Harry's POV

We all stared at Y/N, who just shouted in surprise over Ron getting the Gryffindor Prefect spot.

And he wasn't wrong, this was quite shocking to say the least.

"Ron?" Hermione said, her jaw dropping. "But.......are you sure? I mean-"

"It's my name on the letter." Ron curtly replied.

Hermione grabbed the letter, checking it over several times before handing it back to Ron.

"I........"Hermione began, slightly bewildered. "I.........well........wow! Well done Ron! That's really......."

"Unexpected?" Heather asked.

"Shocking?" Fred added.

"Undeserving?" Y/N muttered, before Hermione elbowed his stomach.

"Ow, Hermione!"

"No........it's.........Ron's done loads of.......he's really."

But before anything else could be said, Mrs. Weasley burst through the door. All while carrying a fresh load of washed and dried robes.

"Ginny said the booklists came at last." She said, glancing at our envelopes. "If you give them to me I'll take them over to Diagon Alley and get your books while you're packing. Ron, I'll get you more pajamas, these are at least 6 inches too short, I can't believe how fast you're growing! What color would you like?"

"Give him red and gold to match his badge." George said, while smirking.

"His what?"

"His badge." Heather repeated, putting more emphasis on the badge.

Mrs. Weasley took a minute to comprehend, but then her eyes widened.

"His.........but Ron...........you're not."

Ron held up his badge.

And then Mrs. Weasley let out a loud shriek.

"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"

"You and me both." Y/N muttered, he was clearly upset.

"Oh Ron, how wonderful! How perfect! That's everyone in the family!"

"What are Fred and I, next door neighbors?" George sarcastically replied, before Mrs. Weasley shoved them aside and threw her arms around Ron.

"Wait until your father hears! Ron, I'm so proud of you, what wonderful news, you could end up as Head Boy, just like Bill and Percy, it's the first step!"

"Gee, wouldn't that be swell?" Y/N muttered again, as Hermione shushed him.

"Oh, what a thing to happen with all of this worry! I'm just so thrilled Ronnie!"

"Mum...........don't...........get a grip." Ron muttered, pushing away.

"Well, what will it be? We have Percy and owl but you've already got one of course."

"W-what do you mean?" Ron said, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

"You've got to have a reward for this!" said Mrs. Weasley fondly.

"How about a nice new set of dress robes?"

"We've already bought him some," said Fred sourly.

"Or a new cauldron, Charlie's old one's rusting through, or a new rat, you always liked Scabbers —"

"Mum," Ron interrupted,

"Can I have a new broom?"

Mrs. Weasley's face fell slightly.

"Not a really good one!" Ron hastened to add. "Just — just a new one for a change . . ."

Mrs. Weasley hesitated, then smiled."Of course you can. . . . Well, I'd better get going if I've got a broomto buy too. I'll see you all later. . . . Little Ronnie, a prefect! And don'tforget to pack your trunks. . . . A prefect . . . Oh, I'm all of a dither!"

She gave Ron yet another kiss on the cheek, sniffed loudly, and bustled from the room.

Fred and George exchanged looks."You don't mind if we don't kiss you, do you, Ron?" said Fred in afalsely anxious voice."We could curtsy, if you like," said George.

"Oh, shut up," said Ron, scowling at them.

"Or what?" said Fred. "Goingto put us in detention?"

"Maybe I will." Ron said a little bit smugly.

"I would love to see you try." George taunted, which made Ron falter a little.

"He could if you don't watch out!" Hermione said angrily.

Fred and George burst out laughing, as Ron muttered, "Drop it, Hermione."

"We're going to have to watch our step, George," said Fred, pretending to tremble, "with these two on our case. . . ."

"Yeah, it looks like our law-breaking days are finally over," said George, shaking his head.And with another loud crack, the twins Disapparated.

Y/N who had been quiet for a long time was even starting to crack a smile, even if it was a fake one.

He was definitely upset, jealous even.

"Those two!" said Hermione furiously, staring up at the ceiling,where we could hear George and Fred laughing. "Don't pay any attention to them, Ron, they're only jealous!"

