(a/n) I didn't mention this before, so I'm mentioning it now: only some of this story is HBP compliant. Read, review, and enjoy )
Tragedies and Legacies
Once every student was in their respective places in the Great Hall, Professor Flitwick, the new Deputy Headmaster, made his way to the front of the hall with an old stool and a tarnished old hat; the sorting hat. After placing the hat on top of the stool the Professor cleared his throat and said, "Let the sorting begin."
At that, the first years visibly tensed and the seventh years pulled out their pieces of parchment. But, before the first name was called, Professor Flitwick said one more thing: "First years, after I call your name, make your way to the stage. Also, whichever seventh year will be assisting the student, come forward as well."
Caleb Bones was the first names called. He was a short boy with shoulder length blonde hair. As he made his way to the front of the room, Draco Malfoy stood and followed suit.
The sorting hat was placed on the younger boys head and, after an approximate minute, 'Slytherin' echoed though the room. The boy jumped off the stool and, like Draco, wore a smirk as he followed his mentor to the Slytherin table.
Around twenty minutes later Lillyana DeGarche was called to the front. Hermione hung back a moment until she saw the girl stand and move forward toward the stool. She had waist length black hair with a thick line of bangs swept to the side. She was tall for an eleven year old; she did not look her age at all.
After surveying Lillyana, Hermione stood and followed the first year to the stool. As soon as the hat grazed the Italian girl's head 'Slytherin' once again echoed through the Great Hall.
Hermione's eyes widened and she turned her head to look at Professor McGonagall. McGonagall only tilted her head, signaling that this was no mistake; Hermione, a Gryffindor, really was paired with the enemy: a Slytherin. Hermione then looked toward the audience to see Draco and Blaise Zabini standing at their seats applauding. Great, Hermione thought.
She walked over to Lillyana and pointed her in the direction of the Slytherin table, informing her to meet near the main doors after the feast. And, with that, Hermione returned to her respective table.
Several names later, Ryan Bones was called so Harry stood and walked toward the front of the hall. Ryan Bones, very apparently related to Caleb Bones, had shoulder length blonde hair as well. But, unlike his brother, when the sorting hat was placed atop his head Ravenclaw gained a new member. Harry saw Ryan exchange a look of disappointment with his brother before pointing him in the direction of the Ravenclaw table and returning to the Gryffindor table.
The last name called was Aaron Creevey, Ron's 'student.' As Ron followed the boy to the front there was no doubt in his mind that he was part of the Creevey clan; he looked just like Collin did in his first year. As the sorting hat landed on Aaron's head, Ron was relieved to hear Gryffindor come out of the hat's mouth. Ron escorted the new Gryffindor back to the table with a smile on his face.
Once Ron and Aaron were seated Professor McGonagall stood by her chair at the staff table and cleared her throat to catch the students' attention.
"Students old and new, welcome to another wonderful year at Hogwarts! Most of you know that I, Professor McGonagall, have assumed duties of Headmistress after the late Albus Dumbledore's passing." Dead silence filled the room in remembrance of their previous and beloved headmaster. "Because of my new position, it was required to hire a new professor to fill my previous post as Transfiguration teacher. So, I'd like you all to welcome the new Transfiguration teacher: Professor Andrew Havlock." A round of applause spread through the room as a young, slender, brunette man rose from his chair at the staff table.
"But Professor Havlock is not our only new professor this year. As many of you know, Severus Snape had been the Potions teacher until he… well… until this year. The new potions professor is Professor Jane Johnson." Another burst of applaud echoed through the students and staff as a middle-aged woman with graying blonde hair rose from the staff table.
"Well, now that the introductions are taken care of, Mr. Filch has reminded me to tell you the Forbidden Forest is just that: forbidden," She said looking directly at the Gryffindor trio. "That means you are not permitted to enter the forest under any circumstances. And also, watch out for the staircase leading to the fourth floor, one of the floor boards keeps disappearing on us. So, dig in!" And, after that, Professor McGonagall sat at back down and the feast appeared on the long house and staff tables. A steady stream of chatter along with the clanking of silverware and plates filled the hall.
