On the stairs leading to the Astronomy tower Hermione sat down, suddenly tired. More mentally exhausted than physically tired. She had no interest in overlooking the grounds, she just wanted peace. Hogwarts was supposed to be an escape, a time to return to 'normal' and in one evening that was gone. As she had sat through the evening, she had never felt so lost surrounded by those she had once seen as enemies. No one had tried to talk to her but she could feel their stares, their hesitation as they reached for dishes near her.

"Miss Granger."

At the sound of her new head of house's voice her head popped up from it's place in her hands. He looked almost relieved, like he'd been worried she might be crying, the thought made her want to smile.

"As Head Girl you should know better than to loiter."

"Head Girl, sir?"

"That's what I said, is it not? The Headmistress was worried when you left dinner prematurely and Miss Parkinson informed me you were not in the dorms."

Hermione looked at her shoes, "The plan was to go to my room but I didn't know where to go."

"Well if you get up, Miss Parkinson is waiting for you in the dungeons, she will show you how to access the dorm. I have a meeting so I would appreciate it if you don't dally. I also expect you and Mister Malfoy in my office after breakfast tomorrow to go over your duties as Head Girl and Boy."

She looked at him again, standing with her hand on the banister, "Yes, sir. Does Malfoy know?"

"He does," he nodded.

"Okay. I hope your meeting is bearable sir," she told him as she walked by him.

If she weren't mistaken, she thought she heard him chuckle when she passed him. The walk to the dungeons was slow but she tried to push herself knowing it wasn't right to keep Parkinson waiting on her. When she arrived Parkinson, surprisingly, smiled at her and took her elbow.

"About time." Parkinson pulled her with her, tossing her hair over her shoulder, her face daring anyone to say something.

"Sorry." Hermione didn't know why she was apologizing but she felt the need to.

It made Parkinson laugh, "Our passageway is different," she explained as she glared at a Ravenclaw whose gaze lingered too long, "What are you even doing down here? Go, shoo." With the student gone she resumed her speech as if there hadn't been an interruption, "It recognizes your magic and allows you through. You'll need your wand this first time." They stopped in front of an insignificant wall. At her impatient look Hermione hastily took out her wand from its hidden holster and put it to the wall at Parkinson's insistence. "That's it. You may also bring non-house members but they must be touching you."

Not waiting for Hermione to pocket her wand she pulled her through the wall and into a lavish common room. Hermione planted her feet to take it all in. It was such a contrast to the Gryffindor common room but it was welcoming just the same. There was black marble floors, bookshelves lining the wall opposite the enormous and elegantly carved fireplace. There were several couches and comfortable looking chairs throughout the room in front of each. The center piece, however, was the glass wall with the waters of the black lake on the other side. It was gorgeous.

"Yes, yes, it's stunning," Parkinson drawled, "Come on."

Hermione barely felt the pull but followed her down a hallway as she took in everything she could along the way.

"It's relatively simple. Boys are on the right half of the hallway, girls the left. We're separated by year. Professor Snape mentioned you've been given the title Head Girl, congratulations, though we all knew it would be you and Drake. Normally you would have your own rooms but Professor Snape has them sealed still, the Headmistress wanted you to acclimate properly to your new house and thought having dormmates will help. Here we are," they stopped outside a set of double doors. Parkinson pointed to an identical set across the way, "Drake, Theo, and Blaise are just in there. You are with Millie, Tracey, Daphne, and I."

Opening the door she waited for Hermione to go in first before closing the door behind them.

The bedroom was bigger than Hermione had ever seen before. Large enough to accommodate five sets of king-sized beds and wardrobes. Parkinson walked further into the room, "You are here. I am next to you and as you can see there is Millie and Tracey. Daph is on my other side" She got a nod and a wave when she looked at them.

"Hi."

"So quiet Granger," Bulstrode teased.

Hermione chuckled, "It's a lot to take in." Touching the dark wooden poster of her bed she let her hand trail down it to the silver bed things, "It's so different down here."

"Is it?"

"Night and day," she answered sitting on the bed. A moan left her as she laid back, "Three dorms in the tower could fit in this room alone and each dorm has at least five beds."

"Those beds must be tiny!" Parkinson exclaimed truly aghast.

