A/N: I know I said I wasn't doing any fic's in November cos of NaNoWriMo, but I couldn't help it. Today (7th) is Poppinswannabe's birthday
(say Happy Birthday in your reviews all of you – cos she rocks!)
and this is my present to her!

So have fun reading it all of you, make sure you thank her for having a birthday lol.
Hope you like it Nikki!

EDIT: To my absolute shame I completely missed out on a very important notice! A HUGE thank you goes to Spin84 without whom I wouldn't have a title, or an idea for which to base the story. And of course, you'd all be reading words that make no sense! So, as it should have been yesterday. Thank you Spin! And I'm sorry there wasn't more MMADness in it for you :P

Minerva watched the first years pack up their things now they had finished their lesson. They were a decent bunch of kids, the only real problem she foresaw was the tension already showing itself between Mr Malfoy and Mr Potter. She shook her head. Of course, if history chose to repeat itself she only hoped it wouldn't be as bad as it was between Mr Black and Severus, because another seven years of that would most certainly age her more than she'd like. As she watched them file out of the room all eager to make it to lunch, her gaze fell on the unhurried actions of the young lady in the front row.

She was a strange little thing, with her bushy hair and her slightly oversized teeth. Minerva knew she would probably grow out of it in a few years, but she also knew how cruel children could be, especially when trying to cope with new situations. Even the purebloods were still finding their feet, and she couldn't imagine what it must be like for a muggle-born, who, until twelve or so weeks ago had no idea magic even existed. Although she prided herself on being the stoic leader of the greatest house in the school, Minerva was not, despite the rumours, heartless. She cared very much for her cubs, and with the inclusion of Harry Potter in her house this year there was just a little more awareness of the new students in her house. Miss Granger was indeed the odd one out though. She seemed more content to spend her time reading than anything else and Minerva couldn't help but be a little bit pleased about that. She had so far proved to be a most able student, and with the right tutelage she could become a most powerful witch.

Almost without realising it, Minerva found herself moving forward to rest casually on the front of her desk.

"And how are you coping Miss Granger?" she asked conversationally. Hermione looked a little shocked at the question and Minerva faltered slightly wondering whether it had been the right thing to do.

"Um, fine thanks." The girl replied, now standing with her book bag clutched to her front, almost like a shield.

"Your schoolwork is exceptional and it is quite refreshing to see a student want to learn something." She said with a wink, managing to coax a small smile from Hermione.

"I've always thought that if someone is taking the time to teach you something you might as well learn it to the best of your ability." Hermione said with a shrug. Minerva smiled inwardly; it was a similar philosophy to her own during her schooling.

"As do I." she said with a nod. Hermione made no move to leave and Minerva was fine with that, knowing that Albus would save her something to eat and no doubt even bring it to her later. "And how are you finding your classmates? Have you made any friends?"

At this Hermione faltered and Minerva watched as her posture changed to one of almost defeat.

"They, um, they are alright I suppose. I don't, um, it's fine." She said finally and Minerva didn't need her years of experience to know that the girl was lying. She could read her like a book.

"Well, don't give up on them too easily, I'm sure you'll find someone to fall in with soon." Minerva reassured her, purposefully keeping it light.

"It's not that easy." She said sullenly and suddenly Minerva's senses started tingling.

"Miss Granger?" she asked raising an eyebrow. Hermione wavered for just a moment before sighing.

"I tried to stop someone from losing more points from Gryffindor a few nights ago," Hermione paused, determined NOT to tell her teacher that she and the others had been out of bed; in the forbidden corridor and actually in the room where a three-headed dog had tried to eat them. "But they wouldn't listen to me." She said frowning. Hermione shrugged and leant against her own desk. "I'm just not good at making friends." She whispered.

Minerva watched her student for a moment caught between offering the girl advice, or just a shoulder to cry on. Torn between the two she moved forward and tilted Hermione's chin up to look at her.

"Let me guess, Mr Potter and Mr Weasley?" she said with a small smile. Hermione blushed a little and nodded.

"I would not worry Miss Granger. They will no doubt come around. Mr Weasley is particularly harsh sometimes, no doubt due to his slightly overbearing siblings, but Mr Potter is well acquainted with hardship and I have no doubt he would be a good friend to have, even given his inclination towards mischief." She said with a wry grin.

Hermione shrugged and looked away making Minerva smile a little.

"If I can offer you some advice Miss Granger?" Hermione nodded. "I have found that the thing most friends value more than anything is loyalty, to stick by each other no matter what." Minerva said, remembering some of the mistakes she made before discovering that herself. Hermione looked as if she had been given the keys to the entire library.

