A/N: Hello lovely readers! I hope you enjoy this installment of Universal Harmony! I'm excited for the gang to get back to Hogwarts!
Jslee102: Thanks for reviewing! I understand your concern, but I have this plan in mind for where and when Harry will break up with Ginny. I wasn't sure how to do this, so maybe it seems a little off character. Then again, I didn't feel like there was much Harry-Ginny interactions in the book, so I don't know how to portray them together. I didn't have Ron and Hermione come clean about how Ginny and Harry aren't meant to be, because I wanted Harry to figure it out on his own, which he has…but breaking up with her will take some time…I hope you enjoy this chapter!
RedPandaPatronus: I have always kept the Ron/Luna pairing in the back of my mind, but the more I write it, the less and less I like it. I don't know Luna and I don't think like her at all, so for me it's hard to write. I do like the Katie Bell suggestion though! It's interesting and not very common (at least from what I've seen) I hope you like this chapter and you keep reviewing
Ilfanhp: Thank you for your review! I hope you enjoy this chapter and you keep reviewing!
Mrfresh: Thank you! I hope you like this chapter and you keep reviewing
Suzululu4moe: Haha, I honestly haven't thought much about doing any sadistic display of Harry's parents' bodies! But I do know where you're coming from with the Sirius surprise. I took the afterlife meaning anyone who is dead can roam in ghost form if they please. Lily and James watch their son grow up mostly, which means they can travel to Hogwarts, London, anywhere really! They also do enjoy their own life together in the afterlife doing more ghostly things haha! Sirius sensed that Harry was at Godric's Hollow, so he apparated there to see his favorite godson. I included Sirius for a little more humor, because I wanted to show a bit more of Sirius's and James' relationship. I didn't think much about the ghosts in Hogwarts, but I think it can be argued that those ghosts had some weird connection to the school and some kind of unfinished business. I also have another reason that will be revealed later in the story, but I don't want to give too much away!
SodaPopLover4524: Thank you thank you for your review! I do intend to bring some of those characters back, you'll just have to keep reading to find out which ones! Thank you for your compliments! I hope you enjoy this chapter and you keep reviewing
Ijnfleetadmiral: Haha! Yes, some of your characters make the lists as well! Keep reading to find out
Guest: I get it, it's your opinion, but I hoped to make Harry's life a little happier. The story itself is just so sad and full of death! We have enough death in the world, I just wanted to decrease the casualties a little
Lozzy035: Thanks so much for your review! I hope you continue to read and review and like this next chapter!
TheCrippler1988: haha so Remus isn't lonely! Aww you're so sweet! You'll get your wish for some of those characters! I hope you like this chapter! Thanks for your review!
ElizabethAnneSoph: You and I seem to have similar ideas about many things I think you'll be happy with my story I hope you like this chapter and you continue to review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the plot, the characters, but I did create Elspeth!
Chapter 6:
"Come along dears! Hurry up; will you?" Molly Weasley shouted at Harry, Ron and Ginny as they walked through the Platform 9 ¾ gateway. This was the smallest group Mrs. Weasley could remember bringing to the Hogwarts express which made her heart ache; she longed for Fred and George to be here with them. Although Fred had been gone for over a few months, she still couldn't simply forget her son's death. George on the other hand couldn't be near the Hogwarts Express without Fred, so he took a rain ticket this time.
"Mum," Ginny moaned as she pushed her trunk through the portal. "Don't you think we're old enough to do this trip on our own?"
"Of course not! He-who-Shall-Not-be-Named was just defeated! There will be plenty of his followers trying to figure out a way to revive him or continue his work." Mrs. Weasley scolded her daughter as Harry and Ron went through the portal. Harry had stayed the last few nights at the Weasleys while Hermione was helping her parents with some muggle affairs. Harry hadn't pried her much for information when Hermione told him she couldn't stay at the Weasleys, so he didn't know much else. She did promise to meet theme at Platform 9 ¾, which Harry was happy about.
"Oi!" Ron called as they approached the large red train. "Look, they've replaced the seats! They look brand new!" Ron always had a fancy for new things, especially when he was allowed to use them.
"Yes, they do look rather new," Ginny added as she glanced over to Harry as the group continued walking toward the end of the train. "Harry, would you like to sit with me in train?"
"Don't you always sit with us Ginny?" Ron returned Ginny's question with a question of his own.
"Well this year, I promised to sit with some of the Gryffindors in my year, and I'm inviting Harry to join us." Ginny said without so much as glancing at Ron, her eyes never leaving Harry's face.
"What about me, your own flesh and blood?" Ron asked sarcastically. Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled at Harry, making Ron's stomach churn. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about his best friend and his little sister make him a tad queasy.
"Harry!" Hermione called from a little farther down the station. She was waving like crazy at the group approaching her and her parents. "Ron, Ginny! Hello Mrs. Weasley!" Hermione said as she close the small gap between her parents and her friends.
