Chapter 1
Law Of Population
By Flier Flowlder
(Article 1)
Due to the Last two Wizarding Wars our Population is at an all time low, our current birth rate is less than .1 percent. The Ministry has scoured an antiquated Marriage Law that had it not been found would have processed unfair and Unlawful unions. Due to the Ministry finding Said law they have been able to Rewrite and create a new matching Spell. This will ensure that the matches are as fair as Possible. The Full articles of the Law will be presented to each paired match upon selection. This law does not only fall to the British community but to our European Neighbours as well, So Far we have included Our sisters in France and our Brothers in Russia.
“This Law is unfortunately a must after the events of the last two wars, Voldermort inspired hate and Death. We reworked the Law to Inspire the new generation to come together and walk into the Future. It’s time to leave the past behind and we as a society need to walk into the Future.” The Minister issued.
With the Start of the 8th Year at Hogwarts the Ministry has opted to use this as an opportunity to use the Newly Created Matching Charm this will give every Unmarried of age Male two options for Potential match. He will make his Choice and write a letter of Intent to his Choice, She will then Choose based on the letters she receives and will send a letter back agreeing to the Match, Every couple will then pick a wedding Date and register it with the Ministry. All Initial Matches Shall be selected within the next 48 hours, Please have all letters of Intent sent out no later than September 3rd. Once a match is made a Couple must be married within the Next year, if any couple fails to get married and registered with the Ministry they will face a Massive fine and Time in Azkaban.
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Hermione Sighed folding the Paper handed to her by a Distraught Luna, she had read the news out loud to her entire compartment within Hogwarts Express, the Scarlet engine still sat at KingsCross Station awiting the 10am Departure time.
Hermione blinked at Harry Across from her he scowled rubbing his chin not Speaking, Ron and Ginny sat Next to him had mirrored Grim looks. She could not See Neville or Luna’s face as they were next to her. Luna had come in to show her friends the Paper wholly unlike herself.
“Well this is not Ideal.” Hermione finally spoke up.
“Ideal? Ideal Hermione Really?” Harry groaned, Poor Harry; Hermione thought after everything he had gone another thing had been added to his list.
“Harry Knowing Kingsley the Fact that they had to put the Law in place means that they had no choice. He was telling me about some of the arcane laws they found were 100 percent Unbreakable. There is no way to change anything. We must trust that Kingsley has done everything to make it as fair as possible.” Hermione Sighed trying to ease her friend.
“How can you be so calm; ‘Mione?” Ron asked, shaking his head.
“Why worry about things we cannot change, not after the Crazy Voldermort brought all we can do is make a better tomorrow for not only ourselves but our Children and Grandchildren.” Hermione smiled sadly.
The group reminded quite for hours after the train left Kings Cross each keeping their thoughts to themselves.
A knock on their compartment door turned all of their attention as Ernie MacMillan slid open their door.
“Ah there you two are, Did you forget McGonagall wanted to meet all of the returning Prefects?” He asked Motioning them to follow him. Ginny Ron and Hermione Got up and followed Ernie to the Compartment where the Headmistress waited.
“How Could you Forget bout the Meeting ‘Mione?” Ron sighed, annoyed.
“Excuse Me Ronald I am not Your keeper, I am not responsible for remembering every little detail about your life For you and If you Value your bits attached to Your Person you will cease with that Horrid name you insist on calling me. I have had other Things on my mind if you so recall!” Hermione fumed just as Ernie Opened the Compartment door and revealed the Headmistress staring at the quartet that entered. Hermione Blushed red a bit as the entire compartment had heard her threaten Ron.
“Apologies Headmistress, We have just seen the Paper and got a bit side tracked.” Hermione told the older Witch.
"Indeed Miss Granger I cannot fault you for a few moments of tardiness upon such news, but now that everyone is here I do wish to address said announcement and what It means for all of age. In understanding that couples will need to house together Hogwarts staff have cleaned up some of the older unused classrooms and have refurbished them into households for each couple, all room assignments have been handled under you gentlemen, and until your choice is made we have set up a small room for all returning 8th year girls all of age girls under normal 7th shall remain in your school houses. You of age gentlemen will house in your new 'homes' for the rest of your schooling. Now Miss Granger yourself and Mr Malfoy are permitted to use the heads dorms until your partner's confirmation. Will I regret placing my faith in the pair of you?" McGonagall raised one single eyebrow looking first at Draco Malfoy then at Hermione.
"Not at all ma'am past is past." Hermione smiled.
"Mr Malfoy?" The head Mistress turned back to the blind.
"As Miss Granger said, no problem at all." Draco nodded towards Hermione politely.