"They fit one person, maybe two. But they're not this big." Stretching her arms over head she fanned her arms out, never once feeling the edge. The beds in the tower were only twin size, these king beds were glorious. Way too big for one person let alone a student but glorious all the same. Sitting up suddenly she frowned, "Are the beds in every dorm down here so big?"

Davis was picking at her fingernails, "No, they gradually get bigger though. What about the common room?"

"This one is slick, pristine but in a comforting way. I'd be scared to have any food down here for fear of messing anything up. In the Gryffindor tower it's...more cushiony and bolder, warm in a way but mainly because of the abundance of red everywhere. This is exceeding my expectations; I was expecting a dungeon."

Laughs echoed through their room, "If anyone asks, it is. We like to keep the expectations low."

"Time to unpack," Pansy clapped, waving her wand she sent her clothes into her wardrobe. Bulstrode and Davis were unaffected, used to it, but Hermione watched each article of clothing sort itself into the wardrobe before doing the same to her own clothes. "Oh, Gods Granger, none of that is going to work." Two of the other girls looked up at her exclamation and agreed.

"You can't represent us like that."

"Absolutely not."

"I'll see about getting permission from Professor Snape to take her off the grounds this weekend so we can go shopping."

Hermione gaped, "What?"

"You need a new wardrobe if you're going to represent Slytherin, Granger. That and if all those," Pansy pointed at Hermione's clothes, "fit you like the clothes you wore on the train did, you're overdo."

When Hermione flushed they giggled but noticing her downcast look Daphne silenced them with a wave of her hand.

"It'll be fun, we won't torture you too long."

"No, that's fine, it's just...I haven't been able to gain my weight back. That's why my clothes don't fit. I was waiting to go shopping until I felt more comfortable. Merlin, why am I telling you all this," dropping her head into her hands she sighed, "Until tonight, we all hated each other."

"The war changed everyone," Pansy answered after a stretch of silence, "But you'll be surprised Hermione, many of us were only playing a part to stay alive. Even those of us who made a choice publicly did it under duress."

"Call it a new start," Davis suggested.

"But I'm not calling you Mione, that's so ugly in comparison to your actual name."

Hermione laughed and looked at Millicent, "I hate being called Mione but no one ever listens to me."

"Well in that case we'll have to try out some different ones because as beautiful as Hermione is," she laughed at Pansy's exaggeration, "it's too long. Granger won't work either, we don't call one another by our last names unless one of the boys pisses us off. What about Mini?"

Hermione's face sent them into fits of laughter.

Outside their bedroom door, Blaise leaned against the boy's doorway, "At least they're not killing each other," he called over his shoulder.

"Give them time," Theo snorted, "Pans will do something to tick her off and Granger will hex her. None of us would stand a chance against Granger, she's a force to be reckoned with. "

Draco snorted as Blaise chuckled and closed their door. He was a shocked as anyone else when the sorting hat had proclaimed her a Slytherin. She was one of five to be resorted but hers was the most shocking. Everyone had watched her leave the hall but no one, not even her beloved friends in Gryffindor, had moved to follow her. Draco had been struck between shock and privately enjoying the change because it would give him more time with her. If she was back in Gryffindor tower, they would probably never be able to talk outside of classes and Draco found he wanted to explore what occurred on the train more. He'd fought the instinct to go to her in the Great Hall and even now was stowing his curiosity. He could still smell her subtle perfume on his robes if he tilted his head a certain way, like fresh baked cookies.

Now they were in the same house, they would share more classes, meals, as well as their heads duties. But if life has taught him anything, it was to have patience. Figuring out what occurred between then was worth it now that he had the chance to explore it.

Pansy woke Hermione up only to be rewarded with a wand to the throat. She laughed it off but Hermione still apologized profusely. In the bathroom Hermione was forced to get over her apparent admiration as Pansy pushed her towards a glass shower stall, one of four. Leaving her to her own devices, Pansy sat in front of one of the vanities and began applying her makeup. It took them a combination of twenty minutes to get ready and apart for Pansy's eyes on her forearm, the makeup brush in her hand snapping. They didn't really acknowledge one another until they were out of the common room.

Pansy had looped her arm around Hermione's as they started their ascent.

"Where are the other girls?"

"They went ahead to give you space. They're afraid to overwhelm you, I think. The boys too."

