Fandom: Harry Potter

Title: Unrequited

Author: morte206@aol.com

Rating: G

Pairing: None really the title should give you a clue as to why.

Disclaimers: my initials are CMF not JKR.

Feedback: It would be lovely and can be sent to me directly, if you so desire, at Morte206@aol.com

Author Note: For Lycanthropic Lady who wanted Minerva/Hermione unrequited.  I hope you like it love.

There was a knock on the door and Minerva spun round in her chair.  It was a well known fact at Hogwarts that no one, except the Headmaster under the direst of circumstances, was to ever disturb the Head of Gryffindor House during her afternoon tea. Of course there are exceptions to every rule and it was one of these now who opened the door.

"Sophie."

Professor Sinistra stepped into the room gently shutting the door behind her. "Minerva."

"What can I do for you Sophie?"

"I thought you might need a shoulder."

"And why would you think that?" Minerva summoned a second teacup and poured her old friend some tea, "Lemon or milk today?"

"Lemon thank you," she took the proffered cup with a sigh and sat down next to Minerva.  They sat in silence, occasionally sipping from their tea, until the Astronomy professor softly whispered, "It is indeed heartrending when the object of your affection cannot return your affection in kind."

"I haven't a clue as to what you are talking about," Minerva snapped irritably.

"I've seen the way you look at her when you think no one will see.  And I've seen the look of happiness flood your face when you speak to her, speak of her."

Minerva flinched, "It doesn't matter she's a child."

"Who has turned into a lovely, young woman."

"She's a student."

"Not anymore. Not for ten years."

"I know," Minerva whispered, her voice filled with resignation.

"So then," Sophie prodded gently.

"It isn't so much that she can't but rather that she does not."

"How do you know that she does not?"

"I finally worked up the nerve to speak to her yesterday.  She was flattered of course.  And she admits to having had a crush on me at one time but she has a partner."

"She does?"

"Yes and they've been together since their seventh year."

"Who, where is she?"

"Susan Bones, she was in Hufflepuff, she's on a foreign assignment for the Ministry.  It's why she took the position here, Susan will be out of country for two years."

"I see." Sophie covered Minerva's hand with her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry Min."

"I'll get over it."

"Yes you will."  I did, it took time, but I did, Sophie thought to herself.

The timepiece on the mantle chimed.  Tea time was over, lessons would begin in ten minutes.  They finished their tea quickly before heading out the door. Sophie watched for a bit as Minerva walked down the corridor leading to the Transfiguration classroom then turned and made her way to her own classroom in the opposite direction.

It is indeed heartrending when the object of your affection does not return your affection in kind.