Serendipity

Hermione's sixth year had started slightly different from the year before. In fifth year, prefects had their orientation meeting on the train. This year that meeting was brief. Just long enough to instruct the prefects that there would be a longer meeting after the feast that night and leave questions in their heads.

This is how she found herself in the Prefects Commons that night. Assembled before the fireplace were the twenty-four prefects, Head Boy Darren Martin, Head Girl Genevieve Salisbury, the headmaster, and heads of houses. Hermione sat with Ron and the Hufflepuff prefects, Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott. She surveyed the room and spotted some changes in the prefect line up.

One in particular caught her eyes. When she saw Blaise Zabini she knew who had replaced Malfoy this year. They caught eyes for a second, before he went back to his book. He was a quiet boy she remember sitting in the back of her Muggle Studies course in third year. She had heard whispers that he was the first Slytherin in the class for four years.

"Look who replaced Malfoy," Ron whispered on her left nodding to Blaise.

"Well, you know the rumors," Ernie kept his voice low too.

"I wouldn't think that Dumbledore would punish a son for his father's actions." Hermione was trusting in Dumbledore's sense of fair play.

"It's not that. He doesn't make the final decision on the prefects." Ernie said.

"Yeah, the governors have a lot to do with that. And we all know who had them in his pockets." Ron added in.

"His father had bought Malfoy's spot as a prefect?" Hannah had joined in.

"More or less. Worked to get him on the Quidditch team didn't it?" Ron smirked.

"I've also heard that Dumbledore has a plan that he wants to try out this year." Ernie seemed full of information tonight. "One that he needed prefects willing to cooperate with in order for it to be a success."

"And we all know how insufferable Malfoy is."

"A real prat isn't he?" The four were surprised to see that Snape had heard them as he swept to the front of the room. "Ten points each from both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff for rude behavior. From prefects nonetheless."

Once the assembly had quieted down Dumbledore stood up to address them. "Welcome! I'm glad to see you all again. We have a great year ahead." He paused. "I have been thinking long and hard about how to solve the bit of a rivalry problem we seem to have here at Hogwarts. Our Houses need to mingle. We are not lacking in social activities at this school, but gossip does not create unity." He looked pointedly at Hermione's group as she felt a blush creep up. "What we need are events. Madame Maxim was kind enough to tell me about the exquisite soirees at Beauxbatons. She left no detail out in describing the elaborate events her students put together throughout the years. I do think she missed them during her stay here." He took a moment to reflect.

"Dear, me. I seem to have lost my point in there somewhere. The point is that we need to create Inter-House unity and why not do so through social activities. I started thinking, more so since the Sorting Hat's song, that our school does lack these things, these chances to create a more united and whole Hogwarts outside of the classroom. A fun way to solve a problem, hmm? With so much hostility between our Houses and the world as it is outside these walls, we need to stand united. No amount of lecturing and telling you students to bond will do that. You simply don't listen." He smiled. "I believe that more casual interaction will do the trick."

Snape did not look thrilled with the idea, whereas Professor Flitwick seemed to bubble over with excitement. Hermione was not shocked. The Sorting Hat had been pushing for this kind of action for the past two years. She found that she too was eager about this proposal. She had always wanted to do something worthwhile and what better way then to help create a legacy of unity and peaceful relations at Hogwarts in her wake.

"Sir? What do you want us to do? As prefects that is?" Ernie was picking up Flitwick's energy.

"Where better to start than our esteemed prefects? I thought it would be empowering to let you plan the events, working together in small teams. Teams that will be dividing prefects so that the Houses can mingle."

Hermione thought this over and agreed. It was one of the simplest ways to begin the process. After all, prefects should be an easier start than the actual whole of the student body. Most of the prefects had already worked together in D.A.

Ernie interrupted her thoughts by passing her a schedule and team lists as Dumbledore continued. "As you can see, we will be meeting more often than in years past. This is so that the events you put on are of quality. After you have received your copy you are free to go. Have a wonderful night."

Looking around the room, she could tell that it might be more difficult than she first thought. Pansy's face was that of disgust. A couple of Ravenclaws began giggling after looking disdainfully at the Hufflepuffs in the room. Yes, this would be a challenge, but Hermione had always liked challenges.

"Ugh! Can you believe this? I'm supposed to work with Pansy Parkinson? And act civil?" Ron complained next to Hermione.

