Harry Potter and the Mudblood's Tale
Chapter One: Going Home
A Harry Potter Fanfic
Written By: Ischza
No copyright infringement intended. Everything you recognize belongs to J.K. Rowling. The plot of the story is mine. Some of the characters you may not recognize are probably one of my original characters. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
(Excerpt from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (A Month Earlier):
Along the aisle between the tables, Harry Potter saw the three Malfoys huddled together as though unsure whether or not they were supposed to be there, but nobody was paying them attention. He took of his cloak and then saw Arthur Weasley, also staring at the same family. Arthur glanced at Harry and he raised a brow. Harry nodded to him, understanding in a silent language what he wanted the elder Weasley to do. Harry walked away and put on his cloak again and everywhere he looked, he saw families reunited, and finally, he saw the two whose company he craved most.
"It's me," he muttered, crouching down between them. "Will you come with me?"
They stood up at once, and together he, Ron and Hermione left the Great Hall. Great chunks were missing from the marble staircase, part of the balustrade is gone, and rubble and bloodstains occurred every few steps as they climbed.
Somewhere in the distance they could hear Peeves zooming through the corridors singing a victory song of his own composition:
We did it, we bashed them, wee Potter's the one,
And Voldy's gone moldy, so now let's have fun!
(End of Excerpt)
Present Time:
Kingsley Shacklebolt stood tall and proud behind the platform as the immense crowd applauded for the new Minister of Magic. He smiled as he saw Harry Potter, the Weasley family and Hermione Granger amongst the present wizards and witches. He cleared his throat before beginning his speech.
"For years, the wizarding world has been shaken with great fear due to the many catastrophes, murders and dark magic. Just a month ago, Voldemort roamed the earth as, probably, the most evil wizard of all time." He paused and rolled his eyes as some of the other people cringed and cowered before the name. "Many of us fought bravely. But sadly, many of us died as well. Family members, friends, allies… Seeing each and every one of them die had been a terrible experience. Voldemort and the deatheaters never cared who they killed or stepped on. They showed no mercy to the children; the women were slain like animals; and the men, tortured and killed brutally." The crowd went quiet as the past recollections penetrated their senses.
"The last battle at Hogwarts was truly the battle of the century; a battle to the death. The professors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry fought alongside the ministry aurors and the students joined us with an awe-inspiring bravery. There is a part of me that wished I didn't allow them to take part in that battle but I know that even if some of them did perish that day, they chose that noble path for the sake of saving the rest of humanity even though it meant that they will never see it with their very eyes." The crowd applauded their hands in salute of the lost students of Hogwarts.
"I would personally like to thank the Weasley family," Kingsley continued and the crowd roared. "Who also fought in the battle. I am terribly sorry for the lost of old Fred. George, I know you're feeling as if it was your fault that he died. Don't blame yourself, son. He fought like the great man he was." George Weasley smiled gratefully at that.
"I also want to thank Hermione Granger, for being the Brightest Witch of All Time," Kingsley smiled at the young lady who was grinning at the title. "I am thoroughly impressed with your hexes. The Auror Department will be glad to have you on their team once you graduate." Hermione's eyes sparkled with amusement and excitement as the idea of becoming a part of the Auror Department entered her mind.
"To the Professors of Hogwarts: Professor Minerva Mcgonagall, Professor Filius Flitwick, Professor Pomona Sprout, Professor Horace Slughorn and the rest of the Hogwarts faculty, I thank you for your efficiency and brilliant security and safety measures you've done for the students. Thank you for everything," the crowd applauded yet again.
"Thank you also to Madame Pomfrey, Ms. Sybill Trelawney, Madame Pince and Madame Hooch for helping with the injured. Of course, to Mr. Argus Filch, thank you as well for your patience. I can only imagine how hard it's been for you to clean up the entire school and maintain order," Kingsley winked at him and Filch grunted in annoyance. Kingsley chuckled. "I'm sure some of the ministry people have helped you enough. And now, to the students of Hogwarts," the surviving students of Hogwarts who were present smiled at the recognition. "Words cannot express my eternal gratitude for each of you. I hope to see you working for the Ministry of Magic in about a year or so." The crowd started applauding and cheering again.
