Disclaimer: Same as Chapter 1.

CHAPTER 2

Reunions

Only days passed with the events at Diagon Alley all over looked by the heroes and others involved. They all bordered the Hogwarts Express and were off without incident. Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Harry all settled into one compartment, relaxing and enjoying themselves before the stress of another school year took over. Ginny looked out the window and felt the breeze rush through her hair. She spotted something in the distance and nearly jumped out of her seat and what she first thought it was.

"Gin, what's wrong?" Hermione asked. Ginny was stunned.

"I…I don't know. This is going to sound strange but I swear I thought I saw a person with wings in the distance, flying. But it was probably a giant bird and my imagination running away with me. I should cut down on these chocolate frogs," Ginny said, laughing nervously, before turning back towards the window and frowning.

Meanwhile, Minerva McGonagall was assisting the newly revitalized Headmaster adjust to everything before the students hoarded the school and another year student. She lead him into the Great Hall where the other teachers were gathered, having drinks together before the students arrived for another year. Little did they know that Minerva had a surprise up her sleeve, one that would take Albus by even greater surprise than anyone else.

"Severus, my dear boy, I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you have returned to your position as Positions Master here. It makes an old, revitalized man very happy," Albus said as the Potions Master responded with a very rare smile.

"I only wish we had someone to fill the flying master positions and the ever empty Defense Against the Dark Arts post," Severus commented.

"Um, I think I may have taken care of part of the problem. It is a surprise, especially for you Albus…" Minerva explained but was cut off by a very pleasant voice.

"Hello Grandfather," came a sweet voice. All the voices turned to see the beautiful young woman the Malfoys and the Golden Trio spotted the other day in Diagon Alley. Dumbledore beamed at the sight of the young woman he had not seen in ages. He was actually a great grandfather of hers but there were so many greats that it was easier to say grandfather for her.

"Keiko. Keiko my dear how are you?" Dumbledore asked as he embraced the woman, smiles adorning both of their faces.

"It's wonderful to see you," Keiko whispered into her grandfather's ear. He pushed her back gently and just basked in the presence of his beloved granddaughter.

"Well, my dear, what are you doing here?" he asked, not sure why she had turned up suddenly.

"I got a message from Professor McGonagall shortly after you were revitalized. She explained everything that happened and the little problem you had. I agreed to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts post on one condition," Keiko replied.

"And what condition would that be?" Professor Flitwick asked.

"Eight of her students from the school she taught at last year are on the Hogwarts Express as we speak," Professor McGonagall explained.

"It's essential that they stay with me for the year. Minerva assured me eight students would not be a problem," Keiko explained to her grandfather, giving him a pointed look that did not go unnoticed by the remainder of the staff. The look she gave indicated he knew why the students needed to be with her and all the aging headmaster could do was smile.

"Of course me dear, not a problem at all. In fact that small compared to the problems we've had to handle over the last month. Now all we need is to fill the post of the flying instructor," Dumbledore said. Keiko's face lit up.

"Oh, I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of finding someone for you. He has some business to take care of but I assure he'll be here for the first day of classes," Keiko explained. Albus beamed at his granddaughter. Keiko looked from her grandfather over to the professors until her eyes fell upon the usually brooding Potions Master.

"Professor Snape!" she exclaimed, before running towards him. Much to the surprise of the majority of the staff, with the exception of Albus and Minerva, the Potions Master cracked a smile and opened his arms, engulfing the young woman in a hug. Despite his prejudice against other houses, when Keiko had attended Hogwarts, though not through all of her seven years of schooling, he had become quite fond of the feisty little lioness, as she had been a Gryffindor. She had been the Hermione Granger of her year but had remained calm and collected throughout every year, growing in maturity and wisdom that not even the teachers could fathom what might be influencing.

"Wonderful to see you my dear, welcome aboard," Professor Snape said, giving her an affectionate kiss on the cheek, further shocking the other staff members.

"Keiko, let me show you to your rooms and around the castle before the Welcome Feast begins dear," Minerva said. Keiko quietly agreed and gave a parting smile to the other staff members and quick kiss to her grandfather's cheek. He gently pulled on her arm before she followed the Deputy Headmistress.

"My office, after dinner," he whispered gently. Keiko smiled and nodded before trotting off after the Transfiguration professor. Some time later found Severus Snape leaving the Great Hall to freshen up before dinner. The students were due to arrive in about half an hour and there was much to be done. He stopped short when a familiar blond headed man walked through the door.

"Lucius, to what does Hogwarts owe this great pleasure?" Snape asked, somewhat sarcastically but in a playful manner. Lucius gave him the famous Malfoy smirk as he put his gloves away.

"What's the matter, Sev, not happy to see me? Oh, this week was my first full one back with the School Governors and I wanted to pay a visit back here. I haven't seen it since before any of last year happened, as I was detained from previous activities," Lucius explained. Severus knew his brief explanation was uncomfortable, as Lucius was attempting to move on from his time as a Death Eater.

"Well, we're always glad to have a School Governor around. How long will you be staying?" Snape asked.

"Oh, I suppose I shall be staying for dinner. Afterwards, who knows, I might have to speak with Dumbledore first," Lucius explained.

"Well, in that case, you may be spending the night, as I think he is busy after dinner," Snape explained. Lucius frowned.

"Oh really, and with wha…," he trailed off, staring off behind Severus. Snape turned around only to see Keiko giggling and examining all the artwork Minerva was pointing out to her.

"I saw her in Diagon Alley last week. She is absolutely stunning," Lucius said dreamily. Severus turned back and stared at his old friend with an amused smirk. Even when he was married to Narcissa, he never recalled Lucius acting this way.

"She's also Dumbledore's granddaughter, and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Severus explained, trying to anticpate the reaction from his old friend. Lucius snapped out of his gaze and tried to compose himself.

"Oh really, is she?" he asked casually, adjusting his collar. "Well, I may find myself here far more than I anticipated this year, to make sure everything is back in order. Shall we old friend?" Lucius asked before turning down the opposite hall, turning back once to get a glimpse of Keiko. Snape chuckled and followed his old friend.

"My dear, I'm afraid I must go get ready to meet the first years," Minerva said to Keiko.

"Of course, I look forward to seeing the sorting ceremony," Keiko replied politely. When Minerva turned away, Keiko turned around and caught a glimpse of Lucius as he turned back around to look at her. She smirked.

'He is quite handsome, I must say,' she thought to herself before turning around to go back to her chambers.