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Chapter not corrected (sorry). If someone agrees to help me with the correction, send me a message!

Chapter 22: Hidden Letter

Henry was busy helping Hermione with her suitcases. He was in the same state of mind as the young woman: depressed. This vacation had been too short to really enjoy Hermione's presence in town. He noticed a few books that the Gryffindor had carried in her bag. One of them then attracted his attention: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by Newton Scamander. Henry wondered then about all the creatures that could exist in the world that he already thought to know from top to bottom. Hermione explained to her that she was still keeping this book on her, it was the first she had read after making her first purchases.

Noticing the young man's attraction for the book, Hermione offered to leave it for him. It made a big smile appear on Henry's face. He was certain that in a few days he would have read it one or even several times. He thanked Hermione a thousand times and squeezed the book against him. Hermione had no doubt that he would take care of it, it is true that she would not have had the same confidence if it was to Ron that she had lent this book.

"So, what will happen when you return? I want to talk about the tournament."

"There are still two tasks to complete. I hope Harry's trying to figure out the egg clue. I think Cedric is off to a good start but if Harry does not move, he has no chance of winning."

"And what will these tests be?"

"In fact ... The clues must indicate the kind of event that the participant will have to perform. If they do not understand the clue, they are at a disadvantage for the test."

"I think you'll help Harry to win!"

"You already know me well!"

They laughed heartily. Hermione and Henry had already become very complicit and it was quite natural that they could easily understand each other. The young man could see the concern in Hermione's eyes. Knowing she represented the calm in the world of magic for him. He felt a ball swell in his stomach just by the fact that he was stressed about what would happen next. The Gryffindor then promised him to describe the next test by letters in the smallest details which reassured Henry. He had seen that the school where she lived was much less safe than she seemed.

Hermione was then taken by Regina to the border of the city, giving the two women time to discuss before the young woman left. Dumbledore could already be seen on the other side of the line, patiently waiting for his pupil to accompany her to Hogwarts. Regina stared at him from her side of the line, she had to admit he had all the stereotypes of the wizard, but also the old fool. She blew a great blow hoping that her daughter would be safe for months to come even if she had a bad feeling.

"He is as crazy as he is wise, even if it does not seem very reassuring." Hermione exclaimed.

"Not reassuring is an understatement, you know. There would be only me, I would keep you here. Even, I'll lock you in a tower for your own protection."

"As far as I know, my name is not Rapunzel! And I'm not passive, I think you have demonstrated recently."

Regina growled slightly but nodded. Keeping the small incantation in her pocket to return to town, mother and daughter crossed the border to join the Hogwarts Headmaster. The latter did exactly what Regina had done a few minutes earlier, and stared at her. He thought of finding a witch of the same kind as those of his world, not a woman who could go unnoticed in the muggle world.

"Hello ma'am, it's an honour to meet you. I am Albus Perceval Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Regina Mills."

The old Evil Queen did not really know what else to say. She could not run as a queen.

"Let me tell you that you can be proud of your daughter. It is rare to have a student who has grown up in an environment without magic with so much learning ability."

"Whether she's a good student or not, I'm proud of her, professor. She proved to me these last days that she had the courage that went with her house."

Albus smiled then, he knew where Hermione was holding her character now. Quickly realizing that he was not going to win, he took Hermione to return to the castle. Just before leaving, the young woman hugged her mother, promising to write to her very quickly. Regina left a kiss on her forehead before seeing her daughter leave with her teacher. Regina then went back to town with Robin. She kept her broad smile that delighted her companion and took advantage of all the little moments that life brought her. It was now necessary to cross your fingers to hope that the rest of the year is going well for her daughter as for her city.

-0-

Once back at the castle, Hermione had the same smile on her face as her mother. She had loved to spend all this time in Storybrooke and had only one hurry: go back. She found Harry and Ron in the common room and told them everything that had happened to her, leaving Harry totally amazed. It was in the same state of mind that she went to her dorm that evening. While unpacking, she noticed a small letter with an unknown handwriting on it. Signed by Robin, she took the time to read it calmly, sitting on her bed.

Hermione

I allow myself to discreetly slip this letter among your things to talk to you about something that is close to my heart. Your mother told me something that breaks her heart, especially since our recent family reunions. A few years ago, to prevent her mother from getting what she wanted, Regina drank a potion that made her sterile.

As you suspect, with your return and family ties tightening, she was really sad to announce such news. Still, I do not lose hope. Even though, to her best knowledge, there is no antidote. I then leave it to you and your acquaintances to hope to see you return with a cure in any form. I slip you down this letter the indications of the potion she used that Emma has recovered for me.

I hope with all my heart that you will find.

Robin, your Stepfather.

Hermione finished this letter with a determination that filled her. She knew that the next day she would start her research to help her mother.