Bad Blood

Changes

Changes

I was left to my own devices

Many days fell away with nothing to show

And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we loved

Grey clouds rolled over the hills, bringing darkness from above

But if you close your eyes

Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?

How am I going to be an optimist about this?

"Professor I am begging you to reconsider," Hermione pleaded with McGonagall later that night in her office. Professor McGonagall started sternly at Hermione over the rim of her glasses. Draco Malfoy was also present, dressed in his teaching robes. He looked a lot better than the last time Hermione saw him, he was less skinny and a little colour had returned to his cheeks. His hair was slicked back in its usual style and his signature smirk was present on his lips. He seemed to be enjoying this. Hermione's mouth fell open in shock when McGonagall announced that Malfoy would be taking over Slytherin House and that he was going to be teaching DADA. She did not think it was wise to let an ex Death Eater/convict teach children.

"There is nothing to reconsider Professor Granger, Professor Malfoy was by far the best choice for the position," McGonagall said as she looked between the two of them. She had seen many years here at Hogwarts and she had seen numerous professors come and go, especially Dark Arts professors. Even after Voldemort's death people were afraid to take on the position, the war had left deep wounds on people and on Hogwarts. She knew that if she didn't act soon that Slytherin House would cease to exist and DADA would become a taboo subject. "I don't have to explain to you the importance of teaching children Defence Against the Dark Arts, do I?"

Hermione sighed, she of all people knew how important that subject was, without it they probably would have lost the war. If it wasn't for Harry who taught them she didn't know where she would be. She had no doubt that Malfoy knew his stuff, but maybe he knew a little too much. "Professor..." Hermione shot Malfoy a look, unsure of how to phrase her response. Malfoy just smirked at her, giving her a knowing look before turning to McGonagall.

"I think what Professor Granger is trying to say is; should an ex Death Eater be allowed to teach children? And should he be allowed to go near the Dark Arts?" His voice had changed too, the familiar drawl was back and he spoke with a little more feeling now. There was actually something behind his words other than pain.

Hermione blinked, shocked that he would put it so bluntly. "I wasn't going to say it in so many words, but that's the gist of it," she said, turning back to McGonagall. She could feel Malfoy's icy gaze on her back and she tried to shake it off. "Surely the parents must have concerns?"

"I will deal with the parents if and when there are concerns. Professor Malfoy has more than proven himself to me and last time I checked I was the Headmistress," McGonagall said, indicating that the conversation was over. She looked between the two of them again, she might be old but she wasn't oblivious to the tension between them. She knew they had a rough past, both of them emerged with scars from the war and both of them were trying to heal. Hermione wasn't giving Draco enough room to make up for what he did in the past, even though his intensions were good, the outcome was still bad. Hermione didn't understand Draco's choices and McGonagall feared that she never will, but it was time to let go and grow up. People change and she sincerely hoped that both of these young people before her would change for the better.

"Professor Granger, I urge you to give Professor Malfoy a chance. He has paid his debts these last ten years, give him a chance."

"Professor I..." Hermione trailed off, struggling to find the right words again.