Yeah! Over ONE HUNDRED reviews. That's great. At this time I'd like to thank the following for reviewing. GraciesMom, puppylove09, boston blue, SerenaoftheWolves, minerva's-kitten, domenica13, kttykiwi, Maria, horcuxhorror, connieLover, Thegirlinthegreyscarf, Tink607, Associate Professor Evil, ladygoddes 8, Areej, marbleandtoast, Poppinswannabe, , jessirose85, crowned tiger, nightangel1220, Amacra,and eternal vampire. Thank you again.
Also Areej, and nightangel1220 you both may kill Hermione's parents and hurt them, after this chapter. However you both have to share them as you both asked.
Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize.
Hermione glared at Mrs. Gryhop as the women led her and her parents to the ministry car that pulled up at the house. She was talking to Mr. and Mrs. Granger about the court procedures. Hermione had only listened to part of this as she sat in the back seat of the car. She decided that the best course of action would be to trust Minerva to keep her safe. She rubbed the bruise on her stomach, and gave a slight smile. Minerva would win. Mrs. Granger reached over and drew Hermione to her into a half hug. They were back to the pretend to be loving parents role. Hermione remembered a time when she loved going to public functions so that her parents would act like this. They would hug her and kiss her and act like she was the best daughter in the world. It was only till Minerva came around that Hermione found out what it was really like to be loved. She couldn't wait to see Minerva again.
Minerva McGonagall paced the small room outside of courtroom eleven. Thankfully the case wouldn't be broadcasted to all of the Wizengomet. Only a small group would be making the decision. She was also happy that Albus decided as chief Wizengomet to preside over the case. She knew he would be impartial but she also knew that he would vote in her favor because the evidence was in her favor. It didn't stop her nerves though. Albus came in a few seconds later.
"Are you all right?" He asked, he was already in his ceremonially robes. She pulled her hair which Albus suggested she keep her hair down to look more material.
"I'll be fine, it's Hermione I'm worried about." She pulled at her hair some more. "I wish I could see her and reassure her before this starts." She told him. He looked impartial, and turned to leave.
"You know I think they arrived, their being held down the hall till it starts." He said with a smile. She looked up sharply to find Albus gone with the door open. Realizing she wouldn't have much time she transformed into her cat form. She padded out room.
Hermione was sitting in a chair swinging her legs. She felt nervous at what was about to happen. Mrs. Granger and Mr. Granger were in another corner of the room still talking to Mrs. Gryhop. Hermione was only to glad to be ignored. She stomach groaned again. She was so hungry. What she would give to have some of Albus's pasta with the special sauce. She trusted Minerva but she felt so nervous that Minerva would lose and she would be stuck with her parents. She had no idea how the ministry of magic operated. They could be horribly corrupt for all she knew. Hermione pulled her legs up and hugged them. The sooner this was over the better.
She put her head into her legs and stayed there till she felt a slight pressure on her legs. Thinking it to be one of her parents she ignored it. She felt it again and looked down. Sitting before her was a tabby cat with strange markings around its eyes. Hermione bent down to pet it. It looked very familiar to Hermione. The cat jumped up into Hermione's lap and licked her hand. It then turned to look at Hermione and gave her a very familiar look. Hermione's eyes widened in shook. She beamed at the cat who started purring and rubbed against Hermione. Hermione hugged the cat tightly before letting go afraid she would hurt it. It jumped to the floor and with its paws wrote something in the dirt. It said two days. Hermione giggled and sat on the floor with the cat rubbing its back until a voice called out.
"Hermione you stup. . . 're getting your dress all dirty, get off the floor. And stop playing with that cat it probably hasn't had shots." Mrs. Granger said walking over to pull Hermione off the floor. "You'll catch something." When she thought no one was looking Mrs. Granger glared at her daughter. The cat got up and hissed at Mrs. Granger. Mrs. Granger glared at the cat and aimed a kick at it. It scratched Mrs. Granger on the leg. The cat ran out of the room.
"What type of place is this, letting cats run around like a yard." Mrs. Granger hissed. Mrs. Gryhop came right over to heal her leg and Hermione gave a little laugh. Soon they were admitted into the courtroom.
Minerva was already sitting on her side of the courtroom when the Grangers came in. She sent Hermione a slight smile. They separated Hermione from her parents and had her sit in the middle of the circular room. Hermione trembled slightly at the look from some of the members of the Wizengomet. Albus called the court to attention.
"We are here today to determine custody of Miss Hermione Jane Granger. Miss Minerva Athena McGonagall is challenging Mr. John Michael Granger and Jane Ellen Granger for their right to be the guardians of Miss Granger. We will start the preceding with the prosecution." He nodded in Minerva's direction. "Then the defendants will have a chance to say their part. Then both will be allowed to make a 3 minute rebuttal. Miss McGonagall if you may." He gestured to her and sat down. She stood up.
