Chapter Six
Several weeks passed without further incident. Hermione's prefect patrols were no longer a source of anxiety or frustration, as she and Draco Malfoy seemed to have reached an amicable understanding, allowing relaxed albeit superficial conversation to flow between them as they patrolled.
The students had taken to moving in groups between classes and meals, as though afraid to be alone at any moment. The clear culprit was obvious, despite the removal of death eaters and dark magic, students no longer felt safe in the halls of the castle they called home, particularly since the disappearance of the Gryffindor girl from the forest edge.
The Slytherins were in the habit of moving in large packs of ten or more, huddling protectively around one another, with permanent looks of anxiety etched across their faces. The other houses also moved in larger groups, casting suspicious looks at every green and silver tied student they met. Most concerning however was that the hospital wing which was constantly overburdened by students that had become victim to a stinging hex or leg locking Jinx.
Ron, for the most part, had stopped his complaints about the Slytherin in preference of voicing his overall discontent at the number of rule breakers they encountered daily.
''I swear, I can't turn my back for a moment without some student firing off a curse at another. At this point, I'm surprised the House Points aren't in the negatives!'' He growled catching a Gryffindor fourth year tripping a Slytherin followed by a nasty jinx into their back, costing Gryffindor twenty house points and earning the boy 3 Saturday detentions.
In an ironic twist, the Slytherin's were leading this year at 70 house points.
The escalating violence permeated the castle, but they had yet to think of a solution and each were feeling dejected.
Of the three, Harry seemed to be taking it particularly hard, falling into fits of melancholy which only Quidditch practices or Ginny's comforting presence could ease.
As the autumn leaves transformed to crimson and gold the students began to gossip excitedly; Halloween was fast approaching and this year's feast was said to be spectacular.
''Harry, did you hear?'' Ginny raced towards them beaming and practically threw herself upon Harry who had been sprawled on the common room couch.
''They're going to have a dance after the Halloween feast!''
Ron gave a dramatic groan from Hermione's left.
It was Wednesday night and the three friends sat in the common room, drowning in homework.
. After weeks of nothing but classes, homework, prefect duties and research into dark arts, a little lighthearted fun was warranted.
Ginny immediately began pleading with Harry to wear matching Gryffindor colours. As Hermione laughed softly at Ginny's enthusiasm, she felt a soft tap on her shoulder.
Ron crouched down beside her chair, trying to avoid his sister's notice. ''I know that- that we realised we were better just as friends, but you said after Yule Ball that I should ask you first. To be your date, I mean.''
''If else asks you that you would rather to go with, then that's fine. But no matter what, if you decide you would me like me to be your date, well- you're my first choice.''
''And what if someone asks you, that you would like to go with?'' She whispered to him.
Ron shrugged. ''I'll tell them no. Consider me your guaranteed back up plan.''
Hermione reached out to briefly squeeze his hand.
''-Of course Padma will probably be going with her latest Hufflepuff crush and -oh Hermione! I just thought of the perfect dress for you!'' Ginny squealed, eyes shining as Harry entwined her small hand in his own. He was gazing at her with such sweet affection Hermione could not help but feel a brief, sharp burst of envy at their sweet relationship.
'Just promise me that your idea doesn't involve glitter.'' She sighed.
Ginny's smile faltered.
''Alright, no glitter. But that's your one and only veto.'' She declared as Ron slunk back to his armchair, attempting to sink into its depths and escape his sister's notice.
Hermione shook her head in exasperation, but her smile remained. While at times a little too strong willed, she had to admit that Ginny's enthusiasm did wonders for morale.
Glancing around the common room Hermione noticed that many gossiping groups had formed, with most of the girls wearing beaming smiles and gesticulating wildly. Clearly, news of the dance was spreading fast.
''I wonder if this is McGonagall's way of distracting us?'' she pondered. Ron nodded slowly in agreement.
''Wouldn' be surprised. Trying to lift everyone's spirits, give them something to think about other than cursing each other.''
Hermione's face was flushed as she launched herself down another flight of stairs. Her book bag was overladen, and with each frantic step, the sharp edges of the books dug into her hip leaving a mottled mess of bruised flesh.
