Who shall she use to replace Ron?

Snape in Hufflepuff. That would have been a sight to see. Did Hermione manage the AK? Did she have enough will to kill?

Interesting to see how perceptive Harry will be.

Something went right, then. :)

Minerva is at peace, if no-one else.

Now, that is likely to be misunderstood by all present.

The significance of the ghost's tear eludes me. :)

Seems like a relentless, downward spiral.  For both of them.

Very intense.

Does that mean she suspects some of Ron's soul could be in Harry's children?  But what of the other Weasleys?

Powerful magic indeed, to so disconcert the Sorting hat.

Of all people, only he can understand.

Wonder what would have happened if they hadn't covered up who killed Voldemort.  Would it have made any difference?

She is like a guardian ghost.
Discussing her theories with another brings her back to herself temporarily.

To make another one?

Ah, he is beginning to narrow his ... suspicions.  Delightful toying with the 'Puff Librarian.  ~shivers~

Why your prose is a smorgasboard of delight: 

This for the mind:
His words a precise ambiguity of confirmation and censure; between those possibilities, Minerva stood, at a loss.

And this for the senses - I can SEE him:
His fingers stopped moving, and he turned his head very slowly to look at her, a fall of hair obscuring half of his face, reflecting the dying flames.

~bliss~

Loved anarchic laughter.  Love the shame he detected in her, the loss, and the envy.  And adored this: 

“I suppose you want to know what this is about.”
“Hardly.  But I rather suspect that you do.”
 

Ah, what is this kinship Hermione now shares with the ghosts, of which she is unaware, apparently?  And why can she no longer see nor hear the ghosts?  And what is the intrigue going on betwixt Minerva and Albus' portrait?  So many questions, and such a joy to read your prose, love.

Oh, darling, what a set-up!  It emanates atmosphere, and I am swept up.  What a dark secret for Hermione to have kept all these years, and I squirm with delighted anticipation as I begin this journey to find out why.

And what a delicious setting for the erstwhile Potions master to grace, in good time ...

I like that wee ghostie! :)

Horcruxes, invisible ghosts, necromancy... spooky stuff! :)

The scarlet smudge behind her is is symbolic, isn't it? :)

Gets more intriguing by the chapter. :)

Great chapter title! :)