"Ron! That is not the kind of behavior that will make this project a success now is it?" Hermione could not believe him sometimes.

"No worries, mate. I am sure you will prevail." Ernie tried to help.

"And that Michael Corner git."

"What's wrong with him?" Hannah asked. "I hear he's real nice. A friendly sort."

"A friendly sort? That's the problem right there."

"I think you've gone mad, Ron."

"He went out with Ginny last year." Hermione explained to the two Hufflepuffs. "I thought you were over that?" Ron did not really answer her, but made interesting grunting noises instead.

"My group looks good. Delilah Petri, Colin Creevey, Padma Patil. You went with her to the Yule Ball, Ron. How's she?"

Ron did not look in much better of a mood, but answered anyway. "All right I suppose. Wanted to dance a lot. Kind of needy like that. And that Creevey kid is crazy, too."

"He's fine," Hermione shot a look at Ron. "Enthusiastic is all."

"Who do you have, Hermione?" Ernie looked over her shoulder at her list. "Hiroko Matsui? She's in our House. Right nice, too. Hmm. Ian Higgins and Blaise Zabini, don't know much about either of them."

"Blaise is in your group?" Hannah read the parchment. "I don't think I've ever heard him speak and I have two classes with him."

"He seems alright I guess. I don't really know him at all. Might as well take the chance now."

"Even if he agrees about that Muggle born tosh that Malfoy's always on about, he doesn't say it, does he? That's something," Ernie said, but Hermione was not sure if that was much of a consolation prize if he was in Malfoy's camp. After all, his tent would still be there.

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As the week went on Hermione was not surprised to discover that she had more to concentrate on than Dumbledore's project. Everyone knew that sixth year would be more difficult, but they could not have imagined the amount of work they would get. For many there was a nice bonus of not taking Potions, but for the few poor souls who did, it was a nightmare. Unless, that is, you were a Slytherin. Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Neville were the only Gryffindors to take N.E.W.T. level Potions. It seems that in the right atmosphere Neville was quite competent in the subject. Much to the displeasure of Snape he did excellently on his O.W.L.s.

After a rigorous four hours in the dungeons, Hermione escaped with Harry and Ron to a shady spot by the lake. It was only Thursday on her first week back, yet she was exhausted.

"This is ridiculous! Why accept all of us into his class only to tell us we are all idiots!" Ron was ranting, a favorite past time of his.

"Except of the Slytherins," Harry yawned.

"The wha-? Oh, of course, they are all so precious to the wizarding community as it is. They're all evil, the lot of them! But we need to protect their little egos! What about the Boy Who Lived? And his friends who help him live from time to time? Huh? Any recognition? No! Of course not! From a member of the Order too." He ignored Hermione's deadly look at mentioning the Order and continued. "Taking House points away from us like we were children playing with sharp objects . . ." Ron did not stop so much as delineate to grumbling to himself.

"They're not all evil and it's not that bad. Potions was bound to be more difficult that ever this year." Hermione had tried to reason with Ron before and so she knew she did not have much hope now either. "Look at the bright side."

"Bright side! As if there was a bright side!"

"Yeah, what bright side, Hermione?"

"We have to make a perfect Polyjuice potion for mid term and we already knew we could do that in second year." She could not help but look smug as she imagined Snape's face.

"You mean you have nothing to worry about. We didn't really do much," Harry was fair to a fault sometimes, which just started Ron off again.

She could hear him begin another rant. "Polyjuice! If I knew how to do a Polyjuice Potion without you, would I still be in school?" But Hermione wasn't paying much attention to him. Blaise Zabini had just come through the main doors to spend some quality time with the sun. It is always odd how you do not notice a person until they enter your life. They may be floating around in the background for years, but it is not until they are brought to your attention that you finally notice how many classes you have together.

As she watched him walk, she realized two things. The first was that, while he was a fine specimen of a human being his very Italian nose kept him from being drop dead gorgeous -- barely. The second was that she needed to work with him and she did not know him at all. She had talked with Hiroko and Ian a few times before, even though both were fifth years, but while Blaise was in many of her classes, she did not really know him any better than Crabbe or Goyle. Somehow, until now, him being in Slytherin seemed to be enough information for her.

"I got to go." She knew that she had probably just cut Ron off mid-rant, but she did not really mind. "Prefect stuff."

"But I'm a prefect, I don't know about any meeting."

"Not with all the prefects." She looked at him astonished. "Haven't you met with all your group members?"