"They're nice," she mused aloud, "You're all so different than how I pictured. I was expecting something...different."

Pansy laughed, "You were expecting the same behaviors we've exhibited over the past few years?"

"Well, yes," Hermione blushed making her laugh again.

"That's exactly why they're giving you space. An overload of us would be too much for your Gryffindor heart."

"Hermione!" Ginny ran at them pausing only to glare at Pansy before enveloping Hermione in a tight hug. "How are you? Was it horrible?"

Hermione chuckled, "Breathe Gin, I'm fine, it was fine."

Ginny had her hands on her shoulders looking her up and down, "You're sure?"

"Yes, they've been very hospitable to having a lion in the serpents nest." Beside her Pansy snorted into her hand, "In fact, they already plan to take me on a shopping trip, would you like to come?"

"A shopping trip?" Hermione nodded. Ginny frowned at Pansy, "Why are you being nice to her?"

"Ginny!"

"Gryffindor isn't the only house known for their loyalty, Red. She is safe in the serpent's nest, especially now that she is a serpent."

The ginger girl looked impressed for just a moment, "Touché," looking back at Hermione she indicated over her shoulder to where Harry and Ron were standing, one clearly brooding ready to snap at a moments notice, "I'm not sure how they will react though. Harry has been up all night with Ronald trying to keep him from storming into the dungeons to, and I quote, rescue you."

Hermione scoffed, "Yes well lets see shall we," she waved them over. Ron stormed over, no longer held back by Harry.

"This is absurd! We need to speak with McGonagall and get it revoked!"

"Ronald, first she is the Headmistress, not just McGonagall. Have some respect. Second, we will do no such thing. I am-"

"What do you mean? Of course we will! You are not a Slytherin!"

He reached for her and she stepped back to avoid his grab. Pansy sneered at the action but Hermione ignored him and continued as if he hadn't interrupted her, "I am going to remain in my house, even the Headmistress can't undo a sorting. Believe it or not, I am happy with my placement so far. Where I sleep doesn't have to affect anything."

"Are you serious?!" A small crowd was congregating around them, "You would rather be around the children of Deatheaters than with those who fought beside you in the war? Maybe you do belong with them!"

"You're acting childish," she chastised, "In case you forgot the war is over so you should stow the prejudice bullshit and lower your voice because I will not stand here and listen to it. Not when I don't deserve it."

"They almost killed Fred."

"No," she corrected, "A wall almost killed Fred. Everyone in the castle, par the first years, almost died during that war-"

"You almost died Mione! You almost bled out on the floor of that Manor!"

"Yes and you got splinched and Harry and I almost got eaten by a giant snake, and Harry did die. But I don't hold any of my housemates at fault for what happened to us. Have you ever thought about what they may have endured while their parents followed so blindly after the madman who would have happily killed us all without a second thought?"

"You're shacking up with Deatheaters Mione and you have no problem with it!"

"They. Are. Not. Deatheaters," she bit out stepping forward with her finger pointed at the knot in his tie, "And you will not refer to them as such. Grow up Ronald."

Almost purple in his anger, Ron's eye twitched before he shoved past her into the Great Hall. "Traitor," he mumbled.

After a stretch of uncomfortable silence Pansy cleared her throat, "I am going to speak with Professor Snape, if you'll excuse me."

Hermione nodded to her before hesitantly turning to Harry. He had his hands shoved in his robes scuffing his feet on the floor. Ginny thumped his shoulder to get his attention.

When he looked at her Hermione felt her chest tighten, "Do you think the same?"

He looked aghast that she'd even asked, "What? No! I've spent all night trying to get him to come to that same realization." Walking up to her he put his arms around her, smothering her with his arms over her shoulders in the brotherliest hug she could imagine. Hermione bit her lip before stepping into his hug. With her head pillowed on his shoulder. "Just if you start shagging Malfoy, give me a heads up so I can stop Ron from murdering him."

Hermione laughed around a blush, Harry was the only one who knew about the mark Madam Pomfrey had found and the significance of it. He'd been the one to recognize Malfoy's handwriting.

"Hush."

Harry laughed loudly and pulled away. Becoming serious he gave her a once over, "Now you're sure you're okay?"

"I promise I'm fine. The moment that changes I'll let you know."

