The next day, Professor McGonagall and Hermione got up bright and early and surreptitiously left Hogwarts for the safety of Ilvermorny, over three thousand miles away. Like last time, they traveled under the guise of Muggles so they would not attract unwanted attention from magical and non-magical beings alike.

When they arrived at the castle that afternoon, Professor Goode and Missy Ludwig - now Head Girl - met the Hogwarts witches on the front steps of the castle. If there was an expression on Professor Goode's face, relief would probably be the best way to describe it. She shook Professor McGonagall's hand and embraced Hermione.

"Oh, thank Merlin you're here safe and sound," Professor Goode exclaimed. "Please follow me to my office. We have much to discuss." A minute or two later, the four witches were all seated inside Professor Goode's office.

"Would any of you ladies care for a spot of tea?" asked Professor Goode. The response was a unanimous 'yes' from the other three witches. Professor Goode of course came prepared, as an extremely expensive-looking porcelain tea set was already on her desk. She gave a cup of piping hot tea and some ladyfingers to the other three witches.

Professor McGonagall took a small sip of her piping hot tea. "Is this... blackberry-lemongrass? It's utterly delicious..."

Professor Goode smiled. "It is, Minerva. I'm pleased you approve." She took a sip herself and cleared her throat. "And Miss Granger, I formally welcome you to Ilvermorny - not merely as a guest, but as an actual student. I'm sure the week you spent last spring will have proven most invaluable as you already have a degree of familiarity with our institution, and those who call Ilvermorny home."

Hermione nodded. "Erm, thank you, Professor Goode... I'm still not quite sure what to make of this ordeal. I haven't even heard of this "Chamber of Secrets" until yesterday morning. This doesn't make a lot of sense to me."

"It doesn't make much sense to myself or Professor Goode either, dear," trilled Professor McGonagall. "However, you do need to trust our judgement... right now, your protection is our utmost priority and you are safest here."

"What about the other Muggle-born students?" asked Hermione in between sips of tea. "I know I'm not the only one whose life is in danger."

"That's a fair question, my child," murmured Professor McGonagall. "In Mister Grimseth and Mister Potter's visions, there were other petrified children, but their identities are not yet known. You were the only student that they recognized. If we can ever ascertain the identities of the other children in their visions, we will act accordingly. You are not being singled out without good reason, dear."

"Have they had further visions?" asked Hermione.

"It's possible," said Professor Goode. "But I haven't heard from either of them since Thursday morning. But they know to contact either myself or Professor Fontaine should they have further visions - or more accurately, premonitions."

"We are still putting the pieces of the puzzle together," added Professor McGonagall. "But for the time being, all we can do is work with what we have. If it means anything, saving the life of one student already puts me at ease - at least to a degree."

Professor Goode smiled. "Miss Granger, before I forget, are you okay with being a Horned Serpent? I figured that I'd let you choose your house as the sorting ceremony had already come and gone, but in my opinion you would be best suited to be a Horned Serpent due to your studious nature, and the fact that you already have multiple friends in that house. If you would prefer another house, I will honor that decision of course."

"Oh no, Horned Serpents would be perfect, thank you," answered Hermione. She turned to Professor McGonagall. "And you promise you're trying to get Daphne over here? I miss her already..."

Professor McGonagall smiled at Hermione. "It may take some time, my child, but I promise I'll be working with Professor Snape to get her over here. She's not in immediate danger like you are, but I will pull all the strings I can to make it happen. But I do hope you find Miss Woodward and Miss Harrison's company adequate in the meantime."

"Oh, they're both terrific," giggled Hermione. "But Daphne's practically become a sister to me at Hogwarts..."

"And Miss Greengrass assuredly misses you, young lady," replied Professor McGonagall. "But she's a bright one, like yourself. I will explain what I can to her... she'll understand that your safety comes first. You may owl her at any point until we make arrangements to bring her over to Ilvermorny."

"It's not the same as having her here in person, but it'll have to do," sighed Hermione. She took another sip of her tea and smiled. "This really is very good, by the way."

Professor Goode smiled and nodded at Hermione. "Miss Granger, when you're finished with your tea, why don't you go upstairs with Miss Ludwig? She'll show you to your dormitory. She will return this evening with a full set of uniforms, books, and any other supplies you might need."

Several minutes later, Missy helped Hermione with her luggage up to the Horned Serpent dormitory.

"Thank you for helping me with my luggage, Missy," Hermione said sweetly. "I know it's a lot..."

"Morgana's hair, your trunk is heavy," Missy grunted as she put Hermione's belongings on her four-poster. "I'm in great shape, but it's not every day I have to carry my own weight - literally! What exactly do you have in there?"

Hermione giggled. "Oh, nothing much... just clothing, toiletries... books..."

"You must have a personal library that rival's the headmaster's," quipped Missy. She then smirked. "I'll be back in a bit with your uniforms... you'll have several sets of the usual 'business-casual' type for daily wear and also for physical training, but you'll also get some formal robes for feasts and other special events. I think we have your size, but that can always be fixed easily enough."

