A/N: Thank you sooooo much to every one that has reviewed, and alerted. You keep me motivated with writing this as there seems to be many brick walls that pop up out of no where on a regular basis. I'm working on the next chapter and hopefully it won't be too long before the next update.

I also want to give a huge thank you to by BETA PsychoSweetness for reading through this at such short notice and for putting up with me.

Just a side note before the story:: I am on Twitter as PaigeJoy1 I Tweet when I am working on something, have posted and am posting. Feel free to follow me on there :-)

Now, enough of my babble, one with the show!

Chapter Three: The Philosophers Stone Part 2

The first few months flew by for the people living at Hogwarts castle and Halloween was upon them quicker than any thought. It was a fairly normal day for most of the people at the castle. Hermione however, was having a pretty bad day. She was on her way to double Transfiguration when she heard Harry, Ron and another first year talking about her as they walked in front of her. She couldn't keep her tears in any longer and she fan forward, heading straight to the girls' bathroom. She didn't turn up for transfiguration and this caught the attention of Professor McGonagall. She kept a keen eye on the door of the classroom throughout the entire double lesson and when Hermione didn't appear by dinner, Minerva's heart was beating double speed and she was growing increasingly worried. She looked at her husband and grabbed his hand under the table to get his attention.

"What's wrong, my dear?"

"I haven't seen Hermione today."

"Didn't she have class with you before dinner?"

Minerva nodded. "She didn't turn up."

Albus nodded, a little worried himself, this was not like Hermione from he had been told. "Go and check the girl's bathroom and the dormitory. If she's not there then come to my office and I'll check for her through the wards."

Minerva nodded and stood. She headed straight for the girl's bathroom, but was stopped by a terrified Quirrell shouting about a troll. Minerva felt her heart enter her mouth and turned to face her husband who also had a scared look in his eyes. They were not scared for themselves, but for the children that they looked after and saw as their own.

"All prefects take the students up to the common rooms and stay there until your head of house comes to speak to you. Teachers go to the third floor and dungeon." Albus commanded.

"Albus," Minerva whispered. She was half way up the hall but Albus still heard her plea and nodded to her.

Minerva turned on her heel and all but ran to the girl's bathroom. She stopped dead at the door when she heard smashing, screaming and smelt a foul smell. She gasped when she realised that this is where the troll was, sent her patronus to her husband and barged in. The troll looked at her and threw a piece of wood at her, it skimmed her arm and she threw a stunner at the beast. It wasn't quite strong enough and when she just avoided being hit with a sink, she threw another stunner at the troll, this one much more powerful than the last and was not commonly used on humans unless they wanted to cause serious damage. The troll let go of the piece of wood that it was holding its hand and the corner hit Minerva's forehead, leaving a cut. She didn't care to look at it and see how deep either of her injuries were as Hermione was cowering in the far corner with her book bag held tightly to her chest, her eyes closed and tears falling down her cheeks. Minerva placed her wand safely back in her pocket and ran to the girl. She scooped her into her arms and held her close. Hermione relaxed into Minerva and continued to let her tears fall. Minerva kissed the top of her head and whispered to her and continued whispering and pressing kisses to her crown even when her husband had arrived with a number of other staff members.

Only when the other staff members left with the now bound and unconscious body of the troll, did Albus approach the two 'girls' that were sat on the floor cuddled up to each other. He crouched down in front of them and smiled. Minerva smiled back but Hermione didn't see him as her head was still buried in Minerva neck. Albus looked over his wife and frowned when he saw the two cuts, both still bleeding. He gently wiped his finger over both and they healed. He wanted to look at Hermione to make sure that she didn't have any injuries, but she wouldn't look up or loosen her grip on her professor.

"Are you okay Minerva?"

"I'm fine Albus; I'm much more worried about Hermione than myself."

Albus nodded. "I know. How about we take her up to Poppy to make sure she's okay."

Minerva looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded. Albus helped Minerva stand and took Hermione's book bag as he couldn't get Hermione to loosen her grip on Minerva, so he cast a feather-light charm on the girl so that Minerva wouldn't tire and walked next to Minerva with his free hand on the small of her back.

