Hermione woke with a start the next morning. Her eyes darted around the room before falling on her professor, who was sitting up in her bed with the latest edition of Transfiguration Today open on her lap.

"G'morning, professor," she greeted, traces of sleep still evident in her voice.

"Good morning, Miss Granger," her professor replied, closing her magazine and smiling at the younger witch. "I am so grateful you are back. I was so worried when you disappeared without a word, and then you returned to one of the largest battles in wizarding history…"

Hermione looked down at her hands and blushed slightly. "I'm sorry, professor," Hermione whispered. "I would have told you, but I didn't want to put you in any more danger than I knew you'd already be in."

Professor McGonagall chuckled bitterly and muttered, "Plenty of that to go around."

Just as she began to say something else, there was a knock on the door; it opened revealing a rather worried-looking Professor Sprout. She nodded her greeting to Hermione before bustling over to Professor McGonagall.

"Minerva, are you alright?"

"I am fine, Pomona, or at least I will be when I get out of this place. And, if I may ask, how did you know I was here?"

"Our brilliant Miss Granger thought to tell me. She sent me a patronus yesterday asking me to come so she could explain what happened."

"Well played, Miss Granger. I imagine you prevented much panic and pandemonium."

Hermione blushed, and when no one spoke for a few moments, said, "I should let you be for a bit." Noticing the shadow of sadness that crossed her professor's eyes, she added, "I'll be back soon, I promise."

Professor McGonagall nodded slowly, so the younger witch slipped out of the room and left the two professors to chat.

When Hermione reached the lobby of St. Mungo's, she turned and apparated to the gates of Hogwarts. She felt that an eternity had passed since she had last been in the crumbling castle. Glancing around, she noticed that most of the students seemed to have gone home, along with what was left of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army. Suddenly, she was bombarded with a worried Harry and an irate Ron.

"Hermione, where have you been? We've looked everywhere!" Ron chastised.

She looked at her friends, wondering how much to tell them. She didn't want to worry them, but knew she had to tell them the truth. She sighed before speaking as nonchalantly as possible.

"Well, a couple of death eaters showed up and I ended up having to apparate with Professor McGonagall to St. Mungo's."

"Hermione! What happened? Are you alright?" Harry asked quickly.

"It was nothing," she muttered.

Ron's expression had morphed from horror to fury to concern and back before words returned to him.

"Death eaters aren't nothing, 'Mione. Especially if someone ended up in St. Mungo's."

"Please tell us the full story. You know you can trust us, right?"

"I know. I just didn't want to worry you."

"Yeah, that's never happened before," Ron snorted.

Hermione drew a deep breath before giving her friends a more detailed account of what happened.

"You're sure you're okay?" Ron asked after she finished.

"I'm fine, I promise."

Harry was rubbing his face with his hands.

"Harry, it's okay. It's not your fault," she said sagely, reaching out for one of his hands and squeezing it gently in her own.

"I thought the war was over," he sighed.

"It is. We're just dealing with the aftermath. Life will be back to normal soon."

"Hermione, when have our lives ever been normal?" Ron asked.

"Okay, our lives will start being normal, then," she replied with a smile, knowing he had a point.

"Something in me seriously doubts that will ever happen," Harry couldn't help but add.

"Not with you around, at least," Ron teased, earning a giggle from his friends.

"Listen, guys, I can't stay much longer. I promised Professor McGonagall I'd be back soon. I came to check in with you and grab her a pair of clean robes."

Ron rolled his eyes. "You never change, do you Hermione?"

She shot him a glare. Harry simply shook his head.

"I'll be on my way then."

The trio exchanged a smile, howbeit a bit hesitant, before Hermione turned and made her way up the stairs to her professor's quarters.

"What can I do for you, fine lady?" the portrait of Godric Gryffindor asked as she approached.

"Hello. I was wondering if you could let me into Professor McGonagall's quarters. She's in St. Mungo's, and I just thought I'd pick up some of her things for her."

"How very kind of you! However, as much as I want to let you in, I am afraid I cannot. My profuse apologies to you."

"Thanks anyway," Hermione sighed.

"Anytime, my dear."

Hermione nodded goodbye to the portrait and headed back out of the castle. She disapparated as soon as she exited the grounds, arriving at Diagon Alley a moment later.

