A/N: Nothing has been forgotten. :) But regular updates will be few and far between until perhaps July, I imagine. I appreciate everyone's patience and encouragement!

-R

Hermione worried her bottom lip between her teeth as her boots carried her in the direction of the Head's office.

A number of topics vied for precedence, but she studiously avoided unraveling the conversation that still lay before her. Too much of her day had already been spent walking through hypothetical scenarios with the Headmistress and her overall anxiety level was raised enough as it was.

Despite her full day of classes (and no further intelligence regarding the early morning prank), Hermione had managed to escape to the library during both lunch and dinner - quickly assembling her materials for the evening meeting as well as researching past cases of returning students and the usual demands of adjunct professors. While there hadn't been much available to shed light upon her own situation, she had at least wanted to be prepared.

As her Master had always instructed, business should never be conducted without first establishing one's own solid base of research.

Still, as she found herself composing her new plans, Hermione imagined that her student role would quickly take a backburner to her new duties as an adjunct. There was simply less to do as a student and more to gain as an educator. Somehow, the notion brought a great deal of comfort.

At least then your Mastery won't be completely wasted…

Sighing, Hermione rounded a corner and descended an empty staircase, pleased that the majority of the halls seemed to be clear of students for the moment. She had a quarter of an hour before being expected at the Headmistress' door and she wanted to utilize the time to arrange her thoughts.

Fortunately, a brief chat with Neville had provided a bit of insight into the Headmistress' mindset.

Catching up with her old friend after Herbology had settled several matters related to her own situation as well as reassuring her that there were at least some young people in the country with a few brain cells left.

However, their brief discussion had also revealed that the Minister of Magic himself had been spotted within the castle walls that very day… and while there were innumerable reasons as to why the Headmistress might've scheduled a meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt, intuitively Hermione knew that the cat had already been let out of the bag.

What will be will be… and while an apology remains in order, you cannot predict how she will react to the particulars of your situation.

Hermione sighed again and passed a hand over her immaculately twisted hair, having decided upon a slightly different style for her meeting with the enigmatic witch. It was technically after hours… and considering that her meeting was of an official nature regarding her professional career, she had elected to wear a set of deep garnet robes as a subtle nod to her Society. At this point, she would take whatever small points she could get.

The soft fabrics swished pleasantly as she walked, smelling faintly of Jerusalem - a light sweetness that mixed together argan oil, cedar, and a sweet freshness specific to her Master's house.

The robes had actually been a gift from her Master's eldest daughter upon the completion of her second classifications, and they gave her the feeling of being supported… almost as if Talia, Achinoam, and the rest of her new community were right there beside her.

The thought made her smile and Hermione gave a fond glance over her ensemble, pleased to note how the fabric caught the rich glow of the sconces as she walked.

In actuality, the underrobe was a fitted dress; the buttery fabric skirted about her ankles and draped across her decolletage in a shallow V, drawing attention to her collarbones and providing a great deal of comfort. The outer layer was a bit more structured, hugging her waist beneath a sheath of luminous satin and creating a sharp stately A-line all the way down to the toes of her boots. The collar followed the shallow V of the inner robe, creating a clean tailored effect that she hoped the Headmistress would appreciate.

The robes' sleeves were fitted, and while she missed the added fabric draping from her elbows, Hermione had secretly hoped they would act as a reminder for her not to fidget.

Tonight is about business and redrawing the parameters of your relationship…

Her usual dark red lipstick completed the effect and Hermione had felt a bit bolstered by the number of appreciative stares she had earned while departing from Gryffindor tower.

While the attentions of teenage witches and wizards could hardly be considered a barometer of her appearance, hopefully the Headmistress would begin to see her as an adult witch deserving of a bit more equality… and possibly appreciation.

What seemed like both a winding journey and unfathomably short amount of time, Hermione finally arrived to the impressive stone gargoyle, striding straight up to the statue and providing the remembered password with a bit more confidence than she felt.

A moment later, her thoughts were suspended and with a surreal feeling of anticipation, Hermione found herself squaring her shoulders as the stone steps carried her upward toward her destination.

Arriving to the threshold and the familiar ornate carvings upon burnished oak, Hermione gave a firm knock.

"Enter."

