Repercussions

His hand was inches from the door that concealed his prey, when the train lurched him forward as it started to decelerate. He cursed under his breath and stalked back to the compartment he shared with Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe, Goyle, and Bulstrode. So basically he was returning to a compartment full of sausages. He groaned in disgust as he was greeted by the sickening displays of affection between Goyle and Millicent. The scoop was that they had hooked up over the summer and now seemed to be inseparable. He still couldn’t figure out who would wear the dress at their wedding, but vowed to make it his personal ambition to make sure they were never allowed to reproduce. ‘Ugliest_ Offspring_ Ever.’

When the train came to a complete stop everyone pushed their way on to the platform, while Draco scanned the crowd for a head of thick brown curls. He heard the booming call of the giant savage man to the ‘firs’ years, and sure enough the trio was in pursuit. Hugging and jumping on each other like out of control five year olds. He saw Potter’s knees buckle under the pressure of the giant’s earth shaking pat on the back, and had to smirk. Potter wasn’t so tough; he just got lucky sometimes. ‘I could take him’ Draco thought to himself.

Then he saw her. Her long hair was glistening in the light of a fire lit lantern held above her by the gamekeeper, and her whole face was just glowing. She seemed so at peace, in the midst of a wizarding war and possibly carrying the spawn of Slytherin. He was so taken by her incredible persona that he didn’t realize how long he had been staring. Their eyes met and she looked at him with shocked wide eyes that quickly narrowed into a glare. He mouthed, “We need to talk” to her, but she had already turned away, heading to the carriages that would take them to the gates. He tried to follow, but she was getting lead away quickly by Ron, who had a protective arm around her waist. He felt his blood start to boil as he watched them, and he moodily pushed his way to the carriage behind hers.

He did a double take at the procession; seeing the skeletal winged horses for the first time. If it wasn’t so far to the school, he thought he would have preferred to walk. The thestrals seemed to look through him with their blank eyes, as if they knew his involvement with the headmaster’s death. Someone bumped into him from behind, knocking him out of his trance. He took once last look at the dragonish face of the nearest thestral, before cautiously stepping into the carriage.

“Draco, wait up!” came the screechy voice of Pansy Parkinson. Draco gritted his teeth in annoyance, as he thought he had lost the irritating slut. She got in after him and put her arm on his thigh, but he brushed it off as if it was contaminating him.

“What is with you baby, you didn’t return my letters like all summer and now you’re so moody and fidgety. That’s not the kind of behavior I like in my boyfriends.”

“Since when am I your fucking boyfriend?”

“I dunno, maybe since we slept together like 20 times last year!”

“You wanted it. I told you last year I was stressed and I didn’t need or want a girlfriend, just a good fuck. All the other girls I messed around with obviously understood that, as they aren’t nagging at me right now.” He felt better taking out some of his frustrations on her, and he was speaking the truth after all. It wasn’t his fault if she was too dumb to understand.

Pansy looked hurt, and slid away from him with her arms crossed and her lips pouted. It wasn’t that she was ugly; he just wasn’t attracted to her. She was fine when she was quiet, but as soon as she opened her mouth he got the urge to put his fist through a wall. Her shrill voice and ditzy air were like nails on a chalkboard to him, and they spent the rest of the journey in silence.


***


Hermione, Harry, and Ron had rushed over as fast as they could to greet their half-giant friend. Hermione had been unsure if returning to school was the right thing to do until now. She was afraid that everything would be completely different, and they would always be in a state of fear with the absence of Professor Dumbledore’s protection. The late Headmaster had made them feel as if the school was a kind of impenetrable escape. They had believed that he was invincible since he was commonly known as “the only one You-Know-Who had ever feared.” The past six years had proved that the castle wasn’t safe even with Dumbledore, and even he could be killed. Hermione couldn’t believe she wasn’t more afraid of what was to come, but she honestly was more excited than anything to return to her second home.

She was just turning to let Hagrid tend to the first years, when her eyes locked with Draco Malfoy. She couldn’t help but be disappointed that he had been allowed to return, even after what Tonk’s had said about him just being under the influence of his father. So it was going to be another year of being called a mudblood. ‘Hopefully that will be the worst of my problems’ she thought to herself. His face didn’t hold the usual scowl, but she glared at him anyways out of reflex, before turning to get into the carriages.

