So Long and Goodnight

Sitting at the Gryffindor table was supposed to be where Hermoine felt she belonged. It seemed it wasn't so anymore. She sat awkwardly next to Harry, who most of the time looked horribly depressed, and if not that he was shooting curious looks at her. Hermoine just felt... alone.

Across the table was Neville, looking as though he wasn't sure of what to do. Everyone around him had tear stained cheeks and kept their eyes down for the most part. Hermoine's stomach lurched. That's where Ron was supposed to be sitting. She breathed deeply. She couldn't afford to look weak now. It was her seventh year. The year that was supposed to be the best.

The year she would always remember.

Hermoine was snapped out of her thoughts as Dumbledore announced her name. She knew this would be coming. She cringed with unwanted anicipation.

"I'm proud to announce our new Head Girl," he paused for dramatic effect. Hermoine rolled her eyes. "Miss Hermoine Granger"

Squeaks filled the great hall as the students turned to face the melancholy teen. She did not seem to be the face of strength at this moment and they all saw. Most faced away, but others mostly found at the Slytherin table, continued to stare. Some had the nerve to laugh. Hermoine didn't care anymore. She fixed her eyes on a knot in the wooden table.

"I am sad to say that our original pick for Head Boy is not capable of being your new Head Boy," he looked humble as he stated, "We will remember Ron Weasly now, he aided this school many times, he had many friends who will now miss him terribly, and he was as brave as his Gryffindor title made him out to be, if not braver. To Ronald Weasly"

A murmur of agreement and clanking of glasses filled the hall.

Hermoine whispered, "To Ronald Weasly" and sipped her pumpkin juice.

"I would proudly like to give the Head Boy position to Draco Malfoy. I am sure he will do a fine job looking over this school." Dumbledore shot a knowing glace between Hermoine and Draco as both their heads shot up at the announcement.

She looked at Draco and his eyes caught hers. His eyes seemed to read her soul. Hermoine studied him for the first time in 3 months. He had changed over the summer, as had she. Draco had grown maybe an inch or so and his seeker's body was filled with lean muscle. The most dramatic change was his hair. After his falling out with his father, Draco attempted to remove and change all things about him that could bring up the word "Malfoy". His beautiful platinum hair was dyed jet black and fell just under his eyes. He has grown up, she thought with a hint of a smile.

Draco saw Hermoine's lips curve up as her gaze drifted over him. He was dumbfounded. She was smiling at him. He felt his heart warm. He was so glad he had given up the neo-nazi mentality against the muggle borns and half bloods. He realized how wrong it was. It took him 7 years to do it, but it had finally happened. He felt whole for the first time in his life. He looked at Granger. she looked different. She discovered eyeliner and conditioner. Smooth waves of chestnut hair flowed to the middle of her back and her vibrant eyes could be seen many meters away. He smirked.
If not his original, condesending smirk, but a new appreciative one. He saw the color of Hermoine's cheeks turn a few shades darker as they continued this "staring contest" for well over 5 minutes.

"I hope you all had a lovely train ride and feast. But like always, all good things must come to an end. I shall send to all to bed now. Listen to the prefects and Heads, as they are put in their position to lead you. Have a wonderful night, don't let the bed bugs bite." Dumbledore stated with a wink.

The pure blooded students had absolutely no idea what he was talking about and looked as though they were afraid of getting into bed and being attacked by small creatures donning exoskeletons. Hermoine was slightly amused at the looks. She stood and waited for Harry to get up. She gave him another hug, needing one so badly, and he and she walked out of the doors and down the hall towards the Gryffindor tower.

What do you think? review pleaseee. I'm so excited about writing this, encouragement would be so amazing. Thank you all for reading!

Rae