"To Mr. Harry Potter," Kingsley almost shouted through the noise and the crowd immediately quieted down. "I never knew that a boy could actually escape twice," the crowds cheered and Harry shook his head but smiled. "Harry, of all the people I've met, I'm quite sure that you're the one who had to suffer a lot in the war. At such a young age, you've encountered death a few times. Even more than a few. I bet if your parents were here, they'll tell you how you make them so proud. You have led us to victory and the whole world thanks you," Kingsley clapped his hands and the people followed his example.
"As the new Minister of Magic," Kingsley said when the noise subsided. "A few changes will occur in the wizarding community. We have new heads of departments and a few surprising resignations. One of them is Arthur Weasley who will be teaching as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. Good luck on that, Arthur. Aside from that, Hogwarts has a new headmaster," he signaled to someone and they all saw Aberforth Dumbledore stand up. "Severus Snape will be succeeded by Aberforth Dumbledore, the late Albus Dumbledore's brother."
"Ministry officials, meeting on Monday. I am looking forward to a new regime free of dark magic. Good day," he finished and walked down the platform and down the stage through the field of reporters and photographers. With great difficulty, he finally reached Harry and the others.
Harry smiled upon seeing him. "Congratulations, Minister," he said.
"Thank you but don't call me 'Minister' anymore," Kingsley rolled his eyes. He then turned to shake Arthur Weasley's hand.
"Honestly Kingsley, did you really have to broadcast my resignation?" Arthur asked, somewhat annoyed.
Kingsley shrugged, "They'll find out sooner or later anyway. But Arthur, are you sure about letting the Malfoys stay out of Azkaban? Or have you lost your bloody mind?"
"I…" Arthur began, a little embarrassed.
"I was the one who told Mr. Weasley to ask you not to let them stay in prison," Harry cut in.
"But why, Harry? Haven't they caused enough trouble for a lifetime?" Kingsley asked totally exasperated.
"It hardly seems fair; sending them to Azkaban when Mrs. Malfoy practically saved my life."
"Yeah, well… Uh, I guess you're right then," Kingsley said awkwardly. He gave a brief nod and proceeded to talk with other company. Harry stared after him, still smiling, when Ron Weasley patted him on the back.
"You know mate, I think you've been hit with the killing curse one too many times," he said. "The Malfoys are better off in prison, honestly."
Hermione gave him a stern look and said, "Ronald, technically, they weren't purely evil. They couldn't escape Voldemort. He would've killed them with a flick of his wand if they ever decided to leave the deatheaters and join the order."
"Bloody hell, Hermione! Don't you remember what they did to you back in Malfoy Manor? You could've died if Dobby hadn't appeared to rescue us," Ron said angrily. Harry desperately wanted to walk away but he had to find a way to stop his two best mates in the world from arguing. Unfortunately, Hermione had some things she wanted to share, herself.
"The one who tortured me was Bellatrix Lestrange. The Malfoys didn't even lay a finger on me. They have nothing to do with that. You should've seen them. Even Draco was-"
"I don't care how they looked while they were torturing you!" Ron snapped.
"Ron, stop it," Harry finally cut in. "I stand by my decision." Ron rolled his eyes and turned away muttering something like he needed a drink or something.
When he was out of earshot, Hermione gave Harry a look of gratitude. "Thanks," she said as they walked to their seats.
He shook his head. "Don't mention it." He looked around the dance floor for Ginny and found her dancing with her older brother, Charlie. She caught him looking at her so she smiled. He waved back and then turned to Hermione again. "'Mione, do you mind telling me what happened in Malfoy Manor? You can skip the gory details," he said with interest.
Hermione giggled. "Alright. It doesn't really bother me anymore, you know," she said as she stroked the words carved on her right arm. "It's just a word anyway. A bad word, yes. 'Mudblood'. Back then, I would've just cried and given up being a witch because of my heritage, but now," she smiled solemnly and then looked at Harry in the eye, "I think I've proven myself enough to be called a witch, have I not?"
Harry smiled back. "You are 'The Brightest Witch of All Time' after all," he said teasingly. "And I'm proud of you for finally accepting yourself as you are."
She nodded. "Now, about the story," she began. "Bellatrix kept asking me the same question over and over again. I told her I didn't take it, said it was a fake. But of course she never believed that. When she showed me the silver knife, that's when the first screams began. I knew she was gonna cut me with it real deep. Through my screams, I vaguely heard Draco tell her to stop."
Harry nodded at that revelation. Hermione started to tell him vividly about what happened to her in Malfoy Manor.
