Hermione Granger was not one to feel pessimistic. True, she had her doubts every now and again, but never felt like an entire school year could end up a disaster.
Until now.
As she sat in Professor McGonagall's office next to Draco Malfoy, she was positive that fate had forsaken her and there was no redemption from a year of misery. And yet, some optimism must have remained within her, as she spoke for the first time in minutes.
"Professor, making US be Heads together is just...just...it won't work!"
McGonagall sighed. "Miss Granger, I've put a lot of thought into this and I am certain that I have made the right choice. Not only are you two the most qualified for the positions and the top of your class respectively, but this partnership between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor is sure to promote house unity. Now you of all people have seen how torn and scarred the wizarding world is from the war that ended mere months ago. Surely you can also see how the most effective way to heal the hurts of wizarding society is to show the younger generation that unity is the only possible way of moving forward from the ridiculous ideals of Voldemort and the Death Eaters!" At this, McGonagall took a glance at Draco Malfoy, as if uncertain as to how he would react to such abuse vaguely directed towards him and his past, but the blonde merely stayed quietly staring at the woman's desk, as he had since her announcement of her plan for the two students.
Hermione sat with her mouth half open in disbelief at the woman's insistence of this plan. She just couldn't possibly see how she could cooperate with an ex-Death Eater and childhood enemy for an entire year. While she had forgiven him enough to testify for him on the day of his trial for his war crimes, she wasn't quite sure how she could stomach having to closely interact with him on a daily basis. She jolted out of her thoughts and snapped her mouth closed as she realized McGonagall had questioned how the ex-Death Eater himself viewed the plan, and turned to see his reaction.
Draco glanced at the Headmistress, then back at her desk. "I...well, I have no problem with your plan to promote unity between the houses and try and help the students get past their trauma. But I do have to ask, am I the right Slytherin for the job? I mean, my family and I are associated with the worst things and people might react badly..." He trailed off, head sinking lower as he refused to meet anyone's eyes. Hermione was shocked. Where was the Draco Malfoy who sneered and expressed his opinions with an arrogant overconfidence? Where was the enemy she had known for so long?
McGonagall gave him a calculating look. "Yes, Mr. Malfoy, I believe you are the right Slytherin. I promise you, as well, that any wrongful abuse shown towards you or your fellow Slytherins will be punished as seen fit. I wish to convey to the students of Hogwarts that wholehearted repentance will be be met with an appropriate acceptance." She gave him a small, kind smile as he looked gratefully back at her, a weight seemingly lifted off his shoulders. "Now," she continued, straightening a bit in her chair, "can I count on my two best students to lead Hogwarts into a new era of peace and acceptance?" She eyed Hermione carefully, and out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw Draco nod once, then turn to observe her with intense interest.
Hermione took a slow, deep breath before nodding quickly. "Yes, professor, you can."
*
AN: So this my first multi-chapter Dramione fic attempt! Please review if you like it and would like me to continue, and any criticism is accepted. I know it's a short chapter. I plan for the rest to be longer.
~PrincessLeah80