She smiled as Ron slipped his arm around her waist. She was starting to get used to their budding relationship, and at least wanted to give them the best chance they could have. This was going to take a lot of self control on Hermione’s part, because her natural instincts were to be bossy at times, and she really didn’t like the whole ‘touchy feely’ thing. However, she thought that Ron did at least deserve an attempt at a decent and normal romantic affair, so she even snuggled up to him on the ride.

The Great Hall looked amazing as always. From the twinkling stars to the gleaming gold plates, the whole place held the same radiance as it had the first time they stepped foot through the large double doors. This would be their last welcoming feast. Their last sorting, but the first time they would hear the speech from someone other than Dumbledore. Unless of course you counted Umbridge’s attempt that most of the student body had slept through. They sat down, waiting expectantly for the sorting to begin.

Hermione looked up at the high table, recognizing professors Flitwick, Sinistra, and Sprout. Tonks and Lupin were also there talking animatedly with Flitwick, but there were also a man and a woman that she wasn’t familiar with. The man was younger, and very handsome, and the woman next to him could have easily been a model. The doors opened at last, and Hagrid walked in, shortly followed by McGonagall and the line of nervous looking first years. It didn’t seem like there was very many of them, but it could be because they were all packed tightly, as none of them wanted to be first or last in line. The hall quieted as everyone was listening intently for the new song of the sorting hat. The rim and top parted like a mouth, but the hat did not seem as if it was in the mood to sing.

Every year the same, I’m here to entertain.
To sing a song and separate the students name by name.
I make heroes from the Gryffindors, who strive to save the day,
Followers from Hufflepuffs, who like both work and play.
Ravenclaws know themselves as smarter than the rest,
But Slytherin is the house that I most detest.
I can’t deny the abundance, of corruption and immorals,
So let us join together, to help control the quarrels.
Realizations are in order, that not one house is perfect,
Only together as a whole, can we do anything to cure it.
Please fight the prejudice, or we’ll remain in turmoil forevermore,
A moment of silence now, for our hero, Dumbledore.

Everyone stared in awe at the hat as it finished, then slowly one by one their heads bowed and eyes shut as they honored the former headmaster. Some sniffles were heard, then after a few minutes McGonagall cleared her throat, and announced with a voice that cracked slightly, Abtovitch, Alaina to be sorted. When she called out the last name, (Zylar, Rachel) Gryffindor had 8 new members, Hufflepuff had 11, Ravenclaw had 10, and Slytherin had 5. The feast appeared to loud cheers, as the new and old students dug in enthusiastically. Hermione hadn’t realized how hungry she really was until she took a bite of the delicious food. She finished everything on her plate and was about to go for seconds when she got an uncomfortable feeling, like she was being watched. She turned around in her seat and soon found the culprit. Draco Malfoy was once again staring openly at her, not even touching his meal. What shocked her the most was that his face wasn’t pointed in a scowl, but his eyes held an intense and thoughtful look. He mouthed “We need to talk,” at her, and she sat confused for a moment, before rolling her eyes and getting back to her meal. Whatever it was that Malfoy wanted to talk to her about, she was sure she wasn’t interested.

After the desserts had cleared, leaving the plates shimmering clean once again, Professor McGonagall stood up to address the students.

“I am overjoyed to see so many of you have returned safely. I know Professor Dumbledore would never have wanted the school to close, as he prized learning above anything else. I am not just talking about learning in the classroom, but also the life lessons of love and friendship you can take from here as well. This year it is especially important to me to see you all getting along. I know the dislike between a great number of you stems from your very first year here, even the very first day, but I am asking you to forgive and forget. Put your pride and preconceptions behind you and let us start this year fresh. I know some of you are probably very surprised and maybe even alarmed at certain students who have returned this year. Please know that I would never put any of you in danger, and that these students have proven themselves trustworthy and have just as much of a right to be here as anyone. I’m sure you all got your letters a couple weeks ago and know that you can report any suspicious activity or anything that makes you feel unsafe here at Hogwarts. The boxes will be in every common room, and once the note has entered it, it cannot be recovered so please do not put one in as a joke. You can also report to me, or any of the staff at any time. Speaking of staff, we have two new members who have joined our ranks. I am pleased to present Ms. Anastasia Figg, and Mr. Alberson Figg, to take of post of Defense Against the Dark Arts and potions, respectively.” Everyone cheered enthusiastically at the very appealing new teachers, especially Harry. Hermione looked at him questioningly, and he leaned over so she could hear him over the clapping.

“Mrs. Figg! Batty old Mrs. Figg, you know, from the hearing? Those must be her kids!” Hermione smiled, and cheered even louder. Once all the noise had quieted down, Professor McGonagall resumed her speech.

