Harry Potter - Truth Unearthed Chapter 1b
Chapter 1b
When the door closed behind Minerva McGonagall's retreating back all eyes of the occupants turned towards Siobhan. She sighed at their looks and sat in the chair her wife had just vacated.
“Are you not going with her?” Molly asked worriedly.
“Later.” The vampire answered with another sigh. “Right now my comfort would not be welcome. She just needs some time to regroup after everything that has happened.”
“We didn't treat her well tonight, did we?” Remus scratched his head as he looked around the table. “I mean we forced her to reveal very personal things and we all know that Minerva is a very private woman. She hates pity and she hates others meddling in her affairs.”
“It is not pity to care, Remus.” Siobhan disagreed. “Although, some might think of a different approach in the future.” She gazed pointedly at Arthur who had the grace to look ashamed.
“Ms Donaghue?”
“Yes, Ms Granger?” The Daywalker smiled encouragingly at the girl.
“May I ask how you two met? If it is not too personal.”
“Not at all. The first time our paths crossed was during the war against Grindlewald. Very much like Voldemort and his followers Grindlewald disdained anybody who wasn't a pureblood and I am even worse than that. I am a vampire, a werewolf and witch all rolled into one. An abomination.” She paused and thought of the time she had first lain eyes on Minerva McGonagall. A far away expression appeared in her eyes when she thought of her wife as a young woman.
“Minerva was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on and, as far as I am concerned, still is and ever will be the most beautiful woman I have ever met.”
“You certainly never looked at any other woman after you have met her.” Albus agreed thoughtfully.
“No. And why should I? For you she is merely Professor McGonagall but when we met the first time she wasn't teaching at Hogwarts. It was the summer before she took up teaching. Her dark hair reached all the way down to the middle of her back, flowing freely in the light breeze and her eyes were of the most brilliant green, just like the rolling hills of her beloved Highlands.”
“Yes, she was quite a stunning woman.” Dumbledore mused as he remembered the young Minerva McGonagall on her first day as one of his staff.
“She is magnificent, Albus. Minerva is a beautiful woman. Regal, strong, brave and loyal. She is caring, loving, highly intelligent and the most powerful witch of our time.”
“I agree.”
“Anyway, I got injured during a fight against Grindlewald's followers. They were hunting me for days when one of them finally got lucky and shot me with a silver arrow. I don't know how but I escaped and Minerva found me. Exhaustion and pain had led to my transformation into my human form. I was in dire need of a healer and blood to heal my wounds. Minerva provided both and took very good care of me. As soon as I was back on my feet I left because I couldn't risk staying longer than necessary otherwise she would have been in grave danger. By then I was already madly in love with her. Little did I know that she felt the same way.”
“This is sad.” Hermione said sorrowfully. “But you met again?”
“Yes, we did. A few years after the war we met again. We both had survived and I finally found the courage to tell her how I felt. I was over the moon to learn my feelings were reciprocated. Although, marriage between vampire-werewolves like myself and witches was prohibited we found an official who wed us secretly. We kept our relationship to ourselves and when Voldemort sought power we were back where we had been years before.”
“It was even worse than before”, Molly mused ruefully.
“Quite so. I nearly lost my mind when I heard of Minerva's abduction by Lestrange. She was barely alive when I found her. I wreaked havoc among the Death Eaters but Rodolphus could escape, unfortunately. After the war they swore revenge for the blood loss I caused amongst them.”
“So what happened?” Harry wanted to know.
“It was still rather dangerous to be open about our marriage so we kept it a secret and that is why they could do what they did. If they had known that Minerva was married to me they would have killed her for committing the ultimate crime in their eyes. They killed the minister's first assistant and incriminated me.” Siobhan said sadly.
It had cost them so much. Six years were stolen from them and nobody could ever give it back to them. She wouldn't allow Voldemort to take more from them.
“Albus suggested I should go into hiding because he was convinced that I wouldn't have stood a chance in the trial.”
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. “Minerva would have been exposed as well and we all knew it would have served no purpose.”
“I needed her to be safe”, the Daywalker added, “as much as she needed the same for me. So we agreed that I would live in the muggle world until the time was right to return. Today Albus came with the signed and sealed document from the Ministry that I am free of all charges. Since the laws for vampire-werewolves and their relationships with witches have been changed completely we can also live as a married couple.”