The door opened with a gesture and Hermione took a few steps forward, quickly finding the subject of her most recent musings seated behind her desk, surrounded by stacks of parchments that nearly obscured her from view. Candelight flooded the warm office space, and her heart immediately softened at the reminder of many such evenings from memories in the summer following the War.

"Ah, Miss Granger… right on time."

The witch's throaty voice was warm and Hermione was surprised to see the notes of a genuine smile gracing elegant features as the Headmistress finished penning a parchment. Perhaps she had less cause to be nervous than she had anticipated.

A moment later the Headmistress looked up and… was that a double-take?

She couldn't be sure.

"Please… have a seat, Miss Granger."

A graceful hand gestured toward two chairs opposite her desk and Hermione glided across the center of the room, subtly adjusting both options with a flick of her wand, intending to sit directly opposite the other witch as her Master had taught.

The Headmistress took a moment to busy herself with clearing her desk as Hermione quietly absorbed the array of portraits shifting overhead.

Their meeting on Sunday had not given her the opportunity to appreciate all of the new changes to the Head's office, and Hermione was surprised to see how earnestly it reflected the style and personality of the witch across from her.

Gone were the whirring devices and whimsical trinkets she remembered from Dumbledore's reign. Instead, the desk had been expertly organized for easy access to files, parchment, quills, and what appeared to be an original copy of Hogwarts: A History.

Curved walls behind the dual staircases leading toward the upper level were still jam-packed with books, but somehow they seemed to convey a sense of comfort and clarity rather than the aura of mystery and age that she remembered from her early schooling. Dumbledore's ostentatiously carved oak desk had been replaced by the Headmistress' much more subdued and classic mahogany one, and even the gaggle of portraits overhead seemed a bit more orderly than she recalled from memory.

The atmosphere seemed perfectly Minerva McGonagall and Hermione found herself smiling softly as she sank into the comfort of an antique walnut chair.

As she adjusted her robes, Hermione finally chanced a look at the Headmistress, whose features seemed relaxed if somewhat pensive as she magicked away the last of her paperwork.

"Good evening, Headmistress," Hermione murmured softly, offering a gentle smile as the emerald gaze eventually settled upon her to provide the intense, undivided attention she had come to expect. "I trust the rest of your day has fared well since we last met?"

For a moment, she thought it might have been the wrong thing to say, because a shadow of consternation passed over familiar features... but then the witch merely tilted her head, her lips curving upwards as almond eyes narrowed slightly.

"An eventful one, to say the least," the Headmistress lifted a brow as one long arm reached to pull a clean sheet of parchment closer, "However, when is it not at Hogwarts?"

Hermione smiled her agreement.

"Now then… it seems we have several matters to attend to this evening, Miss Granger, however I would like to begin by addressing your academics first. You mentioned you had your own thoughts upon reconciling your timetable?"

It seemed that they would be getting down to business straightaway.

"Yes," Hermione nodded and leaned forward slightly, "As it stands now, it seems most prudent that I attend to Arithmancy, Runes, History, Muggle Studies, and Charms in the form of self-study. Provided the professors are willing to accommodate me, I have little issue with this upon my end."

A nod confirmed what she had already surmised and she pressed on.

"I have already taken the liberty of blocking out my first term so as to coordinate my exam schedule with the standard seventh-year curriculum as best I can. Given that I shall potentially be administering exams around the same time, I would only request to move my midterms and finals up by two weeks to allow sufficient time for my own grading," Hermione said, secretly pleased to see the Headmistress' eyes widen slightly before she nodded her understanding.

"Furthermore, I have spoken with Professors Hagrid and Longbottom," she continued, refusing to betray how odd it felt to refer to one of her good friends by the title of 'professor.'

"While I could retain at least one period of class time for either subject, I would also prefer to see to both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures on my own time in order to coordinate with Professor Malfoy and prepare the shared Potions curriculum. Both professors have each agreed to work with me outside of the usual class hours, pending your approval, of course..."

Hermione wet her lips briefly before barreling onward, gesturing lightly as she spoke.

"... which then leaves my Defense and Astronomy classes untouched and only Transfiguration to reconcile with this new arrangement. I was unsure of your preference given that it seems I would only be able to attend one class a week."

The Headmistress sat back slightly, seemingly surprised and pleased by her initiative. Hermione could fairly see the witch's thoughts coalesce into a decision and she swallowed her own pleasure at still being able to read through the woman's microexpressions. The witch gave a thoughtful nod before lifting a careful brow.