"It's Molly, dear; I've told you before," Molly smiled at Hermione and continued past her over toward her parents to converse with them.
"How was your muggle business?" Harry asked Hermione as soon as he was within a few feet of her.
"Oh – that was fine," Hermione smiled as she pulled Harry into a hug. "I missed you!"
"And me?" Ron asked offended.
"Of course, Ronald," Hermione laughed as she pulled away from Harry and reached for Ron. "Where's Ginny? I just saw her with you two."
"She's probably already sitting with those sixth years," Ron laughed as he nodded his head toward the train.
"Well that's alright with me," Harry nodded. "I'm glad I'll be sitting with you lot on our last train ride to Hogwarts."
"Me too," Hermione added as she smiled widely at Harry. "But goodness, Harry; don't say that! You make it seem like this is it! We still have a whole year to go."
"Sure, a year of lasts," Ron added as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. It was true this would be Ron's, Hermione's, and Harry's last year at Hogwarts, and they were all beginning to feel the pain of it all, something they had never gone through before.
"Merlin, seven years at this school," Harry sighed as he reflected on all that had happened in just a short amount of time. "I'm glad I spent it with you two!" Harry said as he wrapped an arm around each Hermione's and Ron's shoulders.
"Oh, Harry, me too," Hermione smiled sadly as their conversation turned into reminiscent thoughts and memories. "Now come on you lot," Hermione said firmly as she changed the subject. "We're not going to be sad on our last train ride together. Let's enjoy this."
"Sounds good to me," Ron said with a smile.
"Hermione, darling," Mr. Granger called from behind Hermione. "I've already loaded your trunk on the train, so your mother and I are heading off now. Write often, alright?"
"Of course, Dad," Hermione smiled and turned to hug both her father and mother. "Love you both, Bye!"
Harry only began to understand how Hermione and Ron could say goodbye to their parents with such ease as they did. They saw their parents often from the beginning of their existence, their earliest memories, and they never truly had a fear that one or both of them would be gone when they returned from school. Their lives were filled with their parents for a long time and would be filled for a long time in the future, much longer than Harry's.
"Bye Harry," Mrs. Granger smiled and wove to Harry as the couple began to leave the station. "Bye Ronald." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Is your mother ever going to call me Ron?" Ron asked with an exasperated expression.
"Probably not," replied Molly with a smile as she came up behind Hermione. "Like mother like daughter," Molly smiled sweetly at Hermione again. "It's so good to see you," Molly said, hugging and kissing Hermione. "Well, I'll be off then too. Behave you three, alright? You have no excuses this year! He-who-Shall-"
"We know Mum," Ron rolled his eyes as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Pass it on to your sister. Love you both!" Mrs. Weasley said as she walked away from the group.
"Bye Mrs. Weasley," Harry added just before Mrs. Weasley apparated home.
"Come on you lot; let's grab a compartment before they're all full!" Ron said as he started for the train.
Perhaps it was fate, or in Ron's eyes it was a good omen, but the last compartment on the train was completely empty. The three smiled at each other as they sat down in the same compartment where they met each other on their first train ride to Hogwarts.
The train ride was shorter than the three expected, possibly because they were busy talking about what a year at Hogwarts would be like without having to worry about Voldemort. Hermione knew they were still in for a rough year with their N.E.W.T.'s coming up, and she urged the boys to begin studying, especially because they wanted to be aurors. Hermione on the other hand wanted to continue learning or perhaps do research for the ministry; what better job for someone who loves to read everything they can get their hands on.
When the train arrived at Hogwarts, Hagrid hurried the first years toward the boats as he always did; however, Harry was able to catch his eye and smile at him before he left. Hogwarts looked very similar to what it had been before, except newer. The bricks were cleaner; the trees were trimmed perfectly. The castle looked as good as Harry had ever seen it, but he felt a strange twinge, knowing that Dumbledore wouldn't be waiting to give his opening speech as he always had. Hermione noticed Harry's slight discomfort and slipped her hand into his, giving him a reassuring smile.
"I know…it feels different," Hermione said as the three sat down at the Gryffindor table.
"Well of course it'll be different!" Ron exclaimed. "Dumbledore's gone. Snape's toast. And there are a few kids that won't be back…"
"Well, at least you two will get to make a new impression on a few new teachers," Hermione smiled at them, hoping they would take school more seriously.
"Sure Hermione," Harry smiled weakly at her.
"No way!" Ron cried as he slammed a fist on the table.
"What's he doing here?" Harry asked as he nodded his head toward the Slytherin table. Hermione and Ron turned their heads to look where Harry was. Draco Malfoy was shaking hands with his old friend Gregory Goyle.
"How did he get let back in here?" Ron asked with a scowl on his face. Ron turned back around in his seat across from Harry and Hermione and then slammed his other fist on the table. "Here we thought we were going to have a fine year, but little do we know, they still let in dark wizards."
