A/N: Wow, here we are again. How is everyone? My week has been hectic. I've had a cold, I've busted my finger (self-inflicted, but whatever), my coffee machine has broken - again. But here we are. And we have an update, quite a large one in fact. Nothing else really to report. All is well.

Spin has been a delight once more in making this Sooo much easier to read than it was when I gave it to her (it was not the greatest piece of writing I've ever done. Hopefully you won't be able to tell that after all her work :P)

-0-

[Continued from Chapter 10]

The whole castle was a hive of activity as Minerva stalked through the corridors towards the hospital wing. She could hear a number of students following her and she didn't need to turn to see who it was; Draco would be there, Ginny as well and Neville too, perhaps. Poppy had already levitated Lavender to the ward and now all that was left was her check-up.

She wanted to giggle at the look on Poppy's face when she had immediately agreed to a consultation, but the close call was enough to shock her into being sensible for once. She needed to be there for Álainn - Hermione - and she was going to make sure there was nothing out of order with her after being nearly mauled by a creature she didn't even know for sure existed. The intellectual part of her knew that Hermione needed to get back to normal, and she found that by loving Álainn, she loved the student Hermione even more than she'd realised. So she was going to do everything she could to get that Hermione back, and get her healthy again.

Poppy was already standing by the door when the entourage arrived and she sighed disapprovingly as she ushered them all in.

"How's Lavender, Madam Pomfrey?" Neville asked, glancing over to the closed curtains across the room.

"She'll be fine, just a knock on the head, Mr Longbottom. If anything, whatever happened when she nearly transformed has actually helped her. Now, if you would excuse us, Professor McGonagall and I need a chat."

Draco grinned and offered to take Álainn from Minerva, who grudgingly allowed it, rolling her eyes as Poppy waved her wand and closed the curtains behind them, waiting for her to speak with her hands on her hips.

"Have you lost your mind! Do you have any idea how close to death you just came? I didn't work so hard to bring you back after what that bitch did to you, only to lose you now."

Minerva's heart clenched, realising how much she'd neglected her friends since the war had finished, not to mention her students like poor Hermione, Draco and Lavender. She stopped Poppy's hand midway through a spell and held it gently.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, but I really am alright."

Poppy closed her eyes.

"I know really, I just, I panic, and that thing was -" She let out a shaky breath. "I've never seen anything like it."

"I can't say it was the most relaxing afternoon I've ever had either," Minerva agreed with a grimace. "Is Miss Brown really alright? I think I might owe her my life."

"She will be fine once she comes around. She's suffering from exhaustion mostly, but I gave her a sleeping potion and then we'll see what happens."

"Good."

"And how is baby Hermione?"

Minerva sighed, running a hand over her face.

"She is fine. It seems the odd growth spurts have stopped, but Severus and Harry are neck deep in plans to grow her back up to her normal age. We have selected Draco to prepare the potion. He seems to have taken a shine to Álainn."

Poppy scoffed and resumed her diagnosis. She worked in silence and when she was finished, stepped back and took Minerva's hand.

"You seem to be fine. You're doing much better than I thought, especially with you taking care of a baby so young."

"Excellent. I have to go and rescue Draco, will you let me know when Miss Brown wakes up?"

"I will, but please take it easy Minerva, you aren't a young woman anymore."

Minerva laughed and adjusted her robes as she stood.

"This I am well aware of Poppy."

She gave her friend a quick hug and left the room, smiling at Draco and Álainn, who was fast asleep in his arms.

"Well done," she congratulated, taking the baby from him. "I assume the others have gone? Why don't you go and get changed for the feast, I will be in my rooms after if you would like to have tea?"

"I'll be there, Professor."

Minerva watched Draco walk away before returning to her own rooms with the dead weight of Álainn resting comfortably in her arms.

"What a day," she sighed as she entered her office.

"Is it true?"

"Yes, tell us what happened Minerva!"

The portraits clamoured for her attention and she held up a hand for silence, rocking on the spot slightly to settle the baby.

"Please keep your voices down, it is indeed true but I want no further talk of it. Spread your gossip if you will, but I have nothing more to say on the matter."

"Are you alright, Minerva?" Albus asked quietly from his portrait. Minerva smiled at her old friend, now fully restored and looking repentant.

