This is a FleurMione fic obviously but its intended to be multi-chapter and i like to at least try and have depth to my plot SO i dont think this will be a once a day update kind of deal like my last few Multi-chapter fics have been so you will have to bare with me.

I own nothing but the mistakes and no doubt there will be a lot of mistakes.

The year of Hermione Granger's twelfth birthday she received a rather strange letter in the mail, strange because it was delivered by a large barn owl. She had sat on the front steps and read through it, she was still reading it when an older woman in emerald green robes walked down the short path towards her. Hermione was quite bright for her age and rather good at reading people so it was easy for her to see the unadulterated adoration in the woman's eyes. This confused her as she stood to the greet the older woman.

"Hello Hermione, My name is Minerva McGonagall. I see you got your letter." The older woman speaks gently and Hermione looks at the letter in her hand.

"I don't understand Ma'am, i've never heard of Hogwarts before. Is this a mistake or a joke perhaps?" Hermione, ever the polite young witch, inquires curiously.

"No it is really. You're a witch Hermione. Have you ever done something you cant explain?" Minerva asks smiling down at the brunette as her eyes widen slightly.

"I... I can make things float..." Hermione confesses in barely a whisper and the older woman misses how the little girl looks nervously over her shoulder.

"You can, can you? Can you demonstrate?" Minerva inquires curiously and Hermione hesitates before nodding.

Hermione turns and points to the small frog statue by the front door and hesitating long enough to look over her shoulder to make she the older woman was watching. Taking a deep breath the brunette cleared her mind and with a gently flick of her wrist caused the frog to levitate almost a foot off the ground. Minerva looked a little shocked but pleasantly so as the young brunette turned back to face her looking a little nervous herself.

"That's brilliant, sweetheart. Tell me may I speak with your parents?" Minerva inquired gently and Hermione blanched a little.

"I... do you have too?" Hermione asked softly looking away from the older woman.

"I'm sorry darling but I do. Why does that make you seem so nervous?" Minerva gently reaches out and tilts the little girls head up to make her look at the older woman.

"No reason. If you really must..." Hermione trailed off before reaching out and ringing the doorbell.

Minerva tilted her head at this action wondering why the young witch didn't simply go inside, why would she not simply let herself into her own home. The answer came a few long minutes later when the sound of the door unlocking could be heard a moment before the door opened and a woman with serious bed-head popped her head out glaring at the girl. Apparently the other brunette didn't notice the older woman standing by the little girl.

"What do you want? It better be important, you know your father and I hate having our alone time interrupted." The woman bit out at the little girl who cringed.

"Sorry, I know, its just this woman wanted to speak with you and father." Hermione mumbled out her explanation, when Mrs Granger looked up she balked.

Mrs. Granger stepped back from the door suddenly looking away from the older witch and straightening the simple robe she had on to cover her more decently. It was obvious that the brunette woman wasn't wearing anything else under her robes and Minerva sniffed distastefully The brunette woman gestured for the witch and Hermione to come in and without a word she shut the door and practically dashed upstairs.

"Do they shut you out often?" Minerva inquires softly as the little witch politely walks her into the living room.

Hermione just shrugs instead of answering, she was not comfortable with telling anyone let alone a stranger what exactly it was that her parents did to her. They never beat her, no they would never lay a finger on her but physical isn't the only kind of abuse. The two witch's take a seat on the clean leather sofa, Hermione stiff and Minerva only slightly more relaxed. It was only a few minutes before Mrs Granger came down stairs with Mr Granger in tow.

"I apologise, that was indecent." Mrs. Granger apologises with cheeks flushed.

"Indeed. No matter, I am simply here for Hermione." Minerva shrugs off the apology as she directs her hard gaze at both parents.

"O-of course. Are you taking her today?" Mr Granger spoke up and none of the adults noticed Hermione frowning.

"I will though I will be returning her this afternoon. It is another two weeks before term starts. You will be required to take her to Kings Cross station on September 1st." Minerva informs sternly and the two other adults nod.

"Of course, Professor." Mrs Granger speaks up seriously.

"Very well. Hermione if it suits you I will take you now to get your school supplies." Minerva turns to the little brunette who looks a little shell shocked but she nods slowly.

Minerva smiles reassuringly before grabbing the little witch's hand gently and tugs the girl from her seat. Once the little witch is steady Minerva shoots a discrete glare at the older Granger's before focussing intently on the Leaky Cauldron. The nauseating tug didn't have much of an effect on Minerva at this point but the effects of Appirating had the smaller witch bolting for the nearest trash-can when they appeared inside the inn.

