Hermione had been aghast at the overwhelming destruction that still littered Hogwarts, the grounds, the halls as she stopped in front of the weathered gargoyle. One of the few areas that had been fixed within Hogwarts, and she sighed. She didn't know the password.

"Ginger newts." She tried and it remained, fixed.

"Lemon tea." It practically growled.

Hermione thought back, trying to remember what passwords McGonagall used to use on her old quarters.

"Carpe Diem."

"Whimsical Madness." She said, suddenly remembering the strange password from her third year; but the gargoyle merely rolled its eyes.

"Dammit." Hermione muttered, placing her hands on the worn stone protectorate. The gargoyle didn't respond, merely stared ahead with its stony expression. "I just want to speak with the Headmistress."

"Your heart is true." It rumbled before the stony staircase began moving, granting her entry. She had only been in the Headmaster's office a handful of times, typically with Harry or because of him. The steps ground to a halt before a worn green door, and with a knock, she opened it to find the suite in shambles.

Books strewn everywhere, portraits askew, glass shattered…much like the whole of Hogwarts and Hermione silently wondered how on Earth did McGonagall expect to have the school open and ready by the start of the new term year?

"Ahhh Miss Granger." Albus stated, "To what do we owe the visit?"

"Is Professor McGonagall in?" Hermione questioned stepping around the upturned green and silver sofa.

A handful of portraits turned expectantly to Dumbledore, and he merely leaned forward, eyes peering over his half moon spectacles. "She is."

Hermione's gaze swept over the madness, "Do you know where, Sir?"

"She returned to the Tower." He sagely replied.

With a nod she turned to leave. "Thank you."

"And Miss Granger…" His voice calling off to her, causing her to pause and cast a look at him over her shoulder. "If you could be so kind and give her a hug from me."

She felt her brows furlough together but nodded despite herself. "Ahhh…of course, Professor."

With a nod, he leaned back eyes already closing. "Thank you."

Oxox

A/N: Another snippet…because of the 'lack' of length; may try to get multiple updates each week – though no promises. And yes…have been plugging away at Bonding; will REALLY try and get a chapter out this week but doubtful, stuck on a HG/MM conversation ~ and don't want to *rush* that ;)