A.N. Thanks to an overwhelming response and the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, here is the next chapter of Nowhere to Turn. Remember to Read and review.

Chapter 10: 1945—Mina's Memories

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Minerva continued to collect items in the sitting room and foyer. She knew that when Hermione's emotions calmed she would to glad to have the mementos from home. Suddenly Minerva felt an abundance of emotion emanating from the upstairs. She turned to go check on Hermione, but suddenly felt light-headed and collapsed to the floor.

Hermione heard a large crash from downstairs. She quickly wiped her latest tears away, forgot the last box of belongings she had been packing and ran to see what was the matter. "Minerva!" She ran to her mentor's side and knelt down. "Oh, please be okay!" Hermione searched for wounds and found none. "Please don't…don't do this to me! Minerva!"

Hermione was doing her best not to panic. She put a hand to Minerva's face. Her skin was slightly cold, but her pulse was steady. It looked like she was sleeping, but Hermione couldn't wake her.

Oh, what do I do? Think don't panic you need to get help. Dumbledore! Kingsley, he might be closer." Hermione ran upstairs and wrote two letters sending them both with an owl that had just arrived on her windowsill, with a letter from Harry. Once they were gone she ran back down to Minerva. She sat down next her and took a hold of her hand. Hermione was certain that whatever caused Minerva's state was very old magic and she was certain that Dumbledore would be able to help.

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1945

Minerva sat in her room doing her best to hold back tears while packing her possessions. Albus was working on packing up the essentials from the twins' room. Ayden was helping Kati pack her room, and comforting her at the same time. Minerva was not pleased about their arrangements, but it was only for a few months until she graduated. The children would be staying with a close friend of the family and would move to Hogsmeade this summer so Minerva could finish her Animagus training with Albus. Kati had already stopped talking to Minerva although she was opening up to Ayden. Minerva knew that her sister was upset and even blamed Minerva for the death of their parents.

Albus had done his best to ease Minerva's fears about that tidbit, but she still felt guilty about it. Even though the two weren't close in age Minerva and Kati were always close.

Albus walked by Minerva's room, stopped in the doorway and watched her staring out the window. This was so much for even her to carry on her shoulders. "Tabby?" Albus walked in a joined her on the window seat. He reached up, put a hand on her shoulder and she jumped.

"Oh Albus. I didn't hear you come in."

"I did not mean to startle you love." Albus placed an apologetic kiss on her forehead.

"Don't think on it Albus. How are you coming along?" Minerva stood up, went back to the pile of belongings on her bed and continued her packing.

"The essentials are packed. Ayden is helping Kati, and the twins are napping. How are you holding up?" Albus moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I'm fine." She moved out of his hold and back to the window seat. "Auror training starts in the fall. I got the letter today."

"I saw the owl. I know you will do well Minerva. I have no doubt."

Minerva shifted uncomfortably on the seat. "I wish I were that confident."

Albus walked over and sat next to her. He wrapped his arms around and whispered in her ear. "Tabby, it will all work out."

Minerva leaned up against his chest. I'm responsible for them now—all of them. Four year-old twin boy, a six year-old sister, who hates me at the moment I might add and Ayden, who only just turned eleven. So would you be so kind as to explain to me how everything will be all right, love."

"Minerva, have faith…"

Faith…Albus faith has little to do with it. It will not just work out! Grindlewald has taken everything from me Albus!" Minerva crumbled to the floor Albus slid down next to her and tilted her chin up so crystal blues eyes met her deep seas of green. "He hasn't taken everything Mina, I'm here. I have no intentions of leaving you."

Minerva returned to school to finish up the year. It was getting warm now and exams were approaching. She spent much of her remaining time at Hogwarts studying for her exams and attending her private lessons with Dumbledore. It seemed he was right; things seemed to be working out. The children wrote to her everyday and with the help of Lynn, her close friend, she and Kati had started talking again.

