The next morning dawned with a beautiful fall sunrise. I had a few things to prepare for the day before breakfast so I was lucky enough to catch it. Something about the blossoming relationship with Draco made the sight seem even more beautiful. Honestly, it was still a little surreal to admit to myself that I was dating Draco Malfoy.

My life had changed so drastically since McGonagall's visit. A new job, new place to live, a falling out with my best friends and a new boyfriend. Change used to make me nervous and cause large amounts of stress, but I had to admit to myself that I was that happiest I had been in years.

Working with the young minds of the wizarding world was a challenge in ways that I didn't expect. Sure, it was difficult and some of the students were harder to work with than others, but seeing their faces when they finally learned a new defensive spell, or reading an essay on the importance of strategy when defending oneself and being a part of the moment when it finally clicks is beyond rewarding.

As for the new digs, I think being away from a place I had once shared with Ron was cathartic in a way. So much history happened in that flat and now that I know the true nature of our relationship, I truly understand how tainted that place was. Being back at Hogwarts, though the castle held many other memories, was comforting in a way. I knew what to expect from it, but at the same time my office and living space were new and completely mine to make new memories in.

As for Draco, well, he was obviously a factor in my uplifted mood. I hadn't been looking for a relationship when I came here. Not at all. In fact, one of the bonuses of being secluded was a relief from the pressure to date. The more time I spent with Draco though, I was able to look past our history and see him for who he is today. It's given me an understanding that our personalities are quite suited for each other. Being able to hold articulate conversations about a wide range of topics has been refreshing. And it's absolutely wonderful to come across something I want an opinion on for work and feel comfortable bringing it to him to get an honest and valued viewpoint. I know our relationship is barely a day old, but our friendship has been building long enough that it feels like this is the natural progression. One that I very much look forward to experiencing it unfold.

I glanced at the clock and realized I had been so caught up in my thoughts that I was now running behind. Quickly I grabbed my robes and my bag and exited my room. It was no surprise to see Draco leaning against the wall as he always seemed to do.

Today however, the sight of him caused my cheeks to tinge pink and a shy smile to form on my mouth.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No worries, love. Shall we?"

It was the first time I had heard the endearment from him and my face reddened further as we walked towards the Great Hall. Thankfully our conversation turned toward a question he had on some potion ingredient combinations. He was trying to develop a new burn salve for the dragon reserve as a side project and wanted my opinion. We were still discussing the potion by the time we had finished breakfast and were making to leave.

Our conversation was halted as McGonagall cleared her throat.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I would like a word with the both of you in my office if you please."

Instantly, I felt like I had just been caught doing something wrong, though I knew I hadn't. Draco and I silently followed her, exchanging nervous glances along the way.

A few minutes later we were making the trek up the spiral staircase to her office and sitting across from her.

"I'm not sure why you two are sitting there looking so guilty. I've only asked you here for some help."

Exhaling a breath of relief, I couldn't help but feel a little ashamed at myself for feeling like a child caught stealing a cookie.

She cleared her throat. "Right then. I'll get right to it. In the years since the war there has been great strides in promoting inner house unity. However, I am starting to see that since the start of this year there has begun to be a greater separation between the houses and I want to do what I can to prevent that divide from growing. As a result, I have decided that we will be throwing a ball in December. I do not want another yule ball as that celebrates the holiday, but rather something a week or two before the end of term break encouraging the coming together of the different houses. Maybe requiring students to ask someone in another house to attend with them or some other way to encourage them to mingle. It is my hopes that they will learn something about their fellow classmates while enjoying a pleasant evening."

This was so far from what I had been expecting that I paused long enough for Draco beat me to a response.

"Having a ball to bring the houses together and encourage mingling between them sounds like a fantastic idea to me. But I'm struggling to see how we fit in to this."

Her smile grew and her knowing glance worried me a bit. "You see, I didn't become Headmistress of Hogwarts by being unobservant, Draco." She lifted her eyes from Draco to look at the pair of us. "It hasn't escaped my attention that the two of you have been rather close this year. What better way to promote the message of the ball than the Gryffindor princess, Hermione Granger and the Prince of Slytherin, Draco Malfoy." Draco and I both cringed at our former unofficial titles. "Your rivalry during your time as students here is very well known. The bond you have managed to create as adults gives me great hope for future generations and makes the pair of you a great role model for this event. I would like you both to supervise the prefects as they will be responsible for the event details. I see it as another opportunity for them to work together to bring this event to life. Do you have any question?"

This time I spoke first. "I don't think so, but that may change as the planning takes shape." Draco shook his head in agreement.

"Wonderful. Here's a file containing any immediate details you may require. Budget information, school restrictions that will need to be followed for the event, things of that nature. I would like to be provided a weekly update as we don't have much time to make this a success."

We nodded and recognized her dismissal. As we made our way out of her office, we both let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't that."

I let out a laugh of agreement. "Same. Though I have a sneaky suspicion she knows more about what's going on between us than she is letting on." He nodded. "Anyways, would you like to get together tonight and we can get a letter written to the prefects letting them know what's going on and decide a date for the meetings?"

"Is this just an excuse to get me to come over?" He raised one brow suggestively and I shoved him playfully. "Only joking. Tonight sounds lovely. I'll stop by after dinner."

And with that we parted ways to begin our day.