Hermione and Harry held hands as they walked into the Great Hall. They found a seat right in the middle of the table, and saved a seat for Ron and Kit, Ron's new girlfriend*. Hermione was glad Ron had found someone else, it had released alot of tension, but not all of it.

"Hey Harry! Congrats on making Head Boy!" Dean Thomas called to him from across the table.

"Thanks Dean. Where's Ginny?" Harry answered back. Dean shrugged.

"Who knows? But I think she's with Ron and Kit-oh, there she is."

Dean collected Ginny, who was walking in with Ron and Kit. Kit was a sixth year Ravenclaw with fiery red hair, which made her a favorite at the Weasly household. She was treated like a daughter and a sister there, and often helped the twins with their experiments. Ron steered Kit towards her table, and kissed her goodbye. Ron then joined Harry and Hermione, who were now wearing their badges.

Professor McGonagal stood up from the chair that used to be Dumbledore's, and tapped her wineglass. The Great Hall settled down. McGonagal took a breath.

"You all know I can't make a speech like Dumbledore could, "She began, tearing up already, "but I would like to wish you all the best of luck this year, for so many with Final Exams, and those who are new...welcome."

She sat down shakily, and the Great Hall was filled with respectful applause. Professor Sprout called out the list for the old Sorting Hat, and Gryffindor aquired 15 new Gryffindors. The Feast began.

After they had all eaten, Hermione jabbed Harry in the side.

"Harry! We've got to see McGonagal!'

'Why?" Harry asked. He was starting to fall asleep.

"Because we're Head Boy and Girl! We need to know....stuff!" Hermione dragged Harry up to the Head Table. McGonagal regarded them with a little bit of her old face.

"Ah....Miss Granger and Mr. Potter....our new Head Boy and Girl...."

McGonagal beckoned to them to follow her. She led them throught the castle, explaining some things, showing them passages....until they came to an empty wall.

"Metamorphmagus." McGonagal said, and the wall became a door. She turned to them.

"This shall be your quarters for the remainder of this year. I'll let you two get some sleep. Good night."

"Oh Harry, this is going to be so much fun! Harry?"

Harry had fallen asleep standing up.

*****

Draco tried desperately to get Pansy away from him, but she refused to leave his side. God, she was like a leech sometimes. And she just...wouldn't...stop...TALKING! Throughout McGonagal's speech, dinner...non-stop prattling!

"...and I told her that you belonged to me, and that stupid git just wouldn't believe me, why didn't she believe me Dracikins?"

"I-" Draco started to say.

"-Well, it doesn't matter, because we're together Dracikins, and nothing is going to-"

Finally! Everybody was leaving! Draco got up in a hurry and stood next to McLinnon. McLinnon was trying not to smile.

"Shut up McLinnon." Draco growled, Pansy just hanging off his arm.

"Wasn't gonna. Hey, isn't that Hermione Granger? Wow, she looks different." McLinnon's attention was diverted. Draco sighed.

"McLinnon, stop drooling over that little mudblood. She isn't worth your time."

But deep inside, Draco was wondering if Hermione thought the same way...about him?

Poor Draco...don;t worry, things are going to look up soon! Thanks for being so patient! Next post in ?? days!

Katie