"I don't think they are," said Ron doubtfully, also looking up at theceiling. "They've always said only prats become prefects. . . . "

Still, they've never had new brooms! I wish I could go with Mum and choose. . . . She'll never be able to afford a Nimbus, but there's the new Cleansweep out, that'd be great. . . .Yeah, I think I'll go and tell her I like the Cleansweep, just so she knows. . . ."

And Ron swiftly left the room.

It was just Y/N, Hermione, and me left.

"Harry?" Hermione asked me.

"Well done," I said, not looking at her. "Brilliant. Prefect. Great."

"Thanks," said Hermione. "Erm — Harry — could I borrow Hedwig so I can tell Mum and Dad? They'll be really pleased — I mean, prefect is something they can understand —"

"Yeah, no problem," I said a little harshly. "Take her!"

Hermione nodded to me, a little surprised by my tone before turning to her boyfriend, who was looking a little frail.

"Love?" she asked Y/N, "Are you alright?"

"Fine, why do you ask?" Y/N said, softening his tone a little bit.

"It's just......you look a bit pale, and you've been awfully quiet for a while."

"I'm fine, really, I am." Y/N replied, although both of us could tell that he was not fine.

Y/N walked over to Hermione, kissing her on the cheek.

"Congratulations on Prefect, love." he said, "Nobody deserves it more than you."

Hermione smiled, bringing him in for a hug.

"Thank you, Y/N."

Y/N broke the hug and walked towards the door.

"I'm going to get some air." he said, "I'll be back later."

And with that, Hermione went to go and call Hedwig, leaving me by myself.

I laid down on the bed, I didn't mean to act like how I did, but deep down I wish I could have been a Prefect. I mean, what has Ron done to earn it?

I mean my first guess would have been Y/N, and he was one of the top students in our year. Plus McGonagall is his Godmother, so naturally you would assume he would be selected.

But deep down, I think I would have still been upset.

Does that make me more arrogant than Malfoy? Did I really think I was better than Ron?

Maybe better at Quidditch perhaps, but everything else was a toss up.

But what about outside of regular lessons? What about those adventures Y/N, Ron, Hermione, and I had had together since they had started school?

Well, they were with me most of the time.

Not all the time, though.

Ron and Hermione weren't with me all the time.

They didn't fight Quirrell with me. They didn't take on Riddle and the basilisk. They didn'tget rid of all those dementors the night Sirius escaped. They weren't in thatgraveyard with me, the night Voldemort returned. . . .

That was Y/N and I. We did all of that.

Maybe Dumbledore doesn't choose prefects because they've got themselves into a load of dangerous situations. Maybe he chooses them for other reasons.

But then again, why wouldn't Y/N be Prefect? He's one of the best students in our year.

This was all very confusing.

Ron had not asked Dumbledore to give him the prefect badge. Thiswas not Ron's fault.

I could just as easily sulk because I didn't have a badge, laugh with the twinsbehind Ron's back.

Whatever, I should be happy for him.

But then I heard Ron coming upstairs.

"Just caught her!" he said happily. "She says she'll get the Cleansweep if she can."

"Cool," I replied, "Listen — Ron — well done, mate."

"I never thought it would be me!" he said, shaking his head, "I thought it would be Y/N!"

"Nah, he causes way too much trouble." I said.

"Well I have to tell you, mate, I'm glad Y/N wasn't Prefect. He would have been insufferable." Ron continued, a bit cockily. "Besides, I finally beat him in something. He always gets everything."

"Yeah, I suppose."

"Well, we'd better get our trunks packed, hadn't we?" He replied. "Mum wants to have a big dinner later on."

Hermione's POV

A few hours later Mrs. Weasley gathered everyone in the Order to have a big dinner for Ron and I getting the Gryffindor Prefects. It was very sweet and everyone congratulated Ron and I. I always wanted to be a Prefect as it was a massive deal at Hogwarts. More responsibility and more seniority over everyone in our house.

I was surprised that Ron got a badge, but I guess it is what it is. Dumbledore has his reasons.

But I always imagined that it would be Y/N and I being the Prefects this year.

