The Great Hall was packed with people and Minerva gave them all a polite smile before taking a breath and beginning her speech.

"This year, in our first public graduation, it gives me very great pleasure to award the top of class awards to someone that we all know and love," she looked around the Great Hall. "This student has consistently gone above and beyond in their studies and mastered every course, every spell and bested every problem she," she smiled as a whisper swept around the hall, "has faced. Please welcome to the podium, Miss Hermione Granger."

The applause was thunderous as all the benches and chairs were scraped back and the whole Hall stood in ovation. Hermione, blushing a deep red, shook all the Professor's hands and came to Minerva's side.

"This year is a special year and the beginning of a new era at Hogwarts. No longer will we fight amongst ourselves, but rather, embrace our differences, shaping others with our varied experience. Because of this, I invite Mr Draco Malfoy to the stage in recognition of his grit, determination and his educational achievements this year."

The professors applauded, but the rest of the hall was silent as Draco rose from his seat at the back and made his way forward.

"Well done, Malfoy," a lone voice rang out. Minerva smiled as it stopped the Slytherin in his tracks and nodded to Harry, standing at the doors clapping. Beside him was George Weasley, both nodding to him to keep walking.

Minerva had never been more proud of her former Lions.

"Good on you, Draco," came another voice, this one belonging to Neville Longbottom, who stood up to join the other two clapping.

"Yeah," cried Ginny Weasley."Nice work, Draco."

It seemed to be the look Ginny gave to the rest of the Gryffindor table that finally made them act. As one, the majority of the students at Hogwarts stood and applauded, making most of the guests stare in wonder. By the time Draco had shaken all of the professors' hands, he was rather pink in the face.

"Thanks for that," he grimaced as he stood next to Minerva. She winked at him before motioning the rest of the students to sit down.

"This year, these two students have excelled in their subjects and have achieved thirteen Outstanding N.E.W.T.s between them," she waited a moment as an impressed ripple went through the audience.

"Hermione received top marks in Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Arithmancy, Herbology, Ancient Runes, and Transfiguration, receiving Outstanding N.E.W.T.s in all seven subjects that she took," she flashed a proud smile. "Something I take great pride in saying." The audience tittered and applauded heartily as Hermione blushed and took a little bow. "Not to be outdone, however, Draco received top marks in Potions, Astronomy and joint top in Defence Against the Dark Arts, receiving Outstanding N.E.W.T.s in all six of his subjects." There was a brief pause before the applause started for him too, led by the two former students at the back of the hall.

"Knew you could do it mate," George called, making Draco snort. George was laying it on a bit thick in Minerva's opinion, making her bite back a smile.

"These two students, along with the rest who chose to," she smiled properly now, "come home and complete their education at Hogwarts, know the value of our determined effort to build and cherish friendship and learning above all else. And I would like to take this opportunity to announce to our esteemed guests that once both of these students have finished their Mastery levels, they will have jobs waiting for them, should they desire them."

This time the whole hall erupted with applause as the two were presented with their scrolls of achievement and a Hogwarts crest. They walked off the stage together, Hermione linking her arm with Draco's.

Minerva knew it would be a long time before the wounds of the previous years had healed and some, she knew, would never agree with her. But she was the Headmistress, not them; a perk which she intended to keep for as long as she could.

She shifted her papers, finding her place, before moving onto the next item. It was going to be a very long afternoon.

-0-

As always with any Hogwarts function, Minerva and the other professors spent a long time fielding questions and concerns from worried parents, some of whom were downright rude. There were some that had insisted that they were removing their children from Hogwarts immediately, and Minerva simply smiled and said that she understood. Because she did, but that was what had got them all into trouble all those years ago. Perceived failings of a family line. Years ago, she might have done the same, but the war was over and it was time for healing and who better, than those teaching the future generations, to lead the way.

"Minerva McGonagall, you are under arrest for the kidnapping and abduction of a child, designated N6323 and for the attempted imprisonment of a Miss Hermione Granger."

The entire Hall went still as Annabelle Proctor materialised through the crowd with a smug look on her face, flanked by Ministry officials who looked slightly nervous.

"Oh dear, Miss Proctor," Minerva sighed, passing off her wine to one of the floating trays. "Are you sure you won't reconsider? You are about to look quite foolish."

"You are the foolish one Miss McGonagall."

"No no," a voice called out of the now silent crowd. "That would be you," Harry Potter emerged from the back of the Hall, flanked by George, Ginny, Neville and Luna Lovegood. "And that is Professor, if you don't mind."

Miss Proctor opened her mouth to speak, but he waved her silent and Minerva could suddenly see the Auror in Harry Potter.

"You seem to be lost, Miss Proctor," he nodded behind him. "The door is that way."

"She kidnapped a child from Ministry custody," Proctor spat, her face going a peculiar shade of puce.

"No, she didn't," that beautiful voice she instantly recognised called through the crowd. "Minerva didn't need to rescue me at all from that Hell hole you dumped me in, as my accidental magic whisked me back home to her, the moment I was in danger."

The crowd parted like the Red Sea as Hermione and Draco strode forward.

"I suggest we take this elsewhere, unless you wish me to tell these lovely people how abhorrent the Wizarding orphanages are."

Annabelle Proctor did not seem unintelligent to Minerva, but she did seem to be extremely stubborn. A trait that would have them all in trouble if the patrons in the Hall got wind of what had happened over the last few months. Making an executive decision, as only the Headmistress could, she adjusted the wards and with a little help from the castle itself, transported them all to the Transfiguration classroom.

