A/N: Thanks for the favorites, follows and reviews!

Chapter 2

As she had been unsure of taking Hermione, Minerva decided to do the first visit solitarily. She would have some time to decide who would be the best assistant. Perhaps her meeting with Malfoy would give her some clues as to what kind of person would be best suited? The other Headmaster and Headmistress would not be attending as this was only a preliminary meeting.

A little nervous, just a touch, she entered the establishment upon which they had decided. As a gesture of hospitality of the hosting school, it was on home-ground for her, high up in Scotland. Draco had been able to take a private ship to get to the small fishing town, whereas she had flown herself. Minerva had trouble apparating lately, which was highly embarrassing, but had one upside. She had discovered her long lost love of flying. The wind in her face would scatter her troubles, at least for a moment.

"Headmistress," he had addressed her with a nod and offered her a seat. It seemed that Draco had grown up.

"Mr. Malfoy," she said. "A nice spot you have chosen," Minerva added to break the ice. The pub was small and dark but very cosy. She felt right at home.

Draco smiled. "They serve the best drinks here," he said, "hearty food as well."

"The most obscure pubs are often the best," she agreed whole-heartedly. "Quieter, which best suits our purpose." As long as it wasn't sure if the Tournament would take place, it should be kept under wraps.

After their drinks had appeared, Draco said: "Another Triwizard Tournament. Is Hogwarts looking forward to it?"

She swallowed hard. "It's a bit bitter-sweet," she replied. "The last one hasn't been forgotten. The horrible way it all ended." Minerva sighed deeply. "I understand it's a great honour for Durmstrang, of course."

"It is," Draco said. "Igor Karkaroff… Well, he had made a mess of some things, regarding the school. It has taken Durmstrang a long time to recover from his rule."

"Still, many of his preferences remain, or so I've heard," Minerva stated. "Will Muggle-borns be allowed to compete, for instance?"

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Of course, just because Durmstrang doesn't train them, doesn't mean they are not welcome."

"I take it the same applies to teachers with a similar background?" she inquired.

He gritted his teeth. "Of course, it does. In fact, some of our own teachers are Muggle-borns. It's more of a matter of, well, means."

"If you say so," she conceded. Minerva thought the better of it but now was not the time to argue. "In any case, a Triwizard Tournament that doesn't end in disaster would do us a world of good."

"Let's make preparations to make it happen then," Draco replied. He raised his glass in a toast.

"And?" Snape was the first to speak, the moment she entered her office.

"Looks like it went well," Dumbledore guessed, looking at Minerva.

"Better than expected," she told them. "He was polite enough, almost friendly. Very defensive of his new school though."

Snape shrugged. "I'm sure he's had a good reception at Durmstrang, possible a far better one than he's gotten used to."

"Which won't help his arrogance one bit," McGonagall muttered, "but I've got guarantees that Muggle-borns will be allowed, teachers as well. Since that was our aim…" Her voice drifted away.

"It will help all the schools to, once more, build friendships and cooperation. The War has ruined a lot and we must build again," Dumbledore stated. "For the students of Durmstrang it will, presumably, be a wonderful experience and for Hogwarts and Beauxbattons it will be a way to shine again." His own eyes shone at the prospect as well.

"Hermione? Could I have a word with you after class?" McGonagall tapped her on the shoulder, just before she entered the classroom. "It's a matter of some urgency, but nothing to worry about."

"Yes, yes, of course," Hermione replied, with a puzzled look. "I'll see you in an hour then."

"Splendid. Do bring your schedule."

Hermione walked a little anxious to the headmistress' office. She had said not to worry, so it couldn't be about her job performance, could it? However, it was urgent and she had seemed a bit cranky. Soon she would find out.

"Take a seat, please, Hermione, I'll be with you in a second." Minerva tidied a few last feathers and leaves away, neatly organized in a wooden box. "Transfiguration class didn't go too well today," she remarked. "One of the first-years managed to get the feathers pasted unto his face, to hilarity and dismay all around."

Hermione shivered. "I only too well remember the furry effects of the Polyjuice Potion," she said, with a sad smile.

"Indeed. Magic is not to be trifled with," Minerva replied, a small smile on her face. "But to business. I've asked you here, Hermione, because, in accordance with the previous two headmasters, I've been looking into the possibility of helping organize another Triwizard Tournament."

Hermione gasped. "Here at Hogwarts?" she asked.

"Durmstrang," Mcgonall said. "Their turn. As with the last Tournament, it would help build magical relations between the schools, creating a basis for international cooperation for the new generation."

"Durmstrang…." Hermione frowned. "But don't they…? What about Muggle-borns?"

"I thought you'd ask. We had the same fears. My liaison assures me we've nothing to worry about on that front."

The skeptical look on Hermione's face reflected Minerva's own misgivings. "I'm not yet entirely convinced myself," she said. "Still, I do believe we should give them the chance and we will therefore continue talks. I'd like you to help me with everything that needs to be arranged. Quite frankly, Hermione," she looked a bit pensive now, "It pains me to say it but I don't think I'll be up for the journey at the moment….which is why I would like you to go visit."

Hermione swallowed. "Going to Durmstrang? On my own?"

"I don't think Ron will be able to join you, not with this latest string of robberies… Nor can I spare any other teachers at the moment, not for simple preliminary talks. At a further stage, I'll form a heavier delegation."

"I see," she said, "Who will I be talking to?"

Minerva coughed. "Yes, that's another… ahum. Point of interest."

Snape and Phineas Nigellus snorted softly. Hermione looked at them suspiciously.

"I'm not going to like the answer, am I?" she wondered.

"It's Mr. Malfoy. Draco. He's a Potion's as well as Defence against the Dark Arts teacher up there."

"Malfoy?!"

Snape beamed with pride behind Minerva's back. One of his best students a Potions master himself. Hermione couldn't stand to see his gloating smile.

"Potions? And Defence against..? Are you sure it's not simply the teaching of those arts?" she spat.

"As you are a Potions Mistress yourself, you will have at least that in common. Both of you are devoted teachers as far as I can tell and definitely cut out for this task."

"You spoke to him already? What does he say about cooperating with me?"

"I haven't told him yet since I wanted to speak to you first," she said.

"You've met him?" Hermione stared in disbelief at her Headmistress.

"Last weekend, yes, he came over for it especially."

"And you trust him?" Hermione longed to know. She'd always put stuck in McGonagall's opinion, but about this she wasn't too sure. Perhaps she was getting somewhat….elderly. Batty, Ron would have said.

"Trust is a big word." Minerva sighed. "I believe he, they, are in earnest about the Triwizard Championship, and that he is polite at least. They want to change their school's reputation, I believe,"

"Fat chance of that," Hermione mumbled.

"You sound like you are still attending this school, rather than teaching at it. " Minerva sternly admonished her. "Think about it. If you accept, you'll be spending a weekend there quite soon. If you don't, I'll have to find someone else more willing to improve international relationship."

Hermione blushed. "I'll need some time to ponder on it," she said, "Just so you know… You're asking quite a lot."

"I do realize that," Minerva responded, "I do, Hermione. I do, however, also believe you might be the best teacher we have for this particular job. Sending a Muggle-born will send a clear message on Hogwart's position in this."

Hermione nodded. She had to agree with that sentiment albeit reluctantly.