A Winter's Kiss

by EgyptianAngel
 
 

Prologue
 

The days were darker now at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Hermione's
seventh year. Not just at Hogwarts, but all over the wizarding world. Rumor of him had even
spread into the muggle world. Cornelius Fudge told muggle officials that the man called
himself "Lord Voldemort" and was clearly crazy because he thought that he was a wizard
trying to take over the secret world of magic. Now the entire world, magical and muggle,
was after Voldemort.

Shortly after Hermione's fourth year Albus Dumbledore had called upon the old team of
Auror's that had helped defeat Voldemort once before. Remus Lupin had returned to
Hogwarts, along with his good friend and Harry's Godfather, Sirius Black, who's name
had been cleared. After two years, people finally became used to the fact of Sirius Black
being an innocent man.

The professors of Hogwarts had become closer, and more protective over the students.
The HeadBoy, HeadGirl, and all the prefects received more responsibilities than usual. Yet
with the protectiveness of the Professors, came their now more than ever strict lessons.
The worst of them all by far was the Potions Master at Hogwarts, Severus Snape. If you
weren't a Slytherin, you had better not cross his path, and if by some chance you did, you'd
be wise to not speak nor even look at him, and he might even let you off with just a few
points from your house and a minor detention.

Arthur Weasley, one of the most trusted Ministry workers, had been promoted to Head
of Muggle relations, his duties increasing. With the promotion, came a pay increase, making
the Weasleys more secure, very secure in fact. He was no longer embarrassed of his
family's money situation or any of his belongings. Yet, where there are pros, there are
bound to be cons. Since he was more sure of himself, he stood up to Draco.

One thing Hermione found odd about all of Ron's and Draco's encounters was that
Draco no longer took the effort to come up with clever insults, and never once tried to
slyly injure Ron. In fact, he showed no interest in that at all. He kept to himself, which
was unusual for Draco. He no longer insulted Gryffindors loudly from the Slytherin
Table or in double potions. He hadn't called Hermione a 'mudblood' in two years, he
hadn't called her any insults in fact. He even smiled at her every once in a while when
he passed her in the halls. She was beginning to think that under that pale, cold exterior
there was a heart. But to think that was crazy, wasn't it?
 
 
 

Chapter 1