up her confidence. She cast her spell and her dragon swirled around her feet, preparing for action.
“Right… Here we go.” The first generation witch closed her eyes and stepped off the peak.
Espresso eyes opened in surprise when Hermione realized she had not moved forward a single centimeter. Looking about, she observed that the dragon had indeed stopped her. It had encircled her entirely, restraining her safely from tipping off the edge.
“Well, that worked better than I imagined.”
“That’s wonderful. Now please come down.”
“No, wait. I still want to see if it will catch me mid-fall. I mean what if I’m pushed from a tower and have to call it up as I’m falling?”
“Hermione…”
“Come on Min, I won’t get hurt. You’ve seen to that.”
“Fine. Do what you will.”
Hermione took a definitive step in reverse and the dragon released her. Extinguishing the charm, she again moved to the edge. Turning around, she put her arms out wide and fell backwards off the roof, instantly calling for her dragon.
“Are you alright?” Minerva cried out.
“Yes!” Hermione whooped, assessing her position frozen in mid-air eye level with the top sill of a window. “It worked!”
“Will you please discontinue this enterprise now?” Minerva implored.
“I will now.” Hermione shut down her charm and dropped softly onto the cushion Minerva had put up for her. She jumped up and ran to Minerva, throwing her arms around the raven-haired witch. “It worked!” she laughed gleefully.
Minerva could not restrain her innate response to Hermione’s joy and laughed along with her as she swung the woman around in a circle.
Time had rolled by easily since the Valentine’s Day fiasco. Minerva and Hermione used the freedom from being outed to their benefit and formally moved in together. Hermione dumped her flat and made Minerva’s highland cottage her home. Except for scheduled nights on duty at Hogwarts, the women opted to commute to work, allowing them the most privacy in their free time.
Summer in the highlands afforded them the opportunity to immerse themselves in pet projects, hence Hermione’s latest enchantment manipulation. She also dragged a less than enthusiastic Minerva to Australia for a few weeks to both formally meet her parents and augment her ancient runes study. With the additional training, she formulated her theory and jumped wholly into the experimentation method.
Minerva spent her days recovering from the typical school year stress and the untypical trauma of the personal attack, as well as the extra upheaval of Hermione’s return and reintegration of the younger woman into her life. The roller coaster of emotion over the last year had fairly well exhausted the elder witch and summer days spent in her garden and rambling over the hills restored her constitution.
With the month of August nearing its end, the couple agreed to revisit the weekly dinners with the Potters, which is what had Minerva searching the house for Hermione in the first place. With Hermione vibrating from the triumph of her success, they joined their friends for an end of summer cookout. The afternoon was full of catch-up conversation, good food, and better drink. It was as the evening wound down around a campfire that Hermione finally shared her enhanced spell discovery.
“Is that possible?” Ginny tried to get her head around the idea.
“It is! It worked!” Hermione effused proudly.
“Wow. Do you think it would work with offensive spells?” Harry joined in.
“Don’t know. I guess I could try… I mean, in theory…”
“Why don’t you explain the science behind your discovery, dear.”
“Min, your sarcasm won’t change the fact of my success.”
“Nor do I want it to, love.”
“Oi, ‘Mione, how many options do you think you can add to one spell?”
“No clue, Ron. Once the baseline equation of reason is applied, I think it could be infinite.”
“Like one spell to rule them all?” Harry quipped.
“Yeah, but hopefully without a Sauron in the mix.”
“What are you talking about?” Minerva puzzled.
“Lord of the Rings, Min. A novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.
“I have never heard of it.”
“No surprise there, Professor. It’s not like you’re one to indulge in works of fantasy.”
“And yet, Ronald, here I am with you lot.”
Their frequent social interactions since Minerva and Hermione officially united had decreased the school era fear the friends harbored towards their one time professor. Harry had admittedly become immune to Minerva’s brand of intimidation earlier than Ron, but the ginger headed comrade managed to earn Minerva’s respect in his own way and maintained a unique spot in her esteem.
“So, I have some news,” Ginny announced.
“You can’t be pregnant again.” Ron groaned.
“Must you always be such a prat? No, I’m not pregnant again. I’ve got a new job.”
“That’s wonderful, Gin. What is it?” Hermione encouraged.
“I am the new Quidditch correspondent for the Daily Prophet.”
“You’re working for that rag?”
“Ron!” Hermione chided.
“What?”
“Oh my God! You’re impossible.” Ginny threw her napkin at his head.
“Hey!”
“Mate, not cool.”
“Come on, Harry. You know it’s a rubbish tabloid.”
“Ronald, is there a chance you might one day learn to be empathetic, or at least polite?” Minerva reproached.
“Ginny, what does the job entail? Is there a lot of travel?”
“I’ll be following the Harpies, so it’s free passes to all their games. I can run some behind the scene interviews and popular opinion pieces on the players, but mostly my schedule will be game night coverage.”
“That’s awesome.”
“The best part is she gets to bring a guest to the games, so…” Harry grinned
“So I will be spending more time with Ginevra?” Minerva teased.
“Dueling words, Headmistress.”
“I would not want to embarrass you, Potter.”
“Right, that’s it… time to go.” Hermione announced.
“Aww, ‘Mione, it’s early yet.”
“Harry, when the challenges begin, the evening must end.”
“You’re just protecting your girlfriend.”
“Yes, I am. From hurting your pride.”
“That’s right…run away, ya coward.” Harry boisterously taunted as Hermione led Minerva away by the hand to a serenade of laughter from her friends.
“Ow! Hey…ow! Stop! Minerva!”
Hermione turned in time to see Harry being chased by a snapping Tussak just before Minerva disapparated with her.
“What did you do?”
“What makes you think I did anything?”
“Min, who else is going to transfigure a lawn chair into a wild animal with a grudge?”
“I am not the only witch adept at transfiguration.”
“No, but you are the only one of that company with the mastery to transfigure something without brandishing your wand.”
“Who says that Tussak was transfigured? Maybe it was just wandering by…”
“And you say I’m a bad liar.”
The fall term was progressing without complications. The students were, for the most part, engaged in their studies and not particularly prone to magical calamities. Hermione and Minerva easily adjusted to their new schedules. Hermione’s duty schedule had her staying one out of four nights at the castle, whereas Minerva traveled to London on a weekly basis for meetings with the minister, individual board members, and once a month joint sessions with the entire board of governors and the minister.
It was early October when the tranquility of the wizarding world was once again shattered. Hermione was on night watch, keeping busy with grading papers before her scheduled hall patrol when the silence was disturbed by the muffled sound of distant pounding. The eerily familiar reverberation lured her from her paperwork.