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore." She walked in front of Hermione and started to address the court. "Hello, let's get straight to the point. On December 22, I arrived at the Granger's house for my pre scheduled visit to talk to Miss Granger's parents about what's going on at Hogwarts." Their was a collective nod from the court, they knew there had been problems going on at Hogwarts. "When I arrived Miss Granger opened the door to let me in. At the time I assumed nothing was wrong. Miss Granger told me that her parents were at work, I told her I would come back later." She paused for dramatic effect. "When I went back later I became very worried. I arrived at the house to find it pitch black dark. I knocked but after waiting a few minutes I became worried and let myself in. I made it to the living room and Hermione appeared, and well . . . she looked horrible. I hadn't noticed it earlier because I had a warming charm on myself, but that house was freezing. Hermione was eating fruit out of a can and . . . Perhaps it will be best if I showed you." She put her wand to her head and pulled out the silver memory. She put it in a tiny jar and gave it to a ministry helper who put it in the pensive and tapped it so it broadcasted so the court could see.
They saw Hermione wrapped in the blanket eating out of the can. They heard the two's exchange. Then they saw Hermione give Minerva the phone, and they heard the whole conversation on the phone. Mr. Granger shot his wife a glare, who seemed shocked that they could project memories like that. Minerva's memory stopped when she hung up the phone. The court had gasped when they heard that Hermione's parents had been in France. Most of the court may have been purebloods and not to keen to keep a muggle-born in their world but when they heard that they were shocked. The Grangers sank a little in their chairs. Hermione blushed as all the attention turned to her. Minerva started talking again. She was using her teaching voice, the, I'm right and nothing you can say will change that, voice.
"As you can see I acted as I saw fit. As a teacher I never want to see any of my students hurt, and seeing Hermione like that hurt. I decided then and there that I would do what ever it took to make sure Hermione didn't go back to them." She motioned at the Grangers. "I would also like to say that . . . I promise that I will take of her if you grant me custody. I will love her like she's my own daughter." She didn't like opening up like this but Albus had said it would be a good idea. "That's all." She finished and walked back towards her seat. Minerva smiled at Hermione who grinned back. Albus mentioned for the Grangers to stand.
"We would just like to state for the record that we did not know Hermione was alone in the house. My sister was supposed to be with Hermione taking care of her." Mr. Granger lied smoothly. "We had no idea she was by herself." He was trying to look surprised, and from Minerva's point of view he was failing badly. "Also we would like to state that we did not know of this meeting and should have been properly informed. Miss McGonagall had no right to enter our house." With that he sat down. This is great Minerva thought they have no defense. Albus nodded at there words.
"Miss McGonagall your rebuttal." He asked.
"I only have two things. The first is that I did have permission to enter your home. Hermione received a letter at the end of term that I would be visiting. Also that if Hermione was supposed to be watched by your sister, why was she so adamant to tell me at the time that you were at work? That's all sir." Minerva said.
"We have nothing to say." Was Mr. Granger's reply. Albus nodded.
"We would now like to take the time to question Hermione on all this. Mrs. Hopchick if you will." Albus stated. Mrs. Hopchick came out of the adjacent door and walked over to Hermione.
"Hermione I want you to know that if at any time you need to stop just tell me okay?" Mrs. Hopchick said softly. Hermione nodded. Minerva felt her heart clench she could tell how nervous Hermione was.
"Miss. Granger is it true that you were alone by yourself for a week until Miss McGonagall came?"
"Yes."
"Were you aware that your aunt should have been watching you?"
"No one informed me of that." Hermione answered dutifully.
"I see and is it true that your parents left you all alone with very little food."
"When I got home from Hogwarts there was a box of cereal, and 4 various canned foods. The only reason I had milk was because the milkman still came every morning." Hermione said. Minerva felt a great satisfaction in watching Hermione's parents get a panicked look on their faces.
"When Miss McGonagall took you to her house did she take care of you?"
"Yes she got me clothes that would always fit me and she made sure I ate 3 or more meals a day."
"Did you enjoy staying with Minerva over your parents?" Mrs. Granger started at this question like she was going to object but remembered that the woman was just trying to get Hermione opinion and didn't work for Miss McGonagall. Hermione paused at the question.
"Yes I did." She stated. Minerva felt her heart go out for Hermione and wished she could just hug her for saying that. "It was the first time since I was very little that I felt loved." Hermione continued. One of the court members awed and Hermione blushed.
"Hermione did your parents ever beat you?" Mrs. Hopchick asked and you could feel the tension in the room. Hermione tried to hold back the tears.
"Yes." She stated and the room was deathly quiet.
"Recently?" Minerva looked at Hermione nervously. Hermione looked at Minerva for help. Minerva smiled and nodded, trying to tell Hermione that no matter the outcome she was here.
"Yes. I night I got sent back." She pulled up her shirt and showed them the bruise. The court and Minerva gasped. Hermione's bruise had started to show up more clearly now that it had been there for two days.
"I'm done questioning you honor." Mrs. Hopchick told Albus and left the room. Minerva was furious, the Granger's had better get a good sentence she thought or I'll . . . she didn't finish the thought.
"Any closing statements." Albus asked. Mr. and Mrs. Granger shook there heads. Minerva stood back up.
