Unforeseen Outcomes

Chapter 4- Hermione

Hermione could hardly control the anger resonating through her, the rage was enough to make her whole body tremble.

"Now I know you two have quite a sour history, but I assure you I will not tolerate any funny business, " McGonagall continued, "and if you were to agree it would look great on your applications for ministry positions, and I'd be more than happy to write a personal letter of recommendation for you."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing, much less that it was coming from Headmaster McGonagall, who had been witness to the verbal abuse she had endured from Draco Malfoy since she was 11 years old.

"Professor, I appreciate the -erm- opportunity you're giving me here, but I simply have to turn you down," she said, careful not to sound disrespectful to her favorite teacher. "it's just that this past year has taken such a toll on me and I really just need to focus on my academics this year, take some time to heal. Please forgive me."

"I see. I must say that although I am disappointed, I do understand your reasons. It's a shame though, I feel that it would have been a great deal if you were the one who was able to break through the years of brainwashing inflicted on him."

Hermione said nothing, it was not her responsibility to fix a man who had chosen a path of darkness.

"Very well then, I will see if the Slytherin Prefect is up to the challenge. You may go enjoy the feast with your peers."

"Thank you professor."

She practically ran out, dashing from the office that once belonged to Albus Dumbledore, spilling into the corridor. She could see a group of first years following Professor Slughorn in the direction of the Great Hall and slipped into the crowd.

When she entered the Great Hall she couldn't help the smile that crept on to her face as she took in the scene before her. Hundreds of white candles floated high above the heads of the students, glowing with a warm fire, house flags hovering over their designated seating area, a long oak table for each of the houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. All the students aside from first years were wearing their house colors with pride, faces glowing in anticipation of the Sorting Hat Ceremony, waiting to welcome their newest members.

She made her way to her seat beside Ginny amongst her red-and-gold clad classmates at the Gryffindor table.

"What did McGonagall want with you?" Ginny questioned, concern clear on her face.

"Nothing to concern yourself with I promise. Did you know that Malfoy's coming back for the schoolyear?"

"You're kidding! I don't hear anything about the Malfoys until the Daily Prophet tells me first, I'm surprised you beat Skeeter to it."

Hermione rolled her eyes at the mention of the infamous Rita Skeeter, obnoxiously nosy twat that she is. When Hermione was in fourth year, Skeeter had spread a rumor on the front page of the Daily Prophet that she was secretly dating Harry behind Viktor Crum's back, and for months after she couldn't even go to Hogsmeade without people giving her crap about it. As a matter of fact she was dating neither Harry nor Viktor, she was too busy pining over Ron as she had been since second year.

"Yes well, McGonagall thought I should be made aware."

They turned their attention to the front podium, where Professor Flitwick stood, ready to make his announcement.

"Hello and welcome back students, it is a pleasure to see all your bright faces ready to start the new year. I know these past few months have been very difficult, and we have all dealt with loss, regret, and sadness. That only makes this school year all the more special. We can use this time to lean on and support each other, and celebrate what lays ahead of us, which leads me to make an announcement. On October 31st, we will be throwing our first ever Halloween ball, as a chance for you students to relieve some stress and enjoy yourselves." The Great Hall suddenly became filled with excited whispers as he continued. "There will be live music and a formal dress code. You will be permitted to bring up to one guest that is not a current student at Hogwarts if you so please, as long as you fill out the forms which you may get from Professor Sprout starting on Friday afternoon. Now, Headmaster Minerva McGonagall wishes to say a few words."