Minerva's private lessons with Dumbledore were paying off as well; she was confident that she would be a certified Animagus by the end of term.

She and Albus decided to meet after lunch today and not waste the wonderful weather. They took a leisurely walk down to the black lake and had the lesson there. No one use walked around the back half of the lake, so for the most part were alone. She and Albus would steal the occasional kiss, in between Minerva's attempts to transform into the gray and black tabby cat with square spectacle markings around the eyes.

"Excellent job my dear, but the marking around the eyes need a little more work."

"Yes, Albus… I can feel it."

Albus reached for her hand and kissed. "Shall we give it one more try? This time concentrate on your face, the signature markings."

Minerva closed her eyes and seconds later Albus had a small gray and black tabby cat with the most wonderful square spectacle marking around its eyes rubbing up against his leg.

"Wonderful Minerva, just wonderful." Albus beamed down at her. She transformed back into herself with a slight smile on her face. "Come over here and sit with me, Tabby. I believe you've worked hard enough for one day."

Minerva began walking toward the large oak tree Albus was standing under. As she approached him a large red and gold plaid blanket appeared under the tree with a picnic basket beside it. Albus was sitting on the blanket with his arms wide open waiting for her. She sank down graceful and curled up in his arms. He drew her into the most passionate kiss they had shared to date. When it ended she wanted nothing more then for him to do it again. She curled deeper into his arms in true cat like fashion and closed her eyes. She wanted to stay in this moment forever. The world was crumbling around her but her she was always safe in his arms.

"Would you care for a refreshment my dear?"

"No, thank you. I would really just like to sit here and be held." Minerva didn't really care anymore. Two weeks for now, she would no longer be a student and their relationship would no longer be inappropriate. If they were caught now she doubted anything serious would happen, and from Albus' earlier display of affection it seemed that he held that same opinion.

Two weeks later Minerva was indeed home, joined by two house eleves, hand picked by Albus from the Hogwarts staff. They were a godsend. The McGonagall family was getting along and Minerva was happy to be home with time to concentrate on them.

"Minerva This isn't fair! Mom would never…! Ayden stormed out of the room. Minerva stood holding her little brother silently shocked by Ayden's reaction. Minerva quickly handed Andrew off to a waiting house elf before going after her brother.

Minerva walked into the sitting room to find him sitting on the couch crying. "It isn't fair… They promised they wouldn't leave and they did…"

"I know dear heart and you have been very strong and a very good help to me. It's okay…let it out." Minerva gathered her brother in her arms and let him cry. For the first time since her parents died she cried with him.

After a few minutes the sobbing coming from Ayden subsided and Minerva cast a spell to clean his face. "There you go. Ayden, I know this difficult you but it's the best we can do at the moment. I still need your help around here and some times things might not be fair."

"I'm sorry, Minerva. I know."

Minerva smiled at Ayden and drew him into a hug. "That's my boy. What do you say we go out do something tonight, just the two of us? There has been so much going on and Andrew, Ian, and Kati have been taken up so much of my time. I've forgotten about you. I'm sorry. You've been so strong that I sometimes forget you're hurting just as much as they are. I'll call Poppy and ask her to come and stay with the little ones so we can spend so time together."

"All right!" Ayden beamed at her and the idea that tonight he would have his older sister's undivided attention. "Can we go somewhere and talk. We need to talk." He said as seriously as ten year-olds could.

Minerva smiled and ruffled his hair. "Deal." Minerva stood to get floo powder and call Poppy. Could you please make sure that Tully puts the twins down for their nap?"

"Yes, Min."

Poppy gladly agreed to help and arrived around four o'clock. Minerva and Ayden decided to go into London. They went to Ayden favorite restaurant for dinner and caught a movie. The evening was a smashing success. Minerva decided to stop for ice cream on the way back to the house. Ayden wanted a chance to talk and it seemed best to save it for the end of the evening.