"I am fine, having had a clean bill of health from Poppy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a bath."

She entered her bedroom and sat on the bed with a sigh. She was exhausted, and although she was keen to avoid the fuss of earlier, she couldn't help but hold Álainn closer, breathing in the scent of the baby and taking a moment to thank whatever deity was watching over her.

Drawing herself up tiredly, she placed Álainn in her basket and placed her on the bathroom floor, keeping an eye on her to check she remained asleep as she undressed and sank into the full, hot bath. The tears welled up in her eyes and she struggled to hold them back.

Everything was so confusing, and painful and overwhelming. Over such a short period of time Álainn had wormed her way into Minerva's heart and then been identified as the missing Hermione, only for not one but two near death experiences threatening to take her away, and it all ultimately resulted in Minerva curling up in the bath, sobbing against her knees. Alone in her bathroom she wasn't afraid to admit to herself that she was frightened.

She scoffed anyway.

If only her enemies could see her now, how the world would fall off its axis in the face of Minerva McGonagall feeling something, anything.

She sat in the warm water, pulling herself back together as she pondered why she was so scared. Her immediate thoughts went to the idea of Álainn going back to normal and hating Minerva for what she'd done for her as a baby. Logically, Minerva knew there was nothing she had done to ever warrant such a feeling but Hermione, at least before the accident, was not in her right mind. She was scared herself, and hurting. She had clearly been overwhelmed with the feelings of loss and powerlessness as the world kept on turning, despite all that she and her friends had been through. Minerva knew how she must have felt, had lived through it before and she would help, if she was allowed, to get Hermione back on track and through the school year.

As if on cue the little one started to cry and for once, Minerva was loath to get out of the bath. There was still plenty of time before she had to be in the Great Hall, so she shrugged to herself and lifted Álainn from the basket beside the bath, checked her nappy and vanished her clothes, arranging the baby on her chest in the warm water.

Thoughts of this really being Hermione made Minerva blush, but at the same time she needed this time with her baby, with Álainn, before she started thinking of her as Hermione. So they would share a bath and enjoy it, regardless of the tiny voice in her head shrieking it's discomfort. As Álainn cuddled up under her chin she was able to tune that voice out completely. Everything was okay and for now, that was enough.

-0-

The feast had been pleasant, and tea with Draco equally so, but as Minerva awoke to Álainn's robust cries a week later her heart was hurting at the thought of what Draco had uttered that evening a week earlier.

"I've spoken to Severus, we've worked out the first part of the potion and I am going to start on it tomorrow. It will take about a week to properly simmer."

Running a hand over her face, Minerva sat up, smiling over at Álainn who was still crying in her bassinet.

"Alright leanabh [baby], I'm coming." Minerva sighed, getting up with a groan as her bones crunched a little together.

She picked Álainn up and held her close, rocking slowly on the spot and humming quietly. It took a few moments before the little one realised she'd been picked up and once she had, she seemed content to grip Minerva's nightgown and push her face into the skin of her neck.

"There we are sweetheart," Minerva cooed, moving back to bed as she glanced at the clock. It was extremely early and she had plenty of time left to enjoy Álainn for potentially the last time at this age.

"I'll miss this with you, my love," Minerva whispered, trying to blink a tear away from her eye. "I have never had such simple pleasure as I have had with you and I will cherish this forever." She smiled to herself. "Even in a few days when you are no doubt having tantrums at me."

She lay back and asked Winky for Hermione's bottle, smiling as it appeared a few moments later on her bedside table.

"Will this be your last bottle perhaps?" Minerva mused, watching intently as Álainn guzzled down her first breakfast greedily. "I admit my darling, I am both excited and nervous for you. I have cleared my day and made sure that Filius knows not to disturb us. Draco will come by this morning and you can take the potion with your elevenses."

Álainn stopped feeding, letting go of the teat with a pop as she looked up at Minerva, now content with a full belly.

"I bet you understand every word I am saying, don't you?" Minerva said with a smile. "You're taking stock of all of everything. Just wait until you start talking. I am actually rather reluctant to go through that stage with you, don't you know? Having taught you for so long, I can only imagine going through the dreaded 'why' stage with you."

