Description: After the war of Hogwarts has been won, the golden trio return to school for their 7th year. The castle is reconstructed and classes are started up again. With Voldemort dead, shouldn't Hogwarts be safe? What happens when all the students return to school, and danger returns to Hogwarts? Who's causing it? Will the golden trio succeed as always? Or will their be new hero?
Chapter 3. Hogsmeade
"Hermione, I need to talk to you, now!" Ginny interrupted Hermione as she talked to Jamie Rivers, a fourth year Ravenclaw. Hermione stood slowly and Ginny grabbed her by her forearm, dragging her away until they were outside of the Head's Common Room. "What's wrong, Ginny? Is everything okay?"
Ginny scoffed. "Are you fucking serious? How could you ask such a question? Of course I'm not bloody okay! You have Harry on the side line of being expelled because of last night and yet you claim him to be your best friend. What the hell is wrong with you?"
Hermione shook her head, astonished at the low blow from Ginny. "I'm not the one who ratted on Harry. It was Malfoy, but thanks to Malfoy, I was saved by mere seconds from being raped by Harry. None of you seem to understand the fact that Harry was about to stun me so that he could have sex with me. I was half naked in a bloody corridor Ginny! How do you think all of this has affected me?" She pleaded.
Ginny laughed sarcastically. "You don't think we realize how desperate you are for their attention? Forget it. You're not the only woman in their lives anymore. My brother doesn't have to fantasize anymore over you. You waited too long to accept his love."
"I don't know where you're getting your information from Ginny, but I'm not desperate for anyone's attention. Harry and Ron used to be my best friends. I love them like family, but since they've been with you and Luna, they don't have any space. You both smother them, constantly. Are you afraid that Harry could find someone different if he's not always underneath you?"
"Harry wants to spend time with me. I give him his space, but he doesn't want to be anywhere unless it's with me. He's making up for the months you all Horcrux hunted, and I don't need you in the way of that. So stay away from both of them." Ginny demanded.
The conversation was getting them no where. Hermione didn't know what she had done so wrong that no one wanted to have anything to do with her. Tears began to fill under the rims of her eyes. She nodded, then shook her head. "Fine, Ginny. Whatever you want. Your wish is my fucking command. So now that your done here, you can show your own way back!" Hermione spat, and with that she slammed the door as hard as she could into Ginny's face.
And since then, everything had gone to hell.
A few days had passed since the night she patrolled with Malfoy, and things had only gotten worse with the ones she once called her mates. She was thankful that only a select few knew about everything that had happened. Her only fear was that the problem was going to escalate, and either Ginny or Malfoy would be the ones to say something.
The only highlight of her week was being nominated for head girl; it was a blessing to Hermione. She had tried so hard to show how much she wanted to be qualified for the position and she was thankful that Professor McGonagall had payed close attention to her. The only downfall of her new position was that the Head Boy, was none other than Draco Malfoy. When she heard his name announced in the Great Hall, she lost all hope that the year would go well.
Heads were elected by how good two could work with each other, or so she was told. If that had been the truth than how could they have been paired together? Both of them were toxic in each other's presence. It was as if Hermione was a matchstick and Malfoy was gasoline. Putting two together would make a deadly situation. Sadly, according to Professor McGonagall their patrolling reports was what earned them their positions. Malfoy for his honesty and Hermione for her urge to finish the patrolling task the pair had been given.
The Heads were given a small flat on the seventh floor. It had a small bathroom, a small common room that was decorated in both the crest of Gryffindor and Slytherin, and two bedrooms that consisted of a four-poster full size bed, a chest of drawers, and a desk. They were allowed visitors until eight at night and their rooms could only be opened by the password it was charmed with.
Hermione despised having to live with Malfoy. She didn't want to be within breathing space near him, much less to be living in the same flat with him. She was thankful for one thing though, since they'd been given the ridiculous living accommodation, she hadn't seen him. Rumor had it that he had to spend a few days in Azkaban, to do more time against his charges for working with Voldemort. Hermione wondered if he would be given a different space to be in since he was still a student and all, or if he would be locked in a cell like the other criminals? She hated him with everything inside, but she wouldn't wish that on anyone, especially someone who was born into a corrupt upbringing.
