A/N Thank you to everyone that reviewed my story it makes my day :) a Shout out to Shannon and Jess for helping me when I needed it, thanks ladies. Also to my Beta Severus' Malfoy Maiden for making this story all the better; thank you.

Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to the amazing Harry Potter world, J.K does. All I own is the plot to the story.

Chapter Two: Unexpected

Walking out into the kitchen, Hermione rummaged through the pantry and fridge for something to cook for breakfast She grabbed a few odds and ends together. She decided to cook. The aromas of eggs and bacon, with tomato and mushrooms started to fill the kitchen and make their way through the rest of the house.

Matthew walked around the corner and gave his daughter a quizzical look before saying, "Honey, you don't have to cook breakfast and why are you up so early?"

"Morning, dad. I couldn't sleep and I heard you come in from outside. I assume from feeding the horses? Chores like that work up an appetite. It's my pleasure to make you breakfast."

"Okay sweetheart. How about I make the coffee?"

Hermione nodded enthusiastically and continued cooking.

Bringing over everything to the table, Matthew then made his way to wake up Rachel.

The small, reunited family once again ate in silence.

When Hermione finished her meal, she smiled at her parents and cleaned up the kitchen and dishes before heading back to her room to wash up and ready herself for the day.

Hermione swallowed the scream in her throat as she walked into her room. In her fireplace was the ashy representation of her good friend and the newly appointed Minister of Magic for London. "Hello, Kingsley, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Greetings, Miss Granger. I request an audience with you at your earliest convenience. I will be accompanied by your new Minister of Magic, August Pipplebody. We will discuss an important matter with you."

"Sure, when you are ready; come over."

"I'll be seeing you very soon. Until then." with that, he was gone.

She decided that she'd better get quickly changed, and warn her parents.

Twenty minutes later, Hermione was fidgeting in the living room, unable to contain how nervous she was. She was getting rather restless and was about to start pacing when at last the doorbell rang. Rushing out to answer the door, she took in the two men standing in front of her.

The Australian minister reminded her of Fudge; which made her wonder on the compency of this Ministry. Beside him was Hermione's old friend and the new Minister for England, Kingsley Shacklebolt. She offered him a goofy smile and wrapped her arms around his waist in greeting.

Pulling back, she looked at him and said, "Long time no see! How have you been?"

Kingsley smiled. "I've been really good. I would like to introduce you to Minister August Pipplebody."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Minister," Hermione politely replied.

August just smiled and nodded in the young witch's direction.

"Would you follow me, and we can discuss what is on your mind, Minister." Turning around, Hermione lead them both into the lounge room and motioned for them to take a seat. She asked if they would like refreshment and once that was taken care of, got right to the point..

"Minister Kingsley, I don't mean to be forward, but what is this pressing matter about which you wish to speak to me?"

"Well Hermione, we at the Ministry have been pressed to find space in Azkaban for the Death Eaters' that have been recently caught. We believe that we have a solution. Now, before you ask - and I know you will- I am requesting that you keep an open mind. We have considered many options this is the most optimal solution."

"Okay, I can keep an open mind." she says, with a smile trying to hide the skepticism.

"We are proposing a Muggle Immersion program. That's where you fit in. Would you be willing to house and assist in rehabilitating five former Death Eaters? Before you answer," Kingsley rushed, "I want to add that if you do take this position, you will be rewarded with a large sum of Galleons and provided every protection available, both Muggle and wizarding, for both you and your parents to ensure your safety."

"Who are the five?"

"Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Nott, Draco Malfoy, and Severus Snape. Please don't let your history with these gentlemen overshadow your decision."

"I'm would like to think about it. I would like to know the security measures that are to be taken and what exactly are the conditions of their rehabilitation."

August spoke up at this point. Hermione had difficulty smothering the smile that ached for release at the extremely high pitch of his voice. "Well, seeing as this is a rather peculiar case, every measure that we can take to make sure that no one escapes and/or hurts someone. We at both Ministries have decided that they aren't allowed to use magic for a year, Hit Wizards will patrol the grounds, there will be curfews for them, which you can instate if you like, Muggle security cameras that will be enchanted to function if you use magic around them. Also, for this to work in the way we want we are suggesting rewarding them for good behavior, at the end of each month and if they don't, they will have privileges revoked."

She processed the new information and remained quiet as her mind flashed up different scenarios. Sensing her visitors impatience and seeing them stand, Hermione rose as well and tuned back into reality in time to hear Kingsley say, "Well Hermione, we have given you a lot to think about. I hope you consider taking the position. Try to get back to August and me within the next two days. We will be off now as we have imposed on your hospitality for longer than expected. We are looking forward to your reply. Goodbye, Hermione."

"Okay thank you, Kingsley. I will get back to you and it was a pleasure to meet you, Minister August."

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Granger," August replied. Hermione watched them both as they walked down the drive and disappeared.

Sighing, she made her way to the kitchen to grab a mug of hot chocolate and collapse back on the lounge to ponder her predicament.

Hermione's mother, Rachel, sat down and asked, "What's on your mind, dear?"

Hermione looked over at her mum and can't help but smile at how well she knew Hermione, even after the years that passed.

"Mum, I got a job offer that I don't know if I should take or not. I don't know if I can do it," she said with a defeated tone. Pulling Hermione into a hug, her mum asked what the job was and what it entailed.

Leaning into the security of her mother's arms, Hermione started at the beginning and continued through the end. The emotional monologue included the expression of Hermione's fears of not being able to suppress her animosity towards a couple of them, particularly towards a certain blonde.

Rachel kissed her daughter's head, and said, "Your father and I will support your decision on this. We won't force you to accept it if you don't feel that you would be able to let go of past events. And if you do accept, we will help you the entire time. Don't stress about it, honey. I suggest going for a ride to clear your head then come back and make a list of pros and cons. Relax in the bath or with a good book, and get a good sleep." Giggling at her suggestion, Hermione looked up at her and kissed her cheek.

"Thanks mum, I think I will do exactly that. You don't mind that I won't be helping with the chores?"

"Of course I don't mind, silly. Now, go do what I suggested so you can stop worry about it." The tone of finality stopped Hermione from perusing the matter more. Smiling at Rachel, she gave her another hug and ran to get changed.

The next morning, she wrote her reply to both Ministers in the hope that she'd done the right thing. …Now to just tell my friends.