Álainn sat engrossed by Minerva as she spoke and Minerva couldn't help but fall in love with her even more. She stroked Álainn's wispy hair, until her eyes started to drift close. She mapped out her face, running a finger over a little chubby cheek and down the bridge of her nose, around her ears and over her chin. Álainn - Hermione - was perfect, in every way Minerva could imagine. She had meant what she said, she was honoured to have been granted such an amazing experience with a baby that was already so close to her heart, and she even took a moment to be amazed with magic itself, something she didn't feel very often this late in life.

She scooted down the bed in the most lady-like way she could manage, shifting Álainn to rest on her chest with her head over her heart, and she sighed as she felt her own eyes closing a little. She heard the pop of Winky arriving in her room and smiled even as she drifted off, knowing that the little elf had also been worried and would pay close attention to her and her baby while they slept.

-0-

The knock on the door signalled the arrival of Draco Malfoy and Minerva found herself pausing.

"You have to do it, Min," Albus said gently. Since his jaunt to the Owlery he said fewer words, but what little he did say was both useful and with good intention.

"I know, I just -" She glanced down at Álainn. "I have thoroughly enjoyed having her like this, as selfish as that sounds." She shook her head. "Come in Draco."

"Good morning, Professor," he said shyly. "The first batch is finished."

"Alright, you get everything set up and I shall wake our princess." She walked over to the bassinet, another thing that would have to no doubt change once she had received a dose of the potion.

Severus had discussed it at length with her over the course of the morning, telling her how it was supposed to work, and how it could go wrong. The negative side effects were frightening, but Severus pointed out that they had done extensive tests, though on what Minerva didn't ask. There were some things that were better left unknown. The potion was stable and after the tests, Draco had announced that it was as ready as it would ever be.

And now for the moment of truth.

"Ready?" he asked, catching Minerva staring into space.

"Oh, yes, right," she said, feeling a little flustered as she picked Álainn up. Feeling Minerva all around her, the girl opened her eyes blearily, looking around a little, taking in what was going on. "Hello leanabh [baby]," Minerva whispered, kissing her hair. "Time for elevenses."

Settling on her chair, Minerva fidgeted for a moment before she could avoid it no longer. She shakily took the bottle of milk and potion mix from Draco and took a deep breath.

"It's alright Minerva, we're all right here," Severus said quietly, startling even Minerva at the level of care in his voice.

"I know," she admitted with a sad smile. "And I know there will be some pain involved and that breaks my heart, but it must be done," she said with a sigh. "It must."

As she was about to start the Floo ignited, sending forth one Harry Potter, who looked flustered, but glad to see everyone.

"Hey, you haven't started yet have you?" he asked, leaning over to kiss Minerva's cheek, and then Álainn's.

"I was just about to. Aren't you supposed to be at the Ministry?"

"I asked Kingsley to let me have the day off. I've spent the last week memorising healing spells and such so I'm on hand, and I think Ginny was going to come down too."

"Why didn't I think of that before?" Minerva said, feeling frustrated with herself. "Harry, could you poke your head through the Floo and ask Poppy to come down here please."

"On it," he said with a wink.

Happy to have a small respite before the zero hour, Minerva cuddled Álainn close, who seemed happy enough to take a look at the bustle of activity around her.

Someone knocked on the door and Draco walked over to answer it, admitting Ginny, Neville and to Minerva's surprise, Lavender.

"Lavender, I was under the impression you were recuperating?" Minerva said, happy to see the girl up and about.

"I am feeling much better, thank you Headmistress," she said quietly, but with a small smile. "I wanted to be here, you know, just -" She trailed off and Minerva reached across to squeeze her hand.

"Well thank you, thank you all for being here," she took another deep breath. "I think now we are ready," she nodded at Poppy as she came through the Floo, "let us proceed."

Minerva had never been a shy woman, but as she fed Álainn the first sips from her bottle, she felt like she was under the proverbial muggle microscope. All eyes were on her and Álainn and as she continued to drink, and the tension began to get a little unbearable.

"Why isn't anything happening?" Ginny asked, receiving a nudge from Harry, who hadn't taken his eyes off Álainn since she had started feeding.

As much as Minerva agreed with Ginny's outburst, she couldn't help but feel relieved. Perhaps Álainn wouldn't be affected by the potion and stay her baby forever.

And the Giant Squid might fly.

Álainn squirmed awkwardly in her arms after a moment and Minerva looked down quickly to see her face screwed up in pain.