Speaking of my boyfriend, I hadn't seen Y/N in quite some time, not since he had come home from his walk a few hours later. I knew he was upset about not being named Prefect but he just didn't want to admit it. I just didn't think he would take it so hard.

Nothing gets past me when it comes to him.

"Well, congratulations," said Mad Eye, who was glaring at Ron with his normal eye, "authority figures always attract trouble, but I suppose Dumbledore thinks you can withstand most major jinxes or he wouldn't have appointed you." 

Ron looked extremely uncomfortable, as Steven came to pat him on the back.

"Congrats, Ron." He said a bit strained, "I suppose this isn't the biggest surprise to happen today."

He was definitely upset about Y/N not being named Prefect.

"Regardless," Thomas interrupted, "this is not about surprises, but about celebrating Hermione and Ron as the new Gryffindor Prefects."

Everyone cheered at this, all except for Steven of course.

"No matter how undeserving one may be," he muttered under his breathe, to which Mrs. Weasley glared at him.

"Now Steven," She said. "You know what they say, everything happens for a reason, no matter what. I'm sure Dumbledore had his reasons of picking Ron to be Prefect over Y/N. Don't be too upset."

"Well, you know what they say, Molly." Steven replied. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. That's what I'm going to be doing."

Mrs. Weasley looked absolutely appalled as Sirius, Thomas, and Steven went into the back room.

The room fell into a deep silence for a few moments, maybe its best I go check on Y/N.

"Where is Y/N anyways?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "His dinner is getting cold."

"He wasn't feeling well earlier." I lied. "I'll take his dinner upstairs."

"Oh would you, dear?" Mrs. Weasley said sweetly, "I hope he feels better for school tomorrow."

I grabbed Y/N's plate and headed upstairs to his room, where I saw him laying down in bed, reading a book.

"Hey, love." I said quietly. "I brought your dinner upstairs, you shouldn't go to bed hungry."

"Thanks, Mione." He said, putting his book down and picking his plate up.

As Y/N expressed his frustration and confusion, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. Watching him wrestle with his thoughts, I sat down beside him on the bed, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I mean, I just don't get it. Why Ron?" Y/N's voice was tinged with disappointment.

"I don't know, Y/N," I replied softly, my heart aching for him. "Believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are."

Y/N's brows furrowed in frustration. "I mean, does Dumbledore not like me?"

"Don't be ridiculous," I reassured him, squeezing his shoulder gently.

"Did I do something to make him mad?" Y/N's voice was laced with uncertainty.

"Y/N," I began, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

"Is it because of how much has happened the last few years? Because I can't control that," he continued, his words spilling out in a rush.

"Baby," I interrupted gently, trying to steer him away from spiraling into self-doubt.

"I just don't get it, why Ron and not me?" Y/N's frustration was palpable. "I would at least understand if Harry was Prefect."

"Wow, I sound very entitled, don't I?" Y/N's tone shifted, his self-awareness breaking through his earlier frustration.

I offered him a reassuring smile, understanding the turmoil of emotions he was experiencing. "You're not entitled, Y/N. It's natural to feel disappointed."

"But being a Prefect doesn't define you. You're still a role model to the younger students, and they look up to you."

Y/N contemplated my words for a moment before speaking again. "I want to ask Dumbledore about it," he admitted, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

"Y/N, trust me," I urged gently, "it's better to let it go. Asking Dumbledore will only make things more complicated."

Reluctantly, Y/N nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "You're right, Hermione," he conceded, offering me a grateful smile.

"Besides," I added, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, "you're handling this with grace. And I'm proud of you for that."

Y/N's expression softened, and he leaned in to press a kiss to my forehead. "Thanks, Mione," he whispered, gratitude evident in his voice.

Y/N's POV

I had just settled down after talking to Hermione when there was a knock on the door. My dad then stepped in.

"Hey, Dad," I greeted. "What's up?"

"I just can't believe it," he muttered, pacing back and forth. "Ron Weasley, Prefect? Over you? What has he done to deserve it? You've accomplished so much more."

"You're at the top of your class, you've faced more challenges than most adults, and you've come out on top," he continued. "Ron is just... Ron."

