Chapter 5

The 1st of September was not only the day Hogwarts would resume but also The Sparrow and Nightingale School for Witches and Wizards. Although most of the students actually lived at the school some are new first years.

Hermione watched the first years enter the ballroom turned dining hall. Even though a select few also grew up on the grounds at their preschool, this is still the first time they were seeing the school building. Small faces stared at the intricate ceiling and the decorations. A few were waving at their siblings they spotted. She watched as Luna directed them towards their seats. She tapped her wand against the podium and the lights flashed once. Silence settled amongst the students as they gave her their attention.

"Welcome everyone. Welcome back to another year as Sparrows and Nightingales. Normally I would give a rather grand speech but there is a bit of news I would like to share with you all. I know last year we had a debate on whether we should become public or not. Most if you decided it is time. Today I stand before you with confirmation. Yes, we will be going public and soon the Wizarding World will know of us." An excited chatter started up. Even the little ones knew that meant something big.

Hermione tapped her wand against her podium and the lights flashed again. Immediately they were quiet again. "However, we will not all go public at once. We are going to do this slowly. Wizarding Britain is cautious of change and most of you are a big change. To them you will be reminders of the past but please remember, you are not to be held accountable for something you did not do. Keep your chin up in pride because we are not witches and wizards who live in the past. You are the future!" The hall broke out in cheers. Hermione smiled slightly, glad that not one student questioned themselves. She had strived for so long to let all these children feel acceptance. They started out in this world as outcast with terrible fates but she made sure that changed.

She tapped the podium for the last time and continued. "Now as I said we will do this small, but in a big way. This year we will be joining the Trwiwizard Tournament!" No longer could she control them, because as soon as she finished cheers and whoops were heard. Luna laughed at Hermione's face of annoyance. She eventually took pity on her and put two fingers in her mouth. A high pitched whistle echoed over the chatter and immediately attention was on her. "Please allow your headmistress to finish her speech. Thank you." Hermione smiled gratefully at Luna and cleared her throat.

"Thank you. I know this is big news but remember the rules. Only 17 and older. They modified it a bit so 7th and 8th year students are both allowed to compete. Tomorrow you will receive an official school letter with more details. Students who do not wish to compete or go along with please let us know before beginning of October as we have to give numbers through for the sleeping arrangements. That is all. Please enjoy your meal."

Hermione left the podium and joined her staff at their dinner table. As soon as she was comfortable she got questioned. "Do we all have to go to Hogwarts 'Mione?"

Hermione scowled at the nickname. She gave her Muggle and Wizard studies teacher a look. "You know I hate that name. And no Dean, you do not have to. We will however have to rotate some teachers depending on the schedule but I will be handling Defense as usual along with Potions and Arithmancy. Luna said she will join us as Rolf is on an expedition again till after December." Luna didn't even look up when her name was mentioned. Dean Thomas, who after much begging on Hermione's part finally joined her secret school as the Muggle and Wizard studies teacher, only nodded and continued eating.

"Granger. I know I said I will join you but I've been thinking and I don't think I want to stay over like you do. I'd much rather travel to and fro." Pansy Flint neé Parkinson shifted in her seat. She knows she is letting Hermione down a little but old fears still have a way to creep back and she was after all the coward who wanted to give up Harry Potter to Voldemort. She glanced at her and was so relieved to see understanding instead of disappointment or anger.

"Pansy I would never force any of you to do that if you do not want to. I know where you are coming from but I ask you as a friend to please reconsider. We will need to be at least 3 minimum to supervise as per request of the officials." An arm settled on her shoulders.

"I tell you what babe, if you go I will join you. I'd rather be a bit weaker every day from travelling than have you risk junior." Marcus Flint soothed his wife of 4 years and rubbed her swollen belly. She looked at him slightly teary and nodded. "Ok. I will stay at the castle. But only if Marcus can come along."

"I don't see a reason why not? Snape will allow you to share and if he doesn't I'm sure Minerva will settle that quickly" The table laughed at that knowing full well Minerva McGonagall will set Snape straight.

September flew by and before anyone could blink October was almost over.

The last weekend of October was probably the busiest of them all for the Sparrow and Nightingale school. Timetables were rearranged to fit their schedule for when they arrived at Hogwarts and the Teacher's rotations were finalized. Hermione sent out a letter to Snape letting him know her total count as well as the fact that a married couple will be joining them. Reginald also let her know that all the rooms were ready and as soon as they arrived elves will assist them when needed.

The 31st pf October finally arrived. Proper goodbyes were said the day before but despite that some were teary eyed. Hermione had assured them there will be visits but not even that consoled some younger siblings who still cried. When it was finally time the entire school eventually disbanded to their rooms glad for a school free day, even if the circumstances were sad.

