Hey Y'all
I am slowly going through and updating the chapters, to clean up the edges now that I have an actual computer to work on and not just my cell phone. Of course my laptop would die as soon as I move to a foreign country!
Enjoy these cleaned up versions of the chapters.
It had taken some time but the halls were repaired, the common rooms had new furnishings and the portraits had finally over come the trauma from the war. They were ready to guard the dormitories again.
Hogwarts was finally able to resume classes.
Now she was finally home. Hermione had always loved Hogwarts but this year she was more eager to return than ever. She was finally able to complete her 7th year. The castle was safe, the Dark Lord was defeated, she was a war heroine, but best of all she was Head Girl.
Stepping into the private common room and just took a moment to absorb the comfort and familiarity of the grounds.
The Head girl and boy common room reminded her faintly of the Gryffindor common room, on a slightly smaller scale and without an ornate use of red and gold.
Arm chairs and a small loveseat perfectly framed the roaring fire bringing a warm and homely feel to the room. Desks were off to the side for studying but all that mattered were the numerous bookshelves lining the walls.
Head Mistress must have added a few extra shelves for the heroine bookworm. Only one other student read as much and she had but the silver headed student had disappeared shortly after the war and the death of his father. There was hardly anything in the post about his disappearance.
Once Hermione had decided what book to read first she ventured up the stairs to place her trunk in her quarters. As she approached her door her name magically engraved itself on the door in stunning gold font. The door across the hall had no name, only leaving her to assume the head boy had not yet arrived.
Waiting inside for the Gryffindor Queen sat a large four poster bed encased in shimmering gold linens with faint accents of red playing on her house colors. Throwing herself into the bed and the sea of pillows, savoring the feel of the rich fabrics on her skin; Hermione let out a deep breathe and finally began to relax; a feeling that had been foreign to her for weeks.
Attached to her grand bedroom sat a luxurious bathroom complete with clawfoot tub perfect for reading. Encased in the corner sat a large shower that could easily fit more then one person, not that any one needs that much space to bathe. A fire place was set in the corner and provided a warm and relaxing glow to the bathroom, casting an almost romantic glow on the space. It was such a shame it would not be utilized now that she was suddenly single.
While taking in the awe and wonder of her new living quarters she had barely heard the head boy come in to the tower, go into his room and slam the door.
Moving out of her bedroom her temper and tongue couldn't help her small rant
" How rude, would it have killed the Prat to say hello?! My room is right across the hall. For bloody sakes we have to live together for a year"
Stepping out into the hall, the glint of silver on the door almost knocked the air out of her lungs.
" It couldn't be?! There is no way..."
Rubbing her eyes and stepping forward the name Draco Malfoy almost mocked her and shimmered slightly as if a snake was taunting her.
As if things couldn't get any worse for her, especially after the last few months she just endured…
A few moments had passed before Hermione retreated to her fortress of solitude with her book to read, a hot bath, and a small glass of fire whiskey to celebrate her return to Hogwarts as well as this new chapter in her life.
She remained completely unaware of the Slytherin pacing in his room across the Hall. He should have known she would be head girl. There was no one better suited for the position. This was going to be a long year, he was sure she was not fond of him and the close quarters would make for a long year.
Draco had been very hesitant to return to Hogwarts. No matter his efforts in the war and helping defeat the dark lord, regardless if he had aided in saving the Golden trio from his insane aunt; all the wizarding world could focus on was the dark mark that plagued his arm. The mark he was forced and tortured to take.
He wanted to prove himself; get a job based on his intelligence and skill not his bloodline. He could only do that by getting perfect marks in his N.E.W.T.S.
He wanted a normal life, He NEEDED a normal life. He wanted to have real friends, he wanted respect, his soul craved someone to spend his life with. But until the community would stop judging him, none of that would be possible.
Oh the irony of it all, leading back to Hogwarts; where he spent his childhood judging everyone. He only wished he would have known better than to give in to his fathers prejudices.
As supper time approached and the great hall was not yet set up; Draco ventured down to the kitchen attached to the common room to find something to eat. As he opened the cupboards, any food he desired presented itself for his choosing, and the charmed kitchen magically went to work cooking and cleaning its own china.
Maybe living in this tower with that annoying know it all wouldn't be so bad he pondered, hardly noticing the curly mane peeking out from one of the air chairs. She was so enthralled in her book she didn't even hear him come down. It had been a few hours after her bath and she was determined to finish this book this evening.
With a slight smirk and wicked idea, Draco slithered up to the back of the chair and started charming her book to slam shut every time her eyes darted across the page.
After the book slammed shut on her finger twice she looked up to find grey eyes burning into her and a smirk ,such of a child sneaking sweets before supper.
Breaking the silence was a smug resounding
" Good Evening Granger"
Hermione could not help the squeak that fell from her lips as she fell out of her chair in complete shock.
"How dare you Ferret, you scared the day lights out of me don't know you know better then sneaking up on people after the war?! You could have at least announced yourself when you entered the room or made a noise or something! Or even said hello when you moved into the tower!"
With almost a sneer Draco locked eyes with her and bit back " As if I'm happy to share a room with you for the year Granger, I didn't even know you were coming back after you broke it off with Weasel, cant say I'm surprised though"
As if by instant the signature Malfoy smirk made itself at home on his face.
The anger fumed up through every pore of Hermione, letting the rage refuel her hatred for the events of her summer and gasping at the nerve of him to bring it up so casually as if it was not the most painful moment of her life. He vanished after the war. He stood by her side during battle and helped her. The war ended; he disappeared and now he stands here mocking her?!
With an echoing slap she disappeared into her room leaving a very stunned Slytherin standing in front of a dying fire.
After a stunned moment of silence Draco crept up to the bedroom hallway only to hear gentle sobs coming from Hermione's room. Damn it, he had swore to be kinder this year, certainly after everything she had been through regarding the war, and the way that ginger weasel had humiliated her that evening. He had not been able to catch his tongue; an old habit to die hard he presumed.
Slowly rubbing his cheek willing the red hand print to dissipate he hesitantly knocked on the door.
" Granger what the bloody hell? You can not just slap me and storm off"
Sniffling and pushing some of her wild curls out of her eyes she could do nothing but yell back through the door to leave her alone and quickly put a locking spell on her door. She would ignore him all year if she had to but she was not going to let him rub what happened in her face when she was still recovering from the fresh heartbreak.
How dare that Malfoy, he had stood beside her through the war, she had always had a bit of a soft spot for him, dare she relate to him on a deeper level even if she would take that secret to her grave. They both lost almost everything in the war; family, some friends and any chance of a normal life. The wizarding world was determined to know their secrets and the papers promised to deliver them.
All through school they were pinned against each other academically expected to receive the top marks yet expected to be enemies. They were never presented the opportunity to be another other then enemies.
After an hour or so and he still heard sniffles through her door, he had had enough, He was determined to get some answers from the war Heroine, he had never seen her cry like this, not even during the war. Her spirit and bravery remained in tact through all the misery they faced mourning the loss of friends and family. She had always been the strong one of everyone, the caring protector. Even through the years you could always trust that Hermione noticed when someone needed something. She was perfect for Head Girl.
Wait... was he defending Granger? Was he actually concerned? He knew he had softened up after the war and the death of his father and all the pureblood brain washing had ended but Granger? Really? Draco was trying to be a better wizard and wanted to help lead the wizarding community into healing some of its wounds. He highly doubted she would ever fully forgive him for his early actions in the war.
Unable to stand the thought of the brains of the golden trio crying, he pulled his wand out and undid her locking spells. She may have had the highest marks but people forget he was only a few points right behind her.
Hermione stared in shock that Draco not only entered her room but had undone her locking charm. Her mouth slightly gaping like a fish out of water. Her brain attempting to grasp for some sort of understanding what was going on.
After some stunned silence, Hermione had the courage to speak up in an embarrassed voice barely above a whisper...
" Im sorry I slapped you, I am just so sick and tired of everyone reminding me about my break up with Ron. The news have not left me alone since the war ended and were vultures when it came to any story, I feel like they wont let me move on from this"
She broke eye contact and slightly chewed her bottom lip to stop it from quivering; Unsure what to say next. Draco stood fidgeting on the spot constantly glancing at the door unsure how to end this uncomfortable conversation.
When barely above a whisper she added;
" You know I didn't even know what he had done until I saw it on the front page of the Post. The only reason I picked up the post was the Howler that arrived from his mother at our home"
Malfoy was speechless... What are you supposed to say to that? He had avoided the wizarding press following the war. Potter had disappeared with Ginny to avoid the public eye and they created a quiet life near muggle London.
Draco had apparated to his parents summer home in the country and avoided all the press trying to recover from the nightmares he still faced after the war.
But as he stood here, his heart ached for this girl. She hadn't even known what happened, she woke up to the whole world spreading the news and giving her no privacy. She went to bed blissfully happy and woke up with her life in near shambles. He loathed growing up in the lime light of Malfoy Manor. Everything he did growing up was heavily judged by the community with a guarantee of a snide comment shortly following.
Conjuring up some chocolate the young wizard placed it front of Hermione unsure of what to do. He has never seen her so defeated and broken even when she fought hours of torture from his crazy family; her spirit never faltered but now you wouldn't recognize the lioness if it wasn't for her wild curls.
With a chuckle she actually turned at smiled at him. In that moment Draco noticed she had some green and gold in her eyes. The amber color was warm and comforting. Her eyes shone brightly as her tears dried. He couldn't fight the small smile that grew from his signature smirk.
" My mother always wanted chocolate when she was upset. More often when my father yelled at the house elves. As you know The Manor was a pretty miserable place, so naturally I became pretty skilled at this spell for my mother"
Maybe this year wouldn't be so bad she thought, Draco seemed to actually possess some compassion after the war; maybe they might actually become friends this year.
Running a hand through his pale blonde hair he turned to leave when he felt a small arm latch onto his wrist.
" Thank you for being so nice to me Draco, I hate to admit I wasn't expecting it"
Unsure of what to say Draco couldn't help what flew out of his mouth
" Don't get used to it Granger, it's only because you finally see the weasel the way I do"