It took only the briefest glance out the window to discern the horrific scene. Hogwarts was under attack, the wards were holding, but the explosive concussions against the magical barriers were irrefutably distinct. Bolting from her office, Hermione raced through the fortress screaming the alarm. Within minutes, she had roused the other professors within the school. Half of the current staff had been employed during the Battle of Hogwarts and everyone was cognizant of their individual security assignments in just such a situation.
Sprinting around a corner, Hermione collided with Neville, knocking them both to the floor.
“What’s happening?” Neville panted out.
“We’re under attack.”
“By whom?”
“No idea. Come with me to the tower.”
They raced to the astronomy tower and charged up the stairs, terrifying memories of the last war giving both of them stamina. Sliding into a half-wall of the observatory, Hermione immediately grasped the scope of the onslaught. Although Hogwarts was standing impervious to infiltration attempts, Hogsmeade village was ablaze, the flames lighting up the sky like sunrise.
“Shit!”
“Hermione, what’s going on?”
“No idea, Neville. We need to get help.”
Before Hermione could take a step, a large white stag appeared before her.
“The ministry is under attack.”
“Bloody hell. That’s Harry.” Neville yelped.
“Oh, God…Minerva…”
“Hermione…”
“Neville, find Filius. He’ll know what needs to be done here. I have to go…”
“But, ‘Mione…”
She disapparated before he could finish a protest.
With lips tight in a grimace of determination, Neville sprinted down the stairs.
“Hermione, get down!”
“Harry! What happened?!”
“An explosion in the atrium and then a full-on assault. We’ve counted ten attackers.”
The two war veterans hunkered down behind a stone pillar as hexes exploded around them.
“Have you seen Minerva?”
“What? No. Was she here?”
“Yeah. Meeting.” Hermione spat out between throwing counter curses. Hermione stopped for a moment, focusing her magical potential. “Harry, I’m going to draw them out. Ready?”
“No, wait. We don’t know what we’re up against.”
“Harry, it’s a bunch of wizards. Probably Death Eaters. Nothing we haven’t seen before. Do you think if they had some huge secret weapon they’d still be sitting on it? Now, get ready.”
Harry watched as Hermione stood and made a motion like she was pulling something out of her navel. Then, with her empty hands held casually at her sides, she stepped from behind the column and began walking purposefully towards the enemy.
Curses and hexes flew at Hermione, breaking against an invisible barrier surrounding her. The dissipated energy from the ineffectual spells only strengthened the green dragon swirling around Hermione’s form. As she moved forward, she began to manipulate her hands as if she was conducting an orchestra.
Harry was temporarily rooted in place from awe, mesmerized by the vision of his best friend casting multiple wandless spells at one time with a detached composure.
“Harry! Move!”
Hermione’s outraged voice broke through his stupor and, as so ordered, he moved, as did the other Aurors who had been huddled under cover.
Assessing the number of combatants, Hermione adjusted her energy and discharged her dragon to encompass every ally she could see.
The distraction worked as expected. The Aurors were able to surround and overrun the insurgents, putting the insurrection down within moments. With detainees shackled and under guard, Harry alleged, “Damn, who needs an army when you’re around? You sure you don’t want to be an Auror?”
“Not for a moment,” Hermione replied before bolting.
“Mione, where are you going?” Harry yelled.
“To find Minerva!”
“She left.” An unfamiliar voice called out.
Coming up short, Hermione demanded. “What do you mean ‘she left’?”
“I saw here running full out for the exit, just after the first explosion.”
“Are you implying she deserted?”
“No, I think she was running after someone. She looked furious and her wand was out.”
Realizing Minerva had intentionally gone off on her own mission for the time being, Hermione refocused on the immediate dilemma.
“Harry, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts were under attack, too.”
“What? When?”
“Same time. This was a sophisticated synchronized attack.”
“That’s…”
Harry was cut off by the arrival of a shimmering bobcat patronus announcing, “Saint Mungo’s is under attack, send help!”
“Fuck!” “Bloody hell.”
“Let’s go!” Harry’s voice rang out, mobilizing every able-bodied fighter within earshot.
Hermione didn’t take a moment to evaluate the scene. As soon as she apparated, she was on the move, with Harry and everyone else following. The incursion at the hospital was of a smaller scale, but deadlier in its outcome. At the culmination of the battle, it was soon revealed that a band of six terrorists had dispersed quietly to the wards and began a systematic massacre, concentrating their efforts on the muggle-born and half-blood patients and personnel. The final account was 7 dead and twenty-eight wounded.
“What the devil is going on?” Hermione muttered in discomposure.
She and Harry had just returned to the admissions rotunda when the front doors burst open, granting entry to a mob of injured and attendants.
“Oi, Harry, ‘Mione, what’s happened?” Ron’s blaring voice echoed through the room.
“Ron.” Harry waited until his friend got close enough to speak in a more reserved volume. “Looks like an organized, synchronized strike. So far we know the ministry, Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Saint Mungo’s, and” he looked over Ron’s disheveled clothing, “apparently Diagon Alley have all been stormed at the same time.”
“What? Why?”
“Don’t know, yet. We have a number of the terrorists, but it’s going to take some time to question everyone and put it all together.”
“How many injured did you bring in, Ron?” Hermione questioned.
“Not many. Thankfully, the streets were pretty quiet since it was so late. Maybe fifteen injured bad enough to come here. Mostly shops were torched. Everybody involved on our side was in the pub. We managed to find and capture three of ‘em. They were brought through to the ministry.”
“I need to get back there and organize the inquest.”
“I need to get back home. Make sure everyone is alright.” Ron retorted.
“Ginny and the kids are fine. I already checked in via patronus.”
“Where’s McGonagall?” Ron asked, confused that the woman was not front and center of the action.
“We don’t know.” Hermione confessed. “She was seen running after someone from the ministry building. I expect we’ll find out soon enough.” Hermione’s words were nonchalant, but the tone under them revealed just how concerned she was.
“She’ll probably turn up with the entire cabal in tow.” Ron tried to allay her fears.
“Yeah, probably.” Hermione smiled gratefully. “Look, Harry, I’m going to Grimmauld Place. If any Order members are aware of events, I expect they’ll head there.”
“Good idea. Minerva will probably go there too. She’ll not know if the ministry fell.”
“Be careful, ‘Mione.”
“You too, Ron. Harry, figure out what’s going on.”
“Will do.”
The three friends disapparted, each going off in a different direction.
Minerva was tired. The monthly board meeting had been rife with dissent and she was ready for a double scotch. Half of the governors had formed a faction against government financial support for Hogwarts, arguing that the school should be supported by private revenue, since there was an influx of foreign and muggle-born students. Others were partially in agreement, indicating there should at least be individual tuitions paid. Minerva was steadfast in the belief the school should be publicly funded, free for the students to attend, and open to all comers.
