After an hour of reading Hermione looked up from her book to watch the boys. She wished Harry had been sorted into Slytherin for he may have been good friends with Draco. Though it was Draco's natural Slytherin superiority front that had turned Harry away from Slytherin and into the arms of Gryffindor. Hermione scoffed at the thought. She herself could have easily been put in Gryffindor. But here, in this moment, her two cousins got along. Granted they were trying to show the other up, daring the other to pull some acrobatic stunt. So lost in thought she didn't realize when someone sat next to her.

"A Transfiguration book? Now who got that for you I wonder?"

Hermione rolled her eyes before she looked at her smirking Uncle. "I am sure you already know." She felt him probe her mental walls. "Nice try Uncle, but you did say we should practice at holding them up at all times."

He chuckled, "Let's see if your cousin has been." Hermione watched as Draco grabbed his head mid dive but regained altitude after a few seconds. He shot a glare at them.

Hermione smirked this time. "Obviously not. So why are you out here instead of inside with the others?"

"Narcissa sent me to retrieve you all to clean up before dinner. Oh and before I forget, your Aunt invited two others to join us." He smirked and got up before Hermione could ask who and stalked away, winter robes billowing out behind him.

Hermione found herself sitting yet again across from Minerva McGonagall. Narcissa had explained that she invited Albus and Minerva because it was them and Severus who helped to bring this family together. It was the least she could do. "So Miss Granger, I have heard that you have expressed interest in learning more in Transfiguration and Potions. Are you excited to start going more in depth in each field?" Professor Dumbledore asked, blue eyes twinkling merrily in the light.

Hermione cleared her throat as she noticed the two other Professors stopped their talk about the House Quidditch Cup. "Yes, sir. I actually received a book on both subjects this morning along with one in Advance Charms."

"Splendid! Have you started browsing either of them?"

Hermione felt a blush beginning to form but before she could answer, Severus stepped in. "I found her reading the Transfiguration book. Why I don't know. Transfiguration is inferior to the art of Potion making." He gave Minerva a bored look as the latter looked peeved at him before launching into a tirade about how complex Transfiguration was. Hermione let the breath she was holding, out, but as she glanced back at Dumbledore, she noticed he was still looking at her with his twinkling, knowing eyes. He knows nothing, she mentally told herself as she looked back at her plate. It wouldn't be till later that year that she would discover that this was false.

Winter break quickly ended and the new school semester begun. On Friday morning Hermione was surprised that an owl dropped a letter in front of her. Quickly she opened it up and recognized the green ink and penmanship.

Miss Granger,

I have been collaborating with Professor Snape this week in regards to your schedule the rest of this semester. We decided to add an hour or two of private mentoring on furthering your knowledge of Transfiguration starting this Saturday. You are to report to my office after dinner if you wish to continue in your pursuit of going more in depth into Transfiguration.

Regards,

Professor Minerva McGonagall

Hermione smiled. She couldn't wait. The chance to learn from someone well respected in their field of magic was a dream come true. It took her a minute to realize though that most of her Saturdays were gone now. Between Advanced Potions tutoring, Occlumency/Legilimency training, and now Advanced Transfiguration training she would have little spare time to do anything else. Then again, what else did she do other than read and do school work. Not like she had any friends. Yes, she had Draco, Harry, and Weasley but she only saw them in the library when the boys needed help.

The day went by quickly and before she knew it Hermione found herself in front of Uncle Severus's classroom door the next morning, knocking softly. "Enter," she heard the barked orders and slipped in through the door quickly. "Hermione, right on time. Today you will be helping me brew Pepper-Up Potion. Madame Pomfrey is running low with the flu season in full swing. This time instead of brewing one batch, I want you to brew four batches."

"But the Pepper-Up Potion can not be stirred magically. How am I to do four at once?" At Severus's raised eyebrow she huffed, opening up her Potions book and looked at the recipe. Severus folded his arms, waiting to see if the younger Slytherin would see how it could be done. "Alright, now I think I know how to. If I have everything prepped and prepared, I can use the intervals between stirring to quickly start the next batch and stagger the brewing starts and finishes. I'll have to be quick though."

Severus nodded. "This is why the most respected Potion Masters stay in shape. It's not just for their ability to brew the most complex of potions, but their ability to produce multiple top quality potions. It's how an apothecary stays in business. Get what you need and then begin. We should be finished by lunch. We'll eat here as Draco will be arriving shortly after." Hermione nodded as she went into the Potions storeroom to grab the ingredients. Once they started cutting up and organizing the ingredients in front of their respective cauldrons, Hermione zoned out and pushed any thought out of her mind that didn't pertain to the potion. She didn't even realize how quickly the time passed, working up a slight sweat from the heat created working above four cauldrons and quickly moving between them. When she finally finished the last brew she promptly sat down, breathing heavily. She watched Severus transfer the potions to the heat resistant glass bottles.