"He and his family did leave Voldemort's Army before they lost…perhaps the school sees it fit to give him a second chance" Elspeth suggested with a shrug as she sat down next to Ron. "I'm just saying, have an open mind, will you?" She asked Ron and then turned to face Hermione, reaching her hands across the table. "Darling, how are you? We haven't spoken in ages, not since your letter in late August! I missed you!"
"Late August?" Ron asked with a groan, "That was only a few weeks ago, max."
"You too, Elspeth." Hermione smiled at her friend and high-achieving Gryffindor. "We'll catch up tonight, I promise."
"Hello?" Ron interrupted the girls' conversation by waving his hand in front of them. "How can you possibly think about forgiving or rather giving him a second chance?"
"This year is all about repairing old wounds, or that's what it said in my letter." Elspeth sighed as she reached into her rob to fetch it, showing it to them. Ron and Harry looked skeptical at Hermione, wondering why she hadn't said anything so far.
"Honestly, did either of you two read your letter this year apart from what books you'd need?" Hermione asked as she pointed to where in the letter it spoke of such forgiveness. "I certainly don't trust him yet, or rather even think I'll begin to trust him…but at least I know what my Hogwarts letter said!" Hermione and Elspeth laughed at Ron and Harry who turned a slight red and looked down.
"Well, maybe Draco has changed, and he needs to make amends for things he's done in the past." Elspeth suggested with a shrug.
"Sure, that'd be the day when Malfoy changes his evil ways," Ron laughed.
"Why are you calling him by his first name?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow at his friend
"Why not? It's his name isn't it?" Elspeth asked as she raised an eyebrow back.
"Well yes, but he's Malfoy…we don't like him. Remember?" Ron asked seriously.
"He can't be all bad. His mother helped Harry when he was in the Forbidden forest, remember that?" Elspeth asked the two boys as she rolled her eyes. "I just think that in lieu of the theme of healing old wounds we should give him a second chance. Maybe he has changed."
"Give her a break." Hermione said to Ron and Harry. "She and he are almost next door neighbors; their mothers are bet friends. She's been spending time with him this summer."
"Oh is that why you neglected to write her?" Ron asked making finger quotes when he said the word 'neglected', earning a shove from Elspeth.
"Hermione, Malfoy's the one that called you…that dirty word," Harry whispered as he covered his mouth. "You're not really going to forgive him for that, are you?"
"No, of course not. We're all a bit different this year, aren't we?" Hermione asked her two best friends, but the conversation ended abruptly when Ginny, Neville, and Luna sat down next to the trio.
"Hermione, guess what?" Elspeth asked she placed her hands on Hermione's arm. "Draco and I have plans to go to Hogsmeade together, just as friends." Elspeth continued the conversation, hoping if she showed how much she had come to like Malfoy that her friends could be a little more accepting of him as well.
"That's great, Elspeth," Hermione forced a smile at her friend and then smirked at Harry and Ron. "I'm sure he was a gentleman when he asked you; wasn't he?"
"Oh goblins, yes," Elspeth smiled. "He even gave me chocolates on the Hogwarts Express. Would you like one?" she asked, pulling out a small box of chocolates from her cloak.
"I'm alright," Hermione declined the candy. "I don't want to spoil my dinner."
"Just be careful with him," Neville added a word of caution as he sat down next to Ron. "I still don't trust him."
"Thank you! At least someone is on the same page!" Ron said loudly.
"Ron! Stop embarrassing us!" Ginny hissed from her seat to Harry's left. "Honestly, how can we be related?"
"Well that's a simple question," Luna said as she titled her head to her right. "Just look at the color of your hair; it's a clear match." Neville and Harry laughed at this comment while Ginny's frown deepened.
"Honestly, Ron and I couldn't be more different," Ginny huffed and turned to Harry. "Harry, you don't see such a resemblance, do you? We're so different; aren't we?" Ginny pouted her lips at Harry, making Hermione sick.
"I…uh don't think I should be comparing my girlfriend to my best friend." Harry's eyes were full of alarm as he said this, hoping Ginny would accept his answer. Hermione turned her head away from Harry when he said 'girlfriend,' because she still didn't want to believe that Harry and Ginny were officially a couple. She wondered why Harry hadn't broken up with Ginny yet, and the only reason she could figure was that Harry truly did still love her. Hermione knew she felt something for Harry, but she didn't know what exactly. She certainly did not like the idea of Harry and Ginny together, because as she had said to Elspeth in particular Harry could do so much better.
"I guess that's fair," Ginny smiled contently to herself. "You can tell me how different we are when we're alone tonight." She said as she wrapped her arm around Harry's neck; Elspeth and Neville whooped jokingly. "I'm so glad we're back at Hogwarts and there's nothing stopping us from having some alone time." Harry didn't know what to say to this, so he just nodded as he bit his lip. He knew had had feelings for Hermione, but he also still had a connection with Ginny. He needed to end it soon; he just didn't know how.