“On another note, I would like to take this time to announce the new Head Boy and Head Girl. I chose to hold off on the selection to make sure both parties returned to school, but I think they will do an outstanding job, should they choose to accept. Ms. Hermione Granger and Mr. Draco Malfoy, will you please come forward to receive your badges.”

Hermione couldn’t believe her ears. She had just accepted the fact that she wasn’t Head Girl, only to be told she was! Her legs were shaking as she rose from her seat amidst loud cheers and catcalls from the table. Malfoy was already walking confidently towards the high table, with a pompous grin on his face, and she hurried to catch up. She saw Hagrid brush a happy tear from his eye, and had to fight not to burst out in tears herself. McGonagall pinned the badges to each of their robes, and told them to wait while she dismissed the rest of the students.

“Congratulations to our New Head Boy and Girl. Now I’m sure you are all worn out from this exciting day, so prefects if you will please lead the first years to their new dorms. Everyone else, follow them if you can’t remember the way. Oh yes and don’t forget to check the long list of objects banned in the castle; you can find it on Mr. Filch’s door. The dark forest is off limits to all students, and there is to be no wand use of any kind in the corridors. You are dismissed.” They watched the Great Hall slowly empty, until Professor McGonagall motioned for them to follow her.

“Now I know the two of you are not the obvious pairing for Head Boy and Girl, but I had my reasons, and I trust you will live up to them. You both held top marks in your classes and on your exams, so I am hoping you could be mature enough to put your differences aside. I want the two of you to set an example to the rest of the students on inter-house relationships. I don’t want to ever see either of you publicly fighting, or I will immediately relinquish your titles and pass them on to the next two most worthy candidates. There will be no questions asked if such an instance does occur, and I do not care who had started the fight. Is that understood?” They both nodded in agreement, thinking she was asking a rather lot of them.

“Now this year you will have a few extra responsibilities, even more so than previous Heads. Not only will you have to arrange prefect meetings and set up the patrol schedule, but you will also be in charge of reading the student’s notes that they write and put in their house box. You will sort out the ones that seem to warrant serious concern and send them to me, other’s you can figure out how to deal with yourselves. You must not tell anyone that it is you who are reading them, or discuss any of the information on them with anyone except me. I also want you to come up with a way to encourage students from different houses to come together. I expect to hear your ideas no later than Halloween. Now, I believe you are much more interested in seeing where you will be living for the rest of the school year.” McGonagall had stopped in front of a portrait of a very obese man, who was picking crumbs out of his chest hair. She cleared her throat and said “Union.” The man didn’t stop his search, but the portrait swung open, revealing a narrow walkway adorned with candles.

They walked through the passage to the common room, and Hermione’s mouth immediately extended to the floor. It wasn’t huge, but it was so elegantly decorated it made her feel like they had entered the parlor of a wealthy older couple. The walls were covered with bookshelves and portraits of successful looking witches and wizards. Overhead hung an enormous sparkling chandelier, whose crystals glistened sending dots of light along the walls. There was a large fireplace, with a plush leather half moon couch in front of it. Along the walls were two cherry wood desks, and some scattered chairs and coffee tables. In the center were two leather chairs on either side of a long table covered in four elegantly carved chests with a bronze animal sculpture representing each of the houses on the tops. There was also a small wooden box with a slit in the middle. In the far corner was a spiral staircase, leading to the balcony that overlooked the common room.

“Those chests are where the letters will appear, and you can send the important ones to me through that small one. Upstairs you will find your bedrooms and the bathroom, with all your things already brought up for you. I’m sure you want to finish examining your new dormitories, so I’ll let you to it. Don’t forget the password is “Union” but you can change it whenever you like, as long as you are both present at the time. Congratulations again, I know you will make us all proud!” McGonagall looked at them fondly with watery eyes, and left the room. Hermione was almost to the staircase to finally see her new room, but Malfoy put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

“Wait a minute Granger, we need to talk.”

“Don’t touch me Malfoy,” she said brushing his hand off of her quickly. “I know McGonagall wants us to get along, but I think the best way to do so is to have as little to do with each other as possible, but act pleasant around everyone else. Honestly, I don’t think I could ever be friends with an arrogant little ferret like you.”

“What the hell is your problem, Granger? I thought we left off on a rather good note. I mean sure it was an incredibly fucked up situation, but we were being civil to each other. I thought you’d be practically kissing my ass after what I did.”

