Hearts Combined
~* I've decided to start yet another Fic, this is a Draco/Hermione fic for all you D/H shippers. Hope you guys like this one! If you want, check out my other fic's, they're on my Bio. If you like lots of Harry, then I suggest you don't read this fic, because in this, he is dead, which is sad. *~
Disclaimer ~ I don't own any characters, or places used in this fiction. I only own Anivatria, the evil witch in my fiction. . . mua ha ha ha ha !!
Chapter 1 ~ Back To School
Hermione had gotten her Hogwarts letter, and was all set to meet her best friends, Ron and Ginny, for their school shopping before their seventh year of Hogwarts commenced. Back in their sixth year, Harry had fought with Lord Voldemort, and as a result, both Wizards were killed in a duel, much like the one they had gotten into in Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts. The impact of the small golden bead onto Harry's wand backfired, killing them both. Hermione and Ron were very stressed about this, as it had happened not long ago, towards the end of their sixth year.
Harry's death had come as a shock to everyone who knew him. They had all thought that he would have been strong enough to defeat Lord Voldemort without he himself getting hurt, let alone killed, in the process. This year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would not be the same without Harry.
However, some good things had come of Harry's sacrifice. No one was afraid to say "Voldemort" these days, Harry had gone down in history as a famous Wizard for defeating Voldemort, and no one was scared for their lives anymore.
Hermione was walking through Diagon Alley with her parents, who kept stopping at shops to look in the window's at the Magical Equipment they held. Hermione had arranged with Ron and Ginny to meet them at Flourish and Blotts at ten o'clock that morning. It was now five minutes to ten, and Mr and Mrs Granger were keeping Hermione from making it to Flourish and Blotts before ten. She looked impatiently at her wrist watch, and stamped her feet, waiting for her parents to come away from the store they were currently looking in.
'Mum, dad, come on! Ron and Ginny are waiting!' Hermione called out.
'You go on ahead dear, we'll catch up with you soon.' Was the only reply she received. So with this, Hermione went on alone to Flourish and Blotts, where she found Ginny and Ron sitting outside, eating ice-creams.
'Hi Hermione!' Ginny said, jumping up to give her friend a hug.
'Hey Ginny, hey Ron.' Hermione said, as she let go of Ginny.
'How are you Hermione?' Ron asked sympathetically.
'I'm not too bad, I guess the shock of Harry's death hit me a little harder than I suspected, but I'm learning to accept it.' Hermione said to Ron, giving her red headed friend a hug.
'Shall we go find our books? They say that seventh year is really hard.' Ron said.
'What about sixth year?' Ginny piped up.
'That's not too bad, just basically preparing you for your seventh year NEWTS.' Ron answered.
'Oh.' Ginny replied. 'I need The Book of OWLS by Miranda Goshawk.' Ginny said, reading her book list, and she disappeared into Flourish and Blotts, returning a few minutes later with a thick book in her hands.
'Right, let's go get the rest of our school stuff.' Ron said.
~***~
'Goodbye Hermione, have a great year, we're both very sorry about your friend Harry. Wish you the best in your exams! See you at the end of the year?' Mr Granger said.
'End of the year? I thought we discussed that I was coming home for Christmas?' Hermione cried.
'Well, sorry dear, but we'll be away in Egypt doing some charity dental work. The people over there really need it love, sorry.' Mrs Granger said, placing a hand covered in rings on Hermione's shoulder.
'Bye mum, bye dad.' Hermione kissed both her parents on the cheek, and ran through the barrier that led to Platform 9 ¾, to find Ron and Ginny.
She located the pair of red heads just entering the train. Hermione left her trunk with one of the people who loaded the train, grabbed Crookshanks, and followed Ron and Ginny all the way into a compartment with Neville, and Luna Lovegood, before they even noticed that she was following them. Hermione sat down opposite Ginny, Ron and Neville, next to Luna, who was reading an article in The Quibber.
'Oh hi Hermione!' Ron and Ginny said in unison.
'Hi Hermione.' Luna said, not looking up from her article. Neville waved cheerfully.
'Guess what? Nan's bought me an owl!' He said gleefully, motioning to the tawny owl in the cage next to him. Hermione hadn't noticed it until Neville had said something. The owl was lovely and quiet. There were three owls, and a cat in the compartment. Crookshanks, Neville's owl, Pig, and Hedwig. Harry had left Hedwig to Ginny, because Hedwig had always liked Ginny. Hedwig had been pining for her master all holidays, but had finally accepted the inevitable.
'Wow, that's great Neville!' Hermione said, 'What did you name it?'
'Her name is Georgia.' Neville said proudly.
'What a pretty name!' Ginny cooed over Georgia.
'If it was a male owl, I would have named him Harry.' Neville said, causing a wave of sadness to rush over the compartment. 'Sorry.' Neville quickly muttered.