"Hermione, why don't you come Hogsmeade with me and Draco?" Elspeth suggested, noticing Hermione's sudden discomfort. She had a feeling that Hermione and Harry had feelings for each other, and throughout their time at Hogwarts her suspicions were all but confirmed. Elspeth had her proof of Hermione's feelings once she received Hermione's owl saying that she and Ron had broken up. It simply made sense that the two should try their chances at relationship. Perhaps if Elspeth could help Hermione make Harry jealous, he might ask her out.
"Oh, well thank you, Elspeth," Hermione smiled sweetly at her friend. "I can't this weekend though…" Hermione looked to Elspeth, who raised her eyebrows, waiting for an explanation. "I'm…beginning a research project. Professor McGonagall approved of it over the summer, and she encouraged me to start as soon as we returned to school."
"Well what could be so important that you need to miss a Hogsmeade weekend, especially our first in a long, long time?" Harry asked quickly as he turned away from Ginny to face Hermione. Ginny pretended not to notice and began a conversation with Neville about plants that she pretended to be interested in.
"I can't actually tell anyone," Hermione admitted as she tucked her head down and looked up shyly at him.
"She wouldn't mind you telling us," Elspeth pushed Hermione a little farther.
"If I tell anyone, McGonagall said she'll stop funding the research…I can't have that happen," Hermione denied the group access to her thoughts once more.
Just as Ron was about to jump into the conversation when Headmaster McGonagall stood up to the podium, put her wand to her neck and boomed, "Quiet please." When all of the side conversations had died down, McGonagall began again. "Welcome back students to a new Hogwarts! I know it looks a smidge different than the last time you all were here, but none the less, the rules have not changed. This year is going to be quite different than any other year has been in the past.
"I know most of you are not thrilled that you need to repeat your previous year, but know that the reasons behind this decision are due to the fact that so many teachers and students will not be returning this year. That being said the current first years will have additional initiates in their class, making their class the biggest class Hogwarts has ever seen," McGonagall paused for applause for the first years. "Please bring in the new First years for them to be sorted!" the grand doors opened and Filch led a group of about eighty or so students into the Great Hall and ushered them into the front of the room. "Now, the Sorting Hat," McGonagall said as she stepped up the stool in front of the podium. She picked up the hat and began calling names.
After thirty minutes of sorting, each house had about twenty-five to thirty-five new First years, almost doubling the class size, and McGonagall returned to the podium to continue her opening speech. "Now, I believe we should have a moment of silence for the family members of our students who were lost in the Second War." Professor McGonagall paused as the students bowed their heads and prepared themselves for a long list. "Gwendolyn Abbott, mother of Hannah Abbott, Seventh Year. Clementine and Wyatt Abraham, sister and father of Poppy Abraham, Fourth Year. Nicola, Rosie, and Becker Banks, mother, sister, and father of Ruby Banks, Sixth Year. Lettice, Matilda, and Fox Blythe, sisters and brother of Halcyon Blythe, Sixth year. Edgar, Thomas, and Louise, brother, father and mother of Susan Bones, Seventh year. Lavender Brown, Seventh Year. Biff Chambers, father of Leonie and Lynx Chambers, First years. Vincent Crabbe, Seventh year. Colin Creevey, Fourth year. Nye Cullen, Third year. Cedric Diggory, Sixth year. Felix and Trevor Emerson, brother and father of Arabella Emerson, First year. Forest Foster, Seventh year. Crispin and Kenzie Fuller, brothers of Jessamy Fuller, Second year. Ailsa and Flora Grey, sister and mother of Eugenie Grey, Fifth year. Catriona Hawking, mother of Tamsin Hawking, First year. Evie Jeffries, sister of Hugh Jeffries. Clayton Jennings, Fifth year. Clement Mathewson, brother of Maxine Mathewson, Second year. Babette and Dodie Owston, mother and sister of Gregory Onston, Third Year. Hedwig Potter, owl of Harry Potter. Fay, Lottie, and Everett Randal, sisters and father of Kevin Randal, Fourth year. Diane Tate, sister of Lucy Tate, Seventh year. Julianne and Dwayne Underhill, mother and brother of India Underhill. And Fred Weasley, brother of Ron and Ginny Weasley."
McGonagall cleared her throat and patted her cheek with a hanky. "And now for the members of the Order of the Phoenix who sacrificed themselves for us. "Charity Burbage. Sirius Black." Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and gave him a reassuring squeeze when she heard Sirius' name, knowing Harry would be distraught at the mention of Sirius. He turned toward her and smiled slightly to conceal his frown; however, Hermione saw through his façade and began to rub soothing circles on his hand. "Benjy Fenwick. Florean Fortescue. Remus Lupin. Marlene McKinnon. Dorcas Meadows. Alastor Moody. James and Lily Potter." Harry tensed again and pushed his lips into a thin line. Hermione noticed and put her other hand on his arm, trying to show her support for him.
"I'm sorry Harry," Hermione whispered. When Harry turned to give her a small smiled, he noticed she had a tear on her cheek, and he whipped it away, making her smile.
