Sign of the times

Chapter Four

I woke up with a buzzing head the next morning, hating myself for having taken part in the stupid chess game and cursing the magic society for not having a spell against a hangover. It took a lot of self-control to get out of bed and even more convincement to open the curtains. Blinded by the lights, I turned from my big window and walked towards my wardrobe, opening it and taking out the neatly folded towels I stored in it. I spent some more time gathering the stuff I needed, before I left my room dressed in black trousers and a red Gryffindor jumper and headed towards the prefect's bathroom. I let my mind wander while brushing my teeth. School had started two months ago though we hadn't had as many lessons due to the lack of teachers and resources, such as ingredients for potions and dummies to train with in Defence against the Dark Arts. My classmates and I had taken some exams to catch up the subject material we had missed which brought back a kind of normality I needed.

I spit out the toothpaste and gurgled some water, before spitting that out too, drying my face and focusing on the mess on my head. Luckily, there was a spell to make things easier which Ginny had told me about in fifth year. With a quick swing of my wand I fixed my hair, brushed through it one time and left the bathroom, almost running into a wide chest. I lifted my head and looked directly into two grey eyes. Of course, it had to be him.

"Woah, Granger. I mean, I know you like me, but you don't have to throw yourself at me like that", Draco said, playing shocked.

I rolled my eyes.

"I wouldn't have run into you if you hadn't been standing right in front of the door. Were you spying on me?"

"Would you be mad if I was?"

I looked at him sceptically.

"You're no fun", he spoke, a taunting look on his face. "However, it's good that we met. You know we must stay in the Great Hall after breakfast? Blaise just told me. Guess McGonagall wants to tell us something."

I didn't want to admit, that I hadn't had a clue, so I just nodded.

"See you later then", I ended the conversation, waiting for him to move out of my way.

But he didn't.

"That's the point where you step to the side and let me go on about my business", I said as a reminder.

He hesitantly stepped to the side, so I could finally leave the bathroom. As I walked past him, I felt his hand brush lightly against my own, sending a shiver down my spine. What the hell? Because I didn't want to have another conversation with the Slytherin, I ignored my weird reaction and walked straight to my room.

Less than fifteen minutes later I was in the Great Hall on my way to Harry, Ginny and Ron who were sitting at the table with the other Gryffindors.

"Mione. How are you today?", Ron asked, hugging me with a smile on his face.

"Well, except for the headache that's been haunting me for this whole morning, I'm actually feeling quite alive."

I reached for a roll and a little packet of jam, placing both on my plate and looking around to see if there was anything else, I wanted.

"I didn't expect any less. What were you thinking, choosing a margherita as your to-go drink?"

"It's not my fault you didn't tell me what the fucking twist was", I replied angrily, adding a sweet pumpkin pie to my breakfast plate.

"She's right Harry. Could've at least warned her."

Ginny lightly punched her boyfriend in the arm.

"But I've got you covered."

She handed me a little packet with the label "aspirin" on it.

"You're a life saver", I sighed before emptying the medication into my water glass and dissolving it with a spoon.

I already felt better after taking a tiny sip and started cutting my roll to spread the jam on it.

While having my breakfast I talked with the others about what their plans for the day were and we agreed on a gathering in Hogsmeade after classes. The dining hall was almost empty, except for all our classmates obviously waiting for McGonagall's announcement.

I had started a discussion with my friends when we heard somebody clear their throat. My head immediately turned towards the elder woman standing on the lightly higher podium, so she seemed far taller than she was.

The whole hall went silent.

"Dear students. I am happy to see that you are enjoying this school year, although the circumstances are hugely different. You might have noticed there are some struggles with obtaining the necessary funds to let new students experience every aspect of the magic world. Therefore, your teachers and I have decided to give you an assignment that will represent your overall grade at the end of this year. You have already taken a few exams which will count into your grade as well. Do not worry, you will not have to write endless essays. We are not cruel. Your task will involve helping the younger students through acquiring the lacking resources. You will be sorted into groups of two and informed about how you can receive the ingredients for potions and the magical creatures. Tomorrow you will get a list handed to you with everything you need to get until the winter holiday. You will be graded on how well you were at obtaining the necessities. If you are done before the end of fall term, you will have the opportunity to attend classes or you can simply relax. Are there any further questions?"

A Ravenclaw raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Williams?"

"Do you fail if you can't complete the assignment in time or if you get a bad grade?"

"Technically, yes you do. But I can assure you that it is not hard to succeed in this task. Furthermore, all of you who have fought in the battle have gotten an invitation to an interview in the Ministry of Magic and you are more than qualified for a job in any business. So, don't put too much pressure on yourself and see this as an opportunity to utilize everything you've learned."

She smiled encouragingly.

"We have already divided you into groups, so I will simply read the pairs from this sheet. Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley. Ron Weasley and Genevieve Williams. Pansy Parkinson and James Smith..."

It took hours, until McGonagall finally reached my name.

"Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy."

What had I done to deserve this?