She glanced around at the many people shopping. Most of the shops had reopened; Hermione looked with sorrow at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

"You're Hermione Granger!" someone exclaimed as they strolled by the witch. "So nice to finally meet you!"

Hermione sighed as she shook the enthusiastic witch's hand. As soon as she was alone again, she slipped into a dark corner and pulled out her beaded bag. She found a white cloak she had bought for herself and put it on, pulling the hood over her head. She hoped that would be enough to disguise her.

Then she stepped back into the crowd and made her way to Madam Malkin's robe shop. She had to wait only a moment for Madam Malkin to finish helping an elderly wizard. As soon as the wizard left, Hermione reached up and pulled the hood of her cloak off of her head.

"Miss Hermione Granger!" Madam Malkin exclaimed. "How can I help you, my dear?"

"I was hoping to pick up a set of robes for Professor McGonagall, if that's possible."

Madam Malkin looked slightly surprised by the request, but said only, "Of course, dear. I'll have that ready for you in about half an hour."

"Thanks," Hermione stated before pulling her hood back up and returning to the main alley. She wandered along for a moment before she discovered a glasses shop tucked back in a corner.

"Hello," she greeted the owner as she entered.

"Hello," replied a middle-aged wizard in a deep blue robe. "What can I do for you on this fine day?"

"I was wondering if you happen to have Minerva McGonagall's prescription on file."

The wizard looked curiously at his hooded guest before searching his records.

"It seems I do."

"Great. Is there any chance I could purchase a pair of glasses with that prescription?"

"Of course. Which frames would you like?" the wizard asked, gesturing to a rack of glasses frames behind Hermione.

She turned and examined them for a moment before one caught her eye.

"This," she stated, handing the wizard the square frames.

"Alright. Give me just a moment."

He disappeared into a room behind the counter. A few moments later he reappeared holding the new glasses.

"Here you go. Will you be needing a case?"

"Yes, please."

"Very well. That'll be four galleons."

Hermione reached into her beaded bag, pulled out the required money, and handed it to the wizard.

"Thank you. Have a good day," she bid as she took the glasses and turned to the door.

"You as well," he replied, then muttered something about strange customers.

Hermione shook her head lightly at his comment and made her way back to Madam Malkin's.

"Ah, Hermione, dear. I'm almost finished," Madam Malkin commented when Hermione returned.

"Thank you, Madam Malkin."

"No problem, dear. No problem at all. Here we go," she said, coming over to the counter with a box Hermione knew contained the robe she ordered.

Hermione paid quickly and, wishing Madam Malkin a good day, returned to the crowded street where she apparated to St. Mungo's. She made her way through the maze of corridors to the fourth floor room where her professor was. She knocked softly and waited for her professor to reply before opening the door quietly.

"I thought you said you would be back soon," Professor McGonagall teased.

"Well, I ran into Harry and Ron..."

"That explains it," she said with a smile. "Any particular reason for the cloak?"

"Oh that," she muttered, removing the garment and shoving it back into her beaded bag.

"It looks as though you went shopping," the professor stated questioningly.

"I-I don't know if you'll like it... I brought this for you... I hope I didn't overstep…" she almost whispered, suddenly unsure of herself.

"Do not start stumbling, Miss Granger, you sound like your friend Weasley and that is not becoming of you," she told Hermione, earning her a small smile as she relieved her of the package. Upon opening it, the professor saw that it was an emerald green robe, exactly like the ones she wore at Hogwarts, except new.

"Miss Granger, I—"

"The portrait for your quarters wouldn't let me in," she explained.

"Thank you," her professor replied softly, obviously touched by her pupil's actions.

She smiled and gave Professor McGonagall's hand a gentle squeeze.

"Let's see if we can get you out of here today," she said after a moment of comfortable silence. She watched as a smile graced her lips, and also noticed a twinkle in her usually stern professor's eye. However, their plot was stalled by a knock on the door.

"Good day, Minerva, Hermione." Their guest was none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt, the new Minister of Magic. "Minerva, Pomona told me what happened when I went to Hogwarts looking for you. Are you alright?"

She gave an exasperated sigh before answering crisply, "I'm fine, Kingsley."

He smiled. "I'm glad. As you know, we hold you in such high regard at the Ministry. Your accomplishments and legendary-"

"Save your flattery, Kingsley, and for the sake of efficiency, just tell me what you want."