"Excellent, your first assignment will be to escort our first year's across the lake and to the castle. Unfortunately our beloved Grounds keeper will be enjoying a few more weeks of leave. As such I have the list of students and the duty roster those not assigned to first year escort will pass out 'home dorm' assignments to our of age males. I'll leave this to you and Mr Malfoy do not hesitate to seek help from myself or another professor should you need it. As for the rest of you, I expect you to treat Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy with all due respect as headboy and headgirl, I will not tolerate any of you disrespecting them." With that said McGonagall leveled the room and bid them good day handing Hermione a few sheets of parchment before exiting.
"All right now I know this is not exactly the year most of us were expecting to have but I do believe if we all work together we can make this the best year for everyone. I wish to start a new page in Hogwarts hallowed halls and use our prefect system to help our younger students adjust to life at School. I cannot speak for all Muggleborns but I know I struggled so much with the culture and assimilating into wizard culture, it created so much tension that purebloods would more often turn their noses up rather than help me understand certain things. I want this to end by giving the introduction to the Wizarding Culture that I never got. I hope you all will work with me and come up with ideas on how we can help our newest bunch of Students." Hermione began walking to the middle of the room.
Lavender Brown stood up, hesitated for a moment but then spoke up strong and hard.
"I too had trouble I was raised by my Muggle Dad alone after my Mum passed she was a witch and he kept her things but being thrust into this new place with no idea on how we are expected to act is scary purebloods have old traditions that are passed on but they don't understand that even us Half Bloods are only given so much guidance and us unlucky ones none at all." Lavender nodded at Hermione.
"Indeed Lavender raises a wonderful point! I for one would love to have pureblood lessons and know about the traditions and use them. I want to be respectful to my peers who were raised by those traditions. Thank you Lavender, that was quite brave of you to admit." Hermione beamed at her once dorm mate.
"Huh I guess we never really expected the muggle borns to want to know or try to uphold our traditions. We clung to them so tightly that our world has fallen behind the times muggles have invented so many interesting things over the years. Hermione is right, instead of learning from one another we have divided our world into black and white. I think it's time we stop dividing our people, what matters is we were all born with magic.” Draco said, pushing off the wall he had been leaning on and joined Hermione at the center of the room.
Murmurs went around the room, astonishment palpable.
"It's up to our generation to change things for our children!" Ernie yelled.
Hermione held up her hands trying to hush the prefects.
"Shut it you lot Hermione isn't finished!" Draco yelled, bringing the room quite.
"Thank you Draco, now I do not expect anything overnight especially with the new law, but I just want you to keep it in mind as you help the firsties. We have two hours yet if you all would take turns patrolling the train until we arrive I would appreciate it, Draco and I will divy up the assignments just before the sorting. Now questions?" Hermione smiled at the room.
Lavender once again stood looking straight at Hermione and hesitated again before squaring her shoulders and speaking frankly.
"I know we have not been on the best of terms at all since we met. But I do wish to apologize for the way I and Pavarti stole your things, called you names, and would lock you out of the room it was stupid and childish. I also heard about your Parents I can't imagine what you are going through."
"Thank you Lavender. I appreciate the sentiment. I have long forgiven your actions, I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea. On that note, dismissed have a good term everyone!" Hermione's shoulders dropped a bit and her smile faltered a bit before becoming a bit more weary but still present.
The group filed out of the room leaving only Hermione, Draco, Ron, Ginny and for some strange reason Pansy Parkinson who pulled Draco across the room Speaking to him in hushed tones.
"You alright Hermione?" Ginny asked, hoping to push her friend into speaking to her.
"Gin I have told you time and time again, I am not ready to discuss my Parents. Right now I just want my space and to not be treated like a piece of crystal that's about to break. I told you when I am ready to talk about it I will come to you or Harry. Now please back off." Hermione sighed, setting the parchment on the table that unfolded from the wall.
"Hey, what about Me you could talk to me." Ron huffed indignant.
"Ron you have the emotional range of a teaspoon, you are empathetic, true but you have no sensitivity and do not know how to help another when they are emotionally overwrought. Harry and Ginny are the people I would got to if I needed to talk about my feelings, I would go to you if I wished to know what scoring average the Cannons head chaser has." Hermione huffed back annoyed.
"You're nothing but ungrateful is what you are, you bint." Ron sneered.
"I realize my words hurt you but they were nothing but the truth, as much as you hate me having people to rely on for my emotional well being. If you so much as think of calling me a bint again I swear to Merlin your Mother will see every single bad thing I've seen you and Harry do since you were 11." Hermione glared at Ron who blinked Paled and ran out of the room.
"I Love when you throw those kinds of threats at my brother,never fails to cheer me up." Ginny roared in laughter following him out the Compartment.
Finally having the quiet she had longed for Hermine sat at the table, her back on the Slytherins in the room they had made no aggressive movements towards her on the contrary Draco's actions in the meeting showed that he was taking her side on some matters.
Pulling her folding quill and ink from her pocket she turned her attention to the Papers on the desk and only heard faint murmuring of Pansy talking to Draco as she worked. She was not quite sure how long she worked for until an unfamiliar soft feminine voice spoke directly to her.
