Summer finally came to a close for Hermione, Harry, Draco, Violet, Samuel, Daphne, Theo, Pansy, Kaliban, and Blaise. They were getting ready to go back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and were very excited.
Hermione and Harry were still going very strong and her family and friends' acceptance seemed to solidify the relationship for him.
Draco and Violet were seriously considering marriage after Hogwarts, but for the moment they were just happy to lay in each other's arms and talk and laugh together.
Samuel and Daphne were also going strong and had even made their relationship public to her parents. (A.N: They dated in secret since 4th year and now their bringing it out into the open) Sam was almost strangled by Daphne's father, but he accepted it when he saw how happy Sam made Daphne.
Theo and Pansy were starting to seclude themselves from the dating world because they officially declared themselves a couple during the summer and now everyone knew that these 2 were together and not seeing anyone else.
Blaise finally made a move on Jackie Flint and almost got cursed into oblivion by Marcus. But when Jackie said that she really liked him back, and then Marcus calmed down, but just enough to warn Blaise that if he hurt her he would be a dead man.
Now Hermione, Blaise, Draco, Violet, Daphne, Pansy, Theo, Samuel, Harry and Jackie were all sitting in a compartment near the 7th year Slytherins compartments. Harry felt awkward at first, but everyone made him feel welcomed and no one from Slytherin tried to hex him.
Hermione knew that this year would be filled with many more challenges that the previous years. Ron would still be trying to get back at her for 'betraying' him, and Ginny would be doing everything she could to try and get Harry back to her. Hermione also knew that Dumbledore would be trying to manipulate Harry and get him to think that she was evil and that he shouldn't be hanging around or dating her.
Everyone knew Hermione's fears. Harry had learned Occlumency from Snape and Hermione. (Hermione convinced her godfather to be nicer to Harry, and he agreed to try.) Harry knew that Dumbledore would not be able to access his memories without his consent because Dumbledore never liked to use Legilimency on students. Harry could withstand Snape trying to enter his mind; therefore he was ready to withstand Dumbledore. Harry decided that he would stay as far away as possible from Ron and Ginny because he knew that Dumbledore would probably make them try to 'get him back from the evil Slytherin Hermione'.
The train came to a sudden stop and everyone kenw that they had arrived at Hogwarts for another year. Hermione, Harry, Draco, Violet, Blaise, and Jackie sat in one carriage, while Theo, Pansy, Samuel, Daphne, and Kaliban sat in another carriage. They were all unable to see them, but they all knew that Threstrals pulled the carriages.
Arriving at the Great Hall, Harry gave Hermione a goodbye kiss and went to sit beside Neville, who Hermione still helped with his homework even though she was in Slytherin. Neville was on Hermione's side when it came to everything because she was his first friend and she would never willingly lie to him.
Hermione and the other Slytherins sat at their table and smiled. Hermione was sad that Neville wouldn't have anybody to help him, but he still came to her for help in the library and she always willingly helped him because she loved being his friend.
Hermione looked over at the Gryffindor Table again, and she saw Ron and Ginny glaring at her. She knew that Ron sort-of liked her and Ginny was totally in love with Harry. But fate pushed her and Harry together as well as gave her, her true identity and a wonderful family and amazing friends.
Dumbledore went on with his speech about how it was wonderful to see so many new and old faces back for another year. He reminded them that the Forbidden Forest was off-limits; as it is every year and that there would be a winter ball for all 4th years and above. He used the excuse to promote inter-house unity, but Hermione knew that he wanted to push Harry towards Ginny in time for the Ball to take place so that Hermione would have no one.
All of her friends understood what Dumbledore was trying to do and glared at the old man, but with their shields up, he could not hear them. Harry also seemed to understand that Dumbledore was going to do something to try to separate him and Hermione before the ball, but he would never let that happen.
When they finished supper, Hermione and her friends were escorted by the older Slytherins, including Marcus Flint, who was watching Blaise and Jackie intently. Hermione waved goodbye to Harry and Neville and they waved back, before being led away by their prefects as well.
When they reached the Slytherin Common Room, they learned their new password, "Wolfsbane."
Hermione started to cry because she feared that Dumbledore might succeed because he seemed more determined than ever. Blaise took her in his arms and told her that Dumbledore would not succeed and that Harry truly loved her and would die before he left her.
Every one of her friends and even her godfather, Severus Snape, agreed that Harry would never leave her for Ginny and that he would fight Dumbledore on the matter no matter how many times he brought it up.
In his dorm at Gryffindor Tower, Harry felt that this might be the year to rebel against Dumbledore, so he could stay with Hermione and not continue to be manipulated by the old man. Voldemort was now gone forever and so the prophecy was no longer valid. Harry would fight with Dumbledore no matter how many times Dumbledore said that Hermione was evil. He saw the true loving side of her and all her friends and he didn't want to lose that. He also had a great relationship with his aunt and cousin now.
All Harry and Hermione wanted out of their lives was: Albus Dumbledore and his manipulative ways.
