Chapter One
Getting Reacquainted
I do not own Harry Potter or the characters, or the plot. Please review, I do not care if you like it or not but reviews are great to have occasionally. Tell me what you think of the story so far.
Though it has been almost a year since Dumbledore died, the students that grew to love him still miss him terribly. How is McGonagall going to ever replace him? Sure the students love her but honestly now, nothing is ever as good as the original. Sure, there have been numerous Head Masters before Dumbledore, but growing up with only one person that seemed to know everything that ever happened in Hogwarts is irreplaceable. Then again, there are those rare few that are going crazy with joy having Dumbledore finally gone, mostly Slytherins and Death Eaters.
"It still seems surreal that we are going back to school and Dumbledore won't be there. I know McGonagall will be there but it won't be the same." Ginny stated
"I know what you mean. I hope they did something for him so that he can see all of us again as well as the future students." Replied Hermione
Other than a few murmured conversations, the Hogwarts Express was relatively silent. It seemed as if the students were afraid to speak, afraid of who might be listening in on there conversations. Paranoid is not the word for these students, it is more like, no paranoia is a great word for them. Who would want to listen to someone's summer excitements, or who did what with whom? Oh, wait anyone with half a brain, anyone that might think that that information is pertinent. Anyone named HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED, that's who. He could be lurking around any corner, could be sitting beside you and you would never know it. Yes, these students are paranoid.
Since silence is the name of the game, and I know you are just dieing to know who made Head Boy and Girl, I guess I will tell you. Hermione Granger, a given, and Draco Malfoy, yes you read right. I know he has done many dubious things in his time but really now, should we punish him by not giving him power. Oh, wait that would be a punishment huh, oh well sorry guys someone had to get Head Boy. In all honesty, Harry Potter was the perfect candidate except for the fact that he has to defeat HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED, he is already famous, and with everything going on in his life he was just out of the question, he does not need that kind of stress. Draco, can deal with it and who knows maybe he turn a new leaf and do something good with his life.
When the students reached Hogwarts, everything happened as normal. Waiting for them was McGonagall, something that brought hope to the students.
"Welcome, old and new, one and all. I hope that this year is everything that you expected and more. Now if you follow me, we will start the new year."
Wasting no time McGonagall, walked down that hall with students in tow. Everything looked the same, felt the same, smelled the same, everything was like coming home again. Everything seemed as it showed be.
When the students walked into the Great Hall, the older students took their places and the new students were told to go to the front of the Hall, where they awaited the Sorting Hat ceremony.
"No other year has there been so much excitement. No other year have we had the opportunity to see good defeat evil, or evil go good. Secrets, this is what this year is all about, who has them and will they share them. Discovering new and exciting things everyday, makes for a very enjoyable year." Sang the Sorting Hat
In quick order the Sorting Hat, had the new students sitting in there appropriate houses. Then it was finally time for McGonagall to make her Head Mistress welcome.
"First of all I would like to welcome again all the students joining us and the returning students that we are happy to see again. I would like to say also that Filch and Hagrid have been diligent in making sure that you students are free from harm this year, and every year after this. I would also like to introduce the new students to the potions teacher Horace Slughorn. I am hoping that he will be a welcome addition to Hogwarts. I would also like to say that we are going to have a costume ball, no masks please, before we dismiss for Christmas Break. The Head Girl and Boy always plan the first dance, so if you have any ideas that may be useful to them, please let them know. I would also like to speak to the Head Girl and Boy after dinner, and I would like the prefects to show the students to their houses. Have a good dinner." Stated McGonagall
Dinner was full of quiet murmurs and suspense. What had the Head Girl and Boy done so early in the year to grant them a private audience with the Head Mistress?
After everyone was finished, eating the prefects stood and announced that it was now time to go to their houses. Everyone stood and followed them, while Hermione and Draco stood to go to McGonagall's chambers.
"Hello, Hermione and Draco, you are not in trouble. I just wanted to let you know that your room is located between Gryffindor and Slytherin houses. You may go to your room now."
Hermione was all to glad to get out of McGonagall's chambers. She hoped that she never had to go to there again. Then she found herself walking down the hall all by herself. Where was Draco, what was he doing now?
"McGonagall, I have to talk to you, privately."
"Okay, Draco. Please close the door and have a seat."
