In honor of the first day back to Hogwarts I present the next chapter. Honestly did not expect this much response. Thank you all... If there is any information that may be wrong or you do not understand please do let me know.

I'm also going to make my "inspiration board" on Pinterest Public so you could get the feel for what I am using when I'm describing Hermione in future or her staff and students. I like the visual input and I know some people also.Just search for Anriette Delport or Sparrow and Nightingale.

Chapter 4

When the two headmasters left the room Minerva immediately turned toward Draco. "Mr Malfoy, did she just say that the twins have two different fathers?" Draco nodded, confused where this is going. "So you mean to tell me that... that she... she was attacked twice." Minerva immediately was crying and hiccupping through her words.

Realization dawned on Draco and he only nodded. Patting her back he handed her his handkerchief seeing as hers was already wet. "Yes, she was. The first man was forced to do it. Imperuis curse. The second one couldn't get his chance the first time so he stalked her for weeks after the battle. She was busy here with the renovations in the end when he got her."

Minerva only cried harder.

"It was that..*hiccup* time she came back bloody and bruised in July. How did we not realise she was..." Minerva trailed off and blew into the handkerchief. Draco only shrugged.

"I only know the story. She was busy with Hagrid's hut I think when he jumped her. She was alone and he dragged her into the forest. It was one of the centaurs that brought her up to the infirmary. I think she made Madam Pomfrey vow not to say anything because there is no way she didn't know that. She was a very thorough healer after all."

Madam Pomfrey finally retired last year so she wasn't there to confirm this theory. Soon enough everyone left the room except Draco calming Minerva.

"Don't fret too much on the past Professor. She is very much over it and she got justice for it."

"Tell me Headmaster Snape. What made you think your stunt wouldn't go unnoticed."

Severus stopped at her words. Hermione walked a bit forward but turned around when he stopped. She lifted her eyebrow in waiting

"I apologize. I didn't mean to be so..." Severus trailed off and swallowed hard. Hermione smirked suddenly and walked towards him. She patted his arm. "Don't fret. I accept your apology. Shall we continue this."

He only nodded and held out his arm once again. Finally they reached the third floor.

He opened a door and allowed her to enter first. They entered an empty room. Not very big but bigger than a normal classroom. The ceiling was high with top to bottom windows. They walked further into the room.

"This is the space we thought would fit most of your needs. It is big enough that you could hold basic classes here. On that end there is also a office big enough you can share with your colleagues if you should choose to do so." Severus pointed to a door slightly hidden in a corner. Hermione nodded, still looking around.

"My only concern would be the Herbology class." She said while inspecting the windows. The view was rather incredible. It seems they were at the very front of the castle. The classroom overlooked the courtyard and the bridge with the mountains the back made it look very picturesque.

"What about the potions lab? You are aware you need a controlled environment because of—" Hermione immediately cut him off. "— because of some ingredients being volatile if exposed to certain climates, yes I know headmaster. Merlin knows you've drilled that in since the beginning. I am still working on that but it shouldn't be a problem though." She walked towards the office space. "Ah, this should actually do it. Not as open as the classroom but enough windows for natural ventilation."

Hermione nodded. "Yes, this room is perfect. Thank you headmaster." She turned to the classroom again. "Reginald!" Hermione called out suddenly. A pop was heard and then right in front of her was a curious creature. With the makings of an elf given his ears and eye size but his body and nose betrayed him. "Madam Granger." The half elf bowed. "How may Reggie serve yous?"

"Reggie. Wasn't sure it would work." Hermione mumbled to herself."Anyway. Reggie this is to be the classroom we are being loaned during our stay at Hogwarts. I need you and maybe 3 other elves to please get this room ready for all classes except Herbology and Potions. Then if you go through that door there is a room where you will please add standard cupboards with tables for Potion lessons. Add say 3 extra cupboards for climate changes. Do not stock anything in there. Just this room. The other teachers will be sharing the other one."

Reginald nodded, bowed and popped out of sight. Hermione glanced at a quiet Severus. A very confused quiet Severus. "Reginald is half elf and half goblin. Because of his elf heritage he can pop in anywhere despite the wards. He is the head of grounds and staff which includes the house elfs in the kitchen and the other half elves on the yards. We unfortunately do not have someone like Hagrid so it takes several of them to do one job but they do it spectacularly."