She was stalled near the main atrium in a conversation with Kingsley Shacklebolt when something caught her attention. Following her intuition, she excused herself and started towards the floo network, her eyes fixing on familiar tawny hair. Just as the woman who had caught her eye stepped into a floo an explosion ripped through the chamber, throwing Minerva to the ground.
Screams and chaos broke out around her, but despite archaic pledges to protect the center of wizarding authority, Minerva bolted for the exit in pursuit of her lover’s doppelgänger.
The street was dark and a steady rain made visibility difficult, but a flash of a reflection in a store window across the street directed Minerva on her path. Morphing into a cat she raced after the woman she witnessed drop a knapsack before hurriedly leaving the ministry. Skillful proficiency as a spy deterred the adept witch from foregoing her feline form. With the patience of Job, Minerva shadowed the suspicious woman through a number of back streets and alleys.
Finally, nearly seven blocks from the start of the deception, the woman ducked into an alley, only to reemerge in the guise of Pansy Parkinson. Green feline eyes squinted into slits of resentment upon recognizing the childhood nemesis of Hermione and the boys. Minerva watched as Pansy let herself into a walk-up apartment house. Noting the address, the tabby cat slunk back into the shadows of an alleyway and transformed into a tall, elegant witch. With a turn, Minerva disapparated.
The pandemonium had culminated by the time she returned. The atrium was cleared of smoke and the relatively minor debris had been cleaned up. She bee-lined it to the DMLE offices to both give and get information. Level two was inundated with activity. Aurors were everywhere, busy guarding shackled individuals, each of whom was under the effect of a silencing charm to keep them from conferring.
She found Harry about to enter an interrogation room and called out to stall him.
“Minerva, where have you been?”
“Gathering some information of which you need to be informed.”
“Right, well… my office?”
The duo maneuvered through the hallways to the refuge of the department head’s office.
“After you.” Harry motioned Minerva into the room and closed the door behind her. “What do you know?”
“Pansy Parkinson, whom I believe was under the influence of polyjuice and disguised as Hermione, dropped an incendiary device in the atrium this evening.”
“Pansy? You’re sure?”
“Absolutley. What has happened?”
“We’ve been under attack.”
“Obviously.”
“Yeah, but you don’t know the extent.”
“Well?” Minerva pressed, slipping into her professor persona.
“The ministry, Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Saint Mungo’s, and Diagon Alley were all targets.”
“By Merlin...”
“The death toll is at twenty-one with over a hundred injured.”
Minerva’s countenance transformed before Harry’s eyes. Her normally reserved and stoic presence melted away, leaving in its place an expression contorted in terror. “Hermione?” was barely breathed past her lips.
“She’s ok. Really. She left for Grimmauld Place not ten minutes ago.”
Minerva was gone before Harry finished. Filing the information the deft witch had supplied for future use, Harry returned to the matter of interrogations.
The streets around Grimmauld Place were quiet. The unsuspecting neighboring muggles were clueless to the events of the evening. For her safety, Minerva had morphed into her animagus again and was lurking in the shadows watching for the woman who held her heart.
Hermione hit the ground running. Despite there never being any intelligence that the Death Eaters had ever discovered the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, she knew not to take any chances. She apparated to an alley behind a pub that was owned by a muggle-born wizard. Pulling a cloak hood over her head, she crept through the streets, doubling back and zigzagging through the city to ensure no one was following.
Finally only a block away from her destination, she backed into another alley when she saw a group of people on the walk across from her destination. Three of the individuals started walking towards her hiding spot, leaving two behind to climb a door stoop across from the Order’s command post.
Hermione shuffled backward, deeper into the alley, completely unaware of the figure looming behind her. The still unidentified people on the street were only a few meters from the entrance to the alley. Holding her breath, she took another step back, only to have her breath explode with a stifled scream when a hand clamped over her mouth and an arm pulled her into a powerful body.
A hot breath hissed past her ear, “Quiet, love. ‘Tis only I.”
Hermione froze in Minerva’s arms. Neither woman moved as lengthy shadows traversed the width of the alleyway. Momentarily, the casters of the shadows strode into view, playfully arguing over the results of a rugby match.
“Ssssh” Minerva breathed.
Minerva did not release Hermione until the strangers were a good ten meters down the road. Removing her hand from over Hermione’s mouth, Minerva whispered, “I’m sorry love. I didnae mean to scare you.”
In reply, Hermione twisted in Minerva’s arms and grabbed the woman up in a bear hug. “I am so relieved to see you,” she quietly disclosed.
“Hush now. ‘Tis alright. Come along, we need to get indoors. Here.” Minerva pulled a familiar cloak from a deep pocket in her robes.
“What?... Harry’s invisibility cloak?”
“Aye. He is unaware I have it, but I thought we might have use of it tonight.”
“Is there anything you don’t think of?” Hermione chuckled at Minerva’s uncanny foresight.
Minerva gave a disarming smile. “Here, take it. It will make it easier for us to proceed down the street.” Hermione unfolded the cloak and threw it around her shoulders, her body effectively disappearing from sight.
Minerva took a step back and morphed into her feline shape and waited expectantly for Hermione. After a moment, she gave a small demanding mew.
“Oh! Oh, right…here.” Hermione offered her hands and caught Minerva as she easily leaped into the open arms. “Right, let’s go.” Hermione tugged the cloak over her head and the vanished pair walked easily down the street.
Casting a disillusionment spell in front of the building for extra protection, Hermione waited for the front door to present itself. Once safely inside, Hermione whipped the cloak off as Minerva shifted back into her human body and then grabbed the older witch up into a near painful hug. The women stood silently, breathing in relief. Their moment of recovery was interrupted by noises emanating from the kitchen.
“Oh, good, you made it.” Neville was the first to notice the fatigued women in the doorway.
The kitchen was crowded with a number of Order members bustling about creating a sunrise breakfast.
“Oh, my dears,” Molly shuffled across the room, wiping her hands on her apron “Come in and have a seat. There’s tea.” She offered, directing the pair through to the dining hall and some available chairs around the table.
“Oi, where’d you get off to then?” Ron called when he spotted Hermione.
“I took the long way, just in case.”
“Found your wayward witch, I see.” Ginny needled.
“This ‘wayward witch’ is not above sending you off ta bed without breakfast,” Minerva growled.
“Where’s Harry?” Hermione literally stepped in front of Minerva to protect Ginny from an annoyed Minerva.
“He’s still processing interviews and interrogations. It’s going to be a real long day.” Ginny replied, pushing a teacup across the table to mollify the tempestuous witch standing at her friend’s shoulder.