Minerva had truly been impressed with the way Ayden had been handling himself as of late. In point of fact, she was a bit concerned, except of today's outburst and the day the funereal he had shown any emotion or reactions to the recent events. She had spoken at length with Albus about this during his recent visit and he assured her that everyone handles grief differently and that he didn't see any reason to worry quite yet.

Minerva sat down at the table outside the ice cream shop with her dish in hand. Ayden wasted no time digging into his sundae. "So is Albus coming this weekend?"

Minerva was a little surprise by the question. Is this what he wanted to talk about? Minerva placed her spoon back in the dish of ice cream. "Yes, I believe he is. Does that trouble you?"

Ayden did not make eye contact with his sister. "No."

Minerva reached across the table and lifted the boy's chin so their eyes met, "Ayden?"

"Is he a replacement for our father?"

Ayden's question struck at Minerva's heart "Merlin, No! Ayden he isn't. Albus Dumbledore is a dear friend Ayden. He has helped me greatly this last months but no his is not a replacement for our father. Nor do I think he would want you to think that of him."

"Okay." Ayden said with a smile as he took another huge spoon of ice cream.

"Albus Dumbledore will of course be one of your teachers next year. I hope that you are comfortable enough with him so that if you do have any issues at school you will go and speak to him. I expect your Hogwarts letter should be here any day now. When it arrives we will have to plan on another journey together to Diagon Alley.

Minerva noticed that Ayden was hardly paying attention to her. He had taken to playing with what was left of his ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. "What's the matter, Ayden?"

"Nothing," he lied still playing with his ice cream.

"Ayden, please look at me. " Minerva voice was soft "What is it?"

Ayden looked up at his sister. It was clear he was fighting back tears "They promised they would take me the first time before I went to Hogwarts and now they're gone!" The ice cream bowl in front of Minerva broke into pieces.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean." Ayden was terrified.

Minerva offered Ayden a smile. "It's easily fixed." She put her hand over the bowl and it was immediately repaired. "See, it's as good as new." Minerva stood up and offered her brother her hand. "It's okay to be mad." She said as they walked back toward the Leaky Caldron. "We'll get through this little one. You'll see."

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Hermione looked down at Minerva. She appeared to be peaceful sleeping Hermione had managed to get a pillow under Minerva's head and was waiting for help to arrive. She hoped Kingsley or Dumbledore would receive her plea for help soon, because she was driving herself mad sitting here alone. Hermione held onto Minerva hand for dear life, silently willing her to open her eyes. Whatever she thought of to wake her mentor up she tried but none of it seemed to work. This was indeed very old magic.

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Minerva arrived home and levitated Ayden up to his room. She got him ready for bed. When she was satisfied that he would sleep soundly, and checked on her other siblings; she came down into the sitting room to look for Poppy.

"How did your outing go my dear?"

Minerva turned to she Albus sitting in an over stuffed chair next to the fire; half-moon spectacles perched on his nose reading a book. "Albus, what are you doing here?"

Albus took off his glasses and put down the book. He moved toward her kissing her on the cheek. "Poppy had an emergency at St. Mungo's. She sent word with one of your house elves and I came straight away to stay with the children until you returned." Albus moved to the couch and Minerva joined him quickly curling up against him. "I could stay tonight, if you wish."

" Thank you for staying with them but, I don't know if that is such a good idea at the moment."

"Oh, are you having second thoughts?"

"No, no Albus. Don't miss understand me. I had a nice conversation with Ayden tonight and it seems he's afraid that you were going to force him to accept you as his father."

"Oh dear, I hope you explained that would never be my intention."

Minerva smiled as she watched Albus squirm a bit at the prospect. She kissed him lovingly. "I did indeed explain that to him. You needn't worry yourself." Minerva sat up and faced Albus. "It does appear that we will have to be more careful around the little ones."

"We will indeed, Tabby."