I sighed. "Dad, it is what it is. Ron has done plenty. Maybe Dumbledore got it mixed up, but whatever. And I might talk to Dumbledore and McGonagall about it when we get back to school."

Dad shook his head. "I think that's a bad idea. You should let it go."

"You sound just like Hermione," I retorted, feeling a mix of annoyance and resignation.

"Well, I reckon she's right," Dad replied, crossing his arms. "There's no need to make this a big deal, especially when it comes to Dumbledore. Besides, you have more important things to worry about. Like the O.W.L.s."

I raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you care about education? Weren't you a troublemaker in school? Uncle Thomas told me that."

Dad laughed, the tension easing a bit. "I was, but if there was one thing I was serious about, it was the O.W.L.s. You want a good job after you're done with school. Plus, your mother would throw a fit beyond the grave if you turned out to be a right foul git with no job."

I couldn't help but smile at that. "That does make me feel better. I miss her."

Dad's expression softened. "I miss her too, son. She'd be proud of the man you're becoming."

As he left the room, I sighed.

Maybe I'm making such a big deal about nothing. I mean, who cares if I'm a Prefect?

Who am I kidding, of course I care. This is something I wanted entering fifth year.

But Ron's also my friend, so I should be happy for him and keep doing what I'm doing.

Well, with Hermione not coming upstairs for a bit. This is as good of a time as any.

I pulled my bag over to me and picked up the crystal ball out of the pocket.

I don't know what I saw the other night, with all of us in that one room. With all those crystal spheres, but I needed to find out.

I put my hand on the crystal ball, looking intently inside.

"The one who will help vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have defied him."

I have no idea where we were, as the vision turned to all of us in that same dark room. But that message keeps coming back.

What is going on here?

My vision then turned to something else, Bellatrix Lestrange.

She was locked in a duel with other wizards, amongst them were my Dad and Uncle. The Death Eaters were there as well.

"Avada Kedavra!" She screamed, shooting a spell towards the center of the room.

Before I could see who she was aiming for, I suddenly was taken back to my room.

I was sweating, but no need to comprehend this right now. School is tomorrow anyways.

I put my crystal ball back into my bag. Maybe I'll figure out what all of this means later on.

Nonetheless, I need a vacation.

Harry's POV

The next morning, we were all on our way to Platform 9 3/4. I on one hand, had to be escorted by Mad Eye, Thomas, Mrs. Weasley, and Sirius as a Dog. Steven as an Eagle was perched on Y/N's shoulder, as nobody was aware that he was still around.

We entered the Platform and saw many families seeing their children off, sending them off.

"Made it on time this year," Y/N said. "Brilliant."

"Nice dog, Harry!" Lee shouted at me. "Is that and Eagle, Y/N?"

"Thanks, mate!" I shouted back.

"It's not mine!" Y/N shouted. "But thank you for noticing!"

A porter came to grab our belongings, and before we knew it, it was time to go.

"Keep your head down," Mad Eye said to us. "Don't forget, all of you - careful what you put in writing. If in doubt, don't even write a letter at all."

Heather joined in, as she was also taking off.

"Have a safe ride there, I'll be at the feast by the time you arrive." She smirked.

You see, Heather was going to be transferring to Hogwarts from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic this school year.

Which was pretty exciting for obvious reasons.

Not like that, she's just a really great friend.

I wonder why she's not coming with us on the train though.

"It's been great meeting you all," Tonks said to us. "We'll see you all soon, I would think."

Mrs. Weasley rushed us into the compartment, but Y/N stayed behind to speak to his Uncle, which I caught a slight listen to.

"Best of luck this year," he said. "I know this whole Prefect thing is a bit confusing, but keep your head down and keep being you. We'll be in touch soon."

"Thanks, Uncle," Y/N nodded.

Before Y/N could join us in the compartment, Thomas called him back.

"Y/N!" He shouted.

"Yeah?" Y/N asked.

"I love you," Thomas smiled.

Y/N nodded and smiled.

"Love you too, Uncle."

Steven flew off of Y/N's shoulder and onto the shoulder of his brother, who was leaving with the rest of the Order.

