Chapter Text

The Battle is Won

May 1998

After the Battle of Hogwarts while the dust was still settling Kingsley Shacklebolt approached them. Ron, who had been standing around the table with his family, came over to join Harry and Hermione to talk to Kingsley. He had an offer for the three of them: auror forces had been heavily damaged due to the war and they had proved they were clearly able to defend themselves and others. Harry and Ron immediately jumped on the opportunity to continue to help save the world and skip all the boring stuff. Hermione however turned down the opportunity. “I’d like to earn my place. I don’t want to just be given stuff because I fought Voldemort. We all fought Voldemort.” Kingsley flinched a little at her use of his name but nodded.

“If you ever change your mind you know where to find me.” Hermione nodded as he walked away.

“Really ‘Mione you’re going back to school?” Ron looked incredulous. “We have the opportunity to skip all of our NEWTs and jump back into fighting for the wizarding world. Don’t you want to catch all of the Death Eaters who escaped?” 

“When have you ever known me to want to skip a test?” Hermione tilted her head and sighed with frustration. She walked away to find Professor McGonagall at the front of the Great Hall leaving the boys behind. 

“Professor, what can I help with?” 

Minerva McGonagall looked up from her clipboard and offered Hermione a small smile. “We’ll start with sleeping. Miss Granger you look as though you’ve been hit by the Knight Bus. When was the last time you slept?”

Hermione blinked, “I’m not really sure Professor. It’s all been a blur for a while.” Since Malfoy Manor Hermione thought to herself but she wasn’t going to tell people about what happened there if she could avoid it. Just thinking about it made her arm itch and she reached down to scratch it hoping she didn’t make it bleed again. Her arm wasn’t healing right. Logically she knew it was a cursed blade but she wasn’t ready to admit that to herself knowing that meant it was probably never going to heal properly. 

Minerva McGonagall watched Hermione drift off into space and wince as she scratched her arm. We’ll come back to that my dear. “Let’s get you a place to sleep.” She said as she touched Hermione’s shoulder gently bringing her back to reality. 

Most of the castle was destroyed and the hospital wing was full of people who weren’t quite bad enough to take to St. Mungos. Professor McGonagall led Hermione down into the dungeons. “I won’t put you in Severus’ quarters because I’m pretty sure he’d come back from the dead just to kill me for that. But there’s a little room off of his office that I’m pretty sure we could turn into a space for you.” It did not go unnoticed to the older witch just how much Hermione was struggling to keep up even with her slowed pace. 

By the time they got down to Severus’ office Hermione was barely picking up her feet as she shuffled along the floor. Professor McGonagall pulled out her wand and started to pull apart Severus’ wards, cursing the man for making them so complicated as she felt her magic struggling to keep up. With the wards undone Professor McGonagall showed Hermione the closet off of the office. “It’s not very large, dear but no one should bother you down here.” 

She pulled out her wand to transfigure Severus’ old desk into a bed and move it into the closet. Hermione shook her head. She had noticed her professor struggling with the wards. “I’ve been camping with Harry the whole time. I have a camp bed I can pull out. Don’t waste your energy on me; there’s a whole castle to repair.” 

Professor McGonagall tilted her head almost imperceptibly but let Hermione set down her bag and watched as her whole arm disappeared into it. She was impressed. An undetectable extension charm was difficult work, but if any of her students could do it, it would be Hermione Granger. A small smile crossed her face as she put her hand on Hermione’s shoulder. “Get some rest my dear. We can work on repairs when you’re rested” A small nod was all the acknowledgement she received. 

By the time Professor McGonagall had reached the door Hermione had pulled out a camping cot and was covering it with blankets. Despite her fatigue and the drain on her magic from the battle Professor McGonagall warded the door. She wanted to make sure she knew when Hermione left and wanted to protect her from being disturbed. What she didn’t see was Hermione casting her own wards on the other side of the door. War makes one paranoid and Hermione was not going to get caught again. A shiver ran through her as she thought of the Snatchers and all that had happened after. With fatigue settling in as a pressure on her chest Hermione cast one last ward, a Caterwauling Charm. No one would be able to sneak up on her. She would be safe.

When Hermione woke up she had no idea where she was. Solid walls instead of canvas told her that she wasn’t in the tent. Stone walls had her fearing she was in a dungeon. She lay still and tried to regulate her breathing as she tried to remember where she was. Flashes of the battle crossed her mind. We won. I am safe. She took a deep breath and sat up. I am safe. She tried to convince herself. Her stomach growled and she ignored it just like she had been for the last several months. The castle might have food. Might have real food. I might get to eat a real meal. It was this last thought that got her out of bed and turning to pack up her stuff. Knowing Professor McGonagall she’d probably be told to sleep down here again tonight but she wasn’t going to chance having to run away and losing the quilt her mother had made for her as a baby. 