"Oh my Álainn," she whispered, moving her up onto her shoulder as she started screaming. "There now, it will be over in a moment, easy mo leanabh [my baby]. It will be over soon, it's okay."

Minerva couldn't help the tears gathering in her eyes as Álainn cried even harder. She knew in her mind that the pain was not excruciating, but just something that she had never felt before.

"Poppy, please, can't you do something?" she pleaded, looking over to the only other adult in the room.

"You know she cannot Minerva," Severus said, looking pained. "Hermione needs to be awake, however awful that seems now."

"I just -"

"It's alright Min," Harry said, suddenly by her side and holding her hand. "She'll be okay."

"Something is happening," Lavender said, nodding towards the baby.

Minerva moved her back onto her lap and saw that Lavender was right. Álainn was changing before their eyes, not unlike someone who had just taken Polyjuice potion. Her features were morphing rapidly and even as they did Minerva could see Hermione, although very young, appearing more and more in her features.

"I believe it would be better to remove her clothes Minerva," Draco said awkwardly.

Minerva nodded and quickly set about the task, wanting to take each piece off separately and not use magic, in case it interfered with the potion. Álainn's screaming intensified and Minerva noticed her hands were shaking, the pain of her child crying piercing her heart.

"I'll help," Draco said, moving forward to help Harry.

Minerva had never been more grateful for letting go of her stern visage in the last six months. The children, young adults really, that sat around her were providing her with so much comfort she didn't really know what to do. She smiled at Ginny as she moved to her side and sat rubbing her forearm, clearly wanting to help as well, but not wanting to take Minerva's hands away from Hermione.

"Draco, check on her, it should be over soon," Severus instructed, nodding to his Godson.

Draco moved in front of Minerva and leaned over the baby, who was now hysterical on Minerva's knee. Minerva kept hold of her sides, unconsciously rubbing her thumb over the little tummy in her hands.

"I think it's stopped," Draco announced after a few minutes. "Um, Madam Pomfrey, can you -"

He trailed off as the medi-witch moved forward, and to the amusement of Minerva, the students all jumped out of her way. The woman mumbled and chuntered her way through an examination until she too stood up and pronounced Hermione fine.

"She is definitely older," she said stepping back.

For the first time Minerva had a chance to look at the child properly. Lying on her knee was no longer the small and innocent baby, but a toddler. Solid and heavier than she expected..

"Wow," Neville said, looking bewildered at the little thing. "She looks just like Hermione, I mean, I know she is Hermione, but I just didn't expect her -"

"I know what you mean," Minerva muttered, looking around at her guests. "Thank you all for coming. It, it means the world to me that you were here, and that you came to my, and Miss Brown's aid last week. You are all exemplary examples of fine young men and women."

"Thanks Minerva," Harry grinned cheekily, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "I guess the excitement is over then," he said, looking down at Hermione, who was now unconscious but breathing steadily. "I, um, will just walk Ginny back I think, if that's okay Headmistress?"

"You are to be back here in twenty minutes, young man!" she called as they scurried out of the room. Let them have their fun, but not too much. She had not forgotten the secret Ginny had shared with her at the beginning of this ordeal. Now would not be the time to relive such a scare.

"I think I will put this one to bed, and more importantly find her some clothes," Minerva said absently. "Shall I see you all at dinner?"

"Yeah, we're going down to watch the Quidditch anyway," Neville said, holding out his hand to help Lavender up, who was looking a little tired. "It's the younger ones today."

"Right, well, take it easy Lavender. The rest of you, cheer them on, give them hints and may both teams enjoy themselves, as much as it pains me not to want to cheer the Gryffindors on." She grinned, sneaking a look at Severus, who was smirking right back.

"It does make a difference, Professor," Lavender said quietly. "It is making a difference."

"Good, now, off you go to the game and I shall see you at dinner."

"See you."

"Bye."

Minerva was left in her sitting room with a quite naked toddler in her lap with Poppy sitting opposite, apparently content to watch proceedings and stick close while Draco packed up his things.

"That was distressing," she said absently, summoning a blanket from her room to wrap around Álainn, Hermione.

"It was rather," Poppy agreed, summoning an elf and ordering some tea. "Is Mr Malfoy staying?" she asked.

