CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

HOGWARTS

When Hermione and Draco made their dorm room they found that it had changed. There was only one bedroom, and the second bedroom had a wall removed and turned into a mini library. At a quick glance it held all the books that they would need for assignments.

"I think that is headmistresses hint to make sure your not caught alone in an area that isn't patrolled all that much." Draco murmured as he held her from behind.

"Hmm … I think I need an early night. Tomorrow is the New Year Ball and then we have classes the day after." upon entering their room it was a combination of both houses and made them both raise their eyebrows at the monstrosity that it appeared to be. Although there was a pleasant aroma coming from somewhere.

Stripping they got into bed and laid down, they found out where the aroma was coming from… their pillows. Smiling they snuggled down with each other and drifted off to sleep. Looking forward to the ball to come.

It was decided that Pansy would come to their dorm to get ready with Hermione. Draco had a surprise lined up for the girls as a stylist was coming to do their hair and make up for the night. While a wizarding barber came and took care of himself and Harry.

With all the commotion of students returning early the headmistress had in fact forgot to mention that Dumstrung, Salem Witch Academy and Beaubaton's were arriving to partake of the ball also. She also had forgotten that the heads needed to do a welcome speech for them as well. She just hoped they were on their toes as usual.

When Draco woke up the next morning he was in the bathroom before his beloved. And when relieving himself he looked out the window that comprised of a magiced wall and it overlooked the grounds between the green and the Black Lake. There was a team of six Abraxans being tended by the grounds keeper who was also managing to stumble over a rack of brooms. And a bloody huge ship sitting in the middle of the lake and a giant squid wrapped around it in protest of the intrusion. First he laughed to himself at the sight. Then he yelled.

Hermione rushed out of the room trying to put on her robe and juggle her wand at the same time with little to no vision due to curls being in the way. "What the hell Draco?"

"Baby doll you better come look at this trust me." he pointed at the window and drew her curls away from her vision so she could see clearly. An alert wand arm suddenly fell to her side. She turned and went to the floo and called the headmistress through before thinking to close her robe.

Upon her arrival all she could say was an oh dear. "I think I forgot to mention that the sixth, seventh and eighth years have visitors. The Ministry in its infinite wisdom thought that this would be a good way to encourage unity not just here but everywhere globally. And with your aunt holding most of the Commonwealth they have realised that much hangs on her allowing us to remain hidden. This was actually her suggestion and she sent a message asking for you to be as her representative. If I have forgotten anything this time I really am sorry. They have me in such a fluster and the castle is making rooms and a new tower is growing for Merlin only knows what…" by that time she had turned and disappeared in a green flash. She didn't see the stunned expression on Hermione's face or the fact Draco was doing a good impression of a fish.

Hermione pulled one of her trunks out that expanded to a hanging wardrobe that held her gowns. She pulled a dusky red gown out with matching cloak that was made for the Scottish weather. She began to dress. Draco put his tie pin on after finishing tying his tie and Hermione pulled out her sash with its royal crest on the star that would hang at her hip.

When Draco and Hermione arrived down at the entrance to the great hall the students that returned the day before were milling around. A few clapped and a few murmurs of about time were heard. There was something else she forgot to tell them. She truly was flustered.

They peaked into the hall and saw that the other schools had already been seated. There was a royal announcer who brushed off her taps on the shoulder, eventually he swung around "No listen here you upstart, you were told to wait for the Duchess of Cumberland…" Realising who he was a dressing. "And there goes my job."

"Your job is not on the line. We were just told about the welcoming speech that I am to make. So we are both in the same leaky boat it would seem. Yes?"

The stunned announcer just looked at her and nodded dumbly. "Be a kind sir and announce myself and my partner as master Malfoy. Hes not a lord just yet."

Tapping his staff three times draw everyone's attention to the door. "Announcing the arrival of the Duchess of Cumberland Hermione Granger-Potter, member of the Golden Trio, and her Royal Highness representative today. She is escorted by her fiance Master Draco Malfoy and brother Sir Harry Granger-Potter." Hermione noticed Harrison and William in attendance along with Severus and Lucius.

As they drew to the teaches table which had been set up as a speaking area, she was handed up to Lucius who escorted her to the podium and stood behind her. The rest of the students were allowed in after her arrival.

'Now to fall flat on my face in front of the princes no less. This is going to be fun.' "Good morning your royal highness's, curtsying to the men, who bowed back to her. Minister (who was looking very hot under the collar), Lords, ladies, professors, and visitors from near and far. This is a time to begin to make new alliances from unlikely quarters, and to know that there are others like us. My Aunt has seen fit to remind me in no uncertain terms that it is by her good grace she still hides us. But her question is posed as 'From what?' the war had exposed most of the wizarding realm to the muggles in one form or another. And I have to agree with her. Questions are asked with no answers and the State of Secrets really does not apply in this nation, and from her stand point you have to agree. So this is a gathering of minds as well as bodies. Here is the future of the wizarding realms and we have a say in what happens next. Tonight we dance, we renew old friendships and begin new ones. Tomorrow from what I understand is for idea sharing and brainstorming. Not on what to say to my Aunt when she grills me a the next family reunion. (the princes roared with laughter drawing stares from everyone.) you see for us ninety percent of the wizarding realms rely on her commonwealth. This brainstorming tomorrow is to decide as a group of like minded people as to our direction. We have proven the pure blood mentality has cost the population a good amount and some have yet to realise just how badly we really are. We are all adults here and we cant sugar coat the truth, and we need to come up with ideas on where to go now."

"Enough of me and my soapbox. It is breakfast and its time to eat. So welcome Dumstrung, Salem and Beaubatons please enjoy the meal and company. Your highness', (she turned and bowed to them) and everyone else enjoy. I have an announcer to find." with that she was handed down from the podium directly to Draco.

William and Harrison approached regal as ever. The pleasantries were observed. "Before you leave to dole out a punishment that I am more than sure that the announcer no doubt deserves, just letting you in on a bit of information, he brought us here and I doubt leaving us here is going to allow grand mummy to be employing him for much longer." she conceded that point. "So tell us cousin what did the announcer state that was so unfitting a person of such a station."

"Does it have anything to do with that piece of shiny you have on an important hand and how you haven't told grand mummy yet." Harrison smirked. The whole hall was silent.

Harry and Draco took a step back and then another. "What's with them?"

Turning slightly. "There is a reason why I am part of the Golden Trio and they have first hand knowledge of my capabilities. You see its illegal to practice magic in full view of muggles such as your selves outside our realm. Here however it isn't." They still hadn't got the idea.

Someone from the Hogwarts table spoke. "Beggin ya pardon lords, but we lived with her for seven years and shes wicked deadly with or without a wand. She got a reputation not to be messed with on a good day on a bad day well come back later and hope her mood has improved or she got shagged."

"Thanks Sheamus. Helpful as ever." she stood there with a placid look on her face waiting for the explosion that was coming. She knew it.

"Itty Bitty Tinker, wouldn't hurt anything she loves them to much." William stated to the room. He was met with laughter.

"I believe your about to be told Willy." he made a lunge for his cousin, she froze him before he could get to her. She moved him so he was a foot in the air and ran to where Draco was. She suggested that they should be seated so that they may eat as she was hungry.

A few minutes later she released her cousin and he went to his brother and she knew she was in for it now. Minerva was at the podium she cleared her throat. "Head Girl yours and your party's meal will be moved to your dorms as I am sure that you would like to enlighten them as to what exactly happens here. And to show your dorms." students are free to wander the castle and grounds at leisure. Rooms have been made available for everyone and one of the various members of staff will aide you. Enjoy your day and dismissed."