When they got to the hospital wing, Poppy managed to get Hermione to let go of Minerva long enough so that she could check that she was okay. She turned to Minerva and Albus once she had finished making sure the girl was okay. Hermione grabbed Minerva's hand and curled up.

"She's okay physically, but mentally I don't think she's taken the attack all too well."

"What can I do?"

"Talk to her. That's the only thing that can be done."

Minerva nodded and turned her attention to Hermione while Albus thanked Poppy and sent her on her way. He sat on edge of the bed and held Hermione's free hand and Minerva's free hand.

"Hermione," he said gently. Hermione looked up. "How are you feeling?"

"Scared. Confused." She went to say something else, but stopped.

Albus glanced at Minerva and she had noticed too. "Would you like to stay in my guest room tonight, Hermione?" Minerva asked softly. She dared a glance at her husband and was surprised to find understanding in his eyes.

Hermione nodded. "I don't want to be a burden though," she whispered.

"You could never be a burden, Kitten." The endearment slipped and Minerva mentally kicked herself for it. "Let's get you to bed shall we?"

Hermione nodded and with the help of Minerva stood. Minerva held her hand the whole way and Albus followed behind. He decided he would stay with Minerva tonight but making sure that Hermione didn't see him do so. The walk up to Minerva's quarters was quiet, but at least Hermione know knew where they were in case she ever needed Minerva. She may not sleep in them, but she had a charm set up so that she could pass between her rooms and Albus when she needed to. When they reached the magical portrait of the Scottish highlands, Minerva gave the password and led Hermione and Albus into the living room.

"Are you hungry, Hermione?" Hermione shook her head. "Okay, is there anything you would like to do before going to bed?"

Hermione thought for a moment before deciding if she wanted to do anything or not. "I'd like to get my muggle note book and do some writing," she whispered.

"Okay. Will you be okay here with Professor Dumbledore while I go and get it?"

Hermione nodded and watched Minerva walk out of the room. Albus took a seat next to the girl and Hermione leaned into him slightly. Albus looked quizzically at the girl and she sat up and starred into the fire. Minerva arrived back and handed Hermione the things she had asked for.

"Thank you," Hermione whispered. "Could you show me to my room please?"

"Of course." Minerva held her hand and led her to the guest room which was next to her own bedroom. "Get some sleep, Hermione. Just shout if you need me, okay."

"Okay," she whispered. She smiled at her professor a little before stepping into the room and sitting on the bed.

"Good night, Kitten." Minerva said from the doorway.

"Good night," Hermione whispered back.

Minerva smiled at Hermione before closing the door. She made sure that no spells had been cast on the room and made it so that the young girl couldn't cast any. Sighing, she turned on her heel and headed back to the living room where her husband was waiting for her with a steaming cup of tea in his hands. He handed it to his wife and she smiled in thanks before taking a long drink. She was stressed and worried and desperately needed her husband to hold her, so once they had finished their tea, Minerva took hold of Albus' hand and led him to her bedroom. They very rarely stayed in these rooms but Minerva now knew that she would stay in the more often as she could see Hermione staying on a regular basis, at least for a little while.

Once both husband and wife had stripped themselves of their clothing and donned their evening wear, they slid between the sheets and curled up to each other. Minerva rested her head on Albus' chest and Albus wrapped his arms tightly and lovingly around his wife.

"Do you want to talk about anything Min?"

"I'm not sure Albus," she sighed. "I'm just so worried about what could happen this year. I mean, how on earth did a troll get onto the grounds let along inside the castle. The only answer to that I've managed to come up with; is that someone in the castle is either planning something or has something planned. And that scares me Albus."

"I know love, I know. I'm going to do my very best to find out how it got in and who let it in and why."

Minerva nodded. "I hope Hermione's going to be okay."

"You feel for the girl, don't you?"

Minerva nodded (she seemed to be doing that a lot lately). "I don't know what it is Albus; I just have this feeling in my heart. I feel like I have to protect her from something and to love her. I don't think she gets that at home," Minerva whispered.

"Don't worry love. You do what you think is best for her, but don't forget to look after yourself too."

"You won't let me do that." Minerva smiled and leaned up and lovingly kissed Albus.

