I'm not too happy with this chapter, it started off quite well but then….yeah. I don't know. Let me know what you think. First part is a bit graphic ;)

I stand at the gate long after the Weasleys have left. I need to get my equilibrium back. Hermione is like a siren to me. One I simply cannot resist. I need to do something to try and ease the feeling of restlessness that has come over me, so I decide a walk around the lake and a visit to Albus should do the trick.

My mind conjures a different scenario, had Rose not walked in when she did, what we could have been doing, I know I would have pushed far further than I ought considering the present situation Hermione finds herself in. I was ready to pull her to me, run my fingers through her hair, whilst my tongue delved into her mouth to explore its entirety. My hands slipping under her top, feeling her skin under my fingertips, slowly inching higher towards her ample bosom. Rolling her nipples between my fingers, squeezing them until she groans my name in frustration. Both of us falling to the floor as our legs can no longer hold either of us upright. Removing each layer, each item of clothing one at a time. Savouring the flesh that is displayed to me as I strip her naked, right there on the floor of my office. Worshipping her as she deserves.

I've done one lap of the lake and my frustration is only mounting. I need to cleanse my mind, but my mind is imagining Hermione writhing beneath me as I suckle at her, tasting her sweet nectar, rolling it around on my tongue as one would a fine wine. Oh and she would taste exquisite, I'd have to lap at her, until my thirst was quenched, but it's been so long since I have partaken in this nectar, not until she has screamed my name twice in ecstasy would I stop, but only long enough to insert my fingers into her warm haven, claiming her as mine. I would work diligently, raising her pleasure up and then easing back to start all over again until I felt the time was right to tip her over into ecstasy once more. My name would reverberate around the room as it leaves her lungs on her last breath.

Dear Melin, what am I doing? Have I lost my mind? I can feel the wetness between my thighs as I slow my walk around the top end of the lake. I make my way towards Albus's resting place and place my hand on the marble encasing my dear friend. "Oh Albus" I whisper "what am I to do? I finally told Hermione how I feel, now that Ronald is no longer in the picture, but he's not been gone a week yet and I'm already envisioning our future together, raising Rose and Hugo. Living in my manor. I've already kissed her for Merlins sake. I'm normally so much more controlled than this, but Hermione, she unravels with me with just a look from across the table. This could break me Albus if she doesn't want this, want me, if this doesn't work" I sigh and close my eyes, bringing my heart rate and breathing back to normal levels.

"I'm leaving the castle this evening old friend, I'm finally retiring. I need to find Minerva again, and hopefully Hermione and the children can help me with that. No doubt I will see you on the other side, you old coot." I finish.

I walk briskly back to the office, now that I've gotten my mind out of the rather lovely gutter, it's time to get my affairs in order, and get ready to leave the home and sanctuary I've lived in for so long. I cast spells, and dance my way around the office and my personal rooms, all of my personal effects floating into trunks that Rhona had prepared for me. It takes a few hours to complete it all, but finally the office and rooms are ready for their new occupant. I have Rhona take the trunks to the manor, and make my way to Filius's office for one last debrief.

I knock on the door to his rooms, and hear a muffled "enter" through the aged door.

"Filius, are you ready to be Headmaster of this esteemed school" I ask.

"Minerva, so nice of you to pop by. You never told me how many letters the school receives on a daily basis, how on earth did you find the time to reply to them all and run the school successfully?" He asks, frazzled.

I laugh, a full bodied out loud belly laugh. Tears are running down my face as Filius watches me, a smile begins to grace his lips and then he's laughing along with me.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, old friend. I knew if I showed the real amount of correspondence the head deals with that you'd never have agreed to taking over. Truly Filius, any letters from the ministry, burn them, they have nothing to do with how the school is run. The board of governors will write monthly, wanting an update on budgets and the like. You will need to find the time to answer the letters from worried or disgruntled parents. Always be honest, but try to ease their worries. If all else fails, hand them off to your deputy" I chuckle.

"I don't think Pomona would be very happy if I handed all of this off to her, now Min. What time is your interview with the prophet?" He asks.

"3, a little over an hour away. I just came down to tell you that the head office is now ready for you to move in. I will just need the room to floo to my manor later this evening, along with Mrs Weasley and her children. I've offered them a visit for a little respite before the funeral"

"Of course, whatever you need. I will refrain from moving my things in until tomorrow, spend a last night in these rooms" he says as he looks around.

"Right, well in that case, I shall leave Hogwarts in your capable hands, and I shall, no doubt, see you around." I give him a hug and leave his office.

I suddenly remembered the letter I received this morning that I put away in my pocket. I make my way to the office once more and sit behind the empty desk. I pull the letter out and slit Griphooks seal.

