Hermione felt her eyes twitch as she quickly jotted some notes down from her Arithmancy book. Her fingers and wrist were tired and the book felt uncomfortably heavy in her lap. It had only been three months since The Battle of Hogwarts and she had barely had a chance to come to terms with her reality before she was offered a choice to return to Hogwarts to finish her NEWT's or accept a position in the Ministry of Magic and begin a career. The choice had been an easy one to make.
When Crossing Platform 9 Hermione was surprised to find Anthony Goldstein, Luna Lovegood, Pansy Parkinson, Ernie MacMillan, Theodore Nott, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbot, Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy also boarding the Hogwarts Express prepared to start their 8th and final year. Of the group, she was most surprised to see Draco Malfoy, whom she assumed would have completed his NEWT's via home study.
The last time Hermione had seen Draco Malfoy was when she testified for him almost six weeks prior. She had gone through the details of how he refused to identify Harry in the drawing room of Malfoy Manor and the surprising moment when he had darted across the courtyard at the realization that Harry was alive and tossed him a wand. Many people from The Order testified to the latter part, both happily and begrudgingly, all at the behest of Harry Potter.
She could still feel the uncomfortable shiver that crawled up her spine when he had locked eyes on her as she explained the incidents of Malfoy Manor before the Wizengamot. Cool, silver eyes that burned into her very being, hidden under a cold and judgemental stare. It was hard not to return his stare as she poured everything to focus behind him, at Harry, who continued to nod supportively as she spoke.
With all the testimonies and Harry's fervent approach that although Malfoy had taken the Dark Mark, he had done so under duress, and had been a crucial part in their victory at The Battle of Hogwarts. The Wizengamot had ultimately sentenced Draco to a seven year probation, with travel bans outside of Great Britain and monthly check-ins.
Narcissa Malfoy's punishment was less harsh, as she had never adorned the Dark Mark and held Harry's fond respect in her for saving his life (even though it was for the safety of her own son), leaving her sixteen months of house arrest, under constant guard of no less than five Aurors. Not that anyone thought Narcissa was a flight risk, but for her own protection against those who had attempted, numerous times since her sentencing, to break in and punish her for everything the Malfoy's had done.
Lucius Malfoy, along with the other Death Eaters who had been found and held in custody, were unsurprisingly sentenced to life in Azkaban without possibility to appeal. This had outraged many of the wizarding community, most demanding they receive the ultimate punishment of the Dementor's Kiss. The Wizengamot had asked Hermione to make a statement on that, to which she had detailed that, in her opinion, as Muggleborn and part of the Golden Trio, the punishment was just; as it had left those who had instilled fear into their lives to be trapped in a life-long fear of their own. This statement was loudly supported by both Harry and Ron. Although the statement didn't dampen the public outcry, it had, at least, stopped things from progressing into something violent.
"Feels strange, doesn't it?" Ginny asked, bringing Hermione's attention back to the girl who sat across from her. She had almost forgotten she was there. "Not having Harry and Ron with us, I mean."
It did. Their missing presence weighed heavily on her, which is why she took to taking the time on the train to get ahead on her studies. Harry and Ron had accepted the offer of Auror training rather than return to Hogwarts. She didn't say anything as she looked down at the small, golden band on her finger. A promise ring Ron had given to her before she and Ginny had left for the Hogwarts Express.
Ginny reached across and grabbed her hands, "I'm glad you're here, Hermione. Truly. Though, I can't understand, for the life of me, why you would want to go back when you don't have to."
Hermione chuckled. Hogwarts was her second home. The thought of not returning filled her with an emptiness she wasn't ready to face, not after everything they had already lost. "Well, as Head Girl, I'm sure you're going to find there's a lot of things about people you don't understand."
Ginny's eyes grew wide, as if she barely remembered her new responsibilities and she was quickly on her feet. "Oh! We need to get to the Prefect Carriage!"
