A/N: Here is chapter five!! I hope you like it, and I do not own ANYTHING! Please review!
"Lucius, remind me why I keep you around?"
"M-my lord, it is not that simple. These things take time-"
"Silence! If that boy does not come over to our side, willingly or no, it will be your head,"
"Y-yes my lord,"
A rather pitiful Lucius Malfoy bowed low to his master and quickly fled the room before any other punishment could be placed upon him. His failure to meet his lords requests concerning his only son were not acceptable for a Death Eater of his caliber and, if he had his way, would not be repeated. At the biding of Lord Voldemort he had had speech with his son Draco concerning his future after his Hogwarts schooling was finished. The boy's rather off-handed answer had been unacceptable, and Lucius had given his own answer to the problem:
"You will join us. You will be initiated as a Death Eater and serve the dark lord as I have done for years,"
"What in the hell makes you think I would want to be anything like you?" asked Draco, his eyes cold.
"You have little option my son. It is either this or exile from everything you have come to know. Or would you rather chose Dumbledore?" said Lucius, his voice never changing from its cool manner.
"Of course not, I just don't want to serve anyone. Not Dumbledore and not the dark lord," said Draco.
"If that is the decision you have made, you'll have to live with the consequences," said Lucius, rising from his chair and leaving the study.
This course of action didn't seem to be the best, as upon informing the dark lord of his conversation with his son the pleased manner Lord Voldemort had once held had fallen. As of now, Lucius was to return to Malfoy Manor and try to persuade his son once more, forcefully if necessary.
"May I ask, my lord, w-why is the Malfoy boy s-so important to you?" stuttered a balding man known as Wormtail.
"Young Draco is a bright boy, almost top of his class in all subjects. He has cunning and that can be useful. Don't forget, Lucius has had this planned since the boys birth," said Lord Voldemort, never glancing at his shaking companion.
"He is b-bright, but only second to that G-granger girl," said Wormtail.
"Yes, Miss Granger seems to have forever been a thorn in Lucius' side. She is one of Potter's friends if I'm not mistaken. Severus hardly mention's her, but I would assume teaching would not be something he delights in mentioning," said Lord Voldemort, a skeletal finger on his chin.
"Y-yes my lord,"
"Do not dwell on the mudblood Wormtail. I'm sure with a little incentive young Draco could be made to surpass her in every aspect of his education."
"Yes my lord,"
A trace of a smile could be seen along the dark lord's thin lips. Draco would be made to do well in school and weather he liked it or not he would become a Death Eater. It was in his blood and blood could not be changed. After all, years before the boy's impudent nature had arisen plans had been made concerning him and the path he would take. Nothing the boy could say would deter that of which Lucius and Lord Voldemort had waited so long for.
*
"Come along now, no need to dawdle,"
"We're coming mum, just give us a second," said Ron in exasperation as he lugged his trunk towards one of the borrowed Ministry cars.
"Don't talk to me in that tone of voice Ronald. If you do not hurry you will miss the train," said Mrs Weasley, trying once again to move her son at a faster pace.
"Alright, alright," mumbled Ron under his breath.
Ron unceremoniously hauled his trunk into the boot of the car, placed the pigmy owl Pig on the back seat and climbed in. Once all were seated, though slightly cramped, the car was started and the school-bound group made their way to Kings Cross Station and the waiting Hogwarts Express. Hermione sighed as she shimmied closer to the door of which she was pressed to. The particularly old model of the car did not carry a very sufficient version of an expansion spell, thus causing the cramped atmosphere that Hermione and her three friends had to share. Mrs Weasley and Remus Lupin were accompanying them on this particular trip as Mr Weasley was called into the Ministry.
"Now I want you all to behave this year. I don't want to have any owls telling me that you have gone and broken every rule that Dumbledore has lied down." Mrs Weasley said firmly, glancing back at the four teens.
"We won't mum, promise," said Ginny, smiling at her mother around Pig's cadge.
"That's good to hear," Mrs Weasley smiled.
The car pulled into the parking lot and the group was finally free of the stifling confines of the car. Hermione grabbed her trunk in one hand; Crookshanks cadge in the other, and followed the others to the station. The bustling crowds jarred the group as they walked and the people in question did not seem concerned at all that they might just knock over an unstable teen carrying an owl. Of course, being inconspicuous was in a wizard's nature, and while quite vexing at times it was the way things were.
It seemed like an eternity before they reached the barrier, one by one disappearing behind the brown brick. Once Hermione had made her own journey through, she was greeted by a sight that she had longed to see in the months of summer: the Hogwarts Express. The scarlet steam engine stood proudly on the iron tracks, grey smoke billowing out of the gleaming black stack. Hermione found herself smiling as her gaze rested upon the gilded name which sat upon the side of the train. She was so entranced by this simple object, something she had seen either twice or thrice a year that she failed to notice her friends beckoning her towards the luggage compartment.
