Chapter 6: The Feast
Disclaimer: Okay so I obviously don't own Harry Potter universe. All of that credit goes to the amazing J.K. Rowling. If I did own it Hermione would have ended up with Draco and Ginny would have been more like my OOC Ginny. I do own this plot as well as any characters I make up and add into this story.
A/N: Hey everyone! I'm really happy I'm updating. I'm sorry for the wait for this chapter. This was the most time consuming chapter so far and I had a hard time getting time to write. I have had a hard time writing recently. I hope to get chapter 7 done by the end of this month and then sent off for editing. You all can relate when I say life has been extremely stressful and really busy, because of school, friends and of course boys. I have discovered some unfortunate things recently and it has been hard to manage with. I hope you all like this chapter. This chapter is split between Hermione POV and Draco POV. I would love it if you reviewed, hit favourite, or hit follow because it makes me really happy when you do. Thanks to you all who are reading this fanfic I really appreciate it! Now on the story.
***I'm really sorry if the length of McGonagall's speech in this chapter bothers you. I wanted it to be shorter but it had to be long in order to give the important and necessary information that was needed for this story and all of you readers. So please forgive me. Love you all
Hermione POV
It surprised me how well Draco and I worked together at helping guide first years. Draco was really good at helping them. Thankfully Hagrid was very kind to Draco, honestly I was worried he wouldn't be. I think he knows as well as I that Draco deserves to be treated equally.
Now Draco and I are walking up to the Entrance Hall of the castle. I can't believe how natural it is to call and think of him as Draco. Seven years as Granger and Malfoy and now we're Hermione and Draco. I definitely don't miss how we used to be.
"Hermione?"
"Wha-what? Sorry I was just thinking."
"It's okay. I was saying that we've arrived."
"Oh really? Well that was quick." Truthfully it wasn't quick I just feel this weird feeling about the fact that when we get inside we have to separate.
A few minutes later
"I'll see you after the feast, Draco." I say once we enter the Great Hall.
"See you Hermione." He pauses before he walks over to Slytherin table.
"Draco! Since when is he Draco, Hermione? Says a frustrated Ron coming towards me with Harry and Ginny who have just entered the Great Hall.
"Ron lay off. She can call him whatever she chooses." Says a heated Ginny.
"Ron we talked about this." I say tired of his hate for Malfoy.
"Hermione and Ginny are right. We talked about this earlier. Hermione is allowed to be friends with Malfoy. It's her choice and you don't have to like him but you need to leave it alone." Harry explains firmly.
"Come on you guys let's go sit down." Ginny says pleadingly.
"Alright." Ron sighs begrudgingly.
We all sit down and quietly wait for the sorting ceremony.. Harry and Ginny chat quietly together about who the new teachers are. Ron didn't want to sit next to me so he sat across from me with Harry.
"Ron I understand you don't trust Draco and you only want to protect me but…you have to respect my decisions."
"I know Mione. I'm sorry it's just hard after everything. I haven't seen what you guys say you have of him." McGonagall announces the commencement of the sorting ceremony and we all fall silent.
After the ceremony
Professor McGonagall clears her throat as she stands from her seat signifying that she wants silence to begin her speech.
"Good evening everyone. It's so wonderful to see you here. Welcome to all our first years and to all our eighth years whom are returning to repeat their seventh year. The past year has been hard on all of us, and it will take a lot to move on from it. This year at Hogwarts will be very different and special, not just because of the larger amount of students." She takes a short pause before continuing.
"First I would like to introduce you all to our professors. Professor Sinistra, our Astronomy professor. Our Head of Hufflepuff and Herbology professor is Professor Sprout. Professor Slughorn, the Head of Slytherin and Potions professor. Professor Trelawney is our Divination professor. History of Magic is taught by Professor Binns. Professor Babbling teaches Ancient Runes. The Charms professor and Head of Ravenclaw is Professor Flitwick. All first years are given flying lessons taught by Madam Hooch. Our Care of Magical Creatures professor and Grounds Keeper is Professor Hagrid. Please give a round of applause to Professor Vector who is our Arthimancy professor and our new Deputy Headminstress. This year we have multiple new professors. Professor Everett Segale our new Transfiguration professor, Professor Walker Henebury our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and two new professors with new classes. Please help them to settle in." It's strange to think of someone else as our Transfiguration professor but McGonagall would make sure to pick a replacement very carefully.
"Our Muggle Studies course is now adjusted to Muggle and Wizard studies taught by Professor Anthony Weisshart which is mandatory this year for first to seventh years. Any eight year can take it if they wish. Next year it's mandatory only for first years. Professor Teresa Padmore is our new Head of Gryffindor, and teaching two classes. The first class is only for this year and is mandatory for everyone. It's called Healing and Bonding and yes it's mandatory for all of you. Further explanation of the class will be given in your first class. I wish you all to be open-minded and understand that it's important for you all. The second is Family and Personal which can be taken by sixth and seventh years. To learn more about the class meet here at 11am tomorrow. Professor Padmore will tell you all about the class and work with you to get it into your timetable. Any eighth year can take it if they have space on their timetable. Tomorrow evening after dinner you will receive your timetable. The next day is the first day of classes. I hope together we can all heal from the past. It will be very hard to know that the dark tines are now over. Now I would like to officially announce our new heads. I expect you all to be respectful and encouraging to fellow classmates. Head Girl is Hermione Granger and Head Boy is Draco Malfoy. Please give them a round of applause." There is a short silence until Harry, Ginny, Blaise and Daphne start enthusiastically clapping and then almost everyone else began to clap. I clap happily and look over at Draco. I smile when he looks back at me. I wish I could go over to him because I know that this is extremely painful for him.
