All the students made a line, getting ready to load the Thestral guided carriages. This year, there was a great increase in the number that was able to see them, Draco included. Being a Death Eater does that to you, along with wars. He took a place at the back at the end of the line, keeping my distance. Draco somehow got a carriage all to himself, it was for the better because the closer we were to the Hogwarts castle, the more nervous Draco got.
Hermione's heart beat kept speeding up the closer we got to my beloved castle of learning. "Hermione! We are almost there!" Dean shouted to get her attention. When Hermione snapped out of her trance, it was time to disembark the carriages.
Hagrid was there yelling over the din of students' voices. "All returnin' seven' year', follow me! All returnin' seven' year', follow me!" Hermione shoved my way over to the half-giant with a grin on my face.
Draco heard the "big oaf" yelling for his year, and reluctantly shuffled over, a "don't-mess-with-me look on his face". Again, he stayed in the back, keeping his distance.
"All 'ight" the giant said, and they marched their way up to the castle, Draco trudging behind. Hagrid led them to a corridor where Professor McGonogall was waiting at the end, her face stern as always.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, we just have some new adjustments for you. Those new rules and such will be addressed after dinner. You may now enter the Great Hall."
The gigantic oak doors swung opened and Hermione's heart jumped. She was truly back to the place she loved, and she couldn't wait for the start of classes. Ginny saw Hermione and patted the seat right next to her.
"Hey Ginny, what's up?"
"You looked lonely without Ron and Harry."
"Yeah, this year isn't gonna be quite the same without them."
"Well, we can stick together, don't you worry!"
Hermione laughed. "Thanks, Ginny."
Professor McGonagall walked up to the podium and cleared her throat.
"I hope you all had a pleasant holiday, and I welcome you all back to school. I'm happy that we have many students returning to finish their education. It is my wish, as well as the Ministry's to promote House Unity. In order to achieve this, we are establishing a new project."
At this, all the students erupted into groans.
Professor McGonogall cleared her throat again and continued.
"You are to fill out a questionnaire about yourself, then send it to the Ministry with the title Matchmaker, and you will be paired with one student of the opposite gender. This person is your most compatible 'match' within the student body. Enjoy the feast."
Draco groaned, they just HAD to make the year even more painful. Now he was going to be matched with his "soul mate", who was going to be scared to death of him, the former Death Eater. He lost his appetite; this was going to be a very lonely year.
He watched as Granger and the Weaselette, and was jealous of them. At least they had friends, people to talk to. What did his fortune and pureblood status get Draco Malfoy now? Absolutely nothing.
When the feast was finally over, Professor McGonogall again stepped up to the podium.
"All returning seventh years please remain in the Great Hall, all others please proceed to your dormitories."
In a mass of black robes, all the students except for the handful of returns.
Hermione's raced with all the possibilities, what was this about?
"In an effort to reunite you all, all the returning seventh years will share a dormitory. It is located in the Room of Requirement." Professor McGonogall explained. "Follow me, I'll explain it all after we get there."
She spun around and Hermione quickly followed the Headmistress. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Malfoy rolled his eyes, and made a "I'm annoyed" face. The returns continued down the hall until they reached a portrait of a mermaid, Professor McGonagall said "Abierto" and it swung open.