Disclaimer: Guess what? I don't own Harry Potter! But JKR definitely does.

This chapter's song is The Ice Is Getting Thinner by Death Cab For Cutie.

Banaphool, thank you for your thoughts! Your suggestions were taken to heart!

Draco

The train ride was a dream. When I walked in the corridors, my new Head Boy badge inspired a level of deference and fear that was remarkable to behold. I smiled evilly at a couple of second year Hufflepuff's and watched as they dropped their bags and scurried out of my way.

I could get used to this.

After hours of terrorizing the susceptible Hogwarts population, the train finally rolled into the Hogwarts Station. All the students began piling out of the train, their actions and expressions colored with wariness. None of them knew what to expect this year. I smirked. They'd find out.

I herded everyone out of the train and took a moment to consider. I stood in the doorway and looked up at the castle. Yes, things would be different this year. I drew my hand through my hair and prayed that I was ready.

"Ummm, Draco, are you coming?"

My quiet contemplation was interrupted by Pansy Parkinson's simpering. I cast one more look up at the castle and nodded. "Yeah, I'm coming."

I jumped to the platform and began aiding Professor Flitwick in collecting all of the first years and taking them to the boats. In years past, this job belonged to that oaf Hagrid, but with the ascension of the Dark Lord, he had gone into hiding. So, it was left to me to help Flitwick. Lovely.

As I shoved some first years toward the lake, I caught another glimpse of the Weaselette. Her hair streamed behind her as she raced to catch up with her Pureblood friends. She tucked her arm through Loony Lovegood's and cocked her head to the side to listen to some drivel the girl was spouting. A moment later, Weasley threw back her head and roared with laughter. The sound was out of place in this atmosphere. Everyone visibly relaxed when Weasley had her outburst, and I inwardly cursed as I felt myself doing the same.

I made a mental note to make Weasley pay for having an infectious laugh. I smirked as I remembered the letter that had been sent to me from Professor Snape –make that Headmaster Snape.

Dear Draco,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and reasonable spirits.

As you are undoubtedly aware, I am the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. As such, many changes will be made this year.

First, I would like to personally congratulate you on becoming Head Boy. You will be briefed as to your responsibilities when you arrive at Hogwarts.

Second, this year brings substantial change for Muggle-born students and Blood Traitor's. Not only will these students be secluded on the Hogwarts Express, but those students who are deemed to be from less honorable families will be eligible to become the personal "helper" of those students from Pureblood families. As Head Boy and member of a noble Pureblood family, you will be allowed to choose your helper first. A list of the students eligible to become helpers will be provided when you arrive at Hogwarts.

Finally, there will be several changes in the staff this year. The changes are as follows: Alecto Carrow will be the new Muggle Studies Professor. Muggle Studies is now a required course for all students. Amycus Carrow will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. In addition, the Carrow's will be in charge of meting out punishments to rule-breaking students. I have not yet found a suitable substitute for Care of Magical Creatures as Professor Grubbly-Plank is not available, so it is likely that this class will not be offered. All other classes will have Professors you are familiar with.

Enclosed is your Head Boy Badge. Again, congratulations.

Best,

Severus Snape

Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

I would be getting a personal "helper" this year, and I knew which Blood Traitor I was going to pick.

*******************************************

Ginny

I looked around the Entrance Hall and was shocked. It looked empty and unwelcoming. I could only imagine how the rest of the castle fared. I ran to catch up with Neville and we made our way over to the Gryffindor table, now put against the far wall of the hall, along with the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. The Slytherin table was displayed in the middle of the room, and the Slytherin's were ecstatic about the change.

Malfoy walked in the hall with Parkinson and smirked when he saw the changes. He ran his hand through his hair and sauntered up to the Slytherin's table.

"Right where we belong," Malfoy loudly proclaimed.

I rolled my eyes and exchanged a dark look with Neville. This was the beginning of a long list of indignities we'd be facing and, if I didn't miss my mark, it would be the least of them.

I turned to Neville to ask him about his grandmother when I saw that Neville was looking past me up to the Staff Table and he had gone rigid. I turned around and saw what had captured his attention. Severus Snape, murderer of Albus Dumbledore, was standing at the Headmaster's podium, waiting for the students to settle.

"That bastard. That fucking BASTARD," I said through gritted teeth, with my hands clenched tight at my sides to stop them from reaching for my wand. Neville and I glared at Snape and looked over to the other tables. The Slytherin's were looking at Snape eagerly of course, but the other students had the same reaction as us. Outrage, anger and betrayal. This man had taken Dumbledore away from us, and he stood there calmly waiting for order. As I looked at Snape, I made a decision.

"Neville, let's make a promise right now." Neville looked at me expectantly.

"Let's make this year a hellish nightmare for that bastard." Neville gave me a solemn nod and reached for my hand. We shook on it, and our pact was sealed. Getting good grades was the last thing on my agenda for this year. I was going to survive and I was going to make those Death Eater bastards pay. I didn't know how, but I'd find a way.

When all the students quieted down, Snape announced that the Sorting could begin. The doors to the hall opened, and Professor McGonagall led the first years in. In her hands, she held the Sorting Hat, a stool and a piece of parchment.

She put the stool down in front of the podium and set the Sorting Hat on top of it. She unrolled her parchment and began calling the first years up.

Colin Creevey leaned toward Neville and I and whispered, "Why didn't the Hat sing? And why are most of the students being sorted into Slytherin?"

Neville and I exchanged another look. We both knew why. Parents were afraid to send their children to Hogwarts this year. Unless, of course, those parents were sure their little darlings would be sorted into Slytherin.

But why didn't the Hat sing? It always had some bit of wisdom to impart before it sorted the students…

"Maybe," I said haltingly, "It's protesting the way Hogwarts is this year. Remember what it said a couple of years ago? It said "Though condemned I am to split you, still I worry that it's wrong." Then something about how we had to unite our we'd "crumble from within." Something like that. So, maybe the Hat is making a point."

The three of us turned to look toward the Sorting, the Hat continuing to say nothing but the name of the student's House.

"But," Colin asked, "what point is it making?"

My mouth narrowed in a grim line. "It's saying that Hogwarts has already started to crumble."

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