"Hey, 'Mione, hurry up will you or we'll never get a compartment," said Ron, calling to her from his spot half-way inside the train door.
"Coming Ron," said Hermione, breaking her gaze.
The group took their customary place at the back of the train, a rather melancholy air about the three seventh years. Of course, during their last year at Hogwarts, everything would hold certain sadness about it. It was unavoidable and at times slightly depressing, but as is the end of a journey. Hermione knew it would be a few short months that would go by like lightning and she would be a graduate, diploma in hand. She would be an adult, ready to begin a life outside the Hogwarts where all manners of peril lied in wait. However, now, at the beginning of the school year, she could put off her worry for just a little longer.
"Who do you think will be our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year?" asked Harry, looking at the others situated in the compartment.
Hermione stopped petting Crookshanks to look up at him and ponder the question. "I hope Dumbledore has found someone, or else the Ministry has sent another official which would not bode well."
"Another Umbridge will ruin my last year," said Ron, crossing his arms and furrowing his brows.
By this time the train had eased out of the station, parents and children had called out goodbyes from open windows and all outside doors had been shut. The rolling countryside was nothing but a swirl of colour flying past the window pane and the happy chatter of students echoed through the halls. Of course, such happy times were easily ruined by unwelcome visitors, and such was the case with Draco Malfoy.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Potty, the Weasel, Weasel Jr. and the Mudblood. Have a good summer?" said Draco, his lips pulled into a sneer.
"Bugger off Malfoy," said Ron, glaring at him.
"No Weasel, I don't think I will. Tormenting you is my favorite past time," he said, smirking.
"Malfoy, none of us are in the mood to deal with you today. So just sod off before you enter your last year with hex marks on your face," said Harry, following suit and locking his green eyes in a glare.
Hermione had yet to look at the silver-haired boy who so often took pleasure in tormenting her and her friends, but when she did, she noticed something the others had not taken the time to find. Draco was already clad in his school uniform, robes billowing around him like black water, and while at a glance nothing seemed out of place, upon closer inspection there was something odd about him. The collar of Draco's shirt was pulled up higher than normal, the white fabric almost reaching his chin. As the banter between him and her friends progressed, unchecked, Hermione saw something that both frightened and eluded her. Peaking up from underneath the crisp white folds, lying threateningly along Draco's pale neck was a bruise. The small purple and yellow tip of a bruise that it seemed the Slytherin had painstakingly tried to hide had come within her view. This caused Hermione to wonder how much of his throat was covered in the horrid black and blue. However, as she continued to study it, to mentally pry away the rest of the triangular collar to find what was underneath, she found herself being the object of interest.
"What the hell are you looking at Granger?" asked Draco, glaring down at the girl.
"N-nothing," stammered Hermione, breaking her gaze.
"Good," Draco mumbled, turning to leave.
As he did so, Hermione raised her head and locked eyes with the boy, grey on brown. For a brief moment Hermione caught something that resembled a plea, a plea for help in some form or another, but as quickly as it had come, it passed and the cold and unfeeling gaze returned.
"Hermione, are you alright?" asked Harry, leaning forward on his elbows.
"Y-yes, I'm fine," she said, her voice soft.
"Stupid prat. Can't go two seconds without saying something mean," fumed Ron, arms crossed once more and a murderous look in his blue eyes.
"Ron, calm down. He's gone and we probably won't see him until we reach Hogwarts," said Hermione, closing her eyes had leaning back against the wall.
Ron mumbled something incoherently and then quietly fumed from his spot by the window. After that the compartment fell into relative quiet, only broken by the appearance of the food trolley. So the time on the Hogwarts Express passed by quite uneventfully. Food was eaten, some conversation passed at times of unbearable silence. Ginny left at one point to join friends of her own age, and at times another Gryffindor or two would stop by to see the trio. Just as the sun was setting on the horizon, bathing the land in its rich reds, oranges and gold's, giving way to the cold blue night, the town of Hogsmeade was seen in the distance. The thatch roof homes and shops were a welcoming sight to the eyes of the students, a promise of a weekends shopping and spent with friends and significant others. Then, as the train pulled into the small station, the magnificent school of Hogwarts was seen. The many turrets and towers loomed overhead and the lit windows were like dozens of stars set upon the sky. An owl or two flew towards the owlry, the horseless carriages waited patiently along the rode, dark and somewhat broken. Hagrid the half-giant gamekeeper and caretaker of Hogwarts waited on the platform, light in hand, for the first years who would be taken by boat up to the castle. All was as it should be, nothing was amiss, and it was like the beginning to every other school year: perfect.
"Come on, lets go, all firs' years to the boats," called Hagrid in his booming voice.
"Hello Hagird!" called Harry as he stepped off the train.
