Author's notes:
Thanks to everyone who is reading this story. I'm really enjoying writing it and hope you're all enjoying reading it.
LaBelladoneX is still the best Beta in my opinion, this story wouldn't be here without her.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JKR
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Ginny stared down at her boyfriend, the love of her life, with tears sliding down her cheeks. She never imagined this was how her last year of Hogwarts would start, but to her it was perfect.
"Yes! Of course I'll marry you."
Harry slid the ring on her finger as he stood up. Embracing each other, he picked Ginny up and swung her in circles as they kissed. Once she was back on her feet, the six Slytherins congratulated them politely before heading up to the castle. Hermione, Ron, Luna and Neville each hugged and congratulated the couple. Ron jokingly gave Harry the protective big brother speech, at the end he quickly added,
"Welcome to the family mate, I'm glad to have you as my brother."
As they headed towards the castle, Neville turned to the newly engaged couple.
"That was really surprising - the Slytherins congratulating you without any remark. Maybe they do want to start fresh as well."
Everyone was deep in thought about his statement when Luna made her way over to him.
"Those Slytherin boys are damn fine though."
She winked at Neville as she skipped alongside him, no one noticing the gesture.
Entering the Great Hall, the returning Eighth Years looked around. At first they thought nothing had changed, except for some of the staff members, then the large table, situated in front of the professors' one, caught their attention.
As they took their seats, Headmistress McGonagall stood, welcoming all new and returning students. She reminded them of the school rules, reiterating that the Forbidden Forest, was in fact, still forbidden.
"I have one last announcement before the Sorting Ceremony begins. Could the returning Eighth Years, along with Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood and Astoria Greengrass stay behind after dinner? Also I would like to congratulate Mr Potter and Miss Weasley on their engagement. We wish you the best of luck in your future together."
Harry and Ginny both turned beet red as the whole school cheered. With that, Professor McGonagall turned to the First Year students and started calling them up to be Sorted into their Houses. Once that was complete, the feast appeared in front of them. Ron instantly began to shove food into his mouth.
As students filed out of the Great Hall to head for their dorms, those whom Headmistress McGonagall mentioned made their way to where she waited for them.
After congratulating Harry and Ginny, again, and inspecting the ring with much approval, she motioned for them to sit around the large table they had noticed when they first entered.
"Now, I suspect you're all curious as to why I have requested you all stay behind." Everyone nodded as she carried on. "Firstly, I wish to thank you all for returning; you are the only students of your year to return. As for Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood, due to the parts you played in the War, we wish to make your final year here as stress free as possible. You will both, therefore, be treated in the same manner as the other Eighth Years here."
She then turned to Astoria.
"Now, Miss Greengrass, I understand you completed extra Sixth Year studies last year in your free time and in the time following the War. For this, we wish to move you up to Seventh Year. We believe you have the capability of performing well and should you need further assistance with anything, you may ask any of your Professors for extra tutoring."
Turning her attention to the whole group, the Headmistress continued.
"This year, you all will not attend classes with the other Seventh Years; we have organised to have your classes separate from the rest of the students. Along with this, as long as you maintain a high standard in learning and grades throughout the year, you will automatically pass your N.E. . However, if you do not maintain a high standard, you must complete the examinations along with the other Seventh Years. This also means, you must complete your own assignments. You may ask for advice if you are unsure on something from your peers but nothing more. Do I make myself clear?"
They all nodded in understanding, except Ron who looked rather pale.
"Mr Weasley, do I make myself clear? Or is there something wrong and you must be escorted to the Infirmary?"
Ron, finally coming out of his daze, nodded. "Yes, Professor, completely clear."
The other students all laughed before the professor carried on.
"Now, if you will all follow me please, there is one last thing I must discuss with you."
They all followed the professor towards the entrance to her office. Passing the entrance she stopped at a portrait of Dumbledore and said the password "Sherbet Lemon." The former Headmaster smiled with a twinkle in his eye as the portrait swung open. Stepping through, the students all gasped.
Before them was a large room filled with plush sofas and recliners in creams, as well as small mahogany coffee tables around the room. All this was facing towards a large open fireplace. The walls were painted a pale grey which continued into a dining room with a large twelve seater Mahogany table and chairs with the same cream upholstery as in the lounge. A kitchen was separated by a large island which wrapped around from the lounge to dining room. The students gasped in awe before turning to the Headmistress with confused looks on their faces. She smiled gently at them all.
"This will be your new living quarters. The twelve of you will share this space in hopes it will help you mend bridges and form new friendships while allowing you to move on from the past. Up the stairs there are twelve bedrooms and two bathrooms, one for the boys and one for the girls. Through the door over there is also a large study for you all to use.
"You may dine for breakfast and lunch in your own dining room while food can either be prepared by House-elves or you may prepare it yourself. On the weekends and holidays, if you wish, you may also eat dinner in here. You will find your pantry is already stocked with anything you may need. For evening meals you will dine together at the large table in front of the professors. I do hope you all find your new accommodations to be satisfactory."
Professor McGonagall turned to leave.
"Oh and one last thing, as you may have heard me before, your password is Sherbet Lemon. Dumbledore chose it."
With that she was gone, leaving the students to explore their new home for the next year. Hermione was the first to speak.
"If we're to be sharing a common room, maybe we should all re-introduce ourselves and start afresh."
Everyone looked at each other and nodded, feeling it was the best way to start. Pansy spoke up.
"Maybe we should say our name and one thing we enjoy, like a hobby or something."
Everyone agreed and, one by one the students all introduced themselves before setting off to find their rooms which had already been designated with their names on each door. They found everyone had a large queen bed, a wardrobe and set of built in drawers. Although what shocked them most was that they had been decorated to suit each individual witch's or wizard's personality.