Dark Wizard Collector: A Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 35

The Grand Hall bustled with students who were eating lunch and I decided to take the rest of the afternoon off. Stopping in my office to collect my journal, I checked for any sign of Avenger. Finding no sign of the giant owl, I then headed towards Hogsmeade. Just as I passed through the threshold of the castle's main doors, a woman's voice called out to me. "Maera! Where are you off to?"

"Minerva, er – I was off to Hogsmeade. Would you like to join me?" I hastened to catch what could have been a delicate glass sentence shattering upon the floor.

"Why yes, I was actually going to ask if you wanted to help me take the students to Hogsmeade today for their last outing." She replied with a smile.

"Great minds think alike, now don't they?"

In no time, we had a large gathering of students who were given permission by their parents or guardians to participate in the Saturday trips to the village nearby. I watched as the second and first years looked longingly at third years and above who were permitted to go on the excursions.

"Don't worry you lot." I said to Lily and Remus. "Once you are third years, you will be able to go."

They cheered up a bit, but I could tell from the anxiety in Remus' worried green eyes that tonight a full moon would christen the night sky. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I pulled him aside from any open ears. My mind was deprived of any words, because I knew there was only so much that could be done to comfort the young were-wolf. Again, I gave his shoulder a squeeze and smiled at him. A tear broke out of the side of his eye causing him to bury his head into the large cloak I wore. Gently stroking his hair, I held him tightly and hushed lightly. Shortly, Remus loosened his hug. His green eyes glittered from the tears he shed.

"Thanks Miss Zeria, I'm also really home sick." The child admitted and I tweaked his nose.

"Anytime little one," I smiled, "you are more than welcome to talk to me."

After leaving the boy and girl with the other students remaining behind, it seemed like no time passed as we journeyed along a wintry path through the barren forest to reach the little village. Soon, the students were off exploring Zonko's Joke Shop and Honeyduke's Sweets Store. Minerva nudged me with her elbow and motioned to the Three Broomsticks tavern with a smile. I grinned; Minerva was one surprising witch. Within minutes we were laughing over huge pewter mugs of hot Butterbeer. Secretly, I had slipped Fire Whiskey into both our drinks to spice things up.

"Well, when I was a sixth year, the captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team purposefully lost the game against Gryffindor to impress me." Minerva hiccupped and looked at her now empty mug disparagingly.

"You must have had all the young men fighting for you." I chortled, and waved my hand to the bartender to bring over another round of drinks.

"Oh nonsense, I'm sure you had a following greater than mine. I say, Mae; this is our fifth round. Did you bring enough money for all your drinks?"

Laughing, I smiled at the bartender and looked back at Minerva. "Darling, we are gorgeous women, I think we can get away with not paying once in a while."

When he placed down our mugs, I leaned over to him and pushed my hair back to reveal some skin. With my blue eyes cast down coyly and the man stuttering, I knew our rising debt in drinks was forgiven. "Thanks," I winked at the man before he was called away by other customers.

"Oh Mae, you sly witch!" Minerva laughed, but then paused when Hagrid shuffled into the booth we sat at in the farthest corner of the tavern. Minerva attempted to regain her composure, "Hagrid."

"'Allo there Professor McGonagall an' Miss Zeria. What are yeh two doin' here?" Hagrid eyed our mugs.

"We are here enjoying the Butterbeer after bringing the students into Hogsmeade for their last weekend before Christmas vacation." Minerva replied and lost a bit of the formality she had temporarily put on. Hagrid nodded, ordered a Fire Whiskey, and began chatting with Minerva, while I rose from the table to find the lavatory.