Sorry, forgot the disclaimer in the 1st chapter:

Harry Potter and all recognizable characters belong to J.K Rowling and her affiliates. Everything else belongs to me.

The soft tinkling of silverware and muted conversations slowly filled the Great Hall as students gradually filed in from the freezing cold outside. Hermione in particular was dripping wet thanks to Peeves, who had taken it upon himself to launch water balloons at a passing group of 7th years. Ron in particular had thought it hilariously funny, until he himself was hit square in the face with a predominantly fat balloon. He now walked sullenly by Hermione's side, red hair dripping, muttering mutinously.

Oliver had taken his leave somewhere during the middle of the train ride, citing certain teacher responsibilities. Hermione was still slightly incredulous that Oliver was going to be teaching D.A.D.A., particularly with all the Dark activity occurring. But Dumbledore must have had his reasons.

Hermione had tried to follow the boys' conversation, but she found it as meaningful as her Potions textbook in her Arithmancy class. She never really was an enthusiast of Quidditch to the extent of rabidness, nor did she particularly care to listen to three boys conversing swiftly about it and sliding in bawdy jokes she never understood.

When Oliver had taken her leave, she had barely glanced up to smile at him. She became rather reserved in situations like that train ride; besides, he was sort of handsome in a laconical way, and rather intimidating. She attempted to replace her shyness with a certain aloofness, but all it did was add an air of mystery to her which made her even harder to understand. On closer inspection across the train seat (under her lashes, of course) he wasn't as tall as he seemed, but rather shorter and stocky. His hair was blonder, too; probably from all of those days in the sun. He had a funny sense of humor, too when he at least wasn't sulky, even if Hermione didn't understand some of it…

Ron started complaining about how cold he was, which snapped Hermione out of her reverie. She must have been daydreaming pretty heavily, because the Sorting had already been completed and Professor McGonagall was carrying the Sorting Hat off. She noticed a few bewildered-looking first years, and she smiled weakly at a red-haired girl seated across from her. Hermione was sort of cross with herself, because the Sorting was something she looked forward to every year.

Professor Dumbledore stood up, and an almost immediate silence filled the Hall. Hermione noticed that the staff table was full, but before she had a chance to look for Oliver (not that she wanted to, of course) Dumbledore began his annual pre-commencement speech.

"Welcome," he said simply, spreading his hands wide and beaming at the Hall full of students. As always, he radiated quiet strength and power, and Hermione instantly felt safe.

After making his usual announcements (The Forbidden Forest is off-limits, as well as a list of 538 items posted on Mr. Filch's office door) Dumbledore began to smile even more broadly.

"It is my pleasure," he started, "To welcome back one of our former students.  Here only for a short while, until his wounds heal, I am pleased to announce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Oliver Wood."

Oliver Wood stood up, and almost immediately all of the 7th years who had known him suddenly recognized and started cheering and clapping, slowly followed by the rest of the Hall. Except for Draco Malfoy and his band of Slytherins, who were staring at Oliver with a look of disgust on their faces. No sneering was present this time: only loathing. 

"I can't believe it!" Dean Thomas exclaimed to Harry and Ron. "Awesome!"

"He's so handsome," Lavender Brown sighed to Parvati, and Hermione felt a stab of annoyance out of left-field. Parvati giggled, and said "I know. To think he'll be teaching us. I hope I get some private lessons."

Lavender giggled even harder, and felt the urge to roll her eyes at their… shallowness? Vapidness? Why did she even care?

Oliver gave the Hall mock bow, and his eyes roamed over to where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting. Oliver winked at Hermione before looking away again, and she flushed slightly. What was going on with her?

But she was even more annoyed when she heard Lavender and Parvati giggling even harder behind her.

It's not like that wink was for them…

When the cheering died down, (which took a considerable time) the feast began. Hermione waved briefly at Hagrid before digging in to her lamb chops and potatoes, feeling that once again, she was where she belonged. Other than Nearly Headless Nick suddenly appearing from the exact spot where Ron's plate was and nearly causing him to choke on his steak ("Serves you right," Hermione scoffed. "You should have taken a smaller bite") nothing else exciting occurred. No explosions rocked the Hall, nobody was Transfigured into something unnatural. Yet looking up at the staff table, where Oliver Wood was taking to Professor Sprout with a wry smile on his face, she knew it would be an interesting year.

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A/N: Sorry that was so short. I'm just trying to set some foundations before I dive into the main plot. I hope you like it, feel free to e-mail or review if you want to tell me something. Thanks for reading!

Trinityelf- Thanks for reviewing. A couple of reasons why Draco could be chosen as Head Boy (in my own world, at least)

1.) He makes good grades and "helps" teachers catch troublemakers (book 1, Draco helped McGonagall to find Harry after he dropped)

2.) Draco's daddy

3.) You know, it's really not very believable. But hey, it works with my story- I've got plans. Once again, thanks!

L'eau Goddess- Your review rocked! Thanks so much. It helps to know people like you appreciate my editing work J Your comments make me want to write (and post) faster. I really think yours was one of the best reviews ever. Thank you so much!

LaneIA- You are dead on about Draco. I have some things in mind- I appreciate your review, it was very insightful and thought provoking. Thanks!!

Chelsea- My 1st reviewer! Thanks for the praise. I really appreciate it

~Faith