Heartbeat

Chapter 14- Shenanigans

I'M BACK BABY!
ENJOY
~VJ

Hermione

"This year," McGonagall snaps, her narrowed eyes scanning the Great Hall in exasperation, "will not be like the others."

I sit between Harry and Ron in the Great Hall, picking absent mindedly at my nails. McGonagall had made the returning 8th years stay behind, and ordered all of us to sit at the same table. 

"I will not tolerate late night partying or house enmity," she says, her eyes swiveling between where the Gryffindors and Slytherins sit. 

"Professor," Neville interjects, a bit nervously. "I heard some rumors going around during dinner, and, I was wondering, well-"

"What is it, Longbottom?"

"Is it true we're going to have to house-friendship building bullshit?" Seamus asks, straight to the point. 

"It amazes me how you can get on my nerves when we haven't even got to our first full day yet Mr. Finnegan," McGonagall snaps.

"I heard it's mandatory for us to take muggle studies this year," a girl from Ravenclaw whispers loudly. 

"While house-building classes are optional," McGonagall says with her lips pursed. "They are highly recommended. In addition, those who take the class will get extra credit, and a free hour to eliminate a class of their choice." 

Identical gasps of delight spread throughout the room, and I smile slightly to myself. McGonagall really knows how to get students to sign up for a class without coming off as controlling.

"The sign up sheet for the class will be handed out after I finish speaking Ms. Patil," McGonagall shoots at Padma as she tries to reach over for the piece of parchment. 

"Professor, can we eliminate any class we want? Even Transfiguration?" a handsome Ravenclaw boy asks, his eyes on the girls beside him. 

They giggle, and he looks extremely pleased with himself. 

"Mr. Edgars, I'm glad you find this amusing, but the answer is no. You may not eliminate Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, or Potions."

Groans echo through the hall, and eventually cease as McGonagall claps loudly. 

"Now, come up to me when I call your name," she barks, picking up a stack of papers. "You can sign up for the house-building class if you want. When you're done, get out and go straight to bed."

Ron and I share an amused glance at how on-edge McGonagall is tonight. Soon, it's only me, Ron, and Harry left in the Great Hall. McGonagall walks right up to where we sit on the bench, and we stare up at her innocently. 

"You three are the most infuriating and charming children I have ever met."

"We're glad you love us so much Professor," Ron grins. 

"You'd better hope you do well in Transfiguration this year Mr. Weasley," she says, fighting a smile. "Jokes aside, I mean it. I don't want any trouble this year."

"We'll be perfect Professor."

"That means no trips to the Dark Forest, no releasing a dangerous beast from the castle, no going after mass murderers, no-"