'That's alright Neville.' Hermione said sympathetically.
'So Hermione,' Ginny said cheerfully, changing the subject. 'You never did tell us about what happened with you and Krum?'
Hermione's heart dropped. She knew that one of her friends was bound to ask that question, she had just hoped it wouldn't come out as soon as it did.
'Well,' She began. 'At the end of last year, after Harry's death, it was announced that there was to be another International Quidditch Cup to celebrate. This time all Countries were included.' Hermione paused. 'Viktor said that he loved me and everything, but he wanted to go and train for, and play in the Quidditch Cup. So we decided to remain friends, and keep in touch from time to time.' Hermione said. 'And besides, I think he's moved out of Europe as well.'
'Aw, that's a shame Hermione, you and Krum looked great together.' Luna said, still involved greatly in the article.
'What cha reading Luna?' Ron asked, looking curiously at her copy of The Quibber.
'Well,' Luna began, finally looking up. 'It's an "aftermath" article on Harry's fight with Voldemort.'
'Oh, okay then, I was just curious.' Ron mumbled.
'So Hermione, is there any chance of you and Krum getting back together later on?' Ginny asked, still stroking Georgia's feathers through the bars of her cage.
'I'm not sure, I'll just have to wait to find out I suppose.' Hermione sighed.
Judy Fairweather, a Hufflepuff seventh year opened the door to their compartment. She was accompanied by her friends, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones and Sasha Shannon, who were also in Hufflepuff seventh year.
'Do any of you find it at all weird that the Head Boy, Head Girl and this year's Prefects haven't been announced? I thought that students got their badges in the post with their Hogwarts letters.' Judy said.
'We've been to every compartment, asking around, because Hannah was so sure she would have been Head Girl, and so far, no one's received their badges.' Sasha said.
'Unless you and Ron are Head Boy and Girl.' Susan said to Hermione. Hannah remained silent, twirling her golden blonde hair around her pinky finger.
'No, sorry guys, we haven't heard anything about Prefects, or Heads. Now that you mention it, it is quite strange. Maybe Dumbledore's trying something new this year?' Hermione said.
'Okay, we were just checking with you guys before we confirmed it.' Hannah said.
'Confirmed what?' Luna asked.
'That I still might have a chance of becoming Head Girl. I mean, most of the teachers took a shine to me last year, and I've been trying really hard to be a good student.' Hannah replied.
'Good luck to you Hannah.' Hermione said politely, secretly hoping that she would be Head Girl, but smiled sweetly to Hannah.
'Thank you Hermione, I would have thought you would want to be Head Girl though?' Hannah said.
'Well, I'm not really sure if I do or not, I mean, I do have a lot on my chest at the moment.' Hermione was referring to Harry's death and her break up with Viktor, but she still wanted to be Head Girl.
'We're all very sorry about Harry's death.' Judy said sadly.
'Yeah, he was really brave to sacrifice his life so that we could have a Voldemort free one.' Sasha said, bowing her head.
'I thought you guys were too afraid of Voldemort to say his name?' Ginny asked.
'We say it out of respect to Harry.' Susan said. This caused Hermione's eyes to water slightly.
'That's very nice of you.' Luna told the Hufflepuff girls.
'Well, we'd better be heading back to our compartment now,
'Bye girls.' Hermione said, holding in her tears.
~***~
When the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogwarts, Hermione and Ron got off together, but they were split up with Neville, Luna and Ginny. Hermione looked around frantically for their friends, but had no luck. There were simply too many people waiting to get in their carriages to take them up to the Hogwarts Castle.
Ron and Hermione got into a carriage, which already contained Parvati and Padma Patil.
'Hi Hermione, hi Ron.' Parvati said cheerfully.
'Hi.' Padma said, equally as cheerful.
'Hey Parvati and Padma!' Hermione said as she climbed into the carriage.
'We're sorry about Harry.' Parvati said, her eyes slightly watering. Before Harry had died fighting Voldemort, Parvati and Harry had been an item. They hadn't been together for long, but Parvati had really liked him, and was most devastated to find out of his death.
'It's okay Parvati.' Hermione said, putting a comforting arm around her fellow Gryffindor friend. The only way that Ron and Hermione could tell the difference between the twins was their school robes, which had different coloured lining. Parvati's had reddish-maroon, while Padma's had brilliant blue.
The four seventh years sat in silence as they were driven in their carriage all the way up to the Hogwarts Castle.
When they arrived, the three Gryffindor's said their goodbye's to Padma as she departed over to the Ravenclaw table to join her friends. Ron, Hermione and Parvati took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Hermione finally spotted Ginny and Neville, who were sitting with Lavender. She and Ron shuffled down so that they were near to Ginny and Neville. Lavender said a quick hello to Ron and Hermione, before scooting off to sit with Parvati.