Azkaban was the living version of Hell. The place was horrible. It was dark, muggy, and constantly raining. There was never sunlight and barely saw any light at all except for when dinner appeared on the dirty stone floor, and a wooden torch would automatically light for thirty minutes. That was the only light anyone saw. Each day that went by you could feel your soul seeping from your chest even if it wasn't visible.
It didn't take long for the solitude to drive anyone crazy. Some people shared cells, some were able to share them with their spouses, but it cost them at least a million galleons if not more, however most were alone. For the fact that they were mentally insane. From their groans to sarcastic laughs or blood curdling screams, it was truly frightening.
Draco had been sentenced three years in Azkaban. His father paid for him to be released, but he still had to pay time. He had to check in five days a month in Azkaban, keep perfect grades at Hogwarts, and be on good behavior, or the all the galleons his father spent would be for nothing.
It was Draco's last night in Azkaban, and was he was glad. His only entrainment was looking at his reflection in the mirror that sat on a wall above the sink in his cell. Within just five days, he'd lost at least ten pounds. His cheeks had sunk in, his eyes dark circle and his face pale as a ghost. He felt lifeless, like nothing was worth living for. At times, he wished the Dementors would just kiss him to get the agony over with.
It was half past eight, and the sun was just setting. The sun cast an orange haze above the horizon, lighting up the sky as if lit by fire. The sun resembled a burnt orange fireball that sat in the middle of multicolored clouds. The crimson colors began to vanish as the sun began set, and a full moon started rising. Distant howls could be heard from within the Forbidden Forest. Werewolves would be transforming tonight. A slight frown appeared across her face when the thought her former teacher, former member Order of the Phoenix crossed her mind: Remus Lupin.
Outside was the only place Hermione's mind could function properly anymore. Before she could stay hours at a time in the library, now the place was always overcrowded by other students studying and Hermione always needed to be in a silenced atmosphere when she was working. She sat down at a picnic table inside one of the Greenhouses and then conjured a few tea candles to expand the amount of light around her. She pulled out two text books and a few rolls of blank parchment along with her self inking quill. She unrolled one of the parchments and started on her first assignment: Herbology.
The night's sky began to darken and Hermione started gathering her things into her small purse, and just as she was standing up a cloaked figure sat down in front of her, causing her to let out a loud squeal and she fell backwards into a pile of fresh pile of soil. The cloaked figure was Professor Carson. He bend down to help her up and pulled down his hood. "Miss Granger, I'm so sorry. Are you okay? I didn't mean for you to get hurt."
"I'm fine, Professor. Sorry for screaming, you just frightened me is all. I didn't expect any visitors," she chuckled sheepishly.
She dusted the dirt off the back of her skirt and her hands began to gather debris from her curls, before she could check underneath her hair Carson pulled a leaf from within her curls, his knuckles brushing against the crease of her neck, causing a shiver to run down her spine.
"Um, thanks," she muttered, twiddling with her fingers.
"Forgive me, please," he apologized once again. "Did I interrupt your studies?"
"No sir, of course not. I was just finishing up for the night. I have a Herbology essay due tomorrow and I was wanting to study a bit and take some notes. What are you doing out so late, Professor? Getting a break from the castle?" She asked as she gathered her things.
"Yes ma'am. It's beautiful out tonight and the grounds are being illuminated by the moonlight. It's nice to be able to interact with nature. Staying in the castle all day can make anyone go mad. I like coming here to watch the night flowers bloom."
Hermione sighed, nodding in agreement. How couldn't the world be as pure and grow like nature did? Hermione glanced up at the glass roof of the greenhouse, looking at the bright moon that lit her surroundings as if it was daylight. Everything looked beautiful underneath the silver light.
