A/N: I'm back! Thanks for the suggestions and compliments I received. I didn't think you would appreciate this because it's just a result of boredom in class. xD So, here's the next chapter! I dedicate this chapter to Sarapha for complimenting my work and DiReCtiOnerrr18 for being a good friend and helping me make this chapter. I hope you like it and as usual, review or PM me if you want changes and suggestions. :D
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. It's J.K. Rowling's.
**Hermione's POV**
I woke up at 7 am the next day. I already packed my suit case and my other things so there's plenty of time to waste. I get up, fix my bed and then I stood in front of my floor-length mirror. I stared at myself for a couple of minutes. I liked the way I looked now. After the chaos, I decided to improve myself more. It's not that I wanted to impress someone but I just felt I wanted to look more presentable in front of everyone else. My hair wasn't that frizzy anymore. It's soft and it now flows into small, beautiful ringlets that end just inches below my shoulder. I like the curves in my body, too. Anything I wear compliments my figure so I don't have to worry on what to wear on special occasions. My breast isn't big or flat. It's just on average size. All in all I feel beautiful.
"Hermione dear, are you up? Breakfast is ready!", Mom called. After the Battle at Hogwarts, I went looking for them at Australia. Good thing that they're safe and they made friends with some of their neighbors. I modified their memories and eventually, they forgave me after hours of explaining myself. I missed them so, so much. We spent the whole summer on shopping, watching movies, eating at fancy restaurants and other things to catch up with on each other. Saying they were shocked was an understatement when I told them how we defeated Voldemort and his death eaters. We were laughing at their reactions for hours.
"I'll be down there Mom. I'll just change." I cried. I change into sweat pants and a simple green shirt. To be honest with you, I don't dislike green. On the contrary, it's been my favorite color even before I went to Hogwarts. Unfortunately, Slytherin's house color was green and Harry and Ron really hate them so, I can't use my green clothes whenever I'm around them.
"Good morning Mom. Good morning Dad." I hugged and kissed them.
"Good morning sweetie. Did you sleep well?" Dad asked.
"Yes Dad. Mom, Dad, can I go to the Burrow later after breakfast? I just want to tell something to Harry, Ron and Ginny."
"I thought Harry and Ginny were at Wiltshire and Ron's always busy at the joke shop?"
Yeah but they told me they're gonna be there before term starts. They promised me and they won't break it." I smiled.
"Can't it wait at the train?" Mom sighed.
"Mom, I'm Head Girl remember? I don't have enough time to talk to them before I settle at the Heads Compartment. Headmistress McGonagall will need us heads earlier than the prefects because she will tell something. It's really important, please? It won't take long I promise." I made the best puppy dog face that I can muster.
"Okay but be careful, yes? I don't want that Voldemoldy attacking you and your friends, okay?"
I laughed at the name. "Yes Dad." After eating- this only took approximately 8 minutes since they granted me permission to go to the Burrow- I quickly went to the room to take a shower. Then, I wore a long-sleeve green top adored with beads and sequins with a V-cut neckline and skinny jeans. I slipped on my high cut Converse and put my watch and a silver necklace (A/N: I don't know much about matching jewelleries with clothes so please bear with me. I don't often wear necklaces so I really have no I idea how to match them. Hahaha xD) and I'm ready to go. I checked my watch, 8 am. I can still spend 1 hour at the Burrow. I ran downstairs and I almost fell! 'Merlin's beard, I can't go to Hogwarts with broken bones!', I thought.
"Mom, Dad, I gotta go. Bye!" I kissed them goodbye and then went out of the house. I glanced to check if there's anyone around then Apparated outside the magical boundary of the Burrow. The wards knew me so I can enter it without harming myself. I knocked three times and it was Molly who answered the door.
"Hermione! What a surprise. I thought you were packing your things?" She looked frazzled.
I smiled at her. "Hello to you too, Molly. May I come in?"