"Um ..Her... Miss Granger, could you spare a moment of your time?" Pansy asked gently, Hermione turned and blinked at the brunette.
Hermione looked over the other girl's face for sincerity or some clue as to the subject Pansy asked for her attention on.The girl's face had softened over the last year; she no longer resembled a pug. In fact the girl was quite pretty and her face screamed sincerity and non threatening. Draco's presence leaning on the opposite wall radiated calm and safety leaving Hermione with the sense he would let nothing happen.
"Sure Pansy I have a moment let me put the lid on my ink and you can have my full attention." Hermione smiled at the girl doing as she said quickly before turning fully around to face the girl.
"Thank you I will not waste your time since you were kind enough to give it so generously. I wish to address all the wrong I have caused you in the past, I know I can never make up for all the hurt that I caused you. I was a right bitch and deserve nothing less than your hate and scorn. I hope at the very least we can be friendly towards one another." Pansy said softly.
"I must say never in a thousand years would I expect you to apologize to me, it takes an incredibly brave and selfless person to apologize. Since you have been so open and frank with me, allow me to be so with you for a moment. I am so awed by your actions that I can't quite put into words how amazing I think you are. You humbled yourself to apologize to someone you were taught to hate and scorn. I would be honored if I could consider you a friend, let there be no ill will between us anymore." Hermione beamed at the brunette.
Pansy burst into tears sobbing hard murmuring 'Thank you thank you' as she cried Hermione stood and gathered the other girl to her shoulder hushing her and steering them to the seats. Pansy was crying hard Hermione sympathized, she was not a pretty Cryer either.
A pale faced Harry Potter flung open the Compartment door wand in hand eyes darting around the room for the affront.
"I heard crying down the hall. I thought it was you, Hermione." Harry sighed, sliding his wand back under his sleeve into his holster.
"All is well. I was just having a sweet heart to heart with my friend Pansy. Nice to know you'll come to the rescue if I need." Hermione grinned at her brother.
"Ouch that stings, my own sister is betraying me." Harry hesitated, eyes sweeping the room landing on Draco leaning in the wall again.
The Blond nodded at Harry pushed forward again, holding out his hand towards Harry.
"Good to see you back, Harry thought for sure you would take the offer of Auror instead." Draco said softly his voice was a bit lazy but deep and warm.
"And you Draco, not surprised your back your Mum must have been driving you batty, surprised you stayed with her at the manor as long as you did. " Harry laughed, meeting the blond and shaking his hand.
Hermione was a bit stunned at the interaction; she had no idea the two were on speaking terms let alone on joking at the other's expense. The brunette sobbing in her arms made her laugh internally, stranger things have indeed happened. But if Harry was so friendly with Draco then that was all Hermione needed to know.
Pansy pulled herself from Hermione's shoulder and smiled brightly.
"Thank you for everything Hermione, I need to apologize to Harry as well." Pansy wiped her tears away, turning around determined to do so.
"Water under the bridge, Pansy no need for apologies. If Hermione Forgives you that's enough for me." Harry smiled and waved off.
Pansy blinked stuned, nodding softly not trusting herself to speak.
"You'll see soon enough no one has any ill will towards you, Pansy." Hermione laughed softly, turning back to the parchment laid on the table.
"Come with me I'll show you. See you two at the castle." Harry waved Pansy towards him, she nodded and Obediently followed Harry out of the compartment.
Smiling to Herself Hermione hummed lightly as she organized the roster of Prefects. Forgetting she was not alone she took to singing a few lines out loud.
"You've a decent singing voice Granger." Draco spoke up.
Hermione turned and smiled at the blond before replying.
"Thank you Draco my mother loved music she enrolled me in voice lessons as a child. We were always singing in the house." She paused for a moment before remembering her manners he had after all spoken civilly to her. "How is your mother holding up, Harry's comment got me interested?"
"She's well enough gone round the bend gutting the manor restyling the entire place. The whole place is wholly unrecognizable, she misses Father terribly. She bounces from happy and productive to crying and reclusive. She hates the things that happened in the house most of all she hates what Bellatrix did to you." Draco sighed as if he struggled to find the words.
"That's lovely of her to hold such things above her own sister must be hard for her after all Bellatrix was her blood. She must enjoy redecorating though your manor is so big that the time she has left for house arrest will just fly by." Hermione laughed softly at the mental image of the prim proper Malfoy Matriarch blasting rooms apart.
Draco's silvery eyes danced with humor shifting to a light almost patronus shade, but his face remained schooled. Hermione blinked nostalgic for a moment,Draco's eyes had looked so much like Sirius’s it made her sad but chose not to say anything for now.
“I never noticed before how nice your Eyes are.” Hermione smiled.
