A/N: Please Review!
Minerva sat massaging her temples as she listened to the rambling of her colleagues during their most recent staff-meeting. She understood the importance of team work, but this really was getting quite tiresome.
"Alright, alright, enough. Severus, you are quite right, we will need to order more cauldrons as the old ones simply are not up to snuff anymore.
"Poppy, I'm sure Severus would happily help you with your brewing for the upcoming flu season—especially seeing as he is going to be receiving more cauldrons within the week." She said with a look.
"Pomona, a simple undetectable extension charm should give you the extra room for you blossoming spindle plants, and allow them the room to flourish, you certainly don't need a sixth green house.
"And Argus, you will not, nor will you ever, get permission to physically punish students. If you continue to make such requests you will be forced to find a new place of employment. Understood?" The staff table nodded carefully, and Minerva couldn't help but smirk slightly. Even after all of these years she could make them shiver as much as her first year students. "Any other issues which need to be addressed?" Her staff shook their heads, waiting to be dismissed.
"Alright, I have one final note to discuss," she said, shuffling through her papers, "I have decided to offer one of our eighth year students the opportunity to apprentice under one of the professors here. She is being stifled by the ease of her coursework, and I think that an opportunity of this sort would appeal to her; I also believe that she has proved herself more than worthy of such an unusual experience. I myself will be offering the opportunity, but I also wanted to welcome any of you to volunteer."
"Who is the student?" asked Filius, "I certainly think that would make the difference."
Minerva smiled, knowing the reactions she would receive, "Miss. Hermione Granger," she answered, watching the interested faces in the room.
"Well that certainly does make a difference," Sybil spat, "I will not have that girl working with me, she is the most incapable and disagreeable girl I have ever met."
Minerva nearly growled at the woman, but out of respect for Dumbledore's memory, she held her tongue. She was quickly distracted by the haste of volunteers. In the end, Professors' Flitwick, Hagrid, Sinistra, Lupin, Sprout, and even Snape, had volunteered their time.
"Well then, now that we've settled that, you're all dismissed. Thank you for your time." Then, as an afterthought, "Oh, Severus, a word?"
He waited patiently for the other staff members to leave, and approached her. "What is it Minerva?"
"Severus, why on earth did you volunteer? Even I know that you find Hermione to be unbearable."
Severus considered her for a moment, "She is lacking in subtlety, is temperamental, and arrogant. She also has a desperate need to be right at all times, and asks far too many questions."
"But?"
"But," he sighed, "She also has a definite talent for potions, and is the only student I have seen in many years who does. With proper teaching, she may be bearable, and it would be a shame to lose the research she may be able to contribute to the art." He answered painfully.
"Don't worry, I won't tell," she smirked as Severus glanced at her with the utmost annoyance.
Hermione,
If you are available, I would appreciate meeting with you tomorrow after classes let out, I have a matter which I would like to discuss with you. 5 pm again?
Kindly,
Minerva
Hermione stared at the parchment before her; it had arrived just as she got out of her evening shower. Minerva wanted to meet with her? Again? What on earth could she want?
She's probably realized how silly you were the last time you talked, she probably wants to reprimand you!, she thought.
No, that didn't make sense, not the way it was worded. Hermione sent back her simple reply, and went to sleep; trying desperately not to worry about the meeting she had with Minerva the following afternoon.
Minerva smiled and looked up from her papers as a familiar knock sounded on her office door, "Enter," she said, but softened upon seeing her student. "Hermione, I'm so pleased you could come. Tea?"
"No thank you," Hermione replied politely, "Professor if this is about our last meeting, I really am sorry—"
"Hermione don't worry, bridge under the water." She said, handing her a cup of tea, despite the girl's words. "Drink the tea, it's good for you."
"Thank you," Hermione said with a small smile.
"Actually, something of your….for lack of a better word, rant, inspired me." She said, watching as Hermione quirked an eyebrow. "I have discussed it with the other professors, and we would like to offer you a rather unusual opportunity. Over the years you have shown yourself to be well beyond the usual coursework administered here, and I would guess you have read all of your course books more than once at this point." Hermione blushed darkly, and Minerva smiled. "As such, I think you're right. Our treatment of you should not be the same as it has been. We would like to give you the opportunity to study under one of several professors privately, an apprenticeship of sorts.
"You would help the professors with various tasks necessary to their job, take part in advanced research and methods, and work beyond what you have previously had the opportunity to study. At the end of the year you would be required to submit an essay, the topic of which shall be decided by you and your Professor, which demonstrates not only your knowledge of the subject matter, but also your experience under such a program."
Hermione's mouth hung open comically, and she stared shocked at her professor. "Professor McGonagall, Minerva, I don't know what to say."
"Hermione, you don't have to accept," Minerva said clearly, "Goodness knows our world has asked too much of you already, and you deserve the break if you so choose. But I also think you deserve opportunities, and the chance to rediscover your passion for learning and research." Hermione beamed at her. "If you decide to take this opportunity you will have the option of studying Charms, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, or Transfiguration."
"Could I—" Hermione began, but Minerva interrupted her swiftly.
"You may only choose one," she smiled, "so decide carefully. I would like your decision no sooner, or later, than Friday. I think four days should be enough time to decide."
Hermione nodded enthusiastically, her eyes glowing, "Thank you so much, Minerva. You—I know this was your idea, and it means a lot. Thank you."
"You are most welcome Miss. Granger. Oh, and one other thing, before I forget." She handed Hermione a magazine from her desk. "It's the most recent issue of Transfiguration Today. I know you haven't been quite as interested lately, but there is a fascinating article regarding the transfiguration of birds and the complexities which arise due to the abnormal bone density in avian species. I think you would very much enjoy the theories presented. Don't worry though; this isn't an assignment by any means." Minerva smiled at the girl, knowing full well she wasn't playing fair. She was hoping that the article would inspire Hermione a bit. Something beyond what her classmates were learning.
"Thank you, Minerva, I look forward to reading it," She smiled again as she slipped the magazine carefully into her bag. "I will see you on Thursday. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Hermione."