Shock

There are more surprises for Hermione Granger.

McGonagall did not seem too fazed by our shock.

"Well, do not stand there gaping like a fish out of water. Follow me."

As Malfoy and I followed her down multiple corridors, staircases and trick doors I could not help wondering why my luck had taken this turn. Not too long ago I was celebrating my new assignment to Head Girl, I was approved for all my classes, and I was going to be spending my last year at Hogwarts surround by my closes friends. Now, all my years of hard work and perseverance led me to a shared common room with someone who has purposely tried to make my years here a horrid nightmare.

When we stopped in front of a portrait bearing the seal of a golden griffin and a green snake I realized that I did not pay close attention to how we arrived to this point.

"This is the entrance to your common area", McGonagall announced. "Alexander", she pointed to the griffin who bowed majestically, "and Panacea, "the green snake raised her head, "will be the guardians for your common area. Right now your password is alliance".

After the password was said the portrait swung open. Malfoy marched straight in and McGonagall and I followed. The common area basically had the same bones of my old one. There were upholstered chairs, a severely stuffed sofa, a few tables scattered around and a magnificent fireplace that was already lit. The main difference from my previous common area is that splashes of green and silver were interspersed with the gold and scarlet my eyes were accustomed to seeing.

"Ms. Granger, your room is to the right and Mr. Malfoy your room is to the left", the head mistress stated. "Ms. Granger I will show you to your room first and meet up with Mr. Malfoy later."

McGonagall led me towards the door that held a plague that read 'Head Girl". When I followed her into the room I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

"Is this room really for me", I had to ask.

My room held a large bed surrounded by a simple cherry wood canopy frame holding gold bed curtians. On either side of my bed stood a cherry wood night stand containing a bouquet of sun flowers. On the opposite side of the room I spotted an armoire and a dresser.

"You will find your cloths already put away for you", explained McGonagall.

I walked to the furniture and was delighted that my cloths were indeed put away and in order. When I looked up I noticed that beautiful large tapestries covered the stone walls. I was grateful for them because stone walls know how to radiate cold temperatures.

McGonagall caught my attention and led me to a door that I had missed.

"This is your private bathroom."

"Private", I asked from mounting shock.

"Yes, it is one of the freedoms you will receive as Head Girl. The school feels that you should have a place of leisure since your duties are demanding."

The bathroom was magnificent. A large claw-foot tub sat on the far side of the bathroom next to a large-sized separate shower. The room was tiled with scarlet and cream with accents of gold. The vanity was topped with a cream and gold granite counter and the floors carried the cherry wood theme from the bedroom.

The Head Mistress seemed happy that I was impressed with my room.

"There is one more room that I must show you before I take my leave of you."

"There is one more room?"

"Yes, and I think you will rather like this one", she said with a sly grin.

"I am sure I will like it. This room is amazing", I stated as I followed her.

She led me to a door that almost blended in with the tapestries. When I walked in behind her I could not suppress the gasp that left my throat.

"It's beautiful."

"I knew you would like it", she replied while beaming.

I circled a room outlined floor to ceiling with cherry wood bookcases filled with an endless variation of textbooks and novels waiting to be cuddled in my arms and read.

"Hermione, we wanted to make sure that you had plenty of books at your disposal for researching, studying and simple enjoyment. Of course if you like, you can still use the school's public library but this is for your private use."

"Oh, Professor…" The tears that threaten to prick my eyes before hand now ran freely down my cheeks. "This room is amazing. I can't believe that all of this comes with the honor of being Head Girl. I am grateful for everything."

"Dear, that is enough. You do not have to cry about it."

"Oh, yes I do."

I ran to McGonagall and gave her a hug. She gave me a quick hug back before leading me out of my private library.

"I am sure you would like to look over the room yourself after I leave but I advise you to get ready for bed. You have a long day ahead of you", the professor advised.

"I think rest sounds nice Professor."

After McGonagall left I took a long and leisurely soak in my new bath tub to relax my body and clear my mind of all the new information I was bombarded with today. After the bath I put on my most comfortable nightgown and lay down in my new bed. The bed was so warm and soft that I fell asleep in no time.