"Very well, I have no objections to your proposal," the Headmistress replied, smoothing long fingers over the parchment before her and magicking together a new timetable with a few deft gestures. "Pending approval from each of your professors, we shall progress with this new schedule as planned. As for Transfiguration, let us plan for you to attend Thursday morning classes as they were originally scheduled. You and I shall work separately, preferably Tuesday evenings as often as possible to address any gaps in your knowledge so as to keep in line with the other seventh-years."

"Of course, Headmistress."

The elder witch seemed to pause a moment before plucking up a quill and quickly jotting a few notes upon the newly filled parchment.

"I realize that it would be preferable for you to see to Transfiguration in the form of self-study along with your other courses, however I trust you understand that my time is limited. I cannot guarantee consistency in scheduling alongside my duties as Headmistress and while I know your own studies will remain above reproach, your presence in classes will invariably help your fellow students remain motivated throughout the term. And that would be of great help to me as well."

Hermione buried her slight disappointment in not having more alone time with the witch, however she understood that the Headmistress' duties took precedence. Already, it was rather generous for the witch to adjust to her unique situation at all.

"Certainly," she murmured, "I truly am appreciative of the accommodation, Headmistress, as well as your vote of confidence. I won't have you regret it."

At that, green eyes briefly rose to make contact with her own and there was the briefest flash of a smile before the witch banished the parchment with a casual gesture. The Headmistress hummed lightly in response even as the small act of wandless magic made Hermione smile.

She buried it quickly before sharp eyes flicked upward again and cooled somewhat. The elder witch drew forth another blank parchment before tilting her head and regarding Hermione more directly.

"Now, moving on to the matter of your contract, I believe Horace has briefed you regarding classes and duties you've been requisitioned to absorb?"

Hermione noted the subtle switch into a more informal tone and found herself squaring her shoulders in response. Honestly, it was not so different from negotiating the subtleties of etiquette in the world of the Potions Society.

Besides, if she had any chance of earning the Headmistress' respect beyond that of a simple colleague, she needed to establish herself as a competent, independent woman and soon.

"Yes, he did."

"Do you have any questions prior to negotiating the specifics of this arrangement?"

A new expression was coloring the familiar features, and Hermione realized that this was her new employer and eventual colleague speaking. The thought brought a rush of pleasure even as she tilted her head and opened one palm.

Emerald eyes zeroed in upon her fingertips as she conjured a list of prepared questions and specifics she had already drawn together. Though the witch's expression did not change, though again, Hermione had the distinct impression of pleased approval.

"A few questions, yes… and I hope you will forgive any perceived impertinence," Hermione replied, affecting the proper tones she usually utilized when speaking to her own Master. "I simply wish to define the nature of my various responsibilities as an adjunct professor against my role as a returning student. I've taken the liberty of researching the history of adjuncts at Hogwarts as well as past graduates with extenuating circumstances… and while I am the only fully-fledged Master to be returning to complete a secondary degree, I believe it would be beneficial to review prior documentation for the protection of my individual rights as well as those of Hogwarts itself."

The Headmistress gazed at her for a long moment as if assessing her sincerity before simply folding her hands neatly upon the desktop and inclining her head.

"By all means, let us see what you have uncovered."

A moment later, a small smile lit rose-colored lips and Hermione found herself responding with one of her own.

This would work.

Minerva felt slightly flushed as she listened to Miss Granger's thorough breakdown of a proposal to share service-related duties with Draco Malfoy.

Already, the witch had successfully negotiated her terms for teaching hours, faculty duties, a few salary-related points, and a research-related proposal that Minerva had set aside for later, (admittedly more than eager to review it upon her own time).

Despite the professional nature of their discussion, the witch's confidence was… distracting.

Perhaps it was the evening hour or the residual fatigue catching up with her after the start of a new term, but Minerva only found herself half-listening as Miss Granger calmly and efficiently elucidated several grey areas between her two roles as student and professor.

Truthfully, the witch was guiding them through the conversation that she herself had anticipated leading, however she was content to sit back and appreciate the young woman's expert command of the unusual situation and the thoughtful manner with which she had prepared her arguments.

This arrangement is unfolding more smoothly than you could ever have anticipated.