Minerva sipped at the strong brew and sat back in a chair, silently listening to the dissonance of voices around her.
“I heard it was all the old Death Eaters banded together again.”
“No way Malfoy is behind it all.”
“It was a targeted attack directed against half-bloods, muggles, and their supporters.”
“All the dead at Saint Mungo’s were ailing patients who couldn’t fight back.”
“At least six escaped from Hogsmeade.”
“Who would take up Voldemort’s mantle?”
“Luna told me a couple of months ago she overheard some woman talking about the ‘next glorious purification’. But then she went on to talk about sprackles and colliwarks, so I didn’t think anything about it.”
“Longbottom.” Minerva’s weighty voice cut through the clamor, squelching all the other conversations. “Do you know who this ‘woman’ was or with whom she was speaking?”
“No. I have no idea.”
“Where is Luna now?”
“She’s on that expedition with Charlie in Tibet.”
A flash of irritation sparked in her eyes as Minerva pulled her wand and a silvery cat flared from the tip.
“What’s the matter, Min?”
“I believe what Miss Lovegood overheard was some stage of a planning meeting for this aggression. I presume I know who the woman was; I can only hope our faultless eavesdropper can educate us as to the identity of the other individual.” Pushing herself out of the chair, Minerva offered a hand to Hermione, “I think we should try to get some rest before she arrives.”
“Oh. Ok.” Hermione agreeably accepted Minerva’s hand and was led from the breakfast table, grabbing a piece of toast as she followed.
In the privacy of their usual room, Hermione pressed for more information. “What’s going on? What do you already know?”
“I know that Pansy Parkinson was the person responsible for the explosion at the ministry building. I know that she set the device while disguised as you. I know that some of the other Death Eaters captured tonight were also in disguise as other ‘non-pure’ wizards and witches. I presume Ms. Parkinson is part of the inner circle of the architects of this offensive. And I suspect Luna is an unwitting witness to the identity of the leader.”
“So you’ve summoned Luna home?”
“Aye. Although a capable witch, she does not possess the power to apparate directly from so great a distance. Add her time of travel to the time it will take my patronus to find her, I expect we have a few hours to capture some much needed sleep.”
Hermione eyed Minerva doubtfully. “Will you actually sleep?”
“With you safely in my arms, I think I will.”
A hesitant knock on the door dragged Minerva from her slumber. “Come”, she beckoned hoarsely.
“Luna’s here.” The voice of Ginny Weasley announced quietly.
“Thank you. We will be down in a moment.”
The door clicked closed and Minerva turned her focus on the warm body curled against her side. Combing her slender fingers through Hermione’s thick curls, she spoke softly, “Hermione, darling, it is time to rise.”
“Mmmnnnno.”
“Yes love,” Minerva smiled against Hermione’s forehead. “We must again persevere against malevolent forces.”
“They’ll still be malevolent in another hour or two,” Hermione mumbled sleepily.
“’Tis true. However, we must stop this hateful insurrection before more innocent lives are lost.”
“Minerva McGonagall, sometimes I loathe your integrity.”
“I am aware.” The low chuckle that rumbled from Minerva’s chest vibrated against Hermione’s cheek.
“Fine…I’m up.” Hermione huffed as she pushed herself from their shared cocoon.
The women descended the stairs to find the house had been fairly deserted. On inquiry, they were informed most everyone had departed to check on their individual responsibilities. The members remaining were sat about the dining table.
“Harry, what have you ascertained?” Minerva greeted the head of the DMLE.
“As we all suspected; the Death Eaters have reorganized. They are all more than willing to pontificate about their doctrine to purge our community of the ‘polluted impure blood pervading our population”, but not one will divulge the identity of their new master.”
“Despite Ronald’s insistence, I can assure you it is not Draco Malfoy.” Minerva confidently dismissed Ron’s opinion.
“I know. He always wants to blame Draco for every single crime we investigate. Old grudges never die.”
“Hmmm.” Minerva turned her attention to the newest arrival. “Ms. Lovegood, thank you for promptly responding to my summons.”
“Your message did sound rather urgent, Headmistress.”
“Yes, well… do you recall overhearing a conversation a number of months ago regarding a ‘glorious purification’?”
“Why yes, I do. I was in Diagon Alley to obtain a new book I ordered about the dangers of trying to interbreed the Welsh Sprackle with the Norwegian Colliwark; fascinating research…”
“Yes, yes… I am sure it is most intriguing. But, I wonder if you might remember more of the conversation you overheard, or perhaps who was involved with the discussion?’
“Oh, well… I’m not certain…”
“Please, Luna, it is exceedingly important you remember.”
“I know the woman was Pansy Parkinson. I thought it quite funny that she would consider anything ‘glorious’. She was speaking with a man, I do recall that. His voice was not familiar, but he was rather tall and wore a fedora hat.”
“Could you say how tall?” Minerva urged.
“Taller than George Weasley, but not as much as Hagrid.”
“Right, well, thank you, Luna.”
“Does that help at all?”
“It may. We shall see…”
“Luna?” Hermione interjected, “Can you describe the man’s voice? Was there any discerning character to it?”
“He did have a bit of a stutter. He seemed to get stuck up with the letter ‘n’.”
Hermione experienced a somatic response to Luna’s description. She sat up straight, her body tensing to fight and her eyes widened in consternation.
“What is it, Hermione?” Minerva grabbed Hermione’s hand to steady her.
“I think I know the man beneath the hat.”
“Who is it?” Harry chimed in.
“Alexei Morozov. He goes by the anglicized alias Alex Frost. He was a straw boss for Varick Vakos. He handled the brothels in Australia.”
“Well, isn’t this perfect.”
“You can’t turn this on me, Min. I am not responsible for bringing him here.”
“I know, Hermione.” Minerva sighed reflexively. Giving the hand she still held a reassuring squeeze, she tried to clarify, “I am not blaming anyone, especially not you. It just seems that if something is going to go balls–up, it will somehow be attached to the three of you.”
A laughter of surprise at Minerva’s language reverberated through the room, breaking the tension that had infiltrated the atmosphere.
“If it is Morozov we’ll be in for a bit of a battle. He is a nasty piece of work. He was known for his penchant for torture. And I’m sure he carried out a few disappearances on Vakos’ orders. I’d recommend we all travel in pairs for the time being.”
“That sounds like a real good idea,” Harry interjected. “Does anyone have any idea where he might be holed up?”
“Luna overheard him in Diagon Alley, so maybe London?” Ginny offered.
“Solid theory. Also, London is an easy place to disappear. Anyone care to chat with Professor Trelawney? See if she can locate him with her tea leaves?”
