When Ginny woke up, the common room was empty. She checked the time and realised that there were only twenty five minutes left before classes. Ginny quickly slipped her robes on, looking distastefully at the green and silver tie, grabbed her bag and rushed to the Great Hall for breakfast. 

Trying not to cry, she shuffled over to the Slytherin table, where most of her housemates were chattering excitedly. She had taken a schedule from a Slytherin prefect and was starting to nibble miserably at a piece of toast when she saw her brothers, Hermione and Harry Potter coming towards her. 

Ginny was scared. Her brothers would hate her, and what would Harry Potter think of her? There was no way he would ever like a Slytherin!

But, none of them really seemed angry. They were shocked, but not mad. Most of the boys, including Harry appeared to be on the same page. They told her that she could still be friends with the Gryffindor first years—she shared a lot of lessons with them—and should avoid the Slytherins at all costs. 

Hermione, however, had different ideas. “I think this is a good thing.” She said.

“How is it a good thing?” Asked Ginny. “Weasleys are never in Slytherin. It’s just not right!”

“Exactly. This is exactly what Hogwarts needs. Don’t you see it? Someone from a mainly Gryffindor family in Slytherin could greatly improve inter-house relationships, and help to get rid of stereotypes. It could help the four houses to be united as a school again! I think we should all be trying to make friends from the other houses.” Hermione said.

“I must say, I wholeheartedly agree with you Hermione. I have acquired a few friendships in Ravenclaw myself. This is merely the beginning.” Said Percy pompously.

Fred, George and Ron were about to protest when a voice interrupted them. 

“You Weasels had better get to class. You get into enough trouble without being late. Or does famous Harry Potter not want to waste his precious energy on lessons?” Drawled a blonde Slytherin second year.

“Shut up, Malfoy.” Said Harry.

“I can’t believe it. The blood traitor in Slytherin.”

“Shut up.” This time it was Ron who spoke.

“Touched a nerve, have I?” Malfoy sneered.

Then, another voice interrupted them. “Come Draco, let’s leave.” Said Pansy Parkinson.

Without another word, Draco Malfoy turned and left for the Charms classroom.

Ginny left her brothers, to find her way to Transfiguration.