"You're right I won't." Albus kissed Minerva again.

"I'm going to speak to Hermione tomorrow, is there any chance you could cover my first two lessons?"

"Of course, love. And if you need any more time, just let me know, okay?"

Minerva nodded. "I love you Al."

"I love you too Min. Sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams."

The pair kissed good night before both fell asleep.

~0~0~

Albus shot up in bed as he felt the wards ripple. Minerva too shot up as her husband did.

"Albus, are you alright?"

"Someone's found the mirror," he whispered.

"Go on." Minerva kissed his cheek and pushed him out of the bed. "Just change your clothes!" she called after him. Minerva rolled her eyes as she watched her husband transfigure his night wear as he marched smartly out of the room. She flopped back on the bed and tried to get herself back to sleep. After an hour, Albus still hadn't arrived back and Minerva couldn't get herself back to sleep, so, she decided that a night time walk in her cat form would tire her out a little. She wrote a kick note and left it on Albus' pillow so that he would see it when he returned and headed off. She walked aimlessly, not getting a single bit tired. She closed off her mind and let her feet do the walking. She stopped when she came upon the Mirror of Eirsid(sp). She became her human form and stood in front of it so that she could see what it was showing her. She gasped and a few tears fell down her cheeks at the image of her, Albus and Hermione smiling at each other. Minerva had her arms wrapped tightly around Hermione and Hermione kissed her on the cheek before Minerva straightened up and Albus kissed her passionately before pressing a kiss to her flat stomach. With a heavy heart and a busy mind, Minerva once more became her cat self and went back to her rooms. Albus was in bed reading when Minerva came in and he held her through the night as she slept, images of Hermione flashing behind her eyelids for the rest of the dark evening. This was Minerva's routine for the next few nights, until Albus found her one evening and all but dragged her back to their rooms.

"I'm moving the mirror tomorrow love. And you can't go looking for it."

"Okay."

"Why have you been going Minerva? What is it showing you that you could want so much?"

"Me, you and ..."

"And?" Minerva said nothing but Albus clicked. "It shows us with Hermione, doesn't it?"

Minerva nodded. "As a family at McGonagall Manor," she whispered.

Albus brought Minerva into his arms and held her tight. "We cannot take her from her parents, Min."

"I know, but I know a neglected child when I see one."

"When she comes to you, wanting to be taken away from her parents, then we will take her in, okay?"

Minerva nodded and closed her eyes. With a sigh, Albus picked his wife up and took her to bed, hoping that she would get some sleep and not go looking for the mirror the next night. He knew what the mirror could do and did to people and dearly hoped that Minerva did too so that she would try to find it to make herself happy.

~0~0~

Hermione was sat in the library doing a little light reading to pass away the evening. She had finished her homework and was trying to figure out what could be so important that it was being kept at Hogwarts and guarded by a three-headed-dog. She was sat in the common room the night before and had listened to what they were talking about. She wanted to tell them off for going there after the warning that they had received at the beginning of the year. A name caught her eye and she turned her attention from her thoughts to the heavy book that was lay on the table in front of her.

"Nicholas Flamel," she whispered to herself. Her eyes flew across the page and her eyebrows flew into her hair line when she recognised the object which he had created and was using with his wife to live for longer than any other witch or wizard. Hermione realised that this was a very real and the most likely possibility of what could be hidden at Hogwarts and protected by a three-headed-dog. Her brain was working as quick as it could and once everything on the page had been read, Hermione needed to know if she had gotten it right or not, so she decided that after dinner the next day, she would go and speak to Minerva.

Meanwhile, Minerva was curled up in Albus' chair in front of the blazing fire. Albus had been called away by the ministry again, but this time, he didn't know when he would be back and Minerva hated not knowing. She had plenty of work to throw herself into, but it always took a day or two for her to get used to him not being about and having to sleep in her own of a night. Yes he had left before, but the uncertainty of this trip was what was getting to Minerva, even if he did have his hand mirror with him so that they could talk when he was able to. Eventually, Minerva fell into a restless sleep.