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As Minerva expected, Ayden's Hogwarts Letter Arrived in August. She had a difficult time explaining to Kati why she was allowed to go to Hogwarts yet. It was an obstacle she did not anticipate

Two weeks before school began she and Albus took the children away for the weekend to Albus' summer cottage. Minerva was please with her siblings' progress Ayden was becoming a huge help with the young ones. Kati was now sleeping through the night without the help of dreamless sleep. The twins were still too young to understand and at times asked for their parents but Minerva dealt with it well.

"What's on your mind my dear?"

Minerva looked back and found Albus standing behind her massaging her shoulders. "That feels wonderful. I was thinking about the kids. I am pleased with their progress."

"They are truly wonderful and you have done a marvelous job Minerva. You are doing very well yourself if I do say so."

"Yes, I suppose I am."

"I am very proud of you Mina. What are you plans for when we go home?"

"I have to take Ayden to get his school supplies. Poppy is coming to stay with the others. I don't suppose you can come with us, could you?"

"I don't think that would be wise Mina."

"I didn't think so. I understand."

"I know you do." Albus kissed her, sat next her and held her for the rest of the afternoon.

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Minerva and Ayden entered Diagon Alley early but it didn't seem to help much. The Alley was a flurry of activity. "Can I go look at the quidditch stuff?"

"Not yet dear, you won't play during your first year any way. Do you have your letter?"

"Right here." Ayden held up the letter.

"Good, off to Gringotts my dear brother. This lot won't be free." Minerva and Ayden spent the afternoon going in and out of the shops that were all too familiar to Minerva after her seven years at Hogwarts. They stopped first at Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to purchase Ayden's robes. After that task was done it was off to Flourish and Blotts for his schoolbooks, and then Ollivander's for his wand.

"Ayden, Why don't you go and get your wand. I'll head to the Apothecary and pick up your potion supplies. I'll meet you back here. Please don't wander off."

"Okay." The two of them went their separate ways

By the time Minerva had collected the list of ingredients Ayden needed and returned to Ollivander's Ayden was paying the wand maker and picking up yet another wrapped package."

"Miss McGonagall, how nice to see you. You have a very nice young man here. It was a pleasure to help him find his wand. A good one at that, holly wood, twelve inches with unicorn-tail hair."

Minerva smiled. "Yes, it sounds very nice. Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. I wish you a pleasant day sir." Minerva ushered Ayden out of the store.

"Good day."

"That was different." Ayden said as they walked into Magic Menagerie "What are we doing now?"

The letter says you can bring an owl, a cat or a toad. I thought you might like to pick your own animal to take with you."

"I want an owl."

Minerva opened the door and allowed Ayden to go through ahead of her. "An owl it is then, go pick the one you would like.'

Ayden went over to a gray and white barn owl right away. "Min, I want this one."

"Okay then, let pay for her and head home."

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One week later, Minerva led her brother through Kings' Cross Station to platform nine and three quarters "Remember what I told you at home." The little boy nodded his head. "I'll be right behind you alright, now make a run for it." Ayden ran toward the wall pushing his trolley and disappeared. Minerva walked through and met him on the other side.

"Wow!" Ayden eyes were wide looking at the steam train."

"Yes, indeed." Minerva wrapped an arm around her brother. "Come on let's find you seat." They walked to the middle of the train and handed over his belonging. "Now, remember if you have any problems…"

"Albus is there. I know. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Ayden hugged his sister goodbye and stepped up onto the train just as the whistle blew.

"Remember to write."

"I will." Ayden said as he stepped in and went to the nearest compartment. He took a seat next to the window and waved to Minerva as the train began to move.

Minerva watched and waved as the train moved away. She was wiping tears out of her eyes. The crowd of parents and family members began to disappate after the train was out of sight. Minerva turned around to walk back into Kings' Cross. As she turned she bumped into some one. "Oh, I'm so sorry Sir."

"That is quite alright Miss McGonagall." Minerva knew that voice. "Albus." She whispered.