McGonagall continued, "Fabian and Gideon Prewett. Professor Irma Prince. Nymphadora Tonks. Emmeline Vance. Headmaster Severus Snape. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. And all of the other lives lost to this tragic war." McGonagall paused again for students to pay their respects to the deceased, and most of the students kept their heads down. A few of the students were shedding tears while others tried to console them. Harry looked to Hermione who was still holding his hand and arm in support.
"It'll be different without Dumbledore here; won't it?" Harry said almost indiscreetly. Hermione nodded her head sadly.
"We'll get through, though…" Hermione smiled sadly.
"On a happier note, Hogwarts welcomes back the heroes who survived the attack of Lord Voldemort: Neville Longbottom. Ronald Weasley. Hermione Granger. And Harry Potter. On behalf of the rest of the staff, we are excited to have you back in school." Professor McGonagall looked toward the group of friends and nodded.
"The heads of each house will remain the same as last year. For those of you who were not here, Professor Slughorn will monitor Slytherin House, Professor Flitwick will monitor Ravenclaw House, Professor Sprout will monitor Hufflepuff House, and I will monitor Gryffindor House. Our Head Boy, Head Girl, Harry Potter and Hermione Grander, and any of the prefects will be here to help you as well.
"We are also delighted to welcome a few new teachers to the staff. Professor Brogan Kox will join me in the Transfiguration department." McGonagall motioned toward a tall, lean man with a large nose and greying hair. He stood up and waved to the students and sat down. "Some of you may recognize Professor Kox as a previous student of Hogwarts. Since he has been involved in the Ministry of Magic and the Order of the Phoenix…Also, Professors Tallon Engelberg, Autumn Fogg, Azailia Ohff will be taking over the department of Muggle Studies," McGonagall motioned toward two women and one man. The women were both blonde and quite young. "Professor Fogg has graduated from Oxford University with the highest honors," McGonagall said as the woman with short blonde hair stood up and smiled timidly. She was very skinny and her complexion was almost as pale as her skin, "She will be a valuable resource for you young wizards who are interested in continuing on to a muggle university.
"Professor Ohff is from our sister school in Salem, Massachusettes, United States of America, Ilvermorny." The other shorter blonde stood up. She had golden blonde straight hair a little longer than her shoulders; her complexion was a warm. Professor Ohff had a warm smile and bright eyes. "She has traveled the world, and will help broaden your knowledge of the global muggle world.
"Finally Professor Engelberg was a student of Hogwarts about one decade ago. He has returned after a long and successful career in the Department of Muggle Information at the Ministry." A tall man with messy light brown hair stood up and waved to the students.
"Furthermore we have two new professors to guide you in the new Human Body and Sexuality course: Professor Cecarina Kirton and Professor Braven Hiscock," McGonagall motioned for a man and woman to stand up. A shorter petite woman with half blonde and half brunette hair stood up along with a tall man with longer dark brown hair and a scruffy beard. "Professor Kirton and Professor Hiscock are also from Ilvermorny. Both of them attended Stanford University in America and have their medical license. They will also be assisting Madam Pomfrey in the infirmary from time to time.
"We also have a new Librarian Madam Tamsyn Bunn," McGonagall announced with a smile as a woman with a full figure and chocolate brown hair down to her shoulders stood up and smiled at the students. "She has worked at the five greatest libraries in the world: The Boston Public Library in Boston Massachusetts in the United States, The New York Public Library in New York City in the United States, The Reading Room at the British Museum in London England, The Bodleian Library in Oxford England, and the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. in the United States. She can find just about every book in the world, muggle or wizard. Seek her out if you need help with papers or research; she has plenty of years of experience in this matter.
"Last but not least, we have two new Professors to teach Defense against the Dark Arts – a husband and wife duo," McGonagall smiled at the two last people who had not been identified, and they stood up. One was a tall woman with a sturdy build and thick blonde hair and full face. The man was slightly taller than his wife with muscles and piercing eyes. "Professors Buford and Amore Pusser. They are both from London, England, attended Hogwarts a little more than three decades ago, and were aurors until this end of the war against Voldemort." A few screeches and moans came from the students at the mention of Voldemort's name, but McGonagall knew that the students must learn to hear and ultimately say his name. "They have graced us with their presence after their retirement from the Ministry of Magic." McGonagall smiled to all of her students and sat down at the head of the table.
"The final matter of business as most of you know is to keep out of the Forbidden Forest. I beg of you to listen this year; dark things happened in the forest not too long ago. It's not safe. Also remember to check your class schedule as new courses have been added. Please enjoy the feast!" McGonagall waved her wand and piles of food appeared before the students.
"Hey Hermione," Elspeth smiled as she took a big of her cottage pie. "What do you think of the new librarian? I'm sure you'd be the one who would actually use her services."
"She seems nice," Hermione smiled as began to cut some of her vegetables. "I can't wait to ask her about the libraries she's worked in! I bet she knows a lot about other books and can get me more study aids."