“Harry, you need to stop teasing poor Sybil.” Hermione admonished.
“Is it considered teasing if she isn’t here to witness it?”
“Worse, it’s defamation of character. She could sue you.” Ginny pointed out.
“Alright, children. I will forward schedules for us all to start a rotation watch. We may not be able to find him, but we can be prepared to protect our own.” Minerva rationalized.
“Right. Luna, are you returning to Tibet?”
“I can’t very well leave Charlie Weasley alone to count the paired Fireball dragons. He’d get himself charbroiled for certain.”
“Do you need any assistance?”
“Oh, no. I will stop to see my father before I leave. I doubt I’ll run into any Death Eaters at the house.”
“Right. You can floo to the ministry and apparate from there if you’d like.”
“Thank you, Harry. That will be helpful. Well, goodbye.”
Once Luna was gone, Harry shared a bit of classified information. “Before you spend time on the watch schedule, you should know the minister wants to set up a trap.”
“A trap? And what will the bait be?”
“We know the rebellion is aimed at eliminating muggles and half-bloods, so he wants to set up a wing at Saint Mungo’s to house those injured. He thinks it will draw out the remaining death eaters to finish the job.”
“What rot!”
“I could not have said it better myself, Hermione. Harry, will you inform him of our latest intelligence?”
“Of course. But I doubt it will change his mind.”
“No bother, Kingsley was never one for strategy. He was always more of a soldier following orders. I shall still put together a roster.”
“Right. Well, we best get moving. Molly took the kids home, so we need to go relieve her. We’ll talk soon.”
“Bye Harry.” Hermione gave her friends farewell hugs.
Although it was the weekend and the witches were both off from duties at the school, the headmistress's office became headquarters for a strategy session with the four heads of house.
“For optimum safety, as of today, you will perform your watch duties in pairs. There will be two from each house every night. Two houses will cover each watch block, splitting the overnight in half. I do apologize for the inconvenience, as this will increase your individual patrol frequency to every other night. However, I believe it a necessity for the time being.”
“Considering the effectiveness of the wards, would it not be more helpful for us to aid in the patrols through Hogsmeade?” Filius weighed in.
“Hogsmeade, as well as the other targets of this hostile strike, are all currently covered by an abundance of volunteers. As our students are our priority, we will concentrate our efforts here.”
“You can’t possibly expect Mrs. Stephens to increase her watch duties. The woman could drop her baby if you cry ‘boo’. And Sybil is not one I would endanger the students with.” Beatrice Bonafice argued.
“Ms. Bonafice, if you are so troubled with the shortcomings of your fellow professors, perhaps you would prefer to stand in every evening?”
“I am only voicing my concerns, Headmistress.”
“Duly noted. Does anyone else share the opinion of our head of Slytherin house?”
Murmurs of denial satisfied Minerva’s annoyance. “Very well. Until further notice, we will remain on high alert. Is there any other business to address?”
“Our students have been enthusiastically planning for this year’s Halloween ball. Will we allow them to continue?” Pamona Sprout’s question caused Minerva to pinch the bridge of her nose in frustration.
“In truth, Pamona, I completely forgot about their festivities.”
“It’s three weeks away,” Neville added his viewpoint. “Why don’t we let them plan and then cancel or reschedule if necessary?”
“Good idea, Longbottom.” Filius encouraged.
“Very well. We will allow their plans to evolve undisturbed… for now. If there is nothing else, we may adjourn.”
The office emptied, leaving Minerva with an encroaching headache. Cracking a bottle of Cephalalagia anodyne, she swallowed a shot just as Hermione walked through her door.
“Hey, another headache?”
“The usual side effect of staff meetings.”
“I expect it’s a bit more this time.” Hermione set herself on the edge of the desk by Minerva’s elbow.
Minerva cast a sour eye at Hermione in response. “Have you heard anything from Harry?”
“Last I heard they were bringing Pansy in for a ‘conversation’.”
“They cannae prove polyjuice use or her physically planting that flash-bang device she dropped without legilimency. And, thanks to our new laws, we cannae utilize that particular interrogation method without consent.”
“True, but with you as an eyewitness, they have the proof to use as a bargaining chip. If you offer your memories, she’ll be looking at time in Azkaban versus giving up her master.”
“Darling, I am concerned with the venom in your voice when you speak of him.”
“It’s no more distaste than I held for Vakos.”
“And that is what worries me. I was witness to the result of your ‘distaste’.”
“I will not hunt this man down, but I also will not let him get away with these bigoted, murderous acts. Should the need arise requiring me to get directly involved with his apprehension, I will do what needs be done.”
“And if I ask you to stay out of it all?”
Hermione slid from the desk and settled on Minerva’s lap, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Then I am afraid you will be sorely disappointed.”
“As I suspected.” Minerva encircled Hermione’s waist within her arms. “Shall we go home and try to get some rest?”
“That is probably best since my boss just increased my overnights here at the school.”
“Perhaps your boss can find a way to make it up to you.”
Hermione stood and pulled Minerva up by her hands. “She is normally fair and just in her professional affairs, so I firmly believe I’ll get more than adequate compensation.” The provocative witch muttered against Minerva’s lips. “Now, take me home.”
“Pansy, you might want to take this opportunity to avoid spending the next ten years in Azkaban and tell us what we need to know.”
“I have nothing to say to you, Potter.”
“We have an eyewitness, Pansy.”
Pansy Parkinson hesitated at this bit of information. “You don’t have anything. I wasn’t there and I have no idea who might be behind it all.”
“Do you honestly want us to bring Headmistress McGonagall in to supply her memories of that evening for the pensieve?”
“Mc…?”
“Yes. McGonagall. She is the one who saw you.”
“No…” Pansy shook her head adamantly. “She couldn’t have seen me…”
“It’s true she didn’t specifically see you here. She did, however, witness your change from your polyjuice enabled disguise as Hermione.”
An angry scowl replaced the expression of disbelief across Pansy’s face. “That meddling cow!”
“Does that mean you’ll talk to us?”
Pansy indignantly crossed her arms across her chest and slumped back into the chair. “I have nothing to say.”
“Right. Well, enjoy your visit to Azkaban. We’ll get together again once we have the memories we require.”
The surly witch was led from his office in chains. Harry replaced the papers into her file and locked it in his desk. He was about to leave when Kingsley intercepted him.
“Any joy?”
“Nothing. She isn’t saying a word.”
“She doesn’t believe you?”
“Either that or she’s afraid of her puppeteer.”
“Will Minerva give you her memories?”
“She knows she is the only witness to back up our allegations.”
“Bring her in Monday?”
“I’ll talk to her tomorrow. I don’t want to give them any more time to carry out another attack.”
