After escorting Rick to the headmistress' office, Hermione led his group to the Astronomy Tower so they could get settled in and cleaned up. Before she took her leave of the common room area of the dormitory the group would be occupying, she made sure to show them how the floo system operated so they could order meals from the kitchens. “Of course, you're always welcome to eat in the Great Hall with the rest of the school. It's completely up to you. You're allowed anywhere on the grounds or in the castle. We just ask that you are quiet should you enter any classrooms where lessons are being held. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits until you've learned about magical creatures and plants. No offense is meant. It's strictly a safety precaution. Students aren't allowed in there either.” She had to pause for a moment before continuing to speak. “Now, does anyone have any pressing needs? Don't be shy, speak up if you need anything.”
“My sister needs some formula,” little Carl was cradling his infant sister like a natural. Hermione found it very sweet.
“We also wouldn't say no to some soap and a change of clothes.” This request from the sweet young lady that Hermione knew as Beth.
“There should be all your needed hygiene products in each of the bathrooms,” Hermione shared. “You'll also find clean clothes in your bedroom wardrobes.” She held out her arms and let Judith come to her. “As for this little princess, anytime you're in need of a bottle, you can summon one using the floo system as I showed you.” Carrying Judith, she walked to the fireplace and summoned a warm bottle of milk from the kitchens. It appeared on the coffee table in front of one of the comfy couches. Hermione handed the baby and the bottle off to Beth. “If you need me, you can call me using the floo or you can stop by my classroom on the ground floor. It's the transfiguration classroom. I'll leave you to settle in. You all must surely be exhausted.”
Hermione excused herself from the tower. From there she made for the headmistress' office. Rick was still there when she arrived. “Am I interrupting?”
“No, Professor Granger, do come in,” Professor McGonagall stood from her seat. “Mr. Grimes here has graciously agreed to stay and help us with our refugee efforts.”
“On a trial basis...for now.” Rick was seated in one of the winged-back chairs in front of the headmistress' desk. “We still don't know you people or this place.”
“Completely fair and understandable,” Hermione nodded.
“We'll all need to sit down and put together a plan of action,” Rick continued. “We'll need scouting parties, clothes, non-magical medicines, a firm set of rules for the survivors to abide by while on the grounds.”
Rick was obviously an intelligent man, a born leader. He thought everything through and could examine a problem from all angles. Hermione liked him and suspected that she would enjoy working with him. “Of course,” she agreed. “We also need to set up some kind of class to help muggle survivors adjust to living in the magical world,” she addressed Professor McGonagall.
“All of that can be discussed tomorrow,” Professor McGonagall gently ordered. “I'll set a meeting to discuss arrangements tomorrow afternoon. Right now, it's getting late and everyone needs rest, most certainly your group, Mr. Grimes,” she gave the muggle man what passed for a warm look from the old Scottish witch. “Hermione, you've shown our new residents to their quarters?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“Good. Why don't you take Mr. Grimes and show him the way? I'll speak with you both again tomorrow morning.”
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