Secret Affairs

Chapter One


Hermione was rushing around Ginny's bedroom at the Burrow, frantically trying to get the last of her packing together. Ginny slept in the bed on the other side of the room, snoring lightly. The sky was just beginning to turn a shade of pink as the sun peaked over the horizon. It was nearly 6 o'clock in the morning of September the 1st, but Hermione just couldn't sleep.

Normally, Hermione would have been fully packed a week before the term would begin, but with everything going on in the Wizarding World, she just hadn't had enough time to worry about packing.

Since Dumbledore's death, mysterious deaths and Dark Mark sightings seemed to gain in numbers each day. The Ministry was at it's wit's end, unable to find a way to stop the inevitable. Hogwarts seemed to be the only safe place anymore, but most were still skeptical about the castle.

Although Hogwarts had remained open, it was no longer mandatory for under aged wizards to attend school. It was optional and up to the parents to decide, so many were beginning to home school their children.

Hermione hadn't given her parents a choice on the matter, turning of age not long into school. They had, however, decided to go into hiding, partially due to the insistance from Hermione. The Burrow, was now also hidden by numerous wards and protected with Arthur Weasley as the secret keeper. All members of the Order put the same protections on their homes, meeting up with each other at least twice a week.

Hermione, Harry and Ron, although now all of age, were still banned from all Order meetings. Mrs. Weasley insisted that they were not official Order members until they were finished with school. Harry and Ron had wanted to leave school and go searching for Horcruxes, but Mrs. Weasley and Lupin had talked them into completing their schooling, needing to learn as much as possible. Hermione had whole heartedly agreed with the two adults, and ended up convincing her two friends to do the same.

All summer had been spent locked away in Ron's room, reading over all their texts, hoping to find some clue as to the Horcruxes. They'd had no luck, unable to find anything useful.

So, Hermione, having no time to think about anything but Horcruxes and defensive spells, was running around the dark room, throwing all her belongings into her luggage.

Soon, the sun had risen fully, and the usual morning hussle and bussle of the Burrow began. Hermione had just fit the last of her books into a suitcase when Ginny yawned and stretched, awaking for the day.

"Geez, Hermione, have you been awake all night?" Ginny asked sleeply, watching her friend zip up her luggage.

"Not all night, just a few hours," Hermione explained. "I had to finish packing."

"Well, I'm famished, wanna grab some breakfast before Ron eats it all?" Hermione gave a small laugh and nodded, following the red head down the sets of stairs.

Mrs. Weasley was already in the kitchen, placing plates of food on the table. Mr. Weasley had already left for work, leaving early in the morning and returning late in the night.

"Good morning girls," Mrs. Weasley greeted them with a smile. "Eat up, you don't want to be sluggish for your first day back."

The two girls took their seats at the table and began to pile their plates with food. Mrs. Weasley placed a pot of coffee in the middle of the table and took a seat across from them.

"So, are you two excited to be going back?" Mrs. Weasley asked in a cheery voice.

"I am, I hate having all these security measures around the house. It's just too strange." Ginny replied, helping herself to the coffee.

"Well I hope you're not expecting Hogwarts to not be so protected," Mrs. Weasley told her. "With Dumbledore gone, the risk of the school being attacked is even greater."

"Yeah, I know. But at least there it won't seem so out of place." Ginny explained. Mrs. Weasley then turned to Hermione.

"How about you, Hermione?" She asked. "I'm sure you're excited to be taking on the role of Head Girl." Hermione smiled, despite her tired state. A week ago, when they'd gotten their letters informing them that Hogwarts would reopen, she'd also gotten her letter confirming that she was going to be Head Girl.

"How could I not be excited?" Hermione answered, sipping her coffee. "I've been dreaming about being Head Girl since I was a child." Mrs. Weasley gave her a proud smile.

"Well, I'm sure you'll do very well." She then stood and began busying herself around the kitchen.

