AN: Wow I have been a typing fool today! Please keep the reviews coming! They feed the writer's soul and have kept me going today.

Coming into the Entrance Hall, Hermione stopped short at the sight of Severus coming down the stairs obviously heading towards the staff room. Severus noticed her at the same time and they both stopped and stared for a full five seconds or so without realizing it. Finally Hermione spoke, saying "Minerva asked me to join her for dinner. What are you doing"

"Funny, Minerva asked me the same thing. I guess she figured it made no sense for the only three people in the castle at the moment to eat alone. Although I don't know why she hasn't asked me before."

"No clue." Hermione stopped and thought for a second before softly asking "Can we keep our earlier conversation between us please?" Severus nodded and opened the door for her to the staff room.

Inside, the headmistress was waiting for them at a warmly lit table scattered with pots of chicken and rice. Minerva smiled as Hermione and Severus entered together and sat down opposite each other. When they were all seated, Minerva addressed Hermione, "I am sure glad for some female company around here for a few days. Is your new apartment alright?"

Hermione swallowed a spoonful of rice and nodded. "It's beautiful! It's almost as if it were made just for me. I love the views of the lake and forest and the bookshelves more than hold my entire collection."

Severus noted how she mentioned bringing her entire book collection with her. It didn't surprise him that she did not want to be without her books but why would she need her entire collection if she was only going to be staying a few days? He directed a pointed gaze at Hermione, who didn't notice as she prattled on.

"I don't think I will be in anyone's way much while I'm here. I was planning on doing a little research and lesson planning and get a head start on making sure the medi-potions are brewed for Poppy before school starts."

Minerva smiled and pointedly said, "that seems like a lot for someone who is only going to be here a couple of days."

Hermione blushed and simply stated," I was hoping to just keep myself busy in order that my mind may stay occupied."

Both Severus and Minerva let that point hang in the air unchallenged as they shared a quick glance. Severus did not like the look he saw in Minerva's eyes. It reminded him of Albus and the plans he always concocted and seemed to involve Severus without his permission.

Minerva then turned to Severus and inquired as to how the Defense against the Dark Arts curriculum was coming. He swallowed a bite of chicken and nodded, saying "no major changes at the moment Minerva. Hermione and I have agreed to teach some things in tandem to the second years and above. Some potions lend themselves to be taught at the same time as certain Defensive theories and spells."

Minerva nodded at this and commented at how pleased she was to hear that. She was intrigued by the cross curriculum cooperation Hermione and Severus had taken on and if their approach was successful, hoped to implement it school wide whenever possible. She also had another proposition for Hermione and debated as to whether this would be the proper time to bring it up. Deciding that now was as good of a time as ever, she looked at Hermione and stated, "Hermione, I also have an offer for you."

Hermione stopped chewing as she and Severus both looked at Minerva quizzically. Severus didn't recall any offer on the table for anyone.

Minerva continued, "Professor Longbottom has requested that he be given a break from some of his extra duties this coming school year owing to spending more time with his family. While he will still be our herbology teacher, I was wondering Hermione, if you would consent to be the Gryffindor Head of House this coming school year?"

Hermione nearly choked on her chicken, exclaiming "What?" Swallowing, she continued, " Professor McGonagall, I'm honored that you would ask but if I may, why me?"

"You mean besides the fact that you are the brightest witch that has ever come out of Hogwarts and you are a very popular professor (Snape grumbled at that one) and you are a very worthy representative of Gryffindor House? How about because I think you would be a natural at the job?" Minerva smiled at her. "Please consider it?"

"Of course I will consider it. Thank you so much!"

The three of them continued to eat their dinner in companionable silence. All the while, Severus found he could not keep glancing at Hermione and guessing what was going on in her brain. He swore to himself he would not use occlumency against her without her knowledge but that promise was getting harder and harder to bear. He also kept wondering about the voice he heard earlier about being alone. Maybe he should talk to her? No…who was he to give relationship advice? Nah, better just remain the aloof person she thinks you are, Severus.

After they had cleared their plates and were munching on the last bit of treacle tarts, Minerva decided to ask about the package sitting next to Hermione at the table. "What is that, if I may ask?"

Hermione glanced at it with an upset look at said "Nothing, really. Just a…um…present from Ron."

Not knowing where the words came from, Severus looked her in the eye and commanded in a low voice, "let's see."

Hermione knew that tone, the one saying that he was not going to take no for an answer. Without a word, she handed him the package with fresh tears brimming in her eyes. Somehow, she knew he would understand how she was feeling about the goblets. Severus unwrapped the package and stared at the engraved flutes for a few moments with strange emotions welling up inside of him. Anger, frustration and..jealousy? He had no idea where they had come from for he had tried to bury his emotions for some time. Wordlessly, he handed the flutes to Minerva who exclaimed over them, "ohhh they are beautiful. I bet you are getting excited…" Minerva trailed off as she saw the looks coming from the other two occupants of the table…shock from Hermione and anger from Severus. "How nice," she finished awkwardly.

Hermione glanced at Severus rather contemptuously before turning to Minerva and telling her "I don't want to marry Ron. I know it's really none of your business (meaningful look at Severus) but I felt it only fair that I tell you why I came here. I am starting to realize Ron and I are not right for each other and I came here to truly make a decision as to whether or not to proceed with the wedding. These champagne flutes are his way of trying to get me to not change my mind." Hermione swallowed and went on, "I don't want to bring personal matters into work but since you are both my headmistress and friend, I trust that you won't tell anyone I am here." She turned to Severus and regarded him for a moment before making the same request of him.

Minerva looked at Hermione and told her "I knew there was something going on recently. I could sense it." She decided Hermione did not need to know about Ron's visit yesterday. "If you ever need a friend to talk to, you know where my office is."

"Thank you, Minerva." With that, Hermione excused herself and headed back to her apartment without another word.

Severus and Minerva looked at each other for a while before the headmistress spoke. "She is going to need a friend, Severus. Now more than ever."

"You think I don't realize that?"

"I know you do. I also can tell that she is hurting. Weasely must have said or done some pretty awful things to take her spirit like that. She is not the same spunky Hermione I remember and I can't help but wonder if it's partly his fault."

"You know my feelings on matters like that Minerva. It's none of our business."

"When that boy's treatment of her affects her self esteem and job performance, I consider it our business. Severus, I know you have been through a lot. She could really use a friend like you right now."

"Why? So I can tell her everything will be okay? That there is someone out there perfect for her that won't leave her?" Sarcasm dripped out of his voice as he stared levelly at the older witch. "You saw where that got ME."

Minerva regarded him quietly for moment before telling him "I don't expect you to lie to her, Severus. But I know that she respects you and looks up to you. I'm not saying to hone in and take Weasely's place. But she is going to need someone to be strong for her and look out for her. I don't trust Weasley to not do something stupid. Keep an eye on her for me, please, Severus?"

Severus sighed. "You're right, Minerva. I suppose I can do that."

Minerva smiled. "Thank you. You'll be good for her."

Severus snorted and turned to leave, but not before Minerva got the last word in.

"and I think she'll do you a world of good too."