Magic Never Dies (Harmione)

Chapter 4

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Harry and Hermione had established a pattern now of taking it in turns to make breakfast; the one who wasn't cooking had the job of climbing the five flights of stairs it took to check the post. The nature of the house being inhospitable at best to your average owl, they had devised a kind of drop box on the roof that Hermione had alarm-spelled to ring when an owl required personal delivery or a reply. The post-fetcher had the additional chores of cleaning and refilling water and treat dishes, but it was pleasant enough in the cool of the early morning, gazing over the still-sleeping neighborhood.

"You've had one from Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, sorting through the pile of envelopes she'd retrieved along with the paper.

Harry set a plate of toast between them and a mug of steaming tea in front of her before accepting the letter. He dropped into his chair and laid the envelope beside his empty plate, choosing his coffee instead.

"She's written you already, hasn't she?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. "A few days ago. Go on and open it."

He sighed. "At least it's not a howler."

"She wasn't angry, Harry. Not really. More disappointed."

"That was you. Her favorite student. Mine is going to be something else altogether, I assure you."

"She always liked you. You brought back the House Cup and let her gloat over Snape for a..." Hermione voice faded as she thought of the apparent defection of the Head of Slytherin back to the company of the Death Eaters. "Just open it."

He set his mug down and slit the flap of the envelope, his face still.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I am in receipt of your letter of the 26th of August. I confess that I have been reluctant to respond in the hopes I would receive another rescinding your decision prior to September 1st.

I am pleased to tell you, however, that as I sat down to write and question your sanity this morning a voice I have been greatly anxious to hear spoke out at last from the wall of my new office.

'For Merlin's sake, Minerva,' it said. 'Leave the poor boy alone. He's got quite enough to be going on with and he knows what he needs to do.'

Yes, Harry, Dumbledore has spoken from his portrait at last. He seems very tired and immediately went back to sleep, but generally once the process has begun it does not take too long for portrait to become accustomed to it's new situation and keep more regular hours. I was certain that you would wish to know. Even though you have chosen not to attend Hogwarts this year I would be pleased to meet with you personally to discuss potential lines of ongoing study I believe might be of interest to you as you attempt to complete the task you mentioned. If I do not hear by return of owl that another time is preferable I shall expect to see you in my office at 10am on Monday September 20. I feel I should point out to you that this is the day after Miss Granger's birthday.

Yours sincerely

Minerva McGonagall

"Dumbledore's portrait talked to her this morning," Harry related to her.

Hermione's eyes widened. "That's wonderful news! Maybe this means there'll be a new leader for the Order soon as well."

"That would be a relief, depending on who it is," Harry agreed. "I think you're right about things picking up soon."