Hermione blinked at her as she watched the red head whirl around their compartment, grabbing her books, parchment, quill and ink and shoving them into her satchel before tossing the straps of the satchel over Hermione's shoulder. Hermione's hands were raised offering no resistance as Ginny's fingers wrapped around her wrist and pulled her to her feet.
"Ginny!"
"What!?"
Hermione didn't bother to stifle her laugh, "We don't need to be in there for at least another twenty minutes."
Ginny was panting, her adrenaline still high as she stared at her blankly. "What?" She asked again, her voice softer this time but tinted with confusion.
Hermione wrapped her arm around Ginny as she sat them both back down, "Are you nervous, Ginerva Weasley?" She teased.
"No!" Ginny snapped defensively, as she pulled herself from Hermione, turning away from her. She looked out the window towards the passing green hills and sighed. "Yes," she hadn't bothered to look back at Hermione. "Not just about being Head Girl, I would have been nervous about that regardless. I'm worried about what we're walking back into. I'm surprised they opened the school back up so soon, with everything that happened over the last year, the last three months especially."
The silence that filled their compartment was almost suffocating and Hermione began to fidget with her hands. Ginny turned to face her, a sad smile on her lips. "I know the Headmistress has hired a few Healers to help council students over the events of last year, but it's also my responsibility to help ensure everyone is safe. It was easier, having a tangible target like Vol-Vol-" Ginny growled in frustration before taking in a steady breath and continuing, "You-Know-Who. At least we knew what we were up against. We had a common enemy, something we could focus all our doubts, fears and anger into. Now…Now we're our own threat. Our minds. How can I possibly protect any of you from your own mind?"
Hermione hugged her, bringing her close and she felt Ginny shudder underneath her, trying to suppress her sobs. She ran her fingers through her hair, rubbing her back, and Ginny grasped her so tightly Hermione was almost afraid to breathe. She rocked her as Ginny's tears soaked through the cloth on her shoulder. Blinking back her own tears she finally spoke, "this isn't yours to bear alone, Ginny. I'm here, Neville's here. You're not alone and we will help each other through this."
Ginny nodded against her shoulder and Hermione gave her a final squeeze before she gently pushed her away. Ginny's eyes were blotchy and swollen, her cheeks stained with her tears. The red head quickly wiped her tears from her cheeks with the sleeves of her robes.
"We should get you cleaned up before we head towards the Prefect Carriage," Hermione said. Ginny nodded and the two of them stood and made their way to the washroom.
Hermione waited outside the door while Ginny was washing up. She was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes fixated ahead as she became lost in her own thoughts. Ginny was right and she felt stupid for not realizing it sooner. For the last seven years they had all been fighting for their lives, both knowingly and unknowingly. Each year seemed more dangerous than the last, students and Professors had been murdered and cursed, and in the end a side had to be chosen. They had fought against enemies and loved ones, some had even killed, and life rolled on as if everything was back to normal. Things were not normal and the trauma that had surrounded them for nearly a decade wasn't going to be locked away as easily as the guilty had been. No, this was going to take years, possibly a lifetime, to overcome.
"I didn't realize there'd be a line," a drawl came out, forcing Hermione back to the present as she turned to see where the voice had come from. It took her a moment to focus before three figures came into view. Zabini, Nott, and Malfoy. It had been Malfoy who had spoken.
Hermione didn't resist the urge to roll her eyes as she turned from them and continued focusing on the nothing that was ahead of her. "There are other washrooms if you're too impatient to wait your turn," Hermione said, not bothering to look back at them.
"Theodore Nott," said the taller of the three, offering an extended hand forcing Hermione to turn her head toward them again. She stared down at his hand for a moment, then back at him cautiously. She knew who he was and, for a split second, she took him in. He was broader than she remembered, wide shoulders draped in school robes that hid the rest of him, not at all the thin boy she remembered from her sixth year. His black hair was longer too, thick and wavy, resting right above his shoulders and brilliant blue eyes watched her in an uncomfortably friendly manner. Her breath caught for a second, he was undeniably handsome, and she pushed herself off the wall and accepted his hand with a gentle shake.