"'Allo 'Arry! 'Allo 'Ermione, Ron," said Hagrid, waving to them with his dustbin lid-sized hands.
"Hello Hagrid!" called Hermione, smiling at the kindly man.
The trio walked up to a carriage and clambered in, taking their seats and waited for the customary jolt that announced the beginning of the ride. Hermione once again began to be lost in her thoughts and gazed out the window with a rather sleepy air. Smoke resonated from Hagrid's cabin, which lied not far from the Forbidden Forest and the giant squid let its long tentacles wave languidly above the dark water of the lake. Hermione closed her eyes for but a moment, blocking out the sounds of chatter coming from her two male companions and unwillingly slipped into a light sleep.
"Hermione, Hermione, wake up," called Harry, shaking her shoulder slightly.
"Oh Harry, don't bother. She's been asleep for the whole ride and she isn't waking up any time soon. Just carry her in," said Ron in an exasperated and horribly loud tone.
"W-what?" stammered Harry, a blush creeping across his cheeks.
"What is it? Are we there?" asked Hermione, rubbing her eyes and looking at each of her friends in turn.
"Yes, we're there. Welcome back sleeping beauty," said Ron, walking into the Entrance Hall.
"C-come on Hermione, we've been waiting for you for ten minutes," said Harry, following the red head.
Hermione sighed and dragged herself unwillingly out of the carriage. She walked through the gathering mob towards the Great Hall, finally able to push herself through after a moment or two. She stumbled slightly as she made her way to the Gryffindor table, all alight in red and gold. As she took her seat next to her friends, she risked a glance at her uncle who sat on one side of the Headmaster. His usual black robes were in place as was his customary scowl and for only a moment did his black eyes meet hers. Minutes later, the hall was full and the sorting began.
"When I call your name you will come up, I will place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be placed in one of the four houses," instructed Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Hermione's eyes scanned the row of anxious first years until they found a boy with black hair and eyes, a nervous smile upon his face. He was fidgeting slightly at his spot next to a girl with dirty blonde curls and he was constantly craning his neck to look along the staff table and the line of students.
Hermione herself waited just as impatiently for the professor to reach the name of her brother; at least, the name given to her brother. After all, he was to be known as a Snape during his schooling. It wasn't entirely untrue, after all, their mother's maiden name was Snape, and though he was born a Granger, unlike his sister, he could be known by that as well. After what seemed like an eternity, the parchment reached the region of his name.
"Riddick, Amelia,"
Amelia, a small girl with mousy brown hair walked up to the stool and sat down warily. The old sorting hat was placed carefully on her head where it slipped down to her chin. After minutes of silence, the sorting hat seemed to sigh and cried,
"Ravenclaw!"
The table to Hermione's right cheered and applauded as the girl happily hopped off the stool and joined her fellow house mates. Hermione smiled at her, remembering her own sorting where she had assumed that she would be placed were knowledge was treasured and plentiful. What she had not expected, though had secretly hoped for, and was to be placed in Gryffindor where the brave and courageous dwelled. She had never thought she had been worthy of that house, until the end of her first year tolled.
"Snape, Tom,"
Those two words snapped Hermione out of her reverie and she watched as her brother walked up to the sorting hat and sat down, giving a last glance at his uncle and finally at his sister before the hat obstructed his gaze. Hermione waited tensely, her hands fisting in her lap tightly as she waited. However, the whispers around her kept at least a part of her mind occupied.
"You don't think he's Snape's son do you?"
"'Course not. Who would ever touch the slimy git?"
"That kid damn well better be in Slytherin or I swear-"
"Who wants a Snape in Ravenclaw?"
"I hope he's not in Gryffindor,"
These whispers and more seemed to attract Hermione's ear and she silently fumed at them. They were to judge her brother based on nothing but his name, and while it would keep him safe and her from suspicion it seemed that the hate for the elder Snape would follow poor Tom throughout his schooling unless proven otherwise.
"He sure is taking a long time isn't he?" said Ron, looking over at Hermione.
"Yes, he is," said Hermione absently.
"I hope he isn't like the prat up there," said Harry, motioning to the staff table where Severus sat just as nervously as Hermione.
"As long as he's not in Gryffindor I'm alright," said Ron.
At last, the sorting hat let known what the whole of the hall had been waiting to know: "I know where to put you, Gryffindor!"
Instead of the customary applause and deafening cheers that normally accompanied the announcement of a house, there was silence. It was the most horrible silence that had ever graced the hall and the first that Hermione had ever seen. Professor McGonagall pulled off the sorting hat and took a step back, waiting for the boy to hop down and join his classmates. The only ones who were neither shocked nor confused at Tom's placement were Hermione, Severus and Dumbledore. After all, there was already one Snape in Gryffindor, why not another?
