Chapter Four: Minor Exceptions
"Wait," Hermione said cautiously, looking at Dumbledore, "Sir…you…did…what??!?"
Dumbledore smiled his twinkling smile and shook his head. "Alas, I will not burden you with that story now," he said coolly, "Maybe when we are ready to send you back, but until then, just know I was trying to…do some good in the world."
Harry nodded his head in acceptance. He was used to Dumbledore's weird ways and secrecy; Hermione on the other hand cocked her head to one side and opened her mouth as if to ask another question, but a swift look from Harry silenced her.
"As I think you know," Dumbledore said, "I can not send you back to your time just yet, and thus, I have no other option but to place you in one of the houses here."
Dumbledore stood up and swept to the other side of the room where a short cabinet stood. The headmaster pulled on the oak handles and shuffled around a bit inside. When Hermione craned her neck to get a better look, she found Dumbledore had placed himself expertly to prevent anyone from looking to see what was in that cabinet.
Finally, Dumbledore straightened himself up and handed the two of them a pile of cloths. When Harry looked at him questioningly, Dumbledore only smiled.
"Uh, sir," Hermione said quietly. "What about our names? Harry can't keep his."
"A very good question, Ms. Granger. But I am well prepared."
And with that, he handed Harry a manila folder, like the kind muggles use to keep their paper all in order. Harry opened it and withdrew several sheets of paper.
"Transfer students?!?" He asked surprised as he read. "From Ireland!?!? My name is Harry Potter?!?!?!...wait…"
He and Hermione looked up at Dumbledore, each looking a little scared and a lot confused.
"Don't worry," Dumbledore said. "Potter is an unusually common name in this era. No one will notice. Now, will you please send Mr. Snape up?"