He didn't release her hand as he nodded to his right, "This is Blaise Zabini." Hermione followed his notion to see a very smug looking Slytherin who unapologetically looked over her in an almost predatory fashion as he winked at her. He was also very handsome, somewhat broader than Theodore, he wasn't wearing his robes and she could see the muscular build beneath his gray vest and white dress shirt. "And you already know Draco Malfoy."
Hermione knew better than to look at him, every instinct inside her warned her against it, yet as her eyes moved to meet the silver eyes of the impossibly blonde student she was surprised to see he wasn't even looking at her, his eyes were locked hard on the two adjoined hands of Theodore and herself. She quickly pulled her hand back and brushed her palms on her skirt. "Her-Hermione," she said, hating the uncertainty in her voice and quickly added, "Granger."
Zabini laughed at that. "Oh, the introduction was solely for your benefit, love," he said, his smile so wide he reminded her of a Cheshire cat. "Everyone knows the infamous Hermione Granger. Top of her class at Hogwarts, one third of the Golden Trio and," he paused, placing his index finger on his chin and tapped it in a faux attempt to recall something, "Ah, yes. Brightest witch of our age." He looked her over again, "Who knew that a mousy little thing like you would–"
He wasn't able to finish the thought as Ginny exited the washroom and stopped short taking in the scene before her. She watched as Ginny's eyes narrowed at the three Slytherin boys as she made her way to Hermione's side and locked her elbow in hers. "Are they bothering you, Hermione?" She asked.
Hermione could feel her cheeks burning as she quickly shook her head and turned on her heels, dragging Ginny behind her with a small yelp, towards the Prefect Carriage, pausing only to allow Ginny to open the door to the next carriage. She took this time to glance over her shoulder, catching Blaise blowing both Theodore and Draco air kisses as they scowled at him and he disappeared into the washroom. Both boys looked up, catching her watching them. Theodore smiled and raised his hand and gave a small wave as Draco frowned, glaring daggers into her. If possible, she felt her cheeks burn even brighter. The door opened and Hermione quickly walked into the next carriage.
When they arrived at the Prefect Carriage, Hermione was not surprised to see almost all the student Prefects already there. Ernie and Hannah were seated together along with Anthony and Luna. To her surprise she saw Pansy Parkinson sitting with Astoria Greengrass and a male and female Slytherin she did not know on the other corner of the carriage. She studied Pansy for a moment, curiosity piqued; she could have sworn her Prefect badge, along with Malfoy's, had been stripped at the end of their sixth year. Pansy looked up, catching Hermione's eyes and she smirked, raising one eyebrow. Hermione looked away and scanned the rest of the faces there. She recognized them, not by name of course, each of them one to three years below her.
She gave Ginny's shoulder a gentle squeeze as she made her way to sit with Neville Longbottom, who looked up at her, surprised, before recognizing her. "Hermione!" He exclaimed, his smile lighting his eyes as he gave her a hug. "How have you been?"
Hermione shrugged as he released her, and she moved her hair behind her ears. "Busy," she returned his smile. "Headmistress McGonigal told me that she had offered you the Prefect position for our unexpected class," she said, flicking at the badge on his robes, "She didn't tell me you said yes."
Neville blushed, "Yeah, well, I was very surprised to get the letter. I guess, since Ron didn't come back, I was the next in line for the role. Though," he shifted uncomfortably, "I don't think she offered it to me because of my outstanding academics, more so because…" he trailed off, knowing she'd understand and she did.
"Well, it's not a position to take lightly," she lectured as she playfully jabbed his shoulder with her index finger. "It has a very demanding schedule of its own."
Neville brightened at that, "I welcome it. I need to keep myself distracted."