(Excerpt from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)
"I'm going to ask you again! Where did you get this sword? WHERE?"
"We found it – We found it – PLEASE!" Hermione screamed as Bellatrix showed her a silver knife and traced a thin line on her cheek.
"You are lying, filthy mudblood and I know it! You have been inside my vault at Gringotts! Tell the truth, tell the truth!" Hermione screamed again as Bellatrix moved to her arm and she felt the knife cut her deeply.
"Aunt Bella, stop it! Stop it!" Draco shouted frantically.
"Shut up, Draco!" then to Hermione, "What else did you take? What else have you got? Tell me the truth or I swear, I shall run you through with this knife!"
"Bella, what in the world -" Narcissa complained but Bellatrix hissed at her to shut up.
"You have no idea how much of a disaster has happened so stop interrupting me!" She took out her wand and pointed it at Hermione. "What else did you take, what else? ANSWER ME! CRUCIO!" Hermione screamed louder this time as she felt the pain rise to her head.
"G-granger," Draco's voice sounded like a sob as he watched the horrible spectacle happen before his very eyes.
"How did you get into my vault?" Bellatrix screamed. "Did that little goblin in the cellar help you?"
"We only met him tonight!" Hermione sobbed. "We've never been inside your vault… It isn't the real sword! It's a copy, just a copy!"
"A copy?" screeched Bellatrix. "Oh, a likely story!"
"But, we can find out easily!" It was Lucius this time who spoke up. "Bella, this is completely unnecessary!"
"Don't you dare tell me this is unnecessary, Lucius! If your son is too much of a girl to witness this then -"
"Don't you DARE talk about my son like that Bella or else I'll have you -"
"You DARE talk to me like that in my own house!" Narcissa and Lucius yelled at the same time and then they all started bickering.
Draco stood there staring at Hermione and she stared back up at him. A tear escaped from one of his frightened eyes as he softly whispered, "I'm sorry." Hermione wanted to smile reassuringly at him but it was already too hard to move a muscle in her body. She just managed to whimper and the adults remembered she was still there.
Lucius turned to his son and said, "Draco, fetch the goblin, he can tell us whether the sword is real or not!" Draco walked to the direction of the cellar and disappeared from Hermione's sight. She knew she was going to fall unconscious anytime soon and she welcomed it wholeheartedly, hoping to escape the pain she felt especially upon reading the word that was now carved on her arm.
(Excerpt from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ends here)
Ginny approached their table and smiled at Harry and Hermione. "Hey 'Mione. What happened to Ron?" she asked her best friend.
"Well, he was being an idiot. Harry saved me," Hermione answered.
Ginny smiled sweetly at her boyfriend. "You're such a hero," she said.
Harry blushed and then cleared his throat in order to calm himself. "Uh, wanna dance?" Ginny gave him a big smile and they strutted away to the dance floor, leaving Hermione smiling at them.
The next day was a Sunday and their last day home till they set out for Hogwarts so they all stayed at the Burrow. They played an interesting game of Quidditch that morning. The Lovegoods went for a visit so they had six players on each team.
Harry and Ginny played against each other as seekers. Ron who was Harry's keeper played fairly good against Charlie. Bill and George were a surprisingly good pair that George said, "He could actually be as good as Fred was!" Luna and Hermione on the other hand both sucked as beaters. Percy, though he may not look like it, was a decent chaser. So was Mrs. Weasley who played for Ginny's team so even if Mr. Weasley and Mr. Lovegood were terrible, it was still a fair fight.
Mrs. Weasley cooked quite a feast for their lunch and they started tasting every bit of food heartily. "You ron no aw murch I mish rish," Ron said, his mouth full of food.
"Mind your manners, Ron," his mother scolded. Then she turned to her husband, "Dear, have you packed? You're all going to Hogwarts tomorrow. I hope you've done your packing."
Ron kept silent, obviously guilty for forgetting. That moment, someone rang the doorbell and Mr. Weasley stood up. "I'll get it," he said and walked out of the kitchen.
When he opened the door, he immediately tried to hide his surprise. "Good day, Arthur," Lucius Malfoy's smooth voice broke through his train of thoughts. "We are so very sorry for intruding." That's when Arthur realized that Narcissa and their son were also there.
"O-oh… Good afternoon," he tried to sound jolly. "How may I help you?"
