Chapter 18
September 17th 1978
Hermione
"James, would you please pass the salt." I ask quietly as not to disturb the very loud quidditch debate next to me. James nods without turning to me, nor stopping his conversation as he passes me the small salt shaker.
I roll my eyes. "I'm telling you mate Ireland is going all the way this year, I can feel it!" James insists for the fifth time this morning and Sirius scoffs, stabbing his pore potato with his fork. "James you've had a 'feeling' every quidditch season for the past three years and they have yet to win once."
Petigrew laughs. "He's got a point mate." I turn away from the conversation with a scowl, so I don't accidentally ask just how much of a mate James is to him if he plans to murder him in the near future. Harry probably has a similar idea because he and I share a very opinionated look before each going back to our respective breakfast.
I see McGonagle walk over to the Slytherin table—Frank a step behind her—and tap Andromeda on the shoulder before bending a bit to whisper something in her ear. Andromeda nods before giving a head tilt to her peers and getting up to join the professor and head boy.
I watch as she leads them to the front of the room all three going to stand on the teachers platform. She stands in front, his hands clasped in front of her, with the other two standing two steps behind her. She clear her throat. "Attention students!" She claps, and everyone in the room stops what they're doing.
Everyone except the marauders.
"Sirius, I'm telling you, Ireland is going to win this year! I know it!" James yells slamming a hand on the table. "Again, you've 'known it' for years now, and have they even come close? No! Just admit it, I'm right!" Sirius yells standing up, both hands on the table.
Everyone stares at them as they go back and forth—especially McGonagle who stares daggers at them, her hands clasped so tightly together I'm surprised she didn't pop a vein. Not to mention the head boy and girl who snigger behind her. "Sirius—"
James cuts me off. "See! Even Hermione knows that I'm right and she knows nothing about quidditch!" James yells and I sink further into my seat as Harry tries to muffle his laugh under his hand. Sirius jumps to attention sneering. "Exactly! She doesn't know anything about quidditch! If she did she would tell you just how right I am, and how stupid you are—"
"Oh that's it—"
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Black!" Professor McGonagle screams at the two causing Sirius to jump two feet in the air and for James to let out a shrill girly scream. So that's where Harry gets it from.
Professor McGonagle stands furiously, steam practically coming out of her ears. "Now Mr Black, Mr potter, I am aware that the two of you are two self absorbed baffoons 90% of the time, but please perform that 90% on your own time, because some of us have things to do that don't include being tiresomely annoying, self absorbed, small brained, teenagers." She takes a breath. "So, Potter, Black, are you through?"
I practically feel Sirius's mischief as he grins and I'm sure everyone feels it as well. "Well, since you asked—" I don't give him the chance to dig his hole deeper as I silence him wandlessly before pulling him down on the bench to sit beside me, and give James a withering look which has him sitting down immediately.
"Now, that I have everyone's attention—" she glares at Sirius who just gives her a dreamy smile. "—I would like to discuss a formerly discussed topic." Everyone listens intently to the Professor. I took a bite of the eggs that sat on my plate. "Heard Minnie made a very controversial decision today, heard two prefects talking about how they overheard a conversation with McGonagle about head boy and girl but they didn't go too into detail other then that it will cause a lot of controversy so I don't really know what it's about. Asked Frank but he wouldn't spill. Heard anything lils?"
She shakes her head. I chuckle, popping another bite in my mouth. "Well, if you'd shut up, maybe we'd get the chance to hear it. but alas your mouth is a never shutting pie hole!" He pushes my shoulder playfully and I give him a small smile.
"With thoughtful consideration, I have consulted all twenty four prefects and and both the head girl and boy, and we have reached our decision," Her eyes wander to the gryffindor table and her eyes connect with mine and her lips twitch upward. "For our second head girl and boy." Her eyes twinkle and she gives me a small smile, making my breath hitch.
Harry's head whips to look at me. "Is she..." I can't help the huge grin that spreads across my face as I lean back on the seat and nod. Harry lets out a laugh, dragging a hand through his already messy hair. "Holy shit!" He exclaims excitedly, and I can't help but share the sentiment.
I shake my head.
I've been dreaming of being head girl since I learned what the term mean't, but with the war I didn't have the chance. And now I did. Sure, I'd have to share the privilege with my aunt but it was better then nothing.
Sirius looked between us, visibly confused. "Am I missing something?" I shake my head again, this time because of sirius's obliviousness. I don't answer, simply turn my attention to McGonagle once more. "After putting a lot of thought into the decision, I have chosen two fine pupils, that I believe will make fine additions to our prefect team."
Her eyes meet mine once more. she smiles. "And with that, I am overjoyed to inform you the your second head girl with be, Hermione Granger." Every head in the hall snaps towards me and they all break out in applause. I grin, and blush a bit as I rise from my seat, my heart pounding in excitement as I resist the urge to squeal in delight.