“Good, good. That’s probably better. Well, goodnight, Harry. Get some rest.”
“Goodnight, sir.”
“Min, Harry’s here.” Hermione’s voice carried through the house, alerting her partner of the expected visitor. “Want anything?” the tawny-haired witch asked her friend. “Tea, coffee, something stronger?”
“Nah. I’m good.”
“Harry, nice of you to visit.” The warmth of Minerva’s rich contralto voice was a contradiction to the reason Harry was standing in her sitting room.
“Minerva.”
“I take it she did not divulge the information you require?”
“Not a word.”
“And now you would like my memory?”
“I only ask because we are against a wall with the investigation. No one has been able to discern the slightest trace of this Morozov character. And none of the assailants admit to knowing anything beyond Parkinson’s directions.”
“So she has positioned herself as second in command, finally attaining the recognition she desired years ago.”
“I can’t determine if her loyalty is based on respect or fear.”
“We may never suss that out. Have you a vial?”
“Oh, yes. Right here.” Harry handed a small glass ampule into Minerva’s outstretched hand.
Placing the tip of her wand against her temple, Minerva extracted a whispery silver ephemeral thread from the recesses of her mind and deposited it into the container. Handing it back to Harry, she watched impassively as he corked it.
“Is there anything else you need?”
“This should be it.”
“Very well. Should you need either of us tonight, Hermione and I can be found at Hogwarts.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes, we will be taking our turn on watch.”
“You’re standing watch duty?” Harry asked incredulously.
“You ask that as if you wouldn’t expect me to be at Hermione’s side.”
“No, no. Just surprised since the head of Hogwarts does not usually take on the duties of chaperone.”
“These are unusual times, Mr. Potter.”
“Right, well, I guess I’ll be off. I’ll let you know if this produces anything useful for us.”
Minerva watched while Hermione showed Harry to the door.
“I never should have allowed him access to the manor.”
“Don’t be disagreeable, Min. You know it’s the situation and not Harry you’re angry with.”
“Hmpf.”
“Come on. We need to get going.”
The ocean waters thundering around Azkaban were turbulent at best. Harry dispassionately watched the whitecaps crash against the rocks while he waited. The sound of a latch turning brought his attention back to the room. Turning from the window, he remained standing as Pansy was escorted in.
“Back so soon?” she snarked.
“You know why. Are you prepared to risk life in prison for a man who holds you in such little regard?"
“You’re bluffing. You don’t have anything on me.”
“I already told you what I have. Do you think there is a single member of the Wizengamot who would question the memory of Minerva McGonagall? She is the most revered witch of our generation. Her eyewitness account will ensure you never see the light of day.”
“Your lies don’t scare me, Potter.”
“I already viewed it in the pensieve. It is indeed damning.”
“Right. And I’m married to Rubeus Hagrid.”
“Would you like us to change all your personal information on the paperwork, Mrs. Hagrid?” Harry waved towards the door, bored with the stagnation.
“What’s this?” Pansy questioned as a couple of men carried a large stone bowl into the room and set it on the table.
“This is the pensieve from the minister’s office. I’m tired of going back and forth with you, so you’re going to see what I do have against you.”
Harry filled the basin with water and stirred it with his wand. Then he removed a vial from his pocket and tipped the contents into the pensieve. Glancing at Pansy he offered, “Come on, you know what to do. Have a look before you decide to go quietly to your demise.”
The sullen witch approached and after casting a hostile glare at Harry, submerged her face into the vessel of memories. In moments she witnessed everything Minerva had seen that night. From the moment the older witch registered the oddity of seeing someone she thought was Hermione drop a knapsack on the floor to the image of Pansy herself entering an apartment building. With an ashen face and empty eyes, Pansy returned to her seat, finally comprehending the magnitude of the evidence against her.
“Anything you’d like to add to your official statement?”
“That’s all I did. I didn’t hurt anyone. I just left the device.”
“You were an integral part of an act of terror in which lives were lost. That is tantamount to accessory to murder. You’re looking at a very long vacation here on Azkaban Island.”
“What do you want?”
“I want to know where Morozov is hiding.”
“He said no one would know. If we all disguised ourselves as our intended victims, they would take the blame.”
“Only if you all succeeded. How were you to know you’d be spotted by the one witch who could never accept that Hermione Granger would commit such a horrible atrocity?”
“That meddlesome bitch. She was always looking down on me. Ever since Hogwarts.”
“Meddlesome bitch, or not, she clocked you. Now where is he?”
“He’s staying at my apartment.”
“Do better. We’ve been staking out your flat. No one has come or gone.”
“Well, then, I have no idea.”
“Right, then. Have a good time with all your new friends.”
Harry waved his wand over the pensive, shrinking it down to store in his pocket. He pounded his fist against the door and swept out without another glance back.
“It didn’t get us Morozov, but it will keep Pansy in jail for a long time.”
“Potter, I am not questioning the need for my account. I just don’t understand how it failed.”
“She claims he’s been hiding out at her place. But, we’ve been watching all along and no one has come or gone.”
“From the entire building or her actual flat?”
“Her flat. Obviously, people have been in and out of the building. There’s like, fifty units.”
“Harry?” Hermione joined in the debate. “Have you been checking the people who live there?”
“Of course we have.”
“For magical disguises?”
“Well… I mean…”
“Harry…”
“Potter, if I had the ability, I would put you back to second year. How are you the head of the DMLE?”
“What?!”
“This Morozov character is obviously a fan of polyjuice. And, if you would look, I would bet my Gringott’s vault that he is enjoying free access as one of the neighbors.”
“No way.”
“Harry, get inside the flat. If he’s there then arrest him. If not, wait for him to show up, and then arrest him.” Hermione directed.
Harry stared blankly at his friends, frozen with embarrassment as he processed how careless and inept he had been. “Oh, bloody hell! I don’t believe it…” He grumbled as he headed to the floo.
“I hope they haven’t missed him. After this first incursion wasn’t quite the success he predicted, he may move on.”
“Or, he may reconvene the organization for a new attack. We must not minimize our vigilance.”
“Yes Min, we will remain on guard. Shall we go down to dinner before our watch begins?”
“I suppose we will need sustenance to get through the night.”
Holding the office door open for her companion, Hermione continued the conversation, “It’s awfully considerate of you to take Grace’s stint.”
“Mrs. Stephens really should not be taking chances during her pregnancy. And it is no skin off my nose to spend the night patrolling the school with the person I love.”
It was half five Monday morning when Hermione and Minerva climbed the astronomy tower for the last patrol of their watch. Once in the observation room, they took a few moments to appreciate the view and relaxed with the thought their bed was a mere half hour away.
“When is Mrs. Stephens taking her maternity leave?”