"I want to say one thing before we eat. Severus Snape was a dear friend of mine for many years. It pains me to say I lost trust in him. Thought him a traitor and a loyal death eater. I think back now and see so many signs that make me think I should have realized he was on our side. Did he do all good? No he didn't and would be the first to say it. He made the biggest sacrifice in order to save us all. Instead of being sad I instead feel fortunate, to be with all of you and to be able to help you all. Whenever you feel upset about anything that has happened, just remember you're here, healthy and safe. Don't forget you have people to talk to whenever you need. Now let the feast begin." She sits down and the room erupts with applause. The food appears upon the tables and everyone begins to eat.
Draco POV
Even though hearing McGonagall talk about Severus brings back immense pain and makes me miss him more I'm glad and thankful she did it. People can say all they want about me, but not him, because without him I wouldn't be who I am and I wouldn't be here. He stuck by me even when I didn't deserve it. I will forever be grateful. When I was young he did it for my mother, but at some point he wasn't just my godfather he was my friend. Not many people know he was my godfather.
"Draco, are you okay?" Daphne asks me gently. She could tell that I was thinking about Severus.
"I'm okay Daph I promise. I just miss him. I can't imagine this year without him. His snarky remarks. His annoying habit of checking in on me." I explain.
"Drake we're here for you. If you ever want to talk you know you can come to us." Blaise adds.
I don't say it often enough but I really appreciate Daphne and Blaise for always being here even with all of my bullshit. Even with the fucking crap I have done and said they stayed. I tried hard for a while during sixth year and last to push them away but I realized I didn't want to and that I needed them. They saved me from what was happening and myself.
"I know and thank you. If I do I'll go to you guys. Promise." I declare as I dig into my steak. We sit in silence as we continue to eat.
"So…have you spoken to Theo recently?" Daphne inquires abruptly breaking the silence. I knew she would bring up Nott at some point. She and Blaise did a bit during the summer, but each time I would quickly change the topic.
Nott and I used to be very close. Not best friends, no, that was only Blaise and Daphne, but close enough that we spent a great deal of time together and confided in each other a lot. We had grown up together since we were eight. Our fathers both worked for Voldemort thus Nott and I had many things in common. We could really relate to each other. At times I would go to him over Daphne and Blaise usually because I hated worrying them about Lucius' 'parenting' which wasn't gentle, and I hated disappointing them. Until sixth year I was awful mostly because of trying to win over Lucius and they hated that version of me. 'Malfoy' they would call me when I was like that around them. Nott was different, he understood completely and while he didn't act like a prat, he didn't oppose of my behaviour. But then the summer after sixth year everything changed. Nott changed as did I. when I needed him he withdrew from our friendship. I needed him and when he became a Death Eater he was stoic. I tried to get to him but he ignored my attempts. I started to close off even more. After the war when Daphne told me how dreadful Nott was I didn't do anything. If he wouldn't be there for me why should I be there for him?
"No. You know everything that happened so why would I? I hated him for what happened so no I haven't talked to him." I declared.
"Draco just listen to me he-" She attempts to argue but Blaise cuts her off.
"Let's talk about this later Daph." He insists. She gives him an exasperated look and he continues. "We'll discuss this later privately. Agreed? You have no say Draco."
"Okay." Daphne sighs.
"Fine." I grumble and take a bit of a treacle tart. I don't want to discuss it further, but it's only fair to hear them out. Blimey I'm really sounding like Daphne.
"So you blokes thinking of taking that Family and Personal Planning. I'm good without it." Blaise comments trying to change the topic.
"Nope I'm good." I reply.
"Same here. That Healing and Bonding sounds odd, but it could be good for us. Professor Padmore's pretty young, don't you two agree?" Daphne mentions.
"Yeah she seems like twenty-three. All I have to say is she better not try to get me to be besties with Weasley. I will be nice to him, but that is it." I say.
Blaise laughs and exclaims "That would be a sight to see. Speaking of sights I have another first. This is the first time I have had the hots for a professor."
"You're despicable at times, did you know that?" Daphne groans. Even with fancying Ginny Weasley, Blaise still manages to make an inappropriate comment about a woman and piss off Daphne."
"Ha..Daph I can't believe you feel that way. I'm so hurt." He replies taking mock offense. I can't help my burst of chuckles at his obvious sarcasm.
"You two are ridiculous." I say with a chuckle. "So what do you think of the new teachers?"
"They seem decent. Hopefully this Defense teacher sticks." Blaise laughs.