Hermione wanted to say more, something of encouragement, but was stopped as Ginny clapped her hands and cleared her throat, gathering the attention of everyone in the carriage. Eurig Cadwallder was standing next to her, Head Boy badge glinting under the lights. "Right. This is almost everyone." She scanned the room and looked down at the parchment she was holding, "We're just missing Ceclia Warshi, Zachariah Blueding and Theodore Nott. I trust you all-"
As if summoned, the three Slytherins walked into the carriage. "Sorry for the delay," Theodore said, "There was a dispute over a Chocolate Frog Collector Card in Carraige 2 and, well, it needed to be handled."
Ginny frowned and impatiently waved for them to take a seat. Ceclia and Zachariah quickly made their way towards the Slytherin group at the end of the carriage, Theodore trailing slowly behind them. He paused for a moment in front of Hermione and Neville, seeming to debate something before he made his way towards the group of Slytherins.
Ginny let out a sigh, "As I was saying, I trust you have all read the responsibilities and purpose detailed in your offer letters. If you have any questions on that, Eurig and I are happy to answer them for you."
Eurig turned and grabbed a stack of parchment from his bag, then turned back to everyone clearing his throat. "Ginerva and I have compiled your schedules for the next four months. In an effort to show uniformity and non prejudice, it has been decided that the Prefect pairings will not be of the same House for patrols. Your partners will remain the same until next semester, at which time you may reserve your right to request a different partner. If, in the unfortunate event, a pairing is so unwelcomed you feel the need to request a new partner before the end of this term, an investigation will be held by Ginerva, myself, and your Head of Houses. I warn you, should this happen, a possible loss of your Prefect status may occur. Should your partner become ill, Ginerva or myself will be your partner until your partner recovers."
There was a murmur among the students in the carriage as they whispered to their neighbors and eyed the others around them. Hermione saw Ginny nervously glance at her before she clapped her hands again to gather everyone's attention.
"Prefects," Ginny said as Eurig began to hand everyone their schedules, "As you know, after the Sorting Ceremony's banquet, you are to lead your students to their dormitories. You are responsible for instilling the importance of knowing the password to access their houses and they're never to share it with anyone. You are also responsible for ensuring that every student has a map of the school and letting the first years know you are available to them if they don't understand it. You know how confusing the staircases can be." That earned a chuckle from the students.
"Through the school year, each of you must be available for all of the student body, regardless of their House or bl-" Ginny caught herself. "Regardless of their House. And don't forget the award in House Points if you tutor some of the younger years in our more difficult subjects."
When Eurig handed Hermione and Neville their schedules Hermione frowned at what she saw. This schedule was more intense than she had ever experienced in her fifth and sixth year as Prefect. Was she really expected to patrol every night of the week?
Prefect Schedule September - December, 1998
Monday: Castle Grounds: Black Lake, Quidditch Pitch, Training Ground, Owlery, Forest Edge.
Tuesday: First Floor: North and South Courtyard, Greenhouses, Great Hall, Dining Hall, Courtyard Vestibule, Boat Houses.
Wednesday: Dungeons: Classrooms, Deathyday Party Hall, Professor's offices, Kitchen, Dueling Dungeon.
Thursday: Second and Third Floor Corridors, Classrooms, Staircases.
Friday: Fourth and Fifth Floor Corridors, Clock Tower, Hospital Wing, Professor Offices, Classrooms, East Study Hall, West Study Hall.
Saturday: Sixth and Seventh Floor Corridors, Classrooms, Professor Offices, Astronomy Tower, Bell Tower, Lookout Tower
Sunday: First, Second, Third Floor and Restricted Section of the Library
Assignment: Hermione Granger & Theodore Nott
She looked up trying to catch Theodore's reaction. He was not looking her way, instead, he was staring at his schedule as he absentmindedly chewed on his thumbnail with a ghost of a smile.