It was Dumbledore who started it, the first in the applause that Severus soon joined. Hermione joined in as well and then one by one applause filled the hall. It took a moment or two for the Gryffindor table to put aside their judgment and let their happiness at another new student take its place, but once Tom had taken his seat, across from his sister, everything seemed normal once more.
"Hi I'm Harry, Harry Potter," introduced Harry.
"Hi, I'm Tom," said Tom, not even glancing at the scar that adorned the elder boys' forehead.
"I'm Ron Weasley, and this is Hermione Granger," said Ron next.
"Hi," Tom smiled.
Hermione smiled at him and then turned back to watch the end of the sorting. The finale of the sorting commenced swiftly and once Professor McGonagall had removed the hat and stool Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his gilded seat to say his usual welcoming speech. Though normally these speeches were a little unorthodox they did send the right message to the students and Hermione waited, ready to soak up any information that drifted from the headmaster's mouth.
"Welcome, welcome to Hogwarts School. I am thrilled to see the many smiling faces of returning students as well as that of ones just joining us. Now, as is customary, I have these announcements:
"The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students, curfew is at ten o'clock every weeknight and eleven o'clock every weekend, Hogsmeade weekend notices will be posted in your common room notice boards as well as other announcements and if you wish to see the full list of school rules please see the office of our caretaker Argus Filch.
"Lastly, before the meal is served, I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She comes to us from Ireland and I would hope you will treat her with the utmost respect. Please welcome Miss Lavinia O'Riley,"
A rather tall blonde woman rose from her chair beside Professor Flitwick. She donned plum coloured robes and had a brilliant smile upon her face. Her long hair was as pale as sunlight and was worn down. Sparkling blue eyes shone from underneath graceful eyebrows and her face was as fair as silk. All eyes were upon her and as she felt their stares she blushed prettily and resumed her seat. As she did, Dumbledore prepared to say his last words:
"Flibity Jibbit,"
And that was that.
"Get a load of her. Wow," said Ron, gazing up at the staff table, a fork covered in potatoes forgotten.
"Ron, it's not polite to stare," Hermione reprimanded.
Tom suppressed a giggle, having only heard of the interactions between his sister and her friends, never having the pleasure to be witness to such moments. As he carefully forked roast chicken into his mouth he hid a smile as his sister shook her head in exasperation as one of the infamous arguments between she and Ron subsided.
Desert was just being served when there was a call for silence. Dumbledore rose from his seat, placing the cloth napkin on the table top and held up his large, aging hands. The hall turned eyes on their violet-clad headmaster and watched as he lowered his arms.
"Before the meal is finished and you all retire to your common rooms, I would like to announce this years Head Boy and Girl. The Head Girl is Hermione Granger of Gryffindor,"
To this applause was received and uproarious cheering came from the Gryffindor table. Harry and Ron were whistling and clapping so hard Hermione could tell their hands were turning red. Dumbledore smiled and waited until the almost deafening sound had died before announcing what Hermione had waited weeks to know.
"Our Head Boy is also a very bright student and is Draco Malfoy of Slytherin. Congratulations to you both, and please remain after the hall has cleared. Thank you,"
Hermione sat stock still. She did not dare to move or to even breathe. While the blonde was indeed an excellent student he was still, after six year, the same horribly rude, vulgar, annoying, spoiled brat that had first graced Hogwarts when they were eleven years old. If she had taken the time to look around her, she would have seen Tom looking at her in confusion, Ron steaming, face red, and Harry completely listless. Despite the fact that Hermione had become curious about him and what she had seen on the train, having to work beside him for the year was something she did not take pleasure in thinking about. It seemed, from her glazed glance across the room, that Draco was having the same thoughts.
A/N: First off, I know that it's short and took too long, but my computer crashed a week ago and I haven't been able to update. I've also been mourning the loss of a bunch of pictures that were lost when my hard drive was removed. Second, I know the ministry would never give them cars at Grimmauld Place, but I wanted to put it in…and I forgot. Also, I am rubbish at writing poetry and so there is no sorting hat song.
Please review!!!
Thank you's:
PsycoticNetJunkie- if Tom is supposed to be related to Snape than he isn't a muggle born then is he? Anyway, thank you!
fairylights2159- thank you!
theantisocial1- thank you! And thanks about the disclaimer thing.
Ottowan Angel- I'm sorry about the time it takes, but I can't help it. And as I said, my computer crashed. Luckily I didn't lose any of my fics as they are on floppy disks. Thank you!
Draco's Slytherin Angel- thank you!
Bride of Malfoy- thank you! You'll just have to see.*teehee*
PaigeGirl-nee- thank you!
dracosgurl10- thank you!
ProwlingKitKat- thank you! They won't find out the truth for a while. I love suspense.
juli- thank you!
natyslacks- thank you!