"Oh! Where exactly are my manners? I'm sorry dear. Come in, come in!" She smiled apologetically.
"It's okay. I was just-" I was suddenly cut off midsentence.
"'Mione!" Harry, Ginny and Ron shouted altogether.
"Hi guys! How are - Whoa!" They drew me in a bone-crushing hug. They let go of me and after regaining our composure Harry spoke.
"So Hermione, what brings you here?"
"I have good news for you! I'm Head Girl!" I squealed excitedly.
"That's great 'Mione!" Ginny grinned.
"I know right." Then I remember contemplating Harry as Head Boy but I have to ask in case my guess was wrong. "Harry, you're Head Boy right?" I looked at him hopefully.
"I-uh-um…" He stuttered.
"You're not? Ron?" I asked, puzzled. Ron merely shook his head.
"Oh, okay. I guess I'll just hope and pray that he's not someone I hate. I just wish he's not from Slytherin or worse, Malfoy." I sighed.
"Malfoy? As in Draco 'The Amazing Bouncing Ferret' Malfoy?! Why would you think he's going to be Head Boy, hmm? I mean of all the things he's done, why would anyone consider him being one?" Ron asked, exasperated.
"Ronald." I warned him. "We know that Malfoy was in Voldemort's side during the war but I also know that he's been competing with me in every class since first year. He second in class for all we know! And McGonagall's been implementing House Unity." I scowled and threw my hands up in the air.
"Yeah but-"
"Ron." –I sighed– "I'm not hoping that he's Head Boy, okay? I'm just saying that there's a possibility for him to get that position. Besides, who wants a ferret as a roommate? Certainly not me. I don't want to deal with all his shit of an attitude." I looked at my watch, half past 9.
"I've been here for that long?" I said my thoughts aloud. "Guys, I better get going. Mom's going to look for me. And you've got to get ready too. Bye!" I hugged them all. I said goodbye to Molly and all of the Weasleys. I stepped outside and Disapparated.
I arrived at King's Cross at exactly 10:50 am. I stepped outside the car, kissing my parents goodbye and then ran to the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. I passed through the wall and was relieved to find Harry, Ron and Ginny waiting for me. I rushed to their side, panting.
"Hermione, glad you made it." Harry said, grinning.
"Oh come on. Let's find a compartment." I beckoned them to follow me.
"'Mione, aren't you needed at the Heads compartment?" Ron asked.
"Oh yeah, right! I gotta go." I pulled my suit case.
They laughed at me. "You might stumble with your luggage on your way there if you won't be careful."
I rolled my eyes but smiled. As I walk away, I heard Ginny called, "Don't forget to tell us who the Head Boy is, okay!" I just waved my hand at them.
I was on my way there when I bumped into someone. I tripped and fell in my arse, hard. I worried that my luggage might spill its content but then I remembered securing it with a Locking charm.
"Watch where you're going!" I yelled while standing up. I looked up and saw a man with platinum blonde hair and grey eyes picking my luggage handing it to me.
"Sorry Granger." Malfoy said then walked away. I stared at his silhouette with wide eyes. 'Did Malfoy just apologize to me? Is he sick or something? I wonder what's going on with him.'I mused.
I continued to walk to the compartment carefully as to not bump someone again.
When I entered the compartment, it was empty. 'I wonder where the Head Boy is. Oh well, I'll just read and wait for him'
A few minutes later the compartment door flew open signalling the Head Boy's entrance. I didn't mind him first because I was too interested at the book. After finishing a chapter, I looked up and my eyes went wide. Malfoy was staring at me. 'It couldn't be him.'
"What are you doing here? This is for the Heads only." I glared at him.
"For your information, I'm Head Boy." He said. I'm surprised by his calm demeanour.
"Oh really? Prove it." I challenged.
He didn't say a thing but he flashed me his Head Boy badge. My jaw dropped. I can't believe this is happening. McGonagall needs to go to St. Mungo's.