"Hermione, it's only the first day of school," Ron whined with his mouth full of Rag Pudding. "We haven't even gotten our class assignments."
"Well our N.E.W.T.s are at the end of the year you know! We can't start studying early enough," Hermione said as she put down her fork and knife. "I began studying this summer."
"When did you have time to study, Hermione?" asked Harry after he swallowed his steak and kidney pie.
"Harry, it's Hermione," Elspeth laughed, making Neville chuckle a bit.
"On the plane to Australia," Hermione explained.
"I see," Harry nodded.
"Well don't you think, considering you two want to be aurors, that you two should begin studying?" Hermione asked with a raised voice. "It's one of the toughest professions out there, and you need to pass with Exceeds Expectations in five subjects!" Before either of them could respond, Ginny squirmed in her seat.
"Harry, try this chicken pasty; does it taste off to you?" Ginny asked as she stuffed a fork in Harry's mouth. He began chewing as the rest of the group stared at them.
"It tastes fine," Harry said after swallowing and returned to his pie.
"Well that's the problem," Ginny sighed as though it were obvious.
"Why is that bad?" Neville asked her as he reached for her pasty.
"It's never tasted this good. Why all of a sudden?"
"I think…" Luna began to speak but stopped herself.
"What?" Ron asked her.
"I think Dobby used to make them," Luna answered as she looked down at her dinner. The group remained silent, remembering their friend.
"He's in a better place now," Harry said eventually with a sigh.
After dinner, Hermione and Harry waited for the prefects to escort the younger students out and the underclassmen to return to their dormitories before approaching the teachers at the head table. "Ah, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall smiled at the pair as they approached the table. "I'm so glad you two decided to return."
"As are we Professor – I mean Headmaster," Hermione smiled greatly at the old woman whom she had known and come to love over the past seven years.
"Please Miss Granger, Professor is fine…I don't feel like I am the permanent Headmaster anyway," McGonagall smiled at the two again. "I'm sorry you two have to return after losing so much."
"We are glad to be here, Professor," Hermione smiled again and nudged Harry, hoping he would respond as well.
"Yes, Professor, very excited," Harry chirped in.
"Harry, my boy," Professor Slughorn smiled at his student. "It'll be good to see you in my N.E.W.T.s level potion class this year, you as well Miss Granger." Slughorn said as he stood up from his chair and walked around the table to talk to them walking the table toward them. "I hope to see you at the next Slug Club meeting, both of you. You've certainly earned it, and it would be a pleasure to see you both there."
"Certainly, Professor." Hermione smiled at him.
"I'll be there." Harry smiled, causing Slughorn to pat him on the back.
"I better head off to speak with thh first years; they'll be needing an additional speech." Slughorn nodded at McGonagall, who seemed to understand. "I'll see you both in class tomorrow." Slughorn said as he headed off toward the Slytherin Dormitory, no doubt to pass out this year's schedules to the Slytherins and to speak with them about their large size class.
"I'm glad you two have finally returned to take part in your Head Boy and Head Girl duties." McGonagall smiled at the two as she, Flitwick, and Sprout stood up as well. "Please take those schedules to the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and Madam Bunn will you please come with me?" McGonagall motioned for Harry and Hermione to begin walking toward the Gryffindor dorm with McGonagall and Bunn on their heels. "Miss Granger this is Madam Bunn," McGonagall said to Hermione. "She will be a great asset to you this year I am quite sure." Hermione stuck her hand out to shake Madam Bunn's hand, and she accepted it.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam! I'm so excited to talk to you about all the books you've read. I wonder if I might ask you some questions about all the libraries you've been to. They seem so grand compared to my library at home!"
"I'm sure we have much in common," Madam Bunn smiled at Hermione. "Headmaster McGonagall has told me so much about you, and I have already begun looking for books and articles to help you with your research. Please come find me any time in my quarters or the library," Madam Bunn said as they released hands.
"And Madam Bunn this is Harry Potter; I'm sure he won't be in the library as often as Miss Granger, but-"
"I'll be there to study hard for my N.E.W.T.s this year Professor," Harry added.
"I should hope so Potter," McGonagall smiled at Harry as he shook hands with Madam Bunn.
"I'll be off now; I'm going to familiarize myself with the library," Madam Bunn said as she waved and turned in the opposite direction toward the Library.
"Professor," Hermione inquired as they continued toward the Gryffindor dorm. "Are you sure I'm Head Girl material? I'm going to be very busy this year and-"
"Miss Granger, just as Professor Dumbledore, I would not have any other Seventh year in your place." McGonagall said as the three stopped in front of the portrait of the fat lady.
"Password?" She said as she munched on a grape.
"Lemon drop," Harry whispered, and she opened to reveal the tunnel to the Gryffindor common room. "What about me Professor? I wasn't even made a prefect under Dumbledore."
