Chapter Six

Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had caught up on each other's various summer adventures. The time on the train had passed quickly. They all had pumpkin juice, Chocolate Frogs, and Bernie Bott's Every Flavor beans from the trolley. Harry and Ron decided to play a quick game of Exploding Snap too, since they had both missed the game over the summer.

Finally Hermione glanced at her watch and gasped, Oh no, we're going to be there in a few minutes! Everyone needs to change into their school robes!

She stood up and dragged Ginny with her to go to the girl's compartment to change. While they were gone Ron and Harry pulled on their own school clothes and talked about the coming year.

I wonder who the Head Boy is this year? I mean, I know Mione is Head Girl Ron said as he plopped back down on the seat.

Harry shrugged and replied, Who knows?

The door burst open and Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Lavender all entered breathlessly.

You'll never believe the news I just heard Hermione gasped as she struggled to catch her breath.

Malfoy is Head Boy Lavender cut in. I saw him in one of the other cars with his badge on his robes.

Harry looked shocked and Ron was horrified at the news. He looked at Hermione and asked, You mean you have to share private quarters with a future Deatheater and our archenemy?

Hermione nodded grimly. I'm afraid so. My big fear is that we're going to end up strangling or hexing each other, especially if he calls me Mudblood one more time. I'm not going to take it anymore! She plopped down next to Ron and stared out of the window at the passing countryside.

Everyone else took their seats and the rest of the train ride was quiet as each of the friends took in the impact of this new revelation on the coming school year.

A few minutes later the students had arrived and taken the horseless carriages up to the school. The Great Hall was decorated in House colors and ready for the upcoming festivities. The returning students proceeded to their house tables and sat down, greeting the friends that they hadn't seen since before the break begin and talking amongst themselves. Much of the talk was about the Head Girl and Boy and whether they would last the year together, but there was also a great deal of speculation about the new professors.

The other seventh year Gryffindor boys had stared openly at the new Charms teacher, their jaws dropping even lower when Ron announced that she was his cousin. Seamus sighed dramatically and put his hands to his heart. He grinned at Ron and said I'm in love with your cousin. Think she'll have me?

Harry and Hermione had to hold Ron back as he lunged at Seamus. Honestly Ron, he was just joking. Besides, you're just going to have to get used to the fact that all of the boys now are harboring crushes on your cousin Hermione stated in her matter of fact tone.

Harry added, I have to agree with Mione, Ron. You can't just go around and beat everyone up. You're just going to have to let it go.

Ron frowned and looked up at the teacher's table where Val was now sitting. He almost felt sorry for her, since she was sitting next to Snape. Just then the doors opened and a group of nervous first years followed Professor McGonagall to the front of the room. The Sorting was ready to begin.