Daughters of the Morrigu

Daughters of the Morrigu

Chapter 4

By Amanda (Adami) Rose



A/N: I’m sorry it’s been so long since an update. I’m a bad fanfic author. I let my RL get in the way again. And just FYI this is by far the longest chapter I’ve written…sorry it’s mostly filler.



Disclaimers: See chapter one. Because what I said there still stands.







Breakfast was the normal “Number 12 Affair” as it had been labeled. With the twins apparating in during the middle of things, Harry and Ron discussing quidditch maneuvers and Hermione trying her best to get away with eating only one plate of breakfast.



“So Hermione dear, what do you have planned for today?” Mrs. Weasley asked, putting a second helping of eggs on Hermione’s plate before she could protest.



“Well I thought that I’d finish up my potions essay, read up a little bit on charms, and then this afternoon Professor McGonagall is going to help me begin translating that book I found in the library the other day.” Hermione said, pushing her new helping of eggs around on her plate.



“Oh good, I’m glad Minerva is able to help you with your project.” Just then the kitchen door opened and in came Remus Lupin dressed in pajamas with a forest print on them. And if you looked closely enough, you could see that there were little werewolves running around in the forrest.



“Professor..I mean Remus, what are you wearing?” Hermione asked, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a giggle.



“Oh, these. They were a gift from Minerva last year. She saw them in a muggle shop and decided that they would be cute for me if the wolves actually ran around in the forest.” This caused Hermione to giggle even more. “You mean professor McGonagall gave you footed P.J.’s with running wolves on them?”



“Yep. She even did all the charms work on them to make the wolves run.” Remus replied, puffing his chest slightly in what everyone could assume was pride.



“Wow Remus, Minerva must really like you for her to do that much charms work for you. She doesn’t normally like charms.” Molly commented, putting a large plate of bacon, sausage, eggs and pancakes down in front of him when he sat next to Ron and Harry, who had yet to look up from their now slightly heated argument on the latest Chudly Cannons match.



“Now, enough chatter you lot. Eat your breakfasts.”



“Yes Mrs. Weasley” both Hermione and remus replied. Ron and Harry had yet to notice anything other than their own conversation, so Mrs. Weasley decided that a little more force was needed. She stepped up between the boys and grabbed an ear on each. “And as for you two, if you can’t behave, I’m going to...I don’t know what I’m going to do. I only know you won’t like it! Now finish your breakfasts and go do something before I give you something to do” she said.



“Yes Mrs. Weasley” harry said, shoveling eggs into his mouth.



“Yes Mum” Ron responded, as he turned bright red and picked up his fork to eat his now cold breakfast.



After breakfast Hermione went back up to her room and finished her potions essay, three chapters of her charms book, and had gotten about half way through the latest edition of “Transfigurations Quarterly” all the while silently thanking Mrs. Weasley for deciding that the girls were old enough to have their own rooms this year for the sake of privacy.



She had just started a particularly interesting article on cross-species transfiguration of plants when there was a knock at her door. “Come in” she said, setting her reading down on her small desk.



“Good afternoon Miss Granger.” Minerva McGonagall said, opening the door and stepping inside.



“Hi Professor. You’re a little early aren’t you?” Hermione said, looking at her watch which showed only quarter past noon.



“Yes, well I’m afraid there have been some unforeseen complications, and I’m going to have to postpone our research. The Order has need of my unique abilities and frankly I simply couldn’t say no if I wanted to.” Minerva explained, noticing the crestfallen look on her young protégé’s face. “I really am sorry Miss Granger. I should only be gone a couple of days at the most. I promise you that we will start as soon as I return.”



“It’s alright professor. I understand that the Order comes first. It comes first for all of us I think.” Hermione said, trying to hide her disappointment in this sudden monkey wrench in her plans. “and besides professor, I really should get some more of my homework done before we return to school.”



“I knew you’d understand. And again, I do apologize for the fact that our plans were interrupted.” Glancing down at her watch Minerva said “well, I must be off. I have a few last minute preparations to get done before I leave. Have a good afternoon Miss Granger. I will see you in a couple of days.” She said, pulling the door closed behind her.



“Hmm… bye ‘fessor” Hermione said distractedly, having walked back to her desk and picked up her reading again.



The day progressed relatively quietly, and Hermione was able to finish her reading and get far enough ahead of the game so she could worry about her research by the time dinner rolled around.



Dinner, like almost everything that happened at No. 12 these days was a relatively normal affair. Small talk, chitchat and requests for the rolls was about all that was to be heard. The only odd part about it was that Professor Snape had stopped by and Molly had insisted that he stay for dinner, and much to her, and his dismay the only place open was next to Hermione.



Hermione had tried to make the best of it by attempting to join in the conversation on quidditch that was being had by Ginny and the boys, however she soon lost interest in it and decided that it would be best to keep to herself. Snape on the other hand was none too pleased to be seated next to Hogwarts resident know-it-all and made the point of making her as uncomfortable as possible.



“Miss Granger, the peas if you would.” He sneered as she passed the bowl to him. “the salt too.” He demanded.