Once the feast was over and the food disappeared from the tables, many students stood and began heading toward their common rooms. However, many, mainly first and seventh years, stayed behind.
Hermione, after waiting at the main door for several minutes, made her way toward the Slytherin table to try and find Lillyana. When she entered the Great Hall she found Lillyana with three fellow Slytherins: Draco, Blaise, and Caleb Bones.
Hermione inwardly sighed and rolled her eyes. She, of all people, got stuck with a Slytherin… perfect. As she neared the table she could hear the three laughing and joking. But, once she was spotted by Blaise, the laughing immediately ceased.
"Hi, Lillyana, I'm Hermione Granger and I-"
"…Am a mudblood" Lillyana stated with a grin on her face. A snort of laughter came from the three boys.
"…Am going to be helping you this year. So, if you would follow me…" Hermione tried her hardest to act as if she didn't hear the outburst from her student.
Luckily for Hermione, Lillyana had a mouth but no actions to back up her words. Lillyana followed Hermione from the Great Hall, but not before winking to the Slytherin boys she was leaving behind.
Once in the Entrance Hall Hermione began talking to the first year again.
"Okay, so, Lillyana…"
"Just call me Ana," she said dryly.
"Okay, Ana, well as I said before, I'm Hermione Granger. I'm a Gryffindor, which, by the looks of it, you already know." Hermione racked her brain for more things to say but for some reason this little girl was really intimidating to her.
"My brother said you were a mudblood, is that true, Hermione?"
"Who's your brother?" Hermione asked puzzled. "I've never heard DeGarche before."
"Well, he's my half brother, but, Blaise Zabini. He's a Slytherin as well."
"Oh, him." 'Perfect, perfect, perfect,' she though to herself.She paused thinking over the question she had been asked. "Yes, I am of muggle lineage, but I feel that is no reason to put a person down because, incase you didn't know, I really am a decent witch. And, because of that, I really hope to help you this year… if you'll let me."
Ana looked as if she were contemplating whether or not she should let Hermione help her. She slowly tapped her index finger to her thumb in concentration before answering. "I'll let you help me." Hermione sighed with relief.
"Good, well then, I guess I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast? I'm sure your brother can show you where the Slytherin house is." And, with that, the two girls went their separate ways: one to the place of truth and bravery, the other to a place of deception and rivalries.
As Hermione reached the platform of the seventh floor she ran into Harry.
"You look pretty ruffled, not get along too well with Ryan?" Hermione asked behind a giggle. Harry really did look ruffled: his was looked messier than usual (if possible), his glasses were slightly crooked, and his shirt was halfway tucked in. "Or maybe you got along too well?" She joked while nudging him in the side with her elbow.
"Ha ha, very funny 'Mione," the words dripped with sarcasm. "Actually, I had a run in with Ginny. She's very… stubborn." Harry let a little smile slide onto his lips as he followed several steps behind Hermione.
"So you two are dating again then?" Harry nodded. "That's great, Harry! Did you tell Ronald?" Harry's smile faded. Taking that as a hint, Hermione changed the subject to how attractive the new Transfiguration teacher, Professor Havlock, was.
Harry said the password to the portrait of the fat lady and the painting swung open revealing the hole in the wall that lead to the Gryffindor common room. He allowed Hermione to go first and then followed suit, the portrait swung shut after him.
Ron was already sitting at one of the comfortable chairs by the fire when the other two arrived. Aaron Creevey was no where in sight, and maybe that was a good thing.
Hermione and Harry rushed over toward Ron and sat on the floor by his chair. After Ron and Harry both relayed their encounters with their first years, Hermione began to speak.
"Well, first of all, you'll never guess who Ana's brother is." The two boys shook their heads. "Her brother is Blaise fucking Zabini!" Several heads in the common room turned to see what was causing such a commotion. "Turn around; no one was talking to you!" Hermione scolded the onlookers. "Within our first minute of knowing each other she called me a mudblood and then later questioned it again. I can't believe this… I can't believe it!" She was standing now, quickly pacing in front the fire. "And who was she standing by when I went to meet her? None other than Malfoy and Zabini themselves. I really don't know how I'm going to get through this year. I can't stand being ridiculed everyday!" Tears were building up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
"Its okay 'Mione, we're always here for you. I'm always here for you, baby." With that Ron took her hands in his and gently kissed them.