The ambient candlelight limned tanned features in shades of gold, and the deep garnet color of the young woman's robes seemed strangely alluring and enchanting, as if she were somehow the embodiment of Godric Gryffindor himself. Indeed, as soon as the witch had set foot in her office, Minerva had felt her body respond with appreciation and no small amount of interest.

Even twenty minutes later, she felt distracted by Miss Granger's presence - taking the opportunity to note the small and minute changes to the witch's person as she mentally compared them to the young woman who had left.

The features were sharper and the mannerisms more assured. While Minerva had already noted such differences in the time since the Welcoming Feast, cataloguing them suddenly felt important. As if she were preparing her own appraisal of sorts…

Blinking quickly and suddenly aware that her inner monologue had diverted course toward more nebulous waters, Minerva sat forward and cleared her throat, catching a brief pause in the other witch's commentary.

"In the interest of time, let us agree that mealtimes and rounds shall be addressed over a later meeting once I have conferred with Filius. For now, I simply wish for you to feel comfortable in your new role and it seems you have more than enough of an outline to proceed with Draco on your own terms," she said briskly. "Should you require an impartial third-party for any difficulties that may arise, please notify either myself or Filius."

Charming a few particulars into order, Minerva adjusted her spectacles absently. There was a brief flutter of anticipation at the reminder of the conversation that she had yet to initiate, and Kingsley's earlier visit scuttled through her mind unpleasantly.

Stay focused. Finish your responsibilities upon the professional plane and then see what the witch has to say for her recent… troubles.

A sour taste seemed to tinge her thoughts and Minerva magicked together the final touches upon the young woman's contract.

"Do you find this an acceptable compromise for the immediate moment, Hermione?"

Minerva froze with her hand hovering above the parchment, acutely aware that she had just utilized a student's - no, colleague's! - given name without express permission. She redirected her inward cringe into a subtle squaring of her shoulders before sighing and lifting her focus.

Merlin's Beard… she thought resignedly.

The younger witch seemed to be in the midst of redirecting her own surprise.

"Forgive me, Miss Granger, I did not intend to speak out of turn," Minerva apologized smoothly, steadfastly refusing to give away any hint of her deep embarrassment.

Fortunately, the witch simply waved a hand as if to clear the space between them.

"Not at all," the young woman replied, smiling as she inclined her head, "I welcome the transition."

Amber eyes were regarding her warmly.

"Please, Headmistress, I would appreciate it if you called me Hermione whenever our roles intersect upon the professional or otherwise personal plane."

Somehow Minerva knew there was an unspoken challenge laced into the casual use of her own title, though the calm and open expression sitting across from her betrayed no indication of mischief.

Jaw working for a moment, Minerva lifted a hand and removed her spectacles with practiced ease, allowing herself to focus on the mundane task for a moment even as her words presented an offer that she was both delighted and slightly unnerved to be giving so soon.

"Very well. Seeing as we are to soon to be colleagues, it seems fitting that you should begin to address me by name as well," Glancing up, she smoothed over the light flutter of insecurity by fixing the other woman with a more stern expression. "However, it remains a privilege to be utilized only in private. I cannot have my authority being questioned by the students and I trust that you will navigate the appropriate moments bearing that in mind."

"Of course not, Minerva," Hermione replied, holding up a long hand in understanding even as her beautiful features settled into a reassuring smile. "As it stands, I was just considering how to best negotiate the complexities of these two roles and I realize that this situation bears many similarities to the subtleties of Society etiquette. Perhaps it is a familiar frame that can assist us both."

The witch tilted her head before leaning forward to place an elegant hand upon the desktop.

"I assure you that I would never purposefully place you in a position to undermine your authority in any capacity, and I suppose I will end this matter by saying that I look forward to this next chapter in our relationship. Thank you for the privilege, Minerva."

Outwardly, Minerva settled upon a small smile and nod of her head even as inwardly, the witch's wording rattled at her composure. Chapter? Relationship?

Furthermore, she would be lying if she didn't acknowledge how pleasing it was to hear the young woman address her by name. Turning back to the contract at hand, Minerva slipped her spectacles back into place and attempted to summon some semblance of focus. She cleared her throat.

"Very well. In that case, let us turn toward your proposed changes to the curriculum. Your list of requested items seems rather… unique."

Hermione appeared to gaze at her for another long moment before turning toward her own materials with a soft smile.