Chapter 4
Hogwarts still felt like Hogwarts, just not as happy anymore. Parts of the castle were still under construction but for the most part it looked exactly the same.
"It feels weird to be back, doesn't it? It's like nothing has changed." Hermione breathed.
Harry agreed.
From a distance he could hear the comforting voice of Professor McGonagall echo through the corridor, well it was Headmaster McGonagall now.
"All eighth year students follow me please, yes you Neville, this way."
As she passed they caught each other's eye and Harry felt her warm smile hit him right in the chest. Why did he have a lump in his throat?
The three of them began to follow and soon they were being ushered into what seemed like an unused classroom.
"Are we all here? Okay, welcome back all of you. It is a very brave decision that all of you made to return to Hogwarts. I know it will not be easy for you to forget the events that happened here so if anybody feels like they need to talk to someone, counselling sessions are available. Just ask any member of staff, there's no shame in it. Now, this may come as a shock to some of you but the school has had to make a decision. Due to the construction and lack of space in the castle the eighth years will all share one common room and you will each be sharing a room with one other person."
The room erupted into muttering a and gasps from the students. As Harry looked around he guessed that there couldn't be more than sixty of them.
"Silence please! You will all have a chance to discuss your thoughts with each other after the ceremony. Now if you'll allow me to continue I shall read out everyone's roommate."
Dread filled Harry's stomach, he couldn't believe this. What if he ended up with a complete twat, or worse someone who'd want to talk all the time.
As McGonagall started reading out the names, Harry let it become white noise. He finally heard his name being called.
"Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy."
The dread in Harry's stomach turned into jelly. All eyes in the room now turned to him. When he looked up he caught sight of the platinum blonde had that was oh so familiar.
There's no way they'd pair him with Malfoy? Was McGonagall serious, they'd kill each other.
"That's not on mate, must be some kind of joke, surely?" Ron muttered in his ear.
Harry didn't think the new headmistress was the pranking type.