There was a lot of noise in the Great Hall as more and more students piled in. When the four house tables were finally filled up with second year to seventh year students, the noise level lowered. Most heads were facing the door leading to the Entrance Hall, anxiously awaiting the arrival and sorting of the new first years. A few minutes later, Professor McGonagall walked into the Great Hall, closely followed by a bunch of first years, waiting to be sorted into their houses.
The sorting ceremony was long. The sorting hat had written a song as a tribute to Harry Potter, who had given his life to save the rest of us. When the students were sorted into Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, Professor McGonagall removed the sorting hat, and Dumbledore rose. A silence filled the Great Hall as Dumbledore began to speak.
'As most of you know, Harry Potter was a loyal student to Hogwarts School. He met his demise in a battle with the most feared wizard in over a thousand years, Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter sacrificed himself so that the rest of us could live safely, and have great lives. In the Entrance Hall, a memorial for Harry Potter is being constructed. Please feel free to go and visit it at any time, and pay your respect to Harry Potter.' Dumbledore bowed his head. 'Who would like to join me in a minutes silence to commemorate Harry?' He looked out among the sea of faces which made up Hogwarts. The Headmaster then bowed his head. Not one single student spoke during that minute. Not even Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins. Everyone was respectful towards Harry, and they were grateful towards him of the sacrifice he had made.
When the minute was over, Dumbledore looked up. Some students were crying; Parvati Patil, Hermione, Ginny, and even Ron. The rest of the school looked sad, and depressed.
'Now then, welcome back to a new school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.' Dumbledore continued with a cheery smile.
There were some murmurs within the seventh year students, obviously about the hopeful announcement of the Head Boy and Head Girl. Also, students in fifth and sixth year were muttering excitedly about the announcement of Prefects.
'Is is my proud duty, as it always is, to announce the Head Boy and Head Girl for this year at Hogwarts.' Dumbledore said. Over in the Hufflepuff table, the seventh years, and some younger years, had their fingers crossed for Hannah Abbott.
Hermione silently hoped that Dumbledore would call out her name, but all she could do was wait.
'This year, I have decided not to send out the Heads and Prefects Badges in the post with your school letters. This will be the new system from now on. I have decided to go about it this way, due to numerous complaints that Prefects and Heads were bragging to Muggles, without thinking, that they were Prefects and Head Boy or Girl. This aroused suspicion within the Muggle Community, so I have decided to take on the pleasure of announcing these people at the grand feast to begin the school year.' Dumbledore finally paused, to take a breath, and to build suspense. 'Each Prefect is from 6th year. This way, Prefects won't be expecting to be nominated in 5th and 6th year at Hogwarts. Every Prefect from now on will be in 6th year.'
Every single student in the Great Hall was anxiously awaiting the announcement that Dumbledore was about to make.
'And without further adue, the Prefects for Ravenclaw are Luna Lovegood in 6th year, and Tony Waters in 6th year.' Dumbledore announced. There were cheers from the Ravenclaw table as Luna and Tony walked up to the table where Dumbledore was. He handed Luna a bronze shield shaped badge with a blue "R" in the middle of it. "Luna Lovegood" was engraved into the bronze part at the bottom of the badge. Tony Waters received one the same as Luna's, except his had "Tony Waters" engraved into the bottom of the badge.
There was more clapping as the two Ravenclaw Prefects returned to their seats at the Ravenclaw table, showing their friends their Prefect Badges.
'The Prefects for Hufflepuff are Allison Ashby in 6th year, and Mitchell Taylor in 6th year.' Dumbledore continued. Hufflepuffs cheered their new Prefects as Allison and Mitchell walked up to Dumbledore. Allison received a black shield shaped badge with a yellow "H" in the middle. "Allison Ashby" was engraved at the bottom of the badge. Mitchell received one the same, but with "Mitchell Taylor" engraved at the bottom.
Mitchell and Allison returned to their seats and immediately passed around their Prefect Badges for their friends and fellow housemates to see.
'The Prefects for Slytherin are Samantha Daily in 6th year, and Joel Reiley in 6th year.' Dumbledore said. There was hooting and whistling from the Slytherin Table, as Samantha and Joel walked up to Dumbledore, sneering at the other houses as they passed them. Dumbledore handed Samantha a shining silver shield badge with a brilliant green "S" in the middle of the badge. At the bottom, "Samantha Daily" was engraved in it. Dumbledore gave Joel a badge like Samantha's, except his had "Joel Reiley" engraved at the bottom.
Slytherins cheered as their new Prefects headed back to their table, and some students in other houses clapped politely as Samantha and Joel walked past.
