Draco Malfoy sat in the headmistress's office nervously. He glanced upwards and watched as the old headmasters either glared at him or sized him up. When he finally got the courage to look into the headmistress's eyes, a cold stony stare greeted him. He visibly gulped as she opened her mouth to speak.
"Mr. Malfoy, your mistakes have caused nothing less than pain and heartache. Though you obviously regret your actions and wish to continue your education, I would very much like to decline your request." Professor McGonagall stated, standing up from the large desk across from Draco. He cast his eyes downward, ashamed that he could never graduate from school. "However," she continued causing Draco to look up hopefully, "Albus always believed in second chances."
"So, that means I can come back?" He said relieved.
"Yes. But if you do anything I do not approve of, you will be out of this school in a matter of seconds. You will be relieved of your prefect duties. Am I clear, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yes, Professor." Draco managed to spit out as he leaned back in his chair in relief. The headmistress nodded towards the door, indicating he could leave and he hastily got up. He walked to the large wooden door, and his hand reached for the doorknob.
"And Mr. Malfoy?"
Draco turned his head back to the desk, still cluttered with all the knick-knacks and machines that belonged to Dumbledore.
"Welcome back."
Ginny Weasley sat at the long Gryffindor table in the Great Hall watching everyone else eat nervously. She noticed people missing. Whether by hiding or killed by Voldemort or were just kept home by their fearful parents, Ginny didn't know. She glanced around again quickly and noticed that most of DA was there. Ginny grinned to herself but it quickly faded. Ron, Harry and Hermione were sitting down at the very end of the table, heads together in deep conversation. Not that this was unusual, but Ginny felt lonely. She hated being the youngest and out of the loop. Fred and George used to try and make sure she wasn't forgotten, or at least cheer her up but they weren't at Hogwarts anymore. They were in the Order now and could only give her bits and pieces of information. Ginny sighed and poked at her food and out of the corner of her eye she saw a platinum blond head slip into the Great Hall. He sat down at the end of the Slytherin table away from all his classmates. He looked up and noticed her staring and he sneered at her from across the room. What the hell is he doing back here? She thought bitterly and moved the food around her plate again.
"Cheer up, Ginny" Said Colin Creevey, who was sitting across the table from her, completely oblivious to the annoying ferret that just entered the room. She gave him a weak smile and looked back at her plate. They simultaneously felt an object warm up in their pockets and fished it out. Ginny looked at the gold galleon and back at Colin, giving him a real smile this time.