= Wands High =

Chapter 35 - 16 May 1998, Saturday

- Where are you going? – Daynen mumbled still half-asleep as he felt Hermione getting up from the bed. – There's still some time before class.

- Not for me, Smarty. My schedule is different today.

- Different how? – he managed to open an eye, but the girl was already in the bathroom; he could see her through the half-open door combing her hair.

- Today is something of an evaluation day for us from Hogwarts. We meet with Professor Royce and discuss our impressions of everything here, and how it relates to our plans for the near future – you know, specializing and so on – that's why we came here after all. And she keeps in touch with the Hogwarts teacher responsible for the exchange program so everything is synchronized. I have to be there after breakfast and I can't afford to look like I just crawled out of bed, and stutter on every second word. I also have to stop by my bedroom to grab my notes.

- Eeeesh, alright then – came the half-mumbled response. Hermione smiled at her reflection and went back, only to find Daynen's hand protruding in the air from his bed, obviously reaching for her. She went to the bed and intertwined her fingers with his'. Daynen tried to pull her next to him but she laughed and resisted his sleepy efforts almost with no strain.

- No way, silly, I have to go – despite the protest she still leaned over and kissed his temple, deftly avoiding his effort to pull her down and cuddle her.

- Ooookay, Busy Lady. Will I see you during the day?

- Well, at lunch for sure bur otherwise I don't know. You may have to be patient today.

- Patience... how splendid...

- Shush, you silly boy – Hermione laughed and gently pulled her hand from his, then started dressing up. – Until later.

- Ms. Granger, can I talk to you for a moment?

- Of course, Professor Royce.

- So how do you feel about your stay here? – Belinda Royce asked once all other students were out of the room. – I haven't had the chance to ask you that yet and I have already spoken to most of the other Hogwarts graduates.

- Quite... alright, Professor. I must admit the first few days I felt somewhat... puzzled by the way things are happening here, but I am seeing it more and more in perspective now.

- Admittedly this is not the way we usually welcome potential future candidates for our advanced programs – the Astronomy teacher confessed and her expression darkened a bit. – None of us expected such events to take place at Innestrad. Throughout most of its history this school has been known as a rather uneventful place.

- If you would allow me to share my personal opinion, Professor, it is not necessarily a bad thing – Hermione said, a little surprised by her own boldness. Although as the words came from her mouth she realized she really meant them. – I mean, of course the situation is unfortunate and rather stressful, to say the least. But as an outsider I have to say that it shows Innestrad's administration and staff in very good light. The way these events are being handled seems to be efficient and yet it doesn't influence the school life that much.

- Coming from someone who had studied in one of the best, most resourceful schools in the wizarding word during the time of one of its best Headmasters, this is quite the compliment, Ms. Granger. Especially considering that you experienced all those dramatic events in the past few years, not to mention up until recently and were probably searching for some peace and quiet here – Professor Royce said, smiling a little. – Pardon me for mentioning that but I do believe that things need to be called by their real names. With that in mind I probably shouldn't say it, but all things considered I wouldn't be surprised if little to none of the current candidates decide to apply for our programs this year.