"Why would the Headmistress choose you? After attempting to kill Dumbledore, you still have the guts to return and put your stupid arse here?!" I shrieked.
"Look, Granger. I know you're mad but I don't want to argue with you anymore. I'm tired and–" I cut him off.
"Ha! The 'Great Draco Malfoy' doesn't want to argue? I thought I'd never see the day."
"Shut up Granger."
"What happened to you Ferret? Your Daddy's no longer here to protect you. He's there rotting in jail. You miss him, hmm? Why don't you join him and–"
"I SAID SHUT UP! You don't know what I've been through so you don't have the right to judge me!" He yelled.
I got speechless. I don't know but now that his calm façade was gone, I can see the depression and grudges in his eyes. He's right. I can't judge him, not after all what happened. I wonder what has happened to him when Lucius went to Azkaban. Harry stood against Wizengamot for them and he should be thankful for that. I heard his Mother was so depressed and it got to the point that she's not herself anymore. I was completely lost in my thought that I didn't notice he was still yelling.
"–so don't put your know-it-all face anywhere near me! If you do that then I think I can tolerate you this year. I'm trying hard to be civil here but no, you just have to insult me even if I told you I'm tired. Sod off Mudblood! Don't want me to be good? Have it your way then." Then he strode out slamming the door behind him.
'He's being nice and calm to me and I ruined it. What did I do?! Oh God, please help me.'
Malfoy never came back to the compartment so I guess he stayed with his friends. After the train ride, I went to my friends to join them in the carriage. Ron and Harry were talking animatedly about the Quidditch cup this year and were planning to kick Slytherin's arse while Ginny was reading her monthly subscription of Witch Weekly. Half the time I stayed silent wishing they wouldn't ask about Malfoy. However, I was annoyed when Ginny brought the topic.
"So 'Mione, how's your train ride?" She asked.
"Fine." I sighed.
"What's wrong?" Her tone sounded worried and hearing this, the boys stopped chatting and went to join our conversation.
"Nothing. I'm just tired is all."
"It's about the Head Boy isn't it?" Harry butt in.
I stayed silent for a while hoping they wouldn't push the topic. "Is it someone you hate? Did you have a fight a while ago?"
When I nodded, Ron exclaimed, "Don't tell me it's Malfoy?!" Again I nod.
"Oh my god! Hermione, did he hurt you? Did he call you that disgusting name again? I swear if he laid a finger on you I–"
"Ron, don't push it. She'll tell us eventually for now, let's get into the castle, enjoy the feast and get ready for tomorrow, okay?" Harry said cutting Ron mid-sentence.
When we entered the Great Hall, I was amazed. If didn't know better, I'd think that this is just newly built. There were no traces of damage one can find. I say, they did a very good job at rebuilding and renovating it.
We sat at the Gryffindor table watching the Sorting ceremony. I sneaked at glance at the Slytherin table and saw Malfoy talking to one of the Greengrass sisters. I shook my head and focused at the sorting. After it's done McGonagall spoke.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I will just remind you that the Forbidden Forest is still out of bounds to all students especially first years. After the war, there were changes to be made this year and will be applied in the years to come. To all returning 7th years or 8th years rather, every Tuesday and Friday, there will be Departments Class which will teach you all of the things you need to know in the Ministry preparing you for the life after Hogwarts. And as we all know, many teachers sacrificed their lives helping save our world. In that case, I recruited new professors last summer to take the place of them. I'm expecting you to obey and respect them and those who will not were to be received a rightful punishment. And to serve as a role model for the students this year, may I introduce to you our Head Boy and Head Girl, Miss Hermione Granger from Gryffindor and Mr. Draco Malfoy from Slytherin House. May I request you to please come forward?"
I begrudgingly stood up and looked over at Malfoy doing the same. We went in front of the Great Hall and the crowd stood up, giving us a round of applause. After that, we immediately went to our tables, careful not to look at each other.