“Are you kidding me?! Why would I be kissing your ass for letting Death Eaters enter the castle, including that werewolf scum. What kind of person do you think I am? That fight almost killed some of my friends! And you just got to run off with Snape, back to you manor or whatever. Now let me pass, I want to see my room,” Hermione said glaring and tapping her foot in annoyance.

“You know I meant what happened this summer,” he grumbled angrily, not looking at her.

“Unless you opened a shelter for homeless muggleborns and house elves over your break, I couldn’t care less.” She rolled her eyes and pushed past him up the stairs, to finally see her new dorm.

“Don’t you walk away from me, Granger! You have to…. but…They can’t have…. ERRR!!!” He growled in frustration then stalked out of the portrait. Hermione shrugged off his strange behavior and opened the high cherry door to reveal a king sized canopy bed covered in a velvet maroon comforter. There were satin sheets and pillows in gold, and matching curtains on the window. She saw her trunk and Crookshanks’ empty cage at the end of the bed, and knew he had already escaped to go exploring. The door to the closet was open, and she could see her clothes hanging there neatly. Another door stood on the opposite wall, with small letters by the knob spelling out “Vacant.” She quickly went through to behold an enormous bathroom, easily rivaling the prefects’. The marble counter top had two sinks and there was a mirror going along the length of the wall. Directly across from her was another door presumably leading to Malfoy’s bedroom. There was a toilet in a small separate room, but the large tub and equally large shower were in the main part of the bathroom. There were two fluffy white bathrobes with matching towels folded neatly on shelves set on one of the walls. There were also about every scent of soap, bubble bath, and shampoo she could imagine, and she couldn’t wait to try them out in the swimming pool sized tub, when she wasn’t so tired. She went back to her bedroom and changed into pajama shorts and a loose fitting t-shirt and got in between the silky sheets of her new bed. She sighed in contentment, and fell asleep almost immediately.


***


Draco didn’t return to his room for over an hour. He needed air to clear his head, and had taken a brisk walk around the lake. He should have known his father would pull something like this. It almost made sense to him, because he supposed the Dark Lord wouldn’t want her knowing whose baby she was having, so she could alert the Order and they could find some way to deal with the situation. But at the same time, it was the most absurd idea he had ever heard of. She wasn’t stupid enough to believe you could magically get pregnant in your sleep, even prude little Granger knew where babies came from. Did they think she wouldn’t notice her stomach ballooning to the size of a whale? It was just ridiculous, their plan was just nonsense! Besides that, she didn’t even remember their time together. That wasn’t fair at all, since he had to think about it constantly. He had no idea what the hell he was going to do now, and ended up returning to his dorm more frustrated and confused than when he had left.

He mumbled the password and slumped up the staircase, hardly noticing the elaborate bedding or furniture. The only thing he saw was his eagle owl, perched on his bed stand with a letter attached to its leg. He removed the letter and tapped it with his wand to undo the secrecy spell on it. Recognizing the handwriting as his father’s, he threw it on the stand to read later, and got into bed. He had had enough excitement for one day.




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My deepest apologies go out to JKR and the sorting hat, for my sad attempt at a song. I just thought I’d give it a go, but unfortunately I didn’t have any undiscovered poetic talent lol. I’m now waiting for a light bulb to go on in my head and tell me how to write the next chapter, because I am kind of stumped as to where to go from here. Hopefully it will come to me though. Thanks soo much to everyone who has reviewed so far, I hope you liked this chapter, Please keep reading and reviewing! Pleeeeeeseeeeee!!!!

Citten ~ I have allergies as well and they suck!! However, I can’t hate summer, as living in upstate NY I don’t get to see a lot of it. Snape is a good guy, I mean he’s not nice or anything but he is on the side of the Order and Dumbledore told him to kill him. I really want Snape to turn out good in the real book, so I figured I could at least pretend, because I don’t think it is going to happen. Thanks again for the reviews!!

Kay Enn ~ I’m glad you like it sofar, I actually forgot about Harry and Ginny splitting up because I haven’t had a chance to read the books in awhile. I guess since Harry decided to return to school, and he was living with her all summer, him and Ginny couldn’t help getting back together. I did see what you meant about the spacing in the first chapters, but I think it is because they are talking, and if I remember correctly, every time a new person speaks it has to be a new paragraph. I could be wrong though, I don’t think I’ve ever written anything with dialogue and I don’t have a beta so I will have to look into it. Thanks for the review, I hope you like this chapter : )