"I love you," George teased, as he playfully shoved Y/N.

"Shut up, mate." Y/N laughed, leading us to the normal compartment.

"Shall we go find a compartment then?" I asked, but I was met with silence.

"Uhm, we're supposed to go to the Prefect carriage." Hermione said awkwardly, featuring to Ron.

"Right," he replied. "We should probably do that."

"Right, well you have fun then." Y/N said gruffly, as Ron glared at him.

"I don't think we have to stay long!" Hermione exclaimed. "We're supposed to report to the Head Boy and Girl and then patrol the corridors from time to time."

She squeezed Y/N's hand to emphasize her point. I could tell he was still mad about this whole thing.

"Alright," Y/N eased. "We'll find a compartment and see you later."

Hermione kissed him once more before she took off to the Prefect compartment with Ron.

"And then there were two." I said.

"Let's just find the compartment." Y/N sighed.

Eventually, we found a compartment, one with Luna Lovegood inside of it. She was reading something upside down, which was strange but it's Luna, and I can't find anything bad to stay about her.

"Hey Luna." Y/N said. "Why are you reading that upside down?"

"The Runes article." She replied. "I think it's alright. I'm sorry; has Ron gone? I thought he was going to be here.'

"He went to the Prefects carriage," Y/N sighed. "It's only for Prefects though."

'Oh,' said the girl. 'Are you not a Prefect, Y/N?'

"No Luna," he said. "I'm not, but it's fine."

'I'd better go and find him, then.' Luna replied.

As she left, Y/N slumped over on his side, pulling a blanket up to his chest.

"I'm gonna get some sleep," he said. "wake me up when we arrive at school."

"Are you still upset about Prefect?" I asked. "It's really not a big deal, mate."

"It is what it is," Y/N sighed. "Mione gave me a whole speech on how it doesn't matter, because it's just a title. Sure it's disappointing but there's nothing I can do."

"Then why are you taking a nap?"

"I'm tired," Y/N yawned. "I was looking at the crystal ball after Hermione went to sleep."

Now I was interested.

"What did you see?" I asked.

Y/N always had the weird ability to see into the future whenever he looked into his crystal ball. Plus after what had happened in the graveyard with Voldemort, we couldn't get ahead of ourselves. He could be anywhere at this point.

However, before he began, Neville popped into the compartment with Ginny and Kieran, who was trying to explain about the Arsenal match.

"I'll tell you later." Y/N said, turning our attention back to our friends.

I still don't quite understand football, but from being friends with Kieran and Y/N it's made things a bit easier.

Soon enough, Ron and Hermione had returned and hour later, as soon as we were done playing some games.

"That was tiring," Hermione yawned, laying down next to Y/N, who was laying down next to Gracie and Crookshanks.

"There are two fifth year Prefects in each house," Hermione lectured us. "Us for Gryffindor, Thea and Sam for Ravenclaw, Ernie Macmillan and Laura for Hufflepuff."

I saw Ron blush at the mention of Laura, he definitely fancies her.

"Who's the Slytherin Prefect?" Y/N asked. "Or do I have to even say it?"

"It's actually not Malfoy," Ron explained. "It's Rosewood and Parkinson, which is a bit worse."

"Well that's good to know," Y/N said. "I have friends who are all Prefects, so I can get into as much trouble as I want."

Hermione glared at him.

"I'm kidding," Y/N said. "I'll behave myself."

"You better." Hermione replied, leaning into him.

Y/N's POV

As we continued playing games, I noticed Luna rejoin our compartment. She was reading a Quibbler.

"Luna," I said, getting her attention. "May I have a copy of one of those?"

Luna nodded, before handing me a copy of the Quibbler. I must admit, it's easier to read this then the Daily Prophet nowadays. Especially with all the lies Skeeter pulls.

HOW FAR WILL FUDGE GO TO GAIN GRINGOTTS?

Considering that it's Fudge, I would expect he's trying to regain any sense of respect due to his terrible tenure.

CORRUPTION IN THE QUIDDITCH LEAGUE?

Been saying this for years.