"Would you two go to your dorm if you're going to get all mushy, this summer was enough love-fest for me to handle." Harry said disgusted at the affection the couple showed each other.
"But Harry," Hermione started in a baby voice. "It's our three month anniversary and, from what I heard earlier you and G-"
"…Ginny love you two as a couple." Harry finished quickly, giving Hermione a warning stare. Hermione giggled and sat on Ron's lap while running her fingers through his hair. "Okay then; that settles it. I'm going to bed." Harry concluded as he stood from the floor, rolled his eyes and headed toward the boys dormitory.
Draco, Blaise, Ana, and Caleb, made their way toward the dungeons and the Slytherin common room.
"So Ana, tell us what she said again, it's just too funny." He said with a slight laugh.
The girl slowly tapped her index finger to her thumb as she tried to remember exactly what Hermione had said.
"' I am of muggle lineage, but I feel that's no reason to put a person down because, incase you didn't know, I am a decent witch. And, because of that, I really hope to help you this year… if you'll let me.'" She mimicked in a very rude impression. "It was a ball Draco. My insides were deflating I was trying so hard not to laugh!" She said while running her hands through her long, black hair. "I can't wait to see her tomorrow," she added with a wink.
"Oh Lillyana, we have certainly raised you well." Blaise said as he wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder and pretended to wipe a tear from his eye. "But you're lucky you at least have someone interesting. I have that weird Hufflepussy that just sits their and picks his nose." Blaise continued with a disgusted look on his face. "Ew!"
"Speaking of pussy, where's Parkinson?" Draco asked as he searched the common room. "I need to get… reacquainted with her. Right now." He winked and walked over to the chair she was sitting in by the fire. Several seconds later Draco was leading her up to the boys' dormitory.
About half an hour had gone by when Draco emerged from the dormitory and reentered the common room. He took a seat on the couch right next to Caleb and started up a conversation.
"So Caleb, are you and your brother close?"
"Yeah, we're really close. It sucks he's in Ravenclaw, fuck that." Draco, although quite a crude person, was still taken aback when the eleven year old said 'fuck.' But then he realized where he was: the Slytherin common room. Things of that sort should be expected.
"Yeah but, Ravenclaw's got some really hot girls," Draco said, wiggling his eyebrows. The two boys laughed. "But seriously, use it to your advantage. My motto while here is 'Fuck girls daily and get drunk often.' It really is a good motto…" he stated dreamily. "But, you also have to keep up your marks, because if that happens, you're in the clear. Say a teacher somehow finds out you got drunk, but you have top marks in their class, what are they going to do about it, you know?"
"Wow, great advice to a fucking eleven year old, Malfoy." Blaise said shaking his head and laughing. "That, Caleb, is advice from a true Slytherin." Draco let out a hearty laugh, nodding in agreement.
"By the end of this year, Caleb, oh man, I will pass my Hogwarts legacy onto you. And your brother if you'd like," He said with a smirk. "It's a nice legacy, too."
Caleb nodded and looked over by the entrance hole. Ana was standing there talking to another first year girl. He sighed and looked back at Draco and Blaise.
"I'd hate to go all 'protective brother' on your ass but, I'm about to go all protective brother on your ass." Blaise said half jokingly. "Give her at least a week before you even think of her that way, hear me?" He was one hundred percent serious that time.
Caleb shook his head, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "Blaise, I wouldn't, man." He tried comforting the older Slytherin. Blaise only laughed and shrugged.
"Us Slytherins, we're pretty horny people. It's forgiven." He said, playfully punching Caleb on the shoulder. "Besides, I know what it's like for you to long for a Zabini… people do it toward me all the time." Draco snorted and laughed before adding his own input.
"And when he says that, it's so true. Well, the horny part. You just wait until you hit puberty, Caleb. You just wait."
The three boys continued laughing and joking until well past midnight when they decided to head off to bed; their first day back to school came to a close.