Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the books, the past
events, or places. I do own the plot and characters that I made up.
Chapter 2: Settling In
As the train arrived in Hogsmeade, a familiar friendly, large, hairy face was there to greet all of the students. Hermione, Harry and Ron all said their hellos and promised to visit Hagrid the first chance they got. As usual, Hagrid took the first years across the lake to the castle by boat. The rest of the students took the carriages to the front door of the school. Professor McGonagall greeted all of the students with a tired looking smile and led them into the great hall. The ceiling reflected the weather outside, along with moods of most of the students, cold, and rainy and miserable.
The hall itself almost looked tired. The teachers sure did, especially Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore, and an unfamiliar face, which Harry said was the new DADA teacher. Hermione figured it was from helping The Order and trying to unite everyone together, which was quite a job. She had heard from Harry that they were having some problems with the goblins and giants; though they thought they were making progress with the giants, finally. Snape looked especially weary. He didn't even scowl at Harry as he walked in, which was something to be noted. Dumbledore had certainly lost a part of his twinkle, and McGonagall looked 10 years older. The constant possible threat from Voldermort definitely showed on most of the staff.
Hermione sat down at the end of the Gryffindor table along with Ron, Harry, Neville, Ginny, Seamus, Lavender, and Pavarti. Malfoy had ditched Pansy and sat in between Crabe and Goyle on the other side of the room, at the Slytherin table.
The hall grew quite as the sorting hat started singing it's yearly song. This year it was again about unity, stressing the need for Gryffindors and Slytherins to become friends, or at least get along. As the hat finished it's song, Professor McGonagall started naming all of the new first years to be sorted. She called the first nervous looking first year to the front and placed the hat on her head. Four new first year students went to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff each, three went to Slytherin, and five joined Gryffindor. Almost immediately, Dumbledore stood up and raised his hands, signaling silence.
"Welcome students, new and old! There are only a few announcements to begin with this year. First, I would like to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden as usual. Also, Filch has added to the list of items not allowed on school grounds, which can be found on the bulletin boards in your common rooms. I would also like to introduce you to your new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Stratton. He is here from the States for this year only. I think you will find him to be quite interesting. The final announcement for today who the new head boy and girl will be for this year. We had an especially tough choice this year, but I think we made a good one. These two students have stood out to us since their first years here. They are: Hermione Granger from Gryffindor, and Draco Malfoy from Slytherin!"
Cheers erupted from the two tables drowning out anything else Dumbledore had intended to say so he simply sat down. With a whoosh of his hands, the tables were covered in food of all kinds. The students ate their full, and drank heartedly. Slowly, one by one, they marched off to their common rooms to catch up with one another and to get a good night's sleep their first night back in the castle. Harry and Ron said good night to Hermione as they made their way to their common room, and she went to find out where her new room was.
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Glaring at each other evilly, Malfoy and Hermione were escorted to their new dorms by none other than the new Professor Stratton. On the way, Professor Stratton told them of their new responsibilities. They were to take turns monitoring the halls on Friday and Saturday nights, and plan the large parties and gatherings such as the Halloween party and the Yule Ball. Hermione got a good first impression of her new professor and believed he would prove to be a much better professor than all of the other ones she's had her last six years at Hogwarts, except for maybe Lupin.
When they came to a portrait of a dove, Professor Stratton gave them the password as well as their badges and bid them good night. Hermione assumed the portrait of the dove, which symbolizes peace, was one of Dumbledore's subtle hints about 'uniting the houses'.
"Now," said Professor Stratton, from halfway down the corridor," you two need to find a way to work out your differences. I've heard stories about your rivalries, and I've noticed the two of you glaring at each other the whole way here. I trust you will be able to get along, and that you will stay out of each other's dorms."
Inside, they had a spacious common room with a Wizarding chess set, two inviting red and green leather chairs near the fireplace, and a bookshelf complete with books of the history of the founders and Hogwarts itself. There was also a staircase on the far end of the room with a door to the left for Malfoy, and one a little higher up for Hermione, a door to a covered balcony, and a bathroom in the back. Hermione's bedroom door was red and it had her name on it. Malfoy's was green and had his name on it. It reminded Hermione of Christmas with all of the red and green in the room.
Hermione decided to check out the bathroom while Malfoy looked around the common room. The bathroom contained a very large bathtub with plenty of faucets and pumps for different soaps, scents and different kinds of bubbles along with a double sink. 'I cannot wait to try this out tonight. It's huge! And, it has all of my favorite scents in it, along with many choices of enchanted bubbles.'
As Hermione opened the door to leave the bathroom, she came face to face with Malfoy.
"Careful Granger, don't want to hurt that pretty face of yours," said Malfoy sarcastically.