Lucius looked nervous and Narcissa and Draco were staring down at their shoes as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. "I… We -" he corrected himself when Narcissa nudged him with an elbow. "Just wanted to thank you for convincing the Hogwarts Board of Directors into letting Draco come back to Hogwarts in order to finish his studies. And also for not sending us to Azkaban."
Arthur smiled inwardly. That must have taken a lot of guts to spit out of his proud tongue. "It was nothing," he grinned. "I'm glad to help. Oh, and it was Harry's idea. It's him you should thank, not me."
Lucius looked taken aback and confused by that piece of information. "Oh," he blurted out. "Then I'll be sure to thank Mr. Potter when I see him."
"By all means," Arthur stepped aside to make room. "Join us for lunch. Harry's here and we'll be delighted if you'd grace us with your company."
"N-no, it's alright Arthur. Our presence might affect a bad atmosphere. We really should be getting home," Lucius said.
"Arthur, dear, what's taking you so -" Molly gasped when she saw who was by the door. "Oh, good afternoon," she greeted the Malfoys pleasantly.
"Good day, Molly. We just dropped by to thank you all for letting us stay in Malfoy Manor and for letting Draco come back to Hogwarts for his seventh year," Lucius explained.
"I see. Then join us! Lunch is served," she beamed at them and the Malfoys immediately tried to refuse the offer shyly but she just insisted it and pushed them inside. When they all entered the kitchen, the chatter silenced. Everyone seemed genuinely surprised as to why the Malfoys were standing in the middle of the Weasleys' kitchen but not one of them uttered a word.
A few seconds later, Ron stood up and sneered, "What the bloody hell are you lot doing here?" His mother rolled his eyes and ushered the Malfoys, who remained silent and uncomfortable, to their seats.
"If it's not obvious Ronald, we invited them inside to join us. They're our guests," she said a-matter-of-factly.
"They fucking tortured Hermione!"
"Language, Ronald!" his father scolded as he gave Ron a warning look.
"This is mental! Hermione, you can't possibly -"
"Ron," Hermione interrupted with annoyance. "The Malfoys never tortured me. Last time I checked, it was Bellatrix Lestrange who 'fucking tortured' me. And just in case you've forgotten, I don't live here. I do not have the say in inviting guests inside; that job is for your parents. So why don't you just grow up and deal with it?" she glared at Ron who seemed hurt at what she'd said. But a second later, it was wiped off and he walked out of the room.
Hermione sighed, "I'm sorry about Ron. And for what I'd said."
"It's alright, Hermione," Arthur smiled warmly at her. She then looked at the Malfoys whose faces seemed paler than their usual color. They looked really distressed.
"Help yourselves," Molly said cheerfully and the Malfoys started eating timidly but gracefully. Hermione stole a glance at the Malfoy boy and their eyes met for a split second before she looked away, absolutely embarrassed for being caught staring. She did her best not to blush.
Lucius cleared his throat a few minutes of silence later to talk to her. "Uh, Ms. Granger," he began. Hermione almost grinned at that. She never thought she'd hear the day one of the Malfoys would call her name somewhat more respectfully.
"Please, call me 'Hermione'," she said smilingly.
"Well then… Hermione, I'm sorry for Bellatrix's actions back in Malfoy Manor," he continued.
"I sincerely apologize for my sister's cruelty. You never deserved such a beating. No one does," Narcissa said, her eyes welling up with tears.
"It's okay, Mr. and . I'm not angry with any of you at all," Hermione assured them. She glanced at Draco again and she saw something in his unsure eyes in that moment. There was something there she couldn't put a finger on and she wondered if she'd ever find out what he meant with that look of his.
When the uncomfortable atmosphere finally subsided, casual conversation began amongst the people in the kitchen. "Bill, how's Fleur?" Molly asked her eldest son. Bill smiled at her. "Still in France. She wanted to spend some time with her parents and Gabrielle. She'll be back on Thursday when Gabby goes back to Beuxbatons," he answered.
"How's the Quibbler going?" Charlie asked Xenophilius Lovegood. "Marvelously, of course. My dear Luna helped me fix everything. Harry, do you mind an interview?" he turned to Harry who nodded. "Uh, sure, Mr. Lovegood."
"Hermione, a wrackspurt's stuck in your hair," Luna extended her hand and made shooeing gestures on the invisible (or possibly non-existent) creature. "There, it's gone. I bet your head's feeling fuzzy right now. You were in too close proximity with it."
