As Strong As We Are United
Chapter 10 – Head Boy and Head Girl
In the week that followed their encounter with the boggart, the students felt closer to each other, though they did not discuss what they had seen. The first exercise had been emotionally draining for all involved, and Buffy decided that it would be best to allow the students some time to recover before they continued with their training. And so, the days were spent lounging around headquarters, reading, or playing games. Spike had insisted on hooking up a television and satellite dish, so that he would not miss Passions. The teens often found themselves gathering around the television set in the evenings to watch movies.
Harry, Neville, and Buffy spend some of their afternoons studying for their Apparation exam with Charlie. Though Neville was extremely nervous about the exam, both he and Harry passed without incident. Unfortunately, Buffy failed the exam yet again.
The casual atmosphere was changed one evening. The Order members arrived for an emergency meeting. The students were sent upstairs. When the meeting adjourned, Willow came upstairs to tell them what had happened. There had been two more Death Eater attacks, both on families of muggle-born wizards.
That same evening, Professor Dumbledore requested a special meeting with the Scoobies and the students on Saturday evening. Buffy immediately insisted that the headmaster come for dinner. When Charlie arrived early Saturday afternoon, he found a whirlwind of activity in the basement kitchen. Buffy enlisted everyone's help to prepare a sumptuous feast. As she explained to the students, "We owe the Scoobies a good dinner, since last time we had to order out for pizza." No one argued the point.
Nearly an hour before dinner, Dumbledore Apparated to Order headquarters. He entered the kitchen to find Buffy and all the students still preparing the meal. "I did not mean to put you to any inconvenience," said the aged headmaster.
Buffy turned to him. "No inconvenience. I've been meaning to have a nice dinner for the Scoobies. Our last two attempts didn't go so well."
Professor Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "I was wondering if I might borrow Mr. Malfoy for a few minutes."
"Of course," replied Buffy, returning to her dinner preparations.
Draco stood and followed the headmaster out of the room. He had no idea about what Dumbledore could want to talk to him. "The library should suit our purposes," said Dumbledore, leading Draco into the room.
"Please, have a seat," said Dumbledore. Draco sat on the small sofa, and Professor Dumbledore took a chair across from him. "As I am sure you are aware, you are a candidate for Head Boy this year." Draco smiled and nodded. "I'm afraid that I am having more difficulty than usual in making a decision this year. You see, there are two students who are equally deserving of the position. Both have achieved similar grades this past year and have gone above and beyond the call of duty in fighting our enemy. However, while one's grades were better in previous years, the other has been awarded for services to the school in the past."
"Professor Snape has provided me with another option for one of the candidates. Slytherin is in need of a captain for the house quidditch team. He feels that the only person worthy of becoming captain is you. However, because of the demands this would place on your time, it is not possible for you to be both quidditch captain and Head Boy."
"Professor," said Draco. "If it would help you reach your decision, I would prefer to be the Slytherin quidditch captain."
Dumbledore nodded. "I was hoping you would say that. The captain's position is yours. The other candidate will be appointed Head Boy."
"Professor, would you tell me who the other candidate is?" asked Draco. 'Not Potter, not Potter,' he kept thinking.
"The Head Boy this year will be Ronald Weasley," replied Dumbledore. Draco smiled. Ron would be thrilled, and Potter would not be Head Boy. Dumbledore continued. "I do ask that you not say anything to Mr. Weasley. I will be making the announcement at dinner this evening."
Draco promised not to say anything. Dumbledore excused him, but asked that before returning to the kitchens, Draco find Charlie Weasley and send him into the library.
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Charlie entered the library to find Dumbledore standing beside a bookcase perusing the titles of the many tomes. "You wanted to see me, Professor?"
Dumbledore turned to him. "Ah, yes, Mr. Weasley. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."
"Anytime," replied Charlie, wondering why Dumbledore would want to speak with him alone. He hoped that there was not any trouble with Ron or Ginny.
"It has come to my attention that you are seeking employment in Britain," said Dumbledore.
"How did you know?"
"I received a request for a copy of your transcripts by the dragon sanctuary. They told me that you had applied for a rather junior position," replied Dumbledore.
"It was the only thing they had open," explained Charlie. "With my parents gone, I want to be here for Ron and Ginny. I would rather not have to take a demotion, but there are not a lot of options for dragon tamers."
Dumbledore nodded. "I don't know if you are interested in doing something other than working with dragons, but Hogwarts is in need of a Care of Magical Creatures professor. You would be perfect for the position."
Charlie stared at Dumbledore incredulously. "Me teach?" he asked.
"You have the qualifications," stated Dumbledore. "Your grades in Care of Magical Creatures were very high, and you have spent several years working in the field."
"But surely there must be others who have more experience," said Charlie.
