A/N - We go back to children and see a bit about their lessons.
Quick note on the flying lesson and a comment about mastery students, in this world there are established mastery programs at all the major wizarding schools. How else will there be individuals to back fill positions if these programs didn't exist? Private lessons are an option but limits the number of masters severely, so they remain in the school environment for an extra few years. Hogwarts, as to be expected, is the premiere school and a mastery from there means more than some of the others. So in addition to the seven years of student there are also older individuals who are working on their mastery programs.
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Hermione woke the next morning and felt better than the day before. Yesterday had been very eventful for the young girl and she didn't know everything that had happened after returning to the Tower. As it was still very early, Hermione grabbed her bag and pulled out some parchment. She had a couple of letters to write and wanted to get them done. The first was to her parents and while she was not very specific, she explained all that had happened the day before. At the end she suggested her parents contact Narcissa as she should have a better idea of what happened. After finishing her parents letter, Hermione wrote one to Narcissa. She was feeling closer to the blonde witch and wanted to share some of her worries, knowing Narcissa would be able to help her understand what exactly had happened. After finishing the second letter, Hermione thought enough time had passed in order for her to get up. After going through her morning activities, Hermione was dressed and went to the quiet common room. Apparently it was still early; with a little sigh, Hermione pulled out her schedule and noted today was her first class for Transfiguration (with Hufflepuff), Charms (with Slytherin) and Flying (all houses together). Hermione pulled out her Transfiguration book and began to review her notes on the class.
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Harry opened the curtains on his bed to find the sun's light filling his room. He noticed the Ron's bed was gone, as was his trunk. Harry thought for a moment and felt bad for the kid but was still glad he was gone. There was little chance for the others in the school to easily forget or forgive what had been said the day before. The rest of the bed curtains were drawn tight meaning his dorm mates were still sound asleep. Harry chuckled knowing Hermione would be waiting, probably impatiently, downstairs. As he got ready for class, he wondered what classes he had today. Yesterday had been pretty crazy and Harry hoped the rest of his school career wouldn't be quite so tumultuous. After dressing Harry looked to his schedule and was elated to see today's classes included flying. The school brooms weren't going to match what Harry had at home but he could still fly on them.
Flying had always been Harry's escape from his life. Sirius had wanted to be Harry's friend first and guardian never. The first time Sirius took Harry on a broom, the boy was petrified by the tricks the older wizard did. It was actually a miracle Harry wasn't afraid of flying because of Sirius' actions. Luckily for Harry, Lucius overheard a conversation with Draco about the lesson and took matters into his own hands. He bought each boy a training broom and went about teaching them the basics of flying. It took years before Harry was comfortable to tell Sirius he wanted a broom. Of course, Sirius bought him the most expensive broom on the market. Lucius rolled his eyes when Harry told him about the gift. That broom remained at the home in Godric's Hollow and was only used in the presence of Sirius. Harry actually preferred the broom at Malfoy Manor, while it wasn't the best of the best, it was the broom he felt the most comfortable flying. With the excitement of flying coursing in his veins, Harry grabbed his books and raced down to meet his friend. Harry was not surprised to find Hermione's books and notes spread out on the table in front of her.
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Draco woke on his second morning of classes at Hogwarts and was very excited about what the day held. Before going to sleep, he had reviewed what classes were on the schedule and was excited too see the flying lessons were on tap. That would be two classes with Hermione and Harry today. Like Harry, Draco loved flying and had spent hours on his broom just enjoying the beauty that Mother Nature provided to them. Knowing he and Harry would be fine, Draco turned his attention to Hermione. She would never have flown before and Draco didn't know how she would react to the unknown. What he had seen of his friend so far proved why she was placed in Gryffindor. The girl was strong and fearless but there was something else he had seen as well. Fear didn't seem to be the right word because she had shown everyone her strength the day before, but he couldn't quite figure it out.