She heard Neville whistle from her side and she watched him skim over her schedule. "Merlin, Hermione, that's a nightmare of a schedule."
"Let me see yours," she said, and Neville handed it to her.
Prefect Schedule September - December, 1998.
Wednesday: Dungeons: Classrooms, Deathyday Party Hall, Professor's offices, Kitchen, Dueling Dungeon
Thursday: Sixth and Seventh Floor Corridors, Classrooms, Professor offices, Astronomy Tower, Bell Tower, Lookout Tower
Friday: Second and Third Floor Corridors, Classrooms, Staircases.
Sunday: Castle Grounds: Black Lake, Quidditch Pitch, Training Ground, Owlery, Forest Edge.
Assignment: Neville Longbottom & Hannah Abbot
"Oh, I'm partnered with Pansy Parkinson," Luna said, her whimsical voice catching Hermione's attention. "I see us becoming great friends."
Hermione looked over at Pansy who kept glancing at her schedule and back to Luna, over and over, as if she continued doing so it would change the outcome of their pairing. She was gripping the parchment so tight her nails had pierced holes in it.
She looked back at Ginny who gave her a mischievous smile. That was intentionally done and Hermione wondered if Pansy would be able to reign herself in enough to survive the semester. She, however, did not return Ginny's smile and gestured to her own schedule huffily. Ginny turned away.
"Now that you've had a chance to look at your schedules, we trust that you'll perform your duties with dignity and respect," Eurig said after giving everyone time to read and catch the eyes of their future Prefect partners. "Now, I believe it is a fair time to announce that we are doing something a little different this year when it comes to arriving at Hogwarts."
That had every eye on him. They weren't going to ride in the Thestral carriages? Eurig gave them a moment to digest what he had just said before continuing, "After the Battle of Hogwarts a few months ago, many parents were not so keen on allowing their children back so soon and the parents of our first years were almost terrified. The Headmistress, Ginerva, and Myself paid visits or sent Owls to the families of our upcoming first years and assured them they were well protected under the guard of the Headmistress, staff, Prefects and ourselves as Head Boy and Head Girl. We extended that promise as far as letting them know their children would be escorted by our Prefects as well as a handful of the Hogwarts staff as they take their boats across the black lake their first night. I trust no one has any complaints regarding that?"
No one did.
"We also think it would be a good idea for you to ride your respective boats with your patrolling partner. Use this time to get to know one another and strategize on your patrolling assignments. Where to meet, which area's to patrol first, et cetera." Eurig shrugged. "This is not an obligation, mind you, more a request."
From his tone, Hermione, as well as everyone else, knew it was most definitely not a request.
"Those of you who have Sunday Patrol, your assignments begin tonight," Ginny said. "You are to meet with your partners at your agreed upon destination at exactly 9 o'clock and patrol until midnight. Don't forget that even Prefects have curfews, so once your shift has ended you will have 30 minutes to make your way back to your dormitories."
Ginny waved her wand and Hermione felt her parchment vibrate slightly under her fingertips. Looking down, she saw more instructions written across the paper.
Carriage 5. This was followed by a list of student names who were currently seated there.
"Please find your partner and make your way to your assigned Carriage, be sure to be dressed properly in your school robes," Eurig said. "We will be arriving at Hogwarts in ten minutes. Again, if you have any questions or wish to speak with Ginerva or I, do not hesitate. We are here to help you succeed. You are dismissed."
Hermione placed her parchment in her satchel, throwing her satchel over her shoulder as she stood up. She caught sight of Theodore making his way to her, squeezing between two unnamed Prefects before he finally reached her. "My, aren't I the lucky one to be paired with you?" He asked with a cheeky grin as he pointed at his schedule. "Seems the Weaslette is keeping us busy. What did you do to piss her off?"
"Me?" Hermione asked, incredulously. "I'm sure this has everything to do with you!"