“Thank you, I quite like yours too. They remind me of Honey Whiskey.” Draco replied softly before digging out an envelope from his pocket and adding. “Oh I almost forgot. My mother asked me to give you this letter. She hopes that you will read it understanding that you have nothing left to Fear from the House of Malfoy.”
Hermione took the letter that bore her name in beautiful script, she did not hesitate to open the letter after all Draco had made no move to harm her in any way.
**************
Miss Hermione Granger,
I know this letter may come as a bit of a surprise to you that I wished to write to you since at the moment I am unable to Speak to you in person at the moment. I wish to Tell you Frankly I wish to apologise to you for all that you have suffered at the Hands of my Family.
I would understand if you chose not to read this letter but I pray that you do. Know how much my Son and I regret everything you have experienced at the hands of my family. I hope that you can forgive enough to allot my Son a second chance know that he had never truly wanted to be a part of the Dark Lord’s Death Eaters he joined to keep me safe. I am ashamed with the Way we raised my Son.
I allowed Lucius too much involvement. He filled Draco’s head with blood purity Nonsense, I allowed my son to be terrorized by my own Husband by the man I loved. Lucius was hard on Draco and punished him for failing to get higher grades than yourself. He beat him Miss Granger and Draco resented you for being so perfect, but know he never hated you quite the opposite in fact he was in awe of you. He would tell me of the things you and your friends did at school, I did my best to use these instances to teach him blood purity is not everything.
I know it may not mean anything to you but life with my Husband was never easy for either myself or my son. I Know my son has changed drastically in the last year, I know I have changed as well. He's a good boy, Hermione much better than I ever hoped. I am lonely and craving female company. I hope you will consider my small request. I would love to get to know the young woman my Son had so long held such reverent regard for. I wish to Correspond with you.
Please know that should you choose to write back I would be thrilled adistraction. for the distraction.
Your’s Truly,
Narcissa Malfoy
*********
Hermione flooded the letter up and stowed it in her pocket feeling a bit forlorn. She felt quite bad for the woman she had seen only a handful of times. The older Witch had raised her own child not dissimilar how she herself had been raised; her father had been her Primary caregiver until she herself was old enough to be left to her own devices.
Her father has expected perfection from her just as Draco’s father had of him. The only difference was that her mother could care less about what happened to her as long as she was quiet and out of the way her mother had only ever shown interest in her when it suited music was the one thing that her mother had approved. While never violent with her, her Father was an intimidating man, She knew her Parents loved her but not in the Same way Narcissa Malfoy seemed to love her son. She had only gotten such small loving missives from Remus, Sirius, and Molly Weasley. Leaning back into the seat and peering out the rolling landscape, Remembering the late night hot chocolates in grimmauld laughing and speaking to Remus about magical theory, Afternoon’s dancing around in the Parlor with Sirius to his old muggle records ‘breathing life into the old place’ as he would say.
Humming bars of ‘The Ghost in you’ (Sirius’s and her second favorite song to dance to) laughing at herself knowing he would love the Irony of it as much as she did.
“Am I that dull to be round, Granger?” Draco asked, his voice a deep vibration catching her attention again.
“No it's not you sorry just waxing nostalgic, this war took more than I care to let on. I lost the only family I ever really knew. My Parents were never the most reliable of people and expected me to just stay out of their way and do as they wanted. They were never unkind but it was always understood I was a surprise, see my Mum was told she could never have children and I came as a complete shock she was almost too old to Carry me she was in her late 40’s my dad was 50 they had both wanted to close their practice and retire and all of a sudden an added expense was thrust on them. So we were never close and I never felt I missed anything until Hogwarts and Harry happen to me all of a sudden I had Adults wanting to hug me and fuss over me and dace *Sniff* with me in the Parlor or make me Hot chocolate at 2 in the morning just Because we could. My Real family is gone *sniff* and I never got to express how much I love them.” The flood gate broke and Hermione cried harder than she ever had in her life. Her parents Death while sad was not the loss of something so precious.
“Shhh it’s alright I’m sure they knew.” Draco consoled his rough hands, pushing her hands from her face to wipe her tears away. Pale fingers deftly stroked the Tears away soothing the young woman.
“You really don’t have to be so nice to me.” Hermione sighed, fiddling with her hands in her lap.
“Yes I do, I need to Make up for being an enormous Prat to you. I was horrible, I made bad choices and I took part in a madman's schemes. This is the scar that reminds me of what I have done and the pain and hate I helped spread. I must spend the rest of my life atonement for my faults.” Draco rolled his sleeve up and bearing the scared forearm that once held the Dark Mark. The mark was an angry red Scar on his pale forearm. Hermione reached out and touched the red scar running down his arm.
“This no more defines who you are than this one does me.” Hermione replied, turning her own Forearm displaying the scar that read Mudblood. “Your choice to take this was out of fear Draco, Fear that he would kill your mother. A choice made in fear is no choice at all. You love your mother so much that you could not bear anything happening to her. That does not make you Evil or bad Draco.” Hermione smiled brightly.
