Next up! Thanks to all my reviewers!

Both Ron and Hermione shrugged and decided to apparate back to Hogwarts. When they were gone, Minerva pulled Harry even closer to her.

"How did you fall, Harry?" She asked

"I tripped over the foot of the armor." He replied, grinning sheepishly.

"Sleep now, Harry, you need the break. I'll go back to the school and get the homework for you." Minerva kissed Harry on the forehead and left.

Harry fell into a deep sleep, not troubled by dreams of Voldemort. He was so tired that he did not notice the white owl appearing beside him and using its wing, touched his cheek briefly, before disappearing.

When Minerva apparated just outside the gates of Hogwarts, she suddenly noticed a large red phoenix flying behind her. When she turned back, it was gone. Sighing at its resemblance to Fawkes, who left when Albus died, she turned and entered the gates of Hogwarts, missing the white owl that had flown to seat beside the phoenix.

"She's really sad isn't she?" the owl sighed mentally to the phoenix.

Fawkes let out a shrill note.

"I guess so"

Minerva entered Hogwarts, and immediately went to her chambers and collapsed. How could Harry have fallen down two flights of stairs and did not die was a miracle. Minerva lay down on the bed, suddenly feeling very tired.

/ Flashback /

"It would be too dangerous for him, Albus."

"I know, Minerva. Nevertheless, there is binding contract on him. I can't break the Goblet's spell, you know that." Dumbledore sighed.

"He may be dead before the year ends, Albus!" She cried out.

"Or might not." He reminded her softly.

Minerva looked up with tears in her eyes.

"I'm scared, Albus."

"Why?" he asked.

Minerva's glance dropped to the floor.

"Why?" He asked again, putting on long finger below her chin, forcing her to look up at him.

"Because I feel that this is too dangerous. There are already death eater attacks this year. I don't want more to happen." Minerva collapsed into Albus's arms.

"Nothing will happen to him, tabby. Harry is a strong boy." Albus stroked Minerva's face lightly.

"But what if…" She trailed off.

"No more, Minerva. Let's enjoy this night when we still have it."

/ End of flashback /

They made passionate love that night. Minerva turned over to her left side and slept, never once noticing the white owl flying silently around her room.

Harry Potter lay on the hospital bed, never daring to move, in fear of injuring himself.

It had happened only once, where he had spent over two nights in the hospital wing.

/ flashback /

Harry felt himself falling. Fast. It was the opening match of the season. 13 year old Harry Potter was chasing after the snitch when it happened. The Dementors, which are supposed to guard the school from Sirius Black, were all around.

Harry winced as the terrible memories of his childhood overwhelmed him. Losing control, he fell 100 feet from his broom to the ground. His only memory was hearing his dad yell "Arresto Momentum"

When he woke up in the hospital wing, it was already dark. His parents were seated beside him. Minerva was silently sobbing into her hands while Albus held her in his arms tightly.

"Mum? Dad?" He asked.

Minerva jumped at his voice.

"Harry! You are awake. How are you feeling now?" Minerva asked in soft hushed tones.

"Sore everywhere." Was Harry's reply.

Minerva hugged Harry, while Albus clapped his shoulders briefly and left.

"See you tomorrow, Harry."

"What happened to the Dementors?" He asked madam Pomfrey once his parents left.

"I've never seen the headmaster and Minerva this angry. They used the Patronus charm to chase them away." She said in a hushed, awed voice.

"How was Minerva's patronus like?" He asked again.

"Well, it's really weird. Albus's patronus was in the form of a lion, while Min's was in the form of a large red phoenix. The power both of them emitted was so great. I could feel it even from the hospital wing." Madam Pomfrey finished off her mini 'story'.

Harry just gaped.

"Come on now, time for you to rest." Madam Pomfrey said, moving things around before leaving Harry with his own thoughts.

/End flashback/

Minerva was terrified after that. He remembered her always crowding around him, desperately trying to protect him from what is to come. Though he wished that she would leave him alone, he could tell it was because of overwhelming concern.

The next day dawned, with Healer Travis bustling around the room, drawing the curtains. Now that it was light, Harry took that chance to get a good look around the room. He was the only person in the room. Healer Travis came over to his side.

"When can I go back to Hogwarts?" He asked.

"Today if you wish. It seems that you could heal fast. I can let you out now, but you have to have no vigorous movement for a few days." She replied.

"So this means I can go back now?" He asked excitedly.

"No. You have to get someone to bring you back. You are still weak and do not know how to apparate yet."

Harry frowned. There was no one that he knew off that have any free time now. Except for his mum.

Minerva McGonagall was in the middle of correcting her students work while they sat for a test when a brown owl pecked on the window. Checking that her students are still working, Minerva opened the window and took the letter from the owl. Going back to her seat, Minerva opened the letter quietly.

Mum,

I am released from St. Mungos today. Actually, now. I'm wondering if you could apparate me back as the healers are refusing to let me go without anyone accompanying me. How are Ron and Hermione?

Harry.

Minerva let out a sigh of relief. Harry could be released today. Looking at the time, she realized that the test should be over 5 minutes ago. Asking everyone to put down their quills, she collected the tests and dismissed them. After everyone left, Minerva went just outside the Hogwarts gates and apparated to St. Mungos.

Harry Potter sat on the bed, feeling bored. He had nothing to do while he waited for his mum. Suddenly, a loud crack was heard outside the door. Opening it, he saw Minerva standing outside.

Minerva entered the room, checking that no one is around; she drew Harry into a tight hug.

"How are you feeling?" she asked worriedly.

"Fine. Can we go back now, mum?" he asked.

Minerva smiled.

"Yes. Grab my hand, Harry." She said as she apparated both of them to Hogsmeade.

They both appeared in a dark alley in Hogsmeade. Harry glanced at his mum curiously. She looked around carefully before letting go of Harry's hand.

"Go get yourself some items. I will be waiting for you outside the three broomsticks. Go." She pushed Harry in the direction of the bookstore, not before passing some money to him.

Harry spent an enjoyable hour walking around Hogsmeade and buying what he needed for his upcoming exams. After an hour, he decided that he bought enough and started for the three broomsticks.

Minerva was in her animagus form when she heard someone approaching her. Turning her head up, she could discern the face of Harry. Turning back to her human form, she asked him what he had bought.

"Some herbs and a few books." Was his reply.

Minerva nodded her approval.

"Come on Harry. Let's get back to the castle." She told him as she lead him back, taking care to support him.

They were turning round a corner when suddenly Harry stopped. Wondering why, Minerva stopped too. Harry bent down slightly to take a closer look at the red bird, who was striding around the ground.

"Mum! Look at this!" he nearly shouted.

"What Harry?" She asked.

"Its…"