Readers! I'm back. I've had a busy and sad week, my dog passed away and I have numerous dance exams. Nontheless, I'm here! Please feel free to point out gramatical errors. I frequently write late in the evening, and I don't always have time to proof-read. Nor do I have a beta. A special shoutout to the guest reviewer named ForensicGeek2. You made my day – you were blatantly honest about flaws (hence the name, I suppose), and you offered input on the story, too. I hope that everyone's questions will be answered in the next few chapters. Enjoy! xxx
Chapter 13: Arrivals and Departures
"Wow. I never imagined this... I'll be the only girl! It's a boys school... I do hope they have necessary accommodation! What do you think the classes will be like? Oh, it's like my first day all over again! I do hope Ronald doesn't find out about this... " 5 A.M. the next morning, and Hermione Granger was in a state of panic. And to think there were still 2 hours left before their departure!
"Hermione, we've been over this! You'll be perfectly fine. And ignore what my brother thinks – I'll keep him in line. Now. I'm assuming you'll be wearing your Hogwarts robes?" Ginny had been woken at 4:30 A.M. by Hermione's nagging for her to come help her pack. Half an hour later found her groggily trying to remember travelling essentials.
"Yes. Well... I mean I think so? Oh Gin what if it's too cold and there's nowhere to buy new robes and-"
"Okay STOP. You're going there, because you're a witch! Transfiguration sure will come in handy. And there are bound to be numerous shops! Magical or not – they can't expect to house 500 scholars without shops. Now, okay, when you're settled in, you'll be expected to floo with Headmistress McGonagall, right?"
"WE ARE?" Hermione yelped.
"Duh. It's all here – clearly stated on your letter. Now... I'm going to leave you to it, while I find food. Good luck and enjoy it 'Mione!"
In his room, Draco wasn't much better off.
"Socks, underwear, shoes, wand, robes... Check." Muttering to himself, he pondered the weight he'd been feeling on his shoulders since he woke up.
Prepared for the responsibility that comes with looking after a girl in a boy's school... Not check. What is wrong with me? I'm Draco Malfoy. I'm going there to learn and explore. Hermione can look after herself for all I care!... But surely everyone'll expect me to act like this... So I need to prove them wrong right? And show them I'm not a bad person? Sure, I might not deserve her friendship, but that's what we are now. Right? So be it! I will look after my friend.
And with the last word still echoing in his mind, he set off towards the Headmistress' office.
"Everything ready, dears? Remember, you'll arrive in the school's new Headmaster's office, so be polite! You'll find put everything you need to know from him. I'm unsure of his full names, but his surname is Vanev. You would do well to try and befriend him – he is not so biased as his predecessor. Learn as if you will never learn again! And keep the school's name high. Have fun!" And with that, McGonagall practically shoved them out of the fireplace in excitement.
"Evening, Hogwarts scholars." The voice of Vladimir Vanev was deep and low.
Like something from a horror movie... Hermione noted mentally.
"Our apologies, sir, but we are unaware of our current time zone. I'm Draco Malfoy, and this is my fellow Hogwarts Head, Hermione Granger."
"Pleased to meet you," Hermione said with a small smile. Normally she would be furious at Draco for taking the lead like that, but currently she found herself thankful for his calm, suave voice.
"Welcome to Durmstrang. I shall fall away with the regulations for your stay. Firstly, we have made special accommodations for you, and you will be residing in our Head cabin. We here offer stricter rules than your current school, but we hope to enlighten you with some of our unusual subjects. We offer a wide range of activities for students, and we pride ourselves on being an 'all for one, one for all' school. Thus, we work with different classes, not houses. We have 7 dormitories on the grounds, and they're sorted randomly, and sometimes at a student's request. Meals are served in the food court at 7 A.M., 2 P.M., and 7 P.M. If you happen to miss meals, you can self cater using your kitchenette in the Head's cabin. All students aged 15 and above are required to report to the grounds for wood chopping every second day. That is, firewood, of course. Your attire will consist of what you already own – no need for special arrangements in that department. The school normally does not accommodate muggle-borns – but everyone knows of Miss Granger's exceptional intelligence. The classes we offer are Dark Arts – A History, Magical History, Transfiguration, Alchemy, Advanced Arithmancy Studies, Flying and Magical Theory. Extra-curricular classes and activities include but are not limited to Ancient Runes, Apparation, Ancient Studies, Flying, Quidditch, and our famous Frog Choir. You may attend five or more. And with that, I hope you enjoy your stay. You are welcome to floo your Headmistress, just excuse me – I have important matters to take care of." Strutting away with a rather bouncy walk, Vladimir Vanev left them rather stunned.
"I don't know if I feel all that welcome here. 'The school doesn't normally accommodate muggle-borns'? Really?" Hermione felt offended.
"Yeah, I know... But Hermione, you have to understand, purebloods are raised very differently. I had to watch father's trial – so that I could learn from his mistakes. I wasn't allowed to speak – I just had to watch. I always did exactly as I was told, and I was raised to feel superior, regal, almost... Yet I never did, when I was with my father... I always felt insecure of who I am. I couldn't study the things I wanted and I couldn't talk to the people I thought were okay... And if that's how you're raised... It's very hard to go against that. Only when I started thinking about what I wanted in life, did things start to make sense. And that meant going against some of the principles my parents taught me. I can understand why they try to undermine being unique. If the kids here don't know different, they can't question it. It's all very sick, really. But don't let them get you down – I've gotten to know you as a person, a brilliant person. And although I don't deserve your friendship, I'm glad to have it." As Draco finished his speech softly, he slowly inclined his head towards hers. Her lips were parted in awe of his truthfulness, her chocolate brown eyes wide with shock.
He's going to kiss me, Draco Malfoy is going to kiss me! His eyes are gorgeous... Like a storm is brewing inside...
And just as they closed their eyes... Someone appeared in the fireplace, causing them to jump apart as if they were scalded with boiling water.
"Miss Granger, Mister Malfoy. Mister Vanev informed me of your arrival, and said now would be a suitable time to converse?"