Well, here I am again!
…Same old argument…and now I'm wondering if things'll ever change, yeah…
[Tinder] You're supposed to be writing, not singing Good Charlotte!
Oh…yeah, right. OK. On with it…
Hermione stirred in her bed…she wanted five more minutes, just five before Mrs Weasley got her for breakfast…
There was a knock at the door. A muffled, masculine voice said, "May I come in?"
Hermione groaned-trust a Weasley brother to interrupt her when she felt so calm and peaceful…she muffled a "Come in", and pulled the blankets off her face, and in strolled not a Weasley, but a Malfoy.
The sight of Malfoy first thing in the morning made her fall out of bed diving under the covers, hitting her head on the bedpost and falling into her suitcase. Draco laughed, and stepped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
"We've got a wall between us, so get up and get dressed…I had no idea you were still in bed, you shouldn't have let me in."
"Well," said Hermione, peeling the blankets off and looking around to make sure no one was there. "Why on earth were you waking me up at this hour? It must be what, 7? 8?"
From behind the door, Draco laughed again. From the other side of the door, taking off her smiley face pyjamas and putting on her uniform, a disgruntled Hermione found this rather annoying-why was he laughing? She'd just been woken up!
"Hermione, it's nearly one o'clock. I thought you were unpacking or reading or something. Are you almost done getting dressed?"
"I will be in a minute," she said, taking out her flat brush, trying to make her bushy locks flatter. The brush helped make them straighter, but her hair was still at full of volume. Oh well, she thought, It'll have to do.
"You can come in now, Draco."
"Good," he said, coming out of her bathroom and closing the door behind himself. "Your presence is required for some decision-making."
"Why's that?" asked Hermione, not watching what she was doing, putting her penny loafers on the wrong feet. She was gazing at Draco with confusion in her eyes. She didn't understand why she was needed at this-this unnatural time of day.
"Everything will be explained to you as soon as you get there, I assure you. But in the meantime-" Draco paused, looking at her feet with a hint of a smile on his face "-you might want to try putting your shoes on the opposite feet, and see how it works out."
As he turned to leave, he felt a light pillow thump good-naturedly at the back on his head.
Ten minutes and one brunch later, Hermione entered what used to be the Headmaster's office (or so she thought), walking in on Draco and his father, Lucius Malfoy.
"Good morning, Miss Riddle," Mr Malfoy drawled icily, although more politely then usual. "I trust you slept well?"
"Er-" Hermione shot a look at Draco, who was moving his eyes up and down slowly, as if secretly nodding. She knew why they were being so formal-she did not, however, like it. She would never, ever be "Miss Riddle", or even a Riddle at all. Even "Miss" sounded particular, especially coming from a Death Eater.
"Yes…I slept unusually late, and it was rather peaceful. I'm sure, though, that once school starts up again I will be more alert to-"
Hermione's sentence died with her enthusiasm…school wouldn't be starting again, not like it used to be, and she wouldn't get to go back to wake up early, or watch the boys play Quidditch, or study…why, oh why had she taken all those days for granted?
"Yes, well, soon you'll be able to get back into the swing of things, won't you?" said Draco, who had seen what had been on her mind. "The objective of this meeting is to discuss the running of Hogwarts."
Hermione then remembered her request to keep the school open. Curious to know where this meeting was going, she drew up a chair. Draco and his father, both of whom had been pouring over a plan on Dumbledore's old desk, gazed uncertainly at her. Hermione realized, after a moment, that they were waiting for an indication that they could sit down.
"Er…why don't you two sit down, so we can feel a little more…relaxed?"
It was more of a question than anything-Hermione didn't want to point out that the tension of the stony silence was practically suffocating her. Reluctantly, Lucius pulled up the large, squishy blue armchair Dumbledore had always sat in. Draco, sighing in relief (he had felt his feet start to tire ever since he had walked in), pulled up a seat next to Hermione's. Draco's father, after a couple of minutes, spoke.
"Well, as you two both know, the Dark Lord has decided to re-open Hogwarts and turn it into a school for the Dark Arts. Most of our students reside in England, and, with the exception of Whitby, the Dark Lord has conquered most of it, leaving only those who serve him, under force of the imperius curse or by choice, living. It is these families who will send their students here."
