**Author's Note: As promised, here is chapter three. Thanks to all the people who have reviewed my story so far.**
"See you later, Hermione!" George called.
"Bye!" Hermione smiled. She had never imagined she would find such a good friend in George. He had been helping her with Transfigurations for over three weeks. They didn't meet every day, just two or three times a week. But each day she got to know him better and better.
"I think that George Weasley fellow is sweet on you, Hermione," Lavender Brown said, taking a seat next to her.
Hermione looked startled, then amused. "Don't be ridiculous. We're friends, that's all."
"Oh, that's what they always say," Lavender went on.
"Well, that's probably because it's always true," Hermione shot back.
Lavender shook that comment off easily enough and pointed out, "You've been awfully cheerful lately. What's the deal?"
Hermione shook her head. "I'm happy because of Professor McGonagall's kingly gift. So, if you'd be so kind as to leave me alone, I could get back to my homework." She dipped her quill into the inkbottle and began writing.
"Fine. I'm sure somebody else will enjoy my company." She stood up and walked away.
Hermione rolled her eyes. She only looked up from her parchment when Ron sat down next to her. "Did you need something?"
"No, I just wanted to see if you were okay," he explained. "Are you?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she replied haughtily.
"You don't look fine," he pointed out. "Or sound fine, for that matter." Hermione gave him an impatient look. "Don't let Lavender rattle your cage. She doesn't know anything."
Hermione set down her quill. "I know." She turned to face him. "You didn't hear what she said, did you? Well, she claims that George - your brother - and I fancy each other!"
Ron laughed and wrapped his arms around her. "Hermione, that's crazy. She's completely crazy."
"Yeah, she's crazy," Hermione repeated half-heartedly, smiling slightly.
~
"Now, Miss Granger, you may remember Viktor Krum's shark transformation in the second task of last year's Triwizard Tournament," Professor McGonagall said in her delicate Scottish accent.
Hermione nodded eagerly. "Is that what you're teaching me next?"
McGonagall nodded. "First I want you to read the three chapters in your text on giving oneself animal-like qualities." She tapped Hermione's spell book lightly with a finger. "That's all for today. I shall see you again on Tuesday."
Hermione gathered her things and headed toward the door. But before she reached it, she stopped and turned around. "Professor?"
"Yes?"
"I feel I'm being dishonest with you," Hermione stated. "In the last chapter we studied … well, something stumped me. I wasn't quite able to turn the platter of scones into birds and the platter into a birdbath." McGonagall stared at her, but said nothing. "So, I got a little help." She sighed and went on sadly, "That's how I was able to do it for the exam."
Professor McGonagall smiled. "You know, Miss Granger, it is all right to ask for help once in a while. I'm just wondering why you didn't come to me with your questions."
"You just have such high expectations and hopes for me - I … I didn't want to let you down," Hermione answer, finally looking up at the professor.
"Now, now, my expectations for you are no higher than the other students'," McGonagall corrected her. "As for my hopes, of course I have high hopes for you." She put a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder. "You are an excellent student and you'll go on to be an excellent teacher."
Hermione's eyes widened. "T-teacher! No, I could never be a teacher, Professor. I've never even considered it!"
McGonagall nodded. "Well, now maybe you will."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Professor. You have no idea how much all of this means to me." She headed for the door again.
"Ah, Miss Granger, who was it that you asked for help?" McGonagall inquired.
"George," Hermione replied. "George Weasley, that is."
"Thank you."