"I expect you two to serve as a model and deduct points and give detention only when necessary. And please, do not use your position to let your house win this year, yes? Meet me after the dinner so I can show you to your quarters. Okay then, tuck in!"
Food began appearing in our plates and Ron shoved two chicken legs in his mouth. I'm not in the mood to lecture him so I just grabbed my own food and ate.
After eating we went to the Headmistress and waited for her to finish speaking to a new professor. When she noticed us, she dismissed the professor and walked towards us.
"Good evening Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger." She smiled.
"Good evening, Professor."
"Now, before I show you to your dorms, I'd like to talk to you first. I know very well that you didn't get along right from the start. But please, at least be civil to each other. I paired you up to show everyone that after the war, prejudices were long forgotten and that the house rivalry died together with Voldemort. As Headmistress, I'm implementing House Unity in this school. Now if you value your positions, do as I say. Now follow me." She walked away and I and Malfoy shrugged. He turned to glare at me and followed McGonagall. I gulped and ran after them.
We climbed the Grand staircase and a few more staircases before I realized that we're on the 5th floor. We rounded the corner and finally we were facing the passageway to our dorms. In the painting, there is a blonde man slow dancing with a brunette. 'Is it just me or the couple in the painting looks like us? Ugh! I must be tired' I yawned and fortunately, they didn't notice.
"The password to your dorm is Passion." After that being said, Malfoy quickly told the password and walked in, slamming the door shut. 'He must be in a bad mood'
"Now Ms. Granger, you must be wondering why of all people, I chose Mr. Malfoy as a Head Boy." I just nodded. "You know that Mr. Malfoy has been the second in class and I've got to say he has qualities of what a Head Boy should be. I'm just saying that please give him a chance. Be civil towards him because the war really changed him. He may be cocky at times but you need to be patient and understanding. You have many similarities than differences. I know you will get along, eventually. That's all. Good night, Ms. Granger." I smiled. "Good night, Professor."
I looked at the painting. The couple looked very in love with each other. As I examined the painting, I noticed that apart from them having some of our characteristics, they almost looked like us. Í shuddered at the mere thought. 'Like that will happen'
The couple at the painting was wrapped up in each other and they didn't hear me saying the password. "Um, excuse me?" I coughed.
"Oh! Forgive us, Darling. Are you the new Head Girl?" The woman asked.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. 'It's bloody obvious seeing as I'm wearing my Head Girl badge and repeating the given password for five times!'
"Uh huh. Yes, I am." I fake a smile.
"Password, dear?"
"Passion." The portrait swung open revealing the majestic common room. The common room looks too big for two people. In fact, the Gryffindor Common Room can almost fit in! The walls were painted crème and black, because green and red looks like Christmas is coming. There were three loveseats and a small kitchenette. On the left side of the room, there was a small coffee table beside the fluffy sofa. I imagined it to be full of books when I study. I smiled at the thought. On the right side, there were two doors about 5 feet apart. Both doors had something engraved on it in an elegant writing. The first one says:
Head Boy
Draco Malfoy
I turned to the other one that says:
Head Girl
Hermione Granger
When I entered my room, all the things inside has a touch of red. I cringed. I wonder if I can change the color of this room. 'Oh, here goes nothing.' I muttered an incantation, flicked my wand and Voila! The walls were now painted in sky blue and the furniture was crème just like in the common room. My queen size bed has sky blue sheets with flecks of green. I don't want it to be red. Red makes me remember deaths and all the damage the war has inflicted. I yawned. I'm really tired. I changed into a night gown and was about to sleep when I heard footsteps and muffled sobs. I rushed out of my room and what I saw is the most unexpected thing I'll ever see. 'Malfoy was… crying?!'
A/N: Sorry if you think it's short and all the grammar mistakes. I'll update as soon as I can. Review please! :D