Hermione was just finishing her breakfast when the creaking of the stairs indicated that Harry and Ron were finally up. The two boys came down the stairs, both still in pajamas, their hair dishevelled.

"About time you two are up," Mrs. Weasley said to them. "Eat fast, we're apparating together to an alley near King's Cross in an hour." Harry and Ron took their seats across from Ginny and Hermione, digging into the food.

Thw two boys ate quickly and soon everyone was dressed with their luggage, standing just outside the Burrow's Wards.

"Now, you three," Mrs. Weasley pointed to Hermione, Ron and Harry. "I don't want any of you wandering off. Apparate right to the alley and then stay there and wait for Ginny and I. Got it?" All three shook their heads. "Good, Ginny, take my hand." Ginny rolled her eyes, but took her mother's hand, holding on tight.

Hermione spun on the spot, concentrating on the alleyway near King's Cross. She felt the air seemingly compressing around her. She closed her eyes tight so as not to get dizzy. Her feet hit solid ground and she opened her eyes, finding herself in an abandoned alley.

Harry and Ron soon appeared beside her with a crack, followed by Mrs. Weasley and Ginny. They all walked over to King's Cross together, entering Platform 9 3/4 through the barrier.

The sight of the scarlet Hogwarts Express made Hermione completely forget about her hectic summer, happy to finally be going back to her favourite place either of her worlds.

Mrs. Weasley said a teary goodbye to them, embracing each one tight. She then saw them onto the train, listing off anything they might have forgotten.

"Mum, stop worrying," Ron told her when she asked him for the fifth time if he'd packed enough socks. "We'll see you at Christmas." He then hugged his mother one last time and led them all onto the train.

Finding an empty compartment didn't take long, it seemed like a lot of students stayed home. Ginny left to go find Luna Lovegood, so the three had a compartment to themselves.

Harry and Ron set up a chess set on the floor, passing the time by playing each other over and over again. They offered for Hermione to play, but she declined, never having been much of a wizard's chess player. Instead, she took out her DADA text book and began reading, wanting to get as much ahead as she could.

The sky was turning a shade of reddish orange when there was a small knock on the compartment door. Harry stood and pulled open the door where a small third year was standing on the other side.

"Excuse me, but the prefects and heads are supposed to meet in the first compartment." The boy then turned on his heel and left.

"Sorry mate, but we gotta go." Ron told Harry appologetically.

"Alright, I'll be fine." Harry answered. Ron and Hermione then walked out of the compartment, heading towards the front of the train.

The corridors of the train, usually full of students excited to be back, were completely empty and silent.

"So, who do you think Head Boy will be?" Ron asked, breaking the awkward silence that often spread when he and Hermione were left alone.

"Probably Ernie MacMillan. His grades are good and I don't remember him ever getting itno any kind of trouble." Hermione answered.

"Well, I guess anyone would be better then Percy." He told her with a small laugh. The two continued walking in silence, Hermione looking anywhere but at Ron. Ever since she came to stay at the Burrow, the two hadn't really talked.

They were almost at the front of the train, when a compartment door opened, and the person Hermione least expected to see walked out.

"Weasley, Granger." Malfoy sneered, looking down his nose at the two.

"Malfoy." Ron said, gripping his wand tight in his pocket. Hermione gentely touched Ron's shoulder, leading him away from the blonde.

"Why the bloody hell is he here?" Ron asked once they were out of ear shot.

"Because he turned himself into the Order. Don't worry, they're keeping close tabs on him." Hermione told him.

"How do you know all this?" He asked her suspiciously.

"Ginny still had an Extendable Ear." She explained. Mrs. Weasley had searched the house at the beginning of the summer for all of Fred and George's products, but Ginny had managed to hide one.

Ron and Hermione entered through the first compartment and sat down. The other prefects were chatting excitedly, but Ron and Hermione stayed silent. Not long after, Professor Slughorn came into the compartment, a big grin on his face. Everyone fell silent.

