I am so sorry for how long this took, but this chapter just didn't want to be written. Once again, thank you to all who added this story to your favourites and thanks to those that review, they mean so much!

Enjoy

Chapter 7

Hermione returned to classes just in time to begin choosing her subjects for third year, a decision which usually did not require much thought but…

"Professor McGonagall!"

The call caused Minerva to drop everything she was holding – meaning that a book landed painfully on her foot.

"Ow… Hermione?"

Hermione didn't even pause to see if Minerva was okay, she immediately began pacing, ringing her hands together.

"Hermione what on Earth's the matter?" Minerva asked, suddenly worried.

"We've got to pick our third year subjects next week and… I mean what if I choose the wrong ones? A wrong decision now could affect my whole future!" Hermione rushed, "Then I thought about what you said… and maybe you could help me." Hermione finished quietly.

Minerva smiled, warmly. Hermione always did have a tendency to over think.

"Not that I don't admire your enthusiasm Hermione, I doubt any subject would be unhappy to have you"

"How can you say that? My potions essays are completely lacking in detail and quite frankly my Herbology research is laughable!"

Then Minerva forgot, she forgot all the rules she was meant to be following and she opened her mouth.

"Honestly, 'Mione why are you always so hard on yourself?"

Her breath caught at the abbreviation she had unconsciously used. How good it had felt. How much she had given away. Hermione's eyes were wide with shock and something else.

Dare Minerva think it?

Understanding.

"'Mione' Hermione whispered under her breath, "No ones' ever called me that before, at least… I don't think they have. I… it feels… familiar"

Minerva felt frozen, she willed the truth to come spilling out of her mouth but, the part that was still thinking clearly, still had hold of what was for the best held her tongue.

"A slip of the tongue… Miss Granger, I do hope you'll forgive me my moment of unprofessionalism." Minerva tried a smile but Hermione wasn't even looking at her, she doubted the girl had even heard what Minerva had said.

"I…" Hermione didn't even seem to be conscious of Minerva's distress.

Minerva decided that she'd best just get out of the situation and what she hoped was a steady voice spoke.

"Hermione, I think it's best you return to your dormitories now, it is getting late."

The girl didn't move, she just continued to gaze at the floor as though it was mystery she was about to solve. Seeing no alternative, Minerva took two steps forward and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder.

The girls' head shot up and her eyes shone a brilliant red.

"Minerva!" Hermione cried, and the voice was full of recognition and… love.

Minerva jerked her hand away as quickly as she could and Hermione jumped and glanced frantically around the room, her hand went to her head as though in pain.

"What happened?" she mumbled.

"I…" Minerva breathed incoherently.

"… My head… I …."

"I…" Minerva regained some self control, "That'll be the stress Hermione… you… you should take an early night, rest."

Minerva hoped the voice had been convincing. Hermione gave a solitary nod but continued to grasp her head.

"I should go," Hermione mumbled whilst turning towards the door.

Minerva did nothing; she held her breath and waited for the door to close. Then she let out a breath that turned into a sob and cried until she felt asleep.

If a mere touch was enough to revoke the phoenix magic it wouldn't be long until Hermione was having flashes during the day.

"And what did she say when you saw the phoenix fire in her eyes?" asked Dumbledore with his back to Minerva.

She had gone to visit him the morning after she has spoken with Hermione, hoping for some answers. He had not as yet, been able to provide any.

"My name, just my name but…" Minerva closed her eyes as she remembered, "it was the way she said it Albus… it was her voice, she knew me". Minerva couldn't help the ghost of a smile that pulled at her lips as she played the memory over in her mind.

Albus glanced over his shoulder and caught the smile.

"You think this is a good thing Minerva?"

Minerva felt that pull of guilt again.

"Albus I… I just can't help but-"

"We both know that you can help it Minerva, you wont!" There was anger and worry in his voice, "I have told you what the consequences will be if you are careless!"

"You can't understand." Her voice was quiet but there was venom in it.

Something like pain crossed Dumbledore's face.

"Don't I?" He whispered.

Minerva saw her mistake and added shame to the emotions she was feeling.

"I killed him Minerva." Albus' hands had begun to tremble, "the only man I ever loved."