"I only want to say, that I hope you grant me custody. And if your still having doubts I swear on my magic that I will love Hermione like she's my flesh and blood daughter if you grant me custody." The court gasped at what Minerva said. To swear your magic you risked possibly living life as a muggle. To many wizards that was worse than death. Albus nodded at this statement.
"Very well, we will meet briefly in the back room to discuss." Albus announced and the members of the Wizengemot filtered out. One auror did stay in the room to make sure that nothing unpleasant happened. Minerva did however try to get up to go see Hermione, the Auror told her to sit back down and not to talk. Minerva's brain was going a hundred miles an hour. She knew that by risking her magic she put herself in a risky position, but she knew that it was true and she would love Hermione like her daughter. She hoped it would be enough to let them put Hermione in her care instead of a foster home. She looked up sharply as the Wizengemot filled back in. Minerva tried to catch Albus's eye but was having no luck. Finally when they were all seated Albus stood up.
"On the matter of Mrs. And Mr. Granger being unable to care for a child, the court finds them guilty." At this Minerva saw Hermione beam with happiness. "They will go to muggle jail for a certain time and we will erase from their memory anything having to do with their daughter and the wizarding world." Albus stated. "As for the matter of custody of Miss Hermione Jane Granger, the court approves that full custody shall be granted to Miss Minerva Athena McGonagall." He concluded with a smile. Minerva had barely heard the words when a blissful Hermione slammed into her. Minerva laughed and picked Hermione up and held her tight.
"Thank you thank you thank you." Hermione mumbled into her shirt. Minerva felt herself start to get teary-eyed as she rocked back in forth with Hermione. The court was leaving some of them came up and wished Minerva good luck. Others gave her a smile and mumbled something about the poor girl. Albus came over to the pair of them.
"Well Professor McGonagall, I believe I shall be seeing you and Miss Granger at school next week. Hopefully the rest of your holidays will go off without a hitch." He said with his twinkling eyes. Minerva gave him a warm smile.
"Yes you shall Headmaster we both plan to be there." Minerva said. He nodded and went on his way as if that was all he had to say in the matter. Hermione and Minerva shared a look and smiled. Mrs. Hopchick also came over.
"Sorry about grilling you so hard with the questions Miss Granger but it had to be done." She smiled at Hermione who smiled back.
"No big." Hermione said leaning her head on Minerva's shoulder. She was so tired.
"Also Minerva do you want this to go public or not?" Minerva looked at Hermione who shrugged.
"I think if we could keep it secret for the time it would be best. With every thing going on right now it might be easier." Minerva told. She also slipped her wand out and cast a weightless charm on Hermione. The girl didn't weight much but Minerva figured Hermione didn't want to move anytime soon.
"No problem I can do that." She paused. "Now there's just one last thing to do." She turned and looked across the room. "Mrs. Gryhop could you come here?" The evil woman came over slowly.
"Yes Miranda?" She asked sweetly as if nothing was wrong.
"I just thought I would let you know that you broke about 5 of our protocol rules two days ago and as you boss, I should tell you that because of that you're fired. Please have your things out of your office by end of the day tomorrow." Mrs. Hopchick said with a smile.
"You can't do that." Mrs. Gryhop said beet red. Mrs. Hopchick pretended to care.
"Oh but I can I'm you boss. Plus I have it on record that the only reason you did this was to get a muggle-born out of Hogwarts. That is reason enough. Happy New Year." She said and walked away from the little group. Mrs. Gryhop glared at Hermione.
"You little brat you lost me my job." Mrs. Gryhop threatened. "If I ever see you again . . ." Minerva pulled out her wand.
"Care to finish that sentence." Minerva hissed back and Gryhop fled quickly. Hermione made a face at Gryhop's retreating back. Across the room Mr. and Mrs. Granger were being led out of the room to have their memories wiped. They were trying to put up a fight. Minerva just laughed and walked out of the room. Hermione hugged her again.
"What?" Minerva asked with a smile. She really couldn't be happier at the moment. Hermione shook her head.
"Nothing." She said with a smile. Minerva smiled back.
"Well it was two day's, I told you didn't I and I never break a promise." Minerva told her. Hermione nodded.
"I know." Hermione yawned and her stomach growled. "Can we go home now I'm hungry?" She asked. Minerva laughed.
"Of course we can dear. Any thing special?"
"Pasta with Albus's special sauce." She said with a smile.
"Alright than, any thing else baby?" Minerva asked they had reached the lobby by now.
"No I just want to go home." She repeated. Minerva smiled at Hermione again. Finally she thought, for the first time something's going the right way. I have a daughter.
"Okay," she paused "I love you Hermione, you know that right?" She asked the girl who leaned back on her shoulder.
"Yeah," she mumbled "I love you to mommy." Minerva felt tears come up and they apparated home.
Yea, trials done. It's 10:37 at night here, so if I don't get up school tomorrow, you lot are in trouble. Just kidding I'll be up. Please review and thanks again for letting this top 100.