Exiting the train had been hectic and frustrating, more so than usual. Hermione had gotten irritated rather quickly with the shuffling of the students around her. After spending a good amount of time searching for Ron and Harry, to no avail, she had simply hopped into a carriage by herself and leaned back to relax and enjoy the few minutes of peace. It didn't last, of course. In what seemed like no time at all, her carriage had pulled up in front of Hogwarts. Feeling wearier then she ought to; she climbed out of the carriage and once again entered the stumbling mass of students all pushing their way into Hogwarts, where they were funneled into the Great Hall under the watchful eye of Professor McGonagall and Mr. Filch. After what seemed like an endless amount of time tripping and shoving her way through, she arrived in the Great Hall and hurried to find a seat at the Gryffindor table.
"Harry! Ron!" She called when she spotted them. They immediately split apart to make a seat for her between them. "I looked for you when I got off the train, but it was madness!"
"I know! Sorry, we grabbed the first carriage we saw. Look at this!" Ron whined, showing her a nasty looking bruise that was forming on his chin.
"Oh! What happened?" Hermione asked, transfiguring her water goblet into an ice pack and gently setting it against the red and purple spot.
"It got a little crazy when we were trying to get out of the compartment. A first year thought he needed to bring his owl cage with him. Smacked right into Ron. It was actually quite funny." Harry said, grinning at his best friend's discomfort.
"I don't know how a first year managed to reach all the way up to your chin, Ron. Carrying an owl cage or not…"
"He was a giant, 'Mione! Eleven or twelve years old and he was almost your height!" Ron exclaimed, only to be shushed by half the table. The sorting was about to begin. In the front of the Hall, Professor McGonagall stood next to the wooden stool, holding the Sorting Hat. She could still remember stepping up to that very chair, taking her seat, and feeling the hat descend upon her head. She'd never forget its words…
Ah! Muggleborn, are we? But with talent and great knowledge of the Magical World already hmm… An interesting mix of traits you've got. There's kindness, enough for any Hufflepuff, but brains as well. Perhaps Ravenclaw. No, surely not, not with such courage and loyalty.
She had been pleased to hear that she was such a blend of the good in every house, but his next words had frightened her terribly.
Gryffindor is a good match, you're a lion at heart. But wait, there's a darkness here as well, I'm afraid. Cunning and ambition, mixed with quite a skill at manipulation… Slytherin might suit you better than any.
'Please…' She'd begged, 'Slytherin is for Purebloods….it has a reputation. I'm not dark, I'm not!'
No? It's not me that needs convincing…very well,
GRYFFINDOR!
The memory sent a chill through her. At the young age of twelve, she'd sworn to herself that she would be good. She'd prove it to the Sorting Hat. To lighten her mood, she turned to Ron and whispered,
"Didn't we establish that it was likely I had dwarf blood in me last year?"
Hermione smiled as he struggled not to laugh aloud, earning a quick pinch from Harry. She tried to pay attention to the Sorting after that, but her mind was wandering. She wondered what the Head Dormitories looked like, if there might be a private library, and, of course, who Zabini would choose to assist him. She hoped it wasn't Malfoy. Knowing her luck, it would be. That was just what she needed. Especially after all the speculation about exactly where she had been taken to and it was determined most likely to be Malfoy Manor. She had no clue, those memories were gone. She knew what the Order had told her.
The Sorting seemed to take much longer than usual and eventually, she did pay enough attention to know that the majority of students went into either Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. There were very few new additions to Slytherin and Gryffindor. She was curious to know why that was. All thought immediately left her mind when the tables filled with food. She was starving, suddenly. Just the thought of Hogwart's cooking made her mouth water. She dug right in, piling her plate high with steak, potatoes, green beans, and a roll. Next to her, Ron was furiously attacking a plateful of Shepard's Pie and on her other side, Harry picked at some chicken, but didn't look as though he felt like eating. She hoped he wasn't becoming depressed. It was unlike him to let the impending war dampen his spirits. Maybe they could start Dumbledore's Army again this year, give him something to devote his hatred for Voldemort to. She pushed those thoughts from her mind. She'd worry herself sick later. For now, it was time to enjoy the feast.
Just as Hermione was polishing off a helping of Treacle Tart, the Great Hall fell silent. She quickly turned to the front of the room.