Minerva knew after what had happened Draco would quite willingly change his name from Malfoy to anything else, and saw the way his shoulders slumped as Poppy asked him.

"It is Draco, Poppy, and Draco, you will stay and you will learn that despite the ones who came before you, that you are worthy of a Noble name," she said, gently wrapping Álainn up and leaning back with the little one leaning on her chest. It would take her a while to get used to the sudden size difference.

"Now leave what can be left and come and sit down," she said, holding out her hand for him to join her. "Well done," she whispered as Poppy poured the tea. "It was painful, heartbreaking, but here is the proof that you are as great a potions maker as your Godfather was."

"I'm nowhere near as good as Severus," he said quietly, glancing at Poppy.

"You are, because I say you are, and I'm sure once Poppy has sampled some of the healing potions I might get you to provide for her, she will tell you the same, and she's not as biased as I am."

"Indeed I am not. A hospital wing is no place for playing favourites," Poppy said, sitting back down with her tea. "I preferred Severus brewing our healing potions because he was the best, not because he was convenient. After what I have seen here today though, I hold you in high esteem, Draco. You certainly seem as though you know what you're doing."

"Thank you Madam Pomfrey,"

The three adults sat in silence, occasionally looking over when Hermione stirred. Minerva maneuvered her so she was lying sideway across her lap, so she could better see the new features on her face.

"She looks like Hermione now she's older, doesn't she?" she mused quietly.

"Yeah," Draco agreed. "Although I've never seen her this quiet," he quipped, earning a slap on the arm.

"Well, Quidditch is almost over, and although you and Mr Potter are no longer on the field which has made my days considerably quieter, most matches are not without injury. Minerva, see you at dinner. Mr Malfoy, sorry, Draco I shall contact you about some potions perhaps," she said, throwing some Floo powder in the fire and disappearing.

"She's actually scarier than you are," Draco mused after Poppy had disappeared.

Minerva chuckled but didn't deny it.

"I only seem scary," she admitted. "Poppy is scary. Believe me, I know."

Draco smiled and looked down at Hermione again.

"Do you think it will be easier to call her Hermione now, or will you still get stuck on Álainn?" he asked, pulling gently on a tight ringlet and watching as it bounced back. "She's cute. I, I have never met any small children, but, she's,"

"I know," Minerva smiled, kissing Hermione's forehead.

"Mummy?"

"Whoa!"

"Well I never," Minerva gasped as Hermione rubbed her eyes and sat up.

"It seems she retains most of her core memories, speech definitely," Severus muttered as if he was note taking, something that Draco immediately did. "Minerva, place the child on the floor and see what happens."

Minerva bristled a little at the thought but shrank the blanket down a little and wrapped it more securely as she did as she was told. Hermione stood and looked around, before tottering a little way towards the fire as if enchanted by the flames.

"No! Álainn, no!" Minerva gasped, rushing forward.

"MAMA!"

Whatever Minerva was expecting, it wasn't that and she stared at Álainn - Hermione - for a moment before realising it and moving to her side.

"You mustn't go near the fire sweetheart, it is dangerous."

"Mama!" Álainn repeated, holding her arms out as if she wanted to be picked up.

Minerva sighed. She, and she supposed the others too, hadn't really thought about what she would be like when she grew up a little. The thought of being Hermione's mother, if only for a little while was wonderful, and also heartbreaking. glorifying.

"Álainn, Hermione, I am not your Mama. Your Mummy is away right now, but you can stay with me for as long as you want. I'm Minerva," she said, pointing to her chest and smiling as Hermione did the same. "Minerva."

"Mama," Hermione said brightly. "Mummy gone. Mama stay. I love Mama."

"Merlin's beard," Albus muttered from his portrait across the room, speaking for the first time. "It seems, my dear, that Hermione's sharp mind was no less sharp even back when she was a child," he chuckled. "I suggest you, as the young ones these days seem to say, 'live it up'."

"Albus," she scoffed, "I'm not her Mama, ahem, mother, I'm not even a relation."

"But she sees you as one and I thought that was exactly what you wanted? You wanted her to trust you, to love you and then perhaps later to work with you and move past all the hurt."

"But -"

"Mama?" Hermione asked, tugging on Minerva's sleeve.

"Yes, leannan [sweetheart]," she said without turning. "Just a minute."