Dumbledore sighed. "Unfortunately, in these dark times, many are afraid to take a position at Hogwarts. I do not mean to put you on the spot. I understand if this is not what you are looking for."
"Professor, do you really think that I could be a good teacher?" asked Charlie uncertainly.
"I would not be asking you, if I did not think you capable," stated Dumbledore.
"Then I'll do it," replied Charlie with a smile. "It'll give me the opportunity to keep an eye on Ron and Ginny."
"Not to mention that you would be closer to a certain Slayer," mused Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. Charlie blushed. "No need to be embarrassed. If I were a younger man. . . Yes, well, I do have one request of you as a faculty member."
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Draco returned to the kitchen with a big smile on his face. He could not help it. He had always dreamed of being quidditch captain. "What are you so happy about?" asked Dawn. Ron turned to hear Draco's reply.
"I'll tell you later," said Draco, picking up a knife and helping Dawn chop vegetables for the salad.
Several minutes later, Charlie entered the kitchen and asked Buffy to step into the hall with him. He was wearing an even bigger smile than Draco had been. Buffy eyed her boyfriend apprehensively. "What are you smiling about?" she asked.
"I just accepted a job offer here in Britain," Charlie told her.
Buffy threw her arms around him. "You heard back from the dragon sanctuary. I'm so happy for you."
Charlie pulled away from the embrace. "Not exactly. The only position they had available was pretty entry-level. I would've had to take a demotion and a big pay cut. But, something better came along."
"What?" Buffy punched his shoulder lightly. "Tell me, already."
"You're looking at Hogwarts new Care of Magical Creatures professor," said Charlie.
Buffy threw her arms around him again. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," she exclaimed. "You're going to be at Hogwarts with me. This is fantastic."
Charlie's grin vanished. "I'm feeling kind of guilty about being so happy. This only happened because people died."
Buffy looked up at him. "I know what you mean. If Hagrid was still alive. . . He had such a good heart. But, I think he would have been happy that if someone had to replace him, it's a Weasley. He always had such wonderful things to say about your family."
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Dinner was an enjoyable affair. All of the Scoobies were in attendance. The students were all enjoying themselves. It was a very different atmosphere than the previous Scooby dinner.
When the plates had been cleared, Professor Dumbledore addressed the assembled group. "I have several things to tell you regarding the coming school year," he began. A hush fell over the room. Everyone was very interested in what he headmaster was about to say. The students in particular were hoping that they would find out the identity of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
"Professors Summers and Wood have expressed concern that you all be in a position to train for the future battle with Voldemort. Also, they have told me of your desire to mislead Voldemort into believing that he has divided you." The students nodded. "I will be instituting some changes this year that should help you do both."
"First, I would like to announce the selection of the Head Girl and Head Boy for this coming school year. I am delighted to announce that this year's Head Girl will be Hermione Granger."
Everyone congratulated Hermione. Ron placed his arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "Congratulations. You deserve it," he told her. Hermione blushed deeply and smiled at her friends.
"Yes, you do deserve it, Miss Granger," said Dumbledore. "As does this year's Head Boy, Ronald Weasley."
There was a loud clanking noise, as Ron knocked over the goblet in front of him. "What?" asked Ron, sure that he had heard wrong. "But I thought Draco. . ."
"Mr. Malfoy has accepted the position of Slytherin quidditch captain," replied Dumbledore. "You, Mr. Weasley, have been appointed Head Boy."
Ron looked shocked. Hermione threw her arms around him. When she released him, Ginny did the same. Harry and Charlie both patted Ron on the back. "I'm Head Boy," said Ron, trying to convince himself that it had happened.
When the group had settled again, Professor Dumbledore spoke. "Mr. Potter has been chosen as captain for the Gryffindor house team. I do believe we shall have an interesting quidditch season this year." Harry looked up at Dumbledore. "I know that in the past I have tried to keep Harry's additional responsibilities to a minimum. However, Professor McGonagall assures me that Harry is up to the task. Though I agree with her decision, I do believe that she made it in part because of her desire to once again have the Quidditch Cup in her office."
"Now, as for the rest of you. Because of the Death Eater attacks, Hogsmeade weekends will be cancelled this year." The students looked disappointed. "However, we will be having social activities at Hogwarts in their place. The Head Boy and Head Girl will be responsible for planning these events. Because Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley already have much on their plates, I have decided that they will each have a staff of two seventh year students specifically to help them in the planning of these social activities. I have appointed the following students to these staff positions: Miss Dawn Summers, Miss Shannon Crawford, Mr. Harry Potter, and Mr. Draco Malfoy."
"Because of the work you six will be doing, I have also decided that you should have your own quarters. Two of the suites off of the Scooby common room will be designated for you. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley will have their own bedrooms, and what were the sitting rooms will now be additional bedrooms to be shared by their staff members."