"Thank you, Missy. You've been very helpful," replied Hermione.

"You're welcome, Miss Granger. I'm sure you're stressed out... why don't you relax for a bit? Dinner will be in a couple of hours... I'll gladly fetch you for dinner in case you're not comfortable not going to the great hall by yourself, if you'd like," offered Missy.

"Sure, Missy, that's fine," Hermione said with a bit of a nod. "I suppose I'll see Ana, Nova, Kellen and Harry at dinner then?"

"I guarantee it," giggled Missy. "They'll be most delighted to see you, I'd imagine."

Hermione smiled radiantly. "And I'll be most delighted to see them. It's nice to already have friends here."

Missy returned the smile. "I concur. You're a wonderful girl, Miss Granger. I'm sure you'll only add to your social circle in time." Her smile broadened. "And be patient, Hermione. Your friend Miss Greengrass will join you in due time. I know you miss her, and your other friends from Hogwarts, but your friends at Ilvermorny will do what they can to make you feel at home. Please understand that you're wanted here... you are most certainly not an inconvenience!"

Hermione flung her arms around Missy. "Thank you, Missy. It's nice to feel wanted."


At five forty five, Missy returned to the the dormitory with a large cardboard box in her arms.

"Hello again, Miss Granger," chirped Missy as she put the cardboard box on the floor. She giggled. "At least this box of clothes isn't nearly as heavy as that crazy trunk of yours! Now, would you mind putting these up as I hand them to you? Again, they should fit you, but in case that they don't... let me know. If you can't find me, Nova may be of some assistance. She's pretty handy herself."

She handed Hermione several sets of neatly folded clothes - khaki skirts, teal-and-gold striped collared shirts, white undershirts, and white knee-high socks for regular classroom wear, then several teal t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, and sweatpants and low white socks for physical training, then finally black robes, a belt, couple of white stiff-collared button-down shirts, dark grey sweater vests with teal and gold accents, teal-and-gold neckties, charcoal grey skirts and matching knee-high socks. Finally, she handed Hermione a few pairs of shoes - penny loafers for class, some trainers for morning exercise, and finally a pair of heavy-looking black and white lace-up brogues for more formal events.

Hermione tidily tucked away all her newly-issued uniforms in her chest-of-drawers.

Missy cocked her head, with a smirk on her face. "So, did you choose to be a Horned Serpent? I wouldn't have thought they'd formally sort you as the Sorting Ceremony happened almost a week ago..."

Hermione shrugged. "I mean, I guess... Professor Goode asked me if I wanted to be one; she thought it'd make the most sense as I've already spent a week as one, plus I already have several friends that are Horned Serpents... not to mention, I'm bright and studious like a Horned Serpent should be. But she technically did offer me the opportunity to choose a house."

"It's never a bad idea to go with what you know," giggled Missy. "Wampus, the Thunderbirds, and the Pukwudgies are all fine houses, but you don't really know anyone from those houses. You already had a home-away-from-home with us. Now, it's about time for dinner, so why don't you come with me downstairs and we can grab a bite to eat? It'd be a prime opportunity to reunite with your old friends."

The two young witches made their way to the great hall. Harry, Kellen, Ana, and Nova stood to their feet when they saw Missy escort Hermione, who sprinted to the table to embrace her new housemates. It was a bittersweet reunion; more than a few tears were shed.

"Thank Merlin you're safe," Ana said with a sniffle. "I hope your friends at Hogwarts aren't in any immediate danger."

"They are safe, for the time being," replied Hermione. "I'm concerned about my friends, yes... but most of them are purebloods, including Daphne, so the basilisk isn't as likely to target them."

"Is Daphne coming to Ilvermorny?" asked Harry.

"That's the plan," replied Hermione. "But as she's a Slytherin, she has a different head of house than I do, and Professor Snape may not be as easily convinced as Professor McGonagall... but she promised me that she would get Daphne over here." She started sniffling. "It's only been a day, but I already miss her so, so much. She's the closest thing I have to a sister."

"I don't know Professor McGonagall like you do," added Kellen, "but I guarantee you this - she's definitely a witch of her word. She isn't going to let you down. It may take a while, but one day you'll have Daphne as an actual housemate." He smirked. "Our housemate. Welcome to the Horned Serpents, officially, by the way." He hugged Hermione tightly.

"It's an honor to be here," Hermione said with gratitude. "But you'll have to forgive me if I struggle with homesickness some. I know I'll get used to Ilvermorny, but I don't even have Daphne to lean on right now..."

"We're not Daphne, love," purred Nova. "But we'll do what we can to ease your transition."

"I can help cheer you up," offered Kellen. "Why don't you meet me in the choir room after dinner? I'd love to play a song on the guitar for you."

"I brought some extra canvases and oil paints with me. I'd love to paint you something," Harry chimed in. "Maybe you could watch me in the common room after Kellen plays a song or two?"

