Hermione sighed as she sat on the bench in front of the piano. Her mind was racing. She could see the opportunity in front of her, to be loved by someone, for someone to take care of her, comfort her. It was so appealing, so beautiful to her weary heart.
Minerva had been there for Hermione through all of her schooling, helped her. She had treated her like she was more than just a smart girl who excelled at her lessons and could recite more spells than some seventh years. She didn't get that smirk that professors at her muggle schools did. Minerva didn't see Hermione in that light, she saw her as a small terrified girl whose parents where making a huge mistake.
Minerva sat on her bed reading, two doors down from the black and white keys of the piano, listening to Hermione play. The sweet melody a mixture of melancholy and utter happiness, blended together to form the piece. It spoke of a heart torn by people's hate. It brought years to Minerva's eyes as she felt the pain that Hermione did, felt the joy Hermione's hands played, felt the waver of Hermione's heart.
Minerva sighed, as pleasant as the songs were they would need to rise very early in the morning to file the second motion of papers. Rising she walked down to the other room opening the door easily she walked up behind the small girl, gently resting her hands against her shoulders.
"It's a big decision, I know. It's goin' ta be hard ta choose, but I hope you'll choose ta live with me."
"... If I told you yes this very instant that I wanted to be your daughter, would regret making your offer?"
"The only way that I would ever regret making that offer is if it got you hurt... If you said yes this very instant to for all intents and purposes, would you regret saying yes?"
"No... never," came the quiet reply.