"My hope is that Voldemort will see this arrangement as an old man's desperate attempt to bring you back together. It will be difficult for you to appear divided to the rest of the school. This arrangement will allow you to spend time together away from prying eyes. It will also allow your professors to train you without the entire school knowing about it."
Dumbledore turned his attention to Ginny, Neville, and Luna, who looked disappointed at not being included. "I have implemented a new program at Hogwarts. Several teachers, who have agreed to participate, will take on a student assistant from either the sixth or seventh year. The three of you are being assigned to faculty members who reside in the rooms off of the Scooby common room. Miss Weasley will be working with Professor Bolgya as the muggle studies assistant. Miss Lovegood will be working with Professor Rosenberg as the research skills assistant. And, Mr. Longbottom will be working as the Care of Magical Creatures assistant to our new faculty member, Professor Charles Weasley."
The room erupted in conversation. No one other than Buffy knew that Charlie had accepted a job at Hogwarts. Ginny and Ron immediately began grilling him, as he assured them that he would not go out of his way to make their lives difficult at school.
Dumbledore regained the group's attention. "Now, I would be interested to know your plans to make Voldemort think you are divided."
Hermione spoke. "We have talked about this at length and decided that it would be best if we acted as we did immediately following the attacks. Harry avoided talking to any of us, including Shannon. Harry, Ron, and Draco had several arguments. Ron and I weren't speaking, and Dawn and Shannon helped keep him away from me." Hermione looked slightly embarrassed.
"There won't be any confusion if we all just act like we did two weeks ago," said Draco. "We thought about adding to the scenario, but we don't want anyone making mistakes."
"I've also agreed to make a few well-placed comments to some of the bigger gossips at school," added Ginny. "They should take care of the rest."
Dumbledore nodded. "I see you have this all worked out. It is a very good idea, but you must realize that it will be difficult."
"We know it won't be easy, but fighting the big bad never is," said Dawn.
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Two days later the students' Hogwarts letters arrived at headquarters. Ron and Hermione tore theirs open immediately to find their silver badges. "I still can't believe it," Ron told Hermione. "I always knew you'd be Head Girl, but I never thought I would be Head Boy. You know, when Fred and George find out about this, I'm never going to hear the end of it."
"I wouldn't worry about those two," said Ginny, entering the room she and Hermione shared. Neville and Luna entered with her. "They're going crazy at the shop right now."
"Is business really that good?" asked Ron.
"Yes and no," replied Ginny. "Remember when they took off all those days before the funeral?" Ron and Hermione nodded. "Well, they didn't actually close the shop. Anya ran it for them. Anyway, she's been bored lately, and she's super into making money."
"That's the understatement of the millennium," said Dawn, as she entered the room followed by Shannon, Harry, and Draco.
"We wanted to see if you got your letters," commented Draco. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna held up their letters in reply.
"So what were you saying about Anya?" asked Dawn.
"Oh yeah," said Ginny, "so she helped out at the joke shop, while Fred and George were helping plan the funeral and everything. Anyway, she has all these ideas about how the shop can make more money. Fred and George are really good with inventing joke items, but not as good as businessmen. So, Anya made a deal with the twins. She is making all these changes at the store, like doing studies to see how much they can charge for different items and recruiting Hogwarts students to act as on location sales people. She has Fred and George going crazy."
"I can't believe they're letting her do all that," said Harry.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "You know the twins. They are totally into making more money. Apparently, Anya made a deal with them. They aren't paying her any kind of salary, but she gets a 25% cut of all profits above what they made the last year."
"Huh?" asked Neville.
"Well, say last year they made 1,000 galleons profit. If they make 2,000 galleons profit this year because of all Anya's changes, she gets 250 galleons, or 25% of the additional 1,000 galleons they earned because of her. It's really a good deal for the twins, because all they can do is make more money," explained Ginny.
"And knowing Anya, she'll make them a lot of money," said Dawn. "The girl tripled her own money by day trading even when the stock market was doing poorly."
"Huh?" said several of the teens.
"As Tara used to say, first she had money, then she had money, money, money," explained Dawn.
"Wish I had money, money, money," grumbled Ron. His eyes lit up. "Hey, Gin, you said the twins were looking for Hogwarts students to sell their stuff?"
"Ron," chided Hermione. "You're Head Boy. You can't go around reeking havoc."
"Technically there are no rules about selling joke merchandise or even having any in your possession. Only using it is against the rules and since Filch left most of the rules aren't enforced anymore. Besides, I won't be using it."
"Ron, you should be leading by example. And now that Xander is working for the Watchers Council, who knows what kind of caretaker we'll wind up with," said Hermione.
"So, what do you guys think of the book lists?" asked Harry, wanting to avoid a typical Ron and Hermione row.
"I can't believe there are three DADA books this year," said Draco. "I hope we aren't going to spend another whole year reading at our desks."
