Chapter 2

As the 30th drew nearer each day, Severus grew more... nervous. Not that he would ever admit to feeling such. This whole business with a mysterious school and an even more mysterious headmistress caused the hair on his body to stand on end. Nothing good ever came from keeping secrets.

In the mean time he made sure that all Hogwarts staff be ready for the presentation of a life time. Not only will they have to impress the Ministry with their plans but convince this school to participate. Luckily since Viktor Krum became headmaster, Drumstrang has been more open and laid back. They aren't as worried over the details as the Minister was.

30 June 2017

The day has arrived. Severus woke early as usual. Even though his sleep pattern has improved over the years the one habit he never could break was waking up early. So very early.

Severus was lucky he had such good staff members as they joined him for the meeting during their holidays. By 9AM all staff members were present, even if some of them were in a mood. *cough Draco cough*

"Good morning. I thank you all for attending this meeting. I know it is not the normal way we do things but I assure you it will be worth it." Severus said to them, not mentioning that he hoped it would be worth it otherwise all this planning they started weeks back will be for nothing. "I will start of by saying not only is this a meeting with the officials and ministry but we will also be giving a presentation to a very new and mysterious school. I would like to invite them to be one of the guest schools however they are still hesitant."

At the term 'new' and 'mysterious' the staff started talking amongst themselves. Severus noticed Draco was wide awake, probably due to the news of a school no one has heard of. Suddenly the door opened and in strode the ministry officials in charge of the arrangements and rules for the tournament. What did strike everyone as odd is the fact that the Minister himself was present as well. "Minister. What a surprise. What brings you to this meeting?" asked Minerva.

"Good morning everyone. I decided it would be best if I attend this meeting as well since I am acquainted with the headmistress. Severus, if it isn't too much of a trouble, would you permit me to greet her at the bridge? I feel it better she sees a friendly face." Kingsley looked at Severus, but not before catching Draco's eye quickly. Severus noticed this, lifted one eyebrow but made no comment. "Of course. It is the most logical choice."

Kinglsey nodded, checked his pocket watch and strode out of the room. Severus tried to catch Draco's attention but he refused to look anywhere else except in front of him.

Not even 15 minutes past 10 did they start to hear footsteps. Seconds later voices were heard. Kingsley's voice easily recognizable and then a faint laughter. Definitely female. Then they heared Kingsley again, his voice heavy with concern. "Just for safety I'm asking again. Are you sure this is what you want? Not just you but everyone?"

No one heard the woman's answer because just then the door swung open and in strode Kingsley. They all held their breath as the next figure walked in. A small curvy woman with short, curly hair stood before them. Her size still the same as years ago but her figure distinctly more curvier than anyone remembers. Her hair still a mass of curls but much more manageable and shorter, just above her chin. All in all she was definitely more grown up than the last time anyone has ever seen her.

"Hermione! You kept this meeting from me. I had to find out from my Headmaster "

Everyone's heads snapped to see Draco Malfoy approaching Hermione Granger with the biggest smile imaginable. She let out a soft laugh but hugged him. "You know how I love to keep you on your toes." She smiled at him.

Kingsley cleared his throat, gestured at the table where everyone was gathered and pulled out a chair for Hermione. She smiled and thanked him before looking at the shocked faces of everyone.

"Thank you for making the time out of your schedule headmaster. I'm sorry if I'm going to sound rude but could we procceed with the meeting. I have other obligations I need to attend to this afternoon."

Severus only nodded, still in much a state of shock as everyone else. It has been almost 20 years since anyone has heard or seen Hermione Granger. Newspapers speculated her disappearance and questioned her friends. Even Harry Potter had no idea where she could be, but did mention they still kept in touch.

Hermione started getting annoyed with their silence and checked her wrist watch. "Look, I know this must come as a surprise but do hurry on. Why should Sparrow and Nightingale join this tournament? We are not as big as Drumstrang and Hogwarts so it would be a bit unfair if we only had 7th year students consisting of maybe 20 students while the other two schools have a class of close to 50 or even a 100."

It was Draco who took over the meeting, noticing no one moving to do anything.

" Right. To business then." He cleared his throat. "We are aware you are new and small. Merlin I know Salem is bigger than you, but since you are planning on going public why not do it big. Not only are you making a statement you are indirectly promoting the school by showing what the students are capable of after 7 years with your school and-"

Hermione held up her hand.

" Sorry for cutting you off but we are not like other schools. There is no normal 7 years of school for our students. We are a school of refuge. We house orphans and muggleborns. We have preschool courses like wizarding studies." She said this matter of factly, as if it is just another subject.

"What do you mean wizarding studies?" Asked Severus, gaining his ability to speak. Hermione glanced at him. She picked up a beaded bag that has seen better days from her side and reached inside. Her entire arm disappeared suddenly and just as sudden returned with a few small binders. She distributed a binder to everyone in the room except Kingsley and then began speaking.