“I am glad”, Molly offered as she covered her husband's hands with her own. “I didn't know that in all those years I felt sorry for Minerva she had already found what she had been looking for. But it saddens me to know that you couldn't live your life like everybody else and that you were robbed of six years of your life together.”
“Thank you, Molly”, Siobhan was touched. “If you excuse me. I think it is time to go and look after my wife. Good night, everybody.”
***
Minerva had long run out of tears and her hands lay palms up in her lap. She couldn't bring herself to get ready for bed. All she knew was that she longed for her wife's embrace, her warmth, comfort and love. It was then that she heard a soft knock on her door before her wife entered. The vampire closed the door carefully behind her and sat on the bed next to Minerva. No words were needed, Siobhan simply took her in her arms. She tucked Minerva's head under her chin and took out all the pins that held her hair in a tight bun. It flowed freely down her back and Siobhan gently kissed her wife's temple. She kissed way down to her jaw and gently turned Minerva's face to her. As Siobhan covered Minerva's lips with her own she rejoiced at the touch. She brushed her lips over Minerva's once, twice before she started to nibble on her lower lip when the mouth under hers suddenly opened, allowing her to deepen the kiss. Minerva held Siobhan's head between her hands revelling in the closeness she had missed so desperately for far too long. The vampire knew she needed her wife in every sense. She desired Minerva, always had and always would. Her lips travelled down the witch's chin as she traced tender kisses down Minerva's throat. Siobhan's hand caressed her wife's cheek, down to her shoulder, grazing over her collarbone. The back of her fingers run over Minerva's breast when she was stopped by a hand on her chest.
“What is it, love? Did I do something wrong?” Siobhan asked anxiously.
“No. You did nothing wrong. It is just...” Minerva sighed and looked down, when a gentle hand under her chin raised her head and she gazed into soulful blue eyes.
“Just what? Tell me, please.”
How could she explain what was holding her back when all she really wanted was feeling her lover's skin against her own, being loved by the woman who held her heart. Minerva stood and put some distance between them before she turned around. Her wife looked so breathtakingly beautiful, patiently waiting for her to explain why she couldn't make love to her. Siobhan had always been like this with her, patient, loving and gentle.
“Is it because of Arthur? Because of what he said? I would never cheapen what we have by using such language.”
“I know”, Minerva whispered hoarsely. Siobhan stood and closed the distance between them with long strides, gathering her in her arms again. The witch brought her arms to her back and held her tight.
“Then what, beloved? What is holding you back?”
Minerva mumbled into her wife's chest, embarrassed at her own insecurity. Siobhan pulled back slightly and lifted her head with a gentle finger under her chin.
“What?” The vampire asked again not quite sure if she had understood correctly.
“I have become old.” Minerva felt ridiculous for having to spell out the obvious to her wife.
“I am wrinkled. Certain things sag. Your skin is smooth and flawless. What could you possibly want with me? There are so many young and beautiful women in the muggle world. Don't tell me you haven't been at least been interested in one of them?”
The witch stepped out of the embrace and sat down on the bed again, feeling miserable and foolish but she couldn't help it. She loved Siobhan more than life itself and she would be content if there would be nothing more than hugging and kissing between them. Siobhan was taken aback by her wife's words but she knew Minerva hadn’t meant to hurt, it was her insecurity speaking. Six years were a long time and while she knew without a doubt that Minerva hadn't been with anybody else the witch was afraid she had. It was not that she didn't trust her but she knew a vampire-werewolf was a very sexual being by nature. But just like her wife she hadn't been with anybody for six years. Her looks were deceiving and yet it let Minerva to believe that she was no longer desirable to her. The vampire knelt at Minerva's feet and took both of her hands in her own, kissing her knuckles reverently.
“I love you, Minerva. Ever since we met for the first time it was you. Nobody else but you. I desire you and I love you very much. The past six years were the most awful years of my existence. You were constantly on my mind. I longed to be with you. To hold you, kiss you and make love to you. Age is a superficial notion. As for the bodily changes, I do not mind, on the contrary. I welcome them they are proof of being alive. They make you who you are. Please, let me make love to you.”
Minerva framed her wife's face with her hands and guided her to her lips. She hoped to convey her own yearning, desire and longing with this kiss. They only broke apart for much needed air and the witch no longer wanted to deprive her lover what she craved.
“Make love to me, please!”