“I… Right Thank you for that, but you should change into your robes, we’ll be at the school soon I’ll let you have the compartment to change in. Thanks for the Talk Granger. I'll meet you here when I’m done.” Draco gave Hermione a small twitch of his lips in a smile.
“I think for the sake of cooperation that that will be the end of calling each other by our last names Draco.” Hermione beamed back as he exited the compartment. Hermione rushed through gathering her own robes and a book to enjoy for the rest of the journey.
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Draco adjusted his tie thinking back to the sweet smile that Hermione had shot him. He cursed himself he was still in love with the girl and after everything she remained just as sweet and kind as before the last year. Draco knew that this year would not be easy on him, not after his trial, He was both grateful and in debt to Harry Potter without Potter’s word he would have shared a cell with his Father.
Fate had a way of taunting Draco he knew that this stupid Law would be the last chance for Draco to share how he had always felt about the Curly Haird witch. But who was he kidding he would never get anything more than her kindness. The damn ministry, pushing their agenda more than ever before.
This Law would push everyone together as if the last three years never happened, this war would pair them off expecting everything to blow over. But Draco knew too much blood had been spilled they had to try something. Running his hands through his hair disheveling the Blond strands all around his face.
Stepping out of the bathroom Draco stalked down the halls, and walked back into the head’s compartment Hermione sat in her uniform with just her sweater wrapped around her no sight of her robe.
“It’s going to be cold tonight, you should get your robe.” Draco insisted his brow raised.
Hermione’s face blazed red setting her book down, She hesitated before taking a deep breath.
“When we were captured and brought to the Manor Bellatrix took my bag with all of my things inside. It had everything I ever owned in it, it even had my life savings when we escaped it was left behind. My Parents left only enough money for their funeral, no inheritance, My family was never the richest anyhow. So what little clothing I own right now is in the good graces of Ginny, Luna,and Fleur. Ginny was kind enough to give me her spare skirt, blouse and sweater, unfortunately she only has one Robe. George and Harry paid my tuition and books, I could not bear to ask for more, they already have done so much for me ” Hermione Explained softly.
“She destroyed that little bag, I’m sorry I didn’t know that it had your clothes or money inside.” Draco frowned eyes looking over her clothes, Her normally immaculate wardrobe was quite shabby, true her sweater was worn but was not unheard of a favorite sweater, but the stray strings on her plaid skirt showed just how thread bared her outfit really was. Shrugging off his own robes he walked over and sat it in her lap adding. “Take it, I have two more I cannot let you only wear your sweater you'll freeze."
Hermione blinked at the soft black robe, the silky fabric was smooth under her fingers finer than any material she had ever touched. Standing quickly she tried to pass the Robe back to Draco.
“I can’t accept this Draco, It must have cost a fortune.” Hermione shook her head trying to shove the robe back into Draco’s arms. Draco refused Deftly flicking the Robe around Hermione.
“Yes you can after everything you have been through at the Hands of my family I can do this one small thing to make your life easier.” Draco insisted, watching a small blush creep up Hermione’s cheek.
“That is kind of you Draco, I don’t know how I can repay you.” Hermione replied shifting the robe so she could slide her arms out, the Robe swamped her. Drawing his own wand he shrunk the robe a bit so it fit around the tiny woman putting his wand away as quickly as it appeared.
“You owe me nothing, Are you warm?” Draco asked, smiling just a bit as she cuddled his robe around her.
“Yes I was actually starting to get a bit of a chill thank you.” Hermione just smiled, the train all of a sudden learched the brakes squealing Hermione was thrown backwards.
Draco reacted in a split second grabbing her wrist and tugging her forward into his arms, bringing her up into a bridle carry and using the momentum from the stopping train to slide himself to the closest seat and dropping down into it taking the witch to sit on his lap. Her arms had fortunately wound around his neck allowing him the ease to position her.
“Hermione are you alright?” Draco asked heart hammering.
“Fine.. Thanks to you…” Her voice was shaky, her voice squeaked a bit but she was able to reply.
***Apologies for the rather abrupt stop the Track ahead is being blocked but the first two cars have made it to the Hogsmeade Station please be advised to make your way one car at a time to the Front Thank you Please exit to the left of the train.***
“Can you walk or are you still shaky?” Draco asked, standing with the Witch in his arms.
“I...I’m unsure.. I should be ok.”Hermione replied tentatively as Draco Set her Down gently. Draco softly stepped back a step for her to test her legs.
“Allow me to escort you off the Train?” Draco asked, extending his hand hoping she would allow him to ensure she was safe on the Ground.
“I… Yes Thank you I’m still a bit shaken.” Hermione nodded, taking the offered hand Draco Tucked her hand into his elbow, and escorting her out of the Compartment and out to the Platform.