"See, look at this night bloomer," the Professor suggested, his fingers caressed delicate petals of a yellow flower. "This flower is an Evening Primrose. They're used in a lot of potions and Muggle medicines."
"Wow, they're beautiful," she said quietly, her finger touching one of the yellow petals. "My mum used to take Primrose vitamins when I was a child, but I've never seen the flower before. I bet Neville would love to see this flower bloom."
The professor chuckled slightly. "He actually has a plant in his room. He watches it bloom every night. He uses it as a memory of his parents, hoping they can be reborn from the tragedy that happened to them. Or at least that's what he told me."
A stray tear trickled down the side of her cheek, but she wiped it away quickly. She knew exactly how Neville felt. Neville's parents had been tortured into insanity. Hermione had to remove the memories of her own parents, and having used to such a strong memory, everyone was losing hope of it being reversible.
"I know exactly how he feels. It's hard not having family, especially your mum and dad. When your friends are like your only family and they betray you, it's even worse..." she trailed off.
"People gain their pay back, Miss Granger, remember that." She gave him a slight smile in agreement. She looked down at her wristwatch and gasped.
"Oh goodness, it's half past twelve. I really need to be getting back to the castle. I guess I'll leave you to your thoughts then, Professor Carson."
"Of course," He said with a half smile. Hermione always had a fetish when men smiled like that, it made butterflies dance in her stomach. "Would you like for me to walk you to your dormitory?" He asked her curiously.
"No sir, I'll be okay. Goodnight Professor." She stuttered quickly.
"Goodnight Hermione." He said, and with that Hermione got her charmed handbag, and with a wave goodbye she walked back to the castle. She didn't know why she always felt uneasy around him, but she liked the feeling it gave her. Almost like suspense, something mysterious but also exciting. It flipped a switch inside her that let her daily problems be pushed aside.
"Crushing on a teacher just like you did in second year, pathetic Hermione. That's fifty points from Gryffindor," She sarcastically said to herself, but couldn't help suppress a laugh.
The next morning a little after ten, Draco was apperated into Hogsmeade by one of the Ministry's Aurors. His hands were cuffed behind his back and were also magically bound. He didn't see the reason being put under such security. It was as if he was truly a criminal, he didn't hurt or kill anyone.
People stared at him as they walked throughout the little village, some shouting out things like "You should rot in Azkaban for working with someone like him" or "Give him the Dementor's Kiss". Some things he could push aside, but inside the lashes everyone threw at him really hurt. Draco just held his head high, like any other Malfoy would. Even if he had committed a crime, which meant having to serve the Dark Lord, at least he accepted it and was paying time for it.
They finally got to the gates of Hogwarts and Malfoy was surprised to see Professor McGonagall waiting for him instead of Hagrid.
"Good morning, Headmistress. How are you today?" Asked the Auror casually as he released Draco.
"I could be better, Philips. There's too many problems going on-"
"What's happening at Hogwarts?" Draco interrupted.
"That is non of your concern young man. Now Philips, please give me Mr. Malfoy's wand."
Philips handed over Draco's wand immediately and Draco lunged for it, but Philips' reflexes kicked in and blocked his lunge, causing Draco to fall backwards into the damp grass
"You don't snatch things out of anyone's hands, you prat," spat Philips as an angry Draco got back onto his feet, dusting off his dirty clothes. "She must have a good reason to want it."
"That's what I want to know, you bloody idiot! Why in the fuck do you want my want? I haven't had it all week."
"Watch your mouth, Mr. Malfoy. I will not tolerate it. I will explain to you once you were in my office. Now let's go.
Thank you for a safe delivery, Philips. You may go now."
The older man nodded. "If you need anything, please send us a patronus." McGonagall gave him a meek nod and he turned away, walking down the road to Hogsmeade and then apperated.
"Now Malfoy, if you would please follow me." Draco wanted to shout a mouth full of demands at her and to snatch his wand way, but he decided to just keep quiet. He was afraid of actually losing his wand for good, and he also wanted to see if he could find out more about what could possibly be going wrong in the castle.
