Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

One brick at a time	By : Cheichei87 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 5246 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor profit from any of the following words.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
Chapter 3

McGonagall called on one of the castle's elves and requested tea, scones and an assortment of sandwiches. She directed Hermione to the chase lounge in the corner of the office, and took a seat opposite her.
"I'm afraid I rarely stop at the moment, so one must find the opportunity to eat, when one can" she smiled at Hermione, subtly assessing the young witch in front of her.
Hermione made herself as comfortable as possible, not missing the assessing gaze. She looked around the headmistress' office, not missing that there was now another portrait on the wall, next to Dumbledore, sat a frame with Professor Snape's plaque on it.
"He is rarely in his portrait," McGonagall told her, "I'm afraid there may be some need for healing of the mind, even in the absence of the body."
Hermione turned back to face her, truly looking into her eyes since she had returned. She had aged since Hermione had last seen her, however the heaviness in the air had dissipated significantly, making it easier for the older witch to smile.
"Yes, healing of the mind can take much longer than the body, I've found."
Hermione replied, thinking of her own journey.
The tea and food appeared on the low laying table in front of them, and McGonagall served tea.
"Now that brings us to you, my dear. I was a little surprised to receive your owl, however it was not unwelcome." She smiled "We are in the process of repair and endeavour to have enough completed that we may welcome students back through the doors of Hogwarts. I feel the need for children to fill the halls of the school again, in order for us all to rebuild."
Hermione was listening and nodding, drinking her tea and bringing herself to eat one of the scones offered.
"It will not be easy, there are a lot of pockets of dark magic lingering within the school. An after effect of the battle I'm afraid. So many curses were flown about, there was bound to be some impact left behind." She sighed but continued, "Your work here will consist of many things, including clearing physical rubble before the curse breakers can get to the dark pockets. As well as assessing areas we intend to open to the students. I have a list of criteria, that I need each area to abide by, before I can allow general access. You will report back directly to me."
She observed Hermione's reaction, seeing if the young witch felt she was able to do so.
"The sounds perfect to me, Professor. May I also ask, what the impact was to the library?" Hermione responded, thinking of her sanctum within the school.
"Gratefully, it was only mildly damaged, and can be accessed currently. Madame Pince has yet to return to the school, however i expect her a few weeks before the students return." Observing Hermione's positive reaction, she continued "Yes, you may have access, I assumed you would want to read up on what you are going to be doing."
The look of relief on Hermione's face was all the older witch needed, to indicate her feelings on the matter.
"Now, another pressing matter I feel we need to address is the others present for this rebuild process. Young Mr. Malfoy is also present, which you are obviously aware of." At this she looked directly at the younger witch, making eye contact," Will this be an issue for you? I am aware that you had some altercations during your schooling and the war?"
Hermione took a moment to collect her thoughts, took a rather deep breath and responded,
"I think we have both experienced enough horrors and devastation to last us a few lifetimes." She continued, "I honestly hold no malice towards Malfoy, when the time called for it, he made his choice."
Professor McGonagall looked at her then, observing the woman this War had created.
"I did wonder what is was the compelled you to testify at his trial".
Hermione looked down at her tea cup,
"I just don't think I could have truly moved on with my life, if I had stayed silent." She glanced up, "We can not choose our family, or the way we are raised. As much as we can choose our blood."
Professor McGonagall was contemplating what Hermione had just said, as she continued
"What he chooses to do with himself now, is up to him, just as it is finally my own choice." She finished her tea and placed it on the table.
"Well, we shall have to get some quarters set up for you." Professor McGonagall seemed satisfied with her response, "As there are few of those whom have returned to help, there are sleeping quarters in a few different areas. I have set you up in the old Head Girls quarters. There is a common area attached, you may join others for meals in the Great Hall. Or if you prefer there are facilities in the common area, and the elves shall also accomodate you."
Hermione must have shown some of the shock on her face, as McGonagall continued,
"You are not currently a student, so there are concessions. There is no curfew in place, but I do ask that you respect the blocked areas, for your own safety." There was a pointed look behind the headmistress' eyes, probably due to the disregard Harry, Ron and herself had in prior years to such 'forbidden' areas.
"Of course, Headmistress I understand" she replied, not hiding the small smile that made its way onto her face.
"Well then," she walked over to her desk, and retrieved a file, " here is a list of the criteria each room will be required to pass, and some further information. The library is open if you'd like to conduct any research."
"Thank you Headmistress."
At that, Hermione stood and retrieved the file from Professor McGonagall. She nodded and began to walk towards the exit, but paused as she heard her name called.
"Hermione," the new headmistress called "it is lovely to have you back dear." She smiled and sat behind her rather large desk. Hermione couldn't help but think of the other two men that had shared that seat, in her time at Hogwarts. Each with their own faults and triumphs.
"It's good to be back, Headmistress" she replied, feeling a tiny pocket of warmth return to her soul.
_____________
Thanks to those that have reviewed and those that have even just taken the time to read. I have a general idea of where this is going, but if anyone would like to BETA for me, I'm open to all suggestions and criticisms!
But for now, enjoy x
- 2
- 3
- 4
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

One brick at a time