Sighing and promising himself to think about it later, Draco stretched and got up from bed. He wanted to make sure he had enough time to look good before heading out for breakfast. As with the day before, his bunkmates were starting to wake as Draco headed to the bathroom. By the time Draco was ready to head out the rest of the Slytherin dorm was ready as well. As a group the students dressed in green and silver emerged from the dungeons. Draco noticed his friends standing to the side of the doors and watching the stairs. Hermione noticed Draco first and waved emphatically at her friend. Smiling Draco walked over to the pair and Hermione hugged her friend.
"Draco, could I use Artemis today? I wrote a letter to my parents and one to your mum as well. I'd like to get them sent before Transfiguration today, if you don't mind." Hermione was babbling a little and Draco just gave her a squeeze before nodding in agreement. "Thank you Draco!" She hugged him again, Draco knew the hugs from Hermione felt different from when his family hugged him, but he didn't dwell on it.
"So Ron is gone. His bed and trunk were out of the room when I got up this morning. Did the twins say anything?" Harry figured they could have a quick chat before going in to eat.
"No, I don't think they were back before we were told to head to our rooms. They didn't look horribly upset this morning so whatever happened they seem to be ok with." Draco shrugged before taking Hermione's bag and offering his arm to the witch. When the trio entered the hall they noticed Lucius was standing at the professor's table speaking with the four heads of house professors. Draco wasn't sure why his dad was still at the school but figured they would all be told soon. After walking Hermione to her table he gave her a quick smile and set her bag on the ground before heading to his own house table. Lucius watched his son's entry with amusement.
"You know Severus, Narcissa is going to be happy and upset when I tell her about that." For the first time in what felt like forever, Lucius actually laughed. His wife would be pleased to know the hours and hours of etiquette lessons hadn't been wasted on their son but she missed just how well the lessons took. Severus nodded and thought Lucius would also miss out on the growing of that particular relationship over the next few months and years. "I think we should get this over with. Are all the students here?" With that the four heads went to check that all students were present. When every student had been checked, Lucius stood to address the students.
"Attention, as you are all aware yesterday was something of an unusual first day of classes. As representative of the Board of Regents for Hogwarts, I have been authorized to provide some additional detail. This information will be made public today. The Prophet will be publishing an article and your parents have each received a letter from the school relaying the same information."
The student body murmured to each other over what it could be. Most had assumed it had to do with the youngest Weasley boy and after a review of the Gryffindor table everyone knew the boy was not at breakfast. So it was a shock when someone mentioned the absence of the headmaster. That comment raced through the tables faster than what Lucius was actually saying but, the Weasley twins, seated at the head of the Slytherin table, listened carefully to the words that came from the elder Malfoy's mouth. It seemed there was more going on than just stopping muggleborns from getting an education. It was only when Lucius mentioned the French Ministry the twins remembered the presence of the non-British aurors. It seemed their dottering, old, lovable headmaster had been executing a very well thought out plan to make the wizarding world how he wanted it.
After speaking for about five minutes Lucius finally revealed what had happened to Dumbledore and the student body was stunned into silence. It was a sixth year who raised her hand with the only question that was running through the minds of the older students. Lucius nodded to the girl who stood and with a clear voice asked 'Azkaban?'. The hall fell into a deadly silence, everyone with knowledge of the wizarding world knew if he was in Azkaban, the decision had been made on his guilt.
"No Miss Johnson, as this was an inquiry completed by the French Ministry, Professor Dumbledore is currently awaiting his trial on Ode Ore." Angelina Johnson sat stunned and stared across the hall to the boy who had found her just before they were sent to the dorms the previous evening. She mouthed Ode Ore to him and he shrugged, that had happened after he and George had left the hearing. Some of the younger students didn't know what Ode Ore was so Lucius explained that it too was a wizarding prison, but was under the jurisdiction of the European wizarding consortium. The older students knew it was actually the most secure place for a wizard. The rumors of losing one's magic had been part of childhood stories but parents never mentioned Ode Ore by name.
"With the decision to remove Professor Dumbledore, the Regents have enacted their option to run the school. Currently the house heads will work together to fulfill the day to day activities while a member of the Board will always be present. This will continue until a new headmaster or mistress is hired. I will say now, the hiring process will not be a quick one and it may take the rest of the school year to find someone who the Board trusts with you all. If nothing else I've said today you remember, remember this, you, each and every one of you are precious and it is the responsibility of the Board to ensure your safety while here. Your parents have entrusted you to us and we will endeavor to meet their expectations."