"No, not really. Thanks, Luna."
Teddy, Lupin and Tonks's son, was then heard crying from upstairs. He was spending vacation at the Weasleys and Molly immediately got up to heed attention to the baby. "I'll be right back," she excused herself. "Teddy's just woken up."
"Teddy is -" Narcissa began.
"Lupin and Tonks's son, yeah," Harry continued for her. "Would you like to meet him?"
Narcissa smiled bashfully. "May I?"
Harry smiled back. "You are after all related to him. I'm sure he'd be delighted.
Ginny stood up to get the plates and Hermione helped her. Draco continued giving her secret glances before she left the room with the youngest Weasley. A discussion on the goblins of Gringotts erupted at the dinner table before Mrs. Weasley returned the room with Teddy in her arms, his hair colored blue.
"Say hello to Grandma," Molly cooed at the baby as she handed him to Narcissa.
Narcissa smiled at the color of his hair. "Hello, Teddy. I can see you've got your mother's gift," she said softly and Teddy giggled at her with delight.
"Yes but Tonks reckoned he had his father's spirit" Arthur joined in the cooeing. "Draco, would you like to hold him?" he asked the young man.
"W-what? I… I can't possibly… I don't know how," he stammered.
Narcissa smiled at her son encouragingly. "It's easy, Draco. Come now," she placed the baby on his lap and Draco immediately steadied the baby with his hands. Teddy stared at him and giggled happily surprising all of them. Even Draco who was still slightly afraid gave a genuine smile. Hermione and Ginny who had just returned from washing the dishes halted to watch the unexpected scenario between Teddy and Draco.
Draco just sat there, little Teddy on his lap, both smiling at each other. Then, there was Narcissa who was playing with Teddy's hair and Lucius smiled slightly, pride in his eyes as his son held the baby with utmost care.
"Teddy likes you," Molly stated merrily.
"You think so?" Draco looked quite happy with that comment.
"I have to say he's a natural," Arthur nodded in agreement and then turned to Lucius. "He'd make a wonderful father."
Lucius gaped at him. "Arthur, I think it's a little too early to be talking about having children. Draco's only turning eighteen this year for Merlin's sake," Lucius said. Draco turned slightly pink at that. Hermione and Ginny had just sat down and he wasn't sure what Hermione thought about that. Holy Father Almighty, why is he even concerned on what she thought of him?
"Another game of Quidditch?" Percy asked the young people (it excluded Charlie, Bill, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy and Mr. Lovegood).
"I can't believe Percy is actually proposing another match," George grinned disbelievingly at his brother.
"You wanna join, Draco?" Luna asked him.
"I… I wouldn't want to intrude," Draco answered.
"Come now, mate. You can't possibly pass up a game of Quidditch now, can you?" George asked, wiggling his eyebrows coaxingly. The rest of them laughed at that, even Draco.
"Alright," he agreed.
"I'll get Ron," Harry ran upstairs and found Ron sulking on the middle of his bed. "Hey, you wanna play another game?" he asked.
Ron scoffed. "Not if he's playing."
"Ron, can't you just let it go? The Malfoys have been behaving rather well and -"
"I can't believe you're actually saying that! Harry, don't you remember what happened during the battle? The Malfoys are nothing but two-faced bastards! All of them," Ron said angrily.
"I do remember. But, the war's over. Voldemort's dead and there's no reason for them to go back to their old ways," Harry said impatiently.
"THEY-ARE-EVIL-MONSTERS," Ron said with gritted teeth. "EVIL!"
Harry sighed. "So you really won't play? At all?" he asked. Ron didn't answer so Harry nodded in understanding, stood up and walked towards the door. But he was about to turn the knob, "Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed. "Alright, alright! I'll play." Harry grinned at his best mate.
Ginny was wearing a sly grin when they went out to the Weasleys' backyard. "So, Harry… Which ones will you take?" she asked.
"Ron, George…" he gave Draco a look. "And Draco."
Ron glared at him with incredulity. "Are you mad?"
Harry shrugged. "Are you a good chaser?" he asked Draco.
"Fair enough," he answered.
"Alright," Ginny grinned at her teammates. "Hermione, you're keeper. Percy, mind being the chaser?" she asked.
"Whatever you say, sis," he said with a shrug.
