The shrill ringing of the bell announced the pending arrival of the children at home. Hermione opened the door and greeted each of them with a kiss. It took Rose and Hugo only seconds to realize that their new friend was comfortably sitting on the sofa instead of her room.

"Aunty Mina!" Hugo shouted and ran, as usual without taking off his shoes, to greet the old woman with a bear hug.

Rose, acting like a big girl, took the time to get rid of her school things and shoes before she went to greet Minerva. She felt special when the elder woman reached out to stroke her cheek before pulling her in for a kiss on her cheek.

Hermione, who had watched the scene from the kitchen, was amazed at how at ease Minerva was with the kids and how each of the children had developed a certain dynamic with Minerva. Little Hugo was like a small tornado. He never wasted time when he wanted something. He would rush to Minerva, give her all the attention he had and then storm off to another place. It was rare for him to stay by her side very long, for in his little world, he simply had too much to do. He needed to play with his toy cars, make sure his stuffed animals had everything they needed and on and on the list went. He only ever slowed down when he was tired or when he thought that Minerva was in pain. In that case he could be very patient and tender with her.

"Mummy," Hugo, who had finally managed to take off his shoes, interrupted Hermione's thoughts. "Can I have hot milk, please?"

"Of course you can. Please ask Rose and Aunt Minerva if they want some as well."

xxx

The day progressed with games and laughter, but Hermione could tell Minerva was a little tense. The kids really did their very best to entertain their elderly friend with tales of their school days until Hermione finally decided that it was time for homework. Rose didn't need much encouragement, but just like his father, Hugo needed a little more support. He wasn't stupid, not at all, but he was lazier and less driven than his sister. In the end, both kids started working; Rose at her mother's desk and Hugo in his room.

Hermione used the little time of peace while the children were occupied to clean the kitchen, hoping that Minerva would rest a little. Glancing into the living room, she sighed when she saw that her hopes had been in vain. Minerva seemed comfortable, but she was wide awake, the familiar lines gracing her face that always appeared when she was deep in thought.

Taking the can of water from the kitchen counter along with two glasses, Hermione joined the old women.

"Hey, it is quite a while since we've changed your position. Are you still comfy?"

Minerva nodded. "Yes,… than…you. Maybe… you could… put anothe… pill…ow in my… back?"

"Of course," the young woman assured and took another pillow from the armchair and adjusted it behind Minerva's back. Satisfied with her work, she took a step back and handed Minerva a glass of water, earning an amused grin. Minerva had long given up telling Hermione that she wasn't thirsty and when she was honest with herself, she had to agree with her young friend that she didn't drink enough.

"Careful; I'm going to lift your legs for a moment," Hermione announced before the elder woman could react in any way.

Before Minerva knew what was going on, Hermione had lifted her legs and sat on the sofa, lowering the elder woman's legs onto her lap. Absentmindedly, she started rubbing the tense muscles, helping the stern witch relax a little.

They sat like that for a while, each lost in their own thoughts regarding Filius' visit.

"Tell me what's on your mind?" Hermione didn't know why her elderly friend didn't look forward to the visit of her long time friend and colleague. She knew she couldn't push Minerva into talking, but it was worth a try.

Minerva turned the liquid in her glass and watched the graceful movement of the water, wishing it was something stronger. "Oh,… it… noth…ing."

Hermione nodded, unsure if she should just let it rest. In the end she decided that it was simply not in her nature to let go. "You appear a little too tense for nothing. Is it about your visitor?"

Minerva didn't say anything, but Hermione knew she'd hit the nail on its head. Taking a sip of her own water, the young woman inwardly grimaced. This wouldn't do.

"How about something more substantial?" She didn't wait for an answer and Accio'ed a fine single malt.

"You ar… a mind… reader," Minerva praised and held out her glass. The familiar burning in her throat as the whiskey warmed her from within soothed her somewhat.

Hermione followed Minerva's example and closed her eyes in pure bliss. There now. That was better. "Do you want to welcome Filius here or in your room? And would you like me to help you to the armchair or do you want to stay like this?"

"Oh, I, I…don't…know."

Hermione could see her friend was a little overwhelmed with making decision at the moment, and it sent a sharp pain through her heart. Minerva McGonagall, the esteemed headmistress of Hogwarts, was struggling at making simple decisions. Moments like that showed Hermione how much support Minerva really needed right now. It didn't matter though how much help she needed, she would get it.

"If you like, you could stay here and I'll make sure you won't be disturbed. I'll leave the whiskey here with you. You look like you might need it. You seem comfortable on the couch, so I'd suggest you stay where you and I bring the armchair a little closer to you for Filius. You look fine, but if you like I will take care of your hair and try to get your customary bun right. How does that sound?"

Minerva sighed in relief. It was such a blessing that Hermione was able to make sensible decisions on her behalf. "Thank…you, dalin."

"You're more than welcome, Minerva. If you need anything, just call me. I'll be in your room and ready to be at your side within seconds."

The old woman smiled gratefully and took another sip of her whiskey, and Hermione resumed gently massaging Minerva's calves. "You know you can talk to me, right? There is not a single thought in your mind you need to hide from me. I will respect it if you don't want to share your thoughts, but sometimes I think you've been alone for such a long time that you tend to forget that from time to time, voicing your thoughts alone helps to clear them."

There was a long silence, and Hermione feared that she had pushed too hard when Minerva finally met her eyes. "Sometimes I…foget…how wise you…can be."

I know it's been too long, but life can be crazy sometimes.