"Good evening and welcome back to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" Dumbledore said scanning the room with his knowing blue eyes. "First years, welcome, and may I be the first to say that I wish you well as you begin your Magical Education. And it truly is magical. Education, though sometimes tedious, is what prepares us for the future. At Hogwarts, not only will you be educated in your studies, but in life as well. Here, you will be tested above and beyond what you might at a regular school. Here, you will make both friends and enemies for life and experience both joy and sadness, especially in these trying times. As you all know, Lord Voldemort is once again at large. For those of you who are old enough to know exactly what is coming, I give you this advice: Study and practice as much as possible, you will need your knowledge and skill when the time comes. Trust in each other, but do not hesitate to question what seems out of place and, remember that there are redeeming qualities in everyone. Our world is at a critical point. There are decisions to be made, sides to choose. We can only hope that everyone will choose what is right. Yes, above all else, hope. Hold on to hope and love in your darkest hour, it will help you find the light. Enough of that, though. We are here, we are well, and I leave you in the capable hands of your Heads' of Houses and Prefects."
With that, he stepped back from the golden podium and Professor McGonagall took his places. "First years, make your way to your House Prefects, everyone else, follow along to your common rooms. And if the Head Boy and Girl would, make your way to Professor Dumbledore. Welcome to another year at Hogwarts."
"I'll see you all at breakfast, then?" Hermione said, heading towards Dumbledore. She could see Zabini approaching from the Slytherin table.
"Ah, Miss Granger, Mister Zabini! Congratulations on making Head Boy and Girl!"
"Thank you, Professor."
"Sir." Zabini nodded, regarding the old Professor with a sharp gaze.
Dumbledore seemed unfazed by Zabini. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your private dormitories."
Humming as he walked, Dumbledore led them out of the Great Hall and up several flights of stairs. Hermione marveled at how quickly he moved, despite his age. Soon, they entered a part of school that was, unfortunately, very familiar to her.
"Sir, if I'm not mistaken…is this the third floor corridor?" She asked.
He chuckled, "Why yes, Miss Granger, it is."
"What's so important about this corridor?" Zabini asked, seeming slightly annoyed, which in turn, annoyed Hermione.
"Oh, Miss Granger simply has some very interesting memories on this floor." Was all Dumbledore said, for which she was very grateful. It was none of Zabini's damn business. "Here we are!"
He had stopped in front of a heavy-looking tapestry, depicting a lion and a snake. The lion was on its hind legs, claws out. The snake was in a similar defensive position, fangs at the ready. As Hermione watched, the snake lunged forward, but instead of sinking its teeth deep into the lion, it wound around one of its paws, curling up around its neck. It came to a stop, nestling deep in the lion's mane. She could swear she heard the lion purring.
"Well… that's interesting." She mumbled, unsure of what to make of the curious tapestry. Zabini was staring at it with a mixture of fascination and disgust.
"As if." He sniffed. Hermione's temper flared again. Yes, nothing of that sort would ever happen between Slytherin and Gryffindor. She knew he was right, but did he have to state the obvious in such a rude way?
"I leave the two of you to determine the meaning of this wondrous piece of art. The password is 'Hershey's Kiss'. Don't forget about lockdown!" He told them, strolling away, once again humming.
"Hershey's Kiss." She said clearly. The lion and snake both stared her down, looking straight into her eyes. She stared back and after a moment, the tapestry swept aside, revealing a heavy wooden door. Grasping the handle tightly, she pushed it open.
Immediately, she knew that she would enjoy spending time here. Dark wood furniture, walls painted red and black furniture with gold and silver throw pillows. It was peaceful, yet edgy. She adored it. On the right side, there was a mini grand staircase, sweeping elegantly up to three doors. Two were of wood. In between the two, there were French doors; opening out on to what she hoped was some sort of balcony. On the left, there was kitchenette and, yes! A small library. She almost ran to it right away, but decided on seeing her room first.
It was wonderful, of course. She was beginning to wonder if there was anything Hogwarts did that wasn't to her liking. A large, queen sized bed in Gryffindor colors dominated the room, with a dark wood vanity, mirror, wardrobe, desk, and end tables. The window was a large, bay window with a seat covered in plush red and gold pillows and throw blankets. Oh yes, she could spend eternity in here. A quick scan of the bathroom showed a spacious, white marble area and a walk in closet. The last thing she noticed was the door, hidden by a thick red curtain. Opening it, she sucked in the cool night air and stepped out. The view was breathtaking. The balcony looked out over the Black Lake and the forest and mountains surrounding Hogwarts. She heard another door open and spun, hand on her wand.
