Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

I've rewritten it and I'm determined to finish it!

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She had given the headmaster a solemn nod as her answer, not even fully aware of what she had done. When it hit her she could only hope that she would find peace with his help. As she headed to the Gryffindor common room she wondered how things got so complicated so fast. She had come to Hogwarts ready to prove herself, to be known, to be a prized pupil. She did, she is, and she had. But now all she wanted was to disappear and be forgotten. For the first time in her life since discovering she was a witch she couldn't help but wonder if her life would have been better if she had never come to Hogwarts.

The days and nights since that horrific accident had been unbearable the slightest thing could, and did, set her off. She didn't like being this way, she didn't like treating her friends as she did, always keeping them at a distance never speaking to anyone, but what else was she to do? They wouldn't understand the thoughts and feelings she went through her mind without reason. Know one could. Well maybe someone, but he was the one who started it all. So she couldn't go to him right?

She wouldn't have gone to him willingly, but now with the headmaster's interference she had to. Wasn't it enough that she had to see him in class 4 days a week and once for a double? Why did they have to torture her like this? What had she done to deserve this? Did they think they were helping, cause they weren't? Were they insane? Were they working with him and the dark lord, in trying to make her go crazy? If that were the case, they were doing a fine job.

Then she spoke the password to enter the Gryffindor common room. It was bustling with activity. She ignored it all and headed for her dorm.

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"Well, Albus, Minerva, if you don't mind, I think I shall take my leave," stated the thoroughly defeated potions master as he rose from his seat and walked towards the floo.

"Not at all Severus my dear boy, not at all." Replied the jolly headmaster, his signature twinkle firmly in place.

"Night Severus, do try to get some rest dear you look like the un-dead," stated Minerva with a hint of concern.

"Albus, Minerva." The potion master spoke and gave a curt nod as the floo powder swept him away.

The room became silent, but not uncomfortably so. Professor McGonagall could be seen with a stern expression on her face, her mind racing with thoughts and doubts, and Professor Dumbledore with a similar expression, yet with a merry twinkle in his eyes, as though waiting for something. And that something came soon.

"Albus are you sure that was wise?" asked a concerned professor. "She hasn't talked to anyone since that night and you want to put her with the one who started this, for what? A way to drive her to the edge? Making her distance herself even further? Questioning her sanity?" she finished with a frantic tone

"My dear Minerva, please clam down. Now you know I would never do anything intentionally to hurt a student, or anyone else for that matter. Don't tell me you have lost faith in me already?" he asked jokingly, a twinkle visible in his vivid blue eyes.

"No Albus, I haven't," she replied seriously, "It's just that I think of Hermione as a daughter of sorts. She reminds me very much of myself at her age. I just want to protect her. But at the same time, as her teacher and head of house I must guide and support her. Its nearly impossible if she rarely speaks to me anymore, never tells me anything. I'm not sure how to look after her when she doesn't let me in. I'm at a loss on what to do. I just wanted her to be able to live a normal life after that night, but now her life is anything but. Unfortunately with Voldemort around, it hardly seems possible, even if that night had never occurred." Minerva replied placing her head in her hands and sighed in defeat.

"Hush now my love, All will be well in time, do not trouble yourself" Albus assured her, walking around his desk to stand in back of Minerva's chair he gently began stroking her back soothingly as to relax her. "In time all will be made right again. No need to burden yourself with my troubles," Albus replied gently "No, I do believe I am to blame and must right things on my own," he added sadly. But his sad smile faded and a small grin replaced it.

"Now, it is my understanding that being out after curfew could result in detentions. Isn't it about time for all good little head mistresses to return to their quarters?" Albus asked, grinning down at her playfully.

She smacked his arm playfully but replied seriously, "I probably should be going, I do, after all, have classes tomorrow." She stood slowly and headed towards the door, but turned back and added, "Promise me you won't stay up all night thinking." Minerva asked concern for him shining threw her serious face.

"What if I'm thinking about you?" he said, a mischievous glint shinning from behind his half-moon glasses.

She rolled her eyes in response, but was not able to hid a small smile that graced her lips.

He walked across the room and putting his arms around her gave her a peck on the forehead. She pushed him roughly away saying, "Get off me you old fool." Though the words were harsh she said them tenderly and Albus didn't let go. Instead his kissed her again.

"Goon night Albus," she said finally, a little tint gracing her cheeks. Then, quickly, she turned and disappeared out the door, waving a little goodbye.

"'Night my love sleep well for you will need your strength in the up coming weeks," The headmaster whispered quietly to the empty doorway.

Then moved back towards his desk for a long night of worrying.

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