Disclaimer: First off, I would like to make it clear that I, unfortunately, do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. I only own the plot. This will be the only disclaimer for the entire story.

Author's Note: This is the first fan fiction that I have written. Please review and let me know if you would like to see more. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It would be beneficial to you to know that this is from Professor McGonagall's point of view. Oh, and I should probably mention that by Betas are deathy A. Saiyania and Noodle23.

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

'I don't think I should be feeling this bad this early on,' Professor McGonagall thought.

She was sitting behind her large cherry oak desk in her office, buried behind mountains of paperwork that needed correcting. Looking at her personal library, she sighed, realizing that tomorrow's lesson had not been prepared.

McGonagall flopped over on top of her work. She really didn't think she had the energy to continue.

There was a knock at the door.

'I can't deal with people right now,' she thought. 'Maybe if I ignore them, they will go away.'

She closed her eyes.

Another knock, only this time, it was louder. It was also followed by a voice.

"Professor? Professor, it's Hermione. Please open up. I really must have a word with you."

Pause.

"Professor, I know you're in there," said Hermione.

'No use fighting with that one,' thought Professor McGonagall.

With difficulty, she adjusted herself to sit pin straight.

"Very well then. Come in, Ms. Granger."

Hermione entered the office. The small door opened with a loud creak and shut with an equally loud slam.

"Sorry, Professor," Hermione said apologetically.

"Good evening, Ms. Granger," said McGonagall, pretending as if the door had never slammed. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"Well, Professor, I'm worried about you."

"Why is that, Ms. Granger?"

"I haven't been seeing you during meals for almost two weeks now, and during class, you look…"

McGonagall shot Hermione a stern look.

"…lethargic."

"Have a seat, Ms. Granger," said McGonagall. "I do have an explanation, but it may be long."

Hermione sat in front of McGonagall's desk.

"May I," she asked as she gestured toward the tartan patterned candy jar.

McGonagall nodded.

"This has actually been going on for years. I guess it's finally caught up to me."

Professor McGonagall placed her hands upon her desk to get up. She struggled, and Hermione ran over to help. McGonagall raised her hand.

"Please, Ms. Granger," Minerva said in her usual stern voice, "I do not need your help."

Hermione went back to her seat.

With great difficulty, Minerva finally stood. Now if only she could make it to the seat near Hermione.

McGonagall took a few small steps. She kept stumbling and her arms were too weak to support her frail frame. Once again, Hermione rushed over to help.

"Accio wand!"

McGonagall caught her wand and pointed it directly at Hermione.

"How many times do I need to tell you, Ms. Granger? I don't need your help."

With tears in her eyes, Hermione stepped back.

"But Professor," she said, holding back those tears, "you're in pain. I thought that if you leaned on me, I might be able to take away some of your burden."

McGonagall gave Hermione a puzzled look. It was a look Hermione had never seen before. The look faded as Hermione's words sunk in and Minerva realized that she was not alone. She lowered her wand.

"You're right, Hermione. I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I've been so independent my whole life, that I guess I thought that I would loose my dignity of you helped me."

"Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, Professor," said Hermione with a small smile. She took a step closer to McGonagall and offered her arm. It was accepted with eagerness.

"This chair will do," Minerva said gesturing toward the chair in front of her desk. "Thank you, Ms. Granger."

Hermione looked confused. Looking up at her, McGonagall took notice and said,

"What I have to tell you is important. I figured it would be better to do it this way instead of behind my desk.

Hermione nodded. She brought the other chair closer to McGonagall and sat.

"Now Ms. Granger," Professor McGonagall began, "What I have to tell you is,…well,…it's a difficult thing to say."

"Have I…?"

"No, Ms. Granger. You have done nothing wrong. This has nothing to do with you. However, since you are Muggle-born, you may be able to help me."

AN: Remember that I am a newbie to the entire world of fanfiction. Please press that pretty button and review. FYI- If you flame it'll only warm me…it's awfully cold in the mornings.