Minerva,

Are you sure you wish to write off the debt Mr Weasley had accrued? It is quite a substantial amount. The debt should pass to his next of kin Mrs Hermione Weasley. Her personal vault, whilst not linked to Mr Weasleys, a rather astute decision if I may say so, does not possess enough funds to cover a third of the debt but that is the way things are done. What you are asking is extremely unorthodox, and completely unheard of. I would appreciate a visit in person to discuss this if you can. I can be available this afternoon, after your meeting with the prophet if that is convenient.

Yours

Griphook

Head goblin of Gringotts bank

I sigh, I'm not surprised he knows of my retirement. I had hoped I wouldn't have to visit in person to discuss this, however. I turn the letter over and rip the bottom off, and reply in the affirmative to his suggestion. Hopefully it won't take too long to smooth this over and I can still be back here in time to meet with Hermione and the children.

I'm running a little late, so I rise from the desk and grab a handful of floo powder and step into the hearth. "Leaky Cauldron" I say clearly and I'm swept away. I step out into the pub and greet Tom with a wave. I make my way to the head office of The Prophet in Diagon Alley. The witch on the reception desk motioned me to a room off to the side. As I entered, sitting behind the desk was Schieler Mew, the acting editor in chief at the newspaper. He rose from his chair and extended his hand to me.

"Headmistress, always a pleasure" he indicated the seat opposite his desk was for me and retook his seat. "What can I do for you?" His oily voice grates on my nerves, but needs must. I summon a smile "I'd like your paper to announce my retirement from the role of Headmistress and indeed from teaching in general" I can see my little pronouncement has startled him.

"Really? And when will this retirement be effective from?" He enquires whilst pulling parchment, ink and a quill from his desk.

"Immediately, the role will be taken over by my deputy Filius Flitwick" I inform him

Again my answer takes him by surprise. He scribbles a few things down on the parchment, and sends a memo flying out the room. No doubt to hold this evening's front page.

"And what has prompted this move now, Minerva?" He prys.

"It is simply the right time Mr Mew. Since the end of the war with Voldemort my whole staff and I have been working tirelessly, implementing new regulations and procedures. The school is now in a position where I can leave and it won't fall apart without me." I say, "that may sound a trifle big headed of me, to think that the school wouldn't survive without me at the helm, however, before now I do truly believe that had I left then chaos would have ruled. Albus, although a great man, was terrible at administration. It's taken me this long to iron out the mess he left behind." I confess.

Mew is scribbling away. His forehead creased. He raises his head and asks his next question "What are your plans for the future? What is the great Headmistress Minerva Mcgonagall going to do next?"

"I'm going to simply be a woman again. I've spent 60 years of my life as Professor or Headmistress, and whilst it has been incredibly fulfilling, I need to get back to being me. Enjoy a walk at sunrise, visit family over in the Americas. Stay up late to watch the sunset, do a little research, maybe write another article for transfiguration today. The world is my oyster Mr Mew as the muggle saying goes and I shall do whatever takes my fancy"

The rest of the interview passes by without fanfare, probing questions about my personal life, what family do I have and where. That sort of thing. Whilst I was open and honest about my reasons for leaving Hogwarts, I was more reticent in my answers here. The whole point of retiring was to have a personal life again, and not become a figurehead for the gossips.

I walk out of the room with a headache feathering at my temples. I make my way back onto the alley and take a breath of air. It helps to clear my mind, and I turn towards Gringotts and my impending meeting with Griphook. As I ascend the stairs to the main entrance, my thoughts turn toward Hermione and how much I've missed her the short time we've been separated. I feel a resounding ache in my chest, and as I push open the doors to the main hall and the tellers at their desks I put the thoughts back where they need to be so I can talk to Griphook.

It didn't take long for me to get acquainted in Griphooks office. The goblin himself is sitting behind his desk, looking down his hooked nose at me.

"Minerva, thank you for agreeing to meet with me." He begins. "I must ask if you realise what a predicament you've placed me in?" To the point as always.

"I do, however, as long as the debt gets cleared, does it truly matter who pays it?" I ask. "Hermione is a dear friend, and is grieving the loss of her husband. I offered to help and this debt was brought to my attention. I'm sure I have enough funds to cover the debt, do I not?" I question raising my eyebrow at him, baiting him.

"You do, I just wanted to be sure it was truly what you wanted. Giving away money in this manner is not the way us goblins do things"

"That's the difference between us" I say nonchalantly. "Will that be all Griphook? I have somewhere to be"

"I'll make the arrangements, Minerva. Have a good evening"

I leave Gringotts and make my way to the apparition point, I may as well greet Hermione at the gates.