HOW THE TORNADOS ARE TAKING CONTROL:

SECRETS OF THE ANCIENT RUNES REVEALED:

SIRIUS BLACK: VILLAIN OR VICTIM

The Sirius article caught my attention, and I began to read:

Sirius Black as he's painted?

Notorious Mass Murderer OR Innocent Singing Sensation?

What is he on about?

"Dad's been getting a lot of stories about Mr. Black." Luna said calmly. "I think he's just misunderstood."

I continued to read the article with Hermione and Harry, while Kieran was trying to explain football to Neville, who looked as if he had no idea what was going on.

For fourteen years, Sirius Black has been believed to be the mass murderer of twelve innocent Muggles and one wizard. Blacks escape from Azkaban two years ago has led to the wildest manhunt ever conducted by the Ministry of Magic, with reports and witnesses saying he had an accomplice with him. Who this accomplish is remains a mystery.

Dad.

None of us ever questioned that Black deserves to be recaptured and hunted by the Dementors.

BUT DOES HE?

"Startling new evidence has recently come to light that Sirius Black may not have committed the crimes for which he was sent to Azkaban. In fact, says Doris Purkiss, of 18 Ancathia Way, Little Norton, that Black was not present for the killings."

"What people don't realize is that Sirius Black is a false name," says Mrs. Purkiss. "The man people believed to be Sirius Black is actually Stubby Boardman, lead singer of the popular singing group The Hobgoblins, who retired from public life after being struck in the ear by a turnip at a concert in Little Norton Church nearly fifteen years ago. I recognized him the moment I saw his name in the paper. Now Stubby couldn't possibly commit those crimes, because on the day in question he happened to be enjoying a romantic dinner with me-

Okay I can see where this is going.

"Well, there's one thing right about that article." Hermione said to be. "Sirius didn't kill those Muggles."

"It's a good thing that nobody saw Dad, or else the Minsitry would have him jailed by now." I said nervously. "And the L/N name isn't exactly perfect nowadays."

The Daily Prophet had been smearing Uncle Thomas' name, basically insisting that he assaulted Fudge for no reason other than he had mental issues when in fact he punched Fudge for being an annoying git who didn't listen to reason.

And speaking of which, we moved on to our next article, which talked about the man.

"Last night, Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, denied that he had any plans to take over the running of the Wizarding Bank, Gringotts, when he was elected president of the United Wizards' Council next year."

'I utterly refute these allegations,' said Fudge last night. 'I am entirely happy with the current arrangements at Gringotts. The bank is in good hands, and I have no intention of changing anything.'

Critics of Fudge point out, however, that Gringotts has never been led by a non-goblin and that Fudge's public stance is contradicted by the fact that he has already held discussions with goblin representatives about the bank's future. Spokesgoblin Griphook said last night, 'We consider these talks with the Minister to have been very positive.'

Fudge's detractors within the Ministry have suggested that his insistence that the bank is not a "high priority" for him personally shows a worrying lack of interest in the welfare of the magical community, and in the integrity of goblin wizards.

Yeah I'm going to go ahead and call BS on this one.

"Luna, your father edits these?" Hermione asked politely.

"Yes." Luna replied. "May I please have that back?"

"I gotta say, Luna." I said, handing her the paper. "These articles are much more interesting than the ones in the Prophet."

But before much could be said, we could hear the annoying little sound of Draco Malfoy and his henchmen standing outside. Crabbe and Goyle.

"What do you want?" Harry said angrily, as Draco entered our compartment.

"Manners, Potter," Malfoy said. "Or I can have Pansy or Tomas give you a detention. You see, unlike you, I have connections that could easily give you a detention, which means I have the power to hand out punishments whenever I please."

"No you don't." Tom said as he passed by the door with Pansy on their rounds. "Hello, Y/N, Harry, Hermione."

"You don't have any power over anyone, Malfoy." Pansy said. "So why don't you just sit down and shut up, before we write you up."

Malfoy's face was beat red, as Hermione laughed at him.

"You best listen to her, Malfoy,"She said. "You don't want to end up in detention."

"Calm your Mudblood down, L/N." Malfoy jeered, as his band of friends laughed along with him.

Oh this little git.