"How are you not out of breath?"

Severus smirked as he magically stoppered the last of the bottles, "I told you that most respected Masters stay in shape. Try doing 10 hours of brewing Pepper-Up Potion. You've only seen 2 hours worth of brewing. And typically I do five potions at a time."

Hermione groaned, "Let me guess, I am going to need to start working out?"

"Not yet. Right now I am more focused on you learning and cementing the basics. Discover on your own a few potential ways to brew a potion faster than how it is recommended."

"That's impossible."

"Is it? When I was a sixth year I found a way to cut down the time and steps in creating the Draught of Living Death." Hermione's eyes widened at this. "All potions have the chance to be altered in one way or another, it just takes time and experimentation." Severus called for a House Elf and had the potions delivered to the Hospital Wing after requesting for another Elf to bring them lunch. Once lunch was delivered and set up at one of the tables the two sat down and ate. "Are you ready for your Transfiguration lesson tonight?"

Hermione nodded. "Of course. So long as Professor Dumbledore is not present. At Christmas dinner it seemed he knew the answers to my questions before I even started to answer. It was, unnerving."

"Albus has that effect on people. It is unknown if he does know the answers or just acts as if he does." They remained silent until there was a knock on the door before Draco entered.

"Ah man, had I known you guys were having lunch down here I would have joined. Your company is much prefered over Pansy's." The younger Malfoy scowled.

"Poor baby. Maybe if you had taken on Uncle Severus's offer on extra Potions lessons you would have." Hermione stuck her tongue out.

Draco laughed. "I've got enough class work as is. I don't need anymore. Legilimency and Occlumency is enough as is." He buffed his fingers on his robes. "Once I have finished with that then maybe I will pick something else up."

"You'll never be finished with Occlumency and Legilimency boy. To think you will be at some point is foolish. The mind has no bounds and new things are discovered consistently concerning those two branches of magic. Some would argue that we are just barely scratching the surface as is." Severus glowered at his nephew.

Draco's face fell, eyes falling to the floor as he shuffled his feet. "I apologize Uncle for making assumptions." Severus waved his hand before summoning another chair to the table they sat at.

For the next three hours the group talked about what all they had learned about concerning Legilimency. "There are multiple levels of Legilimency. Just as there are multiple levels of Occlumency. Legilimency can range from people who can just read surface thoughts and the unprotected mind. Then you have ones that can break down walls and as they advance, they can break more complex walls before specifically searching for what they want instead of riding on the barrage of memories. Then you have the Legilimens like myself and Professor Dumbledore who can slip in almost undetected. Only the top Occlumens notice us. That is why it is best to always have your walls up. You will notice sooner if someone who wishes to remain undetected enters. When you both have a better grasp at being Legilimens I will show you more Occlumency. The two together go hand in hand. I can show you how to throw up false memories instead of walls. I will show you how to detect said false memories. You will learn how to quickly pick and choose what you protect more and what memories are alright to show. I will teach you how to project thoughts into another. But not all of this will be possible this year or the next. It will take time and patience. Any questions?" Both kids shook their heads, causing Severus to raise an eyebrow. "Fine, then we are done for today. Next weekend you two will begin casting the spell on each other. Be prepared."

Hermione and Draco walked out of the room. "I can't wait to learn how to project thoughts. I wonder if it will be like projecting a memory and images or just words."

"We'll probably learn to do words first. That could come in handy."

"Yea, like during Transfiguration exams." He grinned as he looked at her only to laugh at her scowl.

"I think not. Besides I'm sure if we tried we'd get caught."

"You're right. One of us may project loud enough ol' McGonagall would pick it up." Hermione rolled her eyes before punching him in the shoulder.

"Oh please, you would make it too obvious. I can see it now, starring at me trying and failing to project your thoughts. She'd probably think you were trying to read my mind instead of project." She smirked at his scowl. "Speaking of Transfiguration, I need to get prepared for tonight. I wonder what I will be learning."

Draco shook his head, "I do not understand why you want to learn so much. Just be careful Hermione. Slytherins won't take kindly to you visiting the Head of Gryffindor willingly, Ravenclaws will become jealous if they find out you are receiving special tutelage, and Gryffindors will look at any excuse to curse you."

Hermione snorted, "Ravenclaws already hate that I am top of the class, Gryffindors don't scare me, and most Slytherins ignore me. I've nothing to fear." The two reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room. "I will see you later Draco. I'm going to the library."

"Hello, Miss Granger. Please take a seat." Minerva motioned towards the couch close to the roaring fire. Hermione took a seat at one corner, laying down her satchel by her feet. "Would you like a cup of tea?"

Hermione tried to not wring her hands in her lap as she watched her professor glided over to sit on the other side of the couch. She had been surprised when she entered her professor's office that they would not be staying there. Minerva had explained that today would be more of an informational evening opposed to a practical one. "Tea would be lovely, thank you. Two sugars."

