Disclaimer: Don't own the characters, but if I did, a lot wouldn't have died :(
A/N: Just a little muse I had when listening to Bruno Mars song, 'Count On Me' and well, this story just evolved from that. Beta work done by McGonagall's Bola.
Chapter 1
Late one Wednesday night Minerva McGonagall sat at her desk, marking Year Three essays. Lifting her head, Minerva stared at the antique style clock on her wall. Stretching her back, she couldn't believe it was a quarter to ten already. Out of the corner of her eye Minerva saw someone walk past the front of her classroom. Quickly getting to her feet, she walked down the aisle and poked her head out. Looking up and down the corridor, she noticed a student walking further away into the shadows. Minerva rushed after the student and placed a hand on their shoulder.
"What are you doing out so late? You are supposed to be in your Common Room," she asked, turning the student around. Minerva stood in shock at the student who turned out to be Miss Granger.
"I'm sorry, Professor," Hermione said, attempting to hide her tear stained face. "I lost track of time in the library," she lied. Minerva smiled weakly and guided the young witch back to her classroom. Minerva sat down on a seat at the back of the room and motioned Hermione forward.
"What is the matter, my dear?" Minerva asked, looking across as Hermione sat down and placed the stack of books in her arms on the desk.
"It is nothing, Professor," Hermione said.
"Hermione…" she called softly. A hint of kindness in her voice made Hermione look up at Minerva. Sighing, Hermione knew that she wasn't going to leave the room without telling the truth to Minerva.
"It's just…" she stopped.
"Yes, dear?" Minerva encouraged, inching closer.
"I've heard people talking about me behind my back," she said, shrugging, looking away. "Spending all that time on homework, no wonder she has good grades… I mean, seriously… she doesn't have a life, always studying." Hermione said, mimicking a high pitched girl's voice.
"That just means you are interested in your education," Minerva explained. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to do your best for what you want."
"You don't know what it is like, being labelled as the person who studies 24/7. Who would skip out on a trip to Hogsmeade because I had an exam or assignment due? Who would spend the holidays studying rather than outside enjoying the break? Who takes books to the Great Hall in breakfast to get that last cramming session in?" Hermione ranted. Minerva placed her hand over Hermione's and stroked the back it.
"You can always talk to me about anything. If not as your Professor or Head of House then as a friend," Minerva said and smiled faintly. "You can always count on me," she added quietly. Hermione suddenly looked across and moved closer. Her lips crashed down on the elder witch's and lingered for a moment. Hermione felt her cheeks burn, and she instantly moved away. Minerva placed her finger under Hermione's chin and pulled her head towards her. Minerva then bent forward and softly brushed her lips against the younger woman's. "You can always count on me," Minerva repeated, waiting for Hermione to get what she meant. Her face lit up as she flung her arms around Minerva.
"I love you," Hermione whispered in her ear. Minerva's arms momentarily tightened around the girl, before ordering her back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
- The End -