"You know what's great about both of us not being Prefects, Malfoy?" I asked, standing up from my seat. "That I can kick your ass anytime I want to, and not get an immediate punishment."

"Once again, not true-" Pansy began.

"Quiet, Pansy!"

I squared up with Malfoy, who began to tremble as I glared at him.

"You better watch yourself, L/N. You and Potter." He said. "You'll be digging in your footsteps if you step out of line."

"Yeah, whatever." I barked back. "Leave."

I closed the door on the three Slytherins, before joining everyone once more.

"Why didn't you stop me?" I teased Hermione, who laughed.

"Because he deserved it." She said.

"That's not very Prefect like if you ask me." I said back. "But I love you for it."

"Love you too."

But Ron looked disgusted.

"Can you two stop being lovey dovey all the time?" He asked. "For once?"

"You're just jealous because you aren't doing this with Laura." Hermione said.

Ron turned beet red. "I-I have no idea what you're on about."

Before Ron could muster a coherent comeback, Hermione glanced at her watch and nudged him. "We need to do our rounds before the train stops. Come on, Ron."

Ron grumbled but followed Hermione out of the compartment, leaving the rest of us behind. Ginny and Kieran turned to me with curious expressions.

"Why aren't you a Prefect?" Ginny asked, tilting her head.

Kieran snorted. "It's Ron, isn't it? Maybe Dumbledore got hit in the head or something."

Ginny swatted him on the arm. "That's my brother, Kieran!"

"Let it go," I interjected, raising my hands in mock surrender. "I'm done being mad about it."

The train eventually slowed to a stop at Hogwarts, and we gathered our things, filing out onto the platform. It was strange not seeing Hagrid with the first years. A knot of worry twisted in my stomach, but I pushed it aside as we made our way to the carriages.

Hermione, Harry, Neville, Ron, Luna, Ginny, and I climbed into one of the carriages. I paused, staring at the skeletal, winged creatures harnessed to it.

Harry furrowed his brow, looking between us and the creatures. "What are those horses?"

Hermione gave him a puzzled look. "Harry, there aren't any horses."

"You can't see them?" Harry asked, incredulous.

Ron gave Harry a concerned look. "Are you okay, mate?"

"I can see them," I said quietly, studying the Thestrals. They were eerie yet oddly majestic, with their black, leathery wings and blank, white eyes that seemed to see right through you.

Luna smiled serenely. "It's okay, you aren't going mad. I can see them too. You're just as sane as we are."

God love you, Luna.

Hermione's POV

The Great Hall buzzed with the familiar mix of excitement and chatter as students settled in for the beginning of the year feast. The enchanted ceiling above us mirrored the night sky outside, stars twinkling brightly amidst a velvety blackness.

I glanced around everyone—Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and, of course, Y/N.

It did feel good to be home again.

Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet, the hall gradually quieting. He looked around at us with that signature twinkle in his eyes, waiting for complete silence before speaking.

"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. "I have a few announcements before we commence our feast. "Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you for the four hundredth and thirty seventh time it seems, that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."

There was a collective groan from the students, but Dumbledore pressed on with a small smile.

"Additionally, this year, we have the pleasure of welcoming some transfer students to our school. They will be sorted into their respective houses in just a moment."

This piqued everyone's interest, and the noise level in the hall rose as we all speculated who these new students might be.

I knew one would be Heather, but the others I wasn't sure of.

And then suddenly, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and in walked Heather alongside two others.

The other two girls, I realized with a jolt, were from Beauxbatons.

Natasha, who I remembered from the Yule Ball.

And.....Antoinette.

I stiffened as Antoinette lined up with the others. Memories of her flirting with Y/N last year at the Triwizard Tournament came flooding back, and I had to clench my fists to keep my composure.

Y/N leaned in and whispered, "It's alright, Hermione. Antoinette and I are friends now."

I took a deep breath and nodded, though my eyes remained fixed on Antoinette.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward with the Sorting Hat, and the hall fell silent again.

"Heather Weasley," she called.

Heather approached the stool and sat down, the hat placed on her head. After a moment's pause, the hat bellowed, "Gryffindor!"