Callista Moon- thank you! You'll just have to wait and see.*giggles*
"Lucius, remind me why I keep you around?"
"M-my lord, it is not that simple. These things take time-"
"Silence! If that boy does not come over to our side, willingly or no, it will be your head,"
"Y-yes my lord,"
A rather pitiful Lucius Malfoy bowed low to his master and quickly fled the room before any other punishment could be placed upon him. His failure to meet his lords requests concerning his only son were not acceptable for a Death Eater of his caliber and, if he had his way, would not be repeated. At the biding of Lord Voldemort he had had speech with his son Draco concerning his future after his Hogwarts schooling was finished. The boy's rather off-handed answer had been unacceptable, and Lucius had given his own answer to the problem:
"You will join us. You will be initiated as a Death Eater and serve the dark lord as I have done for years,"
"What in the hell makes you think I would want to be anything like you?" asked Draco, his eyes cold.
"You have little option my son. It is either this or exile from everything you have come to know. Or would you rather chose Dumbledore?" said Lucius, his voice never changing from its cool manner.
"Of course not, I just don't want to serve anyone. Not Dumbledore and not the dark lord," said Draco.
"If that is the decision you have made, you'll have to live with the consequences," said Lucius, rising from his chair and leaving the study.
This course of action didn't seem to be the best, as upon informing the dark lord of his conversation with his son the pleased manner Lord Voldemort had once held had fallen. As of now, Lucius was to return to Malfoy Manor and try to persuade his son once more, forcefully if necessary.
"May I ask, my lord, w-why is the Malfoy boy s-so important to you?" stuttered a balding man known as Wormtail.
"Young Draco is a bright boy, almost top of his class in all subjects. He has cunning and that can be useful. Don't forget, Lucius has had this planned since the boys birth," said Lord Voldemort, never glancing at his shaking companion.
"He is b-bright, but only second to that G-granger girl," said Wormtail.
"Yes, Miss Granger seems to have forever been a thorn in Lucius' side. She is one of Potter's friends if I'm not mistaken. Severus hardly mention's her, but I would assume teaching would not be something he delights in mentioning," said Lord Voldemort, a skeletal finger on his chin.
"Y-yes my lord,"
"Do not dwell on the mudblood Wormtail. I'm sure with a little incentive young Draco could be made to surpass her in every aspect of his education."
"Yes my lord,"
A trace of a smile could be seen along the dark lord's thin lips. Draco would be made to do well in school and weather he liked it or not he would become a Death Eater. It was in his blood and blood could not be changed. After all, years before the boy's impudent nature had arisen plans had been made concerning him and the path he would take. Nothing the boy could say would deter that of which Lucius and Lord Voldemort had waited so long for.
*
"Come along now, no need to dawdle,"
"We're coming mum, just give us a second," said Ron in exasperation as he lugged his trunk towards one of the borrowed Ministry cars.
"Don't talk to me in that tone of voice Ronald. If you do not hurry you will miss the train," said Mrs Weasley, trying once again to move her son at a faster pace.
"Alright, alright," mumbled Ron under his breath.
Ron unceremoniously hauled his trunk into the boot of the car, placed the pigmy owl Pig on the back seat and climbed in. Once all were seated, though slightly cramped, the car was started and the school-bound group made their way to Kings Cross Station and the waiting Hogwarts Express. Hermione sighed as she shimmied closer to the door of which she was pressed to. The particularly old model of the car did not carry a very sufficient version of an expansion spell, thus causing the cramped atmosphere that Hermione and her three friends had to share. Mrs Weasley and Remus Lupin were accompanying them on this particular trip as Mr Weasley was called into the Ministry.
"Now I want you all to behave this year. I don't want to have any owls telling me that you have gone and broken every rule that Dumbledore has lied down." Mrs Weasley said firmly, glancing back at the four teens.
"We won't mum, promise," said Ginny, smiling at her mother around Pig's cadge.
"That's good to hear," Mrs Weasley smiled.
The car pulled into the parking lot and the group was finally free of the stifling confines of the car. Hermione grabbed her trunk in one hand; Crookshanks cadge in the other, and followed the others to the station. The bustling crowds jarred the group as they walked and the people in question did not seem concerned at all that they might just knock over an unstable teen carrying an owl. Of course, being inconspicuous was in a wizard's nature, and while quite vexing at times it was the way things were.
It seemed like an eternity before they reached the barrier, one by one disappearing behind the brown brick. Once Hermione had made her own journey through, she was greeted by a sight that she had longed to see in the months of summer: the Hogwarts Express. The scarlet steam engine stood proudly on the iron tracks, grey smoke billowing out of the gleaming black stack. Hermione found herself smiling as her gaze rested upon the gilded name which sat upon the side of the train. She was so entranced by this simple object, something she had seen either twice or thrice a year that she failed to notice her friends beckoning her towards the luggage compartment.