She had attempted to squeeze further research in at the library but her attentiveness would come at a price as she was now in danger of being late for the Prefect meeting. She was puffing with exertion as she skipped around a gossiping group of first years and approached statue which guarded the office entrance.
''Relevo.''
The weight of her bag abruptly disappeared and the harsh abandonment of the familiar weight sent her careening drunkenly aside.
''What on earth?''
''Seriously Granger, are you trying to fit the entire library in that bag? ''
Hermione twisted her neck to spy Draco placing his wand back in his pocket.
'And why am I not surprised that the so-called brightest witch of our age forgetting to cast a simple weight reduction charm?'' he sneered.
Hermione flushed and raised her chin.
''You should be more careful, Malfoy. Anyone who saw you raising your wand at my back would curse you first and ask questions later.'' She huffed, readjusting her weightless bag.
''Haven't you noticed yet? No-one needs an excuse to curse me this year.'' His face twisted into an ugly grimace as he came to a halt at the office statue and spoke the password, gesturing for her to take the lead up the crooked spiral staircase.
''Things will get better soon.'' Hermione lied as she climbed the stairs, noting that her books were no longer troubling her.
''Oh yes. I'm sure this little dance will fix everything. '' Draco's sarcastic drawl echoed up the stairs.
''We'll all drink some pumpkin juice, shuffle along to some terrible music, and everyone will forget that they hate each other, and they'll become the very best of friends.''
Hermione gritted her teeth as she grasped the handle of the office door and swung it open far more forcefully than what was necessary, causing Malfoy to leap back to avoid a broken nose. He was much closer than she had realised.
''Watch it Mud-'' His mouth snapped shut as Hermione glared.
''I didn't mean that. It was just a reaction.'' He said hurriedly. ''Really Hermione, I didn't mean it. I don't think like that anym-'' Hermione swept through the door, allowing it to snap closed behind her, shutting him out.
She strode into the office towards the semi-circle of students standing before the headmistress' desk. A few moments passed as she gave a reluctant smile and a few nods at the other prefects, and she heard the door open once more, Malfoy slunk quietly into the office, eyes to the floor. Did he really feel ashamed? Or was it just an act?
''Well then, now that we have all arrived.'' McGonagall said, and Hermione gave a start, remembering why she was here. She saw Ron standing to the right of the small crowd of prefects and quickly edged her way to his side.
''Thank you for meeting me on such short notice. As you may have realised, I wish to discuss the upcoming dance with you all, taking place on Sunday the 31st. Due to the dance, the Halloween feast will be held earlier in the evening this year. The dance will begin at 9pm, to allow students to change. Attendance to the dance is mandatory for all students. As part of your duties you will take shifts to patrol the area, along with the Hogwarts staff, to avoid any... excess frivolity between students.'
''Excess frivolity?'' Ron said quietly, glancing at Hermione in a silent request for translation.
''I believe she means-''
''Snogging. Or more.'' Padma whispered with a giggle from Ron's right side.
Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes as Ron blushed.
''-There will be a brief announcement at 10:30pm for first to third-year students to be lead to their dormitory by staff, who will include a head count to ensure no one is missed. Keep an eye on the time so that you will not miss your scheduled patrol. To keep matters simple, your partner on prefect patrol will remain the same as during your regular rounds-''
''Excuse me, Headmistress?'' Hermione raised her hand awkwardly.
''Yes, Miss Granger?''
''I would like to swap my patrol partner for the night, as Ron and I will be attending the dance together.''
There were a few sly grins and whispers at her statement which she ignored.
Ron's cheeks now matched the colour of his hair, though he seemed quite pleased.
''I suppose so, Miss Granger. Very well. Then that puts Mr. Malfoy and Miss Abbott together for the night. If there are no other changes-'
Hannah gave a timid squeak in protest which went unnoticed by the Headmistress.
''So, you'll be my date then?'' Ron whispered.
Hermione nodded, but her eyes were fixed on the blonde across the room, who was still staring determinedly at the carpet. The only sign he had heard the exchange was the deep furrow that appeared across his brow, broadcasting his disapproval.
''And lastly, once the first to third years have been taken back to their dormitories, we will be holding a contest. Two students from each house will be chosen at random. They will be informed that they have until midnight to collect one item from students of a different house. For example, a student of Hufflepuff would need to receive an item such as a hat, scarf, jacket or piece of jewelry; from a Slytherin, a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindor. And so on and so forth.
