Chapter Text
✨ Chapter 1 – The Return to Hogwarts
“Welcome back, eighth years,” Headmistress McGonagall announced, her sharp gaze sweeping the Great Hall like a hawk searching for prey. “You are here to finish your NEWTs and ensure you have all the qualifications needed for your future careers.”
Draco Malfoy resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Careers. As if anyone would ever hire him, war criminal and former Death Eater. He imagined his job interviews;
“Why do you want to work here, Mr. Malfoy?”
“Because Azkaban is cold and I have no other options.”
He smirked humorlessly at his own thoughts and drummed his fingers on the table. Blaise and Theo sat on either side of him, wearing identical expressions of boredom. Theo had been awake for approximately six minutes and already looked ready to hex someone.
Across the room, Hermione Granger leaned forward eagerly, quill poised over parchment. Of course. She probably had her entire life planned down to her funeral music.
“She’s so… enthusiastic,” Theo observed dryly, following Draco’s gaze.
“It’s disgusting,” Draco muttered. “Someone should tell her Hogwarts isn’t that great.”
“Why don’t you tell her, lover boy?” Blaise said lazily, reaching for the pumpkin juice.
Draco scowled. “Don’t call me that.”
“Fine. I’ll call you what you really are.. a walking bundle of repressed emotions and hair gel.”
Before Draco could retort, Ron Weasley turned in his seat and sneered at them. “Oi, ferret, what are you staring at?”
“How original,” Draco drawled. “Did it take you all summer to come up with that one, or did you get help from Potter?”
Ron’s ears turned red. Hermione sighed loudly and shook her head, refusing to look at either of them. Ginny, sitting next to her, leaned in and whispered something that made Hermione blush. Pansy, seated on Hermione’s other side (because apparently house unity was the new black), smirked knowingly.
“Why is Parkinson sitting with them?” Draco asked, narrowing his eyes.
“She says Gryffindor breakfast tastes better,” Theo said, sipping his coffee. “But I think she just likes gossiping with Granger and Ginny. They’ve formed some unholy girl alliance.”
Draco made a noise of disgust. “Pathetic.”
“Jealous,” Blaise sing-songed under his breath.
Draco ignored him, focusing instead on the staff table. Snape sat in his usual spot, alive and brooding. Apparently Flitwick and Pomfrey had saved him after the Battle, which Draco was grateful for… not that he’d ever say it out loud. The greasy bat was the closest thing he had to a mentor.
McGonagall cleared her throat. “As part of the House Unity Initiative, all classes and study groups will be mixed this year. I expect full cooperation.”
“House Unity Initiative,” Draco mimicked under his breath. “What are we, a failed charity program?”
Blaise snorted, nearly choking on his juice.
“Perhaps you can volunteer to knit friendship bracelets for the Gryffindor's,” Theo suggested, deadpan.
Draco glared at him. “Touch me with yarn and I’ll hex you into next week.”
Meanwhile, Hermione raised her hand. Of course. “Professor, will we have partnered assignments in Potions again this year?”
Draco’s stomach sank.
Snape gave her a thin-lipped smile that looked more like a threat. “Indeed, Miss Granger. Advanced Healing Potions requires partnered brewing.”
“Oh Merlin, please no,” Draco muttered.
“Please yes,” Blaise said, clapping him on the back. “This is going to be the best year ever.”
Hermione glanced over her shoulder, meeting Draco’s eyes for a brief second before looking away quickly, cheeks tinged pink. Draco felt his heart skip traitorously.
He turned back to his friends with a glare. “Shut up.”
Theo smirked. “Didn’t say anything.”
“Didn’t have to,” Draco snapped, rubbing his temples. This was only day one, and already, he needed a Calming Draught… or at least a new identity in Albania.