Dumbledore's Retreat

After dinner, the Headmaster announced his plans. The Great Hall was silent. In the end, everything turned alright. Albus decided to leave tomorrow morning. He dismissed the students five minutes ahead. He says that he needs to pack more things. I was about to retire in my room when Minerva came to me.

"Well Severus, we need to be early than usual since there are so many things to discuss. Please meet me at the Transfiguration room for the briefing. Goodnight."

When I came that morning, Minerva was looking at a small parchment.

"Minerva"

"Ahh Severus you're here. Albus left this parchment this morning. It seems there will be chaos in the Great Hall this morning."

I gave her a quizzical look. Chaos in the Great Hall? She understood and gave me the parchment.

Minerva and Severus,

I'm sorry to give this last minute details. I just thought last night that maybe we need to do something with house rivalries. I believe that since we have two houses in almost all classes, it would be better if the students will be permanently paired up. Also, Hogsmeade needs help in repairing and recovering from the damage during the war. The students may spend the weekends helping the villagers. I trust you two to do a good job. Do something about the two heads. Good luck!

Albus Dumbledore

There will be chaos alright. The worst of these is the two heads. I never liked meddling with my students affairs. And how exactly are we going to help the two heads? Malfoy and Granger will always be after each other's neck. This is really a good way in making my day.

"We may as well do it, Minerva. Have you informed the other teachers?"

"They are yet to be informed. I have called them already."

The others agreed with us but can do nothing since it was Albus wishes. He is still the Headmaster after all. They will help us with the house rivalries and the Hogsmeade project. Everybody else seems to think that the heads were a hopeless case. I myself believe that it will be futile.

"Are they nuts?"

"What's this?"

Death glares were sent. The students continued to grumble. They don't want to concede. They are fine the way they are. They are really making my day.

"Silence!" Minerva took over. The Great Hall was silent within seconds. "You will know who will be your partner during your first class. Till the end of term, you will be working with your partner. All classes will host two rival houses. As for your weekends, three hours will be spent in helping the villagers and two hours are yours to be decided upon. You will be working in groups consisting of 3 pairs."

Amazingly, the hall remained silent. The rival houses continued to send death glares but nothing more was said. I called the two heads to meet us.

"Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger meet Professor Snape after breakfast. I will join you after the list is finalized."

Harry and Ron looked at me. Somehow, I know that Malfoy and I will be paired up. Isn't it too much that we have to work together during Head duties?

"Sorry, Mione. Don't worry we'll keep him of you. Just tell us when he bothers you." Ron said with his mouth full of bacon.

"Yeah, Mione. We'll help you." At least Harry had the decency to talk with his mouth empty.

"I appreciate it guys. Ron, can't you talk with your mouth empty?"

In the Slytherin table, the Head Boy appears to be impassive.

So they think that they could make Granger and I agree and Professor Snape is agreeing to this?

Draco looked over the Gryffindor table and saw the Golden Trio. Granger was a sight to behold. Pouting and grumbling at the same time now that's a start.

This will be interesting. A pureblood and a mudblood together for six months will make this school go to hell.