'The final lot of Prefects, are from of corse, Gryffindor. The Gryffindor Prefects for this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are Ginny Weasley in 6th year, and Phillip Cassady in 6th year.' The Gryffindor's cheered more than any other house had when their Prefects had been announced. Ginny and Phillip walked up to Dumbledore proudly. Dumbledore gave Ginny a beautiful, sparkling gold shield badge with a deep, pretty red "G" in the middle of it. On the bottom of the badge was "Ginny Weasley" engraved into it. Phillip received a badge just like Ginny's, but his had "Phillip Cassady" engraved on the bottom.
The new Gryffindor Prefects made their way back to their seats, and the Gryffindor's cheered them as they sat down. Ginny showed her badge to Hermione and Ron. Neville also looked on in interest.
'That's a beautiful badge Ginny, it's a shame they didn't have ones like that when we were Prefects, right Ron?' Hermione said, admiring the badge.
'Yeah, congratulations Ginny, mum and dad'll be so pleased.' Ron said, hugging his little sister. Yet, Dumbledore wasn't finished with the announcements quite yet. He was still standing, and waiting for the noise to subdue. When everyone finally fell silent after the excitement of the new Prefects, and their brand new Badges, Dumbledore cleared his throat.
'As many of you are fully aware, I have not yet announced who will be out Head Boy and Head Girl this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.' Dumbledore said. Hermione crossed her fingers. So did Hannah Abbott.
The Great Hall was filled with dead silence. Lots of people were holding their breath's, waiting anxiously for the announcement of Head Boy and Head Girl.
'This year's Head Boy will be Draco Malfoy.' Dumbledore said with a smile. Every single Slytherin cheered for their newly appointed Head Boy of Hogwarts. Malfoy sauntered up to the teachers table and over to Dumbledore. He was handed a "slightly-larger-than-the-Prefect's" shield badge, which bore the Hogwarts Emblem. Each section of the shield badge was like a mini version of the Prefect's Badges, except with an animal (Lion, Snake, Badger and Raven) surrounding their house letter. There was a beautiful "H" in the middle of the badge, and "Draco Malfoy" was engraved into the bottom of the badge. Dumbledore shook Draco's hand, and he went back to his seat at the Slytherin table, showing off his Head Boy Badge along the way.
Each and every seventh year student were sitting on the edge of their chairs for the announcement of the Head Girl. Each student either hoping it would be them, or hoping that the Head Girl would be from their house.
'This year, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Head Girl will be Hermione Granger from Gryffindor!' Dumbledore said excitedly. Hermione's head went spinning. She blinked a few times, suddenly noticing that everyone who knew who she was, was looking at her. She forced herself to her feet, and walked slowly towards Dumbledore. She felt like she was light weighted, and her head kept spinning. After what seemed like a life time, Hermione reached Dumbledore, who was smiling warmly at her. She shook his hand, and he handed her the Head Girl Badge. HER Head Girl Badge. It was exactly alike to Malfoy's Head Boy Badge, but it had "Hermione Granger" engraved into the bottom of it. Hermione's eyes watered with happiness. She had hoped all summer that she would be Head Girl, but had been disappointed when the Head Girl Badge had not come with her letter.
Each Gryffindor clapped and cheered loudly as Hermione walked back to her seat next to Ron and Ginny, who both were beaming proudly at their best friend. Hermione took her seat, and Ron immediately hugged his friend, eyeing her Head Girl Badge.
'Well done Hermione!' Said a Gryffindor who Hermione did not know.
'Great work Hermione!' Colin Creevey said proudly.
'Good on ya Herm.' Ron said.
~***~
When the final golden plates had been cleared, Dumbledore got to his feet.
'Prefects, you know your house Passwords, when you have led your first years to your Common Rooms, and showed them around, I would like you to come back down to the Entrance Hall. Head Boy and Girl, I would like you two to stay in the Entrance Hall when everyone else goes up to their Common Rooms.' Dumbledore said. There was a large amount of noise as everyone tried to leave the Great Hall at once. Hermione said a quick goodbye to Ron, Ginny and Neville, as she remained seated at the Gryffindor Table.
When everyone had cleared out, she made her way out of the door and into the Entrance Hall, where she saw Draco Malfoy, leaning against the stair railing, admiring his new badge. Hermione walked over to lean against the railing next to Draco.
'Congratulations Malfoy.' She said, not looking at him.
'You too. Wonder what they want us for?' He said, also not looking towards Hermione.
'Guess we'll just have to wait for the Prefects, to find out.' Hermione said, this time, looking over at Draco. He looked at her.
'Looks very much like we'll be spending the year together.' Draco said.
