For the first time ever, Hogwarts didn't feel like home. There were Death Eaters in every corner, many of which watched me carefully. Many students avoided me, except those who were still my friend. I sat at the Gryffindor table with Ginny, Neville, Dean and Seamus. The Great Hall has never felt so cold.
My eyes locked with McGonagall. I saw a flicker of pain in her eyes. She gave me a slight nod and I returned it. We all watched the sorting. I felt bad for the new first years. They looked scared and worried. I've never seen first years look so small. After the sorting, Snape stood besides the podium Dumbledore once stood behind. "Welcome back to Hogwarts." He spoke with no emotion. "There is a set of new rules that you all must follow. If one is to break a rule, a punishment will be given immediately."
"What is he going to do?" I questioned quietly, "make us sit in a pink room filled with cats and write lines with a blood quill?" Ginny gave me a look, a look Hermione would have given me if she was here. "What? I'm just trying to make a joke.."
"Students may not be in the corridors before 6 in the morning and after 8 at night." Snape said. This was literally like Umbridge all over again, except there were Death Eaters everywhere. I didn't bother to listen to all of Snape's rules. I knew I was going to break them all anyway. I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Snape say my name. "November Riddle and Draco Malfoy are the new Headgirl and boy." What. "I expect the two of you to enforce these rules and punish those who break them."
I frowned, "doesn't the Headboy and Headgirl share a common room?"
Ginny nodded, "yes."
"Brilliant." I growled to myself. After a very quiet and uncomfortable dinner, everyone went to their Common Room. I went to the Gryffindor Common room, thankfully there were no Death Eaters there. When I walked in, the room fell silent and all eyes went on me. No surprise there. "So, I know you all know who I am. Well, you all know what my real name is. November Riddle. I'm not going to deny that Tom Riddle, The Dark Lord, is my birth father, but I will say that he is not my real father. My real father died a few months ago, Albus Dumbledore. For those who have known me for more than three years know who I truly am. I am not the Dark Lord's daughter, I am Albus Dumbledore's daughter. I am a loyal Gryffindor who would never turn their back on their friends. If you think I am anything like Voldemort or the Death Eaters, you're wrong. I am Harry Potter's best friend, ever since we were eleven. I've in this castle since I was two years old. Don't you dare think that I would hurt any of you."
"How do we know you're not lying?" A little second year asked me.
"If you don't believe her, believe us." Ginny spoke up and stood next to me. Many other seventh and sixth years stood by me as well. "I've known November since I was a baby, believe me when I say I trust her with my life."
I looked at Ginny and smiled a little, "thanks Gin."
She nodded, "you should get going before you get into trouble."
"I always get into trouble." I told her, "I'll see you in the morning." I walked out of the Common Room and looked at the Fat Lady. "If anything bad happens, if any Death Eaters come here and threat or hurt anyone, tell me immediately."
She nodded, "of course."
"Thank you." I smiled at her and headed to the Headboy and Headgirl Common room. I walked in and saw Draco sitting on a couch. This was going to be fun... I avoided looking at him and went to my dorm. I walked up to a window and looked at the dark and gloomy sky. "Welcome home..." I sighed heavily and went to my bathroom. I got ready for the night. I walked out of the bathroom and walked over to my trunk. I opened it and found Harmony's favorite stuffed dog. It was the stuffed dog Sirius gave her. I sighed and laid down on my bed with the dog in hand. I stared up at the ceiling. Harry, I hope wherever you are, you are safe.