With that Lucius sat and motioned for the professors to begin their breakfast. A few moments later the students began to fill their plates with wide variety of food on the table. Draco looked to his father and for the first noticed just how tired he appeared. After eating, Draco motioned to Harry and Hermione he was going to speak with his father. A moment later, Hermione was next to Draco. "I don't know what happened but I want to thank him for supporting me. I didn't totally understand what he was saying but I think your dad saved me."
Draco just nodded, he didn't totally understand everything either, but he agreed that Hermione had been in danger. For this fact alone, his father would always be his hero. "I agree Hermione, I don't totally get it either but something big happened here last night." The pair slowly approached the professor's table and waited until Lucius had noticed them before getting too close. Draco stood in front of Hermione and only after Lucius nodded to Draco did the boy speak. "I just wanted to make sure you were ok. You look really tired. And to thank you for whatever you did for Hermione last night." Draco hadn't thought what he wanted to say but in the end just spoke from his heart.
Lucius was a bit shocked but quickly gave his boy a smile. Draco let out a little sigh of relief and reached back for Hermione. Lucius smiled as the girl stepped forward and seemed to steel herself. "Thank you Mr. Malfoy. I don't totally understand what you were saying either but I think I was probably going to be in danger and you stopped that." Lucius didn't want to go into too much detail with the children. They really deserved to have a childhood not marred with the problems of adulthood.
"You are both welcome. While Hermione is important to all of us, I didn't do anything just for her. I have a responsibility to all the students. That said, I know there are things you don't understand and I'm sure gossip will be running rampart in the coming days. I will answer your questions as I see fit. There are things that you, as children still, do not need to understand. But what isn't explained is more than likely because of the trial. Once that has been completed we can spend some time going over what happened. Are you both ok with that?" Hermione nodded and understood as her parents had often told her the same thing. Eventually she got the answers, if she was patient and asked the right questions. It seemed as if the Malfoys were quite like her parents. Draco accepted what was said as well. He didn't like it, but there was little he could do. "Now, Harry looks a bit put out about being excluded. Go tell him what we said and get yourselves to class." Lucius shooed the pair away and winked at Harry who really wasn't upset. At the wink, Harry saw the concerned expressions on friend's faces and decided to play them a little. He was not above using guilt to get a little extra sympathy.
Lucius watched the children leave and gathered up his own things. He had only gotten a couple hours of sleep before attending breakfast. The Board had set up a rotation and Lucius would be at the school until the end of the day. As the head of the Board he would be on site almost everyday for breakfast and lunch. The only exception would be if he needed to attend to something at Malfoy Industries. Luckily for him, the company ran without a lot of input from the CEO and his continued absence would not be noticed. "Come on old man, you can sleep for a couple hours in my extra room." Severus led the sleep deprived wizard toward the comfort of the dungeons and a few hours of needed rest.
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Hermione and Harry made their way to the Transfiguration classroom. Hermione didn't like having classes without Draco but she did still have Harry. With the boys around she never felt alone. The pair found two seats together next to Neville and pulled out their books. When Professor McGonagall entered the room, she found all the students seated and most had their books and notes pulled out. In prior years, class seating was based on house with very little interaction. Without any input from their professor, the students sat with those from the other house. It was quite the difference and one Minerva was pleased to experience.
"Good morning class, I am happy to see you've mixed yourselves up between houses. I like the idea of students sitting with each other so I will not have a formal seating arrangement. If I notice students starting to separate based on houses, I will institute a seating chart, but I hope that does not come to pass." The students, happy to be able to sit with their friends, agreed with the professor. Professor McGonagall took almost the entire class to explain what the Transfiguration is and how it could be used in their future lives. Hermione sat with her eyes wide open, she could only imagine what she could do in this class. In addition to the notes based on what Professor McGonagall was saying, Hermione had a second sheet of parchment that listed the questions she had based on her reading. When a question was answered Hermione would detail the answer in her notes and flag it on her question sheet. The third piece of parchment were new questions based on what she was learning.