“I’ll give you a moment to gather yourself. I'll start gathering the Firsties around you. You do the head count.” Draco said turning and starting to call for the First years.
Hermione smiled Grateful that he had taken charge and allowed her a moment to breathe. Hermione laughed as the children chitterd towards her, conjuring her blue bell Flame she called.
“First years this way!” She smiled warmly waving the children towards where she stood.
Counting heads as they arrived.
Draco made his way back to where she stood she nodded to him as he approached.
“Welcome Everyone My name is Hermione Granger. I am your head Girl this year and this is my Counterpart your Head boy Draco Malfoy. You might be a bit overwhelmed right now and that is perfectly normal. Now here at Hogwarts we have many traditions and this will be the first of many you will get to experience. If you will follow Me please, Draco will follow us down so no one gets lost on the path.” Hermione smiled holding her little flame aloft.
The little path had a few scattered torches lead them down to the edge of the lake. The First years oohed and Awed over the Castle sat atop the outcropping. Directing the firsties to go 4 to a boat. One girl tugged on Hermione’s robe and shakily asked.
“Do We have to ride in the Boat miss?” The Girl Squeaked.
“Yes Sweetie it’s safe I promise, if you're afraid you can ride in the lead boat with Draco and Myself.” Hermione smiled, urging the girl towards the Boat. Draco stood by and watched as the little girl hesitantly pointed to the Boat and asked if she could ride in it.
Draco Smiled at the Girl nodding offering her his hand to help her into the boat once all of the kids were settled Hermione turned to the lead boat, She tripped just before getting to the Boat lucky for her Draco caught her arm before she went down.
“Caught a root eh Granger?” Draco teased softly.
“Can't help myself tripping all over the place wherever you are, Malfoy.” Hermione shot back grinning at the man as he helped her into the boat. Chuckling to himself he sat beside Hermione and whipped his wand out with a flourish and set the boats off across the water.
“Will it go any faster Miss?” The shaking girl turned to ask Hermione.
“No see Draco is directing the Boats with his Wand, nothing to worry about.” Hermione smiled down at the girl, setting a shooting hand on the girl's shoulder and pointing to Draco’s wand.
“Hermione would gut me if we went any faster,you can trust me kid I’m more afraid of her right hook. She broke my nose in third year. I will never mess up around her again. I can promise that.” Draco laughed at the afronted look on the little girl's face.
“No Did I really Break your nose?” Hermione asked stunned.
“Yeah I was a right Prat and deserved it, Madam Pomfrey fixed me up in a second. Don’t feel bad I needed the Reality Check.” Draco grinned as the little girl swung back to Hermione looking Impressed at the elder witch.
Draco laughed, directing the boats across the lake as the kids enjoyed the view of Hogwarts in her Glory. It had taken work to get the Castle back to her former condition, but she stood proud and whole once more.
Thankfully the boat house came into view Hermione sighed in relief thankful that it was almost done. She was not overly Fond of boats. Quite honestly she had never liked swimming either, especially after 4th year.
Thankfully they pulled into the Boat house safely allowing the Children to climb out of the Lead boat first Draco climbed out before turning and reaching out to her holding his hand for her to take. Hermione hesitated but the lapping of the water at the boat had her reaching back for his steadying hand.
"Thank you Draco." Hermione said softly as her feet landed on the stable dock.
"No problem, Right Firsties line up at the door. We will be climbdamning up to the castle shortly. First Hermione is going to do a quick head count." Draco urged the first years who surprisingly did as he directed.
Hermione nodded swiftly counting heads, walking from the end of the line to the Front there were not more than 30 first years. The war had scared many families into leaving the country. If divided evenly between the houses there would still be one extra student. Even in her year there had been almost a hundred students.
And that's what the damn Marriage law would fix after the exodus of people. The marriage law would force the matched couples to copulate and ensure the population increases. Taking the lead Hermione nodded to Draco, who brought up the Rear.
"Right now follow me carefully, the steps are not a soft place to land, more than one student has ended up in the infirmary with a cracked knee or broken leg." Hermione warned.
The trek up was slow and midway Hermione heard a small yelp followed by a squeaky thank you, and a Deeper voice reply your welcome. Hermione Sighed some one must have slipped.
"Everything alright Draco?" Hermione asked worriedly, peeking over her shoulder and the heads of the Children to see a small boy swept up in Draco's arms.
"Just a Small slip but I think he cracked his knee good, He'll need medical attention."Draco called back.
"Ooh poor Dear we are almost to the level off I can look it over there, I can do decent healing magic. Just hold on a bit sweetie." Hermione added softly for the child's benefit.
The short walk to the Level off created no more casualties, Draco brought the boy up Hermione pulled her wand out conjuring a tall chair for the boy. Draco helped the boy to the Chair and stepped back for Hermione to cast her diagnostic charm.