“Here you are professor. Anything else I can get you?” Hermione asked politely.



“Why yes, you could hand me the rolls over there.” He said, pointing at a large basket of dinner bread sitting in front of Ron.



“Yes Professor. Ron, could you hand me the rolls please?” she asked of her friend who was attempting to persuade Harry and Ginny that something to do with quidditch. Hermione couldn’t be bothered to listen to the conversation.



“sure thing. Here you are ‘Mione” he said, handing her the rolls.



Hermione grimaced at the nickname he used. She had gotten rather tired of being ‘Mione’. That was a rather childish name. She wished silently that they would listen when she told them not to call her that.



She was soon snapped out of her thoughts by Professor Snape clearing his throat loudly “Miss Granger. I would appreciate that bread with tonight’s dinner if you don’t mind.”



“sorry professor.” She said, handing over the rolls.



“hmm” was all he said as he snatched the proffered rolls from her hand and picked one out of the basket.



Hermione quickly finished her meal and excused herself from the table. “I’m going upstairs. Good night all.” She said making her way to the door.



“Are you alright Hermione dear?” Mrs. Weasley asked.



“I’m fine Mrs. Weasley. I just did a lot of studying today and am a little tired. I thought I’d go to bed early.” Hermione said.



“oh, alright dear. Good night then.”



“Good Night Mrs. Weasley. Good night everyone.” She said, leaving the dining room and heading for the stairs.



After a bath and a half hour of trying to brush out her hair she finally got settled into her bed with a good book and a piece of chocolate. Within a half an hour she was fast asleep, her book and chocolate both laying forgotten. Her candy on the night table and her book on her chest.



Hermione stood in the wooded grove she had been in just nights before. “Morgan? Are you here?” she heard herself ask as she wandered around.



“Ah, welcome back to my home Daughter. I trust you are well.” Morgan said coming out from behind one of the trees around the edge of the grove. “what brings you here my dear?”



“I don’t know. I don’t know why I’m here. Every time I’ve ever been here you have had a purpose with me.” Hermione stated matter of factly.



“Very true my girl. However this time I sense that you are worried. What is it that troubles your young heart Daughter?” the woman in black asked. “Is it your dear ollamh? The one with the heart of the feline? Or is it the man with the heart of the Serpent?” Morgan asked taking Hermione’s hand and leading her to a bench seat that was covered in moss and grass.



Hermione could only guess that the ‘ollamh’ she was referring to was Professor McGonagall. Afterall, the transfigurations professor was the only one she knew of who could turn herself into a cat. “Well. I was a little concerned for professor McGonagall. She was sent out on a mission for the Order this afternoon and…”



She was cut off by the woman in black, who she had come to know as Morgan. “don’t worry my dear girl. The one you call Professor McGonagall will be fine. I know where she has gone, and I know that she is not among those who’s armor…well in this day clothing I have washed. She will return to you. She still has a purpose in this world. As does the man with the heart of the Serpent. Don’t judge him by what you see now. He is your future. Trust me Daughter.” Morgan said. Hermione was a little confused as to what she was talking about, but figured that if she were meant to have these answers Morgan would have given them to her.



“Thank you Morgan. Though you have raised more questions than answers, I appreciate that you took your time to speak to me. To reassure me.” Hermione said, standing up from the bench. “I wish to speak with you more, however I think it’s time I went. I don’t know why, but I don’t think I should be here now.” She added as she walked towards the small path she had noticed earlier.



“You are correct my Daughter. You do not belong here now. I am pleased that you knew that you shouldn’t be here now. It means that you are coming to understand my realm. I will see you again soon my Daughter.” The dark haired woman said, leading Hermione to the small path.



Hermione turned toward the path and started down it. Stopping only to turn to wave to Morgan. When she did however she noticed that the woman was gone and the only other creature in the grove was a jet black raven with red tipped wings.



Hermione woke to the sound of someone knocking on her bedroom door. “Come on ‘Mione get up. It’s time for breakfast!” she heard Ron Weasley say.



“Oh alright. I’m getting up. I’ll be down in a few moments.” She replied as she picked up her book, closed it and threw back the covers.



The next couple of days were relatively uneventful, and Hermione had managed to get all of the homework she could done for the rest of term by the time her Transfigurations professor had gotten back.



“Professor, you’re back!” Hermione exclaimed when she came down for breakfast two days after her dream.



“why yes Miss Granger I am.” McGonagall said over her coffee cup. “Sorry. I’m not much of a morning person.” Minerva added seeing the look on Hermione’s face.



“Oh, That’s OK Professor. I know how you fee. I’m not a morning person either. Harry and Ron learned early on not to talk to me until I’ve had my first cup of coffee. Unless it’s a special occasion of course.” Hermione said sheepishly. “They say I’ve taken on the traits of the Mountain Troll we fought our first year.” At this Minerva giggled slightly, though she did try to cover it up by taking a drink of coffee.



“So miss Granger. I suspect that you are more than ready to get onto that project of yours aren’t you?” Minerva said, changing the subject quickly.



Hermione nodded enthusiastically “Yes professor. I really would like to know what the book says.”



