This second part of the story would not have been possible without Refreshingly Original who helped me realize that the story wasn't as complete as I thought it was and convinced me that this second part was possible.

This has been Beta'd by Michy Drarry Shipper

I hope that you guys enjoy it.

Professor McGonagall was in her usual spot at the staff table in the Great Hall. Minerva had found that over time and as she aged, meals were getting more and more irritating. The loud chatting of the students and the disgraceful behaviour that was often shown during these periods always grated on her nerves. She could not understand for the life of her why they could not just sit there and eat their food quietly and respectfully. It was made worse by the Slytherins and Gryffindors sitting directly opposite each. She would love to find out whose genius idea that had been. Although, she should be glad that it was a bit quieter now that Potter and Malfoy had left. Honestly, the fights they would get into! It was nearly enough to make her eyes roll just thinking about it.

"Professor McGonagall, I was wondering if you had a minute to talk about the assignment that you gave out yesterday," a voice said, interrupting her musing.

"Of course, Miss Elliot, what is it that you would like to ask?" This student was a reminder of Hermione for Minerva. Interacting with Miss Elliot and other students made McGonagall realise what a great impact the war had on students that she had previously taught, especially Miss Granger.

"I was wondering about the different types of transformations that we should be putting in our essay. Should we try to list them or choose a few and do an in-depth analysis of what they are and how they work?"

"It is up to you, Miss Elliot. That is what this assignment is about; you exploring the different types of transformations and informing me about them. Some, I know, will choose only one or two to write about, however this is only an introduction into the subject and when we move on this will allow the students to present what they have learnt to the class. I did say that the idea was to choose one or two, however you can do as many as you want as long as it is with-," McGonagall broke off as she stared in shock at what was in front of her. It was not a fight for once, no, this time it was a colleague. Miss Elliot looked at McGonagall's shocked expression, but she could not understand why her professor was looking so bewildered. She looked around and found that it was Professor Granger that Professor McGonagall was looking at in such a dazed manner. Miss Elliot could not see any reason for McGonagall's reaction. Professor Granger had only changed her hair colour, what was so amazing about that? It does look very nice though, Elliot thought to herself. It was an obvious dark chocolate colour that brought out Hermione's eyes and made her look pale, which was weird as Elliot had never thought that Professor Granger was pale, however nor would she have called her tanned. Elliot shrugged and turned back to McGonagall. She didn't know if she should say anything or just wait for McGonagall to come back to herself.

Minerva herself was having a different difficulty. She could not believe that Hermione would dye her hair after the conversation that they had had the other night. It did look very nice, McGonagall grudgingly admitted to herself, although personally she preferred Hermione's natural hair colour. Then again, McGonagall would always find Hermione beautiful no matter what. It wasn't Hermione's looks that McGonagall found attractive, it was her personality, her knowledge and her drive, which had created that situation. An awful situation, McGonagall thought. Hermione was way too young for her and probably viewed her as a mother type figure as many of her other students had, especially those that were in her house and were muggle born/raised as she had to help them a great deal more to adapt to the situation that they were suddenly placed in.

"Professor," came Elliot's hesitate voice which caused McGonagall to snap out of it. She quickly straightened herself out.

"Yes, as I was saying, it doesn't matter as long as it is within the word restrictions and you are able to talk about at least one of these to the class," McGonagall said calmly. She found that if you act as if you didn't take notice of accidents then they never become big deals. She threw another glance at Hermione. She looked so strange with the colour. McGonagall couldn't say that it didn't suit her, however she didn't like that it wasn't her natural colour. How was she going to get her to change it back?

"Oh, I think that I might do all of them as then you can call me up in front of the class in case someone hasn't done one," Elliot smiled.

"That would be a wonderful idea, Miss Elliot," McGonagall said as she noticed that Hermione was coming toward her. Elliot left confused about what just happened. It was none of her business and she had an assignment to do after all she had certainly left it too late.

"Good morning," Hermione smiled at McGonagall.

"Good morning," McGonagall replied as she started to leave. Hermione glanced back at her. She had started to think that maybe McGonagall was going to say something. She had felt a flare of hope when McGonagall looked at her for those few precious seconds as she had entered the Hall. That was dashed away now. She would move on, she was a strong woman. McGonagall was thinking much along the same lines as she stalked out of the hall. If only she were a few years younger than…there is no point in thinking about maybes, McGonagall sighed softly.