At exactly noon Severus Snape and the staff could be seen waiting for their guests. Several students were seen watching from windows and a few were littered in the hallways overlooking the meeting point. All Severus wanted to do was send the students back to lunch hour but it would be pointless. The excitement was too much so he cancelled the rest of the day. They were still expected to wear uniform though just to show they aren't a group of vagabonds.

"There! I see something." A student shouted and everyone looked at were he was pointing. Almost exactly the same as 1994 a mast peeked out from the Black lake before a massive ship rose from the water. It sailed with incredible speed before slowing down and finally dropping anchor. 10 minutes later Drumstrang arrived with Viktor Krum leading from the boat house. "Mr Krum. Welcome once again to Hogwarts." Severus stepped forward and shook his hand.

"Headmaster Snape. Thank you for allowing Drumstrang here again. I vas very surprised to hear we are continuing this despite not having three schools." Viktor laughed a little and Severus smiled a bit tightly.

"I understand your confusion , however I was asked to keep it a surprise. We do actually have another school joining us. I suppose we should greet them. They will be arriving any minute now." Severus gestured to the bridge and together they walked towards the arch that stood there. Viktor half stumbled when he saw it but kept quiet. Several feet could be heard as the staff and students drew near.

At exactly half past 12 the arch vibrated and a flash of light later it shimmered. At once a figure stepped through dressed in a black cloak followed by four more figures in black cloaks. Following them was a few more figures, dressed this time in grey and silver cloaks. When the final person stepped through, the arch vibrated once more and closed off that all you could see was the bridge again. The first figure stepped forward and removed her hood.

"Hermy-own-ninny!" Viktor exclaimed as he rushed towards her. He enveloped her in a hug so tight that all you could see was her curls. Muffled laughter came from the hug. "Viktor! Release me. There are others who also want to greet you." Viktor let her go and turned towards the rest of the people. Two people wearing grey cloaks removed their hoods and stepped forward. Severus who have thus been semi bored paid immediate attention. The two figures were none other than Hermione's children. There was no doubt. Both had their mother's features although the boy's face was more sharper. They both sported her signature brown hair although the girl's hair seemed slightly strange. Severus focused harder and it was when she moved a bit that he saw a glamour. If he hadn't been an expert in glamours and how to identify them he wouldn't have noticed it. Hermione Granger had placed glamours on her children. Very strong and unnoticeable glamours. He focused back towards reality and saw Viktor being hugged by the twins.

"Chicho Viktor! Kŭde e lelya Ivanka?"* The girl asked him in Bulgarian.

"Tya shte se prisŭedini kŭm nas edva po-kŭsno. Za sŭzhalenie tya i Dimitri poemat dŭlgiya pŭt"* Viktor answered her, probably grateful for his mother tongue as it seems he still doesn't have the handle on English. Severus cleared his throat louder than normal to get their attention. Hermione flushed a bit. "I apologise Headmaster. We got a bit carried away." The twins turned their heads in unison. A pair of golden brown eyes looked as if they were dissecting him. The grey blue eyes just held curiosity. Hermione motioned someone to come forward and the four figures in black stepped forward.

"These are four of my staff. You will find that all of you know them. Please be considerate when talking to them. They are allowed to deny any personal questions and will only answer when they feel comfortable to do so." She nodded at them and one by one they removed their hoods as well.

The first was the scarred face of Lavender Brown. Deep scratches ran along the left side of her face and down to her throat. A thick bite mark could also be seen, as if someone tried to rip out her throat with their teeth.

The next was a bit of a surprise. Dean Thomas. Last anyone heard he had an apprenticeship with Ollivander. He smiled brightly as if this is a normal get together. He looked at the person next to him. They removed their hood and the face of Marcus Flint appeared. No longer with horrible crooked teeth but rather fixed smile. Hermione's doing as she couldn't handle his teeth being THAT crooked. The last person hesitated and looked at Hermione. She smiled softly and nodded. They looked up at Marcus and he also nodded while squeezing their hand. With a slight tremble they removed their hood and the face of Pansy Parkinson appeared. No longer pug faced but rather a face that grew into her looks the same as Hermione did. A very beautiful but nervous face. Severus saw her fear reflect on her face and so unlike him tried to ease the tension. "Welcome back Miss Parkinson or I assume Mrs Flint." Nodding towards her hand clasped in Marcus'. "In fact welcome back to all of you. It is a pleasure to see you again in good health after all these years."

Hermione glanced at her watch. "I think, Headmaster, that we should go inside now. I'm sure we would all like to settle in before the feast tonight." Severus nodded and turned around to go back inside. Viktor motioned his students and staff back to the ship and jogged back to Hermione's side. Together they all entered Hogwarts.

Uncle Viktor! Where is aunt Ivanka?

* She will only be joining us later. She and Dimitri are unfortunately taking the long way.

If this is wrong to anyone who knows Bulgarian please let me know. I am using Google Translate as it is the fastest.