"Hey, 'Mione, hurry up will you or we'll never get a compartment," said Ron, calling to her from his spot half-way inside the train door.
"Coming Ron," said Hermione, breaking her gaze.
The group took their customary place at the back of the train, a rather melancholy air about the three seventh years. Of course, during their last year at Hogwarts, everything would hold certain sadness about it. It was unavoidable and at times slightly depressing, but as is the end of a journey. Hermione knew it would be a few short months that would go by like lightning and she would be a graduate, diploma in hand. She would be an adult, ready to begin a life outside the Hogwarts where all manners of peril lied in wait. However, now, at the beginning of the school year, she could put off her worry for just a little longer.
"Who do you think will be our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year?" asked Harry, looking at the others situated in the compartment.
Hermione stopped petting Crookshanks to look up at him and ponder the question. "I hope Dumbledore has found someone, or else the Ministry has sent another official which would not bode well."
"Another Umbridge will ruin my last year," said Ron, crossing his arms and furrowing his brows.
By this time the train had eased out of the station, parents and children had called out goodbyes from open windows and all outside doors had been shut. The rolling countryside was nothing but a swirl of colour flying past the window pane and the happy chatter of students echoed through the halls. Of course, such happy times were easily ruined by unwelcome visitors, and such was the case with Draco Malfoy.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Potty, the Weasel, Weasel Jr. and the Mudblood. Have a good summer?" said Draco, his lips pulled into a sneer.
"Bugger off Malfoy," said Ron, glaring at him.
"No Weasel, I don't think I will. Tormenting you is my favorite past time," he said, smirking.
"Malfoy, none of us are in the mood to deal with you today. So just sod off before you enter your last year with hex marks on your face," said Harry, following suit and locking his green eyes in a glare.
Hermione had yet to look at the silver-haired boy who so often took pleasure in tormenting her and her friends, but when she did, she noticed something the others had not taken the time to find. Draco was already clad in his school uniform, robes billowing around him like black water, and while at a glance nothing seemed out of place, upon closer inspection there was something odd about him. The collar of Draco's shirt was pulled up higher than normal, the white fabric almost reaching his chin. As the banter between him and her friends progressed, unchecked, Hermione saw something that both frightened and eluded her. Peaking up from underneath the crisp white folds, lying threateningly along Draco's pale neck was a bruise. The small purple and yellow tip of a bruise that it seemed the Slytherin had painstakingly tried to hide had come within her view. This caused Hermione to wonder how much of his throat was covered in the horrid black and blue. However, as she continued to study it, to mentally pry away the rest of the triangular collar to find what was underneath, she found herself being the object of interest.
"What the hell are you looking at Granger?" asked Draco, glaring down at the girl.
"N-nothing," stammered Hermione, breaking her gaze.
"Good," Draco mumbled, turning to leave.
As he did so, Hermione raised her head and locked eyes with the boy, grey on brown. For a brief moment Hermione caught something that resembled a plea, a plea for help in some form or another, but as quickly as it had come, it passed and the cold and unfeeling gaze returned.
"Hermione, are you alright?" asked Harry, leaning forward on his elbows.
"Y-yes, I'm fine," she said, her voice soft.
"Stupid prat. Can't go two seconds without saying something mean," fumed Ron, arms crossed once more and a murderous look in his blue eyes.
"Ron, calm down. He's gone and we probably won't see him until we reach Hogwarts," said Hermione, closing her eyes had leaning back against the wall.
Ron mumbled something incoherently and then quietly fumed from his spot by the window. After that the compartment fell into relative quiet, only broken by the appearance of the food trolley. So the time on the Hogwarts Express passed by quite uneventfully. Food was eaten, some conversation passed at times of unbearable silence. Ginny left at one point to join friends of her own age, and at times another Gryffindor or two would stop by to see the trio. Just as the sun was setting on the horizon, bathing the land in its rich reds, oranges and gold's, giving way to the cold blue night, the town of Hogsmeade was seen in the distance. The thatch roof homes and shops were a welcoming sight to the eyes of the students, a promise of a weekends shopping and spent with friends and significant others. Then, as the train pulled into the small station, the magnificent school of Hogwarts was seen. The many turrets and towers loomed overhead and the lit windows were like dozens of stars set upon the sky. An owl or two flew towards the owlry, the horseless carriages waited patiently along the rode, dark and somewhat broken. Hagrid the half-giant gamekeeper and caretaker of Hogwarts waited on the platform, light in hand, for the first years who would be taken by boat up to the castle. All was as it should be, nothing was amiss, and it was like the beginning to every other school year: perfect.
"Come on, lets go, all firs' years to the boats," called Hagrid in his booming voice.
"Hello Hagird!" called Harry as he stepped off the train.