"I hope that goes for me as well," the pair looked to see Remus striding over to them. He'd been named Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Head of Gryffindor the night before though Hermione didn't remember much of it. "Severus might have stolen my Head Girl but you can always come to me Mione, we're still family."

"Thank you Re-Professor Lupin, I appreciate it."

The older wizard grinned at her near slip. He'd told them they could call him by his name outside of class but Hermione was a stickler for the rules. "Tonks and Ted will be here this weekend if you want to join us for tea."

Hermione brightened considerable, "Oh I would love to!"

"Us too," Ginny chimed with a bright smile looping an arm around Hermione's elbow, "Though we might arrive early for Harry since we know the moment Teddy see's Mione all of us will cease to exist."

Remus laughed, "He loves his Aunt Mini," Hermione blushed, "Enjoy your morning. Mione if you need anything, my office is always open and since we know the transition will be hard I spoke to Severus and he will allow you to stay in the Gryffindor common room from time to time on the weekends. Should you like?"

"Really?" the trio asked at the same time.

"Yes."

Hermione threw the rules out the window and hugged her Professor and friend so tightly he wheezed. When she released him he smirked, dropped a kiss to her hair and ruffled Harry's before bidding them good morning.

"Well..."Ginny spoke after a small stint of silence, "Are you ready for your second meal as a Slytherin traitor?"

Harry and Hermione both laughed, "I guess. But Gin I really need to tell you about the common room, it's nothing like the boys described!"

"Yeah?"

"It's amazing! And the beds in the dorms," she groaned, "They're heaven."

"What? Ours freaking suck! How do you get the good beds?"

Harry snorted, "It's probably donations Gin."

"I wish I'd been resorted. How big are they?"

"All four of us could lay out on them."

"No!"

Hermione nodded, looking sheepish with her lips between her teeth.

"I need to go find Professor Lupin and petition a change of house."

"You will not," Harry chuckled throwing an arm around her and kissing her temple.

The three entered the Hall and a brief wave of quiet greeted them as new students looked at the spectacle that was Harry Potter and his best friend Hermione Granger, and the others waited to see if Hermione would return to her old house for breakfast or join her fellow snakes. Harry leaned over Ginny and kissed Hermione's head like Remus had before she unhooked her arm from Ginny's and smiled turning to her own table.

Pansy practically pounced on her before she even sat down.

"Professor Snape gave us permission the for the next weekend! And he said Red could come."

"Wonderful," Hermione said as sarcastically possible.

Millicent chuckled. Beside her Nott quirked a brow, "Not much of a morning person are you Granger?"

"She's not," Pansy giggled.

Hermione tisked at her but began to spread jam on her toast, "I'm not a shopping person and these two, plus Daphne, Tracey and Gin, all plan to take me on a shopping spree."

Blaise Zabini grimaced, "Good luck with that. Pans helped me pick material for my dress robes fourth year and we were in the shop for three hours." When Hermione looked panicked he tried to give her what she thought was an encouraging look, "Well it wasn't too bad."

Deep laughter came from behind Hermione just before Malfoy sat in the empty seat between her and Nott. "Nice recovery Blaise, I'm sure she feels much better."

"I wager if she doesn't hex them before they even go out, she will that day."

Pansy gasped and slapped Blaise's arm, "How dare you! I'll have you know we all got along swimmingly."

The three boys looked at Hermione for confirmation while Millicent just smirked and shook her head in her pumpkin juice.

"Do you three want to join? I'm sure Professor Snape wouldn't deny you the privilege to witness them torture me with fashion."

Beside her Draco stiffened just a fraction, not enough for anyone else to really notice but Hermione did. Without thinking about it she did what she had for Harry many times over the summer when he got caught in a memory of words triggered a response. She put her hand on his knee and squeezed tightly. Draco didn't acknowledge her above the table but when he relaxed moments later, his hand found hers and he gave her a gentle squeeze for a moment before replacing his hand on the table. All the while they listened to Pansy, Millicent, and now Tracey and Daphne plot what stores and shops they planned to take her to while Blaise and Theo inserted suggestions or sarcasm sporadically.

Absently Hermione looked towards the Gryffindor table and saw Harry smirking at her. He winked when he saw her and nudged Neville who smiled and waved at her.

For the first time Hermione let herself believe the upcoming year wouldn't be as horrible as she thought it may be the night before.