"If you just need some 'girl time', you know Nova and myself would always be glad to oblige - I'm always up for a spot of tea with my gal pals," giggled Ana.

"That's very sweet of you," sighed Hermione. "I'd be delighted to take all of you up on your offers. It'd help get my mind off things for sure."

Several minutes later, dinner was served - spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread, with cold cups of pumpkin juice. The boys ate with gusto, while Nova and Ana ate a bit more daintily. However, Hermione barely touched her food.

Nova looked at Hermione with sympathy. "You didn't ask for this, Hermione. But please, eat something tonight. Even a few bites is better than nothing... you know we truly care about you."

Hermione nodded, and started to nibble on her garlic bread and a few noodles.

Nova smiled sweetly. "That's my girl. We don't want you to merely survive here, love. We want you to thrive."

When it was all said and done, Hermione ate about half her dinner. It didn't fill her up, but it at least kept her from being hungry. Kellen beamed radiantly at Hermione. "Are you ready to join me in the choir room? I'm pretty sure I've got the cure for your blues," he chuckled. "It might not be a cure, but it'll take them away for a little bit, at least."

"Sure, Kellen," replied Hermione with a small smile. "You know I always enjoy listening to you play the guitar."

Kellen looked at Harry, Ana, and Nova. "Do you mind if it's just the two of us this time? We won't be in there long, I promise." He then looked at Hermione. "Or would you prefer their company? Whatever you're more comfortable with."

Hermione shrugged, with a rather nonchalant expression on her face. "I guess it doesn't really matter to me. Whatever you want to do, I suppose."

"We'll just see you in the common room in a little bit then," said Ana. She then whispered in Kellen's ear. "She's clearly not herself, Kellen... she's usually so bubbly and full of life. So just don't overdo it - one or two songs is all. I know we all mean well, but only she can work out her issues, so if she needs some space, then please respect that, mmkay?"

"All right, Anastasia," murmured Kellen. "I'll see you shortly then." He turned to Hermione. "You ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," sighed Hermione. The two friends made their way to the choir room while Harry, Ana and Nova went to the Horned Serpent common room.

Five minutes later, Kellen and Hermione sat next to each other on the piano bench, with Kellen holding an acoustic guitar in his lap. "The song I'm going to sing is rather appropriate... it reminds me of you in a lot of ways - both literally and metaphorically. And it sounds better if I play on an acoustic guitar rather than electric - at least I think it does."

Hermione listened and couldn't help grinning and tapping her foot to the rhythm while Kellen began singing in a rich, low tenor:

"Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart?

How the music can free her whenever it starts

And it's magic if the music is groovy

It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie

I'll tell you about the magic, and it'll free your soul

But it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout a rock 'n' roll

If you believe in magic, don't bother to choose

If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues

Just go and listen, it'll start with a smile

That won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try

Your feet start tapping, and you can't seem to find

How you got there, so just blow your mind

If you believe in magic, come along with me

We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me

And maybe if the music is right

I'll meet you tomorrow sorta late at night

And we'll go dancing baby, then you'll see

How the magic's in the music, and the music's in me

Yeah, do you believe in magic?

Yeah, believe in the magic of the young girl's soul

Believe in the magic of a rock 'n' roll

Believe in the magic that can set you free

Ahh, talking 'bout the magic"

"I've always loved that song," admitted Hermione. "And you're right, it did take the blues away - even if it's just for a little bit. Thank you." She flung her arms around Kellen in gratitude, and squeezed him tightly, not wanting to let him go.

"I remember you telling me that you wanted to learn how to play the guitar," Kellen said softly. "I don't think I'll have time to teach you tonight, but as long as you're here, just let me know when you want a lesson and I'll give it to you."

"That would be lovely," replied Hermione. "It'll give me something to look forward to."

Kellen smiled broadly. "Oh, I don't think it's too late to audition for the Horned Serpent quiz bowl team. I'd try and find Professors Frye or Goode Monday and ask about trying out for it... you're a natural. I'm sure at least Professor Goode is aware of how bright you are... you're good enough to be a starter."

Hermione giggled. "I'm not going to lie, I knew a lot of the answers to the questions that they asked when I saw you and Ana compete in April. But I'm not you. You're... impossibly talented, Kellen. I'm a little jealous."

"I'd give it all up for the people I care about if it ever came down to it," Kellen replied sincerely. "Every last bit of it."

"I truly hope you never have to make that choice, Kellen," replied Hermione. "You are so unique because of your gifts... I've never met another boy like you before - magical or not."

"I've never met a girl like you before either, Hermione. Magical or not," Kellen admitted. He closed his eyes and slowly placed his lips over hers, giving her a simple, tender kiss.

"I think I'm starting to fall for you, Miss Granger," whispered Kellen.

"And I think I'm starting to fall for you, Mister Grimseth," whispered Hermione.

A/N: Is it a coincidence that The Lovin Spoonful frontman John Sebastian bears more than just a passing resemblance to Harry Potter? Maybe Harry used a Time Turner to go back to the mid 1960s...