"Now," she said, holding up her hand to forestall Proctor's rage. "We may talk freely here, with no risk of damaging anyone's reputations." She gave Proctor a look that told the woman exactly whose reputation would be damaged.

"She has deceived you all," Proctor announced to Harry, Draco, and Ginny. Aside from most of the Professors whom she'd left to fend off parents, they were the ones in the know, as it were, with the added bonus of all of them now being of age. The rest, Minerva would thank later for their protection. "This is not Hermione Granger, this is an imitation, a copy sent to make you think it was her."

The kids fell about laughing and even Minerva had to bite back a smile.

"Pray tell, Miss Proctor," Hermione said, a steel edge in her voice. "Why exactly would Minerva need a copy of, well, me?" The others laughed again, flustering the intruder further.

"Money? Fame? I won't know until I get her under Veritaserum."

"You are such a moron," Ginny snorted. "I'm not sure what you've been bubbling in your cauldron, but if you think Minerva would hurt Hermione in any way, especially for pathetic reasons like money or fame, you've clearly not done your homework."

"Then what of the child?" Proctor sneered. "Miss Granger seemed to have intimate details of what happened during the time when I removed her from your care."

"I do," Hermione said quietly, though no less dangerous than before. "I have all the intimate knowledge of the horrific place that you placed me in."

"You?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "Me."

The woman looked positively bewildered now.

"I was conducting an experiment for a practical I am taking outside of school. I experimented with a potion, the results of which went a little awry and Minerva cared for me until I could get back to normal."

Minerva opened her mouth to speak, but saw Draco shake his head. Apparently, Álainn had picked up more from Draco than Minerva had originally thought! Hermione's lies were incredibly believable.

"Had you bothered to corroborate any of my information, Miss Proctor, you would know this to be true, instead of simply making up your own conclusions and acting accordingly. Stooping so low as to steal a baby from its caregiver is cause for great concern in my opinion. How many other babies have you stolen?" Minerva peered at Annabelle Proctor as if she was a First Year who had broken the school rules. "Are you actually qualified for this job?"

The woman was outraged, and they went back and forth for a while before Minerva had quite had enough.

"Miss Proctor, you have not listened to anything any of us have said, and you do not seem to learn. This is indeed Miss Hermione Granger and you may scan her if you wish, however, that is where it will end. You have disrupted our Graduation celebration over a petty vendetta against myself, the cause of which I do not know, nor wish to know quite frankly," she pursed her lips. "Do your scan and I shall bid you farewell."

"Dried up old hag," Proctor took a step forward, towards Minerva, but stopped suddenly as she realised she was at the end of five wands, all held by people with fire in their eyes.

"I would reconsider your actions, Miss Proctor," Hermione hissed, making Minerva smile and drop her wand to her side.

"Miss Proctor," Harry said, almost pleasantly. "I think it's time you and I had a little chat." Harry flicked his wand and Proctor was suddenly handcuffed and gagged; a fact that she seemed to be most displeased about. Harry silenced her, outraging her further, but he ignored her as he moved towards Minerva. "Rousing speech McG," he grinned, hugging her and receiving one in turn. "Can't wait for the next one. Hermione, nice work. Shame the git beat you in Potions, not," he chuckled, offering a hand and receiving a shake from Draco. Well done. And thank you," he said seriously. "For your help. Don't know what we would have done without you."

"Don't mention it," Draco said, then grinned. "Really. I have a reputation to uphold."

Harry laughed and Minerva wrapped her arm around Hermione, who rested her head on Minerva's shoulder. They watched Harry bid Ginny farewell, scooping her up and kissing her soundly. "Cheerio all," he said happily retrieving a portkey from his pocket. "See you all next week for tea I shouldn't wonder."

Ginny went back to the Hall wearing a bedazzled smile, leaving Hermione, Draco and Minerva alone. Minerva kissed Hermione's hair and smiled at Draco.

"You deserved every bit of praise that was given to you," she said quietly. "You have excelled, Mr Malfoy, despite what the world has put you through."

"Still feel like a fraud," he glared at the back wall of the room. "They all think I am. I am not innocent."

"No," Minerva shrugged. "But," Minerva reached out and tipped his chin with her finger so he could look at her. "We know you are not." She cupped his cheek and smiled. "And we love you anyway. Our family is all that really matters, my boy."

He blinked hard and Hermione stepped forward to hug him.

"Thank you Draco, for bringing me back," she whispered.

"You're welcome," he said, pausing before grinning in the way he used to before the war. "You weren't so annoying as a baby."

Minerva laughed as Hermione punched him in the arm.

"Let us rejoin the festivities and then perhaps we should go out for dinner tonight?"

"My treat," Draco said. "I received the first royalty for a potion Uncle Sev had me patent," he looked between their dubious faces. "Please? I'd be honoured."

Having agreed upon a time to meet, they left the room, knowing they would forever be linked.

Minerva knew it would be hard in the world for these two. Hermione, Álainn, so fragile, even as she was so fierce. And Draco, carrying around a family-sized history upon his back. She would do everything she could to help him through it.

Hermione would have to meet her parents again, of that Minerva was most worried about, but as Hermione linked her arm with hers and put a little weight on it, Minerva realised the worry would wait. Hermione had to rest so that she would be strong enough to come to dinner. She motioned to Filius, who was standing by the door saying farewell to a number of exiting parents and students, that she would be back, before slipping through one of the doors in the courtyard and leading Hermione up to her quarters.

"I love you, Mama," Álainn sighed as Minerva Transfigured her robes into soft flannel pyjamas.

"I love you too, little one," she smoothed back the curls and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "My Álainn."