“She claims she wants to wait until the very last minute. I expect she has the resolve to teach until her water breaks.”
“Min…”
Minerva smiled in response to Hermione’s laughter.
“Her words, not mine.”
“Have you found a substitute?”
“Aye. If you can believe it, we had a plethora of applications. Who knew Arithmancy was so popular?”
“I think it is a subject that attracts candidates from Hufflepuff house.”
“Hermione…”
“What? It’s just an observation.”
“Hmmm.”
“What’s that?” Hermione’s attention was pulled to something off in the distance.
Turning, Minerva immediately found the aberration.
“That is a fire.” Squinting to better focus she was off like a shot when realization dawned. “That’s the winter mountain grazing fields for unicorns.” She called over her shoulder. “Sound the alarm!”
Hermione was already hot on her heels, following her down the stairway. By the time they hit the ground, the bells had been set off and most of the professors were in the courtyard in various states of disarray.
“Fire on Piuthar Beinne! They’re after the unicorns!” Minerva shouted. “You four on brooms." She ordered the four standing nearest. “You two,” she waved at Neville and Rolanda Hooch “with us. Filius, get us some backup!”
“Where are we going, then?” Neville asked as he fell in step.
“Apparating.”
“But I don’t know the place.”
“Then side apparate.” Minerva bit out with no patience.
“Come on Neville.” Hermione reached out to him. As soon as his hand gripped hers, they were gone.
It was no surprise that the enemy was awaiting their arrival. What was underestimated was the size of the ambush force. The foursome was immediately under attack when they apparated. Hermione’s foresight with her dragon saved them from the initial assault, but the battle quickly escalated and they all soon were forced to dive for cover.
Amidst an overwhelming volley of hexes and curses, Hermione had to focus her attention on the actual skirmish, curtailing the scope of her dragon to protect herself and, intrinsically, Minerva.
When it finally arrived, the air support from Hogwarts caused a chaotic reorganization of the Death Eaters, allowing a brief moment for the ground crew to catch their breath. Evaluating the scene, Hermione located the trapped unicorns that had been pushed to the edge of the bluff. Dodging between minimal shrub coverage, she slowly fought her way closer to a better position to protect the animals.
The wizarding cavalry finally arrived after almost thirty minutes. The forces in the air on broomsticks were the first to appreciate the help. A battalion of twenty swarmed over the clearing helping to break down the enemy squadron from the rear. Those on the ground were soon finding friendly faces in their midst as fighting units apparated in and joined the conflict.
With their numbers now closer to even, Hermione used the reprieve the balance offered to save the terrified horned beasts that had been surrounded by flames. She had maneuvered to a position at the edge of the drop-off hoping to turn back any wild creature that got too close. With the energy needed to extinguish the fire, Hermione had to briefly drop her defenses. Summoning her power and borrowing energy from the earth, she stood to cast her spell.
With uncanny timing, Alexei Morozov threw his curse at the moment Hermione released her energy. The curse landed at Hermione’s feet with an explosion that tore off the edge of the cliff, sending Hermione hurtling off into thin air.
Minerva’s first hex was cast as she apparated and was followed by a series of curses with the skill and dexterity of a woman with too much experience in the art of war. Even as she threw spells, she was deftly parrying the incoming barrage. A deflected blast that would have hit her leg informed her that Hermione’s dragon was once again orbiting around her.
The intensity of the combined offensive needed to be lessened. “Split up!” Minerva bellowed, as she leapt to the side and withdrew to collect herself behind a large boulder. Behind the nominal safety of the rock, Minerva was able to better observe her comrades. Once assured they had all attained some sort of cover she was able to refocus on the task at hand.
The fighting raged to a point that, when the air support finally arrived, Minerva was wishing for the days of civilized one-on-one duels. Even three against one in an open field was better than having seven curses hitting around her at the same time as she sat behind a cold stone. Once the reserves began to arrive from the ministry, Minerva could breathe easier and survey the battlefield.
Scanning the area with determined intent, she spotted Hermione as the woman sprinted towards the cliff side of the clearing. She stared in awe as the tawny-haired witch easily blocked a series of hexes and cast three simultaneous binding spells to effectively shackle the three men she was actively engaged with.
A curse that struck the stone close to her head brought her back to her sensibilities. She returned to the fight to readily dispatch a meddlesome Death Eater. The next chance she took to check on Hermione stopped her heart. She saw her love standing near the edge of the precipice and observed as the younger witch visibly combined her power with that of the earth around her. Then, just as Hermione released her kinetic energy, the ground at her feet exploded.
“Nooo!”
The scream torn from Minerva’s soul literally stalled the combatants on both sides. The following display of raw power and rage captivated the unlikely audience as Minerva stalked the man responsible for the loss of her beloved. The Scottish witch was frenzied in her advance. Not a single curse from Morozov came near to touching her as she parried and assailed the wizard with sixty years of experience, pain, suffering, and love. Each exchange between the two combatants became more violent; Morozov’s from desperation and Minerva’s from vengeance.
Morozov cast the first unforgivable curse and was nearly hit by it himself due to the force with which Minerva deflected. Before he recovered, Minerva struck him fully in the chest with a basic stunning spell. The accuracy of the spell itself would have ended the fight; however, due to the fury behind the directed reaction, Morozov was thrown clear off the ridge.
“Bloody hell! Who was that?!”
The disembodied voice of Hermione Granger drifted up from the drop-off. The reaction to the impossible occurrence generated a near comical response. With an expression of confused disbelief, Minerva inched towards the edge of the gorge while both armies merely watched dumbfounded by events. Once she glanced over the brink, Minerva collapsed to her knees.
Harry ran forward as Minerva collapsed, her body beginning to shake convulsively. Sliding to the ground next to her, he grabbed her around the shoulders and pulled her safely from the verge. Lying back on the ground he realized that the distinguished war veteran was, in fact, laughing hysterically.
“What..? What’s going on?” Harry questioned as he scrambled up to his knees.
“She’s …over… the edge.” Minerva got out through uncontrollable laughter.
Shuffling closer, Harry glanced over and caught sight of Hermione, suspended upside down in midair.
“Hermione?” He called out skeptically.
“Hey, Harry. Can you pull me up?”
“Pull you..? Oh, right. Incarcerous.”
“Ropes?”
“You’re out too far for me to reach. Here, catch the end.”
Harry’s aim was accurate and Hermione easily grabbed the end of the rope that almost struck her.
“Got it.”
“Levicorpus.”
Hermione was easily levitated above the plateau and pulled in safely with the rope. When Harry canceled the spell, Hermione fell to the ground next to Minerva. They lay alongside each other silently recuperating while Aurors, Professors, and other volunteers rounded up the remainder of the fanatics.
