Hermione Granger, one-third of the Golden Trio, has returned to Hogwarts to complete her 7th year of magical education. To celebrate the ending of the war, the newly appointed headmistress Minera McGonagall wishes to promote unity and acceptance amo...
'We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.' ― Sirius Black, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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2: Second Chances
'Now, I know how you've felt all these years,' Ginny whispered as she sat down next to Hermione.
'No, this is much worse than it's ever been. Hopefully, the staring should die down eventually. Sooner or later they will all realise that we're just like everyone else.' Hermione replied.
As much as she had become accustomed to being stared out, she couldn't help but squirm beneath all the countless watchful gazes.
Luckily, the student's attention was pulled elsewhere when Professor McGonagall stood before the podium to address everyone.
'Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts,' she said, her voice magically amplified to make sure everyone could hear, 'I am so pleased to see so many new faces and it warms my heart to see so many of our seventh year students from last year returning to complete their education. In a moment we will begin the sorting ceremony for our new first-year students but first some housekeeping.'
Some of the older students groaned, knowing full well what was coming. They had all heard the speech many times. However, the speech was nothing like what they used to hear.
'Mr Filtch wishes me to remind students that The Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds and that apparition is now permitted from within Hogwarts grounds to Hogmead village to those seventeen and older. Sitting at one's house table will not be strictly enforced this year either. To promote inter-house unity, you may sit wherever you wish in the grand hall, however, if any fighting ensues there will be harsh punishments for all those involved. Lastly, I would like you all to join me in congratulating this year's Head Boy and Girl; Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. And I must ask both of you to stay behind after the feast. Now, time for the sorting!"
When Hermione and Draco's names were called as Head Boy and Girl a few people clapped but most remained silent.
Hermione considered this be due to the school's shock of a supposed ex-Death Eater becoming Head Boy. However, the brunette Gryffindor wasn't so surprised. No one could deny that Draco was exceptionally bright as he was second in every class he shared with Hermione and top of the class in every subject he had without her as his rival.
Looking toward the Slytherin table she spotted that unmistakable mop of white hair. Draco looked up and caught her staring, causing Hermione to quickly look away, pretending to clear her throat.
If she had been crowned Head Girl, with Draco as Head Boy, the previous year she probably would have been more stunned. For years, just the sound of his name had caused her skin to crawl. He had been sardonically and unnecessarily cruel and considered himself superior to all those of lesser-blood.
