The Power of Pain

Chapter 22

McGonagall sat herself properly in the chair opening her outer robe that she'd left draped over the side, "As promised, I have something for you." She leaned back pulling the beaded the bag from her the pocket.

Hermione's brows rose, she had forgotten. She slowly uncurled herself facing towards the voice. She felt a warm smooth hand take her wrist opening her palm before something bumpy was placed inside. Minerva helped guide her new gift to her lap as she ran her fingers over it trying to figure out what it was.

"It belongs to you." She said gently, watching the girl examine its outer texture with the same concentration she had when learning a new spell or charm. She had hoped the bag may help jog her memories in some way but she kept the disappointment from her voice as the girl looked at her curiously.

"A bag?" Hermione asked gently as she felt along the zipper.

"Yes, a very special bag, you yourself created." Minerva sat back slightly in Snape's chair waiting with bated breath for her to open it.

Hermione was a bit excited to have something of her own. As she pulled the zipper open and reached in, she gasped as her arm dipped deeply inside. She could feel many things against her palm and turned her hand wrapping it around a bit of fabric.

She pulled out a t-shirt, it was dingy and old, bearing a Hogwarts Gryffindor crest embroidered in the center, though most of its threads had started to fray. Hermione couldn't stop herself as she brought it under her nose, a habit of hers for which she couldn't recall a source. She furrowed her brows a bit, it had a soft perfume on it. Was it hers? Minerva had said the bag was hers so it wouldn't have been unusual to find her own clothing inside. She smiled softly and set it on her lap before reaching in again.

A childlike excitement filled her face as she wondered what she'd find next. She felt a bunch of books against her arm but bypassed them. She couldn't read them even if she wanted to. Deciding to wait on them until later, she wrapped her hands around something cool and long. She tilted her head as she pulled it out, letting the bag fall onto her lap as she used both hands to examine what she'd found.

"Brilliant." She whispered as she realized it was a hair brush. She held it to her chest for a brief moment before letting it fall into her lap with the shirt.

Minerva smiled brightly as she let the girl pull out whatever she wanted. A tension she had carried into the home with her had begun to somewhat relax before she realized the other task that she couldn't prolong much longer. A guilt laden sadness came to her eyes as she slowly stood to face the man in black.

oOo

Severus had just set out his sauce pan when Minerva joined him, he could tell by the way she set her shoulders that she was ready for battle. He didn't need to read her mind to guess what she was about to suggest. He sighed heavily through his nose leaning his hands on the table before him. He hadn't forgotten his brief interrogation with his Godson.

"You told them." He accused.

"I was left no choice." She said strongly raising her chin.

"There is always a choice." His voice held a dangerous edge as he picked up the saucepan setting it heavily onto the counter making it wobble dangerously.

"Severus." She said sternly, their tension broken slightly by a soft giggle from the sitting room. "It may help." She took a small step to level them up.