Severus only nodded slowly. "I admit that even though I have known some of them intermix and procreate I haven't actually seen what they looked like. What a strange combination." Hermione hummed her agreement. "Anyway. Shall we continue the rest in my office." Severus held his hand in the direction of the door. Hermione glanced at her watch and nodded. "Yes it seems I have a few more hours to spare."

Once in they sat in his office Hermione glanced around curiously. Some portraits was looking at her in curiosity but most of them ignored her.

"Well well. If it isn't Harry Potter's little friend who disgraced my painting." Hermione started and her eyes sought out the voice. Finally her gaze settled on a familiar portrait. "Phineas Black. It seems you still haven't learned anything. My threats of burning your portrait wasn't empty you know. I could still do it here and the headmaster wouldn't stop me." She cocked her head to the side. "Why you insolent little girl! You still dare threaten me after I helped you." Phineas Black's portrait was starting to turn a little red with rage. "Now Phineas. You are speaking with a war heroine. One who made sure your legacy is living on. Do treat her as such." A soft voice called out and the figure of Albus Dumbledore stepped into the picture frame with Phineas. His only answer was to storm of into other paintings and finally disappeared from sight. "Good day Miss Granger. I heard you have returned." Hermione fixed her expression into a blank one and greeted her old professor. "Professor Dumbledore." That was all she said before flicking her hand and a silence bubble surrounded her and Severus. "I do not need any interference from long dead ghosts." Was all she said when he quirked his eyebrow in question. He simply nodded and for the rest of the morning they went through all their planning with a fine comb, making sure everyone was accommodated.

The morning of the first day of September arrived rather quickly for a certain young student. His very first year at Hogwarts, a place he grew up with only in stories.

Just before 11'o'clock a family of 5 arrived at Kings Cross. Weaving through the crowds, dodging muggles until finally they reached the brick wall leading to Platform 9 and 3/4. They young boy who is embarking on this glorious year strayed a bit from his family, trying to calm his nerves. His father noticed his hesitance and with a nod to his wife, fell back. "Al, are you alright?" asked none other than Harry James Potter, saviour of the magical world, but at that moment only a father to young Albus Potter.

"Yeah I just... it's just... Dad what if I'm in Slytherin? I mean you know how James is going on about them and not to mention uncle Ron. Everyone always says their lot is all bad." Albus Potter shuffled nervously on one spot. Harry's face softened at his son's rambling. "Albus Severus Potter, one of your name sakes is Headmaster Severus Snape and he was in Slytherin. Does he seem like the bad sort?" Albus shook his head. "Then what makes you think that being in Slytherin is bad? I was almost put in that house. Just because of one or two bad apples doesn't mean the whole lot of them is rotten. James is teasing you and uncle Ron has never left prejudices behind." Harry shook his head a little thinking about his brother in law and his prejudices regarding the house of snakes.

"But won't you be mad or disappointed if I'm in Slytherin? James said there never has been a Weasley or Potter in Slytherin and I will tarnish the names." Albus got more fearful each second. Harry sighed deeply. "I'll be having a talk with James. You won't bring a scandal or anything Al and if you two listened to our family history you would know my grandmother was a Slytherin. But that is not the point. This year is something amazing, not just because of your first year at Hogwarts but because of the tournament. You will get to meet more people and see more. So enjoy it!" Albus nodded and together they walked towards the train.

Harry helped Albus load his trunk unto the train. "Albus!" Harry called out when Albus boarded the train. Al turned around and looked at his father. "I'll always be proud of you. No matter what house you get into." Albus smiled brightly at his father, grateful for the reassurance. Yes, maybe his father is right. No matter what house, he will turn out to be a great wizard either way. Finally calm he went off in search of a compartment.

Back on the platform when the train left, Ginny looked at Harrry. "Are you alright? I know everytime you get upset when you don't see her." Harry closed his eyes a moment and opened them again, looking at his wife. "I guess I thought that one day she will arrive here with her own children boarding the train and I will finally get to see her. Letters just doesn't do it anymore. They are becoming less frequent and the last time I actually saw her was almost 8 years ago. I just... I miss my best friend Gin... and Ron just doesn't care."

Ginny looked at Harry. For a moment it looked like she was going to say something but decided against it. Shaking her head slightly she led Harry back to their car. One day Harry will get to talk to Hermione and the truth will come out. Only then will Harry be settled. Until then all she could do was hope that Hermione will contact them.