Harry cautiously enters the library. He doesn't really like the library because of Madame Pince who seems to think that books are sacred objects. She nearly burst a blood vessel when she caught sight of the Half-Blood Prince's potions book earlier this year. Oddly, the library is practically empty. Normally there's at least two or three fifth year students in the library studying madly for their O.. Tonight there aren't any students at all except for Harry. Professor Trelawney, oddly, is there and Professor McGonagall is in the restricted section sitting on the edge of a desk reading an ancient looking book. She's all hunched over reading the book and Harry has to bite back a giggle. Normally Professor McGonagall is so straight-laced he never imagined she could slouch. Harry approaches her slowly. He knows Hermione hates to be interrupted by anyone when she's reading and Harry is hoping that Professor McGonagall isn't the same. There's still a part of him that is terrified of her ever since he first met her in first year. "Excuse me professor, have you seen Madame Pince? I wanted to ask her where I could find a book I'm looking for."

"She's on a break right now, Potter. Maybe I can help you though. I know most of the books in this library. What are you looking for?" Professor McGonagall asks as she glances up from her book.

Great, Harry thinks, McGonagall was about the last person I wanted to talk to about this. "Well, with the fight against Voldemort coming up there's some things I'm concerned about. I wanted to see if I can find a book about obsolete curses and their counter-curses. I figure he's got to have something like that available to him." Harry says quickly.

Professor McGonagall's eyes well up with rare tears. "Of course, Potter. I should have known it was something very important for you to be doing research in the library on your own. Let's see what we can find." McGonagall begins to scan the shelves for books that would be helpful. "If Madame Pince asks you have permission from me to be in the restricted section."

"Thanks a lot, Professor. I really appreciate the help." Harry says quietly. He knows she wouldn't just do this for anyone. Harry knows that, strange as it may sound, McGonagall has a soft spot for him. After all, she got him on the Quidditch team and bought him his first broom.

"Anything I can ever do, Potter. Just let me know. Anything at all." McGonagall says with a wistful smile. She so desperately wants him to be successful in his quest.

Just then a crash issues from the front of the library. Harry shrugs at McGonagall. He definitely hadn't seen anyone at the front of the library when he was there. McGonagall pushes Harry behind her and slowly walks to the front of the library. She'll try and protect him as long as possible. When she stops short Harry bumps into her. He was walking too close to her. McGonagall shakes her head like a dice being shaken as if trying to get rid of an unwanted image. Harry peeks around McGonagall's outstretched wand hand. There in front of him are two of his most disliked people in the school snogging each other. McGonagall gently clears her throat and waits for Madame Pince and Mr Filch to pull apart. "I think you should go Harry. Come back later and I'll help you find those books."

"I think that's an excellent idea, professor. See you later." Harry sprints out of the library. He can't stand being there one more second. He hears the dreaded sound of McGonagall's heels clicking on the stone floor of the library. He's quite glad he's not the one having to deal with her right now. He's also quite glad that she made the suggestion she made.