"I thought there might be a few questions so I gathered some notes for you to go over in detail. But to spare time I will just give you a summary of who we are. The Sparrow and Nightingale school for Witches and Wizards is a place of refuge as I mentioned. I know it has been almost 20 years since the war but it left so many casualties and the cause of that is orphans. We find these orphans, some in the muggle world and some just wandering the streets, and we give them a home. Not just a place to rest their heads. We give them family in each other. Part of our system is teaching these children their magic and control of said magic. We have had 3 cases of almost obscurials because the students were very young when their parents were killed during the war."

Hermione paused and let her words sink in. No one dared interrupt. She continued. "Our other mission is children of war as we call them. We have a few children who are not orphans but rather born from rape."

At this Severus paled and Draco looked down, hiding his left arm underneath the table

"Most of these children are born of muggle woman and girls who have abandoned their children because of the way they were conceived. I know that the war was in 1998 but we are all smart enough to know that was the battle. The war was still going on until at least 5 years after. During these years some death eaters on the loose still tried to relive their glory days and went on mock raids. So we bring up these children and teach them from young they are not their parents and they are wanted."

"That... that is very admirable Miss Granger. I am ashamed to admit that none of us has even spared that possibility a thought." Severus spared a glance at her, specifically her hands. "Are you still Granger? I'm only asking to sate everyone's curiosity."

"I am still Granger headmaster. I do not however go by Miss Granger anymore. I'm a mistress in my field and such demand the necessary respect." Hermione tried not to sound very swoty or stuck up. She was only making a claim to her right as Mistress. Severus nodded, mouth curved in half smile. She definitely has grown. He gestured for her to continue.

"Our wizarding class is mostly for the muggleborn children but everyone before 1st year has to take it. We offer a guide into the wizarding world as well as the correct customs and traditions of the wizarding world. Then during their 4th year they are able to choose if they want to continue this class as an extra study. By then it is a mixture between muggle studies and pureblood studies." During her speech, Kingsley provided her with a cup of tea. Severus wasn't the only one who noticed the Minister doting on her.

'It appears as if there is something between them* thought Severus.

"Now I am not opposed to participating but my problem would be my students." Said Hermione. For the first time Minerva spoke up. "What exactly is the problem Hermione?... I apologize Madam Granger".

Hermione smiled brightly at Minerva, glad for her attention. "Hermione, please professor. We are well beyond formalities I think. Sparrow and Nightingale doesn't just end with 7th year. We continue till 8th year. We have extra classes we offer for 7th and 8th years. We believe that even though at 17 they are seen as adults, they have too much to learn. It is because of them that I have to ask that you allow them to participate as well. They are all 17 years and older. Our oldest pair of students will be 19 next year so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them."

The ministry officials formed a circle all of a sudden and whispered amongst themselves. Some pointed out on a page and one was waving his hand frantically. For more than 15 minutes they were arguing or debating, depending on how one would look at it. Finally they came to an agreement, made a few notes and ended their discussion.

"Well Madam Granger, we agree that it is only fair to allow your 8th years. Now should you accept, you are able to give an opinion on tasks for the champions. Each school will give in a few ideas and-" They were suddenly cut of by the door opening and a very familiar and arrogant voice flowing through.

"I apologize for the disturbance, it seems the board wasn't informed of this meeting so we took it upon ourselves to join." Said the one and only Lucius Malfoy. Even at 60 he was every bit the regal and distinguished pureblood. Severus noticed not only did Kingsley and Madam Granger tense but strangely enough Draco as well.

"You were not informed ,Father, as this is nothing new to the board. They knew we were having this meeting. You have no need to be here." Draco scowled openly at his father, suprising everyone in the room that he would even dare talk to the man like that. Lucius it would seem also couldn't believe it. "Now now Draco, this involves the school which involves the board and I was sent as representative. So let's not keep this any longer. I hear a new school is joining." Lucius turned his body to the table full of people, ready to introduce himself to the headmistress but when he saw who was sitting with everyone he went as white as a sheet. Which in itself is a feat as he was already very pale.

Hermione's smile became sharp and predatory. Nobody could believe what they were seeing. A scary Hermione looking at Lucius Malfoy as if she was ready to strike and the man himself as if he would bolt out of the room if he got the chance. "Miss Granger." Lucius swallowed hard, his throat dry all of a sudden. "I didn't know you were back in the wizarding world."

"I never left Lord Malfoy. Simply hid in plain sight. If only someone looked hard enough I'm sure they would have found me." Hermione's gaze never faltered. She was stalking Lucius, watching every twitch and movement. Lucius could only nod.

"Perhaps you would be better off sitting at the table Lord Malfoy, since you are already here." Kingsley said, his eyes burning into him. Lucius received the message and immediately sat down next to Severus.

