Hermione and Draco stood silently watching each other, sizing each other up.
Draco opened his mouth but before he could say anything there was then a knock on the door. Professor McGonagall entered.
"Good afternoon Ms Granger, Mr. Malfoy. I trust you have had a fine summer?" Professor McGonagall said.
Draco and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Good. Now, I am here to explain the duties and jobs that you will be performing this year as Head Boy and Girl. First, these positions hold a lot of responsibility and trust. Any abuse of this will not be tolerated. You were selected because the staff agreed you met the proper requirements for Heads. However, the privileges that come with that will be promptly taken away if you misuse them. Do you understand?"
Draco and Hermione nodded their agreement.
"Good. Now down to business," Professor McGonagall stated.
"Three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you will both patrol the halls from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. If you see anyone out of their common room without a viable reason, you are to take them to their head of house. You are able to take away points accordingly. But be sure that the point deduction matches the crime. You are also responsible for helping out with various jobs and duties throughout the year."
Professor McGonagall continued on, describing the different events and meetings they were expected to participate in. It was a lot of information.
"It's a lot of work. You'll be expected to keep up with your classes and homework even with patrolling." Professor McGonagall ended with. "Do either of you have any questions before I leave?"
Hermione was about to ask a question but suddenly saw Ron walk past the compartment door. He was part of a group of seventh years. He didn't appear to see her.
"Yes Hermione? You were about to say something?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"No, sorry," Hermione said, distracted.
"Then I will see you both at Hogwarts. Have a good journey." Professor McGonagall said and left the compartment.
Draco was the first to speak. "Well, that doesn't sound too bad. I think I'm going to enjoy being Head Boy."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "It is a lot of responsibility. We have been handpicked by the staff for this job. So if I were you, I would not let it just roll off my shoulders like that."
Draco smirked and muttered to himself, "Ha! I can't wait to take off 150 points apiece from Harry and Ron!" Hermione heard this and said, "Did you not hear McGonagall? She specifically gave rules for deducting points and said that if you abused them, you would no longer be Head Boy."
"Granger, after seven years I'd think you would have grasped this. A Malfoy, such as myself, has no need to follow petty "ground rules". I simply make up my own."
"Just remember that when you get caught." Hermione said.
Draco opened his mouth to retort but someone was knocking loudly on the door. "Hermione! Why didn't you come to my compartment? I have been waiting for an hour! We need to talk about some things. Open up!"
It was Ron. Hermione blanched. She had a bad feeling about what Ron wanted to "talk" about. Hermione said to Draco, "Would you excuse us for a few minutes? I think Ron needs to talk."
"You could just go out there. I mean, this is the Head's compartment. Weasley…. he might filth it up." Hermione sighed and mentally cursed Draco. She would much rather not go out in the hall with Ron. But she figured she had better get this over with. She opened the door and went out where Ron was waiting.