Alternate Universe - brothers Draco & Harry

Chapter 32 - the 5th Year

The summer sun dipped low on the horizon as the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station, signalling the end of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year. The air was filled with the excited chatter of students reuniting with friends, the hissing of steam from the train, and the distant hoots of owls.

The castle of Hogwarts stood tall and majestic against the twilight sky, its many turrets and towers casting long shadows across the grounds. Lanterns began to flicker to life, illuminating the path up to the castle entrance where Professor McGonagall stood, her stern face softened by a welcoming smile as she greeted the returning students.

Inside the Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling mirrored the dusky sky outside, twinkling with the first stars of the evening. The long tables were set, ready to host the returning students who eagerly found their seats, exchanging stories of their summer adventures.

As the students settled in, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Fifth years, especially, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that this year would bring new challenges and opportunities. Among them, Sue Li sat with a stack of freshly acquired books on magical theory, her brow furrowed with determination. Ron Weasley looked slightly less enthusiastic but grinned as he chatted with Seamus and Dean about the latest Quidditch matches, whilst Lavender Brown was busy making eyes at the boy. Across the hall, Draco Malfoy leaned back in his seat, casting an appraising look over the new first years who were waiting nervously to be sorted. His twin brother, Hercules, was more subdued, his eyes occasionally darting to the Gryffindor table.

The doors to the Great Hall opened once more, and in strode Professor Dumbledore, his long silver beard flowing and his eyes twinkling with a familiar warmth. He raised his hands, and the hall fell into a respectful silence.

"Welcome, students, to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," he began, his voice resonating through the hall. "To our new students, I extend a special welcome. You are about to embark on a magical journey that will shape your future. To our returning students, welcome back. I trust you have all had a restful summer and are ready for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead."

As Dumbledore continued with the start-of-term announcements, the students couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about what the new year would bring. Friendships would be tested, new alliances would be formed, and the halls of Hogwarts would once again be filled with the laughter and learning that made it a place like no other.

Tensions in the Slytherin common room were high, Hercules and Draco had avoided speaking and even seeing Aurelia and Saskia. They all knew once they started to speak, they'd have to discuss their family situation as well as the Dark Lord being back. Aurelia could barely sleep, she just kept replaying the moment from the dinner party where Tom Riddle spoke to Hercules, acknowledging that they had already met before.

But another day passed and everyone tried to focus on their studies. The potions classroom was filled with the usual sounds of students chatting and cauldrons clanking, but the atmosphere shifted as Professor Snape swept into the room, his robes billowing behind him. He stood at the front, his expression as stern as ever, and raised a hand to silence the class.

"Today, I have used a spell to randomly assign your partners for the rest of the year," Snape announced, his voice cold and commanding. A collective groan rose from the students, which Snape quickly quelled with a sharp glare. "Silence! I will not tolerate any complaints. You will work with your assigned partners, or you will not work at all."

Reluctantly, the students began to move to their new seats. Saskia found herself paired with Draco Malfoy, while her sister Aurelia was paired with Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff muggle-born. Daphne Greengrass had to sit with Terry Boot, a Ravenclaw pureblood, and Blaise Zabini ended up with Sue Li, a Ravenclaw half-blood, the smartest witch in school. Pansy Parkinson, to her dismay, was partnered with Lavender Brown, and Ron Weasley found himself next to Hercules Malfoy, the person he most hated.