Hermione took a deep breath. Although she should have been relived to be returning to Hogwarts, she was anything but.
Since Voldemort's demise, neither her nor the other two members of the Trio had got a moment's peace. Between the press, their families and friends, and their stardom, there had been scarely a moment to rest for any of them.
Although Voldemort had been defeated, and his Death Eaters, for the most part, imprisoned to Azkaban, Hermione still felt a huge pressure on her shoulders. As the only one of the Trio to return to her studies, she had to perform exceptionally well. After all, she had always managed to in the past, under more extreme circumstances..so this year should be a breeze, surely?
But there was one extra factor, one over-riding thing that changed everything. Her fans.
Hogwarts was providing her no escape from her fame; since arriving at Platform 9 3/4, Hermione had found herself plagued by students, desperate for her attention. And. Hermione knew, none of that was going to change once everyone found out that it was she who was the Head Girl. If anything, it would make matters worse. But, she reasoned, there was one perk; the shared quarters with the Head Boy gave her a new place to hide, where only teachers and the Head Boy has access to. And Hermione was sure that who-ever was Head Boy would be more than willing to leave her in peace.
Hermione sighed, and stepped cautiously onto the train, hurrying to the Prefect department, at the all-too far away end of the carriage.
She had had to pull her badge out a couple times, and once even her wand when a star-struck group of first years wouldn't move out of her way, but Hermione made it to the compartment. With a tangible sigh of relief, she pulled the doors open and closed again, slumping instantly onto the seat. She allowed herself afew moments of respite, before forcing her eyes open.
She did so to find 6 anxious prefects, all staring at her with mixed expressions of wonder and worry. Quickly glancing around at the faces looming infront of her, she groaned. None of them she recognised.
Pushing herself to sit up properly, she glared at the students until they moved away from her.
Still glaring, she glanced over them all again, her expression puzzled.
"Where's the Head Boy?" She asked, some-what annoyed.
A familiar voice drawled an answer. "He's behind you."
Turning slowly, as if in a dream, Hermione faced the door of the compartment to see her worst nightmare stood, as cocky and arrogant as ever.
She gasped. "Malfoy..."