Chapter Text
3 August 1998
Shock ran through Hermione’s body upon seeing Draco Malfoy’s obnoxiously blonde head while exiting the floo to the headmistress’ office. He was hunched over and looking steadfastly at the desk in front of him. She was so startled by his presence she didn't even notice Neville, who she knew would be at this meeting, sitting next to him until he turned in his seat and waved enthusiastically at her.
“Ah, Miss Granger. Please take a seat.” Headmistress McGonagall said.
“Forgive me Headmistress, what’s happening?” Hermione said as she sat in the vacant visitor’s chair to Neville’s left. “Why is he here?” she spat.
Malfoy sat up and looked for a moment like he wanted to retort but thought better of it and quickly resumed his curled posture.
She couldn’t help but feel a small amount of vindication at his behavior. Despite knowing most of his actions during the war were under duress, seeing her childhood bully be taken down a notch felt good.
“I’d appreciate it if you'd keep any hostilities to yourself while I explain, Miss Granger.” McGonagall said while looking down her glasses at Hermione, who suddenly felt chastened. She cleared her throat before she continued, “It would seem, the three of you share a common desire to not only take your NEWTs, but also attain two separate masteries here at Hogwarts.”
Hermione looked at Neville in question. She knew he always wanted to earn a mastery in Herbology but had no idea when he’d developed a second interest. He waved his hand flippantly in an I’ll-tell-you-later gesture.
“Given the current lack of practicing witches and wizards with masteries after the war, and in the spirit of rebuilding, the minister and I have been discussing potential solutions.” The headmistress continued. “We have decided to allow you three to be, as the muggles say, our guinea pigs for a new program. After completing an ‘eighth year’ at Hogwarts, assuming you all receive sufficient NEWT scores, you will be our inaugural class for an accelerated three year program designed for those seeking two masteries. If you're all successful, Hogwarts will begin taking small classes of qualified students looking for higher education.”
Hermione immediately perked up at this. When she told McGonagall about her aspirations to not only finish Hogwarts but to complete masteries in both potions and ancient runes, Hermione didn’t have high hopes about returning to Hogwarts full-time. She figured she’d receive information about completing her NEWTs via correspondence and maybe some contact information about witches and wizards looking for an apprentice. Not this.
“If this interests you, please let me know before the 22nd so we have time to prepare your rooms.”
Hermione immediately shot up, “I accept! When should I bring my things?”
“Miss Granger, I suggest taking time to think about this. If you accept, this will be a 4 year endeavor in total and-”
“I don’t need time,” Hermione cut her off. “I accept.”
Professor McGonagall gave an affectionate yet long-suffering sigh. “Very well. Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Malfoy please let me know your decisions by the deadline. That is all I have for you, please feel free to enjoy the grounds before heading back to your homes. I find they’re particularly lovely in the summertime”
As the three teens seated before her made their way to leave, McGonagall called, “Mr. Malfoy, if I could have a word?”
Neville and Hermione shared a look before heading out of her office, leaving Malfoy sunken in his seat and McGonagall standing before him looking as imposing as ever.
“Hermione! I was gonna get a butterbeer down in Hogsmeade before heading back to my nan’s if you wanted to join and catch up?” Neville said with a bright smile.
Hermione wondered if she’d ever get over how handsome and confident Neville had become during her year away, horcrux hunting.
“I’d love to Neville.” She replied.
As they began walking towards the exit onto the castle grounds she couldn't help but say, “What the hell is McGonagall thinking inviting Malfoy back here?! And to join some new program? He's still on active probation! Will be until next year!”
“I can’t say I understand it either but based on what I read in the papers about what he was going through…” He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know if I have enough anger left in me for him. Either way I’m not gonna let the possibility of his enrollment alongside us stop me from considering the opportunity."
Hermione wished she could share his optimism. Despite her understanding logically that Malfoy had gone through more than anyone initially realized, she still held a nasty bitterness toward him.
Deciding to change the subject Hermione asked, “What else besides herbology would you want to master in, by the way? I haven’t known you to be interested in much else.”
Neville immediately perked up again. “I liked being a bit of a leader last year! I’m thinking about becoming a professor, maybe! And I wanna master in DADA alongside herbology actually. Fighting a dark regime within the castle for a year and then dueling with several dark wizards at once when I thought I might die tends to do that to a person, I suppose.” He said with a laugh.
Neville’s uncanny ability to speak of the war like it was just a spat between friends was also something Hermione didn’t know if she’d be able to get over.
“That’s great Neville. It’s be nice to have you here with me… Even if we have to put up with Malfoy.” And she meant it. With Harry and Ron starting the auror program in a couple weeks, Hermione knew her two closest people would be too busy to come see her as much as she’d like.
As they sat at a booth in the Three Broomsticks, sipping butterbeer and chatting amiably, Hermione felt like maybe there was a chance she could move past the shitshow that's been her life since she encountered that troll in the girl’s lavatory.
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“I hope you understand the weight of the opportunity being presented to you.” McGonagall said after Granger and Longbottom left her office.
“I-I do, Headmistress. I cannot thank you enough.” Draco replied, feeling a tinge of hope for the future he hadn’t felt since fifth year. However, the new yet all-consuming sensation of self-doubt began to overtake him. “Are you sure you want to offer me this? I know I’m not exactly your favourite person.”
“Quite.” McGonagall replied tersely.
Draco flinched. He still wasn’t used to being treated with so much derision by so many. He hadn’t left the manor since his trial. He couldn't face people’s reactions to him in public. Especially since he knew how much he deserved it.
McGonagall’s face softened before she continued. “Minister Shacklebolt advised me against allowing you back here. However, the former Headmaster Dumbledore believed you had goodness inside you. I hope you take this opportunity to prove him right.”
The guilt that weighed on him every day felt heavier upon the mention of the former headmaster. He should’ve reached out, should have had another plan, should have asked for help, should have run, should have had some semblance of fucking conviction and then maybe- stop! Don’t think about that right now.
“I will, Headmistress, I swear it.” Draco wished he felt as resolute as he sounded.
“I also feel it pertinent to mention: just because I am willing to extend this opportunity to you does not mean your fellow students will feel so forgiving.”
“But I didnt-” He cut himself off. It wasn’t worth mentioning that he didn’t torture any students under the Carrows. It’s not like he defended anyone either. And then when you factor in his behavior towards anyone he deemed less-than leading up to that- stop. “I understand. Thank you again for extending this invitation to me. I’ll let you know my decision before the deadline.”
As Draco stood from his chair, he knew he didn’t have to think about his response. He couldn’t stay here in this cold and empty house and end up a cold and empty person like his father. He’d spent too long being envious of the warmth of others.
After being released from the soullessness of Azkaban he had promised himself he would try to find that warmth for himself. Getting out of this gods forsaken manor seemed like a good enough start. It's not like he had anything better to do anyway…