"I thought you liked Umbridge, since you were part of her Inquisitorial Squad," commented Ron jokingly.
"Please, no one but Fudge liked that foul woman. Though it was fun wielding my power over you lot. The best part was getting to take points from Gryffindor." The Gryffindors in the room gave Draco nasty looks.
"Want another bat-bogey hex, Malfoy?" asked Ginny. Draco shook his head violently. "Didn't think so," added Ginny.
Hermione was finally taking the opportunity to read through her book list. Before the other teens had entered the room, she had only had time to scrutinize her Head Girl badge. "One of these books was written in the 1700's. Why would a DADA teacher waste our time with such old information, when so many curses and counter-curses have been developed since then."
"Look at our history with DADA teachers," said Harry. "In six years, we only had two good ones. Who knows what we'll get this year."
"Three," said Luna. "We had three good teachers. The fake Moody actually taught us a lot."
"Minus the part where he tried to kill Harry," added Neville.
"I wonder if the Scoobies are going to let us go to Diagon Alley to buy our books this year," mused Hermione. "It would be nice to get out of this house for awhile."
Hermione's question was answered that night at dinner. Buffy, Charlie, and Willow informed the students that the three of them would be going to Diagon Alley in the morning to get everyone's school supplies. Buffy had a valid point that if the students did accompany them, they would have to act as if they were divided and would not have much fun.
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The next night Ron wrote a letter to the twins.
Fred and George,
I heard from Ginny that you two are looking for some students to sell your stuff at Hogwarts. I would definitely be interested in helping you out. I have an intricate knowledge of your products (though not by my own choice), and know many students who would be very interested in purchasing them.
--Ron
The twins replied immediately.
Ron,
We don't want the Head Boy selling our products. (Charlie told us all about your new badge, when he was in Diagon Alley today.) In all seriousness, why would you want to sell Weasley Wizard Wheezes anyway? Hermione would kill you if she found out.
--Fred and George
Ron knew that the twins would give him a hard time about being chosen as Head Boy. He made a mental note to yell at Charlie then wrote back to the twins.
Fred and George,
You want to know the truth. You're right, Hermione would kill me if she found out I was selling your stuff, but it is for her that I want to do this. She deserves nice things, and I am tired of being the poor guy who can't give her any of it. I need money. Would it kill you two to help out your little brother for once in your lives? Seriously, what would you be losing by giving me a chance?
--Ron
P.S. As Head Boy I can make your lives very difficult by giving anyone in possession of a Weasley Wizard Wheeze immediate detention.
The day before they were due to leave for Hogwarts, Ron received a package from the twins. It contained several samples of the twins' merchandise, a large pack of order forms, and a letter.
Mr. Ronald Weasley,
Congratulations on becoming the first on site WWW sales person at Hogwarts. Enclosed, please find samples of our merchandise and order forms. Owl us the order forms, when you have made a sale and we will ship the items to you. You will receive 10% of all sales that you make.
--Fred and George Weasley, Proprietors, Weasley Wizard Wheezes
P.S. We cannot believe that the Head Boy would blackmail his own brothers. We have never been so proud.
P.P.S. You better buy Hermione something really nice. Don't forget, she really could do much better than you.
"What is all that?" asked Hermione. Ron turned to her, looking nervous. "Ron, what did you do?'
Ron put his hands in the air in a placating gesture. "Now, Hermione, just hear me out before you yell."
"And why do you think I am going to yell?" she asked, one eyebrow raised.
"Because I'm going to be selling Weasley Wizard Wheezes to students at school," said Ron quickly. Hermione's eyes burned with anger. "Now listen. Like I said before, I'm not technically breaking any rules. Students normally would have gone to Hogsmeade to buy stuff at Zonko's, but Hogsmeade trips are cancelled this year. Even Harry said that the twins' stuff would bring some much needed laughter during such dark times."
Hermione glared at Ron, her hands on her hips and her foot tapping impatiently. "You expect me to believe that the reason you're doing this is to bring happiness to the students," she said incredulously. "Tell me what's really going on."
Ron sighed. She knew him too well. "Mum and Dad didn't exactly leave us a lot of money. Charlie is spending his own money to take care of Ginny and I. Percy, Fred, and George are helping out, and I want to help too." Hermione's features softened. Ron, taking this as a good sign, continued, "I also want to start saving some money for our future together."
Hermione looked like she was going to cry. Ron had always seen Hermione in his future, but at the moment he was afraid that he had scared her off. "Oh, Ron," said Hermione, as she launched herself into his arms. "That's so sweet."
"You're okay with this then?" he asked.
Hermione looked torn. "Well, I suppose that you doing something I wouldn't approve of would give us an excuse to have some very public rows, which would help convince everyone that we aren't on speaking terms."
"Ever logical," commented Ron, pulling Hermione into a kiss.