NOT MINE

Chapter 2

Much Deserved

They had all arrived at the school. When they all had arrived in front of the doors of the great Hall they were told not to go in just yet. She looked around and saw most of her friends. The friends that had fought with her, the friends she fought for, and those she survived with. She saw the age on each face, the dark circles under each eye. She knew the feeling well. She was curious as she stood among the younger seventh years as well. They were asked to stay behind as well. When the sorting was finished, then they were all told to gather in front of the entire Great Hall full of new faces.

"Attention students," said Professor McGonagall. "I would like you all to take a look at these young men and women standing before you, all of whom risked their lives to save each and every one of us in this room. They all played a part in a very pivotal point in our history. Not just as students of Hogwarts, but as witches and wizards alike. As you look into the faces of these individuals, know that because of them, we are allowed to sit here without fear, to learn at each and every level of each and every student. To be able to be students at THIS school. Please, let's give these young people their seventh year back to them."

With that a great thunder of applause erupted from each table. Each student and each teacher.

Hermione could hardly control herself as she looked into the eyes of the younger students, who knew the importance of what McGonagall had been talking about. She smiled in thanks, and so did a lot of her fellow seventh years. They had only thought they were trying to survive, but in reality… they had served a greater purpose than that.

"You may now be seated, just a few reminders before we begin—"

Hermione felt at one with the students around her. She didn't want this moment to end. There were no enemies anymore. There was no more to fear. There was no more to care for but studying and getting good grade, and hopefully getting a good job after graduation. She sighed as she looked around the great Hall. Her eyes landed on the blond on the other side of the Hall. He was talking and laughing with other Seventh years. Since Crabbe and Goyle were gone, he didn't have to be a leader. He was leading with the others who came back with them from the war. We have lost but in the end we grew stronger together. Draco seen her from across the room, their eyes met for the first time since the train. His smile didn't leave his face like it had before the war. He acknowledged her with a nod and her as well.

The evening seemed to fly by in a haze. As they were all dismissed from the Great Hall to their dormitories. Upon arriving the older seventh years didn't know how their dormitories were to work with only a specific number of beds allowed each year. But as it seems another section of rooms had been added to the towers. "8th Years" is what the plaque read.

Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Harry, Luna and Neville all sat in silence. They were all taking in what was happening only a little at a time for fear it was a dream. The Common room was just as they remembered it. With all the red and gold mingled together in perfect harmony. Pictures and sculptures of Lions mingled here and there. The symbol of the house of Gryffindor.

Hermione spoke first. "Well I suppose we should be off to bed. It is getting late and we have our first lessons tomorrow," she could hardly conceal her excitement.

Before they all had left the room Professor McGonagall stepped through the portrait hole.

"Professor?" they all looked at each other then back to her.

"Why are you here so late?" Ginny asked.

"I'm afraid, there is something I must tell you," her face seemed confused hurt and angry, twisted into some unidentified emotion.

"What's wrong?" Neville's voice seemed to shake a little at the look on McGonagall's face.

"I'm not really sure, but as it's just a rumor, I feel I should come to you all first," she was still looking at the floor in her confused expression. Twisting her fingers together, not looking at either of them.

"… What is the rumor, Minerva?" Harry asked her. They all looked at her intently.

"Calm down Potter. It's nothing serious—well, never mind. It is serious—But not 'another War serious. Though I think it should be—then again, I see why they would have such an idea…"

Now they were confused, and they were beginning to understand why her emotions were so twisted together.

"Just say it please! I'm going sick with worry!" Hermione managed to say.

"Well, there are talks of a Marriage Law."

"Seriously?"

"What!?"

"Please tell me you're joking?"

"No I'm sorry. There are just talks. But my questions will be answered next week by the minister."

They all stood there in shock.

"Yes, well—I will inform you if any other conditions arise." With that she turned and left the room.

After brief discussion of the disturbing conditions arising. They finally went to bed.

He looked into her eyes, He couldn't look away…

She awoke early the next morning, dressed early and went to the great Hall for breakfast. Hardly anyone was there. So she sat at the Gryffindor table and ate silently. The door to the great hall had opened again and she casually looked over to find Draco there. He had seen her too when he stopped suddenly.

His thoughts mingled back to what McGonagall had said last night. She silently wondered if he had heard the talks of the Marriage law. She felt the bench shift next to her and she looked up. Draco had sat down beside her. She looked around and no one seemed to notice or care but her.

"How are you this morning?" He asked lightly as he buttered some toast.

"Oh- uhm, fine…. And you?" she said not really sure how to feel.

"Did you sleep well?" he had struck a chord.

"Yes, uhm—well that is… not really. I haven't since—"she looked down at her hand again. She covered her scar with the other hand. Her eyes filled with tears and she went to stand up. Draco had grabbed her hand and held it. They sat in silence a while, while he held her hand and she sat there confused. Finally she pulled her hand away. "I'm sorry I need some fresh air. I'm going for a walk on the grounds. I will see you in class." She walked hastily towards the lake and she breathed heavily. Her heart racing in her chest. Her cheeks flamed as she thought of the way he held her hand. So tenderly. She went to turn around but was enveloped into an embrace.

"I'm so sorry Hermione." Came Draco Malfoy's voice. He stood there silently as he held her.

"For what you saved my life,"

"For everything. From always calling you that horrid name. For putting you down, and for putting you through—that…" He buried himself in her neck. "You didn't deserve any of that… I'm so sorry, love."

Hermione still stood silent and unmoving. She didn't know how to react. When suddenly they both heard rustling and both looked in that direction. There stood Ronald Weasly. Completely dumbfounded, and angry.

"What the bloody hell is going on here?!"