Author's Notes:

I do not own any character that originates from J.K. Rowling's masterpiece of a universe. I just enjoy investigating the "what ifs" of her world.

This is my first story. I have been reading stories from this website by such talented writers and have been inspired to attempt it myself. Thank you for those that have inspired me to try.

On that note, all errors are my own since I do not have a Beta reader. The first chapter has a number of errors that I will correct soon (I got so excited that I couldn't help myself and posted pre-maturely…).

Epiphany Chapter 2 Second Year

What will the Year Bring?

Nearly Headless Nick passed through the school walls as if dazed having just left the Transfiguration corridor. He had just run through the Deputy's form and she hadn't even teased him or rebuked him for not looking where he was floating. Granted, he was a ghost and it really wouldn't have mattered, but it always mattered to the strict professor. How odd. She looked as if she might burst into tears or start dancing which was what confused him the most.

The school year was about to begin tomorrow and the beginning of the year festivities were about to begin. On the other side of the school, Minerva continued to walk with a very un-Professor McGonagall gait. She did not know what had her so… dazed, but she very much wanted it to end. She had to snap out of it. Perhaps it was apprehension for this year. After all, last year had enough excitement for a couple to suffice. It pained her to remember its conclusion.

Last year she remembered hearing Albus say that Potter, Weasley, and Gr- Hermione had sustained injuries due to their trek through the obstacle course protecting the Sorcerer's Stone. She headed to the Hospital wing in her cat form and gracefully landed at the foot of Hermione's sleeping form. She looked so relaxed sleeping that she did not wish to disturb the young girl. Hopping off and returning to her human self, she paid a visit to her other cubs and left them a note of get well.

Why had Hermione's brush with death affect her so? The young lady and her had begun a tradition of having tea and practicing advanced lessons every Friday in her classroom, but the young lady had not shown up. This was very unlike her. This prompted the animagus to seek out her pupil which was when Albus had caught her.

Their lessons were her favorite part of the week. Even though Hermione was a first year, the young lady already demonstrated a spark of courage that would often surface during their discussions when she was not afraid to debate with Minerva. She also was unnerving in her ability to pick up on the lessons that Minerva tried to introduce her to. Minerva shook her head- she really discontinue her internal ramblings and get to get to her destination to meet the First Years.

The Excitement!

Hermione had just finished unpacking her belongings when there was a pecking sound to her left where the window closest to her was. Wand up her sleeve (can never be too careful after hearing Harry's account from last year) she saw a Hogwarts owl perched on the ledge. Opening the window it quickly hopped within her room and extended its leg. She untied the letter and offered in an owl-treat. She recognized the emerald ink immediately which brought the brightest smile too her face.

Ms Granger-

I sincerely hope your holiday has been a pleasant one and you have kept out of trouble (I don't want any more gray hairs, young lady!). I wanted to extend an invitation if you are agreeable to continuing our tea meetings/ lessons for this year? Please respond at your earliest convenience.

Best,

Professor McGonagall.

Quickly making room on her desk, she began to write her response. She didn't know why she was so excited. Her hand continued to shake and she had to start over on two occasions before she calmed down.

Dear Professor McGonagall-

I greatly appreciate your invitation and would very much like to accept it. I always enjoy our discussions and I must confess you have made addicted to your brand of Ginger Newt treat. Have you read the most recent "Charms for the Modern Witch" issue? There is a spell discussed that I think you would find most useful.

Thank you for reaching out. Yes, I have been trying to stay out of trouble. It was easy during the break considering the boys were not with me.

Best,

Hermione

She sealed the envelop and gathered her things to pay a visit to the Owlery.

Knight in Shining Armor

Malfoy had always teased Hermione, but this year was proving to be more trying than she was able to take. Last year she was just beginning to understand the practical side of magic as she incorporated it to her vastly growing academic knowledge. However, the meetings and practice sessions with her favorite Professor has given her a confidence over her skills.

Malfoy's sneered face looked upon female friend of Potter and her mustered up his courage to sling another insult. "You are nothing but a waste of space in this school, Granger", he whispered.

For her part, Hermione refused to rise to meet his insults. She knew that there was a time and place for each battle and she needn't waste her time. She made her way without a backward glance. Unbeknownst to her, Professor McGonagall had stumbled upon the scene and stopped to observe whilst ready to intervene if need be. As her favorite pupil made to walk away from Malfoy, the boy reached for his wand to curse her back. However, before Minerva could step from her spot a few doors away, Hermione had her wand out and encased Malfoy in solid rock from his shoulders down.

With a look of restrained power, the young Muggle born slowly made her way back to her impromptu foe. She spoke with an air of calm that brought a chill down Minerva's back.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Malfoy?" Hermione intoned. For his part, Malfoy wore a look of shock, fear, and possibly awe for the young woman in front of him. He said nothing.

"Nothing? Why does that not surprise me? If you ever try such a cowardly move on me or anyone I hold dear… actually, even if it is toward a stranger, I will retaliate accordingly. There is no excuse for what you just tried to do." The young Muggle-born looked straight into his eyes as she whispered this promise. However, her look of calm restraint quickly turned to sadness and her step faltered by the flashes of scenery and action that quickly passed into her mind.

A single tear made its way down her cheek as she collected her bearings. The image of a young blond boy being severely chastised by an angry senior Malfoy for breaking a toy even though a House-elf repaired it shortly after. A young Malfoy being hit by the same man for no reason other than wanting to spend time with his mother rather than accompanying the man to his errands. The last one almost broke Hermione. The image of a stranger entering Malfoy's room and the choked sobs that could be heard shortly after.

Hermione released Malfoy immediately, however he did not move. Tears were running down his own face at the images he had relived with Granger. To his surprise, he felt a hand on his shoulder and the gentle voice of the young woman in front of him calmed him almost as if it was magic.

"Malfoy, I won't speak a word of what I saw. I'm sorry, I did not mean to intrude on your thoughts. It happens when I am worked up and make eye contact with someone. You can rebuke me, but I have to say this. If you ever want to just talk to someone know that I am available. I won't judge and I won't speak a word to anyone, OK? And I'm sorry you've gone through that." After Hermione spoke, she turned her back on the young man and trusted that this time she would be safe in doing so. Behind her, Malfoy remained stunned with tears running down his face.

A short distance away a proud and saddened professor had tears running down her face as well. Minerva thought to herself, "This year certainly is going to be an interesting one, indeed".