The gates closed behind them and two giants began to take their guarding spot again. A million thoughts jumbled through his head as they made their way through the castle. The only thing that had been on his mind before arriving was locking himself in the bathroom for two hours or more to scrub sweat, grime and tears that littered his body. But after hearing what McGonagall had said, he wanted to gossip around to see if anyone else knew about anything that was going on.
Could someone be trying to interfere with security? Or was it something that the students were doing? Or could it be the unexpected, could it be The Dark Lord ?
Draco witnessed the death of The Dark Lord along with the other several months back, but he still feared that somehow he could be alive, that he would come back and finish off the Wizarding world..
They finally arrived at McGonagall's office. She whispered an inaudible password and the door creaked open. "Please sit in one of the armchairs, Mr. Malfoy."
He rolled his eyes as he sat down in one of the leather padded arm chairs, his fingers immediately began to drum against it's arms. McGonagall sat down at her desk and with a flick of her want all the owl post that was on her table began to separate into different piles.
After the mail was sorted, she pulled out Draco's want from the pocket of her robe and laid it onto her desk. "What do you want with my wand?" He asked again. He was tired of sitting around and waiting.
"I have to see if you have cast one of the Unforgivable Curses since you arrived at Hogwarts," She said simply.
"But that's not fair! Just because I've been sentenced time in Azkaban doesn't mean I'm a real criminal. Hell, even when I was with You know who I never used any of those curses!" He shouted angrily.
"Lower your voice when talking to me. Every one has been checked except for yours. The other night when you informed me of what had happened with Granger, Potter was taken to the Medical Wing for a mild concussion. Madam Pompfrey also told me that potter had been under the Imperius Curse. His actions were truly not intentional."
"And so you think I might have done it? I'm not thick. I hate Potter and Granger, but I would never done something as sick as that. No one would ever deserve that. Not even a Mudblood." He remembered that night clearly and it seem that Harry's every intention was to shag Granger. Could he have really been under someone's control?
"Silence, Mr. Malfoy! I didn't say you did anything. All of the students including staff members have had their wands checked and your the only one who is left, that is why I want to check it."
Draco was going to protest but when the professor said the words Prior Incantato, he fell silent. Instead of just showing the last spell he cast, it began to show the spells before it as well. Different colored flashes of light came out from the tip of his wand, and barely a minute later McGonagall picked up the wand and handed it to him.
"You're free to go, Malfoy. The other students will be going to Hogsmeade today, you may join them if you wish. Do remember that your weeks worth of work is due by Monday morning, and if it's not turned in, you'll be sent back another week to Azkaban." After that, her attention immediately went to the stack of mail that sat on her desk.
"So if you've checked everyone wands and you can't find the culprit, what are you going to do now?" He questioned, interrupting her from her mail.
"Increase security perhaps, I'm not sure. It's none of your concern. Please retreat to your new dormitory Mr. Malfoy. You need to come across your living accommodations with Miss Granger."
"Oh for the love of Merlin, the fucking Mudblood. Who in their fucking right mind could have paired us together?" His bellowed through her office as he walked out, the door slamming hard behind him. Living with a Mudblood, this would have to be worse than Azkaban.
Hermione loved Hogsmeade weekends. Not only because of the antique wizard shops and the people in them, but it was an escape form the castle to actually have fun. Sadly she wouldn't be having fun like the others, because she wouldn't be going with anyone.
She began her morning by going to the Great Hall for a bowl of porridge and went to the library to get a book to read. It was a biography about the Azkaban prison, how it was founded and what happened on the island it sat.
Afterward she took her time getting ready for the day, she dressed in a simple navy blouse and white shorts. She tried taming her hair but the humid air just wasn't allowing it, so she pulled her hair back into a simple french braid.
Noon finally came around and Hermione was just about to leave when someone started pounding on the door. Who on earth could it be? "Who is it?" She asked nervously.