Her mother. A pain hit her chest as she realized it had been months since she last thought about her parents. The war is over. I can find them now. A deep breath to calm her racing heart and mind. Ron said there were Death Eaters that got away though. They’d be safe from Voldemort but not safe from being targeted to get to me. She shook her head to clear away those thoughts. Now was time to focus. She took down her wards and started down the hallway. The castle needed repairs, there were injured people to care for and bodies to deal with. Now that she’d rested, maybe Professor McGonagall would allow her to help. 

Hermione followed the torches up the hallways until she reached the Hospital Wing. She’d studied up on basic medical care before they’d gone on the run. Maybe she could be helpful here. The Hospital Wing was full of groaning patients and busy mediwitches. “Where can I help?” She asked, startling a busy Madam Pomfrey. “How are you at healing spells?” Madam Pompfrey asked as she turned her attention back to healing the ribs of the man barely breathing on the bed in front of her.

”I haven’t had to use the really big ones but I studied them before I left with Harry.” Hermione peeked to see if she recognized the man Madam Pompfrey was working on and let out a sigh of relief when it was someone she didn’t know.

“Great Hall’s where to start. Start with the yellow markers. I’ve got the reds up here.” With a nod Hermione adjusted her wand in her hand. She didn’t say black. We don’t have enough to take care of the black tags. With a sigh and a twist of her wand she headed down the stairs hoping the black tags she knew would be there were not people she knew. There had already been too much death already. The images of Fred Weasley and Tonks and Lupin laying still on tables in the Great Hall, eyes staring blankly up at the star filled sky unseeing. She shook away that thought. I’ve got to focus on who I can save. No one can undo death.  

Professor McGonagall felt the wards in the dungeons trigger as Hermione left her makeshift room. It’s only been 4 hours. That girl needed way more rest. We all need more rest right now. I suppose she feels the need to fix it all as well. She wouldn’t be herself if she wasn’t working to save everyone else. She stretched her arms and leaned back until there was a soft pop in her spine. There was work she needed to do too. The Great Hall had been converted to a temporary morgue on one end and minor injuries on the other. St. Mungos was only taking those that Poppy had placed a floating red marker over and they’d stopped coming to pick anyone up hours ago. Those with the floating black markers were left to hold onto the hands of their family and friends to die. There weren’t enough potions to go around to give to those who ultimately wouldn’t benefit from them. She watched several of the red markers fade to black and then disappear all together. With a deep breath she walked over from the table of death to see how the healing was going. Hope. We all need some more hope.  

Professor McGonagall watched as a determined Hermione approached the table full of yellow floating markers and begin to heal. She summoned dittany and blood replenisher from her bag and worked through as many as she could. Professor McGonagall watched as yellow markers turned green. The world was beginning to heal. 

Hours later Hermione let her determined focus lapse as the last yellow tag faded to green. She sunk down to the bench, her continued lack of sleep and fading magical energy catching up to her.  As she lay her head down on the table she felt a hand on her back. Her wand was pointed at Professor McGonagall on instinct. Professor McGonagall gently reached over to lower her hand so that Hermione’s wand was pointed at the floor. “You’re safe lass. The only danger you’re in now is running yourself into the ground.” She sat down beside Hermione so that their eyes met. “That wasn’t nearly enough sleep.” Her lips pursed and her brow furrowed with worry for the young witch. 

“I know.” Hermione sighed, seeming to melt under the worried gaze of her former professor. “I just couldn’t sleep well knowing that I could be of help.” Her soft sad smile did nothing to ease the worry on the older witch’s face. “I just need a moment and I’ll be ready to help with the reds.” Ignoring Professor McGonagall’s frown, Hermione pushed herself up from the table to make her way to the table full of floating red markers. She stumbled the last few steps to the table, catching her balance on the corner and heaving in a large breath before she straightened up to continue working. 

“Miss Granger!” Madam Pomfrey’s voice carried through the Great Hall, all attention snapped to her as she stormed across the floor to meet Hermione at the table. Hermione looked at the floor as her face flushed. No adult had ever yelled at her like this before. Madam Pomfrey’s voice lowered as she reached Hermione, “I believe I told you to leave the red to me. You are draining your magical core and if you continue to stretch it you will end up a patient yourself. You are of no help to anyone if you push yourself too far.” 

A look was exchanged between Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey. With a quick nod Professor McGonagall stepped up and took Hermione by the elbow. “Come with me lass. You need more rest.” Once they were out of the Great Hall and away from the stares Professor McGonagall turned to her, “You’re not going to rest until you’re forced to rest are you?” 

Hermione continued to stare at her feet for a moment before she shook her head. With a sigh Professor McGonagall asked, “The Weasleys have already gone home or I would send you with them. Would you like to stay in Poppy’s office in the Hospital Wing or my guest room?” 

Hermione’s eyes shot up to meet her former Professor’s. “You’re really not going to leave me alone are you?”

