24A/N: Sorry the first chapter is so short…I just couldn't wait to upload it! My first fanfic! Please review thoughts, advice, etc. At least 10 reviews and I'll post the next chapter. It'll be more exciting, I promise. I totally ship Dramione.
Disclaimer: characters/setting don't belong to me, plot does…
"Since this year started," the white-haired headmaster began. "I, as well as the other professors, have detected tension between two houses." Albus Dumbledore paused, looking pointedly at the Slytherins. "Therefore, to settle this conflict, one student from each house will live together for a month to resolve their issues. If this is not achieved, severe consequences shall await." Dumbledore scanned the room. The entire student population had been called up for an important meeting at two o'clock in the morning. Several students were grumbling, but most were resting their heads on their arms, sleepy and annoyed.
"Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, you may be dismissed. Our sincere apologies for waking you up this early." Groaning and mumbling, the sleep-deprived Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs exited the Great Hall and headed their own ways back to their dorms. Dumbledore spoke again. "As you may have figured out already, there is a distinct bitterness between our Gryffindors and Slytherins. Several times over the past few years, this has caused several minor and major injuries among our students. This will not be allowed. I will now select one student from each house to participate. If you refuse, please see me afterwards to receive the consequences."
The large room fell strangely silent. Before, protests had been echoing around the room. Now, the eerie silence fell upon every student. The headmaster reached into a red Gryffindor glass bowl, which was filled with the 320 names of the Gryffindors. Dumbledore swirled his fingers around the bowl, than selected a slip of paper. "Hermione Granger."
Hermione's heart stopped. Before she had been sitting calmly, listening to Harry and Ron's whispered conversation, each hoping they wouldn't be the one that had to spend an entire month with a Slytherin. Hermione rose to her feet slowly, blushing as all the attention in the room turned to her.
"Excellent, Miss Granger. Please come to the front." Dumbledore beamed at her. The other professors appeared slightly uncomfortable, except for Severus Snape. He kept a cold complexion as his eyes trailed Hermione's path to the front of the Great Hall.
How could this have happened? Hermione thought, blinking back tears. She had one in three hundred twenty chances to be chosen. Sweet Merlin, Hermione. Get a grip. You're not a first year anymore. You're prepared for any kind of situation. For Merlin's sake, you're the smartest witch of your time. You're a bloody sixth year. Hermione's face was expressionless as she waited for Professor Dumbledore to call the candidate for the Slytherins.
"Ah. Who do we have here? Draco Malfoy, please make your way to the front of the room."
A pale boy with white blond hair strutted up to the front, smirking at Hermione. Oh shit.