I walk with confident strides, my chin raised, a predatory gleam in my eyes, because this, this is my bloody birth right. I've been working to become head girl since I knew what the term meant, It may have been taken from me because of the war, but it seems the universe is rectifying its mistake. I hear Sirius, James, Harry and the others clapping and cheering enthusiastically and let it fuel me as I walk briskly to Professor McGonagle to claim my title as the second head girl.
I feel the familiar feel of his eyes on me and chance a small glance in the corner of my eye at the Slytherin table. His eyes connect with mine but to my surprise, they show no shock, like he expected this. His light blue eyes blink before moving down, breaking eye contact with me and moving to stare down at his plate as he pretends to eat.
I let the encounter slip from my mind and once again move my eyes to my awaiting prize, letting him leave my mind completely. This is about me, not him. This is my moment not his. I remind myself as I finally reach professor McGonagle. She gives me a warm smile and reaches out to my robes. "I believe this," She pins the golden head girl badge on. "Belongs to you, Miss Granger." She looks up at me with the closest thing I've ever had to motherly love. "It is long overdue." She winks and I give her a big smile in return.
There is once again a round of applause and I smile tucking my hands behind my back. "Thank you professor." I say quietly and she once again gives me a sweet smile as I go to stand with the other head boy and girl behind her.
Frank smiles at my approach, offering his hand and a bright smile. "Welcome to the team!" He says gripping my own hand with glee. I grin back at him, very pleased with the kind and welcoming man. To my surprise, Andromeda also sticks her hand out to shake, a smile accompanying it as well, but less bright and more polite. "It's good to have you—though I might be outnumbered by you Gryffs, better not start a coup against me now!" She whispers jokingly and I chuckle pleased that this Andromeda is quite like the aunt I once knew—though this one admittedly dresses better.
I shake her hand smiling before falling in line next to Frank. Once the crowd of students calm down Professor McGonagle clears her throat calling all attention back to her. I had assumed that the head boy would be either Harry or Neville—I don't consider Ron due to both his recent family losses and the unfortunate fact that I don't believe he's really suited nor interested in the role—but the look on the professors face makes me question it.
Where as the lead up to the head girl announcement had been full of excitement and warm smiles from the teacher, her face was less enthusiastic this time around. She clasps he hands behind her back, her chin raising a bit in a show of authority—as though the students would attack at the next statement—and the expression on her face is an odd one.
Not happy nor upset, almost contemplative, as if she doesn't know if she has made the right choice either. This must be the controversial decision. I mentally decide.
I too decided to mentally prepare myself. I can work with anyone. I tell myself. Sure I'd prefer it be Nev or Harry, but if not I'll just have to make due. The worst I could end up with is a stuck up Ravenclaw who is too good for everyone and even then we can bond over our love of knowledge.
I take a readying breath and steel myself. I mentally hope I've simply misread the facial expressions and discretely cross my fingers behind my back.
"Now, for your head boy," She starts. "After some great consideration we have decided on a candidate who we believe that combined with our head girl will help us strive towards interhouse unity." Oh fuck, they've stuck me with a Ravenclaw. I mentally groan and have to put up my mental walls—or shall I say barricades—to ensure I don't outwardly show it.
I see Professor McGonagle sneak a glance at Dumbledore who smiles, that manipulative sparkle that ensures trouble clear in his eyes as he gives her a faint nod, telling her silently to continue. I force myself not to shutter. Not to move. Not to show any outward sign that I'm uncomfortable.
I allow my occlemency shields to rise, covering every emotion my body wishes to give away. Because trust me, there are a lot. Godric knows that if Dumbledore is excited, I shouldn't be.
"With that in mind, I would like to introduce you to your new head boy," I hold my breath and cross my fingers, though nothing of my trepidation shows to anyone else. I secretly hope for a nice Hufflepuff, or of course a friend from gryffendor. "Draco Malfoy."
My heart drops.
The room goes silent.
And all I can think is,
I would've preferred a Ravenclaw....
Draco
She walks with confidence. She can almost feel it seeping off of her in waves. She's proud. She's fucking happy.
I would be too if it was just announced that I was getting my biggest goal in life. There's a bounce in her step that I haven't seen since third year. I stare at her as she walks through the middle aisle, her movements calm, her chin raised, and though she doesn't smile, her eyes are brighter then they've been in years.
I couldn't be more pleased.
She reaches McGonagle with the cheers and whistles of all of the houses behind her. Even Slytherins, who have no idea who she is, have never actually spoken to her in their lives, clap for the golden haired vixen. That's the effect she has on people.
Slytherins—who were born twenty years before her, who will soon grow up to try to kill her—clap loudly for the genius girl they can't bring themselves to hate. Sure, not as loudly as the gryffindors, who seem to be breaking their own arms with their bloody loud clapping—but loud enough.