He took her by the arm and whispered back. "Indeed, Minerva."

They walked back toward the gateway. "What in the world are you doing here?" Minerva looked at him. He was under the most adorable glamour charm. His hair was very short, but still Auburn red, he bread was gone. Minerva though he looked very handsome.

"I was checking on a friend to see how they was holding up?"

Minerva squeezed his arm and leaned against his shoulder. "I fine thank you. I wasn't as bad as I thought."

Minerva and Albus moved closer to the portal still waiting for their turn to go through. "Shouldn't you be at the school?"

"I had an appointment and I have plenty of time before I have to return. I was wondering if there was anything I could do for you, Tabby." Albus had a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Albus Dumbledore!" Minerva scolded so only he could hear.

"It's just an offer my dear. I haven't seen you since the cottage."

Minerva walked through and Albus followed. "I told Ayden he could talk to you if he had problems…"

"Of course, Minerva."

"I shall see you later my dear." Albus began to walk away.

Minerva practically had to break into a run to keep up. "You're leaving? I thought you had time."

"I was under them impression that I once again went too fast…with us I mean."

Minerva put her hand against his chest. "It's not too fast. Where are we going?"

Albus took her hand and led her out of the station and toward The Leaky Caldron

"Albus I can't not there."

"Not to worry my dear we are just passing through. They walked through the bar and out the back. "Take my arm."

Minerva did as she was told and moments later she was standing outside Albus' summer cottage in Hogsmeade.

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Albus knelt down next to Hermione "You can let go now, Hermione. She will be all right. Kingsley has brought a potion to help her."

Kingsley knelt down on the other side of them. He handed the potion to Albus and helped Hermione to her feet. "What's happening to her?" Hermione asked still holding onto Kingsley for dear life. Hermione watched Albus gently lift Minerva's head and administer the potion.

Albus looked up at the young girl, while still holding onto Minerva. "The enchantment she is under is call memor incantatem, it is sometimes a side effect caused when a person is trying to pervert an over abundance of accidental magic.

Hermione put her hands over her mouth. "I did this to her. Oh, Merlin." Kingsley held the young girl and helped her into the sitting room.

"It's not your fault, Hermione." Minerva spoke for the first time. Her voice was weak but she was back with them.

"Yes it is Professor."

Minerva slowly turned her head to look at Hermione who was sitting on a lounge chair in the sitting room off the foyer. "No it's…Albus…Please." Albus understood fully. He squeezed her and stood. He helped Minerva into the sitting room and sat her down next to Hermione

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"There really wasn't much to tell. I do it all the time, especially with the first years'. They have a myriad of problems with accidental magic. If you can detect it then most of the time it is preventable." Minerva wrapped an arm around Hermione. "I'm okay."

"It's all my fault."

Minerva smiled at the distraught girl. "Hermione listen for a moment; you have been through an emotional firestorm. You're not sleeping and you're eating very little. You are in your third year. You think you should be able to control your magic. You think this shouldn't happen. Well I am here to tell you that it happens to the best of us. I was able to help you so I did just that."

"You were hurt because of me."

Minerva pulled Hermione against her chest. "I wasn't hurt love. The enchantment causes people to relive memories. In this case what I went through after my parents were killed." Albus looked over at Minerva with a raised eyebrow, she just smiled back. She knew what he was thinking about.

"If Dumbledore and Kingsley hadn't come…"

Minerva titled Hermione's chin up and looked her in the eye. "They did come. You did the right thing. I knew you would if the situation arose." Hermione looked up at Minerva and stood up. She walked to the other side of the room and paused by a picture. She looked at it for a moment and then returned to sit next to Minerva. She hugged her as tight as she could and then looked up at her seriously.

Albus and Kingsley took this as their cue to depart. Albus winked at Minerva as he left.

"I could have lost you."

