Chapter 3
Coming Home
"Haha, Hermione, remember that one time when I accidentally blew up that cauldron in potions? That was funny!"
It's been about three and a half hours since the prefects meeting, and I've been sitting here in pure hell without backup. After I found "the usual crew," which consists of Neville, Luna, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Seamus, Dean, and myself, we began to talk about the past six years at Hogwarts. Classes, students, relationships. You know, all the stuff you can't read in a book. All the stuff I don't remember. Luckily, I've been able to pick up that Neville is always blowing up cauldrons in Potions.
"Neville, you always blow up cauldrons in Potions." says Ron.
See? I'm not the smartest witch of my age for nothing. Or so they tell me.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." says Neville dejectedly.
"Hey Hermione, remember that one time in divination when you-" starts Seamus.
"Yeah, that was hilarious!" I interrupt. "Well, we should probably go get changed. We're nearing the school I think."
Thankfully, everyone agrees and goes off to find their trunks and a place to change. I stay in the compartment, since everyone else is leaving. I just finish pulling on my robes when the door opens.
"Hey Mione," says Harry, "how're you doing?"
"Other than the past four hours of faking everything? I'm fine." I snap.
"Look Mione, I know this isn't easy, but at least Ron and I were there to cover for you, right? And as soon as we get to school, we'll go talk to Dumbledore. It will be fine, I promise. I'm sure there's some kind of magical cure, right? I mean, amnesia is pretty common…ish. Dumbledore'll know what to do. He always does." Harry looks at me comfortingly.
"Sure Harry, we'll talk to Dumbledore. I'm sure he can figure something out." I smile at him.
Just then, everyone else comes back in the compartment. As they all sit down, Dean and Seamus begin to pester me with questions.
"So Mione," begins Dean, "seeing as you're the new Head Girl, you, like, run the school, right?"
I look at him uneasily. "No, I'm not in charge of the school. I just-"
"But-" interrupts Seamus, "you're like the link from the students to Dumbledore, right?"
"Um, yeah, I guess." I'm getting kind of nervous here.
"So, as the middle man, the go between, you can offer…ohhh… suggestions, as to what you think the students need?" asks Dean.
"Sure. If I feel that it benefits the students." I think I see where this is going.
"So, don't you think that the Gryffindor team needs new broomsticks?" asks Seamus.
"And that the common room needs some kegs?" adds Dean.
"And maybe a Veela or two wouldn't hurt."
"Oh, and a football pitch."
"Oh! And do you think that Gryffindors should get more priveledges? Like, usage of the prefects bathroom, maybe?"
"And possibly-"
"No," I interrupt, "I don't think that the students need any of that. I understand that all of you are excited because the Head Girl is a Gryffindor, but that does not mean that I am to abuse my duties to please you. As Head Girl, it is my duty to be just and fair, and to make sure that any changes suggested benefit all of the students, or the majority, not the minority. Furthermore-"
"Okay Herms, we're here, so maybe you should stop." Says Harry, grinning.
"Oh! I didn't realize we were here." I start to gather up my things. "Don't call me Herms."
We walk out on the platform, and I hear someone shouting about something.
"Firs' years this way! Firs' years, this way! 'Arry! 'Ave a good summer? Stay safe, I 'ope? 'Ello Hermione, 'ave a nice summer?"
I just smile. The man is huge. He has to be as big as a giant.
"Hi Hagrid!" shouts Harry, "Yeah, I stayed out of trouble. You?"
Ohhh, Hagrid. I remember reading about him in the Prophet. He is half-giant, so I was right.
"Hi Hagrid!" I say, waving. Okay, maybe I was a little late, but at least I said hi.
"C'mon Mione, let's get in the carriages," says Harry, grabbing my arm and guiding me towards the long line of carriages.
"Oi! Granger!"
I turn around and see Draco heading towards me.
"What do you want?" I ask icily. What a git.
"Heads have their own carriage. Let's go." With that, he heads off towards a different carriage. I look at Harry.
"It's okay Mione, we'll meet you in the Great Hall." With that, he waves and heads towards a carriage with Ron and Ginny.
I turn and start to follow Draco. Maybe he's not that bad. Maybe he really is just mad because I started the meeting without him. Maybe we could still be friends. Yeah right Hermione. When pigs fly. Well, no matter. I'll still try and be civil towards him. I clamber into the carriage, and it begins to move. I can't stand uncomfortable silences, so I talk about the only thing I know Draco and I have in common.