“You are quite lucky nothing is broken, but you do have quite a large bruise. The castle steps are quite dangerous, Students have been seriously hurt. I am going to speed up the healing for you.” Hermione smiled softly at the boy, waving her wand over the boy's knee, taking the worst of the pain for the boy, reducing the worst of the inflammation.
“Wow it feels much better Miss Than you, and you too Mr Draco for catching me. It was awesome and I could have hurt myself worse as Miss said.” The boy beamed up at the tall blond man. Draco ruffled the boy’s dark hair giving the boy a small affectionate smile.
“Can you walk on it?” Hermione asked as the boy slid off the chair.
“Yeah It’s better.” The boy replied.
“Ok if it hurts later on please go to the infirmary, Ok everyone lets finish our assent. We are almost there, come on.” Hermione smiled at the group leading the way up the steps.
The group finally made it all the way to the large double front doors of the castle, Hermione knocked on the door then stepped back so the children could get a look at the entryway in all her glory as the diminutive Charms Master opened the doors
“Wonderful Welcome Children, Excellent Timing Miss Granger Mr Malfoy I do hope everything went well?” Professor Flitwick Beamed at the young students.
“One minor fall on the stairwell, I took the liberty of healing the Bruise. I did direct the student to visit the Infirmary in the event it causes him further issues. He was quite lucky Draco was so close and happened to catch the poor lad. But All accounted for Sir.” Hermione smiled at the Charms Professor.
“I see well done indeed Mr Malfoy I shall be sure to speak with the headmistress. I do believe it is time to have something done about them. Thank you I shall escort the Children from here please join your tables.” The bubbly man beamed at the group.
The pair walked into the Entry Hall and into the Dining room Hermione passed half of the Prefect assignments to Draco to pass to the other side of the room. Hermione passed hers along as she got to the Gryffindor table and sat in the open spot next to Ginny who looked over Her with an eyebrow raised looking over the robe. Hermione merely smiled sweetly offering no explanation.
Thankfully the First years filed into the room following Professor Flitwick and the Sorting began with little fanfare. Hermione smiled as she watched them get sorted pleased that this new generation was here. Hermione’s little scared girl Sara McDolt was sorted into Ravenclaw, the girl waved to her as she scuttled to the Ravenclaw table welcomed happily by Luna. The last sorted was the boy Draco had helped on the steps, Daniel Yewld frowned looking towards Draco at the Slytherin table the boy shuffled his feet slowly walking to the Gryffindor table. Draco shook his head and swept over to the boy steering him towards Harry.
“Hey Harry, Would you mind taking Daniel here up to see Madam Pomfery after the feast, he had a small slip on the stone steps and while Hermione did fix him up better safe than sorry eh?” Draco winked at Hermione who smiled back pleased that the once former enemy was proving himself changed. Harry Smiled sliding over so Daniel could sit next to him.
“Course Draco Happy to look after the boy, I hate the steps to the boat house.” Harry nodded at the Slytherin knowing this was not just about the boy but showing the School that things had changed.
“Thanks Mate, owe you one.” Draco patted Harry’s shoulder.
“Nah that’s what friends are for.” Harry grinned back and Draco made his way back to his table. McGonagall waved her hands and the feast began, wasting no time the hall tucked in devouring the spread. As the desert was winding down the elder witch stood and smiled softly to her students.
“Welcome to our new students, Welcome Back to our returning students. I would like to take a moment and have a silent remembrance of our fallen heroes who fought alongside us.” She fell silent followed by the older students and finally the young ones joined.
“Thank you children, Know that this year at Hogwarts will be somewhat strange. As many of you know the ministry has set a new Marriage law, now this will affect how we house our of age Students I have already given these new locations to Our Head Boy and Head Girl they have assigned two Prefects to hand out these new room locations to our of age male Students, Our of age Female students will be bunking in a separate room until all matches have been selected. Now as of midnight tonight the Spell noted in the Prophet shall be performed and all affected Male students will see their letters within 48 hours. Once they have selected and written their chosen bride, She will have 48 hours to make her decision or her match will be decided by the Ministry. Now would the prefects escorting our First years stand. Wonderful now First years please join your house Prefects they will take you to your dorm houses and will explain the house system to you. Mr Potter You may escort Mr Yewld to the infirmary and Gryffindor house. The rest of you get with our Prefects. I hope to make this an easy transition for you. I will do the best I can, I hope that you will come to work together with your new partner.” The elder witch sighed as the first years filed out of the room.
“I trust you lot; are old enough to deal with this after everything you have been through at this school, I hope this does not even clear the top 5 of crap.” She added once the firsties were out of ear shot.
“We will do what we must as always ma’am.” Hermione replied softly.
“Indeed Miss Granger, well I shall leave you and Mr Malfoy to direct things here. You and Mr Malfoy are welcome to still use the Head dorms for meetings and such even after you are matched with your partner, I trust you remember the way Miss Granger.” McGonagall smiled softly and left the room.