"No. That means talking with Parkinson. Why me?" He looked to the sky.

"Trust me. I think you just might survive." She stood and picked up her stuff. "See you guys at dinner."

"Sounds good," was the muffled reply from Harry who appeared to be taking a nap in the sun.

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"Hello," Hermione seemed to have startled Blaise. He looked slightly annoyed to be disturbed from his book.

"Hello?" Blaise Zabini could speak. And Hermione had witnessed it. It seemed obvious to her that he must have possessed the ability, but one grows curious after years of classes together. His tone left everything to the imagination. He did not seem angry, but at the same time, he did not seem overjoyed at the sight of her.

"Uh, yeah. Hi. My name's Hermione Gran-"

"I know who you are. We have three classes together." He put down his book. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be rude, but why are you here?"

Hermione was beginning to get flustered. This was not going at all like she had hoped. "I, uh . . . Oh, it's stupid. I just thought that since we'll be working together this year with prefect responsibilities that we should get to know each other seeing as we've never really spoken before." She was rambling.

"Well then. It's nice to officially meet you Hermione. I'm Blaise. I hope you don't mind, but I was reading. You are free to join me, but I was hoping to get a head start on Snape's essay."

Hermione sat. She was not sure what had just happened. She knew that it was not what she planned, but she still had no sense of Blaise. She opened her Potions book and tried to read for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry. I know I've already interrupted once, but . . ." She was not sure she was brave enough to go on. Gryffindor or not.

"Yes?"

"You never talk in class." She blurted out.

"Talking does not indicate intelligence. Quite the opposite as far as I can see from Lavender and Parvati." She smiled at this, slightly blushing at the thought of her mouth so quick to answer every question.

"I see." They sat quietly for a few more minutes until another thought came to mind. "Are you still taking Muggle Studies?"

"I am."

"Why?"

He looked a little surprised. No one had had the guts to ask the sole Slytherin in the class that question. "I, uh, I," he lowered his voice, "I was curious."

When she turned her head sideways toward him, he was looking right at her. "Right. Well then." She was speechless.

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By late September, life at Hogwarts had settled into its usual patterns, studying, Quidditch practice, and pranks. The pranksters left in Fred and George's wakes were not as experienced but were eager to fill two large pairs of shoes. They had also died down in comparison to last year. Now that Dumbledore was back in charge, students were less willing to drive the Headmaster crazy.

It was then that Hermione received an owl with the time of her first group meeting.

"I got one of those last week," Ron said moments before stuffing another biscuit in his mouth.

"What is it?" Harry had been in his own world since returning to Hogwarts. Trying to be steadfast while dealing with his inner and outer demons.

"Our prefect team meetings." Hermione looked over the invitation. It was for that night after dinner. "Don't give you much warning do they?"

"Nope. Want to keep us on our toes I suspect. Always ready to do a prefects duty and spend hours listening to mindless drabble."

"It's not that bad, is it?" Hermione questioned Ron. "I mean it's not going to take hours I still need to touch up my Arithmancy essay and look into the properties of complex organisms for Transifiguration."

"Probably not for you. You don't have the Slytherin bubble brain in your group. No, you get the silent Slytherin."

"Ron, that attitude--"

"Is not helping?" Harry finished for her.

"That's the first smile I've seen on you in days. You all right, mate?" Ron took a gulp of pumpkin juice, while trying to look concern at the same time.

"Yeah, it's nothing. Still getting into the swing of things." Hermione wondered what it would be like to be Harry at times. They were all upset about Sirius and being back at Hogwarts must have caused him some more pain than the rest of them. She had always taken on more responsibility than her classmates, but she had trouble imagining some of the weights placed on Harry.

"You'll let us know if you want to talk?"

"Of course," he sounded slightly put off. "No time now or we'll be late for class." They went off to Herbology followed by Potions.

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Hermione escaped another torture filled Potions lesson to her favorite spot in the library for a few minutes of relaxation. She was trying to scratch dried gillyweed off her nails as she walked through the library without noticing that there was another person in her spot until almost bumping into him.

She was honestly surprised. The reason she loved her hole in the library was not because of the view, one could find many breath taking vistas throughout the library. It had become her place because it was hidden within a little used section. Somehow, Psychology of what many wizards would consider "beasts" did not strike many students fancy. She had found it while researching House Elves. Three squashy chairs and a small table meant pure comfort for Hermione.