'True.' Was all Hermione said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
~* That's the first chapter. What do you think of it? I've made the Prefects sort of like sports captains that we have at my school, and the Head Boy and Head Girl are like the School Captains. That's why I made a big deal out of them being announced. Please review and tell me what you guys think! *~
~Gryffindor Gal~
~* I've decided to start yet another Fic, this is a Draco/Hermione fic for all you D/H shippers. Hope you guys like this one! If you want, check out my other fic's, they're on my Bio. If you like lots of Harry, then I suggest you don't read this fic, because in this, he is dead, which is sad. *~
Disclaimer ~ I don't own any characters, or places used in this fiction. I only own Anivatria, the evil witch in my fiction. . . mua ha ha ha ha !!
Chapter 1 ~ Back To School
Hermione had gotten her Hogwarts letter, and was all set to meet her best friends, Ron and Ginny, for their school shopping before their seventh year of Hogwarts commenced. Back in their sixth year, Harry had fought with Lord Voldemort, and as a result, both Wizards were killed in a duel, much like the one they had gotten into in Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts. The impact of the small golden bead onto Harry's wand backfired, killing them both. Hermione and Ron were very stressed about this, as it had happened not long ago, towards the end of their sixth year.
Harry's death had come as a shock to everyone who knew him. They had all thought that he would have been strong enough to defeat Lord Voldemort without he himself getting hurt, let alone killed, in the process. This year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would not be the same without Harry.
However, some good things had come of Harry's sacrifice. No one was afraid to say "Voldemort" these days, Harry had gone down in history as a famous Wizard for defeating Voldemort, and no one was scared for their lives anymore.
Hermione was walking through Diagon Alley with her parents, who kept stopping at shops to look in the window's at the Magical Equipment they held. Hermione had arranged with Ron and Ginny to meet them at Flourish and Blotts at ten o'clock that morning. It was now five minutes to ten, and Mr and Mrs Granger were keeping Hermione from making it to Flourish and Blotts before ten. She looked impatiently at her wrist watch, and stamped her feet, waiting for her parents to come away from the store they were currently looking in.
'Mum, dad, come on! Ron and Ginny are waiting!' Hermione called out.
'You go on ahead dear, we'll catch up with you soon.' Was the only reply she received. So with this, Hermione went on alone to Flourish and Blotts, where she found Ginny and Ron sitting outside, eating ice-creams.
'Hi Hermione!' Ginny said, jumping up to give her friend a hug.
'Hey Ginny, hey Ron.' Hermione said, as she let go of Ginny.
'How are you Hermione?' Ron asked sympathetically.
'I'm not too bad, I guess the shock of Harry's death hit me a little harder than I suspected, but I'm learning to accept it.' Hermione said to Ron, giving her red headed friend a hug.
'Shall we go find our books? They say that seventh year is really hard.' Ron said.
'What about sixth year?' Ginny piped up.
'That's not too bad, just basically preparing you for your seventh year NEWTS.' Ron answered.
'Oh.' Ginny replied. 'I need The Book of OWLS by Miranda Goshawk.' Ginny said, reading her book list, and she disappeared into Flourish and Blotts, returning a few minutes later with a thick book in her hands.
'Right, let's go get the rest of our school stuff.' Ron said.
~***~
'Goodbye Hermione, have a great year, we're both very sorry about your friend Harry. Wish you the best in your exams! See you at the end of the year?' Mr Granger said.
'End of the year? I thought we discussed that I was coming home for Christmas?' Hermione cried.
'Well, sorry dear, but we'll be away in Egypt doing some charity dental work. The people over there really need it love, sorry.' Mrs Granger said, placing a hand covered in rings on Hermione's shoulder.
'Bye mum, bye dad.' Hermione kissed both her parents on the cheek, and ran through the barrier that led to Platform 9 ¾, to find Ron and Ginny.
She located the pair of red heads just entering the train. Hermione left her trunk with one of the people who loaded the train, grabbed Crookshanks, and followed Ron and Ginny all the way into a compartment with Neville, and Luna Lovegood, before they even noticed that she was following them. Hermione sat down opposite Ginny, Ron and Neville, next to Luna, who was reading an article in The Quibber.
'Oh hi Hermione!' Ron and Ginny said in unison.
'Hi Hermione.' Luna said, not looking up from her article. Neville waved cheerfully.
'Guess what? Nan's bought me an owl!' He said gleefully, motioning to the tawny owl in the cage next to him. Hermione hadn't noticed it until Neville had said something. The owl was lovely and quiet. There were three owls, and a cat in the compartment. Crookshanks, Neville's owl, Pig, and Hedwig. Harry had left Hedwig to Ginny, because Hedwig had always liked Ginny. Hedwig had been pining for her master all holidays, but had finally accepted the inevitable.
'Wow, that's great Neville!' Hermione said, 'What did you name it?'
'Her name is Georgia.' Neville said proudly.
'What a pretty name!' Ginny cooed over Georgia.
'If it was a male owl, I would have named him Harry.' Neville said, causing a wave of sadness to rush over the compartment. 'Sorry.' Neville quickly muttered.