"You know," replied Hermione, "if we are going to live here together all year long, you may want to drop the sarcastic attitude. It's not very gentlemen like."
"Since when have I ever been a gentleman? Who ever is starting those rumors is just asking to be cursed."
Hermione gave him a dirty look and pushed past him. She headed for the bookshelf to see if there was something here that wasn't at the library.
"Hey, they have the second edition of Hogwarts: A History. I've been looking for this," said Hermione more to herself than anyone else. But, unfortunately, she was overheard by none other than Malfoy
"You really are a little mudblood bookworm aren't you? Who would really want to read that book?" said Malfoy, who was standing incredibly close to her. She could feel his breath on her face. 'Wow, she looks so cute when she is embarrassed.' Thought Malfoy 'I almost feel bad for embarrassing her, but, hey, wait a minute, why should I be, she's just a little Mudblood!'
Hermione, strangely comfortable with their closeness, just stood there, because for the first time she was at a loss for words. She didn't know whether to curse him for being such an arse, or to kiss him because he looked so cute when he tries to get under her skin. She decided to walk over and try out one of the comfortable looking chairs. She was startled when it started moving and let out a small yelp.
"What? Never seen a chair before? These chairs move to fit your body's size and comfort level. I thought you knew everything!" 'I should not be thinking what I'm thinking, I should not be thinking what I'm thinking. I feel a strong urge to go over to her and kiss her, and I can't. That's crazy.'
"No, actually," said Hermione, breaking Malfoy away from his thoughts, "I've never heard of these. I have more important, not to mention more interesting things to read than furniture catalogs."
"Ouch, that one hurt," joked Malfoy. "Well, I'm going to go and take a bath. Please, don't interrupt me, as tempting as it may be for you to join me." With that he turned on his heel and walked into the bathroom closing and locking the door behind him.
For the second time today, Hermione was at a loss for words. 'I cannot believe he would even fathom the thought that I would WANT to come and see him in the bath!' Hermione sat there for quite sometime dwelling on that thought, continuing the argument with herself from earlier that day on the train. Eventually, she grew tired and retired to her bedroom where her trunk was waiting for her. She slipped into her brand new gold and red striped PJs and climbed into the silk sheets of her bed, where she fell into a deep sleep in a matter of minutes.
------------------------------------------------------------------- AN: Well, how do you like the second chapter? I'm pretty satisfied. Please review!! The more reviews the faster I will write. I read all of them and take your comments seriously, changing things when I think you have provided a good point.
Chapter 2: Settling In
As the train arrived in Hogsmeade, a familiar friendly, large, hairy face was there to greet all of the students. Hermione, Harry and Ron all said their hellos and promised to visit Hagrid the first chance they got. As usual, Hagrid took the first years across the lake to the castle by boat. The rest of the students took the carriages to the front door of the school. Professor McGonagall greeted all of the students with a tired looking smile and led them into the great hall. The ceiling reflected the weather outside, along with moods of most of the students, cold, and rainy and miserable.
The hall itself almost looked tired. The teachers sure did, especially Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore, and an unfamiliar face, which Harry said was the new DADA teacher. Hermione figured it was from helping The Order and trying to unite everyone together, which was quite a job. She had heard from Harry that they were having some problems with the goblins and giants; though they thought they were making progress with the giants, finally. Snape looked especially weary. He didn't even scowl at Harry as he walked in, which was something to be noted. Dumbledore had certainly lost a part of his twinkle, and McGonagall looked 10 years older. The constant possible threat from Voldermort definitely showed on most of the staff.
Hermione sat down at the end of the Gryffindor table along with Ron, Harry, Neville, Ginny, Seamus, Lavender, and Pavarti. Malfoy had ditched Pansy and sat in between Crabe and Goyle on the other side of the room, at the Slytherin table.
The hall grew quite as the sorting hat started singing it's yearly song. This year it was again about unity, stressing the need for Gryffindors and Slytherins to become friends, or at least get along. As the hat finished it's song, Professor McGonagall started naming all of the new first years to be sorted. She called the first nervous looking first year to the front and placed the hat on her head. Four new first year students went to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff each, three went to Slytherin, and five joined Gryffindor. Almost immediately, Dumbledore stood up and raised his hands, signaling silence.
"Welcome students, new and old! There are only a few announcements to begin with this year. First, I would like to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden as usual. Also, Filch has added to the list of items not allowed on school grounds, which can be found on the bulletin boards in your common rooms. I would also like to introduce you to your new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Stratton. He is here from the States for this year only. I think you will find him to be quite interesting. The final announcement for today who the new head boy and girl will be for this year. We had an especially tough choice this year, but I think we made a good one. These two students have stood out to us since their first years here. They are: Hermione Granger from Gryffindor, and Draco Malfoy from Slytherin!"