“Right Lavender, Pansy, will you please escort the girls to the 7th floor, the temporary house for them is located on the east corridor. Here are the directions just in case.” Hermione said, handing the slip to Lavender who happened to be closer to her.
“Guys you will have your own homes here within Hogwarts Hermione has written the directions down for each of you, your House Prefects have your slips. One by one please make your way to your new homes. Ron, if you could bring Harry his slip I would be grateful. ” Draco added, nodding at the red head.
“Sure can do.” Ron blinked stunned for a moment but a stern look from Hermione had him agreeing.
“Excellent I trust that once you Prefects are settled you will follow the patrol schedule I have handed out. Draco and I have our first walk at 10 pm. Thank you, that is all for now.” Hermione said exiting the great hall Draco followed her out of the room and up the remodeled Moving staircase. And there in the West hand corridor of the 6th floor a life sized portrait of the Half-Blood Prince himself seated fingers steepled, he smirked dark eyes dancing as his former Students approached.
“Ah that time already Draco, Miss Granger, welcome to the head dorms. I insisted upon guarding them this year and Minerva agreed. I do hope you will accept my congratulations.” The man Spoke his silky drawl still present.
“Thanks Uncle Sev, Mother misses you.” Draco nodded stiffly at his godfather.
“Indeed and I her, If you would indulge me a moment Miss Granger?” The man turned his attention to the witch.
“Of course Sir.” Hermione blinked a bit stunned.
“ I wish to be frank, I pressured you so much in class because I knew you could do better. I knew you could push yourself to become a Master but you follow the book to close you do not look for alternate ways. I hoped to push you to make the discovery yourself. But you are so like another young girl I know all too well, stubborn to a fault perhaps that is why her son counts you as family, something innate in him recognizes his mother in you.” A small smile tipped the edge of the harsh face.
“Oh Dear Thank you.” Hermione replied softly a tear falling down her cheek never in a thousand years would she ever have thought this man would give her the gift of his approval, the thing she had pushed herself so hard to earn had been so freely given and in that moment her tender heart overflowed. A pale hand reached over and brushed her tears away again for the second time today Draco had whipped her face.
“Apologies, you Honor me with your words, Harry has Shared your memories of Lily with me. And we both will remember the love between you as it could never amount to anything less. You shall always be held as more than a professor by both of us, had things been different I have no doubt that Harry may have very well been Snape instead of Potter.” Hermione smiled sadly at the man within the painting.
“Indeed kind of you to say Miss Granger, maybe in another life.” Was all the dour man offered.
“There is always a chance Sir, after all there are many Lily’s, Zantedeschia for example.” Hermione replied, another tear falling.
“Indeed.” The man smiled a small smile again and the portrait opened. Hermione attempted to steer herself into the entry but found it difficult as the tears fell. A strong hand guided her into the shared common area of the Head Dorms. She was pulled into a shoulder and allowed to cry. She could not help breathing in the comforting smell of musky cologne, it failed to hide the smell of old leather, Parchment, freshly cut grass that clung to Draco’s shirt, his breath was minty from the mint pie from desert, and there was also the smell of damp wet earth like leaves after rain fall that she could not place.
Pulling herself from the smells that reminded her of the Amortentia potion she attempted to give the blond man a smile of gratitude.
“Seems I can’t help falling to pieces around you today, forgive me I promise to not make it a habit. Good night Draco.” Hermione blushed, turning away from the blond man and fled to her room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Change in pov Draco~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sighing to Himself Draco watched the woman he loved flee from him, Held for one glorious moment safe in his arms the next the ache of her absence all too apparent. He had joined Voldemort for his mother but had one alternative though as he did so to help her. If captured he would have position and history with her to work the dark lord even then he had nearly lost her to his Aunt Bella, he still woke to her screams ringing in his ears. To see her after the torture she was changed yes more reserverd but still as strong still as ambitious to see change as ever before.
Taking a deep breath and sitting in the armchair in front of the fire closing his eyes he let himself sink into his Occlumency training attempting to get her tear stained face out of the forefront of his mind, His barriers had held off the Dark Lord and Dumbledor from seeing his every thought.
Organizing his memories of the day storing and organizing them to call forward at any moment. Sighing he blinked his eyes open glancing to the clock wondering how long he had spent in his mind it was nearing 10 and knew Hermione would be joining him soon.
He would try not to let his feelings impact his duty to have Hermione’s back; he would never falter or fail to defend her again. The small clock chimed a quarter till ten and Hermione’s door opened; she glided down the steps still wrapped in the robe he gave her. Standing he gave her a curt nod adjusting his tie a bit looser around his neck.
“Shall we?” Draco asked walking over to the Portrait and held it open for his counterpart.
Hermione nodded and fled out the Door, Draco sighed to himself thinking ‘It’s going to be a long night’.
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******* Zantedeschia- Calla Lily pw for the head dorms********