'That's alright Neville.' Hermione said sympathetically.
'So Hermione,' Ginny said cheerfully, changing the subject. 'You never did tell us about what happened with you and Krum?'
Hermione's heart dropped. She knew that one of her friends was bound to ask that question, she had just hoped it wouldn't come out as soon as it did.
'Well,' She began. 'At the end of last year, after Harry's death, it was announced that there was to be another International Quidditch Cup to celebrate. This time all Countries were included.' Hermione paused. 'Viktor said that he loved me and everything, but he wanted to go and train for, and play in the Quidditch Cup. So we decided to remain friends, and keep in touch from time to time.' Hermione said. 'And besides, I think he's moved out of Europe as well.'
'Aw, that's a shame Hermione, you and Krum looked great together.' Luna said, still involved greatly in the article.
'What cha reading Luna?' Ron asked, looking curiously at her copy of The Quibber.
'Well,' Luna began, finally looking up. 'It's an "aftermath" article on Harry's fight with Voldemort.'
'Oh, okay then, I was just curious.' Ron mumbled.
'So Hermione, is there any chance of you and Krum getting back together later on?' Ginny asked, still stroking Georgia's feathers through the bars of her cage.
'I'm not sure, I'll just have to wait to find out I suppose.' Hermione sighed.
Judy Fairweather, a Hufflepuff seventh year opened the door to their compartment. She was accompanied by her friends, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones and Sasha Shannon, who were also in Hufflepuff seventh year.
'Do any of you find it at all weird that the Head Boy, Head Girl and this year's Prefects haven't been announced? I thought that students got their badges in the post with their Hogwarts letters.' Judy said.
'We've been to every compartment, asking around, because Hannah was so sure she would have been Head Girl, and so far, no one's received their badges.' Sasha said.
'Unless you and Ron are Head Boy and Girl.' Susan said to Hermione. Hannah remained silent, twirling her golden blonde hair around her pinky finger.
'No, sorry guys, we haven't heard anything about Prefects, or Heads. Now that you mention it, it is quite strange. Maybe Dumbledore's trying something new this year?' Hermione said.
'Okay, we were just checking with you guys before we confirmed it.' Hannah said.
'Confirmed what?' Luna asked.
'That I still might have a chance of becoming Head Girl. I mean, most of the teachers took a shine to me last year, and I've been trying really hard to be a good student.' Hannah replied.
'Good luck to you Hannah.' Hermione said politely, secretly hoping that she would be Head Girl, but smiled sweetly to Hannah.
'Thank you Hermione, I would have thought you would want to be Head Girl though?' Hannah said.
'Well, I'm not really sure if I do or not, I mean, I do have a lot on my chest at the moment.' Hermione was referring to Harry's death and her break up with Viktor, but she still wanted to be Head Girl.
'We're all very sorry about Harry's death.' Judy said sadly.
'Yeah, he was really brave to sacrifice his life so that we could have a Voldemort free one.' Sasha said, bowing her head.
'I thought you guys were too afraid of Voldemort to say his name?' Ginny asked.
'We say it out of respect to Harry.' Susan said. This caused Hermione's eyes to water slightly.
'That's very nice of you.' Luna told the Hufflepuff girls.
'Well, we'd better be heading back to our compartment now,
'Bye girls.' Hermione said, holding in her tears.
~***~
When the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogwarts, Hermione and Ron got off together, but they were split up with Neville, Luna and Ginny. Hermione looked around frantically for their friends, but had no luck. There were simply too many people waiting to get in their carriages to take them up to the Hogwarts Castle.
Ron and Hermione got into a carriage, which already contained Parvati and Padma Patil.
'Hi Hermione, hi Ron.' Parvati said cheerfully.
'Hi.' Padma said, equally as cheerful.
'Hey Parvati and Padma!' Hermione said as she climbed into the carriage.
'We're sorry about Harry.' Parvati said, her eyes slightly watering. Before Harry had died fighting Voldemort, Parvati and Harry had been an item. They hadn't been together for long, but Parvati had really liked him, and was most devastated to find out of his death.
'It's okay Parvati.' Hermione said, putting a comforting arm around her fellow Gryffindor friend. The only way that Ron and Hermione could tell the difference between the twins was their school robes, which had different coloured lining. Parvati's had reddish-maroon, while Padma's had brilliant blue.
The four seventh years sat in silence as they were driven in their carriage all the way up to the Hogwarts Castle.
When they arrived, the three Gryffindor's said their goodbye's to Padma as she departed over to the Ravenclaw table to join her friends. Ron, Hermione and Parvati took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Hermione finally spotted Ginny and Neville, who were sitting with Lavender. She and Ron shuffled down so that they were near to Ginny and Neville. Lavender said a quick hello to Ron and Hermione, before scooting off to sit with Parvati.