"Of course, Minerva. We would be most honored if you would take up the post of Headmistress of Hogwarts."

"No."

"No? What do you mean 'no?'"

"My meaning is perfectly clear."

"Why in Merlin's name, Minerva? Everyone expects-"

"And why should I do it because it is what people expect?"

"You are being completely irrational! You- You've-"

"I've what? Gone crazy? My answer is no, Kingsley, and if you have nothing else to discuss, you had best be on your way."

Kingsley opened his mouth to say something several times, but to no avail. He turned swiftly on his heel and strode out the door, not bothering to keep it from slamming behind him.

After a few moments of silence, Hermione gathered her courage and asked, "Will you tell me why you don't want to become headmistress?"

"I am tired," the professor simply stated, but she wouldn't quite meet her pupil's eyes.

Hermione was confused. She had never seen her professor almost give up like this. Then she realized.

"Professor, don't worry about trying to be like Professor Dumbledore. Just be you. You can't be like him, just as no one can be like you."

When the professor didn't reply. Hermione worried she had overstepped. However, just as she was about to apologize, Professor McGonagall almost whispered, "It is not only that. I am not as powerful as he was, nor as approachable. I couldn't give the students what they need."

Hermione had to suppress a snort. "You know perfectly well you are the most powerful witch in the world. Yes, you are not as approachable, but you give us what we need in your sleep. Everything else is just overkill."

The professor's eyes raised to Hermione's cheekily grinning face to see if she was telling the truth.

"Besides," Hermione continued, "you already know what you're doing. You've filled in for Dumbledore countless times, and you were ready to take over for him last year."

The professor smiled sadly. "That was before last year."

Hermione didn't know what to say. She looked down at her hands and sighed.

"Would you be so kind as to fetch Kingsley for me? I have a feeling he has not gone far."

Hermione was slightly taken aback at her professor's sudden request, but did not show it. She slipped out the door and, sure enough, found Kingsley in the waiting area pacing agitatedly. When he spotted Hermione, he hurried over.

"Hermione, you've got to help me. She can't refuse. She just can't! I have to name the new headmaster by the end of the week, and there's no one else I would intrust Hogwarts to, not now, with the public mood being what it is. Not only that, but the further problems the war left! She's the only one. If she declines, we, or better I, have a serious problem."

"I think I can help," the witch consoled, gesturing him towards the professor's room.

"I hope so," he mumbled as he strolled past her into the hospital room.

"Hello, Kingsley."

"Minerva. I hope you've come to your senses so you can see it my way."

"I am not sure I can say that much," said the professor drily, "but I can say I will accept Headmistresship."

Kingsley was so relieved he nearly fell over. Professor McGonagall chuckled slightly.

"Be careful. I'm not sure you'll feel that way for long, but I suppose we shall see."

"I suppose so, though I don't have to worry much. Hogwarts will be in good hands. On a different note, would you be willing to testify at Dolores Umbridge's trial tomorrow?"

A flicker of glee crossed her face, but was soon hidden by the professor's usual stern expression. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Great. Hermione, may I count on you as well?"

The younger witch was not as effective at hiding her enthusiasm. "Of course!"

Kingsley gave a small chuckle. "I knew I count on you ladies. I'll see you tomorrow, then." With that, he bowed slightly and strode back out the door. As soon as he was gone, the two witches burst into peals of laughter.

"Finally! Revenge on the pink toad!" Hermione cried excitedly.

"Miss Granger! I'm astounded!" She scolded, the smile still prominent in her eyes.

The bushy-haired witch giggled sheepishly. "Sorry, professor. I just really loathe that woman."

"As do I," her professor replied, her hand instinctively raising to her chest. "However, if you ever tell anyone I said that, I will deny it and claim that you have gone mad."

Hermione smiled, grateful that her professor trusted her enough to let her see her so at-ease.

"The only question that remains is how to get out of this place," Professor McGonagall declared, her contempt for hospitals obvious in her voice. "Preferably sooner than tomorrow."

The younger witch smiled and slipped into the corridor to find a healer.

"Is everything alright, miss?" the healer asked when she entered the room.

The professor had donned her sternest expression, along with her new robes. "Yes. I want to inform you that I will be leaving today."

