Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, they of course belong too a miss JK Rowling that we all know and love or we wouldn't be writing these tributes of sorts.

Authors notes: I know i know i'm sorry i haven't posted this sooner, but i misplaced my disc and only found it this morning so have spent the day editing and heres the next chapter, abnd i promise not to leave it too long before i post the next up, as i'm on holiday next week, so will be writing a lot more, plus the new film, and the upcomming final book have inspired me to get my butt in gear again.

as i've said before, this story contains abuse by a parent, and hints at a possible FF/FF relationship in the future chapters so if any of this disturbs you, you know not to read on.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story if you do get any further than the line, and please do review - review mine and I review yours .

Minervarulez xx

Chapter 6 – A promise

After gathering what seemed like a million books on human and animal transfiguration Hermione and Minerva sat at opposite sides of one of the three study tables in the library.

"What are you researching professor?" Hermione asked

"Well theres been a new theory on human transfiguration I wanted to look up any book I could find and see if it had any basis in truth, the theory hasn't been published yet I've been asked to proof it" Minerva said looking at the concentration on Hermione's face brought a slight smile to Minerva's lips.

"Whats the theory?" Hermione asked – ever the student Minerva thought straight in with the questions, at least she's talking with me.

"Well the main form of human transfiguration is Anmagi as you know – but for years there has been many theories of other methods – wand usage, potions etc but this new theory combining wand usage and potions seems to look plausible Jebifold Batchholk seems to think that combining these will change you into either a mammal, bird or amphibian? I for one am not convinced anyway I've been asked to review these findings" Minerva smiled "Hense all the books"

"Ok so what do you want me to do?" Hermione asked

"Well you can help me look through all these books, see if you can find anything about moon phases influencing human transfiguration, or wand usage and potions" Minerva said picking up a book and handing it to her " Start with this one?"

With that the two of them got to work – Minerva had gathered rolls of parchment on their way up from her room, they sat taking notes for hours before Minerva had looked at the time piece on the wall "Oh good grief is that the time – we should call it a day I think and start again in the morning after breakfast?" Minerva suggested

Hermione nodded letting out a slight yawn as she rolled up her pieces of parchment and handing them to Minerva

"I'll look through these in the morning" she smiled "Leave the books where they are Hermione we'll need them in the morning" she said a little sterner than she had intended she had noticed that she had started to tidy them into a pile read for them to be put away.

"I'm sorry …..please don't hit me" came the frightened outburst from Hermione which took Minerva by surprise as she looked at the young woman in front of her who was now in tears.

"Hermione…….I'd never hit you or anyone……..why?" she said cautiously

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to"

"Mean to what Hermione you have done nothing wrong?" Minerva was concerned about her reaction she placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder gently only to cause Hermione to pull away from her quickly "Whats the matter?, Hermione has someone hurt you?" Minerva found herself asking getting slightly upset at the thought.

"I...I ...I need to go" Hermione said getting up "I'll see you tomorrow" she said as she raced from the room nearly knocking molly over as she ran down the corridor.

Molly entered the library and found Minerva standing in shock, "Minerva dear whats the matter?"

"Molly i don't know, she seemed to think i was angry with her, she reacted as if i was going to hit her" Minerva replied slowing beginning to put a few pieces together "Molly, her father" she said before rushing out of the room in direction of the girls room leaving a confused Molly Weasley in her wake. Once she reached the door she waited for a few minutes before knocking gently.

"Go away" came Hermione's muffled reply from behind the door.

"Hermione please let me come in, i need to talk to you" Minerva waited silently, and was relieved when she heard footsteps towards the door.

Hermione opened the door and looked up at her, her face wet with tears "I'm Sorry for making you angry professor"

"Hermione dear, you did nothing of the sort" Minerva said "May i come in?"

Hermione moved aside to let Minerva in. Hermione however remained by the door after she had closed it.

Minerva sat down at the chair by the desk "Hermione, what did he do?"

Hermione looked at her blankly

"Ok you don't have to tell me anything now, but please understand, that i would never do anything to hurt you ever, i care about you and I'm worried that your not talking to anyone. Its obvious there is something you are hiding, and i just wanted to let you know I'm here when your ready to talk" Minerva said, trying to keep as calm as possible trying not to let her voice falter in anyway (it hurt her to see Hermione so upset).

Hermione ran to her and threw her arms around Minerva's neck hugging into her tightly tears falling fast. "Hey its ok" Minerva said quietly trying to comfort the young woman in her arms. After Hermione had calmed down a little and pulled away Minerva decided it was time to leave.

"Professor, can i give you something?" Hermione asked, Minerva nodded and Hermione went to her case and pulled out a tattered looking book and handed it to her

Minerva looked down at the book now in her hands "Hermione are you sure you want me to read this?" Minerva asked and Hermione nodded "Ok, I'll read it tonight, then tomorrow if your feeling up to it we'll talk?"

Hermione looked a little apprehensive but she nodded her head slightly.

"Tomorrow" Minerva said heading down the corridor.

Minerva paced her room for several Hours trying to decide whether to open the diary Hermione gave her, she didn't feel comfortable reading her diary, but then again a part of her was dying to find out what was wrong and to start to be able to help. It wasn't until well after 11 that Minerva sat down in her chair with the book and began to read, the first entry was dated for the second day of the holidays, they day she found out her mother was dying, how angry she was that no one had bothered to write to her and let her know what was happening. The next was dated the day of her mothers funeral, and how her father had hit her for being upset. There were a few more entries detailing more beatings each one worse than the one before – she was close to tears but forced herself to read on, she was hurting for Hermione and hurting because she didn't do anything to stop it. The last entry was the worst and Minerva couldn't finish it – how could have done that to his own daughter. At least now Minerva understood the way Hermione had been reacting around certain people.

Minerva went into her washroom and washed the tears from her face and got ready for bed, knowing she was in fro a sleepless night she got into bed and lay there staring at the ceiling. It was hours later when she was stirred from her thoughts by Screams coming from the upper floor. She got out of bed grabbing her dressing gown as she dashed from the room almost being knocked over by Molly and Tonks running down the hall. "Whats going on?" Minerva asked as she followed them.

"We don't know Hermione doesn't talk to us about her nightmares" Molly said, and Minerva understood what was going on.

"Molly i know whats going on let me deal with it" Minerva said, and she could tell that Molly was only more than happy to let Minerva get on with it, for she and Tonks had witnessed this the night before. They stood at the door and waited in silence, they were soon joined by the others.

Minerva approached Hermione slowly, it was clear she was still in the middle of her nightmare, so to startle her would only make it worse for both of them. "Hermione dear" she whispered softly "Its Professor McGonagall, its just a dream sweetheart, wake up for me" Minerva continued talking softly until Hermione calmed down enough for Minerva to wake her. "Hermione wake up dear your all right"

Hermione woke slowly a little startled to find Minerva so close to her, but she relaxed quickly and broke down into uncontrollable tears. "Its ok Hermione your safe, I'm not going to let anyone hurt you anymore i promise" Hermione looked up at her with watery eyes her gratitude obviously there hidden behind her pain.

Well there it was, hope you enjoyed it, i'll not leave it so long next time i promise.

Minervarulez