"Honestly Ron, you're being over dramatic."

"Hermione! You are going to sharing a dorm with god knows who wanting to do god knows what, for the entire year!"

"Ron, he'll be head boy, it's not going to be just anyone. It's not like it will be Malfoy or someone as equally repulsive." The group had just received their school letter and within Hermione's envelope was the news of her achieving the role of head girl. Everyone was witting around the table in the Burrow enjoying breakfast. The only sounds left after the argument between Ron and Hermione were the sounds of silverware on dishes, and the occasional rumpling of parchment.

No one seemed to talk much anymore, if you don't count the increasing number of pointless arguments. With Voldemort back rapidly gaining power things were changing everywhere. Harry and Hermione spent the majority of the summer at the Burrow because of the ministry protects. Mr. Weasley spent more time at the office than ever before, and summer couldn't end fast enough for everyone. The normally usual trip to Diagon Ally would be much different as well, originally only Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to collect everyone's books and supplies, that was until it was realized almost everyone need new robes as well. For the first time, no one truly was looking forward to the trip and the look on Molly's face she was terrified of it.

"Stay together everyone, and remember to hold hands!" yelled Mrs. Weasley, as she hurried along the shops of Diagon Ally. "Do we have everything?" she questioned the group; she received several nods in response. "Good, off to the station then," she said as the group rounded a corner where a watering can was placed atop a pile of old Prophet. Everyone was quickly gathered around and simultaneously placed a hand on it and the familiar feeling pulled at them all as they were transported to King's Cross station.

Moments later, and after several goodbyes and tears from Mrs. Weasley the trio were making their way through the corridors of the train trying to locate an empty compartment.

"Seriously Ron, you can't still be upset over this whole thing!" Hermione said angrily after Ron had ignored three requests to pass her the book she left on the seat beside him. He had barely even acknowledged her since she opened the letter. "Can you please talk some sense into him Harry?"

"I have already tried but he won't listen to a word I say. Every time I even try to bring up the subject he either runs away or pretends to be sleeping. He even dropped to the floor in the middle of packing the other day." Hermione almost laughed as the image of Ron dropping to the floor entered her mind. Her and Harry continued to talk while Ron stared out the window, until a tawny owl appeared at the window nearly scaring the pants off Ron. Leaning across Ron, Hermione opened the window and let the owl in instantly untying the letter attached to its foot. It was addressed to Hermione in the familiar writing of Professor McGonagall.

Dear Miss Granger,

Please forgive the tardiness of this letter, was intended to be sent along with you school letter. As part of the head girl duties you will be required to meet with the prefects and explain some of their duties to them. You and the head boy have both been prefects and already know and executed the duties well. Needs to meet in the first compartment, the others should have already received their letters.

Professor McGonagall

After reading the letter Hermione handed it to Harry and started to rummage through her trunk finding her robes. Slipping them on over her clothes she turned to leave before something came to her. "Harry, do you suppose that with Dumbledore gone that McGonagall is the headmaster? Or would they have found someone else?" No one had really thought of that before. Everyone had tried to contain the thoughts of Dumbledore no longer being a part of Hogwarts anymore.

" I don't know, seems logical, but knowing the ministry and their crazy minds anything is possible." He handed her back the letter and Hermione pocketed it as she left the compartment.

The walk was much easier than earlier when the corridors were flooding with students trying to find a place to sit. As she walked to the front of the train Hermione thought about who could have been made head boy. No one that came to mind really seemed to fit the part. "well well, Granger out for a strole? Potty and Weasel not good enough company?" the sneering voice called from behind her.

"Piss off Malfoy." Somehow she managed to forget about him over the summer. She was genuinely surprised he was back to school after what happened last year. Hermione kept walking ignoring the continuing insults coming for the blondes mouth. Finally reaching the first compartment she could hear voices coming from inside, opening the doors she was shocked at the face staring back at her.