"'Allo 'Arry! 'Allo 'Ermione, Ron," said Hagrid, waving to them with his dustbin lid-sized hands.
"Hello Hagrid!" called Hermione, smiling at the kindly man.
The trio walked up to a carriage and clambered in, taking their seats and waited for the customary jolt that announced the beginning of the ride. Hermione once again began to be lost in her thoughts and gazed out the window with a rather sleepy air. Smoke resonated from Hagrid's cabin, which lied not far from the Forbidden Forest and the giant squid let its long tentacles wave languidly above the dark water of the lake. Hermione closed her eyes for but a moment, blocking out the sounds of chatter coming from her two male companions and unwillingly slipped into a light sleep.
"Hermione, Hermione, wake up," called Harry, shaking her shoulder slightly.
"Oh Harry, don't bother. She's been asleep for the whole ride and she isn't waking up any time soon. Just carry her in," said Ron in an exasperated and horribly loud tone.
"W-what?" stammered Harry, a blush creeping across his cheeks.
"What is it? Are we there?" asked Hermione, rubbing her eyes and looking at each of her friends in turn.
"Yes, we're there. Welcome back sleeping beauty," said Ron, walking into the Entrance Hall.
"C-come on Hermione, we've been waiting for you for ten minutes," said Harry, following the red head.
Hermione sighed and dragged herself unwillingly out of the carriage. She walked through the gathering mob towards the Great Hall, finally able to push herself through after a moment or two. She stumbled slightly as she made her way to the Gryffindor table, all alight in red and gold. As she took her seat next to her friends, she risked a glance at her uncle who sat on one side of the Headmaster. His usual black robes were in place as was his customary scowl and for only a moment did his black eyes meet hers. Minutes later, the hall was full and the sorting began.
"When I call your name you will come up, I will place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be placed in one of the four houses," instructed Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Hermione's eyes scanned the row of anxious first years until they found a boy with black hair and eyes, a nervous smile upon his face. He was fidgeting slightly at his spot next to a girl with dirty blonde curls and he was constantly craning his neck to look along the staff table and the line of students.
Hermione herself waited just as impatiently for the professor to reach the name of her brother; at least, the name given to her brother. After all, he was to be known as a Snape during his schooling. It wasn't entirely untrue, after all, their mother's maiden name was Snape, and though he was born a Granger, unlike his sister, he could be known by that as well. After what seemed like an eternity, the parchment reached the region of his name.
"Riddick, Amelia,"
Amelia, a small girl with mousy brown hair walked up to the stool and sat down warily. The old sorting hat was placed carefully on her head where it slipped down to her chin. After minutes of silence, the sorting hat seemed to sigh and cried,
"Ravenclaw!"
The table to Hermione's right cheered and applauded as the girl happily hopped off the stool and joined her fellow house mates. Hermione smiled at her, remembering her own sorting where she had assumed that she would be placed were knowledge was treasured and plentiful. What she had not expected, though had secretly hoped for, and was to be placed in Gryffindor where the brave and courageous dwelled. She had never thought she had been worthy of that house, until the end of her first year tolled.
"Snape, Tom,"
Those two words snapped Hermione out of her reverie and she watched as her brother walked up to the sorting hat and sat down, giving a last glance at his uncle and finally at his sister before the hat obstructed his gaze. Hermione waited tensely, her hands fisting in her lap tightly as she waited. However, the whispers around her kept at least a part of her mind occupied.
"You don't think he's Snape's son do you?"
"'Course not. Who would ever touch the slimy git?"
"That kid damn well better be in Slytherin or I swear-"
"Who wants a Snape in Ravenclaw?"
"I hope he's not in Gryffindor,"
These whispers and more seemed to attract Hermione's ear and she silently fumed at them. They were to judge her brother based on nothing but his name, and while it would keep him safe and her from suspicion it seemed that the hate for the elder Snape would follow poor Tom throughout his schooling unless proven otherwise.
"He sure is taking a long time isn't he?" said Ron, looking over at Hermione.
"Yes, he is," said Hermione absently.
"I hope he isn't like the prat up there," said Harry, motioning to the staff table where Severus sat just as nervously as Hermione.
"As long as he's not in Gryffindor I'm alright," said Ron.
At last, the sorting hat let known what the whole of the hall had been waiting to know: "I know where to put you, Gryffindor!"
Instead of the customary applause and deafening cheers that normally accompanied the announcement of a house, there was silence. It was the most horrible silence that had ever graced the hall and the first that Hermione had ever seen. Professor McGonagall pulled off the sorting hat and took a step back, waiting for the boy to hop down and join his classmates. The only ones who were neither shocked nor confused at Tom's placement were Hermione, Severus and Dumbledore. After all, there was already one Snape in Gryffindor, why not another?