The next morning, Minerva awoke with a start. The sun was shining brightly through the living room window and Minerva jumped up, pulling her back as she did so. It wasn't until her mind cleared, did she remember what day it was and sent up a silent prayer for it being Saturday, Slowly, so as not to hurt her back any more, she went about her morning routine.

Hermione awoke a lot later than normal, even for a weekend. She glanced at her muggle watch (which she had managed to get working around magic), and gasped when she saw that is was passed breakfast but no-where near lunch, so after showering and dressing, she went to the kitchens. When she got to the kitchens, she put her small order in with the house-elves and took a seat at the table. Little did she know that one of the house-elves had gone up to Minerva to inform her that Hermione was in the kitchens and didn't look rested in the slightest. Sighing, Minerva headed down to the kitchens and arrived just as Hermione was given her food. She sat in front of the younger woman and her usual breakfast was placed in front of her.

"Good morning, Hermione."

Hermione was startled by her mentor. "Good morning Professor."

"How're you feeling?"

"Good, yourself?"

"I'm okay." There was a short silence between them before Minerva spoke again, "Why are you wearing a glamour, Hermione?"

Hermione froze. "How -"

"I can see through it."

Hermione hung her head and pushed her food away. Tears burned the back of her eyes and she struggled to hold them back, but the fear of looking weak kept her quiet and stopped the tears from falling.

Minerva reached across the table and held Hermione's hands in her own. "Speak to me, Kitten. I'm worried about you."

"Why?" it was whispered but load and clear to Minerva.

"Because I care about you."

"Really?"

"Yes Hermione, really." Minerva smiled at the young girl. "How about we finish eating and then go and spend the day in my chambers? We can talk, or read, or play chess together."

Hermione nodded and picked at her plate again and Minerva did the same. Neither wanted to eat, but both knew that they had to. They sat in silence and ate a little for ten minutes before deciding that they had both had enough and Minerva led Hermione to her chambers. They both sat on the sofa next to the fire with Hermione closest to the glowing warmth.

"What do you want to do Hermione?"

"Can we talk about what is being guarded by the three-headed-dog?"

Reluctantly, Minerva nodded. "What do you want to know?"

"Well, I made a list of possibilities. Top of the list -" she was cut off by Minerva.

"How do you know about Fluffy?"

"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley don't talk as quietly as they think they do."

"Did any one else hear?"

Hermione shook her head. "I was curled up in the chair by the fire under my fleecy blanket. I don't think they noticed me. If they did they must have thought I was asleep."

Minerva sighed. "Those boys are going to cause me trouble by the end of the year."

Hermione giggled and turned to face Minerva. "Want me to listen out for any thing?"

"It's be helpful, but don't you have any one to talk to or 'hang out' with?"

"Just you, but I guess you don't count."

Minerva shook her head and then did something that she had never done before, she opened her arms and brought Hermione in for a hug. "You're more than welcome to come and find me throughout the day, or night, if you need me."

"Thank you." Hermione relaxed into Minerva and smiled at the safe feeling that the older woman gave her.

"Now what do you think is on the third floor?"

"You mean apart from Fluffy?"

Minerva chuckled. "Yes."

"The philosophers' stone. It was created by Nicholas Flamel and it contain the elixir of life which makes someone immortal. Both Flamel and his wife have used it and are celebration their 900th birthday."

Minerva smiled lightly. "You're right, but you have to swear to me that you won't tell a single soul, living or dead."

"I swear.!

For the rest of the day Minerva and Hermione kept each other fairly happy. Minerva noticed that Albus wasn't around, but it hurt a little less with having Hermione around. Hermione had forgotten all about the letter she had received from her parents the previous night as Minerva kept her smiling and laughing. It was a very good day for both women.

~0~0~

A few nights later, Minerva was patrolling the corridors of the castle making sure that there were no wondering students. As she was nearing her chambers, she quiet literary bumped into Hermione. She was shaking and crying, so Minerva brought her into her arms and held her for a brief moment before leading her the short way into her chambers and into the guest room where they sat on the bed.

"Hermione, kitten, what's wrong?"

"Don't make me go."

"Go where?"

"Home next week."

