The Marriage Decree

Chapter 142: An Absolute Nightmare

Despite spending many days during the summer at Hogwarts, stepping back inside the castle on the first of September is truly special. The whole school is decorated to welcome new and old students; the staff are excited to begin the new year and are dressed in their finest robes. Hermione and Draco made their way to the staff room, wanting to catch up with their colleagues before their meetings began. However, as soon as they pushed the door open, Minerva beckoned them to follow her to her office.

Exchanging worried glances, they feared their Headmistress had discovered they were expecting another child. Although, as soon as they sat opposite Minerva McGonagall, she smiled at them.

"Don't worry; I'm offering you a promotion." She laughs, then clarifies, "I know this is unexpected and rather early in your careers, but I believe you're both ready. It's also a strategic move on my part. I've contacted Elias Woodward within the new Department for Educational Standards. He's informed me of some areas they will be looking into when conducting their inspections."

"Has the DES been officially announced yet?" Hermione asks, wondering how she could have missed that news.

"I'm told the Minister will make the announcement on Monday," Minerva answers. "Minister Shacklebolt wants to see pure teaching, house unity and student progression. I'll go into all that during this morning's meeting, but I've made some plans to express the importance of house unity. I wish to make the two of you head of your respective houses," she states.

"Head of Gryffindor?" Hermione asks to clarify.

"Of course. I never expected to still be Headmistress after three years, but no one else wanted the position. To ensure impartiality, I need to step down as Head of Gryffindor. Then, with Horace finally retiring after keeping his promise to Albus for five years, I need to replace him. You're a natural choice, Draco," Minerva continues.

"I'm not sure I'm the right person for this role," he admits.

"You're perfect for the role," Minerva assures him. "You've come a long way these past three years, and I want our Slytherin students to recognise that you are now what we expect from the Slytherin house. Respect and understanding for the other houses and other students, no matter their background."

Draco nods, feeling a little lost. He never expected this and thought Pansy would make a better Head of Slytherin than him. Still, he has to admit that he has made more strides to better himself and is proud of how far he has come. Surely he'll be able to instil these behaviours into his students too.

"Okay, I accept."

"Great, Hermione, what do you think?"

"I'd love to," she begins. "The main thing is that we're expecting another child."

Minerva stares at them for a long moment before smiling, "Well, congratulations to both of you. The offer still stands as other staff can cover during your parental leave.

"I just don't think we're a great decision if you want to appease the Minister. He's already concerned that we're inexperienced and influencing the students; becoming the head of our houses isn't going to help," Hermione obviously mentions.

"I have full confidence in my teaching staff, and I hired my professors based on those who showed the right attitude as students themselves. My five newest professors, who were apprentices, have excellent knowledge and passion for their subjects. Suppose the Minister disapproves of my decisions as Headmistress. In that case, he can have me replaced. I'll assure him no one will volunteer for the job," Minerva explains, having prepared an answer to this question as she's expecting the inspectors to ask as such.

"I'm willing to give the position a chance," Draco agrees. "I will have to be harsh to get the older students to comply with our new expectations.

"I fully support your direction."