Daphne starts to laugh too and says "I've heard of Professor Henebury before actually. He worked for the order and was working as a curse breaker. Mum has mentioned him and said Dad has spoken to him about possibly teaching at Hogwarts. Mum and Dad went to Hogwarts with him."
"Interesting that all of the new professors are younger. Did you folks say good things about him?" I ask.
"Yes lots actually. Mum and him were good friends and still are in touch." She replies.
"Hey Drake maybe this is one of the changes McGonagall had been taking about." Blaise suggests as he grabs a couple chocolate éclairs.
Now that he's mentioned it this definitely seems like it. We continue to talk as we finish our dinner. I think I'll mention to Hermione what Blaise said. I wonder what she'll say.
Half an hour later- Meeting with McGonagall
"Part of your duty is to help to promote unity between all of the houses. We know that the houses have never united in all the years Hogwarts has been here. Of course keeping that in mind this is not a simple task, so I will assist you as well as the teachers and prefects." McGonagall explains. I thought she was bonkers for wanting me to be Head Boy, but now she wants me to help promote unity. Me of all people?
"How exactly are we supposed to promote unity, Professor?" I ask skeptically.
"Well that's for you to come up with. You're both young and know what it is that students like nowadays, I'm sure you can come up with some good ideas. Now don't fright I have some plans as well that I will disclose at a later date."
"But Professor, as you said the houses have never been really unified, how can we change that? It's traditional to have house rivalries, that's why we have Quidditch matches and the House Cup," Hermione states.
"Now of course we will not be getting rid of Quidditch, so don't worry Draco," McGonagall pauses to chuckle. "A little friendly competition is perfectly fine but complete and utter rivalry is unacceptable. I cannot say exactly how we shall achieve this, but with the two of you I think it's very likely."
"Professor I don't see how I can be any help to this." I confess.
"Ah Draco, I think you underestimate yourself. You see you're such an intelligent, strong and determined boy. I know you can do very well at leadership. Maybe you haven't always used these great traits positively but that doesn't mean cannot do that now. I can already tell now that the two of you can work well together and I have no doubt that you cannot do that with this too. Now this year we will be having two balls and a graduation let us call it a party, which you two and the prefects must plan. Your plans must be approved by me. The first ball shall be early in the school year. When exactly is up to you. The second ball I think would be best in mid-spring. The graduation party on a weekend close to the end of the school year. Do you two agree?"
"Yes that sounds great" Hermione says
"I agree as well"
"Wonderful. Now last your curfew is extended to 1am and eighth years are allowed to visit Hogsmeade any weekend. Of course you must all follow the rules and act maturely, responsibly and appropriately. Now if you two don't have any questions for me then I shall take you to your common room."
"Here we are," McGonagall said before giving the password to the portrait. "Unity." Obviously very fitting for Hermione and I under the circumstances. I'm assuming McGonagall did this purposefully as well as the portrait of a lion and a snake from our common room. Maybe this is linked to the changes my Mother spoke of earlier.
The common room is beautiful. The door on the left says 'Hermione Granger' in bold italic letters in red and on the right is my name in silver bold italic letters. Most of the furniture is darker in colour with red and green accented throughout. Honestly I had hoped the school wouldn't use red and green because I thought it would look tasteless, but actually it's really harmonious.
"I'll leave you both to look around. Oh don't forget you have a shared study by Draco's room and a shared bathroom. Goodnight." McGonagall says bringing me back. We both say goodnight before she exits. Shared bathroom! That I didn't expect. I look to Hermione and see she's in complete awe.
"Draco this is beautiful! I didn't think it would be bad, but wow. Surprisingly they made the colours work genuinely well together. Don't you agree?" She asks looking at me with a bright smile. God she's beautiful. Draco, shut up!
"I do. I was just thinking that as well. The room is quite exquisite. Look at this study area!" I say as I walk over to the study are. It's narrow, but perfect for the two of us. A long desk with two chairs. On either side of the desk are bookcases half stalked with novels. On the wall above the desk is a stunning portrait of grasslands full of lovely bright flowers in a part of England.
"Draco?"
"Yes Hermione."
"You don't feel well strange about sharing a bathroom, do you?"
I chuckle as I say, "No I don't Hermione it's perfectly all right. It will be new to me to share with a girl other than my Mother."
We sit down on one of the couches and talk about our classes. She tells me about how she plans to spend tomorrow with her friends and of course studying. We decide to go to bed and as we reach our bedroom doors.
"Night Hermione."
"Goodnight Draco."
A/N: Thank you for reading my fanfic! I really hope you are enjoying it. I've started writing chapter 7 and I hope I can send it to GinnyGinervaWeasley soon. I hope I can finish writing chapter 7 in the last week of this month. If you ever want to know my progress on the chapters just go to my profile and look for the tittle "Their New Beginning Chapter Progress". I love all reviews whether it's telling me how you are liking the story or it's constructive criticism. I hope the length of this chapter didn't bother you. If you have any questions about McGonagall's speech just PM me or ask in a review, and I promise to be quick with getting back to you.
Love you all!
DracoHermionelover98