"Don't worry, I won't." Minerva rubbed her hands up and down her back to sooth her. She wanted to ask questions on why she didn't want to go home, but held her tongue knowing that she was upset enough. "Lay down, Kitten," Minerva whispered and she did so, but kept a tight hold on Minerva's hand.

"Stay with me?"

Minerva shrugged off her dressing gown and lay on the bed with Hermione and held her. She sung a soft lullaby to her until she was fast asleep. Minerva pressed a kiss to her hand mirror and placed it on the bedside table before closing her eyes and losing herself to dreams of Hermione as her daughter.

The next morning, both Hermione and Minerva slept through the sun rise and well into the morning. At 10am, Albus arrived back at the castle. He headed to 'his' chambers looking for Minerva, but she wasn't about, so he headed down to her chambers. He crept silently in, just in case she was working. He checked the spare bedroom last as she sometimes stayed in there while he was away. The sight that was before him brought tears to his eyes. He made a mental note to take this from his pensive and make it into a photo for both his wife and Hermione. He sat on the edge of Minerva's side of the bed and brushed a lose strand of hair from her face. Minerva stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled widely when she saw Albus sat next to her.

"Good morning, love," he whispered.

"Good morning," she whispered back. She glanced at Hermione before raising her hand slightly for a kiss. Albus obliged and pecked her lips. "Are you okay?"

"I am. How about you?"

"I am now." She smiled.

"And what about our Hermione?"

It was a slip of the tongue but it pulled at her heart. "She's okay for the moment, I think. We'll talk about it later."

"Okay." Albus pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll be in the living room."

Minerva nodded and turned to wake Hermione up.

Over the next few days, Hermione stayed as close to Minerva as possible and she stayed in Minerva's guest room more and more until she was practically living there. Of a night, Minerva lay in her bed with Albus, both of them knowing that Hermione was hurting, but neither were able to do anything as neither had any proof of any thing that was happening to her.

~0~0~

Just two days before the end of the school tear, Harry and Ron decided to go to what they had dubbed, Fluffy's chambers and see what could be so important that it was being guarded at Hogwarts and by a three-headed-dog. Hermione overheard their plan and decided to follow and sit with Fluffy in case the pair were in danger. There was no doubt in her mind that there was something dangerous down the trap door as she didn't think it would be as easy as jumping down and picking up the stone and climbing back out again. So, that night, Hermione wrote a note for Minerva and left it on her pillow before leaving.

Meanwhile, Minerva's with Albus in his rooms. Minerva had just been published again and they were celebrating. Minerva had greatly missed making love to Albus and Albus had greatly missed pleasuring her. For hours they made love, each making up for missed time. While they catching their breath, Minerva felt like something was seriously wrong. She tensed and Albus noticed.

"What's wrong, Tabby?"

"I'm not sure. I think Hermione's in trouble. Are the wards around Fluffy still standing."

"No." Albus answered after a moment.

Both felt guilt leech into their hearts as they hurridly got dressed before throwing on their clothes and going through to Minerva's room where Hermione was sleeping. Minerva checked Hermione's bed and found the note on her pillow.

Professors,

I've gone to the third floor corridor on the right to make sure that Mr's Potter and Weasley don't run into any danger.

Hermione x

Minerva was shocked for all of a second before she sent her patronus off to the right people and all but ran down to the third floor corridor. Albus and Minerva had no problems getting through all of the obstacles as Albus had the 'overriding' charm and they paused briefly to survey each room and when they got to Minerva's giant chess set, they saw Hermione in one corner curled up on her side and not far from her was Ronald Weasley with a seemingly broken leg. Harry was no-where to be seen.

Albus turned to Minerva. "You get Hermione and Mr Weasley to the hospital wing and I'll keep going and find Harry."

Minerva nodded and squeezed his hand. "Be careful and stay in one piece."

"Promise." He pressed a brief kiss to her forehead and was gone.

Minerva went over to Hermione first to check that she okay. She had a bad bruise on her head and couldn't move as she felt nauseous. She went to Ron and have him the once over before mending his leg with a flick on her wand.