Theodore chuckled bitterly, "Quite right. Can't leave the Death Eater's son unchaperoned, now can we? Must send in the Golden Girl to make sure this snake knows his place."
"The Headmistress would never have offered you a Prefect role if she felt you were a danger to anyone," Hermione responded, defensive on both the Headmistress' and Ginny's behalf. "Unless you expect to follow his lead, don't hide behind the actions of your father."
Theodore's eyes went dark as his hands turned to fists at his side. The friendly demeanor he had been demonstrating since their first interaction had completely vanished. His anger washed off him in waves, "Don't speak on matters you couldn't possibly understand, Granger."
Hermione nearly flinched at his tone, dark and full of warning as he scowled down at her.
"I wasn't," she said, forcing her pride to drown the uneasiness that began to creep in. "If you're afraid of the attention you're receiving, perhaps you should have refused the offer when it was presented to you."
Theodore took in a deep breath, seeming to steady himself, then walked past her and opened the carriage door. He held the door open, staring into the next carriage as he waited for her to walk through. She hesitated for a moment then walked past him towards their assigned carriage.
They didn't speak as they helped the students gather their belongings. When they would accidentally brush against each other Theodore would shoot her a pointed glare before he maneuvered around her, allowing her access to what she was reaching for. When he wasn't glaring down at her he refused to look at her entirely, hiding most of his features beneath his black hair.
Once the students were off the Train, Hermione suggested he guide the first years toward the lake and she guide the older students towards the Thestral Carriages. He nodded in agreement. She hated the knot of guilt that began to tangle itself in her stomach. Was what she said to him really so bad? It was the truth. Theodore Nott was not a stupid individual and he must have known that returning to Hogwarts would come with a cost. A cost that, however unfair, was charged on him due to the choices his father had made.
"First years, with me," Theodore said, holding a lantern that had been left to help guide them through the darkened grounds. "Two lines, if you please. Stay close to your partner." Once the first years had done as instructed, Theodore took his place ahead and began leading them towards the Lake.
Hermione watched until their silhouettes blended with the darkness then turned to her own students. She instructed them much the same as Theodore had done and waited until they assembled themselves in two lines before she began to lead them toward the Thestral Carriages. As they got closer Hermione could feel her uneasiness grow as the hammering in her chest intensified with every step she took. She forced herself to take slow, even, breaths as they continued on the trail until she finally faced the source of her anxiety.
Thestrals, paired by two, were attached in front of every carriage. Although she had ridden them twice, she had never actually seen one before. Achingly beautiful in a way that only Death himself could conjure. Skeletal bodies with a shimmer of scales, giving them a haunting and dangerous aura that could only be described as the whisper of a final breath. Large, leathery wings flexed themselves as the horse-like creatures stretched to keep their muscles relaxed.
A single Thestral felt her eyes on it as it lifted its head and turned its face to stare directly at her. Her breath caught in her throat as the hammering in her chest became so violent all she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. She could feel her body trembling, unable to control it.
His death played in the creature's eyes and Hermione gasped as the memory flashed in front of her.
There was so much blood and he was pleading for them to 'take them'. Hermione could do nothing but produce a vial and watch the flame of life that once burned for Severus Snape flicker and fade into brutal darkness as Harry collected his tears.
Her knees buckled, threatening to collapse beneath her as tears streamed down her cheeks, gathered under her chin, and dripped to the floor. They had lost so much in so little time and, for the first time, Hermione didn't swallow back the sob that had been relentlessly threatening to escape for the last three months. She buried her face in her hands and cried. She cried for Remus, for Nymphadora, and their son who will never know the amazing people they were. She cried for Sirius, for Dobby and Alastor Moody. She cried for Fred and the thousands of lives he was destined to bring joy to, but never would. She cried for Severus Snape, whose love for Lily Potter had extended the tests of time, drawing him to give his memories as a final act to protect her son. She cried for Harry, who lost more than all of them combined, and she cried for herself.