Harry had a single piece of parchment where he took notes, he missed part of the lecture watching Hermione furiously writing between her three sheets. Harry didn't understand what Hermione was doing but figured she would explain it later. At the end of class, Hermione carefully rolled up her notes and placed them in her bag. "That was the best class ever. Can you believe she can turn in to a cat!?" Hermione had been stunned when the topics of animagi was covered. And she almost fell out of her chair when their professor turned herself into a tabby cat. Harry chuckled, while his father was a sore subject, he would tell Hermione there were plenty of others who could do the same thing. "I can't wait to get to Charms now. Do you think it will be just as good?" Hermione continued to babble as Harry picked up his bag and the pair headed out of the classroom.
Minerva McGonagall watched the duo with sad resignation. Based on her actions, she doubted either would ever truly trust her. Minerva had watched Hermione during the lecture and noticed how prepared the girl was. She knew every answer and seemed to have reviewed the entire book. A few of the questions Minerva threw out were topics not covered until the end of the year and Hermione either knew the answer or had it identified on one of her sheets. It seemed as the lecture continued and topics were covered in more detail than the book, Hermione spent a good deal of time cross referencing her pages. With a sigh, Minerva cleaned her room and prepared for the fifth year Slytherin and Ravenclaw class.
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Draco was waiting outside the Charms classroom and was happy to see the excitement that was pouring out of Hermione. Harry seemed to be nodding at whatever the witch was saying but it didn't seem like he was paying that close of attention. In fact, Harry had a little bit of a dazed look to his expression and that was when he began to pick up on what Hermione was saying. "…do you think we will have the change to find out if we have the ability to be animagi? I mean wouldn't it be so amazing?" Hermione was interrupted by Draco pulling her bag from her shoulder. "Draco! Transfiguration is amazing. I mean Potions has so much potential but Transfiguration is so different from what I was expecting. Do you think Charms is going to be the same?" Hermione turned and gazed at the door.
Draco was chuckling at the sheer enjoyment that was spilling from her, it was then the door opened and everyone looked in confusion at not seeing anyone or determining how the door opened. It was only after a throat was cleared the students looked down. Standing in the doorway was a very short wizard with a wide smile. "Welcome to Charms, everyone come in, come in."
To Hermione's pleasure she found the first Charms class as exciting as Transfiguration and as stimulating as Potions. Their first practical lesson was a simple levitation spell. Professor Flintwick spent a good deal of time explaining the trick with being successful in Charms was pronunciation and wand work. Despite his small stature, Professor Flitwick's over-exaggerated movements very clearly detailed the movements required for the charm to do as intended. Soon the room was filled with a chorus of 'Wingardium Leviosa' and feathers at differing heights. Flintwick was pleased to see all of the students got some reaction. With a chuckle, he climbed to the top of his desk and called the class to attention. It took a bit as the children were wildly excited about some of the first magic they performed on purpose.
"Now that you've all gotten the feather to lift, I want you to practice your intent. When we meet next time I want each of you to perform this charm and be able to lift the feather to a height I've decided. Also, I want a short essay, no longer than 11 inches, on the uses of the levitation charm." With that the class ended and the students headed toward the Great Hall for lunch.
While Hermione was thinking over what she had learned in her first two classes, her best friends were debating what would happen in the flying class. On the way to the Hall they ran into Neville after the Hufflepuffs had finished their first Herbology lesson. All of the boys were confident in their own flying but knew not all children had parents who allowed their children on brooms. Neville's grandmother had thrown a fit the first time she heard about him flying. Apparently she didn't think it was something a wizard from her family should be doing. Neville's dad apparently reminded his mother that both his father and grandfather were accomplished flyers. If not for that interference, Neville was pretty confident he would have never touched a broom before arriving at Hogwarts.
The boys looked to Hermione who had stopped after hearing their conversation. "I've never been on a broom before." The admission seemed to take a lot out of the witch as it had been whispered. Right after, her shoulders sunk and she seemed to turn in on herself.
