Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Professor Dumbledore and Hermione Weasley appeared in the headmaster's office. None of the occupants of the former headmasters' portraits were surprised by the current headmaster's abrupt reappearance, but a few gasped when they noticed the strange woman standing next to him.
"Please sit down Hermione," Hermione jumped slightly as she took the seat that was so often occupied by Harry in their sixth year. This is your sixth year. This chair is so often occupied by Harry. She didn't bother to ponder the thought any longer. It made her head spin. "Armando?" Albus addressed the portrait nearest to him, "Did you find Minerva?"
"No, I looked everywhere I could think if but she wasn't in her quarters, the staff room, or any classroom. I even checked Gryffindor tower and the kitchens." Dumbledore gave a small sigh of comprehension.
"But of course. She hasn't visited in a while…. Good. Thank you Armando." Professor Dippet nodded. Professor Dumbledore turned to Hermione, who had tears in her eyes.
"Thank you," her voice shook slightly, "not just for the kids. We owe you our lives, and I wanted to make sure that I got to say that before-" Dumbledore cut her off.
"You're quite welcome my dear. I confess I was more than pleased to find that you were all well." Hermione smiled sadly.
"Professor-"
"I know what must happen now. Let's not waste time. It's Christmas. Christmas is a time for joy and I wouldn't dream of keeping you from your family. They have missed you quite a lot." Hermione stood shakily, completely daunted by what she was about to do.
"Right." her voice cracked, "Goodbye, Professor."
"Merry Christmas Hermione, I hope you know how proud I am of all of you." Tears were falling fast from Hermione's face.
"Yes. Thank you sir." Dumbledore sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. "Obliviate," Hermione sobbed. A low, but strong blue light filled the room, and then Albus was fast asleep. The portraits seemed to have been affected as well. Hermione had done her job. "Happy Christmas Professor," she whispered, and then the room began spin so fast that the fresh tears did not have time to fall from her eyes.
A/N: A little sad I know, but the story's almost done! Seventeen chapter total and it didn't even take me a year!