"Oh." She said, taking the advice on board immediately. Minerva couldn't help but smile at the revelation she had just shared with the young witch and felt much better about sending her on her way.

"I suggest you go and get yourself some lunch Miss Granger. As the Headmaster seems to feel the need to tell me almost every day, lunch is too important to be missed." She said with a conspiratorial wink. Hermione nodded and went to lunch, leaving Minerva to her thoughts as she stared into space. She was interrupted by a small cough a short while later but didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Yes Albus what can I do for you?" He chuckled and a plate of toast and kippers appeared in front of her. Her stomach betrayed her and gurgled happily at the sight.

"Minerva, lunch is a most important meal and it should not be missed," He began before Minerva couldn't help but burst into laughter. He chuckled along with her, despite not knowing what was so funny, simply content that his friend was happy.

"Forgive me Albus, it was something I was telling Miss Granger." She said as she happily wolfed down her lunch.

"Ah, and how is the girl doing?" He smiled as Minerva licked her fingers remarkably like her Animagus form would have done. He relished the knowledge that she would not have done that in front of anyone else and consequently cherished the trust they shared.

"She is bright beyond belief Albus, but is having a little trouble making friends." She glanced up at her colleague and dear friend, shaking her head when she saw his eyes twinkling.

"I seem to recall another exceptionally bright witch who had trouble making friends in the beginning. Strange is it not?" he said with a pretend air of nonchalance.

"Yes, well, I imparted a little knowledge that I myself learnt and I envision that she will work it out soon enough." She said smiling as Albus vanished her plate.

"What do you have next my dear?" Minerva leant back in her chair.

"Third years." She said, groaning a little. "I thought after last year The Twins could not get any worse." She paused trying to supress a smile, "I was wrong."

Albus chuckled again and petted her shoulder.

"Good luck." He said with a wink, leaving her to prepare for her next lesson.

"Ah, Minerva! I'm glad I caught you." Filius Flitwick squeaked as the Transfiguration professor exited the Staff Room while he entered. It was the night of the Halloween Feast and she desperately wanted to a shower after the Weasley twins successfully managed to not only change their teapots into tortoises, but they also managed to make it act like a teapot - something even Minerva couldn't fathom. The best part though, even though she would never admit it, was that when it had boiled - yes, boiled - it let off not only steam, but an explosive stream of what could only be described as lime coloured (and flavoured) foam, the result of which had seemed to seep into her skin and was now playing havoc with her highly sensitive nose. She shook these thoughts from her head and turned back towards the Charms professor.

"Filius, how are you?" She smiled. She did like the man, despite his proclivity for over excitement.

"Very well thank you Minerva, I just wanted to tell you that Miss Granger performed a perfect levitating charm today and I awarded her points befitting the perfect spell." He said beaming?]. "She would have made a great Ravenclaw." He said cheekily. They had been having this argument since they discovered what an intelligent student she was a number of weeks ago.

"Alas Filius, you will have to make do with all the other best and brightest. Besides, I need Miss Granger." She said biting her lip trying to stave off a tiny smile. Filius cocked an eyebrow in curiosity. "Well, someone needs to be able to get Mr Longbottom out of trouble, at least until he can master his nerves." She pronounced, as stoically as possible.

"Minerva." Filius said, slightly reproachfully, but smiling nonetheless.

"He could be brilliant like his parents if only Augusta would let him." She said, sobering slightly as she thought of the boy's parents.

"Maybe one day." Filius said sagely.

Minerva nodded her agreement and left the room, the lime assaulting her senses as she strode to her quarters.

"Minerva?" came a disembodied voice as she entered her office. She spun around peering into the fire to find the head of Albus Dumbledore peering happily out of it.

"Yes Albus?"

"Why do you smell of limes dear?" he asked, wrinkling his nose, "Surely lemons would have been a much better alternative?" he teased, anticipating the eye roll she gave him.

"I will simply say this. The Weasley Twins."

He laughed and nodded his head. "Chess tonight?"

She mentally checked off everything she had to do and found that yes, tonight would be a good night for chess.

"You will have to bring your board with you." she said as he rolled his eyes back at her.

"I know, I know. Are you ever going to forgive me for making you transfigure your own board as one of the tasks my dear?"

"No, probably not." She said with a smirk. "Until tonight then." She said, anxious to get ready for the feast. It would not do for her to be late.

Harry and Ron had already sat down and were waiting for the Headmaster to give the go ahead to eat. Harry could hear Ron's stomach rumbling in anticipation and he laughed as the tips of Ron's ears went pink.

"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked, looking along the table but failing to find the know-it-all.

"Who cares?" Ron said in return, looking pleadingly up at the headmaster, who winked at him as he caught his eye.