“alright. Then I suggest we start as soon as you’re done with breakfast. While I was sitting in St. Mungo’s I had an idea I’d like to discuss with you.” Minerva said. Noting the look of worry on Hermione’s face she added. “It’s just S.O.P. for the Order. Any member who is involved in a duel or wand fight is required to go and get checked out. Nothing to worry about. And truthfully I wasn’t even involved. I just observed. But anyway, my idea. I have a very large room here that has a small research library attached to it. What I propose we do is move you into my rooms. That way we are less likely to be interrupted while we work. I just can not stand being interrupted when I’m in the middle of something.” Minerva said. Smirking she leaned closer to Hermione and whispered. “and besides, this way we can research until we’re done with less chance of Molly getting angry. I know she tries to get you children to bed early.”



Hermione’s shock must have been clearly written on her face because Minerva just chuckled and said “What? I’m not always a stern professor. I know you would like to research until you are done. I also know I’m the same way. With that said I think it’s going to be easier this way.”



“I…It’s…I… Um, Ok. It’s not that I think you’re stern, it’s more that I was shocked that you would go against Mrs. Weasley. I…well, I thought you would be one to think I should get to bed early as well. What with you being a teacher and all.”



“I think you should get a decent amount of sleep, yes, but when you get it should be up to you. This is your holiday after all. So what say you? Is it a plan?”



“Only if you’re sure you don’t mind Professor. I don’t want to invade your space.” Hermione replied, obviously still shocked to hear and see her professor acting like a normal person.



“It’s not a problem Hermione. In fact I think I’d enjoy the company.” Minerva said.



“Then it sounds like a good idea to me too.” Hermione said, putting her coffee cup down. “When should we move my things?”



“There’s no time like the present. Why don’t you go pack up your stuff and meet me in a half hour. That will give me enough time to get things in order on my end.” Minerva said standing up and taking her mug to the sink.



“Alright. See you in half an hour Professor!” Hermione said putting her own cup into the sink after rinsing it out. No sense in making more work for Mrs. Weasley.



It only took Hermione about 15 minutes to pack her stuff and get ready to move rooms, so she sat down and pulled out her journal and wrote a quick entry about the last few days.



Minerva on the other hand was still trying to figure out where to put her rather large Tartan Teddy Bear when Hermione knocked on the door, trunk in hand.



“Come in Hermione.” Minerva said, finally deciding to put the bear on the window seat in the corner.



“Hi professor. Oh what a cute bear.” Hermione said, noticing the bear her professor had just put down. “It’s so cute!”



“Thank you Hermione. My niece Megan gave ‘him’ to me. Apparently his name is Theodore T. McGonabear. If you ask my niece that is. I personally would prefer an ‘m’ name. It’s tradition afterall.”



“What about Michael?” Hermione suggested, putting her trunk down and setting her backpack in a chair that was sitting at a table on the far side of the ‘reading library’ which was nothing more than an alcove that effectively tripled the size of the room.

“No, Michael is my brother. I’d feel silly naming a bear after him.” Minerva said shaking her head.



“How about…” Hermione started when she had an idea. “Morgan? That’s a nice gender neutral name, and it’s an ‘m’ name too.”



“Morgan. I hadn’t thought of that. Yes. Alright. Morgan it is.” She said picking up the tartan plush toy with the kilt and bagpipes. “From now on you shall be known as Morgan T. McGonabear” she said to the toy and set him back down.



Hermione couldn’t help but giggle at this. She had never seen her stern, rule abiding professor so relaxed and had certainly never seen her talk to a stuffed animal before!



“Right then” Minerva said. “Lets get you settled in shall we? I took the liberty of splitting and moving you a bed. Yours in the one on the left.” Minerva motioned to the two twin sized four poster beds. Hermione’s had simple gold and red curtains on it, while the other had green curtains with Tartan tiebacks on it.



“I didn’t know what kind of curtains you would like, so I just chose Gryffindor colours. The colour can be changed with a simple charm. Just let me know and I’ll teach it to you.” Minerva said, knowing full well that Hermione would want to know the charm, even if it was just to know the charm. “Also, your dresser is here, and your half of the closet is here” Minerva said, pointing each out. “and if you hadn’t already guessed, that area is the reading library. It’s where we’ll be doing the majority of our research” she said pointing toward the book lined shelves. “Now, lets get you settled in so we can start”



Hermione began unpacking her things and by the time she was done and had changed her bed curtains to a nice dark blue with a pale baby blue trim on them and had put the pictures of her parents up on the night stand, and put her dream journal in the drawer.



Once all of this was done it was nearing 10:45 and both She and Minerva were ready to start work on the translating.



“Alright Hermione, shall we get started? If you’ll give me the book and we can get started.” Minerva said sitting down at the table in the research area.



“Here you are professor.” Hermione said, flipping through the pages and handing the book to Minerva once she had gotten to the right page. “Slighe Druidh. Interesting. Well now, lets see what it says” Minerva said, turning the page and reading down a ways. “Hmm, interesting”



“what? What does it say?” Hermione said, waiting patiently on the other side of the small table.