"And I believe he explained that to you, Potter. Mr. Weasley took your place under a time when you were under a great deal of stress. Originally, he was planning on making you Head Boy, and I simply followed up on his wishes," McGonagall said as they continued into the common room. "Here are your schedules," McGonagall said as she pulled two pieces of parchment out from thin air. "Now I believe you have a meeting to host in the Great Hall."
"We're on our way, Professor," Hermione said with a smiled as she and Harry took their schedules.
"Harry!" Ginny's voice came from the other side of the room as she jogged over to see Harry up close. "Do you want to walk to the meeting with me?" Ginny Weasley was a sixth year prefect, and she was ecstatic about this because she could now spend even more time with Harry. As Head Boy Harry would be leading all the prefect meetings, and Ginny would certainly attend all of them, precisely on time and perhaps a bit early so that she and Harry could walk to the meetings together.
"I'm sorry Miss Weasley, but I need your help handing out schedules," McGonagall said with sympathetic eyes. She also noticed the flash of hope in Hermione's eyes and gave her a small understanding smile, causing her to blush. "Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are heading to Great Hall to prepare for this meeting. They will see you there."
Harry flashed sympathetic eyes at Ginny as he followed Hermione toward the door. "So, how does your schedule look this year?" Harry asked Hermione as she reviewed it thoroughly on their walk back to the Great Hall.
"Well…I'm going to be busy this year!" Hermione smiled as she looked up at Harry. "Professor McGonagall has approved me to take ten classes this year along with that independent project."
"Hermione! Are you mad?" Harry asked as put her hand over her forehead. "You need permission for five N.E.W.T. level classes, but ten. What are they in?"
"Arithmancy, Charms, Defense against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Muggle Studies, Human Body and Sexuality, Potions, Study of Ancient Runes, and Transfiguration." Hermione smiled slightly. "I know. I have a lot of work to do, but I'll get through it."
"Are you taking any other classes?"
"Other than the experiment project, no."
"Good," Harry sighed with relief. He loved that Hermione was ambitious, but sometimes she didn't know when to stop. He knew she would be exhausted this year with all her classes, and she certainly would be up late studying. He only hoped she would have time to spend with him, but he was certain that regardless of how they spent time together, they would spend time together, whether it was out at Hogsmeade or if it was studying for a Potions Practicle.
"What are your N.E.W.T.s in?" Hermione asked Harry as she raised an eyebrow.
"Well I'm certainly not taking Study of Ancient Runes or Arithmancy!" Harry laughed at Hermione as she hit him playfully in the arm. "No in all seriousness I'm taking Charms, Defense against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Muggle Studies, Potions, and Transfiguration. Oh and the Seventh Year seminar for the Human Body and Sexuality thing."
"Harry why on Earth are you taking Muggle Studies for one of your N.E.W.T.s? You already know all about muggles."
"So do you; besides it looks good for auror training," Harry responded seriously.
"Well I guess we'll have six classes together then," Hermione smiled genuinely. She loved having classes with him, although she always had classes with other Gryffindors, it was more fun to have classes with her good friends. That's how Elspeth and she had become such good friends. Elspeth was always challenging herself as well, taking almost as many classes as Hermione every year.
"And I will certainly be taking advantage of that," Harry smiled making Hermione laugh. "You'll help me study; won't you?"
"Of course Harry!" Hermione smiled as she grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. Given her unease about Ginny and Harry together, she saw this opportunity to change the subject. "You know over the summer we talked a lot about my relationship with Ron, but I completely neglected your relationship with Ginny. How are things between you two?" Hermione braced herself for the worse answer she could here.
"I'm not sure…I'm beginning to feel like she treats me like the Harry Potter, not just Harry. You know? The way you and Ron treat me. And I just don't feel like we're clicking," Harry sighed as he looked at the floor. "I think I should break up with her…What do you think I should do?" Hermione and Harry stopped walking and turned to face each other. Hermione wanted to tell Harry that he should break up with her, but she also didn't want to influence his decision. Hermione thought she had some kind of feelings for him, but she wanted to know if Harry's feelings for her were strong enough for him to break up with Ginny on his own.
"I think that's something you need to decide," Hermione smiled sadly at him. "When we talked about Ron and me," Hermione said as they began to walk again, "I already had my mind made up. I wanted to end our relationship…I don't think you have your mind made up. When you do know what you want to do, come talk to me again. Please Harry. You know I'll help you with anything and everything, but I don't want to make these kinds of decisions for you."
"I guess you're right…" Harry sighed, thinking that Hermione didn't care what he did. He hoped he could get some kind of response from her. Maybe he was, but he couldn't read her. He decided to test out the waters a little more. "I just…I have feelings for someone else as well."
"You do?"
"I think I've liked her since first year maybe," Harry smiled sadly. Hermione thought Harry was talking about Cho Chang, because she was all Harry could think about in their previous years.
"You should talk to her; tell her," Hermione whispered as she turned her head away from Harry and wiped a tear from her eye.
"I don't think she likes me like that, and I don't want to make things weird."