"Hermione, you will be fine. We will be right next to you. Flying is easier than the levitation charm you mastered today. It's all about confidence. Since I've met you, you have been nothing but confident. That and your bravery will make this easy. Just follow us." Hermione didn't quite believe what she was hearing, but she wouldn't fail after all the support she had already received.
"Ok boys, I believe you. Let's get some food for this next adventure, I do better on a full stomach." Taking the lead, the young witch walked into the Hall with her boys trailing behind her. As they entered Draco was relieved to see his father looking better than he had at breakfast. Draco, as had quickly become his habit, walked Hermione to her table before going to his. A few girls had noticed this and taken to watching the pair. Everyone knew the Malfoy heir was neither in a marriage agreement nor was there a seriously taken rumored one. Lavender Brown had yet to understand her parents plans had already been scuttled, so she was still under the impression that she and Draco would marry.
While the students were filtering in the Hall the house team quidditch captains and house heads were looking at the students trying to determine which first years might be good additions. While first years did not typically compete, the captains found if they included those with potential in practices there was an established influx of new players each year. Severus had initiated the practice when he took over being head of Slytherin. He had spent a summer in the States and became a surprising fan of muggle baseball. In learning the sport he discovered there were multiple levels of ability and the major leagues used the lower level leagues in order to develop the skills of newer players and keep the professional line up full. It took a bit for the Slytherin captain to fully agree but that first season paid off as the seeker ended up being injured and one of the first years was quite talented. That young girl ended up being the reason they won the house cup that year. After that all the houses started including the first years. Severus and Minerva had discussed the possibility, if there was enough interest, of having a junior league for the house teams. These teams would compete against the other junior teams and double the number of games each year.
"Severus, I think I would like to attend the flying practice today. Obviously I'd like to see more of my son but I'm interested see the future of the teams and I suspect this class is going to be one of the strongest in recent memory." Severus completely agreed and was slightly upset he wouldn't have Harry on the Slytherin house team. Nodding in agreement, the wizards settled in their seats and ate their lunch.
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The Hogwarts Quidditch Stadium was quite imposing considering it housed only twelve matches a year. The stands were completely raised and kept the noise from the chattering first years confined to the grounds. The stands themselves only held a smattering of people, including the quidditch team captains, vice captains, and house heads. In the Slytherin stands, Lucius Malfoy stood near the front watching the children that were his world. Draco and Harry were standing next to each other joking and jostling, Lucius assumed a bet or two had been placed. Next to Draco, looking a bit nervous, was Hermione, Lucius could see apprehension in her eyes. He had never seen the girl nervous but that was the feeling he was getting. It was only when Neville Longbottom came up and squeezed her shoulder that Hermione seemed to relax a little. Draco noticed and reached back to hold Hermione's hand. Lucius was pretty confident the trio of boys wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to the witch.
With that final thought, the flying instructors appeared on the pitch. It would be impossible to safely teach more than a few students how to fly with only one instructor. Madam Hooch, who also was the primary Quidditch referee, was the head instructor. In addition to Hooch, the school allowed for any professor or student in a mastery programs to assist with the flying lessons. This year's mastery students all volunteered to assist as they had played during their years at school. Not to say all the mastery students attended Hogwarts, but they loved the sport enough to help mould the incoming batch of players.
"Students, I am Madam Hooch and will be your instructor. Please break into groups of five or six and an instructor will make their way to you." After her announcement the students quickly began to split into the requested sized groups. Draco, Harry, Neville and Hermione were quickly joined by Theo and surprisingly Lavender Brown. Harry's snickers stopped with a glare from Draco and a slap to his arm from Hermione. Lavender was oblivious to fact the snickers were directed at her. She thought it would be good to show how well she flew assuming it was something the boys enjoyed. In addition to Draco, Lavender had decided to befriend Theo Nott and Neville Longbottom as well. Both of the boys were from good families. Not quite as good as the Malfoy family, but good enough to have been included in the discussions between the Brown parents.
