"Are you ready, Hermione?"
Professor McGonagall was already in position, wand in hand, a faint softness in her eyes—though she kept it well hidden.
Smart, brave, hardworking, kind...
McGonagall saw so many wonderful qualities in Hermione.
In an era where everyone was praising Harry and Tom, she happened to favor this little witch the most—and believed in her the most.
Harry was the prophesied savior, the Boy Who Lived. From the moment he arrived at Hogwarts, he'd been showered with admiration and glory.
Tom was a genuine genius—a low-key one who didn't flaunt it.
McGonagall had noticed: in her classes, Tom never volunteered answers or asked questions, but he always got everything perfect. He was the kind of kid teachers loved.
Apparently it was the same with the other professors—except maybe Sprout.
Tom was really attentive to that sweet old lady. Every night before heading back to the dorm, he'd stop by to remind Professor Sprout that the temperature was dropping tomorrow, tell her to bundle up, or suggest she wear an extra layer.
Because those two boys shone so brightly, a lot of people overlooked the fact that there was another outstanding young witch: Hermione Granger.
"Child, I won't be prying into your memories. I'll just try to breach your defenses. So..."
"Wait a second, Professor McGonagall," Tom said tentatively. "Could you maybe go easy on me?"
The tense atmosphere cracked—McGonagall couldn't help but laugh at the joke. "Of course. Relax, relax. It won't hurt much."
"Legilimens!"
When McGonagall locked eyes with Tom, she felt a slight dizziness in her head.
She saw a shadow of someone else in him—Severus Snape.
Her spell felt like it had hit a wall that wasn't exactly rock-solid.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Every time she struck Tom's mental defenses, McGonagall sensed they were about to crumble... but some invisible thread held every brick together, keeping her from breaking through.
"Hmm?"
McGonagall frowned. Her wand flared with intense light.
...
Fifteen minutes later, she lowered it.
"Hermione, you're being a bit too modest."
Tom shook his head. "Not at all, Professor. I'm still nowhere near good enough at Occlumency."
A bit?
McGonagall smiled, feeling a little humbled.
She wouldn't claim to be an expert in Legilimency, but she'd once worked for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"Child, modesty is a virtue—but don't overdo it. When it comes to Occlumency... maybe only Professor Snape could properly guide you now.
"I'm not exaggerating: Severus might only be a little better than you. Even for him, breaking through your shields would take serious effort."
Tom's mouth slowly dropped open.
Honestly, he wasn't being humble—he genuinely had no idea where he stood.
Professor Snape was basically a tsundere bat.
He never outright told Tom how far he'd progressed or what level he was at...
Tom only knew his Occlumency was at LV.7.
Snape always crushed him in practice, then acted all casual about it.
"Tom! You still need to work harder—why are you still so terrible after all this time?!" —Severus Snape, verbatim.
So the bat professor was already starting to feel the strain?
Tom couldn't help grinning.
"Go on, child. Do what you need to do," McGonagall said, patting his shoulder. "And if you're still worried... maybe I'll come with you?"
"That would be perfect! Thank you, Professor."
"But before we go, there's one thing I want to ask." McGonagall looked him straight in the eye, serious now. "Who taught you Occlumency? I certainly never heard that Severus was giving you lessons."
"Tom did.
"You know Tom and Professor Snape are really close friends... and I'm Tom's best friend. We basically have no secrets from each other. I even know what color underwear he's wearing today."
"Child, that's highly inappropriate! Please don't do that... Does he know what color yours are?"
"Nope, Professor."
(Because he'd changed clothes, but Hermione hadn't.)
McGonagall seemed to relax a little. Her body slowly shrank, sleek black fur sprouting as her emerald eyes turned round.
Professor Cat-Girl had turned into a cat.
"We're ready to go," the little black cat said.
"Professor McGonagall..." Tom twitched. "People might recognize you right away?"
McGonagall glanced at herself. "No, they won't. The cat I usually turn into has a tail 1.32 inches longer, deeper fur, and the paws aren't... Okay, fine, maybe I should change it up."