"Can you walk Mr Weasley?" Ron nodded and stood and Minerva picked Hermione up in her arms. "Follow me Mr Weasley." Minerva led him through a passage way to the hospital wing where Poppy was waiting for them. Ron was ordered to a bed to rest as he was okay, and Minerva placed Hermione on a bed so Poppy could look over her. The list that Poppy was given by a spell included all of Hermione's previous injuries as well as her current ones. Minerva read the floating list and could only imagine what the girl had went through to get some of the injuries that were listed.

A few minutes later, Poppy turned to Minerva. "I've put a light sleeping charm on her so she'll rest and the potions will work quickly and be as powerful as they can be."

"Thank you Poppy."

"It's okay."

Minerva opened the curtains around Hermione's bed a little so that she could see when Albus arrived and took a seat next to Hermione's bed and her hand. She really needed a hug from her husband. For half an hour, she sat and thought about things; ranging from why she hadn't realised Hermione was in danger for hours to when she could take Hermione in as her own and would her husband come back safe and when would they be able to be out in the open.. He mind was busy and unorganised and she didn't care to sort it out as she usually would have, if she had done so, then she wouldn't have missed Albus coming into the Hospital Wing.

Minerva jumped a mile when she felt familiar hands on her shoulders.

"It's just me love," Albus whispered and pressed a kiss to her crown.

Minerva turned her head and smiled at her husband. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, love."

Minerva nodded. "Good."

"How's Hermione?"

"I'm not sure. Poppy gave her a lot of potions when I brought her in and put a light sleeping charm on her so she could he heal quicker than normal."

Albus nodded and extended the chair and sat next to Minerva, an arm around her waist. "She'll be fine, Tabby. She's strong."

"I know."

Little did Minerva and Albus know, Hermione had opened her eyes and smiling at the sight of her two favourite Professors with their foreheads pressed together. She closed her eyes as she watched them kiss lightly.

"I do believe that Hermione is awake now, love."

"Why?"

"She had her eyes open."

Panic rose in Minerva and she turned quickly to Hermione. "But -"

"Don't worry, I won't tell," Hermione whispered in a raspy voice.

Minerva helped her sit up and passed her a drink of water.

"I know you won't Hermione." Albus replied, hoping that Minerva too would reassure the girl.

Minerva just pulled her seat closer to the bed and ran her fingers through Hermione's locks. She pressed a light kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad you know," she whispered so only Hermione could hear.

Hermione smiled and grabbed Hermione's hand and held it tight. She forgot everything when she was with Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore. They made her feel safe.

~0~0~

The next day the children left on the Hogwarts Express for London. As like every other year that Minerva and Albus had been at Hogwarts as members of staff, they went down to Hogsmeade platform and saw them off. They stood as close to each other as they dared and Minerva kept a keen eye out for Hermione who seemed a little down at breakfast. Minerva spotted her and went over to her.

"Hermione, are you okay?"

"I'm fine Professor."

"Are you sure?"

Hermione shook her head. "I don't want to go."

"Why Kitten?"

Hermione shook her head sharply. "I told them I wouldn't tell."

Minerva nodded and brought her into a hug. "You send me as many letters as you want. And it's Minerva. Okay?"

Hermione nodded. "How can I send you letters?"

"Just write it and say Pippin and my house-elf will come and get it from you okay. I'll write back and she will leave it on your bed, okay?"

Hermione nodded. "Thank you, Minerva," she whispered.

"You're welcome, Kitten," she whispered back. "Now, go get on the train, you send for me if you want me."

Hermione nodded and hugged Minerva once more, before she bounced over to the train, feeling a little better.

Minerva watched as Hermione got onto the train and obviously found an empty compartment as she stood at the window and waved. Minerva waved back and continued to do so as she walked over to Albus who too was waving.

"I'm going to miss her."

"I think I will too. She's a bright girl."

"Indeed she is, Albus. Indeed she is."

Once the train was out of sight, Minerva took a step to Albus and he wrapped his arms around her and apperated them to their chambers. Minerva fell onto the sofa and closed her eyes.

"What a year."

"I think they're only going to get worse."

Minerva groaned don't say that, Albus."

"Sorry love."

"It's okay." Minerva moved and snuggled close to Albus and he started to run his hands over her body. She relaxed into him and her last cohort thought was 'I hope to Merlin Hermione's okay'.

To Be Continued ...