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CHAPTER 10 – Headmistress Hermione!
The tumultuous journey was finally seeing an end to it as the sun was already sinking behind the Forbidden Forest; as the branches of the Whomping Willow crouched down as a sign of tiredness. Tiredness was not the only thing on the mind of Hermione as she was more focusing on her speech. Anxiety and nervousness were also clearly depicted on her face. After all, that was going to be the first time where she’s going to address Hogwarts’ students after dinner.
Ron: Don’t worry about it too much. It’s not now that you’d fall short. You’ve faced much greater dangers than that. We’re the Legendary Team who kicked the Dark Lord’s ass.
In those 19 years, fact remains that Ron always took pride in being a major part to defeat Lord Voldemort and this feeling was definitely not unexpressed or shunned; whether at home or at his Ministry’s job.
Hermione: Um….yeah.
Hermione barely replied to Ron as she was still plunged into her speech when the bell rang – indicating the students to gather in the Great Hall for dinner.
Ron: I’ll get to the Great Hall. Don’t be late.
His small jab was met with a resentful glare by Hermione as he took the stairs.
***
Meanwhile, while most students were rushing into the Hall, a gloomy little blond lad was getting consoled.
Rose: Come on, we should get inside now, Scorpius.
Scorpius: I still can’t dwell the fact that those ninjas are going to stay here still. And here I thought, Slughorn was a true Slytherin…
Rose: Well, I understand your feelings and I know you’re tensed that your mother…
Scorpius: Don’t speak of my mother. That’s our issue. A Malfoy issue!
Rose nonetheless put her caring hand on Scorpius’s shoulders but the moment was short-lived; as Scorpius recklessly stood up and went alone in the Hall. Rose was going to follow him when she noticed her Dad and coyly entered the Hall too but towards the Gryffindor table.
***
The dinner was served moments later. The classy house-elves – dressed in waiter robes and shawls of the four different Houses – gathered at the front of all tables and clapped their hands. A real feast appeared on all tables. Everyone was quickly stuffing themselves with everything they got underhand and soon under their mouth.
Ron: Since when were house-elves on the front-line to serve food?
Hermione: Since I took charge. You really think I would have let that ‘slavery’ be pursued?
Ron didn’t really tried to argue especially since the steak, in front of him, seemed delicious and he took a fork rapidly. On the Gryffindor table, Albus, with mashed potatoes in his mouth, slowly viewed the Professors’ table. The table was extended today specially for the ninjas; out of which Naruto was obviously the most glared. First for his early duel and secondly, thanks to his unique appetite and way of stuffing himself on table. Albus smiled upon that as he was noticing how Naruto was getting scolded by Sakura for grossly eating a whole chicken. He then turned his attention to his father who slowly was eating his steak. A definite pride was seen in his eyes. He glimpsed towards James and Rose to see if there was a reciprocate feeling in their hearts too but James was more concentrated on the exquisite feast while Rose was giving desperate sweet eyes towards Scorpius’s direction.
*Half an hour later*
Hermione: May I have your attention please?
Most of the students listened immediately and some were forced as the feast was quickly disappearing from the table; courtesy of the elves.
Hermione: As you all know, the last days were pretty boisterous for diverse reasons. Hence, this is my first time addressing to you all as the New Headmistress of Hogwarts. As you all know by now, there’s quite a big panic going on in the outside, and following an “incident”, Hogwarts is now on Level 2. This upraise of precaution will have numerous boundaries set over you till the matter is cleared. Also, for further precaution, Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic decided to reinstate the Defense Against Dark Arts post and I’d like you to all warmly welcome the new Professor in this post – Harry Potter!
The welcoming for the ‘Hero’ was more of a roaring one but it was definitely pleasant one. Harry made a courteous weave to everyone and was pretty embarrassed by this.
Hermione: …Continuing over our new staff addition, there’ll be special classes held this year for all years for a “new type of magic”. And I’d like you all to give all your whole-hearted support to Naruto and his crew for their enriching classes.
Naruto stood up and rose up his fist.
Naruto: We’ll have a great time together, dattebayo!
Lee: Woah, such enthusiasm from these students. I can feel the Power of Yout…
Sakura hit both on their heads.
Sakura: Be more ‘civilized’, would you?
Naruto: Ouch, Sakura-chan! Sincerely, I think your hands need civilizing lessons more than me.
Shikamaru: Oh well…
Kakashi: We hope that our bonds will strengthen in the upcoming days and hope, we’ll all enjoy each others’ company.
On this note, a warmful cheer was heard. The applause was definitely a much quieter one than Harry’s; though it was not such a depressive one as Naruto convinced many over his early battle with Slughorn today.
Hermione: Finally, I’ll end up on a third great news. Hogwarts will have the honor and pleasure to host the Triwizard Goblet of Fire Tournament. Late Professor McGonagall has been working hard on the re-establishment of the event and I’m glad that despite the on-goings tensions, we’ll be hosting the event as in accordance. The event will start in one week – a decision made after consideration. For those who don’t know, the Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. Though an annual event at that time, the tournament got shelved due to an alarming death toll in it. 22 years ago, an attempt at reviving the tournament was made but after a chaotic ending, the tournament was again discontinued.
Though, there was a definite excitement in most students, the last part of the announcement almost gave a feeling that tournament was kinda jinxed. Harry had a sudden thought for Cédric upon Hermione’s speech. Hermione took a deep breath before joyfully continuing her speech.
