Chapter 1
The ride to Hogwarts has always been a long and tedious one. But the company of Harry and Ron make it bearable for Hermione.
About a month prior to her return to school Hermione received a letter from Professor McGonagall informing her that she has been selected to be a prefect for her 5th year at Hogwarts.
She was completely ecstatic when she read it and Hermione’s parents were beyond proud of her. For their only daughter was a prodigy for others her age.
The letter also informed her that at 12:30 pm, she was to meet at the front of the train to discuss the finer points of her new job.
“Ron we should go soon. It is 12:20 and we mustn’t be late. It will give a bad first impression” Hermione says with an urgency to her words.
“You worry too much Mione. We’ll probably know everyone there. It’s not like we’ve gone to school for five year or anything.” A sarcastic sound in his voice.
Ron turns to Harry and gives him a look one could only describe as overdramatic.
Much to her surprise, Ron had also been chosen as a prefect. It’s not that her friend was unworthy of the role. But she did not think that her professors would agree with this sentiment. But even though happened to be a rare occurrence, she was wrong.
No matter what Hermione thought, Ronald Weasley was chosen to be a prefect with her, and she was not about to let him ruin his achievement by being lazy.
“Honestly Ron.” Hermione started with that familiar annoyed voice her two best friends were so used to.
“With someone as a stellar reputation as yourself. One would think you’d be more eager to show your teachers you deserve this role.”
”Oh come off-“ Be he never managed to finish the sentence because Hermione had grabbed his arm and was dragging the boy out of the train compartment.
Ron sent one pleading look back to Harry, begging to save him. He did not.
— —
Hermione had let go of his arm soon after they left Harry. Only far enough away to ensure he would not escape back to him.
She glanced at the other students in their respective seats waiting out the long journey. Most were younger than herself, only a few older.
During the years Hermione had been in school many things had happened. From her very first year, the poor girl and her friends hadn’t a year off from the dangers that Hogwarts was supposed to protect her from.
All though it had been a rough time, she was grateful for a reprieve from everyday muggle life.
While her parents were eager to help their daughter succeed in the wizarding world. The two just didn’t quite understand how it worked. They asked Hermione so many questions about her new life. She certainly loved answering them in school but the consistent pandering of everything she knew to be common sense was tiring to say the least.
Ron was shuffling awkwardly behind her as he usually did. When Lavender Brown walked past them. She had been Hermione’s roommate for years. Lavender had never been much of a bother but she was not the type of girl to be friends Hermione. Lavender was a girl who was fond of talking about boys. Something Hermione just did not care for.
Lavender accidentally brushed shoulders with Ron and blushed furiously.
”Oh sorry Lavender.” Ron says casually.
She looked red in the face and muttered out “No, no it’s alright Ron.” Then she turned to her friends and started giggling.
As we walked away I turn to Ron and see he has a funny look on his face.
“That was strange.”
“Heh yea.”he responds
The two friends finally come upon the larger compartment stationed at the front of the train. They walked in and saw others that Hermione could assume were the others chosen as prefects. Her and Ron were not the last people there. Which brought Hermione much comfort to know she wasn't tardy.
They sat down next to each other on the left side of the Compartment. Near the Hufflepuffs Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbot. On the other side was Anthony Goldstein from Ravenclaw.
Just that moment the last three people entered through the door.
It was Padma Patil of Ravenclaw, which was no shock to her. Padma was a lovely girl and Hermione’s friend. Lastly were the two Slytherins.
To Hermione’s utter shock it was Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy. She could not believe it. Malfoy had always had good grades. If fact he was second only to Hermione herself. But he was hardly ever perfect in his behavior. For one he had a blatant disrespect of Hagrid. He had never liked him. But he was a sheer bully and he always had been. Those things should have disqualified him years ago.
Pansy however was the opposite. She hadn’t tormented Hermione the same way Malfoy did. They were quite civil in the very few conversations they shared. But Pansy had a reputation for her bad grades. But nevertheless, their positions as prefects completely stumped Hermione.
Unfortunately Padma had chosen to sit next to her housemate which was across from her. Pansy had sat on the far right side. Meaning the only remaining seat for Malfoy was directing next to Hermione. Something I’m sure neither of them were grateful for.
He sat down, but stiffly she noticed.
There was a male and female from each house chosen to be a prefect year. This year it was,
Padma Patil and Anthony Goldstein from house Ravenclaw
Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy from house Slytherin
Hannah Abbot and Ernie Macmillan from house Hufflepuff
Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley from house Gryffindor
Professor McGonogall walked in the compartment leaving the already small room even more crowded than it was before.
She closed the door behind her and stands with perfect posture facing her them all.
”Hello students, congratulations on being chosen as this year’s new student prefects. Know that this is a great achievement. But also know it is a great responsibility and it will not be taken lightly if you abuse your power.”
She continued to give the instructions and inform them of their new duties.
Everyone will be partnered up with another student chosen by Dumbledore and one night a week they will patrol a section of the castle.
“Now. Before I announce your partners, Headmaster Dumbledore decided that this year would be little different. He wants more inter-house community. I am sorry are not happy with who you end up with but it can and will not be changed. No matter your opinion. Although I personally do not agree with it.” She mumbles those last words and pulled out small piece of parchment from her pocket
This shocked Hermione greatly. She could see McGonogall’s announcement had the same affect on them. For as long as she’d known, the prefect partners were in the same house. She had read it in her copy of Hogwarts a History
She began to read off the names from a list in her well worn hands.
Ahem” She clears her voice.
”This years the partners will be Hannah Abbott and Anthony Goldstein.”
The two looked at each other and gave the other a tentative smile. As far as Hermione was concerned, they were both relatively nice people .
She continued, “Padma Patil and Ernie Macmillian.”
She didn’t much like the sound of that. If the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were partnered and she couldn’t be Ron. That only left the two Slytherins. Which Hermione famously did not get along with. Partly because of her blood status and muggleborn and partly because they all have horrible personalities, at least from her experience.
“Pansy Parkinson and Ronald Weasley”
They both had a horrified look on their faces. Something that Hermione and Draco copied dutifully
“And finally, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy.”
Although she knew it was coming, Hermione just couldn’t stop her mouth from falling open.