"Now as I was saying Madam Granger, each school gave a list of possible tasks. We don't choose one of each but rather combine some as to keep things fair. Another thing would be the schooling of your students. As this is almost going on for the entire year, you have to make preparations for classes and teachers. Can't have them neglect their schooling." The ministry official gave Hermione a no nonsense look when he mentioned the student's neglect of their school work.

"I assure you that would never be a problem. Anyone who knows me can tell you I do not stand for someone neglecting their school work. However, we are not as flashy as Drumstrang and I assure you Victor will want to flaunt, so we do not have accommodation like their ship which serves as a school on its own. We humbly ask Hogwarts if they are willing to lend us a few classrooms as well as sleeping arrangements for our duration here. We can always pass too and fro with the help of our arch but it will take a large amount of magic out of our teachers if we have to do that every time."

"Hogwarts would be happy to provide you with all that Hermione." Minerva cut in before Severus could say anything. He sent her a look but she had only eyes for Hermione. She was so happy to have her back that she would do anything to keep her there, if only for a few weeks.

"What did you mean with 'your arch' Miss, I mean Madam Granger" asked Lucius, looking less pale. She turned to him, debating if she should answer. She looked at her wrist watch and made a decision. "Well I suppose I could grow it now if the headmaster permits it. I have to get going anyway. I have important business to attend to in Hogsmeade and I'm already late as it is." She pushed back her chair and stood up. Kingsley offered her his arm, which she graciously accepted and together they walked out. Everyone followed them through the corridors, past the Main Hall and into the courtyard. Kingsley whispered something in her ear and she answered only with a tight smile before walking towards the mouth of the bridge connected.

"This is her first time in almost 20 years in the courtyard. She hasn't been back this side even when she came back for her NEWT'S." Draco spoke softly. Those who heard him gazed at her in sympathy. It may have been 20 years later but some still struggled with PTSD.

Hermione reached her hand again into her beaded bag and pulled something small enough to fit into her fist. She knelt down and dropped something on the ground. Walking to the other side she repeated the action. She waved her wand in a few swirls and suddenly before their eyes, branches were growing out of the ground. Leaves were sprouting everywhere on the branches and finally they bended, braiding together, creating a perfect arch.

"That was amazing Hermione!" Neville exclaimed, speaking for the first time that day. He walked closer to the arch. "Must be a type of vine like tree, maybe like a willow tree but if this is a magical gateway there must be some other plant involved."

Hermione let out a laugh. "Oh Neville you are the first apart from my staff to know the components. It is in fact part willow tree. Our Herbology teacher grafted it from the Womping Willow that is on the school grounds here as well as a Wiggen tree. I'm not exactly sure what else is there to counteract the Willow's temper but this allows us a portal to travel through. As long as we have a connected arch somewhere we can travel through." She looked very proud of this accomplishment. Her pride for her staff was shown as she explained even more. "How did you get a Wiggen Tree?" Neville asked. " Didn't you have problems with Bowtruckles?"

"We have one on our school grounds. It is a bit abnormally larger than what they usually grow, but I guess it is to host all the Bowtruckles. We have an understanding with them so they provided a piece of the tree for us to be able to do this. Our resident Herbology teacher said that it took her almost 2 years to perfect it." Hermione glanced at her watch once again.

"I'm sorry but I have to go. I am already late to my other obligation. I accept your terms and will allow Sparrow and Nightingale to participate in this year's tournament. Over the next few weeks I will be in contact regarding our arrangements as well as safety. Like I said, we have a lot of refugees who would like to know they are safe here." With those parting words she turned and walked through the arch and over the bridge. At the end she turned on her heel and apparated away.

Kingsley sighed, checked his pocket watch and turned to Severus. "Headmaster, I will also take my leave now. If there is anything else you want to give her now would be a good time please. I can pass it on to her."

Draco laughed out loud. "Oh I'm sure you will give it to her." He laughed once more before leaving to the next apparating point. He was on break already so why stay longer. One by one everyone left until it was only Severus, Kingsley, Minerva and Lucius. "Kingsley " began Minerva, slightly hesitant. "Are you and Hermione a... couple in a way?" Kingsley let out another sigh, this one deeper than the others. "We used to be. We were happy and I was seriously considering asking her to marry me. But our obligations got in the way. I had the wizarding world and that required the public eye and she has obligations to... well to certain people and that school of hers. But we are still very good friends." He straightened himself, nodded at Severus and Minerva. Ignoring Malfoy he left. Minerva also said her goodbyes and left to enjoy the rest of her break.

"Well, it seems I wasn't needed after all. Goodbye friend. I will see you later this holiday." Lucius turned to leave but was stopped when Severus put a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't think so Lucius. We have a few things to discuss. Mainly why you seem to fear a girl you tortured in your home an odd 20 years ago."