Disclaimer: Shockingly I don't own the Harry Potter universe – I know you are amazed to learn this. Also the title is from Are you satisfied? by Marina and the Diamonds

A/N: a little short tease of a chapter, updates should be fairly often – perhaps fortnightly or even weekly. I never expected to write a HG/MM story but reading Bonding by asouldreams has made me a believer in the pairing.

Eventually this will be femslash.

19th September 1996 (Hermione's 17th Birthday and 6th year at Hogwarts)

The corridors of Hogwarts are never really empty or still. Even at night the paintings run between frames, visiting friends taking the opportunity to engage in frivolity and debauchery while the students sleep. Ghosts wander the passageways trying to find companions to stave off the thoughts of regrets and past lives. Teachers patrol muttering under their breath about the unfairness of late night patrols followed by a day of classes.

And yet as Albus Dumbledore strode through the halls, one could be forgiven for thinking the castle was abandoned. Fingers curling the end of his beard, as his robes flowed behind him, Albus considered the time remaining to him. Heading in to the next great adventure with regrets was inevitable, there was too much from his past for which he would never be able to atone. However he hoped to leave knowing that if nothing else those left behind would have a chance of happiness.

Approaching his destination Albus was surprised to hear the faint sound of laughter. Meeting the eyes of Godric Gryffindor, Albus raised an eyebrow in question.

"Ah headmaster, as you may have guessed Minerva has company." The dead founders portrait stood eight feet tall, the ornate frame acted as the doorway to the head of Gryffindor's private rooms. Godric was in his prime, a comfortable chair and small side table sat in front of the large red and gold Gryffindor banner.

"I had indeed surmised as much. I am curious though as to whom that company happens to be."

Godric Gryffindor smiled "I'm afraid you will have to ask the esteemed deputy headmistress."

"Of course. Would you please ask Minerva if perhaps I might be so rude as to intrude?"

Nodding Godric disappeared from his frame, leaving the headmaster to his thoughts. Barely a few seconds went by before Godric was back, without a word the portrait swung open revealing a warm and inviting sitting room. Magical light flittered down from the ceiling, the spell for which was a long held McGonagall family secret, and a fire crackled merrily, keeping the cold night at bay.

Albus paused for a moment taking in the sight before him. Minerva sat comfortably in a wingback chair, still dressed in her teaching robes but with her lustrous hair released from its confining bun and a glass of whiskey in her hands. Opposite her in an identical chair was Hermione Granger, an identical glass raised to her lips. And although she was becoming nervous now she had spotted him, it was clear her posture had been relaxed. School robes had been replaced by a simple blouse and jeans.

"Albus, do you need to speak to me?" Hermione glanced at Minerva in surprise and Albus felt his own surprise increase. He had never known his deputy to call him by his first name in front of a student before. Fleetingly the idea to mention the time and the glass of whiskey in Hermione's hand, passed through his mind but was quickly dismissed by the curiosity and desire to understand the situation before him.

"I was merely hoping to find some engaging conversation to distract me from the rather large accumulation of correspondence on my desk awaiting my response." Albus kept his voice light not wishing to adversely affect the mood of the room.

"Ah well in that case please, pull up a chair. It is Hermione's 17th birthday, would you care to join us for a glass Albus? We are discussing the relationship between energy and transfiguration."

"I would love a drink thank you Minerva and many happy returns." Albus hid his surprise as he watched his deputy pour a glass of her families rare 1890 whiskey, judging by the half empty bottle the two had been celebrating for quiet sometime already.

"Ah, transfiguring energy, a fascinating subject." Drawing his wand, he quickly transfigured the plush floor rug into a comfortable, squishy armchair. Causing Minerva's eyes to narrow slightly, she was rather attached to that rug. "and what is your view…" he hesitated slightly "Hermione?" He nodded gratefully as he accepted the glass of aged alcohol from Minerva.

"Despite Minerva's half-hearted attempts to convince me otherwise I still believe it's possible to transfigure energy. Magic has the ability to manipulate energy with charms and other spells, transfiguring it isn't such a big leap." Hermione's voice

Albus smiled as he watched his friend engage in debate with young girl. And he began to believe that perhaps he could leave this world not having to worry for the dear friend he had begun to fear would always be alone.