Chapter 2

Minerva kept her firm hold on Hermione's shoulder the whole way to her office. Not quite trusting the girl to walk with her. Minerva could feel Hermione's heartbeat pounding away in her chest, her concern for the girl only grew. Opening the door to her office Minerva led Hermione inside. "Take a seat Miss Granger." Hermione obeyed immediately and sat on the edge of the chair in front of Minerva's desk. "Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, Professor." Hermione said weakly. She could feel her own heart beating in her chest, it felt like it was going to force its way out. As soon as Minerva left the office to go make tea the comforting glow went with her. All of Hermione's fears and hateful thoughts came rushing back. What she must think of me. I'm not a Gryffindor! I tried to take the easy way out, so pathetic. It's a wonder she hasn't expelled me yet and set me back to the muggles a failure. Another failure that's all this is. I couldn't even kill myself properly! Hermione clenched her teeth and curled her hands into fists. The need to hurt herself was overwhelming, and it terrified her. Hermione could feel her nails breaking the skin on her palms so she pressed harder. Determined to make herself suffer. She hated herself. Hermione could hear Minerva returning so she plastered a fake smile to her face and hid her hands in her robes.

"I hope peppermint it okay." Minerva said as she placed the tea tray on her desk.

"It's fine Professor." Hermione smiled thinking that if she could get Minerva to believe she was alright she could go. Minerva picked up her teacup and took a sip. Hermione realized that Minerva would see her hands if she reached for her cup, so she just didn't grab it.

"Now, Miss Granger why do you think that killing yourself was the answer to your problems? Why didn't you ask for help? It can be tough for muggle-born children to adapt to the wizarding world, and sometimes they need guidance. I am more than willing to offer you that guidance." A muggle-born… That's all I am to her, a stupid child that can't even adapt to a stupid school.

"I…" Hermione began. "I wasn't thinking Professor." Hermione gave a small fake chuckle. "That was my problem. Instead of thinking things through I allowed my emotions to dictate my actions. It won't happen again."

"I would certainly hope not." Minerva said sternly. "I am proud to say that no child in Hogwarts history has killed themselves. Not to say a few haven't tried, but there has always been someone around to stop them. I am very glad I was there to stop you Miss Granger, Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without you." Minerva smiled at Hermione.

"Thank you Professor." Hermione smiled once more, she hoped it wasn't as fake looking as it felt.

"Tell me more of your home life." Hermione froze. That was the one thing she had wanted to avoid. How could the great Minerva McGonagall understand! Your parents weren't muggles that think that you're an abnormality and a freak. Hermione clenched her fists tighter.

"Can we not?" Hermione pleaded. Minerva raised an eyebrow.

"I understand if you are not comfortable talking about that yet." Yet? What does she mean 'yet'? "But I do want to hear about it eventually. Your family is important to you," What do you know. My family means nothing… Not anymore. "And I want you to feel comfortable around them."

"Yes, Professor."

"Is there anything you wish to say or talk about Miss Granger?" Minerva asked.

"No, Professor, nothing." Minerva didn't look convinced but thankfully didn't press.

"Very well, if there is nothing tonight I will escort you to Gryffindor tower. I would like to meet with you once a week Miss Granger, until I am sure you are emotionally stable." Emotionally stable?! What the heck does that mean? I'm not crazy. "We will meet on Saturdays at seven o'clock in my office. Does that work for you Miss Granger?"

"What? Oh yes, that works for me."

"Was there something the matter with the tea?" Minerva asked. "You haven't touched it."

"N-no I-I'm just not v-very thirsty." Hermione stammered.

"It will do you good Miss Granger, I put a few drops of a soothing potion in it. It will help you sleep, drink up." Hermione unclenched her hands and wiped the blood off of her hands onto her robe. She saw Minerva's nostrils flare. Idiot! She's an animagus! She can probably smell the blood. I'm so screwed. "Miss Granger, may I see your hands?" Minerva asked leaning over slightly.

"W-why P-Professor?" So, so very screwed.

"Now Miss Granger." Hermione did something she'd never done before. She disobeyed a teacher. She made to show Minerva her hands, but instead stood up and ran out the door and into the hallway. Leaving a completely stunned Professor behind. Minerva quickly set her teacup down and raced after her student. Minerva couldn't see Hermione in the hallway so she changed into her animagus and raced after the faint smell of blood. Hermione ran as fast as she could, running down corridor after corridor. She had no idea where she was going she was just trying to get away from Minerva. Tears made her vision blurry and Hermione couldn't see where she was going very well. Somewhere in the back of her mind she saw that the stairs had moved and she couldn't run that way but she didn't realize it until it was too late. One moment she was running on the hard, cold, stone floor of Hogwarts and the next she was falling right into oblivion. A scream tore its way out of Hermione's throat as she fell to the floor below. Above her one Minerva McGonagall watched in horror as the one student she care more for than she should fell to what would surely be her death.

A.N. Here's chapter 2. I don't have a beta so all the mistakes are mine. :) Please Review and let me know what you think!