"That leaves Luna to do the beating. You all ready?" she asked both teams. In seconds, they kicked the ground and went flying into the air, each of them taking their positions.
"When we're finished, I'll kill you, Harry," Ron muttered dangerously.
Harry chuckled, "Good luck on that one."
The game ended three hours later when Harry caught the snitch, with Ginny missing it for only a quarter of an inch. It just so happened that Harry had longer arms than the redhead. It had been a ridiculously hard fight what with Luna getting the hang of sending Draco a bludger. She almost hit him a lot of times. Percy and Draco were excellent chasers and if it weren't for Harry's keen senses (and his height), they would've lost.
Ron jumped off his broom and gave George a high five. Ginny was fuming and swearing under her breath but Harry just grinned at her and decided that he'll take care of her later on. He approached Ron and raised a brow. "So, are you still going to kill me? Even after we won?" he asked.
Ron fought back a grin. "I'll postpone it for the meantime," he answered and Harry rolled his eyes. Ron Weasley is probably one of the most stubborn guys he'd ever met. Hermione ran to them and panted tiredly.
"That was utterly exhausting," she said and then gave Draco a curious glance.
"Malfoy gave you quite a hard time," Harry chuckled.
Draco grinned at her. "Sorry," but he didn't seem sorry at all. In fact, he looked as if he was teasing her. Nevertheless, he made her cheeks burn and it aggravated her somewhat.
"I think I might've killed you if you haven't got good reflexes, Draco," Luna said to which Draco just grinned at.
"Naw, you were brilliant!" Ron said and Hermione gave him a look. "What?" he asked trying to act innocent.
"Draco," Narcissa called out to her son. "We need to go now. I forgot we had to buy you new school robes."
"Mother!" Draco blushed in embarrassment as Ron snickered. "I can do that on my own!"
"I have to go to Flourish and Blotts too. I need new quills," Narcissa said as she approached them with a smile. "Thank you for letting Draco join."
"He was great Mrs. Malfoy. He managed to block all of my bludgers," Luna said, a hint of pride evident in her voice.
"I'm sure he did."
Lucius then walked out of the door along with Xenophilius, Arthur and Molly. "Be sure to visit again, Lucius," Arthur shook his hand and so did Molly. 'Pleasure having your family here," Molly said.
"Thank you, Arthur, Molly. You are also welcome to join us in Malfoy Manor if you have the time," he said and then joined his wife and son. "Ready to go?" The other two Malfoys nodded and then with another nod at them, they disapparated from the backyard.
When they had gone, the rest of them heaved a huge sigh of relief. "Blimey… that was unexpected," George said with an uncertain smile.
"Harry," Arthur looked at him seriously. "Did you notice anything weird with the Malfoy boy?" he asked to which Ron exclaimed, "It's already weird that they came, Dad! Honestly…" but they all ignored him.
"No," Harry answered. "He did his best to try and fit in. He seemed as if he wanted to belong. To make amends for everything he did in the past."
Molly nodded. "Lucius and Narcissa seemed genuinely sorry as well."
"You can't possibly believe them?" Ron yelled indignantly. They're Slytherins! They're supposed to be sly, two-faced cowards!"
"Professor Snape was a Slytherin. But Professor Dumbledore trusted him. Why should the Malfoys be any different?" Luna asked, an innocent expression on her pretty face. Ron was in a loss for answers with that.
A few seconds later, "I believe them," Xenophilius said but Ron didn't think that counted.
"Me too," Luna said but that didn't count either.
"You know, I think I do too," Bill said and Ron's jaw dropped. The others nodded in agreement except for Ron who was seething by then.
"You trust them? BLOODY HELL!" he swore.
"We don't trust them, yet," Arthur said, capturing his attention.
"You don't?"
"No, not yet. We're simply giving them a chance. We must befriend them. Dumbledore wouldn't want us to be rude to them now, would he?" Arthur said, a slight smile on his face.
"You're all MENTAL! That's what you all are!" Ron stomped off to the house, slammed the door, stomped up the staircase and to his room. Harry stared after him and then shook his head.
"So, anyone for a cup of tea?" Mrs. Weasley offered.
The next morning, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Mr. Weasley set off to Kings Cross Station accompanied by Mrs. Weasley who seemed teary-eyed, what with her husband leaving and months of not seeing him. Andromeda and Teddy will be there to live with her but she was surely going to miss her dear husband.