“How are the unicorns?” Hermione directed her question to the clouds, not bothering to turn her face to her partner.
Minerva answered with the same regard. “They all ran off. You did an amazing job extinguishing the flames.”
“Thanks. I noticed you were doing an amazing job of handling multiple opponents.”
“’Twas a bit of a challenge…”
“You enjoyed it.”
They lay in stillness for a few moments listening to the activity around them.
“I need to make some adjustments to my dragon.”
“What ‘adjustments’?”
“When I’m hanging in mid-air, I don’t have the proper counterbalance to pull myself back up. I couldn’t return to the fight. It worked out this time…but…”
After another protracted silence, Hermione observed, “Sun’ll be up soon.”
“Hmmm.”
“Are you hungry, yet?”
Minerva blindly slid her hand across the ground and wrapped her fingers around Hermione’s hand, confirming through touch that the absurdity they had just experienced was real.
Hermione finally turned her head to look at Minerva. “I could go for an omelet, what do you think?”
“I think you are a lunatic.”
“What? Why?”
The incredulous glare Minerva favored her with made Hermione break out in laughter.
“I don’t know what the problem is Min, we already established the dragon works.”
Hermione rolled to her side and propped herself up on an elbow. Reaching out with her free hand, she wrapped her fingers around the side of Minerva’s neck, her thumb resting along the woman’s jaw. She waited until Minerva finally allowed eye contact before expressing her regret.
“I am so sorry I scared you. But now we know it really does work as designed.”
“You dae nae need to be sorry. I am grateful you are the brilliant woman you are. I am grateful you chose to be in my life. And I am so, so very grateful you didnae die tonight.”
Hermione lowered herself to offer Minerva comfort with a kiss. With the stress and emotion of the battle, it did not take long for the women to get carried away with each other. As Hermione moaned against Minerva’s mouth, she felt a familiar pull behind her navel. When she opened her eyes, she smiled against Minerva’s lips when she recognized their bedroom.
“In a hurry to get home?”
“I am not the exhibitionist you are. Some things should be private.”
“I hope you banished our clothes after we made it back.”
“They are replaceable.”
“Shouldn’t we be at Hogwarts?”
“I am sure Filius is clever enough to cancel classes due to circumstances.”
“Well, that’s all my arguments.”
“Finally.”
“Hermione, call me.” Harry’s voice emanated from the silver-white stag standing in the kitchen.
“It’s a good thing a patronus doesn’t actually have any mass. He’d destroy our house.”
“I don’t know why he can’t just get a mobile and text me. It’s less intrusive.”
“You better call him. He’ll just keep sending them.”
“Keep an eye on dinner. It’s in the ‘browning’ phase. And you know I don’t like it blackened.”
“Yes, dear.”
Hermione went to the library to floo call Harry.
“Harry…”
“Hermione, hi.”
“What do you need?”
“It’s been confirmed. It was Alexei Morozov who died at the battle this morning.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, absolutely. Can you and Minerva come in? Formal statements are needed.”
“Are you kidding me? We responded to an attack perpetrated by a bunch of terrorists, and you ‘need a formal statement’?”
“Just to keep it all legal. You know how it is.”
“Are they going to accuse Minerva of murder?”
“No. Everyone witnessed the fight. Despite what Morozov tried, Minerva never used a killing curse. Literally just red tape.”
“Does it have to be this evening?”
“Within the week?”
“Fine. I’ll stop in after work tomorrow. And I’ll let Minerva know.”
“Great. Thanks.”
“Goodnight, Harry.”
On her return to the kitchen, Hermione caught Minerva sheepishly closing the oven.
“What happened?”
“I wanted a drink.”
“And?”
“And I poured one.”
“Min, what are you hiding?”
“I left the kitchen momentarily…”
“You let it burn?” Hermione accused incredulously.
“I didnae ‘let it’ do anything.”
“Minerva.” Hermione’s voice was sharp. “How bad is it?” she asked as she pushed past her partner. Lifting the cover of the Dutch oven she scowled. “How did you even do this? It’s charcoal!”
“Oh, it isn’t that bad.”
“Min, this isn’t even fit to feed pigs.”
“What did Harry want?”
“No. You do not get to avoid this. You ruined my dinner.”
Minerva gave a placating smile, wrapped her strong arms around Hermione’s shoulders, and offered contritely, “Hermione, my dearest. Will you allow me to take you out for dinner?”
“Really? Like a date?”
“Do you consider the Leaky Cauldron date worthy?”
“No. Not at all. You will take me to the Purslane Restaurant for a romantic evening.”
“Isn’t that the establishment that places two morsels of food on your plate and calls it a meal?”
“Yup.” Hermione answered smugly.
“You really think burning a dish of Mac n Cheese is worth that for repayment?”
“It isn’t the food that’s the issue.”
“Hermione,” Minerva began coolly, “I killed a man for you this morning. I think I have more than proven myself to you.”
“How about we just go to Bertie’s for some fish and chips?”
“That, I can agree to.”
Hermione waited for Minerva to finish getting ready. Impatiently she called out, “I never knew I’d be spending my life waiting on a woman.”
“Are you complaining?” Minerva’s voice floated ahead of her down the stairs. When Hermione caught sight of long legs encased in form-fitting jeans, she began to shake her head. Once Minerva was completely in view dressed in the jeans, tailored shirt, and leather jacket, Hermione swallowed and relented, “As long as I’m waiting on you, it could be forever.”
After enjoying a dinner of fish and chips and a couple of pints of ale, the women apparated to Eagle Rock on the North shore to unwind and restore balance through nature with a breath of sea air. Strolling along the shore, their introspective stillness was cut short by Hermione’s curiosity.
“Minerva, why do you not use transfiguration in battle?”
“Transfiguration is too easily countered by experienced magic users. Any Finite Incantatum would cancel whatever I conjure with transfiguration.”
“But, what if it was bound to you?”
“How do you mean?”
“What if… you tie a transfiguration spell to your magical signature, effectively making it a spell that only you can cancel?”
“That has never been done.”
“But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.”
“What are you up to, Hermione?”
“I have to think about it, but I believe I have a new theory to test.”
“Oh, my love, the cleverness and talent of that mind of yours truly has no equal.”
“We should head home. It’s getting late and we have to work tomorrow.”
“Aye. We cannae play hooky again. “
“It’s funny.”
“What is?”
“Muggles play hooky and they cut out to the beach, or hang out at the mall. When we play hooky, it’s to engage in a battle to the death.”
“We do all have our priorities.” Minerva grinned. “Shall we go?”
Minerva took Hermione’s offered hand and disapparted.
Finis for now…