Cheers erupted from the two tables drowning out anything else Dumbledore had intended to say so he simply sat down. With a whoosh of his hands, the tables were covered in food of all kinds. The students ate their full, and drank heartedly. Slowly, one by one, they marched off to their common rooms to catch up with one another and to get a good night's sleep their first night back in the castle. Harry and Ron said good night to Hermione as they made their way to their common room, and she went to find out where her new room was.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Glaring at each other evilly, Malfoy and Hermione were escorted to their new dorms by none other than the new Professor Stratton. On the way, Professor Stratton told them of their new responsibilities. They were to take turns monitoring the halls on Friday and Saturday nights, and plan the large parties and gatherings such as the Halloween party and the Yule Ball. Hermione got a good first impression of her new professor and believed he would prove to be a much better professor than all of the other ones she's had her last six years at Hogwarts, except for maybe Lupin.
When they came to a portrait of a dove, Professor Stratton gave them the password as well as their badges and bid them good night. Hermione assumed the portrait of the dove, which symbolizes peace, was one of Dumbledore's subtle hints about 'uniting the houses'.
"Now," said Professor Stratton, from halfway down the corridor," you two need to find a way to work out your differences. I've heard stories about your rivalries, and I've noticed the two of you glaring at each other the whole way here. I trust you will be able to get along, and that you will stay out of each other's dorms."
Inside, they had a spacious common room with a Wizarding chess set, two inviting red and green leather chairs near the fireplace, and a bookshelf complete with books of the history of the founders and Hogwarts itself. There was also a staircase on the far end of the room with a door to the left for Malfoy, and one a little higher up for Hermione, a door to a covered balcony, and a bathroom in the back. Hermione's bedroom door was red and it had her name on it. Malfoy's was green and had his name on it. It reminded Hermione of Christmas with all of the red and green in the room.
Hermione decided to check out the bathroom while Malfoy looked around the common room. The bathroom contained a very large bathtub with plenty of faucets and pumps for different soaps, scents and different kinds of bubbles along with a double sink. 'I cannot wait to try this out tonight. It's huge! And, it has all of my favorite scents in it, along with many choices of enchanted bubbles.'
As Hermione opened the door to leave the bathroom, she came face to face with Malfoy.
"Careful Granger, don't want to hurt that pretty face of yours," said Malfoy sarcastically.
"You know," replied Hermione, "if we are going to live here together all year long, you may want to drop the sarcastic attitude. It's not very gentlemen like."
"Since when have I ever been a gentleman? Who ever is starting those rumors is just asking to be cursed."
Hermione gave him a dirty look and pushed past him. She headed for the bookshelf to see if there was something here that wasn't at the library.
"Hey, they have the second edition of Hogwarts: A History. I've been looking for this," said Hermione more to herself than anyone else. But, unfortunately, she was overheard by none other than Malfoy
"You really are a little mudblood bookworm aren't you? Who would really want to read that book?" said Malfoy, who was standing incredibly close to her. She could feel his breath on her face. 'Wow, she looks so cute when she is embarrassed.' Thought Malfoy 'I almost feel bad for embarrassing her, but, hey, wait a minute, why should I be, she's just a little Mudblood!'
Hermione, strangely comfortable with their closeness, just stood there, because for the first time she was at a loss for words. She didn't know whether to curse him for being such an arse, or to kiss him because he looked so cute when he tries to get under her skin. She decided to walk over and try out one of the comfortable looking chairs. She was startled when it started moving and let out a small yelp.
"What? Never seen a chair before? These chairs move to fit your body's size and comfort level. I thought you knew everything!" 'I should not be thinking what I'm thinking, I should not be thinking what I'm thinking. I feel a strong urge to go over to her and kiss her, and I can't. That's crazy.'
"No, actually," said Hermione, breaking Malfoy away from his thoughts, "I've never heard of these. I have more important, not to mention more interesting things to read than furniture catalogs."
"Ouch, that one hurt," joked Malfoy. "Well, I'm going to go and take a bath. Please, don't interrupt me, as tempting as it may be for you to join me." With that he turned on his heel and walked into the bathroom closing and locking the door behind him.
For the second time today, Hermione was at a loss for words. 'I cannot believe he would even fathom the thought that I would WANT to come and see him in the bath!' Hermione sat there for quite sometime dwelling on that thought, continuing the argument with herself from earlier that day on the train. Eventually, she grew tired and retired to her bedroom where her trunk was waiting for her. She slipped into her brand new gold and red striped PJs and climbed into the silk sheets of her bed, where she fell into a deep sleep in a matter of minutes.
------------------------------------------------------------------- AN: Well, how do you like the second chapter? I'm pretty satisfied. Please review!! The more reviews the faster I will write. I read all of them and take your comments seriously, changing things when I think you have provided a good point.