Hey guys. I changed the summary a bit - thanks for your suggestions, I truly take them to heart! Also, a lot of people have been commenting about the Author's Notes looking the same as the story. I personally understand the irritation - but this doesn't affect the ACTUAL context of the story. I italicise them, and they're bold, so I find it strange that it doesn't show up that way when you guys read it. So I'm doing a mini-survey, are you guys reading it on mobile phones, tablets, or PCs? I'm sorry if they look the same as the story. Like I said - I'm still new here! If anyone knows how to fix this, please tell me. Thank you to the new reviewers! I know you all don't have time/feel like reviewing, but I'll only know what you guys want/think if you tell me! Chapters are sometimes short, but I try to keep them frequent. I only noticed after a reviewer told me, that I've been writing all their conversations with apostrophes and not quotation marks! I'm sincerely sorry. I won't change everything - that will be done with final editing once I finish the story. But new chapters will be done correctly. I'd like your input on my story, so that when I do final editing I know what you guys like best. Thanks guys - enjoy, and sorry for the incredibly long author's note!

Chapter 12: Conflict of interests

The next week days passed without too many incidents. Okay, admittedly a few normal school accidents, but nothing major. Draco and Hermione didn't get to talk much – except for the rare small talk sessions in between lessons and meetings with the prefect – and this suited them both just fine, since either wanted to discuss the incident with Ronald. Time dragged by for Hermione, who was eager to get started with finding her parents. And time seemed to speed up, for Draco, who felt confused, not only with potion ingredients, but about his recent feelings toward his co-head. The following weekend found Hermione battling with dodging objects via a broom – a tricky and challenging concept, nonetheless. She always felt the need to understand things quickly, and it was frustrating for her when she didn't get it right.

"Draco, I can't do this, okay! If a bird or anything appears, I'll fly lower. Please, can't we take a break? My legs are aching from the cold! I really don't like flying."

"'Mione, stop complaining. I know it's a hard thing to do, that's why we're practicing. Just relax. You'll get it soon enough. And by the way, I love flying."

Laughing, she said: "Thanks... But I have the basics... Can't I just-"

"HERMIONE! MALFOY!" The one and only Ginerva Weasley was running towards them as if she was trying to avoid a blast-ended-skrewt.

"What's wrong Ginny?" Hermione asked, lowering herself gently onto the quidditch pitch.

"Oh nothing." She said casually as she reached them. "McGonagall just wants to see you both. Password's Cotton Candy." And with that she set off again.

"Okay...?" Hermione felt herself asking and stating at the same time.

Minutes later found them in the Headmistresses office.

"Sit down, dears. I want to inform you, that you have both been chosen by the Ministry of Magic's Educational Department, to take place in an advanced foreign student program. The three leading schools in Europe, namely Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons have been chosen to exchange students, if we may call it that. The participating schools will each be able to swop two of their finest students with another school, if said school agrees. We here at Hogwarts have considered it carefully, and we think it's a wonderful opportunity to send you on new adventures in your magical education. It is of course, your choice, but unfortunately we can only send two students, or decline the offer completely. Hogwarts has chosen both our Head Boy and Head Girl. Are you two interested?"

"Uhm... It all sounds fun... But when is it, Professor? My parents-" Hermione was still talking, when Draco started.

"Hell yeah!"

"Er.. thank you for that, Mister Malfoy. Miss Granger, I can assure you that, should you wish to leave the program due to family issues, necessary arrangements can be made, but since you'll only be going for two weeks, I don't think that will be an issue, unless you planned to depart within the next week?"

"I did plan so, Professor. However, my parents would've wanted me to grab every opportunity..."

"Come on 'Mione, think of the fun we can have, the things we can learn!"

"Oh alright. Professor, I agree to be sent to another school for two weeks." Hermione said.

"And I consent as well, Professor." Draco responded.

"Very well. I shall contact the other school and notify you immediately when they respond. If all goes well, you will be leaving tomorrow morning at 6 AM sharp."

"Professor, would you please elaborate more on the school we're going to?" Draco asked.

"Ah, of course. You will be sent to Durmstrang, and Hogwarts will host two Beauxbatons students. Beauxbatons will in turn, host two Durmstrang students. You will get the Head Cabin at Durmstrang, and you will be able to choose from eight classes, of which you will have to attend five a day. You will fit in as normal students, and will return in due time, or as stated earlier, if you have immediate emergencies. You will travel by floo tomorrow. Any other questions?"

"No thank you, Professor." They answered in unison.

"Very well. That will be all."

And without further prompt, they left.