"Welcome prefects," He said happily, then turned to Hermione. "And to our new Head Girl," Hermione felt her cheeks flush as all eyes turned to her. "Unfortunately I don't seem to see our new Head Boy anywhere-"

Just then, the door opened and in walked Malfoy, a smug look on his face.

"Ah! There he is!" Slughorn clapped Malfoy on the back. "Take a seat."

Hermione knew her mouth was open, but she couldn't help it. How could Malfoy be Head Boy? He tried to kill Dumbledore last year, not to mention sneaking Death Eaters into the castle. It was a wonder he was even allowed back, let alone granted to position of Head Boy. She was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Slughorn say her name.

"Now, if any of you prefects have any problems, you can go to your heads for advice. Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy will be in charge of holding weekly meetings with the prefects in the staff room, supervised by myself or another teacher. During those meetings, rounds and any problems you encounter will be discussed. If you have any questions, go to one of them, as they were both prefects last year..."

Slughorn droned on for a while about prefect duties, all things that Hermione already knew about. In her head she was making a mental list of all her new duties for that year. She had rounds to scheduel, summaries of the prefects duties, she had to review any complaints, as well as all her homework and studying for her classes. This was going to be a long year.

"...you will have to show the first years to your common rooms and their dorms as well. And lastly, would our two new heads please see Headmistress McGonagall after the feast. That will be all, enjoy your first day back." Slughorn then left the compartment, all the other prefects filing out behind him. Malfoy was the last to leave, glaring at Hermione as he walked out.

"Blimey, Hermione. I'm real sorry you're stuck with Malfoy." Ron told her, holding open the door.

"You have no idea." Hermione replied, letting out a sigh.

*

Hermione, Harry and Ron piled into a carriage, noticing how much fewer there were this year. Ginny and Luna soon joined them as it took off, pulled by the invisible thestrals.

"Hermione, is it true that Malfoy's Head Boy?" Ginny asked in a whisper, as if it were a big secret.

"Unfortunately." Hermione replied, wishing it wasn't true.

"I'm so sorry." Ginny told her, placing a sympathetic hand on her knee.

"I guess this place really is going down since Dumbledore's gone." Harry commented with a sad look on his face.

"Maybe it won't be that bad?" Luna offered, causing everyone to stare at her. "I mean, he did turn himself in. Maybe he's changed?"

"You obviously don't know Malfoy," Ron objected. "He hates anyone who's any less then pureblooded, and hates anyone who's friends with Harry even more. Hermione is screwed."

"So nice of you to point that out." Hermione said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well it's true!" Ron half shouted.

"But you didn't have to point it out, I know that my last here is going to be hell, it's not like it isn't obvious enough!" Hermione shouted back, instantly regretting it. Everyone in the carriage fell silent, Hermione staring at the floor, her face burning.

When the carriage came to a stop, Ginny and Luna instantly jumped out, calling their goodbyes over their shoulders. Hermione still had her arms crossed and Ron refused to speak, wearing a scowl on his face. Students were crowding around to enter the school.

"Firs' years!" Came a familiar shouting. The trio walked over to their half giant friend who was gathering all the new students.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione, how are yea?" Hagrid asked with a big smile, not noticing how frightened the first years looked.

"Great, and you?" Harry asked, happy to see his old friend.

"Not so good, but I can' explain now. Come to me hut this Saturday and I'll tell yea more." They each nodded and said their goodbyes as they made their way into the castle.

Hermione, Harry and Ron entered the Great Hall and took their seats at Gryffindor Table, noticing how few students there were. Students around them chatted about their summer vacations, but the trio stayed silent, scanning the teacher's table for the two new additions.

Harry spotted one first, an older looking woman with long grey hair and bright red lips. Her eyes seemed to be scanning the crowd, all narrowed and squinted. She had her hands folded in her lap and looked uptight, as if she was forced to be there.

Hermione was the one who found the second, a short man with blonde hair and a plump face. He had small, beady eyes and had glasses on the top of his head. The man was chatting with Professor Flitwick.

