Chapter Two: A Matter of Return

Albus Dumbledore closed the door of his office and looked down at Severus and Minerva. They were sitting in front of his desk, pouring over an unfolded map in front of him.

Albus cleared his throat. "Madam Pomfrey believes Miss Granger will make a complete physical recovery."

Minerva exhaled heavily. "Thank goodness for that," she said. "Have you sent an owl to Potter and Weasley yet?"

Severus kept looking at the map. It was Potter's old map, the one that had belonged to his father before him. Potter had donated it to Albus when he left, declaring that he didn't need it anymore. "What about Miss Granger's mental state, Headmaster?"

Albus walked across his office and sat behind his desk, looking Severus in the eye. "I'm afraid we'll have to wait and see about that. She's suffered considerably in the last few years."

"Our world isn't exactly equipped to deal with special cases like hers," Severus followed Filch's footsteps with the tip of his finger. "Perhaps it would be kinder if we were to let her go."

"Let her go?" Minerva narrowed her eyes. "What, precisely, do you mean by that, Severus?"

Severus tapped his finger on the corner of the ancient parchment. "I mean it might be better if we send her back to her parents. The Muggle world would be better suited to deal with a case like hers."

"But you just rescued her from a Muggle institution!" Minerva said, her voice rising in protest. "After several months of searching! How does it help to send her back?"

"She was locked in that particular institution because she had no money." Severus folded the map. "Her parents would be able to provide proper assistance. She could live a fruitful life as a Muggle. She is Muggle-born, after all."

"We don't just let talented witches return to the Muggle world!" Minerva declared. "We look after our own."

Severus snorted. "We haven't done a very good job so far."

"I'm afraid Severus may be right." Albus sighed. "There will be many people who won't want us to let her go, though."

"Harry and Ron, to begin with," Minerva said. "There's no way those two will let her slip away again."

"Potter and Weasley will just have to understand that it is in her best interest." Severus stood up. "I assume, despite the drama, that we are still required to teach classes."

"Of course," Albus nodded. "I will take some time to ponder this matter. I shall inform you of my decision when I reach it."