"So," I start, "when is a good time for you to have the prefect's meeting, Draco?" I look at him expectantly.
"Sod off Granger."
Oh. Okay. Maybe not. I try again, pretending nothing happened.
"I was thinking that maybe we could have it Friday, after classes? Either before or after dinner, but I was kind of having trouble, since before is too close to the end of class, and after might get too late."
Nothing. Oh well, I tried. Luckily, the carriages have stopped, and we're here. I'd take the rowdiness of the Gryffindors, who I barely remember, to the uncomfortable silence here.
"Well," I say, gathering my things to leave, "see you around Draco."
I start to get out of the carriage when a hand on my wrist pulls me back.
"Why don't we have the meeting during dinner? I'm sure we can get some house elves to make us some food. We can use that room they used in fourth year to hold the champions. We just need to ask Dumbledore."
I just stare.
"Merlin Granger, no need to look so surprised. I'm not Head Boy for nothing, you know." He smirks at me. "You can leave now."
I shake myself mentally.
"Um, okay, sounds good. Bye Draco." I turn around and go towards the castle. That was…weird. Good, though, I guess, since we're going to have to work together all year.
I'm still thinking about our conversation in the carriage when the Sorting ends.
"Thank Merlin that's over," exclaims Ron, "that's always so boring. What's the point even? It just prevents us from eating. I thought I was going to die, waiting for those midgets to finish up."
"Hush Ron," I scold, "Dumbledore's talking."
"Welcome," begins the Headmaster, "to another wonderful year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am pleased to announce the new Head Boy and Girl for this year. Would Hermione and Draco please stand up?"
I stand, and I see Draco stand across the Great Hall.
"Thank you, both of you." Dumbledore smiles at us as we take our seats. "Now, although these two are from Gryffindor and Slytherin, any student from any house may come to them. If there are no other announcements, let the feast begin!" With a wave of his arm, food appears on the tables.
"Wow," I say under my breath. That was amazing.
"Finally," grumbles Ron, digging into the platter closest to him. "That took forever. I thought I died, I was so hungry."
"Did you guys hear how much the Sorting Hat emphasized house unity?" I ask, putting some mash on my plate.
"It does that every year Hermione," says Seamus. "It's nothing new."
"Well, I know, but don't you think that it's time we did something about it?" I say.
"You're Head Girl, why don't you do it? You have more power than the rest of us," Dean offers.
"Yeah, and it's not like the students are going to do it on their own," interjects Ron.
The boys laugh and begin to talk about what I'm quickly learning is their favorite subject: Quidditch. I sit and think about what they said. Apparently the Hat has offered advice about the upcoming war in the past. I may not remember anything about my life, but I'm still smart.
"I'll do it. I'll bring House unity to Hogwarts."
"What?" asks Ginny, who is sitting next to me.
"Oh, just thinking aloud," I say.
"Okay. Well, do you think that maybe you, as Head Girl, could suggest a ball? I think that it would be a great way for students to unwind and relax, you know?"
I laugh. "Ginny, classes haven't even started yet. How can the students be stressed?"
"It's just a suggestion," Ginny huffs.
"I know," I say comfortingly, "and I hear you. But you know I'm not the only Head. And Dumbledore would have to approve as well."
"I know," says Ginny, "but try hard, okay?"
"Of course," I say.
"Ay, Gin, you gonna try out for Quidditch this year?" asks Ron, drawing our attention.
"Yeah, if the captain is good," she replies.
"Captain? Oh yeah! Well, I don't think you'll have any problems there," says Ron, grinning, "'cuz Captain Harry is not only good, he's great. He's better that great, even," he finishes, clapping Harry on the back.
"Oh Harry, congratulations!" Ginny and I say. "That's awesome!"
"Yeah, well, you know," says Harry, turning red under the attention.
"That's awesome mate!" exclaims Seamus.
"TOAST!" bellows Dean. "Raise your goblets, please."
He stands and addresses the table.
"My man Harry here is one of the best there is. I stand by him, no matter what. This year, as best Quidditch captain ever, Harry will lead the Gryffindor team to victory, grasping the Cup that has eluded us, for one reason or another, since third year. Not only that, but Harry is going to lead the Light side to victory against You Know Who. So, cheers mate. I'm with you no matter what." Seamus lifts his goblet in a serious gesture, then grins.
"To Harry Potter."