"I saw her go into the girl's bathroom." Neville said helpfully from the other side of the table. He chewed his lip for a moment before leaning across and dropping his voice to a whisper. "I think she was crying."

Harry and Ron looked decidedly embarrassed when they heard this, but resolved to mend their bridges after they had eaten. They had, after all, been waiting for this the whole day.

Minerva, however, was searching for Hermione herself up at the head table and frowned when she failed to find her.

"Relax Minerva, she is probably curled up in the library with a good book." Albus said patting her knee under the table as he rose to give his customary speech.

Things were well underway when suddenly the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor came running into the Great Hall screaming blue murder.

"TROLL! Troll in the Dungeon!" He wailed before fainting dead away in the middle of the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables.

There was a moment of silence as the words were processed, and Albus and Minerva were already on their feet as the student body descended into chaos. The headmaster projected his voice and instructed the prefects to take the students back to their houses before accompanying Minerva and Filius to the dungeons to remove the threat. An absent Severus, Albus noted, had done as he had asked and disappeared, no doubt to keep an eye on the third floor corridor and so let it go.

As they searched the dungeons all three teachers realised that if the troll had been there when Professor Quirrell had seen it last, it certainly wasn't there any longer.

"We'll have to split up. Minerva, back the way we came, Filius around the back of the Hall if you please and I shall check in the entrance hall and beyond."

Minerva raced through the corridors, praying that the troll was not doing too much damage. Although easily repaired, a troll in the school was a worrying prospect. She met up with a rather sour looking Severus as she rounded the corner, just in time to hear an almighty crash from further down the passage. The pair shared a quick glance before racing towards the sound, which had come from the girl's bathroom. Throwing open the door, Minerva's heart nearly stopped in her chest as she saw the tiny forms of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger standing over a somewhat unconscious troll.

"Wh, How, whe," Minerva drew herself up to her full height and took a breath. "Explain yourselves this instant." She barked, well aware that the adrenalin pumping through her system was causing her to sharpen the words considerably.

She watched as the three exchanged glances, trying to figure out an excuse to give her. She could almost feel Severus' smirk behind her back and it only made her angrier.

"Now if you please." She snapped. She watched as Harry opened his mouth, but was only marginally surprised when Hermione's voice reached her ears instead.

"It was my fault Professor." The girl said, looking decidedly abashed. "I had read about them in a book from the library and I thought I could take one on myself. Harry and Ron saw me go and followed me. If they hadn't been here to help, I'd probably be dead." She said, her eyes fixed on a piece of rubble at her feet.

Minerva stared hard at the young lady before her, not knowing whether to smile or frown. When she had given her that advice earlier she hadn't expected quite this outcome.

"That was extremely foolish Miss Granger, five points from Gryffindor for you foolishness and I will see you in my office. Please go and wait for me there." She said, allowing the girl to pass. Severus sneered again and Minerva supressed a smile.

"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley. Is this going to be a habit or yours, getting into trouble?" she asked, pleased to see that the boys looked suitably ashamed. "Five points each to Gryffindor." She said wryly. "For sheer dumb luck." She added when she heard Severus growl. Nodding towards the door, the boys left as fast as their legs could carry them.

"Severus? I trust you can handle this?" she inquired, sweeping out of the door in a fashion that would have made the Potions master proud, if he had been that sort of fellow at least.

She walked back to her office and found Hermione sitting on the floor next to the portrait guarding her rooms looking tired, scared and alone. Minerva's heart gave a tiny lurch at seeing the young witch there and she smiled gently at her as she offered a hand.

"I think it is time you and I had another chat Miss Granger." She said as Hermione took her hand.

Minerva could feel the girl still shaking and did not release her grip as she led her through the office and into her personal sitting room. Hermione didn't even look around as she was led into her Professors private quarters and that worried Minerva more than anything.

"Miss Granger?" she asked, sitting Hermione on the sofa. "Miss Granger, are you quite well?" Getting no response she sighed, kneeling in front of the student that was fast becoming her favourite and holding her hands lightly. "Hermione?"

The use of her first name seemed to stir Hermione from her daze and Minerva was suddenly confronted with a very upset eleven year old hanging onto her for dear life. Panicking a little, Minerva held very still for a moment before relinquishing her façade and caving to the pressure her heart was putting on her mind. She shifted to a more comfortable position, leaning against the sofa as Hermione held on tightly, her tears soaking into Minerva's robes on her shoulder. Not known for showing comfort to upset students before, Minerva struggled with what else to do for her student until she remembered what her mother used to do for her when she was a child.