Only when Hermione was done heaving into the can and pointedly ignoring the laughter of the amused men and women in the room did she stand and straighten her jumper and jeans. Trying to look as unruffled as she could given the circumstances she moved back to Minerva McGonagall's side and tried not to blush. She had believed that she was a witch the moment she had read the letter, after all if she wasn't it was a very elaborate ruse, so when they had teleported to London she was completely convinced.

Minerva gave a reassuring smile to the little witch before leading her through the inn and into a little back alley where she took out a little stick from the sleeve of her robes and touched a single brick with it. Hermione might have thought this was completely bizarre exactly she was unable to think as the wall seemed to start to reconstruct itself into an entry way. Between the bricks revealed a busy alley that had not been there a moment before.

In complete awe Hermione let herself be led into the alley past stores with odd things in their windows. One store was selling broomsticks while another was selling robes, there was an ice-cream parlour but even it seemed a little less that normal. There was Ollivanders wands, and a place for potion supplies. Quills and ink decorated one window while another had small cages with cats or frogs in it. The entire place as simply magical to Hermione who hadn't actually been shopping before in her life.

"We will get you some robes first before getting the other stuff you will require." Minerva states gently as they headed towards a store with reams of material in the windows.

"Um. Ok but I... well I don't have any money." Hermione blushes slightly feeling foolish though she was not sure why.

"No matter. I will be covering the costs of your things today." Minerva beamed at the little girl her smiled with a blush on her face.

"Oh... thank you." Hermione mumbled gently when they had stepped into the store.

Looking around Hermione noticed two boys getting their robes fitted, a platinum blonde and a boy with black hair. They were chatting lightly and hadn't noticed her with she was more than ok with, happy to look around while waiting her turn. She noted the measuring tape taking measurements by itself and pins placing themselves in black material. It was so very interesting for the little witch and she observed closely what was happening. She was so into watching the clothes practically make themselves that she didn't notice Minerva gently calling her name.

"Hermione, dear, you're up." The older witch said kindly gesturing the little stool for the little witch to stand upon.

Hermione put herself up on the stool and stood quietly as the busy seamstress bustled over and set to taking measurements before pinning material and getting a basic set done before they would need to be sewn. It really only took a few minutes and when she was done and allowed to step down off the stool she stood and listened as the seamstress, Madame Malkin was her name, explained to Minerva that once they were done they would be owled straight to Hermione in time for school.

Once the robes were done the little witch followed Minerva next to purchase a travellers trunk and a tote. Hermione was surprised to learn there were so many different kinds of trunks. Apparently for a high price magic folk could buy a trunk with an extension charm, or even a stay fresh charm. Minerva even explained that some trunks were charmed so when you put clothes in they would come out pressed and ironed.

After getting a trunk which Minerva had shrunk down and put in her robe pocket, much to Hermione's delight at seeing magic performed, they moved into Potage's Cauldron Shop. Once they had acquired the correct size pewter cauldron they moved onto Slug & Jiggers Apothecary to purchase basic year 1 potion ingredients. It was after shrinking the items and placing them in her robe that Minerva decided they should take a break.

Hermione followed still looking around with obvious curiosity as they made their was to Rosa Lee Teabag, a quaint little teashop with tables out the front. Hermione took a seat while Minerva went and fetched them both a cup of refreshing sweet black tea. Hermione smiled as the witch returned and thanked her for the drink. They sat and Hermione listened as Minerva explained to her about Hogwarts and more and more the little girl was becoming excited. Why did two weeks have to be such a long time?

Only after a second cup of tea each did the pair set out again this time heading for Scribbulus Writing Instruments where Hermione asked for extra Ink and Parchment which had made Minerva smile almost proudly. Once they were done in the store they moved on to Flourish and Blotts. Hermione was in complete awe of the book store, she could get lost here if she wanted too. Books ha always been her safe place, she spent so many hours sitting outside reading what ever she could get her hands on.

They had collected all the books on Hermione's list and Minerva was letting the little witch continue on looking through the stacks. Hermione was trailing her fingers along the spines of the books as she moved along reading the titles on them. She stopped and pulled out a book that interested her the moment she had read the title and looked up at Minerva shyly.

"Professor can I get this one too? And maybe... maybe this one?" Hermione held up the book she had grabbed first before grabbing the second as she spoke.

Minerva freed a hand and took the two books from the young girl and read the titles she was pleased to see the young witch wanted The Standard Book of Spells Grade 2 but she was surprised to see she also wanted The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-defence. Lifting an eyebrow the older woman looked down at the blushing little witch and handed the two books back before speaking up.

"Don't you think that all these will keep you busy?" Minerva speaks gently and the little witch looks at the books that the older witch is holding for her.

"Well... Honestly Professor I will probably have all these read before the school year starts." Hermione confesses softly.

"Oh?" Minerva prods gently and Hermione blushes a little.

