Herschel had sent an owl to the Foley family the previous week. He requested an audience with them on Monday, the seventeenth of August, and when they sent word back that the date would work well for them, Herschel made arrangements to travel to the Dublin country side.

Miss Olivia Foley was a special circumstance in the history of Hogwarts. She had been expelled due to her... condition. Herschel had, originally, been in favor of the expulsion of any student who single-handedly posed such a thread to the entire student populace. But after Persepolis had asked him to reconsider his position, and he had been faced with the reality of a young girl- an upcoming first year- inflicted with the curse not getting a chance at an education, his opinion had eventually been swayed.

Proper precautions could be made. And it was hypocritical to claim education was deserved by all and exclude two girls because of an unfortunate happenstance. Herschel just hoped that Miss Foley would want to come back to Hogwarts and that she would be able to get caught back up to speed with relative ease.

When he arrived at the Foley home, he knocked on the door, and waited patiently to be let inside. Herschel was hoping that this news would be received well, and that the family would understand rather than be offended by the necessary measures which would be used to prevent the rest of the students and their foreign visitors from the night of the full moon.

When Ollie's mother, Emma, received a letter from Herschel Reid she had immediately informed Ollie she needed to be home on August seventeenth. She had been spending a lot of her summer with Sophie, mainly to get as much time with her best friend as was possible. She had little faith that she would be returning to Hogwarts, particularly because she had not heard anything. Ollie felt like this meeting was going to bring bad tidings, but her mother made a valid point that he could have accomplished that in a letter. Ollie brightened at the thought she could at least plead her case to the man. Ollie was not sure he even knew in detail the plans for the full moon, or knew what they were before when she attended Hogwarts. The strictness of her schedule was made painfully clear on that night in March. She would never forgive herself the mistake, but it was a lesson learnt. Everyone was deserved a second chance.

Ollie and Emma were sitting nervously in the kitchen after preparing the tea for the visit. The waiting game was painful, especially since Ollie was not sure whether this was good news of bad news. Optimistically she wanted to wish for good news, no great news. Though realism set in, as it did when you started to grow older, and she felt like she was going to have to plead her case to this new Headmaster. At least he was giving her the benefit of the doubt that Headmistress Snark never did. Not to speak ill of the missing, but Ollie was sort of glad for the opportunity. Of course it was terrible that Madam Snark was miss, but there was definitely a silver lining to the ordeal.

The knock startled Ollie from her thoughts and she sprung from her seat. She ran to the door like the energetic child she was, and was panting somewhat as she opened the door. "Hello! Come in." She said cheerfully, despite the knot of nerves forming in her stomach. Her future lay in his hands.

Herschel smiled kindly at the young lady, and took his hat off in greeting. "Good afternoon, Miss Foley." He stepped into the house, keeping the top hat in his hands, and gave a once over of the home. "It is nice to finally meet you in person, Miss Foley. I am Herschel Reid- the new headmaster of Hogwarts. I thought, considering your special situation, that it was time I come and meet with you and your family to discuss the upcoming school year."

He glanced around, wondering if her parents were available. "I think it might be best if we talk with your mother and father." Herschel knew that it was... more polite to give in to pleasantries first, but felt that this matter was best discussed forthright and pleasantries observed afterward. Herschel knew that the family had to be unsure of their daughter's fate, and did not want to leave them in limbo for too long.

"Tell me, Miss Foley, how have you been faring this past year?" Herschel asked. "Do you find yourself at all adjusted to your particular circumstances?"

Emma Foley was busying herself in the kitchen collecting everything on a tray, thank goodness for magic. She used a simple spell to levitate the tray for it to move the tray down the corridor and into the living room where it seemed Olivia had begun to speak with their visitor.

Ollie was in a bit of shock as she looked at the new headmaster, it was sort of refreshing to get a chance to talk with him. "This is my mother Emma Foley," she motioned to her as she entered the room with the tray of tea and biscuits. "It is just the two of us, she adopted me after I became a werewolf. My biological mother passed away in the attack, and it seemed there was nobody who wished to take in a werewolf child but my mom here." Ollie smiled at her mother fondly.

Emma placed the tray down and motioned to Herschel to take a seat. "Please take a seat, and would you like something to eat?" Ollie's mother offered. Ollie just tentatively took a seat on the couch and looked at the man, he wasn't as scary as Snark but still had that authoritative feeling around him. Ollie was a little nervous with speaking to him.

