So I'm doing it, I'm coming back to this old guy and fixing it up. I have taken all the original chapters and will be adding to them as I go. I thank you to those who will reread them and welcome those who will be reading for the first time. I have lots of new ideas on how to make this story more coherent and better in general. Please enjoy!
Louisa Caraballo
I stared out the quickly passing scenery, turning my Head Girl pin over and over in my hand. I heard the door to the compartment open behind me.
"Hey, 'Mione," I head Ron say behind me. I turned to look at him. I have to admit, he looked pretty good in his auror robes. "Harry and I are just walking through to check up on everyone. How are you doing?"
"As well as can be expected, under the circumstances," I said smiling at him sadly. He nodded his head and motioned to go. When he'd left the cabin, I returned to my revere. I placed my hand on my stomach.
"Does he have anything to say?" I heard a cheery voice call out. I turned around and saw Ginny grinning at me from the corridor.
"Loads," I said smiling back. "I just had a visit from Auror Weasley, he seemed…"
"Oh ignore him, he's just mad that it's not his baby you're carrying. You know stupid, old fashioned pride and pigheadedness. He'll come around, I promise!" she said sounding sure of herself.
"We'll see, Gin. You weren't there when I told him." I shivered slightly thinking about how mad he was. Not mad at me, per se because in no way were any of the events leading to my pregnancy my fault, but mad about the whole situation. We gave it a shot, for four months we tried to make it work. Eventually all the fighting and stress drove us apart. Going to bed in tears every night is no way to live.
"Well if you want to hear some really juicy gossip," Ginny continued without dropping a beat, "I was walking past one of the cabins and I swear I heard some… well noises. I knocked and using my best prefect voice asked them to come out. When the door opened, a few minutes later, Pavarati and Seamus stood at the door looking flustered!"
"Leave it to you, Gin, leave it to you," I said smiling at her. She sat down heavily and began talking about all the people that were back, and more notably the ones that weren't.
"Customary Auror Search," I heard a familiar voice call from the corridor. When the door opened and I saw Harry's face, I felt a sense of relief. "'Mione, Gin, do you have any Dark items on your person at this time?" he said with a grin.
"No, but this girl just entered my cabin and will not leave me alone," I said with false seriousness. Ginny picked up the scarf that lay on the seat next to her and threw it at me.
"Glad to see the old smiling girl back in action! How's the baby?" he asked, sitting down next to me.
"Growing like a weed, kicking like a football star, and altogether ruining my figure," I said with a chuckle.
"Sounds like my kind of kid! Have either of you seen Ron?" he asked.
"My dear brother was here, being awkward the minute before I got here, so I'd check a few cabins down, dear," said Ginny with a sparkle in her eye. As Harry got up he gave her a very indecent kiss and shut the door behind him. "So any new names to add to the list?" she said growing serious.
"Well I guess the first question is should I tell… him?" I asked.
"Does he even deserve to know!?" she asked, shocked I would even be considering it.
"It's not like he chose this any more than I did, Gin," I said sadly. She crossed her arms and sat back with a huff.
"Anyway I've been playing around with Caldwell…"
"You wouldn't! That's the name of a pompous ass, which is absolutely not what he will be. Maybe if he were doing the raising of the baby, but no I will never allow that name," cried Ginny sitting up straight.
I giggled. "Ah that's the Ginny I like to see, no I think if it's a boy it will be Saul which means "borrowed" and if it's a girl she'll be Shiloh which means "his gift.""
"Okay I can deal with those two much more than Caldwell. So did you have to get maternity robes? Do they even make maternity robes?" Ginny asked, but before I could answer launched into another string of questions and comments. I sat back and enjoyed the company for the rest of the ride.
As the sky darkened we got up to change into our robes. When the train pulled into Hogsmeade station and I stepped out of the train car, I was greeted by the familiar sound of Hagrid calling out to the first years. "You go on ahead, Gin I have to stay behind to wait for all the students to file through." I said pushing her ahead.
After all the students had left the train, Harry popped his head out a window "Good to go, 'Mione! See you in a few weeks!" seconds later the train pulled out of the station. I turned toward the castle and began to walk.
"Granger," I heard a familiar voice call out softly from behind me. Involuntarily I felt my back stiffen. "I hope you had a decent summer, it looks like you had quite the adventure."
When I finally worked up the courage to turn around I was greeted by a new version of Draco Malfoy. His usually pristine hair was a shade or two darker and fairly unkempt looking. Instead of a crisp suit he was wearing a pair of jeans and a sweater. His face looked almost kind. "You would know, wouldn't you, Malfoy," I said turning sharply on my heel and making my way into the castle.
When I entered the Great Hall, all the voices stopped. I swallowed my nerves and took a step inside. Feeling my courage building, I walked to the Gryffindor table and sat down. Ginny, seemingly oblivious to the stares continued her barrage of chatter. I grinned at her, grateful to have such an amazing friend.
After everyone was done, Professor McGonagall stood up. "After all the things we experienced this past year I know that the last thing we want to do is be reminded of all the horrors. Unfortunately there is no way to ignore them. Many friends and fellow students died in these halls, but they did not die in vain. Every year that passes in peace is a testament to their sacrifice. I ask each and every one of you to remember them at their best and to truly appreciate all we've been given. We'd like to welcome all the new students and staff…" McGonagall went on for quite some time with the introductions, but eventually closed with a rare smile. "Additionally, I would like to speak with the Head Boy and Girl after all have cleared out."
"You'll be fine," Ginny said giving me a pat as she led the Gryffindor first years out of the Great Hall. I stood up and walked up to the front.
"Hermione, I see you're coming along well!" said McGonagall kindly. "I just wanted to discuss a few things with you before I send you off to your rooms. You will be sharing a common room, but will of course have your own rooms. Beyond your class schedule, you will have many other duties including patrolling and setting up the patrols for the prefects. If either of you feels that you are not up to the challenge, I would have you tell me now." When neither of us said anything, she continued. "I have assigned Winky, one of the house elf's to be your personally assistant, Hermione. When the baby is born, she will nanny them for you when you are in class or otherwise busy. She is very keen to help and will be of course fully compensated for her efforts," she added when she saw my urge to argue. "Now if you two don't mind, I'll show you to your rooms so I can go to sleep. I'm sure it's been quite a long day for all of us."
When we stepped foot into the Common Room we were greeted by mahogany wood and beautiful purple wall hangings. I flopped onto the couch in front of the fire. "I think I'll just call this one as mine, alright?" I saw a smile creep on to the headmistress' face as she excused herself.
"What did you mean by, 'You would know?'" Malfoy asked kicking his toe lightly against the back of a chair. "You couldn't have meant... I mean I can't be… can I?"
I looked at him for a few seconds, and finally taking pity on his confusion responded. "Yes, Malfoy, you are. As much as I hoped and prayed it wasn't true, it is. I don't expect much from you, or anything really, but we do have to work together, so let's at least be civil."
"I think I'll need some time to process this," he said nervously. He then turned around and walked to his room. I tried to remind myself of the words I'd told Ginny. Like me, he didn't have any choice in the matter, the same as me.