Hermione: However, everyone involved in the restoration of this event; along with departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports worked really hard and are hopeful and confident that the tournament will be a very endearing one this time around. I’m sure that all of you will cooperate happily with this event and be even more cordial and pleasant with our foreign guests, the students of both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang who’ll arrive in 4 days. Still, we’ve kept the rule that was imposed 22 years ago; that is, only the students having 17 years or older will be allowed to take part in the Tournament.
Before an evident uproar was about to be raise thank to the age-limit, Hermione decided to end her speech.
Hermione: Your respective Headmasters will provide you a new updated syllabus on your upcoming classes in the morning. And more information on the Triwizard tournament will also be given to you in some days. Goodnight everyone!
Once the speech was over, a sudden big mutter was easily being heard while most of the students began swarming together to reach the Entrance door. For the most rebellious ones who tried to stay, to further question Hermione on the tournament, were rather chased off by Peeves and his unique cringing voice. Hermione pushed a heave of relief as her first speech was done.
Harry: Brilliant job as always, Hermione.
Ron: Yes, you were marvelous. Chill out a bit now.
She smiled back to Harry. Harry was perhaps always the quickest when it came to encourage or congratulate her. He was always the one who took the first initiative; too often at the expense of Ron.
Hermione: Thanks.
As she was beginning to leave with the three, Krum - who was sitting to the furthest left - interrupted them.
Krum: Erm, Her-myowny, will you mind if I accompany you all back to the office?
Hermione: Well...
Harry: I'm going to talk to Neville’s office first. I need to ask him something. Ron, will you...?
Ron: I'm staying with Hermione!
His reply was so forceful and stern that there was no point to argue further.
Hermione: Okay then...Come Krum
Harry went in the opposite direction to join Neville who was also leaving with the other Professors. As for Naruto and the other ninjas, they went to the outside in the constructed house by Yamato while, Krum incrusted himself between Hermione and Ron.
Krum: You were very good with your speech.
Hermione: Thank you.
She blushed a little; a reaction which became reflex whenever she was with Krum.
Krum: I wanted to ask you why you took the decision to forward the tournament that fast. The tournament inauguration was going to be in 3 weeks and it’s now down to a single week. I agreed to it; only because you gave green lights to it but still...
Hermione: I know but I couldn't do otherwise. I needed to rush the tournament so as to show everyone that Hogwarts is safe enough. After the panic in recent weeks, it was the best way to maintain cohesion of students and assure them and their parents of their security. But I couldn't wait for 3 weeks for that. I had to be something more immediate...
Krum: I understand your position but such a rush for the tournament. You know the honor of the 3 most prestigious schools are on stake with the Goblet of Fire Triwizard Tournament and this is…
Hermione: I understand but like I said, it was this or nothing.
Krum felt a bit out of argument as Hermione was nearing her office.
Krum: Uh, I...
Hermione: I think this corridor will lead you towards your room. Have a good night, Krum.
It was the first time ever that Hermione replied to Krum so coldly; something Ron could almost jubilate to.
Krum: Yeah...Good night Hermy-owny. You too.
Ron: Yea yea, good night.
Krum left Ron and Hermione who reached soon towards the stone gargoyle.
Ron: I liked how you pushed that “Russian Irritator” away.
Hermione: I don't know why but ever since he came here, he seems desperate to know our situation. I really don't want to divulge anything to him though. Besides...
They stepped onto the spiral stairs that began moving upwards.
Hermione: ...this matter needs to be solved soon and in fact, 3 weeks or 1 week didn't matter really to me. I accepted to host this tournament only because this was the best way to capture Kabuto out the fastest. And the faster the tournament, the faster the bait will be laid…
She put her silky long Headmistress coat on a golden rack as she went leaning on the couch.
Ron: You really want that Kabuto to be captured?
Hermione didn’t reply immediately…
Hermione: It’s my priority right now.
She said that in a sobbed voice though.
Ron: Hey, why are you crying? Don’t worry; we don’t even know if that guy will keep creating such chaos either…
Hermione: It’s not him which I’m afraid of – it’s of You-Know-Who! I don’t want to live the same hell as 19 years earlier. Who knows what may result again…?
Ron began caressing her hair softly.
Ron: I never knew you were so afraid of Voldemort.
Hermione: It’s not the fear of him but the fear to relive the sadness we went through. We lost so many friends in that battle. Due to him, I’m an orphan despite having my parents. Do you know how this feels?
Ron: …
She began crying more. Ron never realized it before but Hermione was definitely more affected by the events of 19 years earlier. Even if Ron also lost George in the battle, it must definitely be a cruel fate for Hermione. She has parents who don’t know her or their children. Now that he thinks of it, he never had any in-laws relationships.
Ron slowly leaned nearby her and he kissed her on her eyes and forehead as she closed her wet eyes with a hopeful smile. A smile that Ron hoped will not fade in the upcoming days…
~END OF CHAPTER~
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Well, it's been some time but it's due to some real life issues/problems. Moving on, I know that this chapter was very wizard-centric with lots of talks and thus, many of you may feel a tad disappointed. I understand that; though I must add this was one of my hardest chapter that I've wrote. The next 2 chapters will also be mostly build-ups courtesy of the GOF build-up. Don't worry, battles will overflow soon after that. Speaking of next chapters, I'm going to try to write those build-up chapters as soon as possible. By consequence, there might be a quick release in the upcoming week. Stay tuned and hope you liked it nevertheless.
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i hope i'll see a lot of action and ninja in next chapters
Nice way to break the ice, so to speak!