"But you are not well enough, miss." The healer's voice had a slight pleading note to it.

"I am quite alright," she reasoned, rising from the chair in which she was seated. Which, being a tall woman, was a grand and rather intimidating gesture.

"Are you sure, miss?"

"Yes." Her voice was firm and allowed no room for argument.

"Very well," the healer sighed, exiting the room.

Professor McGonagall turned to Hermione, smiling slightly. "Am I really that intimidating?"

"When you want to be, yes," she replied, returning the smile.

The older witch shook her head and chuckled lightly. "Shall we be off?"

"We shall."

And with that, both women left without a backward glance.

Professor McGonagall was accosted by several people almost immediately upon their return to Hogwarts. She sent the reporters scurrying in all directions with a single sentence: "I do not have time to put up with you reporters, so for the time being, please shoo."

"Oh, Minerva… I'm so glad you're alright… when you disappeared… I was so worried…" Madam Hooch was saying, having been the first to recover after the abrupt departure of the reporters.

"Thank you, Rolanda, but if you wouldn't mind, I would rather chat at a more convenient time."

Madam Hooch looked slightly taken aback, but nodded and left. Several others left too, having caught on to the fact that Professor McGonagall was in no mood to put up with pleasantries.

"I'm glad you're back, Minerva," Professor Sprout began quickly. "I cast temporary protective enchantments, but, as headmistress, you're the only one who can, well, do it right."

"Thank you, Pomona. I'll get to that in a moment. How is everyone?"

Professor Sprout motioned for Professor McGonagall to follow her into the Great Hall. She led them over to the makeshift hospital wing.

"Miss Granger, you'll have to wait out here. Madam Pomfrey's orders. I'm sorry."

Hermione nodded. Once the two professors left, she silently found a seat in one corner of the hall and sighed. As she watched the remaining few people mill about, she wondered vaguely whether the world would ever return to normal.

A little while later the professors returned. Professor McGonagall's eyes held a sadness Hermione had only seen once before: after Dumbledore's death.

"Minerva," Professor Sprout began, almost in a whisper. "We've returned most of the… the dead… to their families… but we didn't know what to do with the body of You-Know-Who. What do you suggest?"

"Cremate it. Vanish the ashes. Don't give anyone anything to rally around."

Professor Sprout nodded and made her way out of the hall.

"Miss Granger?"

"Yes, professor?"

"As Professor Flitwick is still recovering, would you help me with the enchantments? The spell requires two people."

"Of course, professor."

A few minutes later, the two witches stood face to face on the Hogwarts grounds, their wands raised as if they were about to duel each other. At the professor's signal, Hermione began to mutter the incantation her professor had told her. Her wand flicked back and forth, and around them, what looked like a large bubble began to expand.

The bubble continued to expand. Suddenly, Hermine heard a shout from behind her.

"Hermione! Hermione!"

This broke the witch's concentration, and in one swift moment, the bubble-like protective enchantments came crashing down. She dropped her arms irritably to her side and turned to Harry, who was looking like a guilty puppy under the glares of the two formidable witches.

"Must you, Potter!"

"Uh… Sorry… I'll come back later…"

He turned and hurried back up to the castle.

"Sorry, professor…"

Professor McGonagall waved her pupil's apology away.

"That was enough to distract anyone. If we are fortunate, we will not be interrupted again," she said sharply.

A moment later the two witches regained their positions, looking once more as though they were about to duel. Hermione began to mutter the incantation; the bubble began to expand around them once more. It continued to grow until it surrounded the entire castle and grounds.

"Ready?" Professor McGonagall called.

Hermione nodded and planted her feet. She felt her professor let go of the enchantments and took a deep breath as she struggled to hold them up. A moment later, she felt all the strain lift from her and knew her professor had successfully secured the charm.

"There. That should hold."

"Okay."

"If I am not greatly mistaken, Potter is waiting for you."

"I'd better go find out. I'll see you later?"

The professor nodded, and Hermione hurried back toward the castle. Professor McGonagall was right: Harry was waiting just inside the doors for her.

"Sorry about that Hermione-"

"Well, now you know not to do it again. What was so important?"

"I wanted to tell you that I returned the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb. If all goes to plan, its power will be broken."

"Good. I've had enough of that wand for a lifetime."