Bringing Hermione towards her, Minerva wrapped her arms around the girl and held her tight, rocking gently back and forth, as she whispered that everything was okay and that she was safe. For all her brilliance, she and the other teachers really must remember that the girl was a muggle-born, if only so they could acknowledge that despite her intelligence there would be some things that would shock or even frighten the wee lass. She made a mental note to tell Filius and Albus to keep it from Severus. The last thing she wanted was to give him more ammunition to use against her Gryffindor's.

A small sniff alerted her to the fact that Hermione had stopped sobbing and was now simply enjoying a cuddle from her professor.

"Are you alright Miss Granger?" Minerva muttered, finding she was not as uncomfortable holding her student as she thought she would have been. Hermione nodded into her neck but didn't move or let go. Minerva on the other hand was not as young as she once was and had transfigured the sofa for the very reason that she was now desperate to get off the floor. "Let's get off this floor shall we?" she said gently and coaxing the girl off her knee, smiling slightly as she moved away but didn't let go of her hand.

Settling back on the sofa, Minerva suddenly found herself holding Hermione again and she chuckled as her student snuggled into the embrace.

"So how are you really?" she asked after a while, knowing that Hermione, like herself, would need some time to process the situation.

"I feel awful," came the small reply. Minerva smiled tenderly and leaned closer to the girl's ear.

"I'm not surprised. Very few adult wizards or witches could have taken on a fully grown mountain troll and lived to tell the tale. Despite everything Hermione," she said, deliberately using her first name, "you were very brave."

There was a moment of silence before Minerva detected another small sob from the young witch and she smiled into her hair.

"I wasn't brave at all. I was in the bathroom crying and they came to get me." She said quietly. "I can't, I can't do this anymore. I just want to go home!" She cried, no longer tears of terror, but heartbreaking sobs.

"Shh, come on Hermione, t'will be alright child." Minerva whispered, rocking her again as she tried to calm her down. "I think that Mr Potter and Mr Weasley will be more than happy to address the issue of being friends with you once things get back to normal tomorrow, especially now that they know you are willing to stick by them." Minerva said gently, not stopping the tender movements of her hand on Hermione's back even though Hermione buried her face deeper into Minerva's shoulder. "Do not worry. It will all work out for the best, you'll see."

"I lied to you." Hermione said quietly without letting go of her teacher. Minerva chuckled and stopped her rocking.

"I know you did my dear." She said softly, "You used my advice perfectly, and although I am less than thrilled that it was against me, I applaud your efforts my dear." She added kindly, letting Hermione know that she wouldn't be punished. "Next time you engage in some sort of wilful perversion of the truth make sure it's against Professor Snape will you?" Minerva whispered, making Hermione laugh.

"Yes Professor." She said while still attempting to stifle a giggle.

"If you tell anyone I said that I'll deny it and call you crazy." Minerva said with a wink. Hermione smiled and nodded, locking her lips with an invisible key. "Good girl." Minerva waved her wand and a tea service along with a plate of sandwiches appeared on the table next to them. Hermione vacated Minerva's lap and watched as the older woman poured two cups of tea, handing the weaker one over to Hermione along with the sugar, before sitting back and savouring her own staring pointedly at the sandwiches until Hermione started eating them. The girl had missed dinner and it would not do for her to go hungry after her ordeal.

She watched as Hermione gradually became aware of where they were, her eyes roaming hungrily over the bookshelves. Minerva chuckled as she watched her mentally cataloguing all the volumes she could see.

"Perhaps, if you are agreeable, we could meet for tea a few nights a week after dinner and you could borrow a book or two to read while I finish my paperwork?" she suggested before she could stop herself. Minerva McGonagall had just invited a student to tea AND an extended visit.

She frowned as she sat staring at the teacup wondering whether she was losing her touch.

"Um, are you sure Professor?" Hermione asked, taking note of the grimace on her favourite teacher's face.

Minerva cleared her thoughts and turned back towards the girl sitting watching her carefully. Minerva found that she cared for this young lady more than was probably good for her; especially if it turned out she was going to be friends with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Sighing, she resigned herself to her fate.

"Of course I am sure Hermione, you are more than welcome to come and see me whenever you like, although there will be some days when I will not be much company. The headmaster has spent a lifetime perfecting the best way to get me to do his paperwork."

Hermione giggled again and a tiny spark ignited in Minerva's chest. For a moment she imagined that this feeling was akin to what all mother's felt when they were passed their newborn baby for the first time. As soon as this thought crossed her mind, Minerva was spellbound by this young lady before her. She swore to protect her as best as she could without drawing too much attention to the fact that they were becoming much closer than she had ever been to another student.