The students of Hogwarts had to repeat their last year due to the war and the wrong teachings of the Carrow siblings. Especially to the Slytherins. So Ginny was stuck in her sixth year while Harry and the others had to go back to school for their supposed to be seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The four of them boarded the train after saying goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and started to find a compartment. Mr. Weasley stayed back with his wife and properly say goodbye without the kids hovering over them. Finally deciding on a compartment, they dropped their trunks and sat back on the plush, comfy seats.
"This should be an interesting year," Hermione said with a wry smile. "No more dangerous quests to find horcruxes."
"Or drinking polyjuice potion to impersonate someone in order to break into Gringotts and then ride on dragons to get out. Perfect escape plan by the way; very original," Ron grinned back.
"No more rebelling against the school authorities and secret meetings in the R.O.R," Ginny joined in.
"And no more risking our necks in order to save the world from deranged psychopaths who haven't got a nose," Harry finished and they all laughed.
"Sounds like a plan," Ron said. "Boy, won't this be a boring year…"
"I'm actually gonna miss the D.A." Ginny smiled at the memory of recruiting for the war. It had been tough but it was fun, exciting and all for a good cause to help Harry into saving the whole world. Now, it was all over and it's weird that they were all wishing that this year will be just like any other year before it.
The door of the compartment opened, revealing Luna, Neville and a reluctant-looking Draco. "Hey, you guys! Look who we ran into," the blonde girl smiled at them. Neville was grinning from ear to ear as well while Draco remained awkward and somewhat out of place. Luna sat down beside Ginny and dragged Draco with her. Hermione shuffled towards the window in order to make more room. Ron glared at the blonde boy who shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Luna continued to hold on to his arm, as if she was trying to prevent him from running away.
Luna then seemed to remember something and said, "Oh! I almost forgot, Hermione. Congratulations on making Head Girl. I knew you could do it," she gave her hand a friendly pat.
"What?" Hermione exclaimed as she jumped up with delight. "Really?"
"We heard Mr. Weasley tell another new professor. Said he was owled this morning or something," Neville answered. It seemed that the reason he'd been grinning was that he knew something they didn't know.
"Who's Head Boy, then?" Ginny asked curiously.
Neville scratched his head. "Well, we didn't really stay long enough to hear that. We were just passing by when they started talking about Hermione," he said and then looked at Draco expectantly.
Draco noticed that and then shook his head somewhat sadly. "No, Longbottom. I don't think I met the Head Boy criteria," he said. It was a shame really. He would've been Head Boy if he hadn't flunked a lot of his subjects on his sixth year. He'd always been second to Hermione and back then, it would've been obvious that they'll be the likely Heads. But due to certain circumstances, what with Voldemort ordering him to kill Dumbledore and him being an ex-death eater, he was doomed not to become the Head Boy. He'd also lost his prefect badge. He's just a normal student now just like the rest of them.
The train started to hoot and in a few seconds, they felt the Hogwarts Express moving. They began conversing on lighter topics like the possible events and happenings on the current school year. Two new professors, a new headmaster or headmistress (they were guessing that it was Professor Mcgonagall), their N.E.W.T.S. It might be a busy year after all.
Going back to Hogwarts made each and every one of them feel nostalgic and to some extent, sentimental. It's been their home for more than seven years. It's where they learned it all, where friendships began, where everyday was a new adventure. Inside the walls, they discovered mysteries, unfolded secrets, exposed things that have been hidden from the world for years. It was also where the battle commenced. It's where many of their friends and loved ones died.
Harry turned to look at Draco Malfoy, his old nemesis. Draco was lightly talking with Luna and Ginny. He looked discomfited but Harry can see how hard he tried to fit in their circle for the very first time. Before, that would've looked quite impossible. You would've never seen the Malfoys try to fit in and become one of them. No, he never thought this day would happen. Harry then felt someone staring at him and he saw Hermione's eyes on him. He smiled and she smiled back knowingly. They were thinking the exact same thing. Sure, Draco Malfoy might have been a cowardly prat and annoying bully before but it was only fair to give him a chance. That's exactly what Dumbledore would've wanted them to do.
Harry turned back to the window again and watched the view as the train passed by. He had come to realize and accept that Hogwarts is also the place where they'll begin to somehow move on slowly from the past and the place where they'll learn to reconcile with their enemies. It's time to put the feud between Gryffindor and Slytherin to a stop.