Once everyone had taken their seat, Professor McGonagall lead all the scared looking first years into the hall. She lined them up infront of the staff table, facing the room of students. She then took the battered looking Sorting Hat and placed it on the stool. Everyone leaned in, expecting a song, but none came. Instead, the hat just sat there, not looking too happy.

"I heard the hat's refusing to sing anymore," Whispered Hermione heard Lavender Brown whisper to Romilda Vane. "Says that we don't listen anyway."

McGonagall then took out the long parchment of names and began reading them off. Hermione made a mental note of every new Gryffindor, wanting to remember each of their faces.

Once the sorting was done, McGonagall took her spot behind the podium and began the start of the year speech. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I'll remind you all that you are not here because it is mandatory, but because your guardians trust us with your safety. So please, do not do anything that will give them any reason to test that trust.

"This year, there are going to be a few more rules. Firstly, there will be no more Hogsmeade trips," McGongall paused, allowing everyone to groan. "Secondly, all your luggage is, as we speak, being searched by our house elves to ensure that no one had brought anything with them that could possibly cause anyone any harm," A few people shouted their dislike, mostly all from the Slytherin Table. "Thirdly, there is going to be no Quidditch this year." Many people booed and shouted at this, even McGongall didn't look too please, but she pursed her lips and waited for everyone to settle down.

"As well, Aurors have been scheduelled to patrol the corrirdors twenty-four hours a day. If they catch you doing anything that breaks the school rules, they have the authority to punish you whichever way they see fit.

"On a lighter note, we have two new additions to our staff this year. Taking over the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts is Mrs. Erma Hull," She pointed towards the uptight looking woman who gave a stiff nod and a small smile, then continued scanning the sea of faces. "And, taking over the position of Transfigurations, is Mr. Jack Young," The plump man gave everyone a big wave and a smile, beaming at all of them. "I expect you all to show them the respect they deserve.

"Now, lastly, we have two new heads to congradulate. For Head Girl we have Hermione Granger," All heads turned towards Hermione as people clapped loudly for her and shouted their congradulations. "And for Head Boy we have Draco Malfoy." A couple people gasped, but they were drowned out by the erruption coming from the Slytherin Table as they all gave Malfoy a standing ovation. Hermione watched as Malfoy smirked and accepted his friends' congradulations, feeling anger burn inside her at how unfair it all was.

"Now, I believe that is all. So please, enjoy the feast and again, welcome back." McGonagall then stepped down from the podium and took her seat, the Great Hall breaking out into happy chatter.

"Congradulations on making Head Girl, Hermione." Neville Longbottom said to her.

"Thanks Neville." She replied with a wide smile.

"Pity about Malfoy, though." He told her with an appologetic look.

"Yes, well I think I can handle him." She replied with a glare aimed at the blonde Slytherin. Neville opened his mouth as if to say something, then thought better of it, turning back to his food.

Hermione then turned to Harry and Ron who talking with Ginny.

"Isn't that terrible about Quidditch? Now what are we gonna do?" Ginny was asking them with a sad look.

"I know, with this whole war going on, Quidditch was the one thing that kept me sane." Harry agreed, picking at his food with his fork.

"It's just bloody ridiculous, what are they gonna take away next?" Ron told them.

"Actually, I think it could really work out in your favours to not have Quidditch to worry about," Hermione offered, but the three just stared at her with open mouths. "I mean, what with NEWTS just around the corner for all of us, without Quidditch we'll have more free time to study and do the best we can on the tests."

"Hermione, you're mental." Ron told her finally, all three wearing identical expressions of shock.

"What's so wrong with having a bit of extra time to study?" Hermione asked, but no one answered. Harry, Ron and Ginny were now immersed in a conversation with another topic that would never interest her.

Once the feast was done, Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Harry as they made their way up to Gryffindor Tower with the rest of the mob. Hermione stayed behind, waiting until the hall was empty to walk up to Professor McGonagall at the head table.