Siobhan bestowed another soft kiss on Minerva's lips before she bent down to take off her wife's shoes. She offered her hand to help Minerva stand and they shared another long kiss as she pushed Minerva's green outer robe down her shoulders. The vampire shrugged out of her black coat and started to open the buttons of her dark blue shirt. Minerva stopped her at the third button, gently pushing her hands away. The witch pressed a kiss at the revealed skin between her wife's breasts while she continued to open the rest of the buttons. She pushed the shirt off of Siobhan's shoulders and took in the glorious beauty in front of her. Siobhan was magnificent and Minerva felt another jolt of insecurity at the woman in front of her. The vampire recognised the look in her wife's eyes but she would have none of it. She swept Minerva off her feet causing the witch to yelp in surprise before she put her arms around her wife's neck. Siobhan kissed her again, full of passion and want. The vampire laid her carefully on the bed and caressed her cheek with the back of her fingers. Looking deep in those beloved emerald depths she felt her heart burst with love for the woman on the bed.
“I love you so much”, the vampire whispered in awe at the beauty she was honoured to call her wife.
“I love you too.” Minerva answered, looking deep into her wife's blue eyes. “Make love to me, please.”
“Gladly, my love.” She covered the mouth underneath her with her lips, savouring the feeling of slender hands tracing over her back. Siobhan continued with her gentle assault, giving her wife nothing but pleasure and happily received as much pleasure during the night. When they finally fell asleep in the early hours of the morning, Siobhan spooned Minerva from behind her hand gently cupping the witch's breast, burying her face in her wife's long soft tresses.
***
It took about two hours of sleep for the vampire to feel refreshed again but instead of getting up in search of a decent cup of coffee she remained where she was, holding the most precious gift of her life in her arms and being truly happy again. Her heightened senses told her that the other occupants of the house were slowly awakening. She heard Molly's footsteps on the stairs, Remus having a shower while Harry and his friends were still fast asleep. Siobhan propped her head on her hand and gazed lovingly at the woman next to her. Minerva was sleeping peacefully; a small smile was on her lips and her grey streaked hair spilled out across the pillow. Siobhan thought she looked breathtakingly gorgeous. She kissed the corner of her wife's mouth, careful not to wake her before she slipped out of bed to shower. Dressed and in need of a cup of coffee she gently kissed her wife's cheek and left quietly in search for her coffee.
Molly was busy preparing breakfast when Siobhan entered unnoticed. She softly cleared her throat to make sure the woman wouldn't be startled by her sudden presence but to no avail. The Weasley matriarch turned at the unexpected sound and jumped when she saw the vampire standing in the middle of the kitchen.
“Good morning. I didn't mean to startle you.” Siobhan apologised.
“It is quite all right, my dear”, Molly waved her hand and returned to her work. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. Thank you. Is this coffee I smell?”
“Of course, please help yourself!”
Siobhan did so gratefully, taking her cup to the table. She closed her eyes and inhaled the strong aroma. The vampire wasn't in the least surprised when she saw Molly in the chair next to her when she opened her eyes again.
“Is everything all right, Molly?” Siobhan asked gently.
“Quite so, yes thank you.” Molly stuttered, unsure how to phrase what she wanted to know. When she couldn't come up with an unobtrusive way to find out what she wanted to know she decided that the direct approach was the best.
“Is Minerva all right? I mean after what we put her through. I hope she doesn't hold it against us. We were worried and wanted to make sure she was fine.”
Siobhan put her hand over Molly's to still the nervous pulling on a tread in the table cloth.
“She is fine, Molly. Minerva knows you care a great deal for her and she is grateful. So am I. You have been good friends to my wife.”
“She grows on you, our stern Professor”, Molly smiled. “Minerva is loyal to a fault and the bravest woman I know.”
“All I can ask of you is to not treat her any differently than before. She still is the same woman. I am sure she will be more distant and unapproachable than ever but please remember it is nothing personal. It is the only way she knows how to deal with when feeling exposed.”
“Don't worry! I know the people in this house therefore I am sure their respect for Minerva McGonagall has risen considerably since last night.”
“Thank you, Molly.” Siobhan was touched but before she could say anything more Molly patted her arm and returned to the stove.
The vampire was sipping her third coffee when one by one everybody walked into the kitchen. Arthur pecked Molly's cheek cheerfully, Remus had his nose in a book while Harry, Ron and Hermione merely mumbled their good mornings as they stumbled to their chairs. They were all enjoying their meal, laughing and chatting amicably by the time Professor McGonagall entered.
