Dress Code - Pansmione

Chapter 4 - Thanks, Sweetheart

"What're you working on now," Ron settled next to Hermione on the sofa in Gryffindor's Common Room, instantly placing his feet on the table. Hermione shot him a look of aggravation and he slowly removed his feet, they were pretty skilled at silent communication. Most of Hermione's looks translated to "Stop doing that" and Ron's translated to "Sorry 'Mione."

"The Holiday schedule, it's outrageous how many events we're required to be in school for. Never once have I had my religious or cultural holidays accommodated, I mean just last week I was fasting for Yom Kippur, and still was attending my classes, I thought I might drop dead on my feet-"

"You love school, are you really complaining because you were in class?"

"It's the principle of the thing, Ron besides I'm not the only Jewish student at Hogwarts, and we aren't the only students who are done a disservice by the holiday schedule. Think about Muslim students during Ramadan. Are there accommodations for their fasting or opportunities to celebrate together offered by the school? No. I understand that religious observance isn't as common in the Wizarding World, but it is truly unacceptable for students to be expected to accommodate themselves and attend school when they should be with family."

"Well you know most wizards don't believe in a god, it's just not part of the culture," Ron explained sheepishly. It was always that defense, like Hermione wasn't aware of wizard and muggle societal differences when she was. She'd been living in the wizarding world for eight years, she'd caught on to it. She'd read and reread countless texts explaining wizard culture and history, but still, sometimes she was treated as if she'd never fit in.

"Yet, we get Christmas off and the Great Hall has a massive Christmas tree?" Hermione questioned, Ron began to stutter.

"Well, that's d-"

"-Different? No, it's not. That's the issue. Besides, believing in God or not, these holidays are important to people. It's a time to be with family or connect to one's culture. It's not up to the administration to decide whether or not students can celebrate," Hermione countered, it was a miracle Ron still tried to argue with her, he always lost.

Ron raised his hands in defense, "Listen, Hermione, it's not that I don't agree, it's just that I don't think it's possible," he shrugged, "The schedule at Hogwarts hasn't changed in decades, and it's not exactly up to Head Girl to decide these things."

"If McGonagall wanted someone who would only be interested in organizing school dance's she should've chosen a different Head Girl. She knows who she picked, and she'll deal with it if she has an issue." Hermione piled her books and parchment and promptly stalked away. Ron yelled some sort of apology after her, but Hermione kept walking. She would make a difference as Head Girl, and she wasn't going to let anyone tell her what she could or could not do.