The great hall was totally silent. Albus turned to his deputy.

"Minerva?"

"Why now? I haven't seen him in 15 years and….." She trailed off.

"Xiomara, if you could prepare a room for Miss McGonagall in Minerva's chambers."

"Severusk if you could see all of the students to their common rooms and then join Poppy, Xiomara and myself in Minerva's quarters."

"Yes headmaster." The staff members answered as they sprung into action.

Once in the safety and privacy of Minerva's rooms, Hermione turned to her mother and hugged her.

"Thank you."

"For what? Abandoning you?"

"For thinking of me… for loving me enough to try to give me a normal life."

"You're welcome, but listen to me. As long as you wear your necklace you will be safe. The chain will never break, but you must never take it off. If you are ever in danger, all you need to do is grab the locket and say 'come'. He will be there. Do you understand?

Hermione nodded.

"The password to my rooms is Nagano. You may come here whenever you wish."

Just then the door opened. "Minerva may we come in?" asked Albus.

"Yes"

Hermione looked up to see Ron and Harry. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley insisted on coming for moral support. I hope neither of you ladies mind."

Hermione and Minerva shook their heads.

The trio moved to the floor in front of the fire, while Poppy was running diagnostic spells on Minerva as she sat on the couch.

"Are you ok 'Mione?" Asked Harry.

"I don't know" she replied.

"Do you think the professor will let us ask questions?" Whispered Ron.

"I don't know. I could try." She cleared her throat. "Um Professor, I was wondering if I might ask some questions."

Minerva patted the couch beside her while Poppy finished up.

"Well Minerva, I don't know how he did it, but you're definitely pregnant."

"Oh Joy" Minerva exclaimed dryly. "I've always wanted to use immaculate conception as a reason for being pregnant."

"You mean you didn't…." Ron trailed off.

"The last time I saw him Mr. Weasley was when Hermione was born."

"How could you marry Voldemort?" asked Harry.

"I didn't I married Tom Riddle. Head boy to my head girl." Minerva answered. Then she added for Hermione's benefit "I married him because I loved him. I still love him, I just hate what he has become. However, we accept each other for all that we are or aren't."

Hermione squeezed her mother's hand.