"I'm sorry, wasn't looking where I was going."

"It's alright. Don't suppose you are used to many visitors in this section." It was Blaise.

"No, not really. I didn't think I'd bump into you again until later tonight." She looked at what he was holding in his hands. Sociological Diets: What the Wizarding Community Feeds Half Breeds and How it Messes with Their Minds, a favorite volume of hers, along with Caring About Monsters: Why Mingling with Creatures Could Take Your Life, An In-depth Study of Werewolves, Giants, Vampires, and More! "Interesting reading. I really enjoyed Sociological Diets, gives you a whole new perspective on things."

"Yeah? I'm using it for Muggle Studies."

"How's that?" She cringed. She knew what was coming. He was in Malfoy's camp and he thought she was a creature as a Muggle born. Didn't she hear something about Muggle Hunting as a pureblood sport in the old days?

"We are doing term long projects on traditionally misunderstood creatures, magical and not. I am doing a comparative analysis of two prevailing perspectives concerning Half Breeds."

"Is that why they are such conflicting titles?"

"Trying to be unbiased. Not that I plan to find any of that in either of these books." He smiled at her. "When I've flipped through Sociological Diets I found it to be a good study. Personally I think it holds more water than this rubbish."

"A Slytherin being accepting? My ears deceive me." She blushed. This was why she could never go into politics. She said what she thought and what she thought was not always nice to hear. "I didn't mean to, uh, I meant -"

"As if I didn't know what the other Houses say about us." He looked back at the shelf and then back at her. "I think Dumbledore's plan is really brilliant though. I'm looking forward to it. And don't look so shocked. All Slytherins aren't all Malfoy." As he left he whispered in her ear, "Some us are even half blood and Muggle born!"

And just like that he left a speechless Hermione alone to mull over what just happened. As she sunk into on of the armchairs, part of her mind could not help, but rejoice that he was not in Malfoy's camp.

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That night Hermione raced through dinner because of excitement. This new project had sparked her mind. Her mysterious partner had helped her interest, but she had trouble admitting her attraction. She barely knew him after all, her logical mind told her.

She was the first to arrive in the Prefects Commons. She took the time to look at the titles on the shelves, grabbing an old favorite, Hogwarts, A History, she then took a seat before the fire. As she looked over the pictures of old students reading about the past, she lost her own sense of time. Hiroko and Ian had arrived a few minutes after her, then Darren and Genevieve came downstairs, and finally Blaise snuck in just as it struck seven-thirty.

"Glad to see you are all on time. Not something we can say for all the groups," Genevieve smiled at the rest.

"We are here to answer some questions you may have about your group project, but we aren't going to be hanging around at every meeting." Darren took out a piece of parchment with lots of scribbles on it. "We may be around though, since we do live here, but this is the only meeting we are leading."

"Feel free to ask questions and we'll do our best to answer. Though, to be honest, we don't know much more than the rest of you on this. It's the first time student run planning committees of this sort have been around Hogwarts since the late 1800's." She took time to make eye contact with each member of the group.

Darren scratched his head as he looked at his parchment. "Uh, it looks like you lot aren't putting on your event until April. Don't be fooled though. Dumbledore expects the events to get better with time. Being as your second to last, you should do a good job in his eyes."

"And though it seems like a long time now, the more planning and legwork you do this semester, it'll probably mean smoother sailing next term." She took the paper from Darren. "There are three groups ahead of yours. In October, December, and February and then the seventh years are putting on a grand finale in June." She looked at Darren.

"So, right. Ideas? Anyone have anything?" He looked around at blank faces. "Right. The idea is ultimately to unite the Houses, but in a fun way, in'it? What brings people together?"

"Booze," came the sly answer from an innocent looking Blaise.

"Well, not quite what we're looking for, but a good start," Darren's eyes crinkled with a smile. Hermione realized why these two were Heads at that moment. They both had a light and easy air about them. They took their responsibilities seriously and did them well, yet without being judgmental. Something you expect from Darren's Hufflepuff background, but not to be taken for granted from a Ravenclaw. The two struck perfect balance.

"What have some of the other ideas been? I realize it's no good to take other's ideas, but it may get us started thinking," Hiroko quietly suggested.

"Yes, right. Um, dances mostly. Something about mistletoe that I didn't quite understand from the December group, a sports competition idea, movies, a play." Genevieve looked up from her lists. "That's about it. Nothing that has sparked anything yet, but places to start."

