Author's note: Hello all! Welcome to my first fanfiction! I hope you enjoy! The summary, warning and rating might change later in the story, but for now, it's open and G-rated for everyone. XD
Hermione Jane Granger impatiently stared at her ceiling while she listened to her clock slowly tick-tick-tick away. She rolled over in her bed and glared at the clock for being slow, "Come on!" she thought. She rolled back over. Then rolled onto her stomach. Then she rolled into a small ball, trying to find a comfortable position. Frustrated, she finally kicked off her covers and sat up. Staring out her open window, her ever-so-occupied mind drifted into the cool night sky. Tonight was a beautiful night. A striking crescent moon shone through her window and stood out among the bluish hues of the night sky. There was a soft hum of crickets accompanied by an occasional bark from a dog. Hermione found herself admiring the atmosphere of being home, and forgetting about tomorrow's events. The summer wind blew from her window and brushed against her small wind chimes, which answered back with a tingle of lightness and content. Hermione turned and smiled at her wind chimes. They were a present from Ginny last Christmas.
"Oh, Ginny, these are wonderful, thank you!" Hermione said as the wind chimes jingled when she looked at the engraving at the top.
"Your welcome," Ginny replied, "Remember that picture you took of us four at The Burrow? I had it specially engraved at Hogsmeade."
Hermione felt her smile widen. Despite the fear, the anxiety, the worry, the danger, and the frustration she and her classmates had to go through their sixth year at Hogwarts, she still managed to pick out special, happy moments she shared with her close friends. True, Voldemort was still alive, and the fear that runs through the wizarding world continues on, but Hermione was ready for him and his death eaters.
Her thoughts returned to tomorrow, and all her anticipation returned. This summer was going to be a busy one. She had one more year left at Hogwarts, and one more year left of preparation for the real world. She didn't like to admit it, but Hermione was a bit nervous leaving Hogwarts. Was she ready? "Nonsense!" She told herself, "you have a whole summer and a whole year at Hogwarts to prepare yourself, there is no way you aren't going to be ready." Hermione lay back down onto her bed. Nine more hours until she would be on a train to the Ministry of Magic. Butterflies erupted from her stomach. Hermione would spend the rest of her summer doing volunteer work as an intern for the Ministry of Magic's HOLF, or Helping Others Less Fortunate. Three weeks ago, when summer began, Hermione had signed up for this program, knowing she would spend two months of her summer at another family's house. She was expected to help the family emotionally, mentally, and physically through hard times. She sighed. The past three weeks of summer have been relaxing, but now it was time to get back on track.
Hermione rolled over, and listened to the sound of her breathing. Tomorrow, she would be away from her family, and away from Harry, Ron, and Ginny. It was a sad thought. During the school year, all she was looking forward to was summer and how they would finally be able to relax and get a break from the constant hassle of the wizarding world. This year in particular, seemed to wear down a lot of her classmates. Ron's grades had been slipping too dramatically, and she found him getting more and more agitated with the constant pressure. Harry was drastically losing sleep and constant worry about Voldemort played a serious toll on his health. Ginny, thank goodness for her, had taken on the responsibility of looking after all three of them. Yes, summer was well welcomed for all of them. Hermione, thinking about her friends and their tiring year, gently fell into a dreamless sleep.
Hermione woke up with a start. She turned off her alarm clock and stretched. Quickly getting out of bed, she showered, dressed, and ate breakfast. Gathering her bags in her room, her eyes crossed the wind chimes, finally taking it down; she packed it in her suitcase. Her parents silently drove her to the train station.
"Thanks mum, thanks dad." She said quietly.
Her dad gathered her in a large hug, "Oh, Hermione, we only wish we could have spent more time with you. You hardly got to settle down before you had to go again." Her mum joined in on the hug, "We'll miss you terribly. Please write everyday. And don't forget, we love you" They broke from their hug and Hermione gathered her things. With a last kiss from both of them, she boarded the train and found a seat. With a last wave, she saw her parents zoom out of sight as the train pushed forward.
Entering the Ministry of Magic, Hermione felt the familiar 'butterfly sensation' roll around in her stomach. Looking down at the letter she received 2 ½ weeks ago, she followed the map past the fountain into a large office. Opening the door, Hermione let herself inside.
A smart looking secretary peered over her sheets and said, "Ah, yes, you must be here for HOLF, am I right?" Hermione nodded. "Excellent. Pelum Florish will be here shortly. You may sit there", she indicated with her hand, "until he arrives." Hermione dragged her things over to the chair and sat. Looking around, the office was incredibly large, with wizards and witches flowing in and out of the place. To her right, there was a large map posted on the wall of the many Departments and which floor were they on. Beside the door from which she entered, Hermione could see a rack of brochures, with titles such as, Applying for the Ministry of Magic, Ministry of Magic: A History, A Visitor's Guide to the Ministry of Magic, A Visitor's Guide to the Ministry of Magic: What To Do When Asked Questions To Not Appear Suspicious, and so on.
The door opened and a middle-aged wizard stepped in. Looking at Hermione, he smiled and said, "Ah, yes, you must be Hermione! We have heard a great deal about you from Hogwarts. You cannot possibly understand our joy when we found out you applied for HOLF." He said, shaking her hand.
Hermione stood up, "It was my pleasure sir." Mr. Pelum Florish smiled, "Wonderful! Now HOLF finally got an office, so would you please follow me and we'll best be going!" Helping her with her bags, Mr. Florish guided her out of the office towards the lift. Inside, it was quite a tight squeeze. Four or five witches and wizards stood around accompanied by six memos zooming around their heads. Hermione gathered all her bags around her and listened to Mr. Florish. " Yes, this is HOLF's first year. We expect good turn outs so it may continue years later. I do think it is a wonderful way for students, such as you, to help benefit the community. You understand what is expected of you, correct?" The door opened and two witches walked out. Hermione nodded. "For the next two months," Mr. Florish continued as the doors closed, "We will be in contact every week with the family you will be staying with. They will give us full reports. You are to help them in any way possible. Ah yes, this is our stop." Hermione re-gathered her things, stepped off the lift, and followed Mr. Florish. At the end of the hallway, he stopped and turned around, bending down to meet Hermione's level. "The family you will be staying with is on the other side of these doors. Now, don't be nervous. Yes, I know you are," he said, looking at her surprised reaction, "The other interns were nervous as well. Don't worry. Remember, the HOLF families are more than happy to welcome in interns into their household. Before you know it, you'll feel just at home. Now, I reckon you may have some questions for me before you meet the family." Hermione just shook her head.
Mr. Florish stood back up, and opened the door. Hermione stepped into the room, and her eyes grew wide at the family she saw.
"You!" Both of them said scornfully. There, on the other side of the room, stood with his hands in his pockets, was Draco Malfoy.
Author's note: Well there you have it. My first chapter. Thanks for reading! Keep going------->