Changes

“Honestly Ron, you’re being over dramatic.”

“Hermione! You are going to be sharing a dorm with god knows who wanting to do god knows what, for the entire year!”

“Ron, he’ll be head boy, it’s not going to be just anyone. It’s not like it will be Malfoy or someone equally repulsive.” The group just received their school letter and within Hermione’s envelope was the news of her achieving the role of head girl. Everyone was waiting around the table in the Burrow enjoying breakfast. The only sounds left after the argument between Ron and Hermione were the sounds of silverware on dishes, and the occasional rumpling of parchment.

No one seemed to talk much anymore, if you didn’t count the increasing number of pointless arguments. With Voldemort back rapidly gaining power things were changing everywhere. Harry and Hermione spent the majority of the summer at the Burrow because of the ministry protections. Mr. Weasley spent more time at the office than ever before, and summer couldn’t end fast enough for everyone. The usual trip to Diagon Alley would be much different as well, normally only Mr. and Mrs. Weasley make the trip to collect everyone’s books and supplies, that was until they realized almost everyone needed new robes as well. For the first time, no one truly looked forward to the trip. Molly’s face broadcast a terrified look as the mob headed into London.

“Stay together everyone, and remember to hold hands!” yelled Mrs. Weasley, as she hurried along the shops of Diagon Alley. “Do we have everything?” She asked the group, receiving several nods in response. “Good, off to the station then,” she said as the group rounded a corner where a watering can was placed atop a pile of old Prophet’s. Everyone gathered quickly around and simultaneously placed a hand on the can and the familiar feeling pulled at them all as they were transported to King’s Cross station.

Moments later, following several goodbyes and tears from Mrs. Weasley, Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way through the corridors of the train looking for an empty compartment.

“Seriously Ron, you can’t still be upset over this whole thing!” Hermione said angrily after Ron ignored three requests to pass her the book she left on the seat beside him. He had barely even acknowledged her since she opened the letter. “Can you please talk some sense into him, Harry?”

“I have already tried but he won’t listen to a word I say. Every time I bring up the subject he either runs away or pretends he is sleeping. He even dropped to the floor in the middle of packing the other day.” Hermione almost laughed as the image of Ron dropping to the floor entered her mind. She and Harry continued to talk while Ron stared out the window, until a tawny owl appeared at the window nearly scaring the pants off Ron. Leaning across Ron, Hermione opened the window to let the owl in. She quickly untied the letter attached to its foot. It was addressed to Hermione in the familiar writing of Professor McGonagall.


Dear Miss Granger,
I must appologise for the late arrival of this letter. It was intended to be sent along with your school letter. As part of the head girl duties you will be required to meet with the prefects and explain some of their duties to them. You and the head boy have both been prefects and already know and executed the duties well . You should meet them in the first compartment once you are under way. I have sent letters to this years prefects, you should expect them once the train departs.

Professor McGonagall


After reading the letter Hermione handed it to Harry and started to rummage through her trunk finding her robes. Slipping them on over her clothes she turned to leave before something came to her. “Harry, do you suppose that with Dumbledore gone that McGonagall is the headmistress? Or would they have found someone else?” No one had really thought of that before. Everyone tried to contain the thoughts of Dumbledore no longer being a part of Hogwarts anymore.

“I don’t know, seems logical, but knowing the ministry and their crazy minds anything is possible.” He handed her back the letter and Hermione pocketed it as she left the compartment.

The walk was much easier than earlier when the corridors were flooding with students trying to find a place to sit. As she walked to the front of the train Hermione thought about who could have been made head boy. No one that came to mind really seemed to fit the part.

“Well, well, Granger out for a stroll? Potty and Weasel not good enough company?” a sneering voice called from behind her. His comment was instantly followed by a giggle that Hermione instantly distinguished as Pansy Parkinson’s.

Somehow she managed to forget about him over the summer. She was genuinely surprised he was back to school after what happened last year. She turned around to see Draco Malfoy smugly leaning against a door frame while Pansy hung possessively from one arm, Hermione was promptly reminded of her disgust for those cold grey eyes. “Ha! I should have known they would make you Head Girl, Mudblood.”

“Piss off Malfoy,” she spat at him before continuing on her way ignoring the continuing insults coming from the blonde boy. Finally reaching the first compartment she could hear the voices of her classmates from inside, opening the doors she was shocked at the face staring back at her.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The first chapter is super short, but i couldnt figure out where else to end it. Reviews, good and bad, are always welcomed. I think they are what make writers stronger. The second chapter is finished, and will probably be posted by the time you read this!