Just a little side note from me, if, by some chance you've managed to miss it, this is a retake on one of my very first Hermione/Minerva stories, and as such, much of the content will be the same, just improved and hopefully longer.

Hermione watched her best friend from her spot beside the large telescope. Much to her relief, and secretly Harry's, Ron had goon back to the tower after neither of them had spoken for over an hour. But now, sitting there with the sky slowly turning dark as night fell, Hermione finally spoke, her voice sounding loud in the heavy silence.

"We're going back to my parents' house tomorrow." She said, standing up.

When no response came, she walked over to where Harry was standing and looked down, instantly regretting it as her mind filled with the image of Dumbledore lying lifelessly on the ground directly under her.

"I've decided to remove every memory of us and the wizarding world my parents have and send them to Australia for protection before we leave for Bill and Fleurs wedding."

"I still think you should stay here."

Hermione shook her head. "I'd be in more danger here then with you. Besides, you'll end up captured before the week is out without me."

Harry gave a small chuckle. "Yeah."

They fell silent as their attention was drawn to the bright red bird flying towards the forest, singing a haunting tune. Both of them sighed and looked down. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw Harry twirl the locket in his hand. "So it was fake."

"Yeah."

Letting out a sigh, Hermione turned around and leant back against the railing. "This isn't going to be easy."

"When is it?"

Giving a small smile, she looked at him again before turning and shaking her head. "With us? Never." Another sigh, "This time next year we could celebrating."

"Or dead."

"Or dead." She repeated softly.

Turning around to stand in much the same position as his fiend, Harry tucked the fake locket into his pocket. "You should tell her."

"No."

"Why not? You agreed with me, we could be dead this time next year and you'd never have told her."

"It wouldn't make a difference." She argued.

Looking at her, Harry frowned. "Do you honestly believe that you could live without telling her?"

"Why would that matter? I'd be dead."

The frown deepened. "Hermione."

Sigh. "I'll think about it."

"Good." Turning back around, he looked over the dark forest as the sun set. "We should go and eat."

Neither of them moved.

The next day, after barely any sleep, Hermione sat down next to Harry at the table and handed him a thick envelope without a word. Looking between her and the envelope, Harry frowned. When no word was spoken, he turned it over and felt his eyes widen at the name written in his friend neat writing.

Minerva

"You're going to do it." He whispered, looking at her with a small smile.

Hermione shook her head. "No."

"Huh?"

Taking the letter back, she slipped it into her pocket. "It's charmed to be delivered to her upon my death."

"Oh."

Neither spoke until they left the Great Hall to go back to the tower to finish packing, leaving the other third to continue stuffing his face. As they were the only ones in the hall, Harry pulled out his own envelope, showing it to his friend.

"I wrote one too."

"For who?"

"Holly."

Hermione nodded in understanding. They both knew that after they left Hermione's house, they would only have one person to say goodbye to if they didn't make it through the war, and thanks to Harry's pushing, she was prepared much like he was. She only wished she needn't have to.

An hour later the trio walked down the pathway to the train for the last time. None of them spoke, all of them realizing that the importance of taking everything in, just in case. But as Ron hopped in, Harry and Hermione stopped, both turning to look up at the castle they had called home for the last six years.

"I'm going to miss Hogwarts." Hermione whispered, wishing she could say who she was really going to miss.

Knowing exactly what she wanted to say, Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her against his side. "I know."

For a moment the two stood there, gazing at the ancient building until the final whistle blew. Sighing, Harry dropped his arm and turned around. "Time to go." He whispered, stepping inside.

As she was about to pull herself up, Hermione mentally wished Minerva good bye, only to be stopped by a light touch on her arm. Spinning around, Hermione was surprised to see the woman of her thoughts standing in front of her, a forlorn look on her face.

"See you next year Miss Granger."

Hermione bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from crying. She had made the decision not to tell the Professor that she, Harry and Ron wouldn't be returning the following year in fear that she would break down and tell her everything. Taking a deep breath, she gave her favourite Professor a sharp nod and a quiet reply.

"Good bye Professor McGonagall."

To her it sounded much like a final farewell, and by the confused expression directed at her, it sounded much like one to Minerva as well. Giving another sharp nod, she turned and stepped up into the train, shutting the door behind her. She stood there for a moment, taking the time to gather her thoughts and calm herself. When the train started moving, she made her way to the other side, intent on finding her friends, only Harry stood just around the corner, clearly waiting for her.

"Are you okay?"

Looking at him, she didn't bother hiding the tears that had gathered, but she managed a weak smile. "I'm fine."

To see pictures to go along with this story, and others, click on the link for my tumblr page or my facebook page.

Ro.