"I have been fairing very well. Asides from missing all of my school mates. It was a little strange to have such freedoms. I felt myself straying from my usual strict full moon schedule. I used to leave the school grounds two days before the full moon and catch a train back to London. Stay over night there and then meet with the Ministry for my wolfsbane and come home to use the safehouse in the back." Ollie made a motion to the back of the house. "Then be back on the train the morning after." Ollie had gone through that schedule for so many full moons over the four years at Hogwarts. "Seemed I had a bit more freedom and wasn't on such a strict schedule over the past year." Ollie shrugged her shoulders and preferred not to go into details of the March attack unless she had too. "After more than ten years in my situation, I think I have sort of adjusted to my schedule of the moons, and I think I even watch it more closely." Ollie gave him an awkward smile. "But school wise I have kept up, my mother has been tutoring me in the areas she can and as well as having a hired a few to help me in other subjects. I was able to sit my OWLs at the Ministry, and got average marks. So I have been managing well enough. Just sort of wish I could be with my friends, I will admit the year has been rather lonely."

Ollie felt rather nervous about how this meeting would go, and what he would have to say. It was almost like she just wanted him to blurt it out and tell her.

"Your mother must be a very wonderful person," Herschel said. He smiled when Emma set down the tray, and he sat down. "Not at the moment, but thank you very much for the offer," he said to Emma.

He listened as Ollie described her usual routine for the full moons, and that she had been able to sit her OWLs. He couldn't help but think that had she been at Hogwarts she could have gotten better than average marks in her tests. Though he had no doubt Emma Foley was an intelligent woman, she surely could not compare to the esteemed professors at Hogwarts.

Now that her mother was settled, and Ollie had explained she missed her friends, Herschel decided it was time to get down to business. "I have come to the both of you with good news," Herschel finally stated. "I have decided that I am going to allow Miss Foley to return to Hogwarts for her sixth year. And, so long as I am headmaster, she will have a home at Hogwarts and not be denied the education that every young witch or wizard deserves to have."

"I am aware that it is very short notice, but I have brought a list of supplies that Olivia will need for the upcoming school year. I do not mean to insinuate or insult your financial position, but if you need any help getting prepared since it is such short notice, we can arrange that Olivia gets her school supplies at little or no cost to your family." The arrangement was more that Herschel would pay for them himself, but he was not going to say so. He knew that many families did not have the money to buy school supplies on such short notice, and Olivia could not have known she would be able to go to Hogwarts for her sixth year.

"This is, of course, assuming that you would like to return to Hogwarts?" he posed the question to Olivia herself. "It is going to be an exciting year, and it might not be easy, but you are welcome if you wish to return." He would wait to hear her response, and let her soak in the fact she could return before describing the conditions of her education at Hogwarts.

Good news! Ollie clutched onto the word in her mind. She had not been expecting good news. Of course Ollie wanted to get good news but she made herself not get her hopes up. The last thing she needed was the feeling of crushing defeat in addition to saying good bye to her friends once more. She had been so focused on those words that she had almost missed what else was to be said. She could not stop the smile that appeared upon her face. It was in this moment that it felt somewhat familiar to her time with Knox, and she did hope that Headmaster Reid remained at Hogwarts. "Thank you," Ollie managed to squeak out at a normal volume level. It took a lot of control not to jump up and hug the man.

Ollie glanced to her mother who smiled at her in return. Ollie was not particularly aware of the financial situation of her mother, so it would be up to her to answer such a question. Emma turned her attention to Mr Reid and smiled. "Thank you, that is a great kindness. I think we shall be okay." Unknown to Ollie, Emma had been saving up some money for her from a few royalty cheques and she figured she could dip into that for the school supplies this year.

As soon as her mother was done speaking Ollie could not contain her voice anymore. "I would love to return to Hogwarts. I am ever so excited about it. I saw some of the foreign students at Hogsmeade." Ollie had hoped she would get even more interaction with them before the summer was over, but luckily she had the whole year to enjoy their company. Despite all the happiness, she was curious as to whether she would be adjusting her normal schedule of the full moon slightly. "What do you have in mind for my full moon situation? I assume you would prefer me not to be on school grounds, so I would assume I am returning home like I would usually do yes?" Ollie could not imagine staying on the school grounds for her full moon before, and she felt doubly less inclined with the number of foreign students.

Herschel was glad to see her excitement, smiling at her enthusiasm. "I am glad to hear that you owuld like to return to Hogwarts. I am certain that your friends will be very pleased to have you back, and that SAWS could benefit from your return as well."