"I... I love to read is all. I love it even more if i'm learning while I do it." Hermione admits in a small voice and Minerva cant help her happy smile.

"Alright then, I don't see why not. Lets get them paid for." Minerva ushers the suddenly beaming girl to the front of the store where they can pay for the books.

Hermione had thought they were almost done, she just needed a wand and then she would have everything. She remembered where she had seen the wand store and started in that direction only to be stopped by Professor McGonagall.

"Where are you going dear?" Minerva inquires curiously and Hermione flushes a little.

"I... oh I thought I still needed a wand." Hermione muttered a little embarrassed that she had presumed.

"You do though. I think I would like to try this one first." Minerva spoke softer than she had all day as she almost reverently pulled a bent smooth stick and handed it to Hermione.

The moment the stick touched her skin a warm soft green glow radiated out from Hermione's had and she had to stifle the gasp that wanted to slip out. The moment she gripped the wand she felt something she had never felt before and she could not put a name to it. This wand felt like her own but yet so much more than that.

"This is walnut, 12¾", its core is Dragon Heartstring. It belong to an incredibly brilliant and powerful witch who sadly passed away 12 years ago. She left the wand in my care to give to who I saw fit. I believe the witch would be happy with my choice, clearly the wand is." Minerva explains and Hermione misses the extra shine to Minerva's eyes.

"Thank you... I will take good care of it." Hermione says smiling up the witch.

"You're most welcome sweetheart." Minerva gently squeezes the girls shoulder her voice only slightly shaky.

"Are you alright?" Hermione notices the quaver and frowns a little concerned but the Professor waves it off.

"I'm fine. Come along, we have one last stop before I must get you back to the Granger's" Minerva gently steers the little witch towards Magical Menagerie.

"Do you need a pet?" Hermione inquires slightly confused.

"No but I do believe you do." Minerva smiles leading the little witch into the store.

There are toads and cats and bizarre little animals roaming all over the place as a woman stands behind the counter reading what appears to be a catalogue. Hermione looked around at the different adorable little animals, toads certainly weren't for her but there were several different coloured kittens in the room. She was looking around while Minerva watched her calmly and a moment later the little girl made an excited little squeaking sound.

"Oh my god! Look at her! She's so cute!" Hermione gushed moving over to a basket of kittens.

Minerva watched the little girl who gently pushed aside a little ginger cat to scoop up a tiny little black kitten. The older woman frowned slightly wondering why such a tiny little cat would even be in the store for sale. She had to assume that someone had abandoned the little animal before it was old enough to fend for itself. When Hermione held up the little kitten for the older woman to inspect the professor cringed a little.

The tiny black cat looked far too slim to be healthy and it was sleepy and weak looking its little eyes barely opening. The chances of this little cat surviving were slim to none and Minerva hated that she would have to inform the little girl of this. The little cat gave the softest weakest mewl and it had Minerva stone heart twitching.

"Sweetheart i'm not sure this little girl is... well she is so weak and... are you sure this is the cat you want?" Minerva had made the mistake of looking the little witch in the eye in the more the she spoke the more upset the little witch seemed to get.

"Oh yes please... Please Professor? She deserves a chance..." Hermione pleaded and the old witch had to take a deep breath to remain composed.

"Fine but you have to be prepared dear, there is every chance this little girl wont survive." Minerva spoke seriously and Hermione beamed and bounced towards the counter.

Minerva watched her a tight feeling in her chest before she followed smiling warmly at the little girl who was clutching the little cat gently too her chest. Minerva stepped up to the counter and cleared her throat gaining the attention of the woman across the surface. The woman looked up at Minerva and then at the little girl with the cat and sighed. The two witches stood as the store owner bent behind the counter and came up with a small cat carrier a little tin a few small bottles with teats and what looked like it might have once been a sock.

"Usually the black cats go for 9 Galleons but I think since this one doesn't look like she will make it I will only charge for the supplies. Now girl, you will have to feed the little animal frequently, so you will mix a half spoon of this in some warm water and feed it to her. The biggest problem will be getting her to suckle. You might want to put this on her too as she will need to be as warm as possible since she is so small." The woman explains not unkindly to the little girl who nodded to show she understood.

"How much then?" Minerva asked fishing out her coin purse.

"2 Galleons. Now Miss, this tin will refill 3 times so if you need more after that you will have to come back and purchase more." The woman states taking the two coins from the Professor.

"Thank you Ma'am Thank you professor." The store owner nodded and waved them off with a slight smile.

"Come along dear, I will take you home. In two weeks you will be some away from being locked outside constantly." Minerva says gently only for Hermione to blanch slightly.

"Thank you." The little brunette mumbled cuddling the tiny cat.

Please if you can take the time to review i would greatly appreciate it.