Minerva sat down and put her head in her hands.

"Don't tell me I don't know what it's like to lose the one you love!"

"I'm sorry!" Minerva shrieked, "She's just so close Albus! After so long and I don't know if I can.." Minerva broke off as sobs swallowed her voice.

Albus approached the crying woman, his own eyes filled with tears. He knelt before her and took her hands in his own. He waited until she met his gaze.

"I understand, more than you know. But I need you to believe me, there is a reason she is here, now, in this time, she has a part to play."

"…What do you mean Albus?"

Dumbledore sighed.

"It has never been easy for me to confide in others Minerva, you must know that by now."

Minerva nodded slowly.

"I have believed, since the so called fall of Voldemort, that it would not be his end. I believe… I am certain in fact, that he will return. He came close last year. That is why it is essential that Harry is equipped with the knowledge that will help him finish him once and for all."

"But Albus," Minerva's breath was still ragged, "how can you know that? He failed last year, and not only that, but the boy who caused his fall in the first place was the one to do it! He may not try again."

"I knew Voldemort when he was Tom Riddle, Minerva, and he had an innate amount of determination that he carried through to his existence as Tom Riddle."

Panic suddenly crossed Minerva's face.

"You think, he'll not rest until he can return?"

"I believe, that he will have arranged matters so that, he will have a number of opportunities to return to his old glory. We are short on time Minerva, an attempt was made in Harry's first year, it will not be long before a second and perhaps successful attempt happens. And who can be sure if I or Merlin forbid Harry can stop him this time?"

"Then we must all try Albus! We must all be cautious to prevent his return! So much was lost before; we must stop it from happening again!"

Minerva was almost panting.

"I believe," said Dumbledore quietly, "that, for Voldemort to truly meet his end… he must return once more, or we will all spend the rest of our days fearing and waiting for the day in which he does."

Minerva froze.

"You mean that, you want him to come back?"

"No." Dumbledore stared straight into Minerva's eyes, "I want him finished, once and for all and for that to happen, he must come back."

"So you mean for Harry to defeat him? A boy Albus? What can he do that you, or the Order couldn't accomplish?"

"Oh, Minerva. I have convincing evidence that, it will be critical that Harry be the one to end him, in fact, I believe that Mr Potter may be the only one capable of doing so."

"And what does this have to do with-"

"You know as well as I that she is incredible. Her intellect and skill above both of ours. In this form, she has been drawn to Mr Potter, I have reason to believe that the phoenix magic senses Harry's path and Hermione's relevance to its success."

"So, she has returned to help end him once and for all?"

Dumbledore gave a heavy sigh.

"Yes, I think that."

They sat in silence for a while, as Minerva processed what Dumbledore was saying. If Hermione was here to help Harry, then what did that mean for them. If Hermione was harmed fighting Voldemort if and when he did return. Would that mean the end for them forever?

Some time went by before Dumbledore broke the silence.

"I need to ask you to do something for me, Minerva."

Minerva remained silent.

"There will be a time, when I will begin giving Harry private lessons to prepare him for his inevitable battle with Voldemort and I'm going to ask that you do the same with Hermione."

"Albus, when we're near each other, I can feel the pull. She knows, on some level I'm sure she does and I don't feel strong enough to-"

"I need you to start immediately. Hermione has incredible magical ability, however, in her current form; she has not yet accessed it. I need you to help her do, it will be imperative. I need you to be strong Minerva. I have told you that you will have to tell her the truth. It will not be long, a few years at most."

"I… I can try."

"Thank you, she has great skill in transfiguration as you well know, however, she also has incredible ability in charms and potions, both of which need to be developed in time. We have time enough for the moment I believe but soon, things will be set in motion that cannot be undone, and we must be ready."

Minerva nodded, too stunned to do more.

"I believe that's enough for tonight Minerva, Good night."

She nodded again and stood.

"I feel… myself again Albus. Does that make sense? Even in the first moment I saw her last year, I could feel… a… a shift inside me."

"I know, I am truly thrilled that you will have another chance. But unfortunately, you must once again put aside your happiness until we have given more yet again."

Minerva gave a smile and turned towards the door.

A/N: hmmm