Zabini stepped out of what she assumed was his room, one eyebrow raised in question. "I surrender?"
"Sorry… force of habit." She muttered, mortified.
"I'll make more noise next time." He said rolling her eyes. There was a heavy silence as they both looked out at the view. "By the way, what the hell is a 'Hershey's Kiss'?"
"It's a Muggle sweet," She told him, instantly regretting it. Anything with the word 'Muggle' in it was probably better left unsaid this year.
"Figures, man the old crack pot really has lost it."
"Watch it, Zabini. You would do well not to insult those with more power than you." She snapped. She had been so hot and cold all night; her temper was finally getting the better of her.
"I never said he wasn't powerful, just that he had lost his marbles. You gonna pull your wand on me again?"
She glared at him. For a moment she considered doing just that.
"Tut, tut, Granger. Such behavior! And from the Head Girl, too." He smirked at her. "Don't worry, I won't tell a soul."
"Piss off, Zabini." She struggled not to say more. Suddenly the night wasn't so chilly. In fact, it seemed rather warm to her.
"Of course," He swept her a mocking bow and turned to go back in. She did the same. Just as she was stepping in, he called her name. "Granger!"
"Yes?" She replied icily.
"Nice necklace."
And then he vanished into his room. She slammed the door shut, muttering angrily to herself.
"Bloody pureblood, self-absorbed, arrogant PRAT!" She picked up a pillow and hurled it at the wall as hard as she could, then collapsed onto the floor, struggling to calm herself. What was wrong with her? It wasn't like her to get so riled up. And over a Slytherin, no less. People were just really frustrating her today. In fact, all summer her patience seemed to deteriorate faster and faster. She didn't have time for any of this. She was due at the Gryffindor Dorm in fifteen minutes to perform the lockdown.
Quickly, she slipped off her heavy school robes and pulled on a sweater instead. As she was leaving the Common Room, she saw no sign of Zabini. Either he was in his room, or he had already headed out to do his lockdowns. Still muttering the occasional insult under her breath, she swiftly made her way to the Gryffindor Dorm.
"Ah, Miss Granger. Two minutes ahead of schedule, but everyone's already in anyway. Let's begin shall we?" Professor McGonagall greeted her outside the portrait of the Fat Lady and began to show her the ropes at once. "This list here indicates which students are not currently present in the Dormitory. If there are any students not present by five minutes after curfew, alert a Prefect on duty. Unfortunately, you must remain here until the student arrives safely. The Dormitories must be locked at night. It's best for the students. To see the list, simply tap the list with your wand twice in the top left corner. Otherwise, it will be unreadable. To return it to its original state, tap it twice in the bottom right corner. Now, the lockdown spell is rather simple. It's a shield charm, modified by Dumbledore to work both ways. It does not let anyone in or out. Simply raise your wand as you would for a shield charm and say 'protego maxima dormio'. That will seal the Dormitory."
Once she was convinced that Hermione could properly perform the necessary steps, the Professor sent her to Ravenclaw where she once again performed the spell. Eventually, she dragged herself back to her Dorm. Zabini was there, reclining on the couch, smoking a cigarette.
"Oh Merlin, really? Of all the Muggle inventions, you pick one that pollutes the air?" She complained, waving her wand to clear the room of smoke. "I should report you for this."
"Nothing in the rules that says we can't. I checked." He smiled cheekily at her, "Care for a puff, Granger? Might help loosen you up…"
"I do not need to loosen up!" She growled, walking wearily up the stairs to her room.
"Yes you do!"
"No, I don't!"
"Do to."
"Do not!"
"Do to!"
"No, I bloody well do not!" She yelled, slamming her door. Shaking with irritation, she collapsed on her bed and promptly fell asleep. Thank goodness classes hadn't started yet.
I do love some immature arguing between Hermione and an hot, Slytherin boy.
A preview of the next chapter:
"Care to tell me what's so interesting in this corridor, Granger?" Malfoy asked, smiling wickedly down at her.
"Been talking to Zabini, have you?" She returned, trying not to look intimidated. If he would just back away a bit...
"Yes, as a matter of fact I have. Now... go on then, let's hear it."
"Tell me where you and Zabini have been sneaking off to first."