Mine Forever ( a Harmione fanfic )

Chapter 23

The Great Hall slowly emptied after dinner, the noise fading into the distance as students left in clusters for their dormitories. The recurring seventh years lingered awkwardly in the Entrance Hall, exchanging glances but unsure where to go. Ginny Weasley and Colin Creevey emerged from the Great Hall alongside Professor McGonagall, both wearing their Head Girl and Head Boy badges with pride.

"Miss Weasley, Mr. Creevey," McGonagall said briskly, "you'll see to the first years along with the prefects. Make sure they're properly settled into their houses."

"Yes, Professor," Colin said eagerly. Ginny, however, rolled her eyes playfully.

"First years are so adorable," she said sarcastically. "It's almost criminal."

McGonagall's lips twitched in what might have been a smirk. "You'll manage. Off you go."

As Ginny and Colin moved to round up the nervous first years, McGonagall turned to the seventh years. Her gaze softened slightly, and she surveyed the group: Harry, Hermione, Neville, Dean, the Patil twins, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, Daphne Greengrass, Zacharias Smith, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott.

"Now," McGonagall began, her tone more measured, "your living arrangements this year will be quite different. Follow me."

The Climb to a New Home

The group trailed behind her up the marble staircase, their footsteps echoing in the vastness of the castle. For many, the journey was tinged with nostalgia. Hogwarts was the same, yet somehow different—more alive, more poignant.

Neville instinctively sidestepped the trick stair on the third flight, prompting Hermione to grin.

"Still got it," she teased.

"Muscle memory," Neville replied, his cheeks reddening.

"I don't even think about it anymore," Dean said with a chuckle.

As they ascended, Peeves the Poltergeist appeared, grinning wickedly as he dangled upside down from a chandelier.

"Ooooh, the war heroes return!" Peeves cackled, pelting small bits of chalk at them.

"Peeves!" McGonagall barked, her sharp tone slicing through the air.

Peeves floated upright and saluted dramatically. "At your service, Headmistress! How may I inconvenience you today?"

"Not tonight, Peeves," Harry said, catching a chalk piece mid-air.

Peeves gave Harry a mock bow. "The Boy Who Lived and Caught the Chalk. My, my, what a hero!"

"Peeves," Hermione warned, her tone low.

"Oh, all right, all right," Peeves grumbled, tossing one last piece of chalk at Zacharias Smith before disappearing through the ceiling.

"Some things never change," Hannah Abbott muttered, brushing chalk dust from her shoulder.

The group arrived at the portrait of Sir Cadogan, who seemed to have been awaiting an audience. His polished armor gleamed in the low torchlight, and his small, rotund figure practically quivered with excitement.

"Ah, gallant returnees!" he exclaimed, leaping onto the hilt of his sword for dramatic effect. "Heroes of Hogwarts! Champions of the future! What noble quests await you this year? What—"

"Sir Cadogan," McGonagall interrupted sharply, her patience evidently tested, "the password is Concordia."

The knight straightened, clearly delighted. "Concordia! A word of virtue and valor! A call for unity among even the fiercest foes!" He gave an exaggerated bow. "Enter, and may you find peace and harmony within!"