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McGonagall's speech…

Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter were just three of many Hogwarts students to go back to school to repeat their 7th year.

Looking around the hall, Hermione took a look at who had actually bothered to turn up. It looked like mostly Gryffindor's, but Luna and Cho were amongst a group of Ravenclaw's. She noticed a few Hufflepuff's had returned and then turning her gaze to the Slytherin table she nearly fell off her seat in shock.

On the table sat some of the people that the golden trio had hoped never to see again. Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Knott, Blaise Zabini and above all others, Draco Malfoy.

Hermione inwardly groaned before turning back to her friends and choosing to just forget about them.

"So Ron, you trying out for Quidditch this year?" Harry piped up. Looking over to his best friend, Hermione rolled her eyes; personally she held no interest in the sport.

"Too right Harry! Last chance before we leave for real. Had Hermione not decided to drag us back here," He said, sending a pointed look at Hermione.

"For goodness sake. We are not going through this again. Our NEWT's are important, regardless of whether we need them or not after fighting in the war. And besides, I convinced you two to come back here so there is no point in trying to make me feel bad as it is a little too late for that." She said, looking at Ron and then at Harry.

Harry smiled, "Off course Hermione, we know this now." He said and Hermione couldn't help but smile.

Ron and Hermione's relationship was over really before it began and neither questioned that sudden kiss between the two. Putting it behind them, the trio was as strong as ever.

"Attention!" Professor McGonagall called from the front of the hall. Now that she was the new Head Mistress, the school could finally get back on track. Hermione turned around and started listening to the speech.

"In the last year, everyone has been through so much, the war has changed many people and although many people have been lost, now that the war is over, we have all made sure these people didn't die in vain. I would like everyone to close their eyes and give a minutes silence, in which you should remember all the people that fought valiantly through the war. All the people that help to bring Voldemort's downfall, and all lost loved ones."

Everyone closed their eyes, many letting a few tears slip through as they remembered a dear person that hadn't made it. Hermione herself, let a tear out as she remembered Fred, Tonks, Remus, Mad-eye and so many more.

Professor McGonagall started speaking again after a minute had passed, making everyone open their eyes again.

"I hope that everyone, despite the losses, has had a good summer, and are ready for the coming year at school. I welcome each and every first year to this place of education. I welcome back everybody else and as I have said many times before. You have to be ready for what this year brings, for some, it means exams, and for others a year to get to grips with the magic but for everyone, a year that will be a new start."

She nodded to signify the end of her speech and everybody clapped. When the food appeared, Harry and Ron wasted no time in digging in. Chatter started out across the hall and Hermione had to remind herself again that this year, this year was going to be different. There was no Voldemort and no one to stop her achieving what she wanted. She would get through her NEWT's with no glitches and nobody would bother her. She said this to herself so much that soon she believed it, but honestly, in Hogwarts. That wasn't going to happen.

"Now that everyone has been fed and watered, there is something I must inform you of. This year we have decided that for 6th, 7th and 7th year returnees are to correspond with another person through letters. This will be anonymous and in these letters, you should write about how you felt in the war. What parts you played but mostly if it changed you in anyway. I say that they are to be anonymous but if you want to reveal who you are to the other person than you can although this is not necessary. At the end of the school year we will hold a ball, and at this ball, your partner should be your pen pal. Everyone is expected to do this and no one will get out of it without a very good reason."

Professor McGonagall waited for a moment to see if anyone had anything to say, but the hall remained silent.

"Now, to start this off, each one of you in 6th or 7th year must write a letter, explaining a bit of what you felt in the war. Then you will send them or give them to me so I can then pair you up. After this, all you need to do is give each letter you write to an owl, and they will deliver it to the right person. That is all. Prefects please lead the first years to their dormitories and I wish each and every one of you good luck for the coming year."

The Prefects guided the first years out of the hall and the remaining years followed after, shoving to get through the crowd.

"What is McGonagall thinking? That is completely pointless." Ron complained.

"Oh come on Ronald. This might be your chance to find the love of your life," Hermione said in amusement, walking off in front.

Ron shook his head and looked at Harry, "Ruddy mental she is."

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