Cheers erupted from our table, and Heather grinned broadly as she joined us.

"Antoinette Henry," McGonagall announced next.

Antoinette stepped forward with a confident stride. The hat barely touched her head before declaring, "Slytherin!"

There was a mixture of applause and murmurs as she sauntered over to the Slytherin table. I couldn't help but feel a pang of relief that she wouldn't be sitting with us.

"Natasha Allard-Bellegrade," McGonagall called out the last name.

Natasha walked up gracefully, and after a brief deliberation, the hat proclaimed, "Ravenclaw!"

The Ravenclaw table clapped as Natasha took her seat.

Heather slid into the seat next to Ginny, and we all exchanged excited smiles.

Harry was the one who was pretty excited for obvious reasons.

Selena however, didn't seem to be too excited about Heather and Harry talking.

Y/N's POV

The feast carried on, but my mind was elsewhere. I knew I should let it go, but the fact that I wasn't chosen as Prefect nagged at me. I needed to talk to someone who might have answers. My eyes drifted to Professor McGonagall, seated at the staff table. My godmother. If anyone could give me clarity, it was her.

I excused myself from the table, earning a curious look from Hermione and a teasing eyebrow raise from Ron. As I approached the staff table, Professor McGonagall noticed me and gave a slight nod, indicating that I could speak to her.

"Hey mum," I began, trying to keep my voice steady despite the noisy hall. "May I have a word?"

She sighed, a mixture of empathy and understanding in her eyes. "Of course, Mr. L/N. Let's step aside for a moment."

We moved to a quieter corner of the hall, away from the prying ears of the students. She looked at me with a maternal concern that only she could muster.

"I know I should let this go," I started, "but I need to talk about not being chosen as Prefect. I was hoping you could give me some insight."

McGonagall sighed again. "You have every right to be disappointed, Y/N. Truth be told, I was just as confused as you when Professor Dumbledore requested Mr. Weasley for the position. Your high marks and exemplary conduct certainly made you a strong candidate."

I nodded, feeling a mixture of validation and frustration. "Do you think it has anything to do with what happened to Harry and me at the Triwizard Tournament?"

She shook her head. "No, Y/N. Professor Dumbledore had his reasons, though he did not share them with me in detail. It's important not to let this disappointment cloud your actions. You are still a role model for the first years and the other students."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her words. "Thank you. Hermione told me something similar."

A rare smile touched McGonagall's lips. "Ms. Granger is a wise young witch, and good for you, I might add. She's right. You mustn't let this setback affect you negatively."

"Thank you, Mum," I repeated, truly meaning it this time. "I'll try to move past it."

"One more thing, Y/N," she added, her tone taking on a cryptic edge. "You're about to receive something special next week. I believe it will take your mind off this whole Prefect business."

I blinked, taken aback. "Something special?"

She gave a knowing nod. "Indeed. Now, go on and enjoy the feast."

With that, she returned to the staff table, leaving me with a mix of curiosity and lingering disappointment. I made my way back to my seat, my mind buzzing with thoughts. Hermione looked at me questioningly as I sat down.

"Everything okay?" she asked, her concern evident.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah, I think so. McGonagall... well, she had some encouraging things to say. And apparently, I'm about to receive something special next week."

Hermione's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Really? What do you think it is?"

"I have no idea," I admitted, a small smile tugging at my lips. "But I guess we'll find out soon enough."

The feast went on smoothly after that, although I got some snide looks from people I didn't know, along with Seamus. I don't know what that's about.

Then Professor Dumbledore approached the stage once more, probably making another announcement.

He cleared his throat and continued. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is currently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, which I'm sure you'll all agree is most unusual."

What? That was a bit peculiar.

"Very well. You should also be aware that the Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Changes at the school are, therefore, inevitable when the Ministry feels it is in the best interests of the student body to enact them. With that said, I would like to introduce you all to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge."

Oh no.

I saw the same woman from the Wizengamot stand up and take the stage. She was very toad like, wearing an all pink outfit.

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," she said, her voice high-pitched and breathy, "for those kind words of welcome."

This has Fudge written all over it. I didn't like it one bit.