Chapter Two-

An Endless Meeting-

The next morning when Hermione woke, Minerva sat sleeping beside her bed in a chair. It was a peaceful morning, just like any other day at Hogwarts. A ray of sun shone into the darkened room and brought forth light to what seemed like eternal darkness. Though happy to see her stern Transfigurations teach, Hermione wondered if she had been the one who had comforted her last night.

'Had she stayed up all night? I wonder if I should wake her. She is so serene. My parents. Oh no, there, they're d-dead. I-I can't, I can't stay here any more. What will happen to me now?' Hermione started to gently cry but before she could let out her first tear, Minerva woke up and uncrossed her folded arms.

" Hermione, I, um, we better see Albus to get you settled in at your new…residence. I believe the teachers were going to begin at… oh, right now."

"Begin what, Professor?"

"They're going to decide who will keep you over the summer. Albus doesn't want you to stay with Harry for obvious reasons, and he didn't want to intrude on the Weasleys either. You do understand his reasons, right? He only wants what's best for you."

"I know Professor, but who will take me? One of the teachers?"

"Undoubtedly."

'I hope it isn't Snape.' Hermione thought.

When they arrived at the office, the meeting had already begun. Moody, Lupin, Tonks, Hagrid, Professor Sprout, Professor Snape, Madame Pompfrey, and all of the other teachers sat in a semi-circle.

"Ahh. I see you have arrived. Professor, Hermione. Now if you can not, for any reason, take care of Hermione, please stand."

Madame Pompfrey, Professor Sprout and Snape all stood.

"Dumbledore, I can't. I stay at Hogwarts year round. Hermione wouldn't be taken care of at all. I have too much work to do." Professor Sprout stated.

"I can say the same." Madame Pompfrey said.

"I WON'T take a Gryffindor." Snape clearly spoke.

"Well, then, that takes care of you three. You may leave." Dumbledore softly spoke.

One by one they gave their reasons. Hagrid gave a little resistance to the argument, but gave in. Tonks couldn't because she was always busy. The same for Moody. Lupin had too much, werewolf things to do. That left only Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore.

"Hermione, do you have your things packed?"

"Yes, sir."

"Can you get them without any help or do you need Minerva's assist?"

"I can get on my on, Professor."

"Then please do so now."

After Hermione left, the remaining couple embraced. Minerva's right arm went under his and around his shoulder. Her hand to his chest. Albus removed the pins that were in her hair and with that, the luscious locks cascaded down her back. She was facing towards the window with her head on his shoulder. He was playing with a few strands of Minerva's hair when the door creaked open revealing a suspicious young girl.

"Uh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you had someone else in here. Before I leave, where is Professor McGonagall?"

Albus slowly took out his wand and pointed it at Minerva's hair. A few seconds later it was in her usual bun. The two let go of one another and stepped away. Hermione gave a shocked reply, "I-I um…."

"Lets go, Hermione. I think it would be best if you didn't tell anyone about… what you saw."

"Will we be going to your house, Professor?"

"Yes. To the McGonagall estate."