Behind the faces

Cheapter 1

As I was on my way to the headmistress' office, I was a little confused. Why did McGonagall insist that I come to her office? I searched fibrefully for an answer, but I just couldn't think of one. It was a mystery to me that she had only asked me and not Harry and Ron. After all, we were the golden trio and known as the heroes of the war. So why only me?

However, I had no choice but to find out from McGonagall herself.

Cautiously, I knocked on the office door and was called in a short time later. The old witch was sitting at the desk where Dumbeldore had once sat. Now his picture hung on the wall, next to the other headmasters, winking happily at me. Snape's portrait was placed right next to his. He had his arms crossed and was eyeing me suspiciously.

"Miss Granger, I'm glad you've agreed to my request." McGonagall rose and came around the desk to me.

"How is it that you want to see me?" I asked, still a little confused.

"Well, I think you are as aware as I am that the conflict with Slytherin has intensified because of the war. Young Malfoy in particular is suffering as a result!"

Wait Malfoy was back in school?! After everything he's done? He joined the Death Eaters and nearly killed Dumbeldore and .... Memories of the Manor sprouted up in me and I swallowed them quickly.

"I suppose that's true,"" I replied curtly, trying not to let on.

"Well," McGonagall seemed a little embarrassed as she kneaded her hands, "I thought that if you and Malfoy ... well then maybe the others would be able to jump over their shadows too. Maybe then we can settle this conflict once and for all."

I widened my eyes, "You're not seriously trying to tell me that I'm supposed to be pretending to be a couple with Malfoy!"

"No for God's sake no, that would be asking too much. I'd be happy if you spent a bit of time with him and possibly became friends."

I couldn't breathe. Befriend. With Malfoy! That was impossible. "Why me?"

"Well, at first I thought of young Mr Potter, of course, but it would be very unrealistic if the two of them suddenly became friends. You, however, have a big heart and would be the perfect example for letting bygones be bygones."

I was speechless. The headmistress looked at me contritely and Dumbeldore cleared his throat in his portrait: "We would be most grateful if you could do us that favour, Miss Granger."

Snape merely wrinkled his nose. Like me, he didn't seem to think much of the idea.

"All right," I finally said, and could slap myself for always having to be so helpful. Actually, I had planned to take my last year easy and concentrate exclusively on the exams. Now I was allowed to do the impossible by making friends with Malfoy!

"We will of course take your exams into consideration," McGonagall assured me, as if she had read my thoughts.

I just nodded.

"And we would be very grateful if you would not tell anyone about this for the time being. Not even Draco Malfoy. We want it to look as if you really intend to give the young man another chance."

Again I just nodded and quickly left the office. No sooner had I pulled the door shut than Snape's voice rang out: "You can't let these two students go at each other. It will result in chaos, but certainly not peace between the houses!"

I couldn't really concentrate while eating. My eyes kept wandering over to the Slytherin table. To be precise, to a certain boy, with platinum blonde hair. I had no idea how to get to the bottom of McGonagall's request. Brooding, I poked at my food. Snape was right, it was impossible. I'd just make an ass of myself in front of Malfoy and my friends would think I didn't have a cup left in the cupboard. But make friends, definitely not that!