One
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were three of the few who were returning to Hogwarts for their seventh year. The trio hopped off the train and walked over to where the thestrals were waiting along with the rest of the students.
They said a quick 'hello' to Hagrid who was, once again, helping first years into the boats before getting into their own carriage. Ginny hopped in behind them, Neville and Luna getting in as well before they left.
In another carriage sat Draco, Blaise, and Pansy. The three were the only Slytherins that had decided to accept the invitation to return to Hogwarts. They hoped to fix their wrongdoings and they knew Headmistress McGonagall understood that, she was the one who had invited them back after all.
The only thing the three weren't sure about was the new parenting class they were being forced take along with the rest of the returning seventh years. Draco knew that McGonagall wasn't fond of the idea either as they had already talked about it. Though, she did have an idea of a way to bring unity back to Hogwarts and Draco was more than willing to go along with it, as long as a certain Gryffindor princess was too.
Hermione had received a letter whilst unpacking her things up in Gryffindor tower. She noticed the familiar owl and gladly handed it a quick treat before taking and opening the letter.
Dear Ms. Hermione Granger,
I hope that you had a safe and enjoyable trip back to Hogwarts. Once you are settled in, please come visit me up in the Headmistress' office before the Welcoming Feast for a quick chat. I have a question to ask you about the new class that has been put into place by the Ministry. The password is Lemon Drop. Please send your reply back with Gizmo.
Sincerely,
Headmistress McGonagall
Hermione smiled before pulling out a piece of parchment paper and a quill, quickly writing back her response. Once she was done she tied the letter to Gizmo's leg and sent him back, but not before giving the owl another treat.
The girl continued to unpack her things and when she was done she grabbed her wand, putting it into the back pocket of her jeans before walking out of her dorm and down into the Common Room.
"Hey Hermione!" Harry called out from his spot on the couch next to Ginny. Ron sat in an armchair next to them, playing a game of Wizards Chess with his sister.
"Hey guys," Hermione smiled. "I'll see you at the feast, McGonagall wanted to talk to me before."
"Okay, 'Mione. See you then," Ginny responded, before moving one of her chess pieces.
She waved to them then walked into the tunnel that lead to the passageways and out into the hall.
Hermione made her way toward Gargoyle Corridor and gave the password as soon as she stood in front of the only Gargoyle on the third floor. The Gargoyle moved to the side, revealing a moving staircase. She stepped onto it, making her way up to the office.
Hermione was greeted by a big wooden door seconds later. She knocked on the door, waiting to be called in before opening it and greeting Headmistress McGonagall.
"Hello, Headmistress," Hermione smiled, greeting one of her favorite professors.
"Miss. Granger, how nice to see you again," McGonagall smiled back, pulling the young girl into a quick hug. "Please, sit."
Hermione took a seat in front of the mahogany desk, allowing for Professor McGonagall to begin the conversation she wanted to have.
"So, Miss. Granger, as you're aware the Ministry has enforced a new class for all seventh years. In the class you're paired with a partner, and you and that partner will raise a child or children together, depending on the instructions you receive."
Hermione nodded, letting the Professor continue on with what she was saying.
"As you know, only eight of you have returned to complete your seventh year. Now, the pairs for the class have already been made and since I had input on the pairings I already know who is paired with who."
McGonagall looked up to see if Hermione was following along with what she had been saying. She continued when she received another nod of understanding from the young witch.
"Well, my main goal for this year is to promote house unity, especially after the war. Because of this goal, I had to make some readjustments with the pairings and fortunately the Ministry allowed me to make these changes."
Hermione raised her eyebrow a bit, having a feeling these changes had to do with her and who she was paired with.
"Now, as I'm sure you've figured out already, I've called you in here because it was your pairing that I changed. With the house unity I want to begin, I've changed your partner to be Mr. Malfoy. Before you say anything, I want you to know that Mr. Malfoy has already been made aware of this."
"Professor, with all due respect, I don't think it would work between us. Malfoy and I don't get along very well," Hermione spluttered.
"The war has changed quite a lot of people's views, Mr. Malfoy's being one of them. I can assure you, Ms. Granger, that he will cause no trouble between the two of you. In fact, Mr. Malfoy has already agreed to this."
Hermione sat quietly in her seat, thinking over what was just said. "Okay. I'm not sure how great it'll work out between all of us, but if Mal- Draco has already agreed, then I don't see why not."
"How wonderful! I will see you and the others after the feast so you can collect your letters. I'm certain this will help bring house unity into motion."