***
Minerva woke an hour after Siobhan had left in her search for coffee. She had turned sleepily and reached out for her only to find the sheets cold, her wife gone. The witch looked at the clock on the opposite wall, surprised how late it already was. Although, she hadn't much sleep last night she felt wonderfully rejuvenated. Having been thoroughly loved does that to you, Minerva mussed. She got ready for the day and when she descended the stairs she felt a certain dread. Not a hair was out of place her robes were immaculately as always. She looked every inch the prim and proper Hogwarts teacher as always. But something was different and the others knew. The fact that she was a married woman was not a secret any longer, what she had endured at the Death Eater's hands as well as her father's was known to everybody on the other side of the door. She was afraid of their reaction and steeled herself with a deep breath before she entered the kitchen. Standing on the top of the stairs Minerva looked at the people she called her friends. Much to the Professor's surprise nobody really looked twice at her. They all said their good mornings. Only her wife stood with a brilliant smile on her face and held out a chair for her. Minerva took her seat with a silent, “Thank you” only Siobhan could hear. Molly brought her breakfast and sat down again herself. A morning like every other in the safe house. Not entirely. It was better than the many other days for the last six years she realised with a jolt when her wife covered one of her hands with her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. The chatter and teasing continued like always and Minerva felt herself relax for the first time since she had entered the kitchen.
“Oh, before I forget”, Remus suddenly remembered, “Albus returned to Hogwarts this morning and left a few papers for you in the library, Minerva.”
“Thank you, Remus. I will look through them after breakfast.” At the questioning gaze of her wife she merely shrugged.
***
The Weasleys, Remus and Siobhan accompanied Ron and Hermione to Diagon Alley to shop for the next term. They would also meet Fred, George and Ginny who had spent the summer with their brother in Rumania. Minerva read through Albus’ papers while Harry who had done his shopping at the beginning of summer lay on his bed reading one of Hermione's muggle books. At around lunch his stomach was rumbling loudly reminding him it was indeed time for lunch. Leaving the book at the foot of his bed he went to the kitchen in search for a snack. Harry knew he wouldn't have to look too hard because Mrs Weasley surely had prepared something for them in advance. On his way he came across the library where he stopped by the open door and found Professor McGonagall deeply engrossed in the papers Dumbledore had left for her. Upon a closer look he was certain that she didn't have lunch. Harry shook his head at the Professor and went to fetch lunch and a glass of pumpkin juice for both of them. He found a plate with sandwiches in the fridge and glasses with juice which he put on a tray and carried it carefully to the library. Pushing the door further open with his foot Harry entered and cleared his throat to catch the woman's attention. Professor McGonagall looked over the rim of her glasses, not pleased at the disturbance. Before she could protest though, Harry beat her to it with more courage than he actually felt.
“Lunchtime, Professor. Mrs Weasley prepared sandwiches for us and a cool glass of pumpkin juice.”
“Well”, Minerva shuffled the papers to make place for the tray. “All right then, I must admit I am indeed a bit hungry.”
Harry handed her gallantly one of the plates with a napkin and a glass of juice before he took one for himself and sat on the other side of the table. They ate in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. While he munched on this delicious treat he observed the woman in front of him as unobtrusively as possible. Something was different about her, he had noticed the moment when she entered the kitchen he just couldn't put his finger on what it was. There was nothing unusual about her. Her robes, hair style and glasses were the same. She still looked stern and strict like any other day. So what was it that made her seem slightly different? Softer? Yes, that was the word. She seemed softer but at the same time not at all.
Minerva was slightly unnerved by Harry's constant scrutiny. When she couldn't take it any longer she wanted to know what was going on in the boy's head.
“All right, spit it out Potter! What is it that goes on in your head that makes you stare at me as if I was one of Professor Sprout's new specimen.”
Before he could stop himself Harry blurted out what was running through his mind since they had started their lunch, “You are happy! That’s it!” At her stony gaze he clamped a hand over his mouth and jumped out of his chair stuttering his apologies, “I am sorry, I didn't mean...I just...You look happy and I thought...I am sorry.”
Minerva couldn't suppress a smirk. It was endearing coming from him. From everybody else it would have felt like an intrusion but his sincere heartfelt words were warming.