The grandfather clock struck 9pm and Minerva was a little shocked at how the time had flown.

"Miss Granger I believe that it is time for you to return to your dormitory." She said lightly, rising from the sofa and extending a hand to her student, pulling her off the sofa with an exaggerated heave. Hermione laughed again and fell into Minerva; who this time, did not hesitate to wrap her arms around the younger witch.

"Thank you Professor McGonagall." She whispered and Minerva smiled, placing a small kiss on the girl's forehead.

"You are most welcome child." she said soothingly as the Floo activated and the Headmaster strode out, looking a little sooty.

He took in the situation immediately and his eyes twinkled like mad as he beamed at the two ladies as they separated.

"Minerva, Miss Granger." He nodded, taking up his usual position in his chair by the fire, setting up the chess board and ignoring them as he asked a house elf for a mug of hot chocolate. Minerva rolled her eyes at Hermione, who stifled another giggle at the Headmaster's expense as Minerva nodded towards the door.

"Come along Miss Granger, I shall walk you back to your common room." She paused as she got to the door, turning back to Albus and fixing him with a glare. "No turning those pieces against me while I am gone. And I shall know Albus Dumbledore." She said menacingly. Albus held up his hands in mock surrender, but they both knew he would certainly try it while she was gone. He would take any advantage he could get while her usual pieces were currently standing guard over the Philosopher's Stone.

The two women walked back in silence, both of them coming to the understanding that their slight change in relationship was something they would not advertise to the general school population, thereby avoiding difficulties for Hermione. As they reached the Fat Lady's portrait Minerva stopped Hermione and made her look her in the eyes.

"If you need anything you come to me." She said purposefully. Hermione nodded, but Minerva continued to stare at her until she sighed.

"Yes Professor." She replied with a small smile, which Minerva mirrored.

"Anything at all." She said quietly.

Hermione simply nodded and hugged her teacher once more before they got to the portrait. Minerva was pulling away when Hermione stood on her tip toes and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you Professor. I thought I wouldn't survive without my mother here to hold me when I got scared, but, I think maybe I have you now, so I won't feel quite as bad." She whispered. Minerva couldn't help the lump in her throat that she swallowed.

"Thank you Hermione. I am honoured." She said truthfully. Kissing the girl's forehead again, she nudged her towards the portrait, watching as she gave the password and turned to wave goodbye before entering the common room.

Minerva chuckled as she walked back to her rooms, bracing herself for Albus' gentle ribbing that would no doubt last the entire game.

The headmaster was suspiciously quiet when she returned and even more so when she sat opposite him, leaning back and steepling her fingers together in front of her face in a pose he more often held. Despite the silence his eyes were practically screaming at her and she broke first, chuckling at him as she shook her head.

"I don't know what it is with these Transfiguration professors making friends with their students." He said with a wink as he handed her a hot chocolate. She sighed in appreciation as she tasted the ginger he had the house elves add.

"Whatever will we do with them I wonder." She asked him, making the first move on the board. Albus chuckled as he counted and they traded moves back and forth, as they sipped their cocoa and played to win, somewhat mercilessly.

Albus won the game but only by a whisker, making Minerva roll her eyes.

"That's the reason you wanted me to use my own chess board wasn't it." She said, an eyebrow climbing up her forehead. "That's the only way you can beat me old man." She said mockingly. Albus placed a hand over his heart and fell back against the chair.

"Oh Minerva, dear, why do you wound me so?" He said, as they both dissolved into laughter before he got up to leave. He activated the Floo before he turned to face her.

"Tabby, I would not change our friendship for the world, but what you and Miss Granger are embarking on will be no less fulfilling for your heart." He said sagely. Minerva was blinking rapidly again as he chuckled and patted her arm. "I only hope she can fill that void in your heart that only a child could." He whispered kissing her forehead.

"Thank you Albus." She breathed, squeezing his hand as he left. He nodded and disappeared in a flash of green flames, leaving her on her own but by no means lonely.

Minerva McGonagall had the best friend anyone could ever wish to have and it looked as if she was going to get that child she'd always wanted as well. Granted, she had to share that child with her parents, but she could definitely live with that. She laughed at herself, shaking her head at her foolishness as she made her way to bed.

"Minerva McGonagall you are losing your touch woman." She said as she got into bed. Indulging in a smile as she snuggled under the covers she laughed to herself once more, recognising that she had not been this happy for quite some time. "Good night Hermione." She whispered as she closed her eyes. The smile that had appeared some time ago was still firmly glued to her face as she thought about all the things they could do together, all the things she would have done with her children, had she had any. Her eyes flew open as she had a thought hit her.

"Merlin, I hope she likes Ginger Newts."