Chapter 2:

Draco

My favorite part of the manor was always the gardens, they were quiet and serene. When I was little I used to sneak to the gardens during parties, to get away from the stuffiness. Five-year-olds don't enjoy being confined to suits, and dress robes.

Now I like the gardens because they remain one of the only untouched places of the manner. No one was killed, tortured, or eaten here. I think mother recognizes the need to escape that too, she's having the manor redecorated. I hear it will be done in time for Winter Hols.

With the pop of apparition, and our house-elf, Flipsy appears, "Mistress would like you to come inside, she wishes to speak to you, she'll be in the library" she says rather confidently. She's a new house-elf, one we're paying, mother wishes to turn over a new leaf and who am I to stop her,

"Thank you Flipsy, I'll be right there," I reply, and with that Flipsy is gone, and I am left to begrudgingly return inside.

I peak my head in the door, and knock lightly on the frame,

"You wanted to speak to me, mother?" I enquire gently.

Mother is currently hunched over a desk, hairs falling out of her usual tidy hairstyle, she is deep in whatever research project has caught her fancy as of late. Recently Narcissa Malfoy decided it's time to restore the family name and has decided to pursue advocacy work. Which I may add is exponentially better than playing hostess to an evil overlord, Mother glances up from her book at my knock, looking somewhat irritated at having been interrupted, she sighs gently before she speaks,

"Ah, yes, Draco, a letter for you from Hogwarts arrived a few minutes ago. It seems you are head boy," her gaze dances across the desk, seemingly searching for something, and finally lands on an opened envelope. She gingerly picks it up and holds it out to me.

I'm shocked and appalled, because why in Merlin's name would they make the Malfoy death eater head boy. I'm wondering how sane McGonagall must be to decide this, maybe it's a mistake, maybe she sent the letter to the wrong manor. I reach out to take the letter, intent on figuring out what sort of mix-up has occurred.

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

I am pleased to offer you the position of head boy. Your results and work ethic from years prior indicated you would make a fine head boy. I understand Mr. Malfoy is somewhat taken aback by this offer, but as I am to understand the information you were able to deliver to the order last Spring saved many lives. Additionally, you have always been second in your year, and I would be remiss to discredit this.

However, before accepting I would like to inform you who the head girl is, as you will be working closely together in addition to sharing a dorm. Ms. Granger was chosen as head girl, if this should be an issue for you then I am pleased to make you a Slytherin prefect instead, and Mr. Nott can take your role as head boy.

Enclosed below is the head boy badge. If you wish to decline the offer, which I strongly hope you won't, please alert me as soon as possible, otherwise, I will see you within a couple of days.

Warm regards,

Headmistress McGonagall

Hermione. Hermione is the head girl. Of course, she would be, Ms. Swot extraordinaire, and she has an order of merlin for fuck's sake. Hm. I guess it may be nice to live with the little golden girl. I'm sure this little arrangement could lead to many opportunities.

So what if McGonagall has flown off the handle, I am not one to look the gift horse in the mouth. This might just be my favorite year so far.

My mother makes a little humming sound and I glance up from the parchment,

"So are you going to accept Draco, darling?"

I grin, before responding somewhat smugly,

"I think I will, this is truly a great opportunity," I say,

My mother beams, "I think so too love, I'm truly proud of you."

This is what led me to be sitting in the head compartment on the Hogwarts express three days later. Waiting somewhat patiently for Ms. Hermione Jean Granger.