The Snake And His Lion Princess

Chapter 2

Hermione's POV
- In the Great Hall

Walking towards the great hall I can't help the memories of the war and it's last state. Closing my eyes tightly and taking a deep breath, I push those thoughts to the back of my head and open my eyes again. It looks like nothing had happened. It is exactly as it has been the last 7 years. It looks like home.

When we step through the doors of the Hall nearly the whole place erupts into cheers and claps. I can feel my cheeks heating up as my ears begin to ring. Looking over at Harry I see he looks slightly upset. I quickly reach out and give his hand a squeeze. He returns it and we walk to the Gryffindor table, taking our seats. Turning towards Ron I notice he is revelling in the chaos. But this doesn't really surprise me.
When most of the cheering has calmed down Headmistress Mcgonagall walks up to the podium. The podium Dumbledore used to stand at. With this small thought I feel a tear roll down my cheek. As quickly as I can, so nobody sees, I wipe it away and look up at the ever proud professor.

"Hello Everyone! Welcome back to Hogwarts. The professors and I are all very glad to have you back. However, we must go over a few rules before we get the sorting of houses started.
Firstly, the forbidden forest is strictly that. Forbidden. Anybody going into the forest will be given detentions for a week, or longer. Secondly, there have been a few changes within the school. The 4th floor is no longer available to anybody besides our Head Students and Prefects.
Speaking of which, I would like to introduce our Head Boy and Girl! Will you both please stand?"

At this I take a deep breath and stand from my spot. Nearly every one in the room erupts into cheers. But when I look around, and most others do as well, to find the head boy we are all shocked to find Draco Malfoy standing. His normal smirk plastered on his face.  He is the head boy? But how? He was a death eater. How could Mcgonagall trust him? I take my seat again so Mcgonagall can continue onto the sorting, but I completely tune it all out.

After she has stopped talking I hear Ron scoff, turning towards him I give a questioning look. "I can't believe Malfoy is the head boy. How is that even possible? He is a death eater! Harry should be head boy! Even me!"

I sigh softly as I think it over. Mcgonagall probably wants Harry to have a normal year. And she'd only make Malfoy head if he is trustworthy. "If Malfoy is head Mcgonagall trusts him. If she does I guess it wouldn't be so bad trying to be civil with him.. would it?"
Ginny gasps and looks at me bewildered, "Hermione how can you say that? After all that his family did?!"

"Gin, he didn't have a choice. Voldemort would have killed him if he didn't do as told. His father was a deatheater by choice, but Malfoy was one by default. You can't blame him for that. His actions, yes. But what he was made into, no."

"He didn't kill Dumbledore. He couldn't. That has to mean something." Harry chimes in calmly. Then he looks at me, "Just be careful. Don't trust him, but don't be rude. Just be civil like you said. And if he does anything.." he stops then and gives me a pointed look, and I instantly know what he means. "Tell me and I'll deal with him."
The conversation died down then and we all sat in silence.
It isn't until halfway through dinner when Ginny nudges me and tells me to eat something. Giving her a smile I start eating while turning to Neville. "Hello Neville, how have you been?"

"Been alright I suppose. Went to see my parents quite a bit this past year. Still no memory but it is nice to see them." His voice wavers as he speaks and I know it is hard for him to talk about it. I give him a pat on the shoulder as he continues, "Besides that I've been spending loads of time with Luna!" At this I give him a smile to match his own.

"Well that is wonderful Neville! Are you guys finally official then?" When he nods happily I smile and continue to eat. We both turn our attention to Ron and Harry disagreeing over a few quidditch players. I tune out again, not very interested in the silly game.
I eat a few bites each of potatoes, chicken, and carrots before I just can't eat anymore. When most have finished eating Mcgonagall comes up to the podium again asking for Draco and I to stay behind, releasing all of the other students to their dorms.
Walking up to the front of the room I am able to find my voice, "Hello Professor, I mean Headmistress."