"But nothing, Minerva. The child clearly has latched onto you and as she grows she will naturally continue to do so. This is what you wanted," Severus added.

"Yes, but not at the expense of her own parents!" Minerva cried hopelessly.

"Uh oh."

Minerva realised the quiet word had come from the tiny tot beside her and looked down to see Hermione standing in a little puddle, now spreading across her carpet.

"Oh Hermione, darling," she said, picking her up and grimacing, both at the change in weight and the slightly soggy patch now seeping into her robes. "Let's get you some clothes, shall we?" she said, nodding to Draco, who was already waving his wand to clear up the mess. "If you want to go to dinner Draco I can meet you there, you don't have to wait for me."

"That's fine. You'll be okay?" he asked, looking sideways at Hermione.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll work it out. I have about as much experience with small children as you do, but I will do my best."

"Having said that, Minerva, your bad days are as good as some dunderhead's best days, so I'm sure you will manage. Draco, please make sure you write up your notes," Severus instructed, nodding for the boy to leave.

"Severus, really, he could have stayed."

"Nonsense, he needs to learn to complete the whole experiment, from start to end. And besides, I believe the child needs a bath. If I remember correctly that is what Narcissa once did for Draco when he had an unfortunate accident on my robes."

Minerva tried hard not to laugh but allowed herself a small smirk as she continued into the bathroom where she sat the little one on the toilet while she ran the bath. Despite not having any experience, Minerva found it easy to let go of her fears and go along with what her instincts were telling her. Hermione hummed happily and swung her legs, but otherwise watched Minerva move about, calling out happily when she was finished.

"Well done Álainn," Minerva praised, lifting her up and then putting her straight in the bath.

"Baff!" she said happily, splashing in the water. "Mama get in da baff?"

Minerva coloured, wondering if Álainn could remember enjoying a bath with her not so long ago and how, if she did retain her memories, she would explain that away in the future.

"No baby, Ma-, I shall stay here," she said, rolling her eyes at herself for the slip. "You enjoy yourself though, my darling."

"Mama," Hermione said simply, grinning toothily. It was only then that Minerva realised why she must have screamed so much. It seemed as if quite a few teeth had appeared where they weren't before.

"Can I look in your mouth please Álainn - Hermione?"

"Yep," she said, opening her mouth wide and making an 'ahhh' sound.

There were quite a few teeth already set in her jaw, and a few more that Minerva could feel along Hermione's gums and she wasn't really looking forward to them making a proper appearance. She had heard that teething was painful for children and she didn't want to put Hermione through any more pain, ever.

"Mama, I'm hungry," she said suddenly, almost biting Minerva's finger.

"Hermione, it is Minerva."

"Mama."

"Minerva."

"Mama."

"Min-"

"Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama!" Hermione sang, giggling and splashing until she covered herself in water and came up gasping for air.

"Gracious child, don't drown yourself," Minerva said, leaning over the bath and holding her still. "Gently, now, gently."

"I's hungry Mama!" Hermione said, opening her mouth to show Minerva that it was apparently empty.

"Och, I give up," Minerva muttered. "We shall have to get you out of the bath and find you some clothes," Minerva said, almost to herself while reaching to get a towel and turning around to see Hermione standing up, and in slow motion slip over in the water.

"Álainn!"

She went down hard and Minerva not only got soaked from the accompanying tidal wave, but she was quite sure she burst an ear drum at the ear splitting scream that Hermione issued as she landed on the hard rim of the bath.

"Oh, leanabh [baby], tiugainn [come here], up you come," Minerva said, groaning as she lifted the still screaming child into her arms and quickly wrapped a towel around her. "Let me see."

Hermione shook her head, crying earnestly into Minerva's shoulder, and as much as she wanted to check for injuries, Minerva also knew that she equally wanted to console the poor thing.

"There there leannan [sweetheart], I'm here," she soothed, rocking the baby on her knee until the cries were merely little hiccups. "Easy, my love."

"Mama?"

Minerva looked into the little face peering up at her to see a bump forming on her forehead and her lower lip trembling as she looked up with her big brown eyes.

"Oh sweetheart, Mama's got you."

Just as it hadn't taken long for Minerva to cave in at the beginning of their little adventure together, it didn't take her long now, and she knew in her heart that she did well to fight it for as long as she did.