"Hey, Harry," Neville called and he jerked his head to look at him, his eyebrows raised to indicate he was listening. "Mind if I try out for the Quidditch team?" Neville asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Harry smiled, "Of course you may, Neville. Although I'm not sure if Quidditch will be allowed this year. Didn't you guys say that they banned it last time, Ginny?" he asked his girlfriend who nodded grimly.
"That sort of sucked. But I guess with Voldemort dead and the war over…" she let it hang and smiled smugly.
"I'll try out for keeper again, Harry," Ron said with a confidence he never had before.
"You'll make it for sure, mate," Harry grinned at him and he grinned back. Then Harry also grinned at Draco, "Good luck to the both of us then."
Draco shrugged. "I'm not sure if they'll let me play. They all hate me now. They won't give me the position of captain nor let me roam the pitch ."
Luna patted his hand, "Don't worry, Dra (she pronounced it as Drei like anDREI)…" Everyone looked at her with wide eyes for her nickname for Draco who seemed equally flabbergasted. "We've watched you play before and you're an excellent seeker. It's just that Harry's glasses make his eyes sharper. Maybe you should buy some too," she proposed.
To everyone's surprise, Draco actually chuckled. "Gee, thanks Luna. I'll keep the glasses in mind." Harry and Ron snorted (although the latter tried to hide his amusement with a cough; he didn't want to appear as if he's accepted Draco in their crowd). Neville, Ginny and Hermione smiled at the scene.
Draco then gave Hermione a quick glance which didn't go unnoticed by Harry.
Odd…
Hermione is staring out the window by now. She paid no attention to their current conversations and Harry followed her gaze. He caught a glimpse of the Astronomy Tower and realized they were almost there. "I think it's time we changed into our robes," Hermione murmured.
They all switched to their robes and gathered their belongings. A short while later, the train stopped at Hogsmeade Station and they left the train. Once outside, the creatures tied to the Hogwarts carriages caught their eye. Harry, Luna and Neville were the only ones who can see the thestrals before but now, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Draco ogled at them.
"Blimey," Ron breathed.
"They're really… uhm…" Hermione tried to search for a word in head, but shook her head in defeat.
"Those things look nasty," Draco said with a grimace
After a few more seconds of staring, Ginny said, "Let's go, you guys. Filch doesn't look too happy." Well, since when didn't he look too happy anyway, she heard Ron murmur and they all chuckled.
They walked inside the carriage and heaved sighs of… well, they don't really know how to describe it (neither do I). The war made them see death first hand. The thestrals only made the reality of it even more concrete. That they all somehow, changed through the war. They all managed to grow up.
Change is good. Growing up is inevitable. Those things are normal. But they're abnormally terrifying. It scared the hell out of all of them. But at the same time, they anticipated for the change. There was absolutely no choice but to face their fears. They had to embrace those changes. Together, they will face it. Together, they will grow up and face the new challenges ahead of them.
This is the beginning of their seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is their last year (not for Ginny though). This is reality. And as the carriage led by the effing thestrals that were the sign of the many deaths they've encountered in the war stopped, they knew they've arrived.
They gave each other a look and smiled. They were finally home.
Author's Note:
Hey you guys! This is my first ever Harry Potter novel and I'm kinda excited! I wonder if this is long enough *giggles* See in the MS Word, it's already sixteen pages. And this is still some sort of prologue by the way. Okay! I want to thank you, my readers, for of course READING (DUH) this. It would make me even happier if you guys review. :) it will be the sign that you guys want me to continue this story. So if you don't review at all, I won't post anymore chapters and move on and maybe just stick to oneshots… so if you liked it, review it alright? :D
On the next chapter, the new professors will be introduced and aside from that, Professor Aberforth Dumbledore will be announcing something else regarding the school year's activities. See you guys on the next chapter of Harry Potter and the Mudblood's Tale!
By the way you guys, I am so sorry for taking so long. I posted this on a different site and the thing is, I'm getting sort of impatient waiting for it with you guys. For those people on youtube who kept asking me about this, I'm hoping that you appreciated this. I'll make sure to make the next chapters longer than this one. Please just be patient with me. Your reviews will really brighten my day so, yeah, review the chapter. I'd be delighted.
With all my love,
Ischza :)