There was a lot of noise in the Great Hall as more and more students piled in. When the four house tables were finally filled up with second year to seventh year students, the noise level lowered. Most heads were facing the door leading to the Entrance Hall, anxiously awaiting the arrival and sorting of the new first years. A few minutes later, Professor McGonagall walked into the Great Hall, closely followed by a bunch of first years, waiting to be sorted into their houses.
The sorting ceremony was long. The sorting hat had written a song as a tribute to Harry Potter, who had given his life to save the rest of us. When the students were sorted into Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, Professor McGonagall removed the sorting hat, and Dumbledore rose. A silence filled the Great Hall as Dumbledore began to speak.
'As most of you know, Harry Potter was a loyal student to Hogwarts School. He met his demise in a battle with the most feared wizard in over a thousand years, Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter sacrificed himself so that the rest of us could live safely, and have great lives. In the Entrance Hall, a memorial for Harry Potter is being constructed. Please feel free to go and visit it at any time, and pay your respect to Harry Potter.' Dumbledore bowed his head. 'Who would like to join me in a minutes silence to commemorate Harry?' He looked out among the sea of faces which made up Hogwarts. The Headmaster then bowed his head. Not one single student spoke during that minute. Not even Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins. Everyone was respectful towards Harry, and they were grateful towards him of the sacrifice he had made.
When the minute was over, Dumbledore looked up. Some students were crying; Parvati Patil, Hermione, Ginny, and even Ron. The rest of the school looked sad, and depressed.
'Now then, welcome back to a new school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.' Dumbledore continued with a cheery smile.
There were some murmurs within the seventh year students, obviously about the hopeful announcement of the Head Boy and Head Girl. Also, students in fifth and sixth year were muttering excitedly about the announcement of Prefects.
'Is is my proud duty, as it always is, to announce the Head Boy and Head Girl for this year at Hogwarts.' Dumbledore said. Over in the Hufflepuff table, the seventh years, and some younger years, had their fingers crossed for Hannah Abbott.
Hermione silently hoped that Dumbledore would call out her name, but all she could do was wait.
'This year, I have decided not to send out the Heads and Prefects Badges in the post with your school letters. This will be the new system from now on. I have decided to go about it this way, due to numerous complaints that Prefects and Heads were bragging to Muggles, without thinking, that they were Prefects and Head Boy or Girl. This aroused suspicion within the Muggle Community, so I have decided to take on the pleasure of announcing these people at the grand feast to begin the school year.' Dumbledore finally paused, to take a breath, and to build suspense. 'Each Prefect is from 6th year. This way, Prefects won't be expecting to be nominated in 5th and 6th year at Hogwarts. Every Prefect from now on will be in 6th year.'
Every single student in the Great Hall was anxiously awaiting the announcement that Dumbledore was about to make.
'And without further adue, the Prefects for Ravenclaw are Luna Lovegood in 6th year, and Tony Waters in 6th year.' Dumbledore announced. There were cheers from the Ravenclaw table as Luna and Tony walked up to the table where Dumbledore was. He handed Luna a bronze shield shaped badge with a blue "R" in the middle of it. "Luna Lovegood" was engraved into the bronze part at the bottom of the badge. Tony Waters received one the same as Luna's, except his had "Tony Waters" engraved into the bottom of the badge.
There was more clapping as the two Ravenclaw Prefects returned to their seats at the Ravenclaw table, showing their friends their Prefect Badges.
'The Prefects for Hufflepuff are Allison Ashby in 6th year, and Mitchell Taylor in 6th year.' Dumbledore continued. Hufflepuffs cheered their new Prefects as Allison and Mitchell walked up to Dumbledore. Allison received a black shield shaped badge with a yellow "H" in the middle. "Allison Ashby" was engraved at the bottom of the badge. Mitchell received one the same, but with "Mitchell Taylor" engraved at the bottom.
Mitchell and Allison returned to their seats and immediately passed around their Prefect Badges for their friends and fellow housemates to see.
'The Prefects for Slytherin are Samantha Daily in 6th year, and Joel Reiley in 6th year.' Dumbledore said. There was hooting and whistling from the Slytherin Table, as Samantha and Joel walked up to Dumbledore, sneering at the other houses as they passed them. Dumbledore handed Samantha a shining silver shield badge with a brilliant green "S" in the middle of the badge. At the bottom, "Samantha Daily" was engraved in it. Dumbledore gave Joel a badge like Samantha's, except his had "Joel Reiley" engraved at the bottom.
Slytherins cheered as their new Prefects headed back to their table, and some students in other houses clapped politely as Samantha and Joel walked past.