It was Dumbledore who started it, the first in the applause that Severus soon joined. Hermione joined in as well and then one by one applause filled the hall. It took a moment or two for the Gryffindor table to put aside their judgment and let their happiness at another new student take its place, but once Tom had taken his seat, across from his sister, everything seemed normal once more.
"Hi I'm Harry, Harry Potter," introduced Harry.
"Hi, I'm Tom," said Tom, not even glancing at the scar that adorned the elder boys' forehead.
"I'm Ron Weasley, and this is Hermione Granger," said Ron next.
"Hi," Tom smiled.
Hermione smiled at him and then turned back to watch the end of the sorting. The finale of the sorting commenced swiftly and once Professor McGonagall had removed the hat and stool Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his gilded seat to say his usual welcoming speech. Though normally these speeches were a little unorthodox they did send the right message to the students and Hermione waited, ready to soak up any information that drifted from the headmaster's mouth.
"Welcome, welcome to Hogwarts School. I am thrilled to see the many smiling faces of returning students as well as that of ones just joining us. Now, as is customary, I have these announcements:
"The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students, curfew is at ten o'clock every weeknight and eleven o'clock every weekend, Hogsmeade weekend notices will be posted in your common room notice boards as well as other announcements and if you wish to see the full list of school rules please see the office of our caretaker Argus Filch.
"Lastly, before the meal is served, I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She comes to us from Ireland and I would hope you will treat her with the utmost respect. Please welcome Miss Lavinia O'Riley,"
A rather tall blonde woman rose from her chair beside Professor Flitwick. She donned plum coloured robes and had a brilliant smile upon her face. Her long hair was as pale as sunlight and was worn down. Sparkling blue eyes shone from underneath graceful eyebrows and her face was as fair as silk. All eyes were upon her and as she felt their stares she blushed prettily and resumed her seat. As she did, Dumbledore prepared to say his last words:
"Flibity Jibbit,"
And that was that.
"Get a load of her. Wow," said Ron, gazing up at the staff table, a fork covered in potatoes forgotten.
"Ron, it's not polite to stare," Hermione reprimanded.
Tom suppressed a giggle, having only heard of the interactions between his sister and her friends, never having the pleasure to be witness to such moments. As he carefully forked roast chicken into his mouth he hid a smile as his sister shook her head in exasperation as one of the infamous arguments between she and Ron subsided.
Desert was just being served when there was a call for silence. Dumbledore rose from his seat, placing the cloth napkin on the table top and held up his large, aging hands. The hall turned eyes on their violet-clad headmaster and watched as he lowered his arms.
"Before the meal is finished and you all retire to your common rooms, I would like to announce this years Head Boy and Girl. The Head Girl is Hermione Granger of Gryffindor,"
To this applause was received and uproarious cheering came from the Gryffindor table. Harry and Ron were whistling and clapping so hard Hermione could tell their hands were turning red. Dumbledore smiled and waited until the almost deafening sound had died before announcing what Hermione had waited weeks to know.
"Our Head Boy is also a very bright student and is Draco Malfoy of Slytherin. Congratulations to you both, and please remain after the hall has cleared. Thank you,"
Hermione sat stock still. She did not dare to move or to even breathe. While the blonde was indeed an excellent student he was still, after six year, the same horribly rude, vulgar, annoying, spoiled brat that had first graced Hogwarts when they were eleven years old. If she had taken the time to look around her, she would have seen Tom looking at her in confusion, Ron steaming, face red, and Harry completely listless. Despite the fact that Hermione had become curious about him and what she had seen on the train, having to work beside him for the year was something she did not take pleasure in thinking about. It seemed, from her glazed glance across the room, that Draco was having the same thoughts.
A/N: First off, I know that it's short and took too long, but my computer crashed a week ago and I haven't been able to update. I've also been mourning the loss of a bunch of pictures that were lost when my hard drive was removed. Second, I know the ministry would never give them cars at Grimmauld Place, but I wanted to put it in…and I forgot. Also, I am rubbish at writing poetry and so there is no sorting hat song.
Please review!!!
Thank you's:
PsycoticNetJunkie- if Tom is supposed to be related to Snape than he isn't a muggle born then is he? Anyway, thank you!
fairylights2159- thank you!
theantisocial1- thank you! And thanks about the disclaimer thing.
Ottowan Angel- I'm sorry about the time it takes, but I can't help it. And as I said, my computer crashed. Luckily I didn't lose any of my fics as they are on floppy disks. Thank you!
Draco's Slytherin Angel- thank you!
Bride of Malfoy- thank you! You'll just have to see.*teehee*
PaigeGirl-nee- thank you!
dracosgurl10- thank you!
ProwlingKitKat- thank you! They won't find out the truth for a while. I love suspense.
juli- thank you!
natyslacks- thank you!
Callista Moon- thank you! You'll just have to wait and see.*giggles*
