A New Beginning - Drarry

[ Chapter One - September ]

Harry, Ron and Hermione were relaxing on the grassy bank outside the castle grounds. It was a warm September morning, a Saturday, and they'd just completed their first week back at Hogwarts. They had returned to the school for their eighth year, to complete their education. Both Headmistresses McGonagall and the newly reformed Ministry granted that the previous year be scrapped in terms of education, due to events of the war and the drop in a standard of teaching due to the Carrows. Ginny explained over the summer that while the trio were away hunting horcruxes, Hogwarts didn't operate as normal last year. 

Students were incapable of learning due to the threat of being cursed at any given moment, teachers usual curriculum was cast aside, the hospital wing was filled every week from tortured first years, students deteriorating mental health and adults suffering punishments from refusing to abide by the new rules. Dark magic had filled the cold stone walls of Hogwarts and now a fresh start was blooming. With McGonagall as Headmistress, studies returned to normal and a new feeling of hope was spreading. Workload was more relaxed, with less homework being given and shorted exam timetables due at the end of the following year. 

Though the houses still remained, the point system was scrapped to bring in a new era of cooperation and community. More social events were arranged, from team sport days to cooking and craft afternoons, to encourage the students to mingle and get to know each other across all years and houses. Neville ran a social Herbology group where students could help each other grow their plants, share tips and create small green spaces around the castle for others to enjoy. Harry taught Quidditch basics alongside Ginny to anyone interested in improving their skill. Students from all years would gather on the pitch once a fortnight to learn about the game, while most simply idolised Harry and were fascinated by everything he said. 

Hermione offered tutoring sessions in the library for fellow students who wanted a little extra help. There was a wonderful sense of community. The war had changed a lot of people and forced young students to deal with a lot, but McGonagall was doing her best to ensure the school was home for all and that everyone had a place to feel safe and happy. The grounds of Hogwarts suffered a vast amount of damage during the war, most of which had now been cleared and rebuilt back to it's natural beauty. The returning eighth year students were crammed into their usual house common rooms for the first two months until the final touches for their new space had been built for them. 

As there were only a handful from each house, they would be living collectively in one large shared common room on the top floor of the castle. The trio lazily looked out across the grounds, taking a quiet moment to reflect. Acers and acers of trees rolled over the hills, with their purest green leaves resisting the urge to turn red just yet. Glimmers of yellow, gold and auburn reflecting on the surface edge of the lake. The Sun was blazing high, flecks of blinding white light bouncing off the water, the lake dancing with colours of the ever changing seasons. "It feels strange being back here." Harry pondered, gazing across the black lake. "Do you think I made the right choice in returning?" 

"Absolutely. It will bring you the closure that you need after living though such horrid events. Besides, your education is still vital, Harry. now is the time to focus on your studies and the future ahead of you." Hermione replied as she sat peacefully between Ron's legs, both of them facing out into the breeze, his arms holding them up while her mass of brown curls splayed out against his chest. Harry simply shared a look with Ron, the pair smiling to themselves at the classic Hermione response, they never expected anything less. "This is probably the most relaxed I've felt in a long time." Ron sighed, smiling gently taking in the views in front of him. 

"I agree with Ron. I mean...being with your family for the summer was wonderful...but I guess it's nice to finally have some space to ourselves." "I think Mum appreciates the space too!" Ron chuckled. "I'm just glad to be back." Harry announced after some time. "I wasn't sure I wanted to return, not after the battle, but actually...seeing the positive changes here now...it feels like home again." Hermione nodded, giving her usual look of pity Harry's way. "You know what did surprise me though?" Ron added. "Malfoy, I really thought we'd seen the last of him after he ran off with mummy and daddy back in the courtyard. Bloody coward." 

Harry nodded in agreement. "I know the Ministry let him free last month. He was underage when he took the Dark Mark anyway, I think they blame the parents." Ron shook his head "He got lucky if you ask me." "Still, why would he want to return to Hogwarts? I thought he hated everything about this school." Hermione asked. "No idea." Harry shrugged. "Though I actually bumped into him in the corridor yesterday, literally, we crashed right into each other and he didn't curse at me or anything, he actually apologised...and asked if I was okay." Ron and Hermione looked at him with raised eyebrows. 

"He apologised? To you?" Ron asked. Harry nodded. "It was the weirdest thing. He was so quiet and timid, no name-calling, no shoving or anything. Voldemort probably scared the crap out of him." "I bloody hope he stays like that. One more year of him I think I'll lose it. If he so much as comes near me I'll rub his smug face straight into the dirt." Ron growled. "Maybe he's changed since the war?" Hermione pondered. "Many people have been affected by the war and Malfoy was dragged in rather deep with his father's ties to Voldemort." "Changed or not, I don't want to spend a single minute with that git." Ron added. 

Harry looked out across the grounds thinking of reasons why Malfoy could have returned. An anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach was praying that he wasn't back to cause more trouble. People were still recovering as it was and he'd hoped he wouldn't be spending much time near him anyway. Regardless, his bizarre encounter with the Slytherin left him feeling curious, maybe there was still time to salvage some form of civility. "So!" Hermione slapped her thighs with excitement, starting Ron. "What do we think of our first week back? I personally think it's thrilling to be studying again. Though I must admit our new History of Magic class is a little on the dull side."

"I'm sure Professor Peattle will find her stride soon. I'm slightly disappointed about there being less extracurricular work this year but I'm sure I can ask for additional projects." She smiled to herself. Ron glanced across to Harry with a subtle smirk. Yes. Everything felt normal again. "I saw that look, Ronald!" She gasped swatting his arm. Harry felt a warmth seeing his two best friends curled together in such happiness. After months of suffering, fear and uncertainty, the smiles were returning, the laughter grew louder and the brightness for their features was stronger. They finally felt at peace. It was going to be a good year. 

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A note from Professor McGonagall

To all returning eighth year students, 

Due to the decreased number of returning students, all eighth year students shall be moving to a shared accommodation on the seventh floor of the castle. Each student will be given their own room, marked by their initials where they will find their belongings waiting for them. The eighth year common room will accommodate all houses collectively, so we trust you all to be respectful to one another and uphold the same values as always. 

Students will need to have their trunks packed and ready no later than November 2nd, 9am. This includes all study materials, personal belongings and extracurricular equipment. Your belongings shall be moved to the new shared dormitories on the day where you will find everything in it's new place. Should you have any queries, please speak to your current head of house

Regards, 
Professor McGonagall
Headmistress