The students must not reveal why they need the items, or that they are part of a competition. The first contestant to succeed will win their house 50 points.''
Exclamations of surprise echoed around the room and Hermione groaned. Clearly this was an attempt to force the houses to interact amicably. She admired McGonagall's stubbornness, but she couldn't help but imagine it would-
''All due respect headmistress, but don't you think that could backfire?'' Ernie's question cut through the chatter, voicing Hermione's own thoughts.
'The houses are not cooperating Mr. McMillan. This competition would require cooperation.''
''The Slytherins would be at a major disadvantage professor.'' Hermione said. ''The students don't trust one another. Even a harmless request to borrow an item may cause friction.'' Hermione added, reluctant to disagree with the Headmistress.
'They should have to give something instead.''
The small crowd shifted in surprise to peer over at Draco, who had finally lifted his gaze from the carpet to focus on McGonagall, ignoring the eyes of the other students.
''Instead of asking to take something from a student of another house, we should make them give something away. There would be less distrust.'' He clarified.
McGonagall nodded thoughtfully before giving him a warm smile. ''Excellent suggestion Mr. Malfoy.''
'Give away items! Like their clothing? We'll end up with a bunch of students running around starkers!'' Ron blustered, causing a round of nervous laughter.
'No, not their clothes, Weasley. Let them decide what to give.'' Draco said once the laughter had eased. ''And don't limit it to one person per house. We could choose ten people per house with a specific time limit, in which to do something for others in a different house. ''
'That's perfect!' Hermione gushed, her mind racing. "They could transfigure items into masks and give them away. Or they could use magic to improve a dress or-or change someone's hair. Let them use their skills in magic and think creativity to win the competition, rather than making it a popularity contest. '' She finished excitedly.
Hermione could tell the idea had already infected the prefects, who were now grinning and whispering to one another, or else gazing into empty space with a small smile, no doubt imagining what they could offer in those circumstances.
''Excellent Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger. A wonderful idea.'' McGonagall gave a relieved smile ''Does everyone agree? Very well. Ten students per house with a one-hour time limit to give something away to as many students in another house as they can. ''
''Either an item they create, or a spell they perform for another person. And they cannot tell anyone about the competition until it ends at midnight and the winner is announced.''
The prefects all voiced their approval and McGonagall clasped her hands together, throwing both Draco and Hermione a grateful smile, eyes twinkling. For the first time that year, Hermione felt that they may succeed in improving the relationship between houses. Professor McGonagall gave them their schedules before thanking them all for their time and ending the meeting.
'Not a bad time for patrol'' Ron said cheerfully as they departed. ''10:15 until 10:45. We'll get to enjoy the last hour with Harry and Gin before they announce the winner. This is going to be so much better than the last one. I won't be wearing those bloody rags this time.''
As Ron began enthusiastically describing the dress robes he had already ordered via owl (he mentioned the total lack of frills several times during the trip to the Great Hall) Hermione couldn't help but feel a small pang of guilt that she had requesting a change in the prefect patrol in an attempt to punish Malfoy.
While her anger was justified, she wished she hadn't decided to seek retribution in the form of switching partners. If anyone were feeling abandoned and rejected this year, it was the students of Slytherin.
Shaking the pure-blood from her thoughts, she focused her attention on Ron, assuring him that he would look great in his new robes.
They entered the Great Hall just as the food appeared and her stomach rumbled in appreciation.
Ron had moved quickly ahead as he caught sight of the food and was already heaping his plate high when Hermione slid into the seat beside him. She gave a quick wave to Neville who was sitting opposite, barely visible over a mound of mutton.
''It's going to be so great Harry, you won' believe what McGonagall's got planned.'' Ron said between bites.
''Really? What's so good about it'' Harry said, in mild surprise at the lanky boy's enthusiasm.
''There's going to be a-hrmph.'' Ron sputtered dropping his fork and then reaching down to clutch his bruised shin, which had just been introduced to the tip of Hermione's boot. 'Merlin what was that for?'' he glared at her as she smiled sweetly and leaned in towards him.