'The final lot of Prefects, are from of corse, Gryffindor. The Gryffindor Prefects for this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are Ginny Weasley in 6th year, and Phillip Cassady in 6th year.' The Gryffindor's cheered more than any other house had when their Prefects had been announced. Ginny and Phillip walked up to Dumbledore proudly. Dumbledore gave Ginny a beautiful, sparkling gold shield badge with a deep, pretty red "G" in the middle of it. On the bottom of the badge was "Ginny Weasley" engraved into it. Phillip received a badge just like Ginny's, but his had "Phillip Cassady" engraved on the bottom.
The new Gryffindor Prefects made their way back to their seats, and the Gryffindor's cheered them as they sat down. Ginny showed her badge to Hermione and Ron. Neville also looked on in interest.
'That's a beautiful badge Ginny, it's a shame they didn't have ones like that when we were Prefects, right Ron?' Hermione said, admiring the badge.
'Yeah, congratulations Ginny, mum and dad'll be so pleased.' Ron said, hugging his little sister. Yet, Dumbledore wasn't finished with the announcements quite yet. He was still standing, and waiting for the noise to subdue. When everyone finally fell silent after the excitement of the new Prefects, and their brand new Badges, Dumbledore cleared his throat.
'As many of you are fully aware, I have not yet announced who will be out Head Boy and Head Girl this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.' Dumbledore said. Hermione crossed her fingers. So did Hannah Abbott.
The Great Hall was filled with dead silence. Lots of people were holding their breath's, waiting anxiously for the announcement of Head Boy and Head Girl.
'This year's Head Boy will be Draco Malfoy.' Dumbledore said with a smile. Every single Slytherin cheered for their newly appointed Head Boy of Hogwarts. Malfoy sauntered up to the teachers table and over to Dumbledore. He was handed a "slightly-larger-than-the-Prefect's" shield badge, which bore the Hogwarts Emblem. Each section of the shield badge was like a mini version of the Prefect's Badges, except with an animal (Lion, Snake, Badger and Raven) surrounding their house letter. There was a beautiful "H" in the middle of the badge, and "Draco Malfoy" was engraved into the bottom of the badge. Dumbledore shook Draco's hand, and he went back to his seat at the Slytherin table, showing off his Head Boy Badge along the way.
Each and every seventh year student were sitting on the edge of their chairs for the announcement of the Head Girl. Each student either hoping it would be them, or hoping that the Head Girl would be from their house.
'This year, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Head Girl will be Hermione Granger from Gryffindor!' Dumbledore said excitedly. Hermione's head went spinning. She blinked a few times, suddenly noticing that everyone who knew who she was, was looking at her. She forced herself to her feet, and walked slowly towards Dumbledore. She felt like she was light weighted, and her head kept spinning. After what seemed like a life time, Hermione reached Dumbledore, who was smiling warmly at her. She shook his hand, and he handed her the Head Girl Badge. HER Head Girl Badge. It was exactly alike to Malfoy's Head Boy Badge, but it had "Hermione Granger" engraved into the bottom of it. Hermione's eyes watered with happiness. She had hoped all summer that she would be Head Girl, but had been disappointed when the Head Girl Badge had not come with her letter.
Each Gryffindor clapped and cheered loudly as Hermione walked back to her seat next to Ron and Ginny, who both were beaming proudly at their best friend. Hermione took her seat, and Ron immediately hugged his friend, eyeing her Head Girl Badge.
'Well done Hermione!' Said a Gryffindor who Hermione did not know.
'Great work Hermione!' Colin Creevey said proudly.
'Good on ya Herm.' Ron said.
~***~
When the final golden plates had been cleared, Dumbledore got to his feet.
'Prefects, you know your house Passwords, when you have led your first years to your Common Rooms, and showed them around, I would like you to come back down to the Entrance Hall. Head Boy and Girl, I would like you two to stay in the Entrance Hall when everyone else goes up to their Common Rooms.' Dumbledore said. There was a large amount of noise as everyone tried to leave the Great Hall at once. Hermione said a quick goodbye to Ron, Ginny and Neville, as she remained seated at the Gryffindor Table.
When everyone had cleared out, she made her way out of the door and into the Entrance Hall, where she saw Draco Malfoy, leaning against the stair railing, admiring his new badge. Hermione walked over to lean against the railing next to Draco.
'Congratulations Malfoy.' She said, not looking at him.
'You too. Wonder what they want us for?' He said, also not looking towards Hermione.
'Guess we'll just have to wait for the Prefects, to find out.' Hermione said, this time, looking over at Draco. He looked at her.
'Looks very much like we'll be spending the year together.' Draco said.
'True.' Was all Hermione said.
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~* That's the first chapter. What do you think of it? I've made the Prefects sort of like sports captains that we have at my school, and the Head Boy and Head Girl are like the School Captains. That's why I made a big deal out of them being announced. Please review and tell me what you guys think! *~
~Gryffindor Gal~