"What are movies?" Ian asked.

"Moving pictures that are like plays, but they are recorded and played for an audience later. It a Muggle device." Blaise explained for him.

"Why would that be interesting? Wouldn't you want real people performing?"

"You can play movies whenever you'd like, though. And it depends on the movie. Some stories are classics. No matter how many times you see them, they never get old. They are basically good stories you watch." Blaise seemed to have trouble getting through to Ian.

"I was thinking about the Yule Ball," Hermione spoke up in the quiet. "I don't mean adding another dance to the list. I'm sure someone will do that, but the music. When the Weird Sisters were playing everyone was out there together having fun regardless of Houses. Music does that. Could we do something like that?"

"How much budget do we have?" Hiroko asked.

"Overall, the groups have roughly 6,000 galleons. But that will be broken up and not everyone will use their equal share. A good thing for your group, being the last. You can take up the extra galleons to add to your original budget, since the seventh year budget is not part of the 6,000." Genevieve wrote down some numbers on her parchment. "To answer your question, everyone will get about 1500 galleons, which is nothing to scoff at."

"With that money spent and budgeted wisely we could plan a very good event."

"I like this concert plan." Blaise caught Hermione's eyes. "It's simple, but does what we want it to. Brings people together."

"Well, then. Good job. I think it's fair to say you have a good start, especially compared to other groups. You all seem to agree on a place to start. All right to cut them loose early, Gen?"

"I'd say so. Record timing too, half an hour. One group had us here for three and half hours. Three of them couldn't stop arguing. It was a mess." She arranged her papers. "Have a good night then. You should plan another meeting before you run off though." She and Darren gathered their things before heading up the stairs talking.

"Does anyone have Quidditch to schedule around?" Ian asked. Everyone shook their heads. "Then this should be easy enough. Any preferences?"

Hermione immediately thought of Potions. They were on Thursdays, so she should keep Wednesday nights free, it was also her Astronomy night. "Not Wednesdays, if possible," she heard Blaise say. "Sixth years have Astronomy. When's your night for that?"

"On Monday," Hiroko replied.

"Fair to go for Tuesdays?" Hermione looked around, before explaining her logic. "Early enough in the week to plan to do things by Friday, but also gives a chance for catch ups from the week before on Mondays."

"Sounds good." Ian seemed in a rush to grab all his things at once. "'Til Tuesday." He practically ran out, with Hiroko in his wake.

"Quick to leave, those two." Blaise picked up his bag.

"Don't blame them. This time last year, hadn't we heard enough about how important fifth year was to be worried about time?" Hermione put Hogwarts, A History back on the shelf.

"But you seem calm enough this time around. Isn't sixth year more crucial?"

"Not if you know you have the Potions mid-term in the bag."

"You can make a Polyjuice Potion?" Blaise raised an eyebrow.

Hermione groaned inwardly, she should watch what she says at least some of the time. "I've read up on it. That's the half of it isn't it?"

"I suppose," but Blaise looked at her curiously as he held open the door for her.

"Thanks," she murmured.

After a moment of silence, they both began to speak at once. "Go ahead," he conceded.

"I was just wondering where you were heading. I'm off to the library."

"Then I can walk with you. I was going to say that it is a brilliant idea. I was at a Muggle club one time in London, using my cousin's fake id," he explained at her questioning look. "Anyway, it was brilliant. All sorts of people just dancing. Not paying attention to anything but the music."

"I'm still not comfortable with wizarding money conversions, but I'd like to get as many types of music as possible. Maybe even a DJ, for Muggle music since we can't as well get any real Muggle musicians to come, could we?"

"So more than one concert?"

"It was only an idea." She readjusted her bag.

"No, it's a good one. I didn't think about it that way, but I like it." He thought in silence for a moment. "You are smarter in a different way than I always thought. Not just books."

He had surprised her and she had come to realize that she now expected nothing less of him. "Thank you. You are different than I imagined as well."

"How's that?"

"I'm not sure." She shook her head. "No, that's a lie. I do know. You are in Slytherin, and I know what you said the other night. You aren't all Malfoy. But it's not just that. You were always mute in class and now you are more animated than I ever thought you could be."

He shrugged before opening the library doors. "I pick and choose who I open up to, simple really. We all do that, no?"

Once in the library they split. Hermione had more to think about than their concert now. Blaise was more complex than she ever thought, but wasn't everyone once you took a chance to meet them?