Gryffindor has gone wild. Starting with Black, who is now resting at the top of Potter Sr.'s shoulders, clapping and yelling loud enough to make my ears bleed. My sentiment is matched by Potter's mother who stands next to them clapping at wincing each time the bloke opens his mouth.
I watch Granger move on to stand beside the other two heads and watch as she shakes the hand of both Longbottom Sr. And the aunt I never knew. I watch her and My aunt, Andromeda, share a grin. I shake my head and look down to hide my small smile, taking a bite of the scrambled eggs on my plate.
I think of when a smaller first year granger had secretly followed the prefects around like a lost puppy, always five steps behind them with a stack of books clutched to her chest and admiration in her eyes.
I remember finding her asleep in the library too many times, Hogwarts a history spread out underneath her, the chapter on the heads and prefects wide open. In sleep she would have a small soft smile gracing her lips and I'd always imagined that was what she was dreaming about. Leave it to Granger to find that the most exciting thing to dream about. I bet her patronous memory is a dream where she becomes head girl. I smirk at the thought.
I'm soon shook out of my thoughts by a hand tapping me on the shoulder. I look up to see Theo sitting beside me with a mischievous grin on his face. "What?" He shakes his head and I suddenly look around feeling many more eyes on me, to my surprise the whole of the great hall was looking at me. I look to my father who sits across from me. "What'd I miss?"
McGonagle clears her throat and my eyes meet hers. "Mr Malfoy please come except your badge?" She genstures to the stage. I look back to my parents. "What?" My father smirks and the Slytherins around us snicker. "Congratulations Son, you've been appointed the second head boy." I look up to McGonagle so fast my neck cracks.
She nods and beckons me over. I look to my mother who nods meaning this isn't a joke, and practically stumble my way over to the heads.
I stand in front of McGonagle as she grabs the edge of my robes and fastens the gold badge onto my clothes. I meet her eyes and am surprised to find no malice there. She looks at me impassively, and though it's not hateful, it's nothing near the warm smile she gave granger, though I never expected it to be.
She leans closer for a moment and gives me a look I can't quite decipher. "Don't disappoint me Mr. Malfoy." She says sternly but quietly enough as to prevent anyone but myself from overhearing. I nod seriously and except the badge and move to greet my fellow heads.
Unlike Granger, I don't have the whole school cheering for me, in fact I only have the Slytherins clapping half heartedly along with a handful of ravenclaws. No one tells or cheers, no one even speaks, just the few half hearted claps.
I shake hands with my aunt first, who gives me a smile and a nod which I return. I then move on to the Longbottom boy and stick my hand out. He looks at it wearily before putting his hesitant hand in my own, offering a small timid smile. Then I get to her.
She doesn't smile.
Hermione
So much for, 'today isn't about him.' My mind chimes bitterly. I assess him with a cold gaze, every emotion I have locked behind my invisible wall.
He stands in front of me, his jaw clenched, his hand opening and closing at his side until he finally puts it out in front of him. I cross my arms. I look at his hands coldly before looking back up at him, my quirking an eyebrow in response.
His gaze connects with mine and its almost like his eyes are sending out inferno to greet me. He doesn’t like that I’m challenging him in front of the entire school, especially now that there are others who do not know him yet. Don’t understand how much of a bloody ass wipe he is.
Tough luck.
Professor McGonagle clears her throat and I can feel her sharp gaze as she sternly commands, “the heads are supposed to shake hands.” She says pointedly. This time it’s Malfoy who raises a brow, his hand still outstretched. I glance back down at his hand before meeting his gaze once again.
His eyes hold a challenge, a dare.
daring me to walk away.
And what can I say?
Theo always said I was a dare devil.
Regulus
She looks back down at my nephews hand once more before meeting his gaze once again, only this time, she smirks. I can practically see the wheels turning in her head as she glances behind him, to the gryffindor table where he small beaded bag sits, then to the door.
It seems my poor little nephew hasn’t noticed her thought process yet because he looks at her with actual shock conveyed in his eyes as she side steps him, openly rejecting him in front of the entire school.
She doesn’t walk fast, or hurriedly, she doesn’t even look somewhat frazzled or angry or anything really. She simply looks smug as she calmly walks over to the gryffindor table, with a calm and collected slow pace.
Once she has reached the table she grabs the bag with utmost ease and slips it over her shoulder as the majority of her table mates look at her in shock, leading me to believe this goes against her usual behavior.
She pays them no mind as she proceeds with confident walk, either oblivious or uncaring to the eyes of the entire great hall as she struts out of the room with her chin raised, her face composed and calm, and more elegance then any pureblood witch I’ve ever met. And it’s then that I do something I haven’t done in quite some time,
I laugh.
3226 words
Holy fuck. It’s been a while. 19 days. I’m so sorry for the delay but I’m going to need you guys to start being patient with me now due to my excessive class schedule and ruthless professors. I really hope you guys are enjoying so far, and I really would like to hear from you guys in the comments and hear about any suggestions you have. Thx for reading guys!!!