Olivia then asked what Herschel had in mind for the situation of the full moon. He knew it was a question which would be asked. "Arrangements have been made for you to go to the Ministry for the full moon. I spoke with the head of the creatures department, and he's agreed to arrange for comfortable, private holding rooms for yourself and for another werewolf student who will be attending Hogwarts. You'll leave from Hogsmeade to go to the ministry, take your wolfsbane, remain there throughout the full moon, and return to Hogsmeade and then to Hogwarts after the threat is over. It's really a simple solution, but the best and most effective one."

"There is going to be a first year, Miss Foley, who will be starting Hogwarts this year. She, too, is a werewolf. She was attacked over the summer. It might be out of place to ask this of you, but I would consider it a personal favor if you could befriend the girl?" Herschel asked. "I feel as though you have a unique opportunity to offer her some support, as you can genuinely identify with the young girl's situation."

"I'll be sending an owl to all of the students and parents, as well as a copy to the daily prophet about the decision I have made," he added. "There will be those who think your presence at Hogwarts is unsafe and inappropriate. If you have any skirmishes, please come to myself or to one of the staff to resolve them. I know it is hard, to feel as though you cannot stand up for yourself, but it will be better for everyone if you don't engage in any fights- with Hogwarts or with foreign students. I do not mean to insinuate that you are a trouble maker, Miss Foley, but when people get pushed they often push back- it's the nature of things."

He looked to her mother again, and then back to Olivia, addressing them both. "Do those terms sound satisfactory?" he asked. "I have done my best to make it as non intrusive as possible, and you will be given exceptions in classes if you have any tests or assignments due on the days that you will be.... in disposed. You will have to work twice as hard to keep up, but I have the feeling that you'll be able to manage that just fine."

Ollie really had not thought about the other effects of her returning to Hogwarts, but Mr. Reid had a point. Outside of seeing her friends she could actually be more actively involved in SAWS, which meant she could make sure the students really understood what it meant to be a werewolf. Many students did not have a full understanding of what it meant to be a werewolf. She did appreciate their efforts though and hoped that their efforts might actually make a change one day.

As Herschel recited the arrangements that had been made for herself, and a young girl she was sure she only recently just met by chance at the Ministry. Ollie nodded her head as Herschel spoke. It meant she would be staying at the ministry instead of coming home for her usual monthly events, she might actually miss the after full moon breakfast with her mother. Though when he mentioned that she would be sharing the space with the other werewolf, she had to admit she liked the sound of it. Ollie wanted to support this new young werewolf through this change. "I can agree to those terms." Ollie said with a smile in the direction of her mother.

"I have met her, as chance would have it," Ollie said with a chuckle. "I ran into her when I was getting my wolfsbane this month." Ollie smiled at the new Headmaster. "So I will do my best to support her in anyway that I can." She might have been younger than the girl when she became a werewolf, and did not really know any other life where as this girl did. She wanted to support her through it so Alexandra could hopefully have a similar outlook that Ollie had. Ollie had been told her outlook on being a werewolf was refreshing.

When she heard that he was sending letters to the parents and to the prophet she nodded her head. "Of course, it only makes sense. And don't worry fighting not really my thing." Ollie said with a smile. She would prefer to let professors and staff members handle any issues rather than fight herself. The last thing she needed or wanted, was a stupid student claiming she had infected them because she had touched them.

"I can definitely keep up, don't worry and I will work hard." Ollie smiled at the man. "Thank for reconsidering my position." Ollie wanted to jump up and hug him, but she figured she would save the tackle hug for Sophie when she told her the good news.

"You've met her?" Herschel said. "Well, that is luck, isn't it? I very much appreciate your willingness to support her. I have no doubt it has been a rough month for the young girl. I am glad to be able to allow the both of you at Hogwarts and that the two of you will be there for each other."

It was a relief to hear that fighting was not something she did often. And that she would make sure to let the professors take care of everything. "That is good to hear."

"I couldn't help but reconsider, especially when I heard about the little girl who would never get to attend Hogwarts if things weren't changed. I will admit I was unsure, but your enthusiasm and agreeable nature- and the young girl's- has made me glad. It is going to be a very difficult first few months."

"Do you have any questions?" Herschel asked Olivia and her mother.

"Yes luck. And I think she needs someone to help her out who knows." Ollie knows she would have benefited from someone who actually understood while she was trying understand. It was like she was travelling through the pitch black without anyone to guide her and no light. Ollie had survived and made it out okay, and heck she is still trying to navigate life but has a light and some help. She really just wanted to help this new werewolf out as much as she could.

