Story: Headmaster…Malfoy???
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of his friends.
A/N: I am so sorry for not updating. I have had writers block for a long time and a shit-load of work to do.
Ginny, Hermione, Ron and Harry stepped off the train together, but to their dismay, became separated in the rush toward the boats. Ginny was so disoriented she almost ran directly into Hagrid.
"Whoa, Ginny!" the very large Care of Magical Creatures teacher said. Ginny responded by giving her favorite teacher a hug.
"Oh my gosh! How've you been? I have missed you so much!" Ginny blurted as fast as she could. Hagrid just laughed.
"Come on," he said, "Just get in a boat and we can talk all about the last ten years once we get into the castle." Ginny obliged and stepped into a small rowboat containing two witches. The rowboat began to row itself, humming sailor's drinking tunes as it rowed.
To her surprise, Ginny found herself crying. She had forgotten how damn much she missed this. The inviting lights, the kind, but unique people. Why hadn't she kept in touch, was it because she was afraid that she'd miss them more? Who knew? Ginny pulled a Kleenex out of her purse and dabbed her eyes. She didn't want her classmates to see her a wreck.
Suddenly, the singing rowboat stopped rowing, and Ginny realized that she had arrived on the other side of the lake. She stood up slowly, careful not to overturn the boat, and stepped up on the dock. Then she entered the Great Hall.
It was as fabulous as ever, the magical ceiling twinkling with stars. There was only one table set, as opposed to the traditional five. Ginny supposed that Dumbledore was again trying to promote "inner-house bonding". The crowd of alums, all reminiscing about the laughter and tears they had experience in this magnificent dining room. After wandering about for a bit, Ginny heard a familiar voice echo throughout the entire hall.
"Welcome ladies and gentleman," someone said. Ginny spun around, but already knew the source of that sound. Sure enough, Dumbledore was reminding everyone to please take a seat, as he was hungry and eager to begin. What was it about the Great Hall that made everyone forget his or her purpose for being there? Pondering this question, Ginny found a seat at the table next to Hermione and near Harry and Ron.
Once everyone was seated, Dumbledore began, "First off, I would like to welcome you all back to Hogwarts! A lot has changed here since 2006, as I am sure you see. I am becoming an old man, and running an institution as prestigious as Hogwarts is a very demanding job. Therefore, after fifty years of serving as headmaster, I am retiring."
A gasp went up from the crowd. Dumbledore retire? He had trained a half of a century's worth of wizards, and was considered by all to be the best and most successful headmaster ever. Ginny was shocked. How would anyone ever replace Dumbledore? He was both a hero and a father to every pupil, not something most headmasters could handle. Most of all, wondered Ginny, who would take over as headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy? She was about to get her answer.
Dumbledore began again, immediately silencing the crowd of stunned alumni, "I would now like to introduce to all of you my successor. He was a student here and graduated with your wonderful class of 2006. I present to you all, Draco Malfoy!"
An even larger gasp went up from the crowd. How the hell could Dumbledore, a seemingly competent wizard choose that bastard for his successor?
"Well you can kiss Hogwarts' reputation goodbye. The jerk will ruin the place," mumbled Hermione.
The new headmaster of Hogwarts entered the room. Everyone was too stunned to clap, except Dumbledore and two very fat wizards, who Ginny realized were Crabe and Goyle. Both were very drunk.
Ginny almost passed out. The wizard who entered the Great Hall looked nothing like the Draco Malfoy who went to Hogwarts with her. He had certainly changed a lot. Draco was tall and thin, and looked like he had hobbies other than torturing first-year Gryffindors. The only thing that remained the same was his pale blonde hair. But it was shorter now, and not slicked back in that disgusting was like it had been when he and Ginny were in school together.
"Damn," Ginny whispered, dazed to Hermione, "He is gorgeous."
"Ginny Weasley, are you drunk? That bastard tried to ruin your life all through school. Use your head, girl. I will have to slap you if I hear another comment like that!" Hermione snapped a little louder than Ginny would have liked.
Ginny remained silent. She didn't doubt that Hermione would follow through with her threat to hit her. Draco then began his speech.
"Fellow graduates of 2006, welcome back," Draco began nervously, "It is wonderful to see you all, most of whom I haven't seen at all in the past ten years."
"I wonder why," Ron muttered sarcastically under his breath.
"As you have already learned," Draco continued, "I will be filling the post of headmaster here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, after our beloved Dumbledore retires. He has done a fabulous job maintaining this institution, and I hope that I will be able to do a job half as well as he has. Now, here's the food."
Everyone clapped, although Ginny wasn't sure whether it was out of politeness or for the food that had appeared on the table. Everyone eat, determined not to let Dumbledore's announcement spoil the fun. Ron, as usual, attempted to flirt with Hermione, who was having a great time watching him fail.
"So, Hermione, what are you doing this summer?" asked Ron.
"Working," replied Hermione dryly.
Ron tried again, "So have you read the new book on each of the paintings here at Hogwarts?"
Hermione had read the book and liked it but just to torture Ron, answered, "No."
This continued on for about twenty minutes. Ron thought of all sorts of creative questions to ask and Hermione gave one-word answers. Yet, Ginny had helped her brother to think up questions to ask, and she knew he wouldn't run out anytime soon. From underwear to Goblin Strikes, Ron had questions to last him for days.
Suddenly, the questions stopped and an awkward silence took over. Ginny turned around and saw Draco Malfoy standing behind her.
"Mind if I sit here?" he asked politely.
"Um, no. I don't mind," Ginny lied. Draco sat down next to her, and Ginny felt a sharp jab at her rib cage. Hermione's elbows sure were sharp. The uncomfortable silence continued for ten more minutes, until Ron, decided he had had enough, excused himself and went up to bed. Hermione followed him, and Harry went over to talk to Seamus, leaving Ginny and Draco alone.
A/N: Thanks to all of you who reviewed and forgive me for not updating.
Charming Visions: I'm glad you like it. Keep reading and reviewing.
Eliana Eli: Sadly, Kerry didn't win. Let's hope America picked the right man for the job.
AngelBear: I'm glad you like my characters. I tried to make this chapter a bit longer.
sirius'sheelah: Thanks… I think.
Lily Dwarf: Sorry it took so long. I hope the wait was worth it.