Taking out a quill from his desk drawer, Lucius began to write, "Lucius Malfoy, with the permission of the great Lord Voldemort, hereby states that the following classes are to be taught in the improved education―"
Here he looked up, set down his quill, and said, looking directly at Hermione, "So, Miss, what would you like us to teach here?"
"Miss" Hermione did a double take. She was sure she had misheard.
"Err…mmh?"
She knew she sounded ridiculous, but she didn't think it was possible that he was asking her the fate of the school's education. How was she to answer a question like that?
The elderly Malfoy, just as icily, repeated the question. After a couple of quiet moments, Hermione stammered, "Are you asking me-me what I think we should teach here…at Hogwarts?"
"That's exactly what I'm asking you, Miss. Would you have any prefaces?"
"Everything," Hermione blurted without thinking. After realising what she had just proposed, she continued, "Care of Magical Creatures, Arthimacy, Divintation, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark-"
Hermione held her last words back, and half a second later, burning brightly-how could she allow herself to be so stupid? Luckily, Draco came to her aid.
"Well, I doubt we'd have Defence Against the Dark Arts. We thought we'd drop it, along with-correct me if I'm wrong-Divintation and Muggle Studies."
Hermione's head turned. "Why-?"
"Because our Dark Lord feels there would be little co-operation in taking part in these activities. He has felt the need to dispose of them."
"But-" Hermione spluttered. Muggles were beyond a doubt treated like inferiors at this school, and she felt it her duty, as a muggle-well, partly muggleborn-to stand up for them. Defence Against the Dark Arts was understandable. Divintation was acceptable. But Muggle Studies?
She stole a look at Draco, as she asked, "But-but surely there would be plenty of witches and wizard out there who would love to experience muggles under the view of an experienced wizard?"
For a moment, she could have sworn she saw a dash of amusement playing in Lucius' eyes, but when she tried to focus more in on them, he looked down at a piece of paper, avoiding her stare.
"It appears that our Dark Lord finds that it would be embarrassing to teach such a subject that is of little or no value-"
"And he finds it dead boring…no offence, Hermione, but I doubt that the Dark Lord cares for teaching the history of EV and the story of pastik to wizards…"
Lucius shot daggers at him-if looks could kill, Draco would've been in his next life. "I may have to remind you to call her "Miss" if you are to remain in her company."
Draco stared at his father, then shrugged "That's what she's asked me to call her. She's also asked me not to call her Miss. I would think that her request would be more important then a rule of tradition."
They both turned to Hermione, who seemed to be silently crying, her shoulders moving up and down silently, her face turning pink. Concerned, Draco asked, "Hermione?"
This was too much for her. In one swift motion, she took her hand away from her mouth and burst into giggles. The thought of the Dark Lord in a classroom, learning about muggles, and, as Draco put it, "pastik", was something she found too funny.
In a moment, she restrained her laughter.
"I'm sorry," she breathed, "but it's not EV, it's TV. And-" she looked at Lucius for this remark, "-it's fine if you call me Hermione, Draco. I would actually prefer it if you did call me Hermione…"
"Well, that's…all very well, I suppose…that reminds me-Draco, you are to report to the Great Hall to receive your punishment for yesterday directly after this meeting. The Cruciatus curse should teach you to hold your tongue unless you are permitted otherwise."
Draco bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement, while Hermione bolted upright-they hadn't found out about her knowing about the prophecy, had they?
"P-Pun-punishment? C-C-Cruciatus…?" Hermione stammered. A little more defiantly, she added, "What has Draco done worth an unforgivable curse?"
Lucius curled his lower lip slightly, as though tasting something unpleasant. With the air of explaining something fairly obvious to someone inept, he stated "He was speaking to you while the Dark Lord was trying to explain about your parents to you. The Dark Lord felt you were not ready for that piece of information, and it was delivered most abruptly. He also made a smart-alecky remark when you had asked him to speak. Therefore, our lord has decided that such a punishment is in order."