''Ít's supposed to be a secret Ron.'' She hissed quietly in his ear.
''Oh. Er- Right.'' Ron blushed as he continued to massage his shin 'Did yeh have to kick quite that hard though?''
Harry appeared to be enjoying the exchange as he patiently waited for an explanation, a forkful of food hovering halfway between his plate and his mouth.
''There's going to be?'' He prompted.
''to be uh butterbeer. And erm some really great music.'' Ron finished unconvincingly.
''Music and drinks eh? At a dance. Shocking. Never would have guessed.'' He deadpanned.
''Oh and Hermione and I will be going together.'' Ron added as he took an enormous bite.
Harry's head shot up.
''Together? Like as…''
''As friends.'' Hermione clarified.
''Ah right. Of course. Good, that's great then.'' Harry said, shoulders easing and looking oddly relieved.
''Best thing is, she can do the prefect patrol with me that night, 'stead of that prat Malfoy.''
Harry ran a hand threw his tousled hair.
''Is there any way you can make that change permanent, Hermione? I don't trust him. He's dangerous.''
Hermione was prevented from answering as Seamus arrived and jostled her two friends aside to sit between the two boys.
''Later'' Hermione mouthed to Harry, who gave a subtle nod and began helping Seamus load his plate.
That night in the common room, Hermione waited until Ron was thoroughly engrossed in his transfiguration essay before she quietly approached Harry, who was slouched in his chair practicing a non-verbal Vanishing spell on a wooden side-table.
She took a seat in an empty chair beside him, gently tapping his arm to get his attention. The common room was practically deserted by this time of night apart from some older students, silently studying away. The fireplace was barely flickering, though it still managed to throw a rosy glow across the expanse.
Ginny was on the opposite side, playing a solitary game of cards. Hermione had a feeling she would have gone to bed long ago but if it were not for Harry's presence. He always seemed more at ease when she was in sight.
''Hey Hermione.' Harry muttered. 'You know I really thought I had the hang of this spell a few years ago. But I just can't quite seem to-'' He shook his wand slightly causing sparks to fly, and then frowned at it, as though it were the wand's fault. ''Maybe I just need some sleep.'' He said warily, rubbing his temple. ''It's hard sometimes.''
'Sleep?'' Hermione asked.
''Yeah.''
''Are you still having nightmares?''
Harry declined to answer but turned his head slightly to meet her eyes when the mask she had not been aware he held fell away.
For a moment, she saw a raw fear and helplessness in the depths of his green eyes before he quickly broke his gaze to stare emptily into the fireplace flames.
She felt her stomach twist with a mixture of pity and laid a gentle hand on his arm.
''I get them too.'' She said, so quietly she wasn't quite sure he heard, until his opposite hand dropped his wand and moved to cover her own.
They stayed that way for a moment, listening to the fire crackle, lost in their memories. When Hermione broke herself out of her horrifying recollection of the past few years, she saw the Ginny had paused in her game and was gazing worriedly at Harry, who was still lost in his thoughts.
It must be difficult for them. How could Harry ever explain what he had been though? What he had suffered? Hermione had been by his side until the end, but even she couldn't have guessed how it must have felt to have Voldemort in his head. To find out that his parent's murderer had attached a piece of his soul to his own, where it had been hidden away for 16 years.
She shuddered involuntarily at the thought, her slight movement waking Harry from his own stupor. He gave her hand one last squeeze and picked up his wand.
''It's over now.'' Harry muttered, waving his wand absentmindedly at an armchair in which a snoring third year slumbered. ''Did you want to talk to me about something?'' he asked.
Hermione considered trying once more to vouch for Draco's innocence, but hesitated. The dim firelight had highlighted the deep shadows under Harry's eyes. He seemed so weary, and far than his years should allow.
'I just… wanted to see how you're doing.' She said lamely.
''I'd be doing a right side better if I could vanish this bloody armchair.''
''Make a smaller circle when you move your wand and tip the end slightly to the ground as you finish'' She suggested as she rose.
She knew her advice had been successful when the third year's snoring cut off accompanied by a heavy thud and a string of curses.
'Er- sorry about that Fawcett, didn't see you there.''
Smothering a small smile Hermione grabbed her quill and parchment, determined to complete the assignment before allowing herself rest.