"No, Hermione. I would have eventually fought it off." Minerva looked into the young girl's eyes "You're going to have to do far worse to rid yourself of me."

Hermione cracked a small smile. "No, thank you. Professor. I have no wish to get rid of you. Will the board look down on this when they consider…?"

Minerva pulled Hermione back against her chest. "Don't think on it Hermione. We should finish up here."

"I'm almost done with me room. We can leave everything else until the end of the year. I'll go get the last box and go lock up".

"Hermione dear could you find us something to make a portkey. I'm afraid I'm not strong enough to Apparate us both."

"Sure." Hermione stood up and went around checking to make sure all the doors and windows were locked. Hermione picked an old magazine and the rest of her shrunken belongings and returned to the sitting room.

"Here you are."

"Oh how nice." Minerva took out her wand and whispered the spell for the portkey. "Is there anything else you need before you leave?"

"I think I have everything." Hermione said as Minerva stood and held her wand tapping the magazine.

"You'll only need to touch it with a finger," Hermione did as she was told and moments later she and Minerva were standing outside the gates of Hogwarts.

Hermione noticed that the weather had gotten colder since she left and that the dementors were still present in the distance. "Minerva?"

"Yes dear?"

"Have they found Sirius Black?"

"I am afraid not." Minerva said as she and Hermione made their way up to the castle. Minerva looked by at the Azkaban guards, "It appears Dumbledore will have to have a word with the ministry. The dementors are getting a little to close for comfort." Minerva took Hermione hand and wrapped an arm around her as they continued to make their way. She wrapped her cloak around Hermione. "Let's get you inside. It's freezing out here."

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Harry, Ron and Ginny, welcomed Hermione back with open arms. Hermione was spending time catching up on her homework, as well as the going on at Hogwarts Harry was there when she needed to talk. The duo would spend many later nights down in the common room talking about any matter of things. . The Quidditch season was in full swing and Gryffindor was still behind after the Ravenclaw last match. Hermione was looking forward to the next match this weekend. Hermione still didn't know what was going to happen to but she found it was easier to function if she took one day at a time.

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Minerva was back in her quarters at Hogwarts correcting some essays when there was a knock on her door. She called for the person to enter and Albus was soon standing in front of her desk. She looked up from the essay and over her square spectacles. "Good evening, Albus."

"Good evening Minerva." Albus stepped in. "I trust I'm not interrupting anything?"

"I was just correcting some of the essays you assigned to my OWL students in my absence." Minerva removed her glasses and looked back to Albus. "I was just thinking about having a spot of tea. Would you care to join me?"

"I would find that most agreeable." Albus led Minerva to the sitting area by her fire. Two cups of steaming tea and a small pot appeared floating before them. Albus sat down next to Minerva and handed her one of the two cups. "How are you feeling, Tabby?"

"I'm fine, Albus. Thank you for helping today." She turned and kissed him lightly.

Albus stood and walked over to the fire, not looking back at Minerva. "It was not a problem. I only wish I could have done more to help Ms. Granger with the situation."

"I take it your meeting at the ministry didn't go well?" Minerva watched him for a moment in front of the fire. "Albus come sit down." He sat next to her in one of the overstuffed chairs by the fire. "Talk to me." She said softly.

"You are correct, it didn't go well. I'm not certain what we are up against. I'm not certain I understand the reason for their objection." Albus leaned forward sensing Minerva growing apprehension. He put his hand gently over hers. "I have requested a hearing in front of the complete Wizengamot but I haven't receive a response."

"Oh Albus, what do we do?" Minerva let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "If we have to send her to that place, she will be treated no better than the house elves she been defending."

Albus moved from the chair to the sofa. He pulled Minerva into an embrace. "Don't worry Tabby, we're doing everything we can to see that it doesn't happen. She's spending the holidays here. I made that very plain to them."

"It's a start." Minerva sank deeper into his chest. "Thank you my love for everything. I've missed you."

"And I you Tabby."