Not if I can help it, Hermione thought, and her determination surprised herself. Draco had helped her realise the truth, and made her more comfortable, even by just calling her by name. In a way, his presence had made her feel like she wasn't alone. He wasn't going to pay for that.
"Well, after this meeting I suppose I, too, will go with you and talk to our Lord about this punishment, Draco." Hermione said it clearly and firmly, although inside she was dreading the thought of going to the Dark Lord about it. The fact she was even going to do it was shocking her.
But she was not the only surprised face in the room-at the sound of this comment Draco's head had turned to her, shocked. What was she playing at? Surely she wasn't going to try to convince the Dark Lord, of whom she feared so much, to try to do otherwise? What was she playing at? The look of determination on her face was certainly bold, but surely she wasn't going to do something this…this irrational, was she? He was not alone in his bewilderment, either. His father had also been shocked, although he showed no emotion. Why on earth was she-Miss-going to stand up to the her father and master to rid her former enemy of pain?
Their questions remained unanswered as a stony silence filled the room. After a pause that seemed to stretch much longer then it was in reality, Hermione asked, "Who is to teach these subjects?"
Lucius snapped his thoughts back to reality, and answered, "Professor Bellatrix is to be our Care of Magical creatures teacher, Professor Malfoy-that is, to say, my wife-is undertaking the position of transfiguration. Professor Snape is to remain our potions master, the late Professor Binns-"
"-who doesn't seem to be aware that his situation has changed in the least," muttered Draco so that only Hermione could hear him. As she smiled, Mr Malfoy continued,
"-will continue with teaching the history of magic. Professor Crabbe shall be taking on herbology. Professor Goyle will be helping him, while Professor Parkinson, takes on the job of charms. Professor Avery was to be suited to your needs, as the Dark Lord saw no need to over-educate his pupils without reason. Mr. Pettigrew is to be our caretaker."
Hermione nodded, overwhelmed once more by the fact that these were the teachers, who, come September, would be teaching the students she'd had laughed with and studied with and had fun times with…they would be in the power of Death Eaters, with no one to protect them from the ones who would be watching them, day and night…
The circular painting hanging over the headmaster's desk, once a creamy-whitish colour, like ivory tusk, revealing a number one, swirled around and around until it was a deep cerulean blue. With a great slurping sound that jolted Hermione from her memories and worries, a bold, red number two immerged. Realising that this meant it was now two o'clock, Hermione's eyes traveled to Lucius-was the meeting over? They'd been there almost an hour, and covered most of what she'd wanted to.
As if on cue, he rose from the seat. Draco did too, and Hermione realised they were waiting for a signal to be dismissed.
"You can go, if you'd like," said Hermione, "I think our meeting has covered all I need to know."
"Excellent," Lucius replied in acknowledgement. "Draco, remember to report to the Dark Lord for your punishment."
He swept across the room, rolling the parchment as he left, and in four long strides, was gone.
Draco and Hermione, as one, collapsed into the chairs. They looked at each other, smiling slightly as they realised they had done it together. Hermione spoke first.
"I know he's your Dad and all, but is he always like that to you? All prim and proper and icy?"
"I'm afraid so…he doesn't "believe" in being kind. I would actually be a little worried if he ever said anything nice."
Hermione half-smiled, thinking. There was something nagging at the back of her brain. What was-?
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed, "I forgot to ask your Dad who was to be the Headmaster!"
Draco looked at her in confusion. "You didn't guess?" he asked.
"Erm-no. Well, yes, I suppose-" Hermione paused to think of her reason for turning against the thought. "-I thought that the Dark Lord would be far to busy to run a school. But if he likes to be in charge of everything, then I guess-"
Draco was already shaking his head. Instead of giving explanation, he pointed to a golden plaque sitting on the Headmaster's desk.
There, engraved in bronze, were the words 'Lucius Malfoy - Headmaster'
Hey ppl!
Sorry it took so long to get out…I think I might have writer's block…but that's no excuse not to review! So, REVIEW! I'm never gonna get writing again without guilt!
[Tinder] And me!
…Yes, of course. And you, Tinder.
REVIEWS PLEASE!