Before the woman suddenly appeared, it was a normal Tuesday morning. The kids were either gabbling away over their cereal, or drinking enough coffee to get their eyes to not only open, but to stay open. In some cases, especially in the older students, who had exams approaching, it was a lot of coffee. The teachers were quietly talking amongst themselves as they kept an eye on their pupils, making sure that nothing too terrible was occurring.
Suddenly, a woman was standing in the centre of the rom. Before anyone could react – probably violently – the woman crossed both her arms so that her palms were flat on her shoulders. She turned towards the teachers table, and gave a short, formal bow towards Professor Xavier.
"I ask for the right of sanctuary in this Sacred Place." Xavier looked up at her, and his hands seemed to reflexively assume the same positions.
"Have you dire physical or mental need for sanctuary?"
"Yes."
"Do you swear on your life that you are not here to harm any inhabitant?"
"Yes."
"Do you promise that you will protect the Sanctuary, with your own life if need be, and you will not harm anybody here through either action or inaction?"
"Yes."
The silent group watched as the two bandied words back and forth. Each time the woman replied, a golden bracelet would appear around her skin. It was visible even through the layers of clothing she was wearing, and glowed softly. By the time the third bracelet had materialised on the woman's wrist, it was as though there was a spotlight beaming out of her.
Xavier looked at the woman, and she tilted her head to the side, quizzically. Abruptly, her expression changed, becoming mask-like, whilst the professor's grew more tense and harsh.
Neither of them moved for at least 3 minutes, though the professor seemed to sag as the silence dragged on.
"Then," he said as he opened his eyes, keeping them on the still glowing figure. "Ms Granger, you are granted sanctuary in this place, and as long as you obey the rules of this house and the rules of the contract, then you are welcome here." The woman bent at the waist, smoothly bowing to Xavier. A beat passed, then they both lowered their arms simultaneously. Logan watched with narrowed eyes as the glow increased, then suddenly vanished. The woman had left as well, as silently as she had appeared.
All was quiet for a few beats – until someone turned to Xavier and started asking questions. The rest of the students joined in as well, seemingly no longer dependent on caffeine for consciousness when it is instead replaced by a mysterious woman who managed to enter and leave undetected.
"Quiet," said the head professor. He was ignored, unintentionally, as everyone was too busy gossiping and speculating about what had just happened – and what would happen next. Xavier gave a significant look to Logan.
Logan stood up, and taking a knife from beside his plate, he used it to create an ungodly din. Everyone winced at the least, and the majority covered their ears; all, that is, except for Xavier, who had retreated into his head. He nodded decisively, then started to speak.
"Students, teachers and our guest. We have an unprecedented situation on our hands; this is not any one individuals fault – "There came a harsh sound from the back of the room, as the woman seemingly tried to stifle a laugh.
"-Though we now have to deal with the consequences of what has occurred. For now, I will tell you what it is vital that you know; anything else I will leave to Ms Granger to elaborate on as she sees fit." The woman relaxed a little, though she was still tensed and ready for fight or flight.
"Ms Granger," Xavier continued, drawing all eyes – curious, intrigued, fearful – back to him. "Is a witch." He hastened, seeing that some were already drawing their own conclusions. "She is not a mutant, despite her endowment." Here the woman snorted again, and some heard her mutter softly "Well, not genetically . . ."
"She is part of a secret community of witches and wizards that have existed for years; they have hidden all signs of their existence to try and avoid a repeat of the Inquisition." Everyone shuddered, knowing that they may well be subject to a modern version very soon, unless there is a drastic change in political thinking. "She is also more than moderately gifted in her own world, and will be teaching everyone about wizarding culture, so that we will know what is normal and what isn't if we run into any magical folk again." Here he cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable with what he had seen in her head. "She is here because her world has recently been part of a civil war, and –"
"Professor, I thank you for the introduction. But none of them will believe you until they observe my 'gifts', or hear my story." The woman had made her way from the wall forwards, until she was standing on the outskirts of the group; still not part of it, but easy to see and hear.
She withdrew from her sleeve a stick – her wand, they all realised – and waved it in a complex series of movements. She didn't say anything, but they all saw the results.
A lectern, the type found in auditoriums appeared in front of her. A map of England also became visible, but this was floating in the air, unsupported by anything. And, they all felt the effect of her final spell – none of them could say anything. "I apologise for spelling your people, Professor, but i felt that it would be easier without any interruptions."
"And they'd be less likely to doubt you story." He said wryly, trying to stifle a grin at the looks of outraged disbelief on the younger student's faces.
"My name is Hermione Granger. I am 18 years old, and the war that your leader referred to – the Second Blood War – devastated out world. The First War is not relevant to your knowledge, though I may touch on it in class time –"She smiled wryly, apparently understanding the emotions her audience was going through, "-as it will help you to understand what happened and some of the long term effects on my world." As Hermione continued to talk, she became more relaxed; that is, no-one could see any obvious signs of tension. "The war was fought because a Dark Lord, the darkest there has been in recorded history, had determined that Muggles – non-magical people – were a filthy nuisance that should be our slaves. To quote him, 'Why should we hide as wolves amongst sheep when we could be the shepard?'" The young woman smiled bitterly, unconsciously rubbing her forearm. Logan caught the movement, and giving the Professor a glance, and seeing the pain on his face, the man determined that Granger must be telling the truth.
"Voldemort also decided that any witch or wizard who was not the offspring of at least one wizarding parent should be killed for "stealing" the wands and powers of decent, up bearing purebloods." Her face twisted into a grimace, she continued to talk, telling them about his twisted mind, and his quest for total pureblood dominance. She vaguely touched on her own experiences, "I had a role in the war, and some of the other side took notice of me, and decided to teach me a lesson.", though she quickly moved on, leaving the Professor with a more worried expression, and Logan with a strong desire to talk to his woman and find out what, exactly, she'd been through.
"Whilst I am here, you will learn about the aspects of the Wizarding world that you will need to know – our hierarchies, government, schools – and I will also teach you in how to fight a wizard. Are there any questions?" She looked around, no longer animated, saw that no-one was saying anything, shrugged and left her lectern. Logan has a sneaking feeling that she knew full well she'd left her spell on so that no-one could ask her anything. He grinned.
"Ms Granger?"
"Please, call me Hermione," she replied quickly, turning and regarding the Professor.
"Hermione, would you be so kind as to remove the Silencing charm you have cast on my students?" Her eyes widened slightly ("Nice acting, witchy,"), and she did a movement with her wand arm. She turned to leave, but stopped when Xavier called after her:
"Will you tell them why you are here, Hermione, or should I?"