"To Harry Potter," I repeat. I am surprised at the amount of voices I hear. I turn around and see that not only is Gryffindor applauding, but most of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff as well. I turn my gaze to Slytherin table, and my gaze immediately catches Draco's. He cocks his eyebrow at me and smirks, before he raises his glass slightly and drinks. I blink, then I turn back around to Harry. What was that all about?
"Well, seeing as we are all satisfied by the nourishment provided, I think it is time that we head to bed. First years, follow your Prefect's to your houses. Goodnight to all. Hermione and Draco, if you could meet me at the teacher's table, please?"
"See you guys later," I say to Ron and Harry.
"But how will you find the-" Ron starts.
"I'll ask Dumbledore, Ron." I say, looking at him pointedly.
"Oh," he mutters, checking to see if anyone overheard. "Right. Later Mione." He waves and walks away with Harry.
I head towards the teachers teacher's table. Whenever anyone shouts a greeting at me, I just smile and wave.
"Ah Hermione, you're here," says Dumbledore as I climb the steps towards the table. "Let us begin. I will not go into too many details about your duties tonight. Just know that as it is the first night back, the professors will patrol. Tomorrow it will be up to you. Now, if you will both follow me, I will take you to your dormitories."
He starts to walk away when Draco's voice causes him to stop.
"All due respect Professor, but I believe we know how to get to our dormitories." He looks pointedly at Dumbledore.
"I assure you Draco, you do not. Let us not dawdle!" He turns again, a twinkle in his eye. I look at Draco, to see that he is looking back incredulously. I shrug and begin to follow Dumbledore. As we pass through the doors of the Great Hall, I turn to see Draco following. We both jog a bit to catch up to the Headmaster, who, for an elderly man, is quite quick. He leads us to the end of the second floor, to a statue of a girl on a balcony.
"Hello Headmaster!" cries the girl cheerily.
"Goodnight my dear. This is Hermione, and this is Draco," he says, indicating.
"Oh! The now Heads! Do, follow me!" She begins to reach towards the railing of the balcony, but she stops.
"But, of course…" she pauses, looking at Dumbledore.
"Of course," says Dumbledore, smiling. "Shakespeare."
The statue grins, then leans down and swings open the railing on her balcony.
"Do come in!"
Draco and I look at each other. After a slight hesitation, I follow the stone girl. We meander down a long corridor, until we begin to ascend some steps. We got to the top and stop in front of a door.
"Here we are! Bye!" she says, waving at me.
I wave back as she disappears back down the steps. With a pointed look from Dumbledore, I turn the doorknob and step into the room beyond.
"Oh," I gasp.
The room is beautiful. It is decorated with deep forest greens and golds, with scarlet and silver as well, a nice blend of Slytherin and Gryffindor. There are a few couches and comfy looking armchairs, along with a huge table. The room has a huge fireplace, and as I slowly turn around to face the door we came in, I see it is flanked by floor to ceiling shelves, filled with nothing but
"Books," I breathe, leaning closer to see titles.
Dumbledore chuckles, then begins to address us.
"Hermione, I know how excited you are to pour through these tomes, but first I must show you some features of this spectacular room."
I pause, then turn to follow Dumbledore, Draco next to me. He leads us towards the fireplace, then indicates the two portraits flanking either side. One is of a man dressed in red and gold, a jovial expression on his face. The other is of an angry looking man wearing silver and green.
"These," states Dumbledore, "are the founders of your respective Houses. Draco, this portrait of Salazaar Slytherin will lead you to your Common Room. And Hermione," he turns to look at me, "Godric will lead you to the Gryffindor commons."
I nod. This makes things a lot easier. Now I don't have to remember how to get to Gryffindor.
"Passwords are required to gain entry from the commons side. Now, the password to your statue will change bi-weekly. She'll leave a note on the door, just here. If you have the pressing urge to speak to me, the fireplace is connected directly to mine. If there are no questions, I would like for you to have a Prefect's meeting tomorrow, and again at the end of the week." Dumbledore looks at us, then turns to leave.
"Excuse me, Headmaster," I say, "But I need to speak with you privately."
"And where do we sleep?" asks Draco.
"Of course," says Dumbledore. He indicates two doors. "These are your rooms. Hopefully you will know which one is yours."
Draco and I nod. One door says Head Girl above it, the other Head Boy.
"If that is all," Dumbledore looks at us, "Hermione, follow me. Draco, goodnight."
And with that, I follow Dumbledore back down the tunnel.
Thanks so much for waiting so patiently. We started school a week ago, and I got a 20 page paper assigned. So that's not fun. But I hope you liked chapter 3!