"Open the door, Granger," Draco hollered from outside.
"Oh, it's you," she muttered darkly opening the door so that he could come in.
"What's the bloody password so I can actually into this hell?" he barked angrily.
He looked horrible. His hair resembled a greasy mop, it reminded her of the way Snape's hair always looked. His clothes were filthy and he smelt of sweat and death. His fingernails had been chewed so much that his fingers were scabbed.
"You look horrible. Are you okay?" She couldn't help but ask. People coming out of Azkaban could be very violent, and even if he had been there barely a week it always mentally affected everyone.
"And you look just as horrible as you always do, Mudblood. So what's the password?"
Then again, maybe it wouldn't affect someone who was already evil. "The password is "feats of feet." While you're here, we need to go over some rules."
Draco scoffed. "The only rules there is going to be that your not going to take all day to get ready in the bathroom and other that that, while one is in there the common room the other will be in their room."
Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "Your not going to be making the rules. The rules were already given to us. Keeping it clean, visitors until eight and sharing the bloody bathroom. That's it."
"Whatever, Mudblood, get out of my -"
"Now listen here," Hermione interrupted him, just as he started to turn away. "I'm not going to deal with this Mudblood bullshit every damn time I see you. I am a Muggle, with magic abilities. My blood is not tainted. I'm the smarted witch in this school, my blood status doesn't make a difference. I hate you now and I always will, but you don't seem me disrespecting you every second, so stop," her fingers poked hard against his chest after each word, "calling. me. a. fucking. Mudblood. Got it?" She was fuming, her cheeks were red and her eyes were ablaze.
"Get away from me, you crazy bitch," he backed away, dusting off where she'd touched him. "I'll call you whatever I want."
"We'll see," was all she said, as she turned to leave the room, the door slamming with a bang.
Oh how she hated him, the bloody prat. She made her way past the grounds. Students were in groups socializing happily, enjoying the summer day as they waited for carriages.
Hermione stepped into an empty carriage and within seconds three others stepped inside. "Hiya, Hermione. How are you doing?" Seamus asked, taking a seat beside her as Dean and Parvati sat on the opposite side of the carriage.
"Hey guys," she said with an actual smile on her face. "I'm okay. I suppose, what about you lot?"
"Were doing good, actually," Parvati smiled. "What you going to do in Hogsmeade today?" she asked curiously.
"Um, I don't really know," Hermione said truly. "Probably just window shop, drink a Butterbeer or something. What about you all?"
"We were going to get a bite to eat Madam Pudifoot's. I heard she started selling Fish and Chips on the weekends and it's been a long time since I've had any," said Dean.
"Hey, Hermione, so where have Harry and Ron been. I heard a rumor the other day about Harry being in detention for drinking, is that true?" Seamus curiously asked.
Hermione nodded, a small sigh of relief left her chest that they didn't know what truly happened. "Yeah. Malfoy and I caught him drunk in the hallway. He started trying to Malfoy and out of no where appeared Professor McGonagall." She lied.
Blimey, that's a real shame. They have started acting different since the came back to Hogwarts. But any who, you should could come eat with us," Seamus interrupted.
The last thing she wanted to think about was Harry. She'd done her best to try and forget what happened. "You know, Seamus, I would like that," she said with a truthful smile. A constant chatter started between the four as they made their way to Hogsmeade.
A/N: I know this chapter is running late and I'm very sorry. There is probably going to be a lot of grammar errors and I'm really sorry for the inconvenience, if there is anyway you can over look them I would be most grateful. I had some more things that I was going to add to this chapter, more description because I have a lot of conversations in this chapter. The next chapter is very well planned, and I have only decided to put this one up because it's been almost 2 weeks since I've updated and I wanted to update before I started on the next one because I've started a new job and I don't have a lot of time to write things during the day as I did before. Reviews, Flames, and Follows are my motivation. If you could please provide me with any, it would be appreciated. I hope you guys might like it.
Green Eyed Shadow
