Chapter Text
Hermione Granger finished her first year of Hogwarts on a positive. She had been involved in protecting the school from a danger, which should've been handled by the staff, one of their own had made a deal with a dark wizard. Breaking many school rules Hermione went along with her new friends Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley.
She was praised for her help in defeating the dark wizard with her intellect, which heighten her ambition to learn more about the wizarding world. This concerned her parents picking up their daughter with bandages covering her hands due to her fall from the Devil's Snare.
Although she happily recalled tales of her adventures at Hogwarts to her parents on the car ride back to their home in a small Muggle village, they both give each worried looks. They had been promised that Hermione would be safe from any danger, they had been informed by both the deputy headmistress and a member of staff.
Hermione was under the impression she was a Muggle-Born witch, which made her a target for name-calling from the pure-blood students. Although they were all misinformed.
At the age of eleven, Hermione understood the man that had raised her wasn't her biological father. Her parents met when Hermione was a year old, her biological father was unknown to her at this point. Although her mother knew the truth of her origins, there was a reason why Hermione adapted so easily to the wizarding world.
"So what are our plans for the summer?" Hermione asks after she had settled into her childhood home, unpacking her belongings. The Granger family usually embarked on holidays to European destinations.
Her mother had set about making an afternoon snack for her family. "I think we will be venturing to France this summer." She answers her daughter. "There's another wizarding school in the south, we will make an inquiry about their admissions."
The statement confused the young pre-teen witch. She had finally settled into her new school at Hogwarts, defying what many people believed about her kind. She had made friends and was proving to have high grades that put her at the top of most of her classes. "Mum, I like Hogwarts!" Hermione defends, starting a protest about suddenly changing schools.
"When it comes to the staff were unaware of the dangers lurking, I think I am capable of making decisions for your well-being." Her mother retorts in a strict tone. "Your father will rally behind my decision, not your young lady."
All Hermione can do is pout. "But what about my friends?" She draws out the argument.
"You are quite capable of writing letters." Her father chimes into the conversation. "Besides we are merely inquiring at this point in time."
That was a more reasonable answer Hermione could accept. The day she received a letter about her witch status the family had been informed that there were three schools available. Hogwarts happened to be the closest in northern Scotland, with Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France.
"And does my biological father have enough assets to afford a school abroad?" It had never been a secret to Hermione about the money that was sent for her care. Although Hermione had researched Beauxbatons Academy, it was more expensive than Hogwarts.
Hermione's mother Jane, lets out a sigh. "Yes, as required under our agreement he is capable of paying for his share of your schooling." She explains. "Now would you like some tea?"
* * *
Hermione enjoyed her summer break with her parents on their travels around France. They started their holiday in Paris, full of history that Hermione immersed herself in. The lingering interview with the headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic is merely forgotten since Hermione is too busy visiting museums.
They travel via train towards Southern France, Hermione is kept busy by a book newly purchased to keep the young witch entertained. It contained information about French Culture throughout history, an asset to learn if Hermione were accepted into the school.
Unbeknownst to the witch, Jane Granger had been in contact with Professor McGonagall about the decision that Hermione may not be attending her second year of Hogwarts. McGonagall wasn't a heartless woman and understood that all parents are entitled to explore options if they feel it is safer for their offspring. Although the sudden news caught Headmaster Dumbledore by surprise. Currently, it was unknown where Hermione would be attending in the fall.
The palace is a beautiful chateau surrounded by majestic gardens and fountains magically created out of the surrounding mountains, this kept the students guarded against Muggle finding out the existence of the school. The school looked very impressive despite having stood for over seven hundred years, the same condition that is maintained since it was founded in the 1200s.
The palace is hidden behind large white walls, where the Granger Family is welcomed by members of staff, including the headmistress Madame Olympe Maxime. A tall woman, that Hermione knew to be half-giant, but held an elegance about her. That made the young witch feel out of place in such a privileged estate. "Bonjour enchanté Granger Family." Her French accent is heavy as she offers a large smile, other members of the staff offer pleasing welcomes to their visitors. "I welcome you to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."
The family is granted a tour of the majestic grounds, highlighting all the facilities for the young witch and wizards. The grand library happened to be a favourite location for Hermione, the large hall is dedicated to various topics and felt more organised than the one on offer in Hogwarts.
The family is then invited into a dark office, surrounded by large windows showcasing one of the many gardens that were currently attended to by the caretakers. "Thank you for this opportunity, we were never able to have a tour around Hogwarts." Mrs Granger thanks the witch, who brushes off the pleasantry.
"Hogwarts is a fine institution, many great witches graduate from their facility." Madame Maxine begins. "Although I understand there is a priority for the safety of your daughter."
Hermione's parents both nod their heads. "Well I can assure you our staff takes the safety of each student seriously, we have a smaller population than Hogwarts." The headmistress assures the parents. "We also grant our exceptional students more opportunities to challenge themselves on a practical level, rather than remaining in a classroom."
That statement motioned for Hermione to pay attention more. She had spent more time reading knowledge from books that there wasn't much opportunity to put to use unless she was breaking many school rules. "That sounds amazing." Hermione gives a polite smile.
Hermione is given instructions to attend another tour of the library, giving her the opportunity to read a few of the texts they had on offer while her parents remain in the office with the headmistress. Hermione was given companionship with the witch in charge of the library, giving her time to ask various questions.
"I must inform you that Muggle-Born students are low in attendance at our school." Madame Maxine states in a serious tone. It was news that usually scared off many potential parents to send their children there.
That's when Jane Ganger drops the bombshell. "Hermione is a half-blood."
That statement amused the headmistress. "No matter her blood status, a part of our curriculum is establishing respect for witches and wizards." That was enough information to let Hermione's parents relax more, due to the nature of Hermione being bullied at Hogwarts. "I have been in communication with Professor McGonagall regarding your daughter's grades and I am very impressed that I would happily grant Hermione admission into our school."
There was just a matter of having permission from her biological parents of Hermione. Although Jane had already organised a letter from Hermione's father before they had left England. Madame Maxine is impressed at the hour organised the Muggle was as she hands over the letter.
It included both Hermione's birth registry with the English Department of Magic and the letter written by her father. The identity was unknown to Hermione.
To whom this concerns,
I, Severus Snape am the biological father to the witch named above. I give my consent for my offspring to attend Beauxbatons Academy, where I will be covering half the costs of admission.
Sincerely,
Professor Snape.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry