-1AU story, Trio's seventh year, they never leave for their horcrux hunt and Dumbledore never died.
Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognise.
Just sixteen more students… Hermione sat between Ron and Harry towards the end of the Gryffindor table. Over sixty first years had to go through the sorting process this year, this year had shown many more births than the years and this had lead to the sorting already taking over an hour. Ron had been complaining for the last fifty minutes that he wanted his food and Harry had joined in soon after. Hermione, however was grateful of the extended sorting and was hoping it would go on forever as the moment it finished she knew she would have to give her head girl speech.
She wasn't nervous about speaking in front of the group, it was simply the prospect of having to stand so close to it that she was anxious about.
The it in question was newly appointed head boy and Slytherin prince Draco Malfoy.
As the final three students were called, Hermione nodded to her two best friends and stoop, approaching the staff table along the side of the hall. As the final student was sorted and approached the raven claw table both Hermione and Draco approached the lectern from opposite ends of the hall.
She stared into space as he spoke, ignoring the taunting glances he was sending at her and sending her own around the hall occasionally. She felt a prod on her arm as Draco attracted her attention. Hermione took her place and began to speak, encouraging all in the hall to have a prosperous and interesting year. As she approached the end of her speech a figure at the rear of the hall made her stop and stutter momentarily. She continued reluctantly and finished, fleeing the hall through the back doors as soon as she could.
Harry and Ron noticed her rash behaviour and turned towards the door, however saw nothing other than Hermione's bushy hair retreating through the door. Both boys shrugged and tucked into their meals, presuming she had been called away on head girl business.
Their concern grew slightly as she didn't return during the feast and wasn't in the common room when they returned, however this was soon forgotten as stories of summer fun spread through the common room from all of its occupants.
Both stayed up until gone midnight, and still having seen no sign of Hermione headed up to their dorm. Harry stopped in the doorway and turned to Ron "What are they doing here?" He demanded, pointing towards the two additional beds and familiar trunks placed at the foot of each.
Well folks, I know this isn't the longest of chapters but it needed to be done to set the scene. I'm sure anyone who has read my other piece knows who it is, but if you haven't can you guess. Reviews are very much appreciated, especially those with constructive criticism, however all are greatly received. I hope you enjoyed it, new chapter up hopefully in the next few days.
LJ