The black cat spun in midair. Her fur instantly lightened to pure white.
"Professor, you're adorable."
"I'm an old lady already. If I were fifty years younger, that compliment would make my day." The white cat chuckled softly and climbed onto Tom's shoulder. "You can tell Professor Quirrell I'm your magical creature pet. I won't mind."
Animagi are seriously impressive.
Tom thought to himself in awe.
Animagi were wizards who could turn into animals while keeping their magical abilities—like Professor McGonagall.
With the little white cat in tow, Tom's turnaround rate in the hallways skyrocketed.
Which led to...
"Her-mi-o-ne!"
An annoying voice rang out behind him. Someone rushed up and grabbed his shoulder.
Then she spotted the little white cat in Tom's arms and locked eyes with it.
It was like she'd been hit with a calming potion—her angry face froze. "What a cute cat! Hermione, where'd you find this magical creature?"
(It's your favorite Professor McGonagall.)
Of course, Tom didn't say that. He just coughed. "Even young wizards get lucky sometimes. Fate rewards those who work hard."
"Whatever—let me hold her!" Hermione snatched the cat without waiting.
Sure, Hermione's favorite animal was an otter, but she was pretty fond of cats too.
And this one was super well-behaved—totally her type.
Ahem ahem. Tom coughed twice. "I've got stuff to do. Can I have my cat back?"
"Tch, stingy." Hermione rolled her eyes. She set McGonagall on the ground and pulled out half a breakfast sausage from her pocket.
Feeling playful, she crouched down, one hand propping her head, the other dangling the sausage teasingly.
"You really ought to give Professor McGonagall back now..." Tom said, deadpan.
That ordinary sentence sent massive ripples through Hermione's mind.
What?
What did he just call the little white cat?
Hermione had a sinking suspicion. Her face went pale in an instant.
But she wasn't ready to believe it yet, so she forced out, "How could you name a cat Professor McGonagall?! I—I've got to go, I've got things to do."
Her movements turned stiff as she robotically turned away.
"Mr. Riddle," the little white cat on the ground spoke up. "I hope in the future you'll be this lively in my Transfiguration classes. It would make you seem more like a kid and less like a tiny adult."
"I'm so sorry, Professor!" Hermione immediately caved and bowed deeply. "I—Your Transfiguration is just too advanced. I didn't recognize you right away.
"For my rudeness, I request detention next week. Please don't go easy on me."
Tom: "?"
Why not this week?
"Professor McGonagall, please don't give him detention. Tom's a big crybaby—if you lock him up, that naughty kid will cry to me nonstop.
"Him not recognizing you is actually a good thing. It means your Transfiguration skills are absolutely masterful."
"No, please do give me detention. Next week."
"Tom!"
"Hermione! Stay out of it. I've accepted my mistake—everyone should take responsibility for their actions!"
But you can't make me take the fall!!!
Tom gritted his teeth. He caught the glint of amusement in her eyes.
"Alright, you two," McGonagall said. "I'm not going to give detention over something this small. I'm actually envious of how deep your friendship is. I hope you'll stay great friends in the future. Hermione, we should get going."
Tom stuck his tongue out at Hermione with a mocking grin and left with McGonagall.
Only after Tom was gone did the full horror hit Hermione.
What on earth had she just done?!
Teasing Professor McGonagall—with a half-eaten sausage, no less—doing something so outrageously disrespectful!
And that annoying Tom—how dare he use her body for that, and then make that gross face at the end!
What a jerk!
...
"I never knew Tom had this side to him," McGonagall said with a laugh from Tom's arms. "I've always seen him as this mature little adult, but deep down, he's still just a kid."
Tom hummed in agreement. "A stubborn kid. But he's actually a good person—kind to every classmate, even thinking there's hope for someone as annoying as Malfoy.
"I like being around Tom more. He makes me feel safe."
McGonagall lifted her cat head, looking at Hermione in surprise. "I had no idea you felt that way about him."
"Well... we're friends. Best friends."