Prologue

PROLOGUE

“Allpress, Jennifer!”

“HUFFLEPUFF!” shouted the Sorting Hat. The Hufflepuff table cheered and applauded as they welcomed their new housemate.

“Bachop, Lucy!”

“RAVENCLAW!” The nervous girl likewise joined her table.

“Billings, Henry… Brocklehurst, Rachel… Cameron, Amy… Crabbe, Emily… Cuthbert, Steven…” The list went on as the Sorting Ceremony proceeded with an unsurprisingly even division of names amongst the four houses. Hermione Granger sat at the Gryffindor table, seemingly transfixed by the ceremony, which by now was as familiar as the beam on Pomona Sprout’s face as she watched her newest charges relaxing at their table.

The reluctantly famous teenager had returned to Hogwarts with the rest of the Golden Trio, the Defence Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T. alone having been granted by the Ministry in recognition of their hard-won skills during the war. All the other subjects required for their career paths would have to be earned in the usual manner. The new Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, had created a unique ‘adult’ class for the Trio and any others whose final year had been impaired by the war. Draco Malfoy, whose family had been closely examined and grudgingly exonerated by the Wizengamot after their actions in the final battle; Neville Longbottom, whose grandmother had insisted he repeat his ‘ruined’ seventh year; and a much wiser and more serious Lavender Brown were among the small group of battle-hardened young people determined to make the most of their year.

Hermione had taken out a piece of parchment and quill and was furiously taking notes as the Sorting Ceremony concluded and the headmistress gave her first welcoming speech. Rolling their eyes, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter turned their attention to the food which had appeared on their table.

“Brilliant!” exclaimed Ron. “The house-elves have really outdone themselves this year!” The boys fell to their food with the enthusiasm of teenage boys everywhere. Months of hardship in the tent had given them a renewed appreciation of the bounty before them.

Once the meal was over, the staffing changes were announced, and the usual start-of-term notices dealt with. The boys turned to Hermione, who had packed up her gear and was hurriedly grabbing some food before the tables were magically cleared. “Oi, Hermione. What was so important that you nearly missed eating dinner?” Ron asked.

“Just planning my Arithmancy project,” she replied vaguely. “Had to get a few ideas down while they were fresh in my mind. Now, what was that about the staff? Who is teaching Potions this year?”

The indefatigable heroes of the war groaned simultaneously. “Snape. Not only did he manage to survive after all and avoid Azkaban, thanks to Harry’s testimony, he is back as Potions master. Rumour has it, even he has had quite enough of the Dark Arts. Not that I blame him. But, although he was shown to be on our side all along, he was still the meanest git of a teacher we ever had, and I don’t suppose any number of Orders of Merlin will change that,” Ron complained.

“It’s Professor Snape, Ronald. He may not be the nicest teacher around, but he is still a teacher, and as a supposedly adult student, I suggest you show some respect,” Hermione responded tartly. “So, who is taking Defence?”

“Some new guy I’ve never heard of. His name was… now, what was it? That’s it, Weasley. William, I think it was…” Harry grinned as his friend whacked his arm.

“Bill? Our Bill? Or at least Ron’s Bill? But I didn’t see him at the staff table. And why didn’t you say anything, Ron?”

“That’s because he doesn’t arrive until tomorrow, and it was a surprise. He made me promise not to tell.” Ron laughed at her expression. “Just as well we don’t have to take Defence. Wouldn’t want anyone accusing him of favouritism. He is also the new Head of Gryffindor house, now that Professor McGonagall is headmistress.” He shook his head. “If you had been paying attention, Hermione, you would have heard all that.”

The three made their way to the new quarters in the West Tower they shared with the other adult students. The headmistress had decided they needed to be housed together so as not to disrupt the younger students. They had been given a lot more freedom in deference to their age, with no curfew, free access to Hogsmeade as long as they advised their staff mentor, and freedom to drink alcohol in the privacy of their own quarters. Headmistress McGonagall had told them in no uncertain terms that the privileges would be immediately rescinded if they were caught intoxicated, providing alcohol to younger students, or otherwise disrupting the discipline of the school.

“So, has anyone heard who our staff mentor is supposed to be?” Ron asked as they gave their password to the ancient wizard who inhabited their entrance portrait.

“Professor Snape, I believe,” replied Hermione. “I overheard Professor McGonagall talking to him about it in the Great Hall shortly after we arrived. Sounds like with the reduced numbers in Slytherin this year, especially in the sixth and seventh years, he has been given us to look after as well. He did not sound particularly impressed.”

“Good. With any luck, he will leave us to our own devices,” muttered Harry.

“Only if we keep our heads down and don’t cause trouble,” Hermione said with a pointed look at her two companions.

“Don’t look at us; we have had enough excitement over the last few years to keep us going. I can truthfully say I am looking forward to studying this year. Maybe I can set up a study group or something… What?” Ron’s attempt to look serious and mature failed miserably in the face of his friends’ disbelief.

“I know. We can have a special lesson from Hermione on how to organise our quills and ink… just so!” Harry suggested as he meticulously placed imaginary quills on an invisible desk.

“Or a tutorial on how to find something in the library that isn’t about Quidditch. I heard a rumour that there are other books in there… somewhere.” Ron doubled over in laughter as Hermione sighed and shook her head.

“Boys!” Abandoning any attempt at understanding the male psyche, she turned to examine their quarters. The common room was spacious, with comfortable armchairs and couches placed before a wide hearth, and two large study tables across the room. They each had their own, albeit small, bedchamber, with two bathrooms to share. The girls claimed the larger bathroom immediately, citing a greater need for space for their personal grooming. The boys wisely did not argue.

And thus started another year at Hogwarts. Uneventfully, or so it seemed.

Prompt: 1. Something Old. The Marriage Law Challenge.