"Thank you for reconsidering my situation. It means a lot to me." Ollie smiled. She had almost thought it was about to give up hope of returning and she was pleased to learn that had changed. She could have understood letting in the new werewolf, but the fact she had also been allowed was wonderful. Ollie was prepared for a tough few months and probably some angry parents too boot.

Ollie shook her head, "No questions from my end." She looked over at her mother. Emma appeared to have a few concerns. "What will be done about those who do not respond gracefully towards a werewolf like Ollie returning. Particularly in the wake of the March attacks?" Ollie cringed at the thought and she had a feeling she was speaking of Sasha in particular.

Herschel nodded. "I am certain she does need someone to help her out. Having never been a werewolf, I cannot fully understand. I imagine that you could understand, and that she definitely needs that kind of understanding."

The girl seemed glad- excited, and didn't have any questions. It felt as though he was doing the right thing, but his hopes sank a little when her mother asked about the people who would not respond well to Olivia returning to Hogwarts. Herschel remained silent for a few moments. It wasn't that he had not considered this- he knew that it was a very real possibility that Miss Foley would face opposition, but he could only hope the goodness in others would prevail.

"Unfortunately there is nothing I can do if parents or other witches and wizards send angry or inappropriate owls to your daughter or to you. I hope that people will not go to that extreme. I advise, if you start receiving an onslaught of owls, to ignore them. Harsh words can never be forgotten. As far as those at Hogwarts in particular, I intend to make an announcement at the feast that there will be no prejudicial behavior tolerated."

Herschel licked his lips, and considered his next words carefully. "The staff will be made aware, told to make the appropriate accomodations for Olivia and the other girl, and to ensure they have every chance for a good education. As far as other students and the foreign arrivals- it is hard to supervise twenty four hours a day. If I hear of any student- Hogwarts or foreign- behaving inappropriately toward your daughter, I will make sure that it stops."

"People are entitled to their own opinions," he added. "There is a way to express these tactfully and respectfully. However, disagreeing with Olivia's presence is not something to be taken up with her. I hope, and trust, that if anyone gives Miss Foley any trouble she will let myself or one of the professors know about it." He turned to the girl again. "There is no reason for you to suffer in silence should something go awry. As Headmaster of Hogwarts, this is my decision. The students and staff will obey my rules or they will be faced with consequences. I would never allow you back without making certain that I will also be willing to protect your best interests."

Ollie and her mother listened intently as Mr. Reid spoke. Ollie nodded her head at all the appropriate moments and made mental notes of the behaviour that was expected of her. She nodded her head once more as he came to the end. "I will make sure to address any issues to you or the staff." The last thing that Ollie wanted was to get into a fight or disappoint the man who was obviously going out on a limb to make an exception for her. You never should bite the hand that feeds you.

Emma nodded her head, and looked at the man across from her. "Thank you. That is really all I ask. I just wanted to ensure that the staff of Hogwarts would be behind her." Emma was worried about her daughters safety and well being, but of course she would never give up the opportunity for her daughter to go to Hogwarts after all it was what she desperately wanted, and on some levels she believed it was what Ollie needed.

"Thank you," Ollie said again and she felt as if she was repeating herself. She just did not know what else to say. She was also particularly itching to run off and tell Sophie the good news. She had been dreading saying goodbye to her best friend.

Herschel was pleased at how polite the young werewolf was, and how understanding her mother seemed to be. "I cannot speak for the opinions of my staff personally, but their level of professionalism should override their personal views on lycan legislature. If it does not, then they may find themselves without a job. An innocent girl is not the person you take out your hostilities on- that should be reserved for monsters like MacDuff." Because that man had truly been a monster, not someone who happened to be afflicted with a terrible curse.

"You are very welcome, Miss Foley. It makes me glad to know that I can do the right thing by you and young Miss McGee. I just hope that the rest of society understands the decision and that things go well for the upcoming tournament."

"It will be a very exciting year for you, Miss Foley. An excellent chance to show the entire world that a person is more than a simple label." Hopefully her enthusiasm wouldn't diminish under the scrutiny she was sure to face.

Standing up, Herschel carefully placed his hat back on his head and adjusted his robes. "Please do not hesitate to send an owl if you have any further questions or if you need anything at all. I will make certain that a list of supplies is sent to you, so that you can get ready to attend."

"I look forward to seeing your educational career flourish in the last two years at Hogwarts." And Herschel meant that, too. "I hope you and your mother have a good evening." He smiled toward Emma. "You are a wonderful and patient woman. You have done an excellent job with raising your daughter."