A/N: I hate writer's block that said after almost three months here is an update!!! Here's hoping someone is still reading this and will review. Thanks to all those who reviewed the first chapter. I hope if you read you will review I really like feedback, good or bad. This has been fixed corrected by my wonderful beta Vangoghadmirer!!!!!!!!! Thanks my friend!
"Nowhere to Turn" Chapter 2 Attempting to pickup some of the pieces
Minerva managed to get Hermione to the hospital wing and Madame Pomfrey took immediate action upon hearing what had happened. When Minerva was certain Hermione was resting comfortably she went in search of Albus, assuring Poppy that she would return as soon as possible.
Minerva did not need to look far, as she walked out of the hospital wing Albus was walking toward her. "Are you alright, Minerva?"
"I'm a bit shaken, but I have to say Ms. Granger is much worse."
"I assume you are speaking of her abrupt departure for dinner this evening."
Minerva put a hand on Albus' arm. "We need to talk."
He had heard that tone in her voice before, and it wasn't a good sign. He nodded in the direction of her office and they walked together in silence. Moments later they were seated on her overstuffed couch. "I found her near your office in hysterics." Minerva began. "After calming her I found out that apparently her parents had been killed in some kind of Brutal attack." Minerva voice was marked with concern and pain.
The concern and pain that showed in Minerva's voice was also evident in Albus' face. "Are you okay, my dear?"
"Don't be concerned about me. My situation is no comparison to hers." Minerva finished her comments softly and then slid the parchment and pictures that Ms.Granger had dropped to the floor over to him. "If you have any doubt about that all you have to do is look at these."
Albus picked up the parchment and read the note after he was finished with the pictures. Minerva could have sworn that the most powerful wizard in the world was going to be sick to his stomach. "I'll inform the Ministry at once." He said with a mix of sadness and anger in his tone.
"But Albus, Hermione's parents were muggles."
"Yes, but you are forgetting that once Hermione…"
"Joined our world it becomes a matter for Magical Law Enforcement." She completed his sentence.
"That is indeed correct my dear. I will let you know what I find out."
"I going back to the hospital wing, Poppy hasn't given her a strong sleeping potion yet she should be awake soon. I want to be there for her."
"Very well, I'll look for you there."
---
When Minerva returned to the hospital wing she found Poppy involved in what could only be described as a heated discussion with Ms. Granger.
"I just want to go back to the tower! I am fine Madame Pomfrey."
"You are in shock Ms. Granger. It would be better if you take this sleeping potion and spend the night."
"I'm fine just, please let me go!" Hermione began to stand. However Minerva, thanks to her catlike reflexes was at once by her side. With a firm hand on Hermione's shoulder Minerva careful pushing her into a sitting position onto the bed. "Poppy, may I please speak with her?"
"You can try." Poppy handed the sleeping potion to Minerva and walked away from the bedside, back to her office.
Minerva pulled a chair up next to the bedside. "Hermione, she has your best interests at heart."
"I know Professor." Hermione replied softly sharing at the floor. "I just don't want to be alone. I don't feel comfortable here."
"You are not alone Ms. Granger. Please don't ever feel that you are alone here." Minerva placed a hand over Hermione's in reassurance.
"Yes, Professor."
"Minerva."
"What?"
"When we are alone, you can call me Minerva."
Hermione appeared to be stunned by what Professor McGonagall told her but nodded understanding none the less. Hermione tried her best to hold back a yawn. Minerva stood up from her chair and handed Hermione the dreamless sleep potion. Hermione took it. "Stay the night Hermione. You will be safe here." Minerva reassured her as she tucked the sheets around her.
Minerva stayed with for a few moments until she was sure Hermione was in a restful sleep, as any mother would.
----
Minerva was awaked the next morning by the bright sunlight shinning through the windows in the hospital wing.
"You stayed the night?"
She jumped at the sound of the voice next to her. "Albus!"
"Good morning, Minerva."
"Good morning. How long have you been sitting here?"
"Not long, Poppy said you stayed the night."
She nodded. "Why didn't you wake me?"
"I didn't have the heart, Minerva. However, I need to talk to you."
"What did you find out?" Minerva asked getting up from her chair and walking to Poppy's office. Albus followed her.
"I got an owl from the Ministry this morning. Apparently, Ms. Granger is the last surviving member of her family. They suggested she contact the Wizarding/Muggle-Family Affairs Office to make the arrangements."
"That's the Ministry for you, Albus she's only thirteen years old. How is supposed to handle this? They make it sound as if this is an everyday occurrence." Minerva was not holding back what was left of her temper.
"Calm down, you don't want to wake her." Albus placed a hand on her shoulder. "I have informed the Ministry of my displeasure, I can assure you."
"Albus she will became a ward of the state in the Muggle-world and Merlin knows that if that happens she won't be able to return to Hogwarts." Minerva was beginning to raise her voice again.
Mina, calm down or you will wake her. We have connections for this sort of thing don't worry. She'll get through this. We'll see to that."
----
Harry and Ron went down to breakfast. They were still concerned about Hermione as she had not returned to the Common Room that evening and was not at the Gryffindor Table for breakfast. Many people were asking about her as well. When the two boys left the Great Hall after breakfast they were still worried about her.
Harry spoke first as they walked back to the Tower to get their books. "We should check the hospital wing on our way to class."
"Yeah, this is not like Hermione," Ron agreed.
They collected their books, and before going to class headed toward the hospital wing.
----
"Ms. Granger."
"Professor Dumbledore." Hermione was soft spoken although she had woken up earlier she was in no condition to talk.
"I'm so sorry for you loss. Rest assured we will help you in any way we can." Dumbledore offered a small smile. Although, he knew it wouldn't help her much.
Hermione noticed Professor McGonagall sat beside him in the same chair she was sitting in the night before. "Did you stay all night, Professor?"
"Yes." Minerva said reaching for her hand.
"Thank you." Hermione said as tears welled up in her eyes.
---
Harry and Ron reached the door to the hospital wing but stopped short of entering when they heard the conversation inside.
"Hermione?" Minerva questioned. "What is it?"
"I was just thinking. Where do I go from here? I'm thirteen, my parents are dead, I have no other family, and I'm a muggle-born witch. What happens now?"
----
Harry and Ron were listening intently but were in shock of what they were hearing.
"Poor Hermione." Ron said so only Harry could hear.
Harry knew exactly how she felt although he wasn't that old when his parents died. He never got to know his family, and the little bit of a family he had left didn't love him. He knew Hermione did and how alone she must feel at this moment. Harry was brought out of his thought by the sound of Professor Dumbledore's voice.
---
"You have a family here, Hermione, at Hogwarts. We will help you through this. The first thing you have to do is visit the Wizarding/Muggle-Family Affairs Office and talk to someone there. We will help you with this and any other arrangement or things that arise."
"When do I have to do this?"
"Soon." Minerva answered, "I will go with you."
"Thank You, Professor."
Albus spoke next. "May I also suggest that you reach out to your friends. I believe two of them are right outside waiting to see you.
Hermione couldn't hold back a small smile.
Harry and Ron couldn't believe what they were hearing.
Ron leaned over to Harry. "Blimey, how does he do that?" He asked with a bit of amazement in his voice.
Professor Dumbledore approached the doorway. "I wish I knew." Was Harry's only response.
"Harry, Ron, Ms. Granger would like to see you." Dumbledore said as he ushered them inside.