“Harry, please, calm down”, McGonagall said louder than intended to get the boys attention. She pointed toward the sofa in the middle of the large room. “Come sit with me, Harry.”
Harry waited until she had walked around the large oak desk and followed her to the sofa.
“Professor, you must believe me I didn't mean to offend you. It just slipped.”
“I am not offended. On the contrary”, Minerva assured him with a low gentle voice, “I am touched because from you it isn't just a meaningless conversation filler. It is honest and caring. I do appreciate your concern, Harry. So, yes I am happy. Very happy.”
“I am glad”, Harry nodded. “You deserve it, Professor.”
“I am sure others would not agree with you.”
“But you don't care what other people think or say about you. You always do what is right and stand up for those who can't do so for themselves.”
“That is very touching, Harry. But a bit exaggerated, don't you think?”
“I think he is absolutely right.” They both turned, startled by the voice from the door way. Siobhan leaned against the frame, her hands in her trouser pockets and smiling at her flustered wife.
“You are biased.” Minerva embarrassedly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and blushed becomingly when wife kissed the top of her head affectionately before she sat on the arm of the sofa.
“Maybe, but I still think Harry is right nonetheless.” Siobhan winked at him and he smiled. Love looked good on Professor McGonagall, at least he thought so.
“I must go”, he stood and walked over to the desk to take the tray with their dishes back into the kitchen. “Oh, I meant to thank you properly, Professor. I have never really done so and I wanted to say thank you.”
“Whatever for?” Minerva wondered.
“For the broom you gave me for my first Quidditch match.”
“Nonsense. It was nothing.”
“We both know that is not true.” Harry objected gently before he went on, “And for the many times you came by my aunt's house and kept me company when I needed a friend.”
“I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about”, Minerva said haughtily.
Harry returned to the sofa, he put his hand over one of hers that lay on the seat and leaned in to chastely kiss her cheek.
“Thank you, Tabby.” He whispered boldly before he finally took the tray down to the kitchen. Harry was gone before she could answer. A single tear stole its way down her cheek and she brushed it away with a shaking hand.
“I am an old sentimental fool”, Minerva chastised herself. “My students would have a field day if they could see me now. What was the boy thinking?”
Siobhan slid down unto the sofa and put her arm around her wife, pulling her gently against her body before she answered, “He thought you should know that it is highly appreciated what you have done for him and everybody else. Those who count would never think less of you. They respect you and look up to you. As for the rest, if they think you sentimental or weak it will be their downfall because they will underestimate you and what you are capable of.”
She kissed Minerva's temple and smiled when the witch tried to suppress a yawn. “Are you tired, love?”
“Yes, last night was a bit short”, Minerva admitted.
“Are you complaining?”
“Never.” The witch strongly objected. She unsuccessfully tried to suppress another yawn and closed her eyes when Siobhan pulled the pins from her severe bun to let her hair fall down her back gentle fingers started to massage her scalp lulling her to sleep. Siobhan encouraged her to lie down in her lap. Minerva put up no resistance she relaxed further under her wife’s gentle hands. It didn't take long for the witch to fall asleep with her wife caressing her brow. Siobhan entwined their hands over Minerva's stomach and was more than happy to provide the peace and silence Minerva needed. She knew that if it was required she would sit there forever. The vampire leaned down to kiss her wife's brow, nose and the corner of her mouth careful not to wake her.
***
The Weasley terrors, otherwise known as Fred and George, giggled when they saw the picture of their Head of House sleeping in another woman's arms. Somehow they had managed to find a way to sneak in a device to take the picture without the two women noticing it. If they were honest though, they had to admit that it had been quite easy. McGonagall was fast asleep in the middle of the afternoon while her wife was way too occupied watching over her sleep to notice their little artificial fly that took the picture.
They didn't really mind that fierce Professor McGonagall was married or that the person she was married to was a woman or that that person was the mythical Daywalker. It was just unexpected. Minerva McGonagall was a reliable constant in their world. The twins liked her a great deal, although they would never ever admit, not even under torture. But it was still a rather mind blowing concept to suddenly find out that the woman they had known for so long wasn't at all what they had thought. Everybody seemed to wholeheartedly support McGonagall's relationship and so would they but that didn't mean they couldn't have a little bit of fun before they started being supportive or protective.
TBC? Like it? Hate it? Tell me;)