Severus chuckled at the scowl that marred Lucius's face when the Brown girl slid into the group with Draco. "I take it her parents have yet to inform her of their failed attempt. Although she seems to be focusing more on the Longbottom boy now. Maybe she's thinking Frank and Alice would be a softer touch." Lucius didn't really think the girl on the pitch knew anything more than what her parents had told her but was thinking about warning the Longbottoms. He would certainly mention something to Theo's father at the next poker game. "It seems Frank has the same feelings as you based on his expression." To Lucius's surprise, he looked up to see Frank Longbottom in the Gryffindor stands.
"I hadn't realized he was scheduled to take over for me this afternoon. Seems fathers are the same regardless of fandom." Lucius raised his hand to his counterpart who acknowledged the sentiment and returned his focus to the children. They were the reason the adults were present anyway. With that the instructors positioned brooms in front of each of the students and began instructing the students.
"Good morning, I'm Henry Laughalot and will be assisting your group. Before we begin, how many of you have either flow with someone or by yourself?" In the small group everyone save Hermione raised their hand. Nodding, Henry was pleased with his group and with the exception of one witch who hadn't raised her hand, he thought he knew who each of the children were. "Mr Malfoy and Mr Potter, I assume you are friends with…" Henry paused not knowing Hermione's name.
"Hermione Granger." Harry and Draco answered in unison, much to Hermione's amusement since she didn't even attempt to answer. "Yes, she is our friend." The boys actually turned to the other and nodded before returning their focus to Hermione.
"That makes this much easier. I would like each of you to stand opposite of the broom, like this." Henry placed his broom on the pitch and stepped behind it. With a nod, each of the children stood in a similar position. "Now brooms do respond to simpler requests than some of the charms you will learn over the coming years. For instance instead of saying 'Wingardium Leviosa' or 'Accio', you can simply call 'UP'." With that Henry's broom lifted off the ground and was firmly in his hand. "Go ahead and try. But also, like any spell it will take practice to perfect and since some of you have never called for your broom don't let the fact you can't do it the first time discourage you."
It was unsurprising when Draco and Harry had their brooms in their hands a few moments later. Neville chuckled at his friends. He figured they were racing so he didn't call for his broom right away. With a little shake of his head, he too successfully called for his broom. Hermione watched the three boys call for their brooms before trying herself. After quietly calling for the broom, it wiggled a little but didn't lift. She tried again but got no better results. While Hermione was working to summon her broom both Theo and Lavender had successfully called their brooms.
"Keep practicing until it becomes second nature." Henry walked quietly to Hermione who was getting frustrated and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You are actually doing very well for never having do it before. Don't rate yourself against the rest. It obvious they have all had years of practice. The fact you got any movement with your first attempt is important. You just need to be more confident. There is nothing different in this than any other class."
Hermione disagreed with Henry's assessment. "It is different. There aren't books or ways for me to be prepared." It was then Henry understood why Hermione had never been on a broom before and knew he would have to take a different tack.
"There are books, I'll ask my mother about what would be the best and get them to you tomorrow. Mum was the captain of Slytherin when she was here. She now teaches in Ireland and works with children who haven't had the opportunity to fly before entering the school." Henry knew his mother's name wouldn't mean anything to Hermione, but Emma Laughalot nèe Vanity would have some significance to the boys standing with her.
"That would be great. Thank you. I'll keep practicing." With the knowledge there were books, Hermione focused back on the task at hand and got the broom to react. She was a bit surprised at how quickly it came to her but she did catch it. After a few more times of practice everyone in Henry's group could successfully summon their broom with the simple 'up' incantation.
"We don't have much time left today, but next week we will work on mounting and lifting off the ground. No flying for another couple weeks but you should all be zipping around the pitch by the time the house teams have their exhibition and tryouts." Henry watched in amusement as the Malfoy and Potter heirs gave each other a look and smirked. He couldn't wait for them to be in the air to see exactly what these two could do. "You can leave your brooms on the ground and head back into the castle." The group quickly dropped their brooms and turned toward the castle.
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After watching the children enter the castle, Lucius exited the Slytherin stand and headed toward the Gryffindor stands. The expression on the older Slytherin's face could be called whimsical, if one wanted to be hexed. Frank assumed he had the same type of expression as he relived his own memories from Hogwarts. Neither of the men would be considered friends during their school years. Lucius was in his fourth year when Frank started and the fact they were in different houses was another factor. It surprised both wizards how easily they were able to discuss topics of concern either on the Wizengamot or the Board of Regents. When Frank took the positions from his own father, the first person to approach and offer support was Lucius. It seemed when Lucius took over the Malfoy seat very few of the others made themselves available. With that simple approach the pair began a working relationship that had brought sides together like never before.
