Anyone But Me

Chapter Fifty-Seven

After shakily convincing the witch that what she had to say couldn't wait, they had made their way along the trek to the Headmaster's chamber in silence. Professor McGonagall would look out of the corner of her eye at her, making sure that she wasn't going to suddenly go down following the witnessed momentary breakdown. She hadn't, stronger than she thought she would be when facing her ruination.

The witch had left her in the protected alcove outside of Dumbledore's office when she had slipped quietly inside. Seconds seemed to stretch into hours as Hermione stood frozen, wishing she could take it back and be in bed trying to sleep instead. Eventually she heard the standard sounds of occupancy from the other side of the door and their muffled conversation reached her ears.

"And you have no inkling to the cause of her need for this nocturnal visit, Minerva?"

"No, but she was quite adamant she had just cause..."

"Hmmmm...."

"Be careful with her, Albus. I think... I think she might be cracking."

"Noted and thank you for the warning. I will make sure to inform you of any prudent information."

His clear dismissal had Hermione quickly stepping away from the door so she didn't get caught eavesdropping. McGonagall stepped through and gestured for her to enter. "He is ready to speak to you."

"Thank you."

A lingering look of pity in the older witch's eye was the last thing she saw before she stepped into the cluttered office. Her heart started to race so fast that she thought it would burst as she inched her way into the room she had never entered alone. Her earlier dizziness returned as she tried to take stock of her surroundings.

Every single one of the portraits that covered the walls was pretending to be asleep. Some were better at the ruse than others. The ceiling height shelves behind the ornate desk were filled with a variety of books that had been banned from the library over the years and a wide array of magical objects that spilled over into the rest of the quarters. While Minerva McGonagall's space had only hinted at her personality, the lodgings hid none of its owner's idiosyncrasies.

"Ah! Welcome Miss Granger!" Professor Dumbledore's voice rang out from a small nook to her left. He ambled into view. A teapot and two cups followed closely behind, floating in midair.

"Thank you, sir." Hermione inclined her head in a show of respect.

He slowly made his way over to his desk and sat down. The tea pot poured scalding hot liquid into both cups before settling onto a pile of precariously stacked books. One cup floated over and perched itself on the opposite side of the impromptu table waiting for her to pick it up. While the other landed near the wizard's hand which he promptly picked up and took a quick sip of its contents before giving her a kind smile. "Would you like to sit?"

Her nod was jerky and her palms were sweaty as she made her way over and stiffly sat on the edge of the chair closest to her.

For a moment the only noises in the room were both their breathing and the ruffle of Fawkes' feathers as he gave himself a disgruntled cleaning, even the portraits had stopped pretending to snore and mumble in their sleep. Dumbledore took the time to appraise her, clearly assessing McGonagall's counsel. He gave nothing away before motioning to the cup in front of her. "A special blend made by Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey that I have found to help soothe the nerves without overmedicating."

She openly eyed the tea hesitantly and immediately realized how rude it would be for her to decline the offer. Especially considering the time of her impromptu request... Her hand shook as she reached out and grabbed the cup, taking her time to bring it to her lips so she wouldn't spill.