So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 99 A Very Different Hogwarts

Draco found himself seated at the Slytherin table preparing himself for a very different year. It was a strange train ride without Harry Potter there. Of course, Harry and his very public relationship with Draco's father was causing Draco some trouble. Already, he had had multiple Gryffindors make comments about his family situation. Naturally, he had hexed them for those particular comments, but it did make him decide to stay with other Slytherins.

And now looking up at the new teachers he saw how much the Dark Lord had done in such a short period of time. Dumbledore was gone. They had a neutral Headmaster - Draco had hoped it would be Uncle Severus but understood that having someone less confrontational was more beneficial in the long run. Never mind the fact that after Uncle Severus' "death" that he couldn't have been headmaster even if they had wanted him to be.

There were several new teachers (and that didn't even include that Professor Sprout was the only Head of House who hadn't changed). Draco recognised Lord Crouch straight away; he had taught them well last year and now he didn't have to pretend to be a half mad Light wizard he would be even better. Then there were another eight witches, and two wizards present.

The change was perhaps exemplified by Pomona Sprout leading the sixty-odd wonderstruck first years into the Great Hall. McGonagall was still here sitting at the teachers table on Headmaster Flitwick's other side looking older than he had ever seen her look. Apparently, the revelations of the summer had really shaken her. Good, Draco thought bitterly thinking of all Harry had suffered - Uncle Severus would never have let one of his snakes be treated like that!

Although, McGonagall wasn't the only one who was looking pale and shaken. At the Gryffindor table sat Ronald Weasley who was quiet and withdrawn, although better dressed than Draco had ever seen him now, he was living with his Aunt and Uncle who weren't as poor as Arthur Weasley was. And completely isolated at the end nearest of the teachers' table with a growing gaggle of eleven-year-old's surrounding him.

And finally, with Ravenclaw Zakchaios Winogrand the Sorting Ceremony was over. Draco with his shining silver prefer badge on his chest was happy to welcome the fifteen new Slytherins to his house even if they would not be dorming with the rest of the Slytherins. Draco was unsure how he felt about that but it was the Dark Lord's idea so it must be for the best.

Then tiny Headmaster Flitwick stood up on his chair who despite that barely was at a height with Professor Sprout. Everyone looked on expectantly. Usually, Professor Dumbledore didn't say much until after the feast was over (most probably so that they were too tired and sleepy to listen properly).

'Good evening, all of you,' smiled the diminutive Headmaster. 'It is a pleasure to see you all back and to welcome our new students to Hogwarts. As I am sure you are all aware this summer the Board of Governors and our staff have worked hard to implement changes. I am sure that for many of you these changes will be strange and frightening. I can only ask that you have patience, this is all new for us as well, and if you have any concerns, you can of course come to any staff. I for one keep regular hours between half nine and half four - and as long as I am present in my offices there will be no password so you can come and see me at any time.'