Minerva leaned over to the coffee table and poured them both a cuppa, adding the extras before handing a cup to Hermione. "What do you know about Transfiguration?" At Hermione's raised eyebrow she clarified. "What are the four branches of Transfiguration?"

"Transformation, Conjuration, Vanishment, and Untransfiguration. Some branches break down into other sub branches."

"Correct. Do you know which branch you would like to focus on more and which least?"

Hermione took a sip of her tea as she thought. "I am torn between Conjuration and Transformation. Both can serve practical purposes going forward in life where as Vanishment and Untransfiguration just seem too basic."

Minerva let a small smile appear on her lips before it disappeared. "They might seem basic but both are quite complex. Vanishment, while just one spell, is greatly determined by the spellcaster's magical core along with will. It is easy to vanish a match but much more challenging to vanish say a fireplace. Untransfiguration is difficult in the sense that you have to be an expert in the Transfiguration field to be able to undo erroneous transfigurations or reverse correct ones." She paused as she took a few sips of her tea. "What is your goal in these extra lessons?"

"I would like to become an animagus." Hermione stated confidently, knowing it was a risk. She only hoped Minerva wouldn't laugh at her outright and reconsider these extra lessons. She knew it wasn't the easiest goal to achieve, but Hermione knew if she worked hard, anything was possible. The incredulous look she was receiving wasn't giving her much hope, but she watched as her professor looked down in deep thought.

"I won't deny Miss Granger that becoming an animagus will be a very difficult goal to achieve. Most Transfiguration Masters dare to attempt to become one for fear of not being able to untransfigure oneself. That is why the Ministry regulates it and demands that witches and wizards make attempts with a level four or five Master present in events that something does go wrong." Minerva gave her a raised eyebrow. "Like Vanishment, becoming an animagus greatly depends on the spellcaster's magical core and will."

"What are the levels in the Transfiguration Mastery?"

Minerva relaxed back into the couch. "Currently there are five levels but there are others on the breach of becoming a level six Master."

"Are you one of those that are close?"

A small smile graced her lips. "Of course. Just because I am a professor here does not mean I am not researching and making advances in my field. What kind of Master would I be if I didn't?"

"What are the requirements for each level?"

"A level one Master is quite basic. Usually it is someone who receives an O on their NEWTS and has a better grasp of the basics enough to be able to teach others. Most Healers and Aurors have a level one mastery. A level two Master is someone who has a more indepth understanding of Transfiguration. They have more knowledge and expertise than a level one. They tend to be the ones that do grunt work for higher level Masters to hone their skills to expertise level which is mastery level three. Level three Masters are the experts in a specific field. This is where you find most of your Masters, typically ones focusing in Conjuration, will stop as it is a requirement to be an animagus to become a level four Master. Level four Masters tend to be experts in more than one branch of Transfiguration and level five Masters are experts in each branch. This is why, when a level three attempts at becoming an animagus, a level four or five Master is present. At this time, there is not a level six Master. There is a theory going around that it would be possible for an animagus to have a second form but it has yet to be tested. I believe it is possible if the will of the Master is strong enough and their magical core matches their will they'll be able to support a new form."

"So when I become an animagus will I automatically become a level four Master?"

"No. If you become an animagus you would still need to complete masteries one through three and be proficient in two of the four branches. You would just have an advantage." Minerva placed her empty cup on the coffee table, before leaning forward a bit. "Miss Granger, you are very bright, and I've no doubt that you will do well in our extra studies. However, and I don't say this to discourage you, it is highly unlikely that you will become an animagus. It is too advance of a magic for most Masters let alone students. It won't be until your 6th or 7th year that we will even be attempting human transformation beyond basic transformations. If you want that as your ultimate goal, we can work towards that but I will not have you attempting till you're older and more skilled."

Hermione placed her cup down on the table. "I think you underestimate me Professor. I guess in time I will prove you wrong."

AN: Hope you enjoyed. Leave a review if you did. :) Just so everyone knows, I will be picking up pace with this story. Honestly, I started this 5 years ago and back then I had the patience to hash this out. Now I'm ready to get to the 6th-7th year. I will just be pulling out important stepping stones leading up to those years. So hold on tight!

Also to the guest who wrote they had an issue with a firstie going for a professor, you've gotta remember that Hermione is more mature than the typical 11-12 year old (lord knows I had a crush or two on a teacher at that age) and later in the story something will be revealed to reinforce what is going on. Jaely, the reason why Lucius is so welcoming is because I always felt the Malfoy family focuses some on family matters. In the books, Narcissa is protective of her family, doing what it takes to ensure they survive and I felt I would bring this to the forefront and make it a whole family value. When you have so many enemies, it's good to have those on your side. Plus with this being a bit AU, I wanted to redeem Lucius and not make him such an ass.