"Miss Granger, congradulations on becoming Head Girl." McGonagall said with a smile.

"Thank you, Professor," Hermione blushed. "Professor Slughorn told me to come see you after the feast?"

"Yes, well let's just wait for Mr. Malfoy to arrive, then I'll show you to your new dorms." McGonagall told her, scanning the nearly empty room for the blonde.

Excited to see where she'd be living for the next year, Hermione anxiously tapped her foot. Why was it Malfoy could irritate her so much without even knowing?

After a few minutes, Malfoy re-entered the Great Hall, a smug look on his pointed face. He and Hermione glared at each other as he approached, unnoticed by McGonagall.

"There you are, now, if if please, follow me." McGonagall told them as she began to walk towards the doors. Still glaring, the two heads followed silently as she led them up the Great Staircase. Not a word was said as she walked down the corridors, Hermione paying close attention to where they were going, committing it to memory. Finally, they came to a portrait of a beautiful woman and a man sharing a picnic under a tree.

"Freedom." McGonagall said to the portrait. The man and woman in the painting gave the three a wave as it swung open to reveal a large arch way.

McGonagall led the two through the archway, the portrait swinging shut behind them. They only walked on for a moment until they came to a large circular room. The walls were a soft shade of grey, a large message board hanging near the door. There was a large pale blue couch with a matching armchair beside it, both facing a stone fireplace. To the side was a large wooden desk beside a matching bookshelf half filled with books. Straight across were two archways with seperate staircases, probably leading up to their rooms.

"Now, the two of you will have to share this common room," McGonagall began, walking into the centre of the room. "The library has donated some books for your leisure so enjoy them. The message board beside the door is just for the standard updates, which will appear as they do in your house common rooms. Miss Granger, your staircase is on the right, Mr. Malfoy, yours is on the left. The two of you will also share a bathroom connecting the two rooms. I assume no nonsense will take place." McGonagall gave a lingering look to Malfoy, who didn't seem to notice.

"As well, the two of you are still members of your houses, so I trust that you will make regular appearances in your house common rooms," She continued, Hermione drinking in her every word. "You both now have the power to not only take away house points, but give out detentions. All dententions must be worked out with either myself, or the student's head of house. You will also have unlimited access to the Restricted Section in the library, with good reason. And lastly, you will no longer have a curfew, but again, you must have good reason for being out in the late hours. Any questions?"

"Yes, Professor," Malfoy replied, pulling his gaze away from the fireplace, "Do you really expect for me to share a bathroom with her?" He nodded his head towards Hermione, a sneer on his face.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy, I did," McGonagall told him. "The Heads' Quarters have been like this since Hogwarts was built, we are not going to change any of it just to fit your personal wants. So, unless you wish to resign as Head Boy, I suggest you tough it out." Malfoy dropped his angry gaze to the floor, staying silent.

"If neither of you have any further questions, then I must be going, I have a lot of work that needs to be done and I'm sure the two of you would like to get in some rest for your first day." With that, McGonagall walked out, leaving the two alone.

Hermione turned to Malfoy, who was glaring at her with a disgusted look in his face. She crossed her arms across her chest, glaring at him as well, feeling nothing but pure dislike for the person infront of her. Neither said a word, not needing anything but looks to convey their dislike for each other. After a few moments, Hermione became frustrated and turned on her heel, heading for her staircase. When she turned to give Malfoy one last look, he'd already stomped up his stairs like the spoiled brat she knew he was.

"Just great," Hermione thought as she made her way to her room. "A full year with Malfoy, picture perfect daddy's-little-death-eater."

To Be Continued...

Ok, so I know I have other stories that still aren't done, but for some reason I keep getting ideas for new stories. Don't worry, I'm not abandoning my other ones, I just had to get at least this first chapter posted before I forgot. Hopefully somebody out there likes this one, I have big hopes for it. Just a warning, it's going to be very different from my usual stories. Hope youu all like this.

Much Love...

XXX

Xx-.k.a.y.y.-xX