"Frank, I have to admit how pleased I am to see you. Nothing of import occurred today but I am exhausted all the same." Longbottom laughed and motioned for them to head toward the castle.
"I can imagine why. I slept in my bed and still feel off. I traded with Percy Weasley and will stay tonight at the castle until after breakfast. I think I will take more comfort in being here than worrying another night about what else Dumbledore may have done that we haven't figured out yet." Frank was under no illusion on what the old headmaster was capable of doing. "I heard there will be a special edition of the Prophet this evening giving more detail into just what was occurring at the Ministry. Don't be surprised if there are a rash of resignations. The Bones family has already been contacted regarding their immediate reinstatement, as have a few of the other targeted families. I don't know how he expected it to continue."
"Hermione, he was going to use her as a tool to get what he wanted. To show how dangerous it is to allow muggleborns into our world. I read the journals last night. What he planned for her, I can't even describe. Between the meetings and reading the journals, I didn't get any real sleep until after breakfast. Even that wasn't enough. Once everyone was sufficiently afraid of the unknown, Dumbledore would have suggested someone to act as the gate guard. Of course he expected someone to nominate him and then with unprecedented power he would rule who was allowed into the world." Frank hadn't been privy to the journals yet and now wondered if he should even read them. "I shudder at just what our children would have been subject to if he hadn't been stopped. Look at Harry Potter, Dumbledore was solely responsible for the boy being placed with Black. It was only Narcissa and the other woman that ensured the boy was raised in a loving environment."
"Alice was quite pleased when Narcissa suggested the plan. I think it was good for Neville as well. He is a shy boy but at least knew others before arriving for the Express. Do you know why he selected Hermione?" Frank wondered if it was just random or some other darker reason.
"No, it appears if she hadn't accepted her invitation to Hogwarts he would have waited until next year to see if any muggleborns would join the school." With that the two wizards reached the castle. "I need to get home for a short while and ensure the business is stable. The mess here and with the Ministry will take months if not close to a year to settle. That is only if we don't run into any other issues." Both wizards hoped for the best but expected something else to happen in the coming months.
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After dinner Hermione was excited to find one of the Hogwarts elves standing in her room and in the tiny creature's hands were two books on the basics of broom flying. Both were written by a witch named Emma Vanity. When Hermione read the small biography she realized the witch was actually Henry's mother. It was reasonable how he was able to get the books so quickly. Hermione set the books to the side as she needed to review for her classes the next day. She would look at the books over the weekend in order to be ready for her second flying class. Hermione pulled the books she would need for the next day and settled herself in the common room.
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While Hermione was preparing for the next day, Harry and Draco were settled in the Great Hall as neither boy was extremely concerned about schoolwork. Their assigned homework wasn't due until the following week. The pair discussed what had happened before Harry pulled out the late edition of the Prophet and they read the exposè on what Dumbledore was accused of doing. It seemed so farfetched but at the same time they couldn't deny what was detailed matched what had happened to Hermione.
"You know, mum and dad have worked so hard to make sure we don't believe these things. You know my great-grandfather wasn't a very nice man and what little I remember of his portrait saying is similar to what we are reading." Draco thought about that portrait and how his father had banished it to the attic after it taught a three year old Draco some rather unsavory words. "I think we need to do a little research. It spoke of a great wizard who truly understood the importance of family. I can't remember his name but I know my father did not agree."
Harry nodded in agreement and continued to read the story. "It seems so crazy and if we hadn't found Hermione, I would have said there is no way someone could do what they are saying. This last paragraph makes it sound like this isn't the end of the story." After deciding there was nothing else for them to learn, the pair moved onto talking about classes and school in general.
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A/N - I hope you all have a relaxing remainder of 2018. The year hasn't been the greatest in a lot of respects but I appreciate the support you've shown.