"Mama, hurty," Hermione whispered, gripping onto Minerva's robes, just as she did as a baby.

"I know, but we'll make it better, okay?" Minerva said, reaching for her wand. "Hold still leanabh [baby]."

She waved her wand over Hermione's bruise and smiled as the frown on the toddler's forehead disappeared.

"That's better, darling."

"Mama love Awlin?"

Minerva chuckled at the pronunciation, but nodded, pressing a soft kiss to where the bump had been.

"Yes, Mama, ahem, I love Álainn."

"Mama love H'ione?"

"Yes, Mama loves Hermione. You are Hermione."

"Yep," the cheeky thing replied, now playing with the buttons on Minerva's robes. "I Awlin and H'ione."

"Indeed you are, my little one." Minerva laughed, confident that Hermione, Álainn, was now alright. She got up with the child in her arms and walked into her bedroom to find an outfit for Hermione laid out on the bed.

"Oh, Winky is a star," she said quietly, placing Hermione on the bed with one eye on her at all times. She had learnt her lesson and the bed was considerably higher off the ground than the bath was.

"Now, let's get you dressed, shall we?" Minerva said, picking up the tiny pair of knickers and turning to see Hermione, stark naked, wriggling off the bed and hanging onto the post. Before she could say blast ended skrewts, Hermione had run out of the room and into her office, much to the amusement of the portraits if their raucous laughter was anything to go by.

"Hermione, Álainn, come here please!"

"Hi," she said, looking up at Albus. "Santy Claus!"

Minerva laughed quite loudly at Hermione's wide eyes.

"No baby, that's Albus, not Santa Claus. Father Christmas - Santa Claus - lives up in the North Pole. Albus here is my friend."

"Hi Olbus," she said with a wave as she turned to look at Severus. "Hello."

"This is Severus," Minerva said, finally grabbing Hermione from behind and shifting her onto her hip.

"Minerva, the child is naked again."

Minerva smiled as Hermione lay her head on her shoulder with a yawn and began sucking on her fingers.

"Seb'rus gwumpy," she said, looking up at Minerva.

"No leanabh [baby], Severus has a natural frown. It defines his face."

"Oh be on with you woman," he said, blushing as much as a portrait could.

"Mama, Awlin sleepy," Hermione said with another yawn.

"It is likely she will be exhausted," Severus advised. "You might want to think about putting her down for the night and going to dinner on your own. The elf can watch her."

"Thank you Severus," Minerva said, quirking her eyebrow and returning to her room. "What about it sweetheart, do you want to go to sleep now?"

"Mama stay?" she asked, once again looking up with her big, brown eyes.

"I will stay for a while, but then I have to go and have my dinner."

"Mama gots Awlin's bottle?" she said, rolling onto the bed once Minerva's sat down.

"You still want a bottle?" Minerva asked, wondering whether that was wise.

"Mama gots Awlin's bottle?" she asked again.

"Alright love, alright. Let's get you into some pyjamas and get you settled."

It took a while for Minerva to get Hermione into one of her old baby suits that she magically enlarged, smiling as she crawled up the bed and plonked herself on Minerva's knee.

"I see how it is," she said gently. "Alright, let me get settled and then we shall have your bottle."

It didn't take long for Minerva to get sorted and soon she was sitting against the headboard with Hermione curled up on her knee, sucking greedily on the bottle that Winky had made. The little elf had proved her worth once again by insisting that it was perfectly normal for a baby that old to have a feed before sleeping and again when they woke up.

"Mistress always fed Master Barty when he was small," she said quietly, tugging on her ears. "Until he's was three."

"That's good to know Winky, thank you," Minerva had replied.

And now she was cradling Hermione as she dozed. She would be late for dinner, but as long as she kept up the gentle rocking she would make it in time to eat a little before dessert was served.

"I love you, little Álainn," she whispered, when she saw the girl in question nod off to sleep.

Despite the ups and downs of today, Hermione had come out of it for the better, and without any apparent side effects. The road would be long but they had taken the first step, something Minerva was grateful for as she tucked Álainn into her own bed. She could just as easily have Transfigured the cot, but tonight she would hold her little one to her while they both slept. It would comfort them both after today and honestly, Minerva was looking forward to it.