"Harry, sometimes you just need to take that leap…you know?" Hermione smiled, whishing she could follow her own advice for once. She couldn't count how many times in the past few months that she had wanted to tell Harry that she might have feelings for him. Then she remembered he was still with Ginny. And Ron and Harry were best friends.
"I shouldn't start something before I figure out what Ginny and I are…" Harry didn't want to be with Ginny at the moment, but he knew she deserved some kind of chance at closure. Maybe his feelings for her would become stronger if they really were able to spend some time with each other. He certainly didn't want to hurt Ron's feelings by asking Hermione out and dumping Ginny. His feelings for Hermione would have to be put on hold for the time being.
"Good Harry! Don't cheat ever," Hermione patted his shoulder. "I'd have to smack you if I ever found out you cheated on someone!" The pair entered the Great Hall and sat down at the head of the table, waiting for the prefects to arrive.
Soon the Ginny arrived with Reginald Noble, the two sixth year prefects, and Vesper Noble and Aurelia Plemenit, the two fifth year prefects. The Hufflepuffs arrived next with Susan Bones and Ernie Macmillan leading the way, the Seventh year prefects, Barnaby Correspondent and Laurel Confiancia, the Sixth year prefects, and Constance Nellie and Grayson Amic, the Fifth year prefects. The Ravenclaws were right behind the Hufflepuffs. Padma Patil and Anthony Goldstein, the Seventh yearprefects were led by Luna Lovegood and Orion Mercer, the sixth year prefects, and finally Jackson Blueffs and Annabel Gerrick, the fifth year prefects, followed Padma and Anthony. The Slytherins were late almost by twenty minutes, but eventually Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass led Zane Blackheart and Henrietta Wolfheart, the sixth year prefects, and Shane Riley and Valentina Dethlet, the fifth year prefects, into the Great Hall.
"Potter?" Draco frowned when he saw Harry and Hermione standing at one end of the table. "They made you Head Boy?" Draco began to laugh.
"Enough!" Hermione yelled, making Draco and his followers take their seats. "He is Head Boy per Dumbledore's and McGonagall's wishes. Take it up with her if you have a problem…" Everyone looked at Hermione, waiting for her to begin the meeting. "Alright, we need to begin with the lack of Tri Wizard Tournament this year. I know lots of people wanted it to happen, but we're just going to have to tell them it was too hard to schedule everything with the War ending only a few months ago. However, McGonagall has allowed us to have a Yule Ball!" Hermione cheered as did the rest of the girls. Harry frowned, thinking of who he would ask. "We're going to begin planning next week, so until then, please, help underclassmen who look lost. We'll be meeting every Monday night at this time, so keep it available. I'm sure we can conjure up some of those coins that we used back in the time of Dumbledore's Army; those sure would be helpful. Harry?"
"Yeah, I can do that," he responded making a mental note to remember to do that.
"Alright. Well enjoy your first week, and we'll see you soon!" Hermione smiled as people began filing out of the Great Hall.
"Hermione," Draco walked up to Hermione and Harry who were conversing about the coins.
"Yes…?" Hermione turned to face him and mustered the best smile she could.
"I just wanted to know why you declined Elspeth's invite to Hogsmeade this weekend," he smiled innocently. "Surely you can't be studying already."
Hermione was surprised that Draco was even aware that Elspeth has asked Hermione to go with them. "I'm just doing another project. I promised McGonagall I would have something done for her soon." She answered.
"Well, maybe I can be of some help?" Draco suggested.
"That's very kind, but no thank you, Draco. I can manage."
"Well, if you need anything, just ask," he said as he walked out, not acknowledging Harry.
"That was weird," Hermione said as she wrinkled her nose. "Eww."
"At least he's gone now," Harry smiled at her.
"And it's just the two of us," Hermione huffed.
"Is that a problem?" Harry asked as he offered her his arm.
"Of course not!" Hermione protested as she linked her arm in his. "I rather like it that way."
"Me too."
A/N: So what do you think Draco's fascination with Hermione is? I know…or at least I'm trying to figure it out! I'd like to pair him with someone, and I'm not sure who. I've thought about Ginny, but I'm also very partial to the Oliver Wood/Ginny pairing! So that leaves Elspeth, but I was looking to pair Neville and Elspeth together. Any ideas for Draco? I was thinking about staying away from the classic Slytherin pairings, but any and all ideas are appreciated!
Also just if you're curious about who I imagined as the new teachers, here is my cast list!
Professor Brogan Kox – Ian McKellen
Professor Tallon Engelberg – Hugh Grant
Professor Autumn Fog – Tilda Swinton
Professor Azailia Ohff – Jodie Foster
Professor Cercarina Kirton – Rachel McAdams
Professor Braven Hiscock – Jake Gyllenhaal
Madam Tamsyn Bunn – Mandy Moore
Professor Buford Pusser – Leonardo DiCaprio
Professor Amore Pusser – Kate Winslet
I'm going to try and put the images of how I imagined they look on my profile! Look for it soon J
Love and hearts and happy readings!
xoxo