A smile crossed her face before Professor McGonagall spoke, “You’re not just one of my students Hermione. And not just because of what you’ve done today. You remind me of a young me. The me that almost depleted myself beyond repair because someone I loved needed my help. Please let me take care of you.” Tears began to well in the bottoms of Professor McGonagall’s eyes as she looked directly into Hermione’s. 

“Wherever’s easier for you” her response came out more like a whisper than she meant it to. She really was drained. Professor McGonagall took Hermione’s hand into her elbow again and patted the top as she took them along.

Professor McGonagall led them up the stairs and into her office. She held open the door and moved her hand to the small of Hermione’s back to push her in. “I will not lock you in. You are not a prisoner.” Professor McGonagall said when she noticed the fear in Hermione’s eyes as the door shut behind them. Hermione’s nose began to burn as the tears threatened to spill. She was still so scared. It didn’t feel like the war was truly over. What if the Death Eaters come back tonight? Who’s going to protect the school if Professor McGonagall is in here babysitting me? Oh god where has Harry gone? Harry! What if Harry’s been kidnapped by the Death Eaters? That’s why they haven’t come. They already have him. They’ll kill him. A hand on her shoulder startled her out of her spiralling thoughts. She could hear her breath coming faster and faster but she couldn’t calm down. “Harry” she managed to get out between some breaths. 

A squeeze on her shoulder helped Hermione feel more grounded. “He’s fine.” Another squeeze. “I sent him home with the Weasleys” Another squeeze. “They’ll take care of him.” Another. “He’s fine. He will be fine.” Another. “Would you like me to send a patronus to check?” Hermione’s breaths had slowed between each squeeze of her shoulder. 

She shook her head. “No,” a quiet whisper, “they need time to mourn Fred. I don’t want to disturb them.” A soft smile from Professor McGonagall accompanied another squeeze. 

“Hermione lass,” another sad smile and another squeeze of her shoulder, “you’re allowed to take up space. You’ve been taking care of Harry for the last year and you’ve both been in danger the whole time. It makes sense that you’re worried about him. I’m sure it would not bother Molly to reassure you that he was okay.” 

“They need some time to be a family.” Hermione’s voice cracked as tears began to fall down her cheeks. 

“They think of you as part of the family.” 

“But I’m not. I have no family.” At this Professor McGonagall tilted her head. Now was not the time to argue with the girl but she didn’t remember hearing anything about Hermione’s parents being targeted. 

“Sleep tonight. We’ll get you settled in the morning.” With that finality Professor McGonagall closed the bedroom door as she stepped out. She let out a long sigh and slid down the wall to sit on the floor. That girl is going to need a lot of help. The hope has left her eyes.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

It was the sun that woke Hermione this time. She stretched her muscles and pulled off the covers. Before she let her feet hit the ground she had her wand clutched in her hand. The fear of the last year still sat in her chest. She wandered quietly back out to the sitting room she’d barely looked at the night before. The mustard throw over the back of a maroon couch felt a little on the nose for the Gryffindor head of house and Hermione gave a little chuckle. She wandered with quiet feet to the bookshelf beside the fireplace. Hermione ran her fingers across the spines as she read the titles. 

A door opened behind her and Hermione whipped around her wand aimed at the noise without a second thought. A sad smile passed across Professor McGonagall’s face for a moment as she lifted her hands above her head. “You’re safe lass. It’s only me.” 

“What happened when I took Polyjuice in my 4th year?” Hermione demanded refusing to lower her wand. 

Professor McGonagall took a slow step forward only to watch Hermione tighten her grip and steady her aim. She answered with a deep breath, “You managed to turn yourself into a cat in your second year.” 

Hermione’s wand trembled as she lowered it to her side. “I’m so sorry Professor.” She hung her head in shame as tears began to drip down her cheeks. 

Professor McGonagall strode across the room to wrap the young witch in her arms. “It’s alright dear. The war’s been over for a day. It’ll take much longer than that for you to feel like you don’t need to always be watching over your shoulder. I dinnae blame you. Dinna fash lass.” She stroked Hermione’s hair as the young witch shook with sobs. They stood in that embrace until Hermione’s breathing calmed and Professor McGonagall pulled back while keeping her hold on the young witches shoulders. “I think I need to take ye to the Burrow today. You need to be around your friends. Being here will not help you now. You can return when things are more settled.” 

The statement brought more tears to Hermione’s eyes but she nodded anyway. She had missed Harry. It didn’t feel right without him sleeping nearby. “Let me take you.” Without leaving the chance for Hermione to refuse Professor McGonagall took her by the elbow and led them both to the fireplace. She dropped a handful of green powder into the flames and waited for them to turn green before she stepped in and tugged Hermione in with her. “The Burrow” she shouted as she tightened her grip on Hermione’s arm.