A/N: Hi all! I know this is a slightly clichéd theme, but you've got to love it! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, nor do I make a profit from this story.

Prologue

He walked briskly amongst the throngs of people. Like he was accustomed to, they involuntarily parted before him by the way his demeanor and person exuded power and wealth.

Platform 9 ¾ was bustling with activity. Parents were waving their children off, some teary goodbyes were being made, friends called out to one another and boarded the train, and there was an all around air of excitement and energy that seemed to pulse around.

Draco Malfoy entered the train and made his way to the front where, as a Head Boy, he was supposed to share a compartment with the Head Girl for the whole trip. He didn't know who it was, but hoped it would be someone he could get along with. As for himself, he meant to make the most of his last year at Hogwarts and make his father proud. Both his parents had been thrilled when he received the letter from Hogwarts stating that he was to be Head Boy. His mother had fawned over him, while his father had clapped him on the back and gave his son a small nod of approval. He expected nothing less from his son.

With his bags in place, he settled down to rest for awhile. Closing his eyes, he drifted into a light sleep.

xxx

Hermione Jane Granger was punctual as usual, boarding the train only a minute or so before it left the station. Her parents had been ecstatic when a letter from Hogwarts came stating her new role as Head Girl. In the bottom of her heart, a small part of her had always known that she would receive that honor. Hopefully the Head Boy would be someone she could get along with. As long as it wasn't a Slytherin, she would be fine. Well it wasn't up to her to decide that, so she would make the best of it.

Opening the Heads' compartment door, she automatically began to close it again, her subconscious seeing, but not quite believing. Realizing that she was in fact at the right door, she pushed it open to find a smirking Draco Malfoy lounging on the opposite chair.

"What? Not expecting me here, Granger?" He put on a non-caring attitude, but on the inside, he was smoldering. Granger? They expect me to work with Granger? I'm going to kill her! If she doesn't run away crying herself. He dropped his smile then hissed, "Stay away from me and my stuff, and we won't have any problems."

Hermione rolled her eyes. Like that will ever happen. Draco will find ways to make himself a right pain in the arse. She didn't realize that he was thinking the exact same thing about her. There were a lot of things they would get to know about each other before the end of the school year.

She swung her bags onto the rack above her seat and sat next to the window. Watching the train pull out of the station, she tried to enjoy a few minutes of peace. Then she rose, "We have a Prefects meeting in the lounge in two minutes. Be there."

He didn't even acknowledge her statement, continuing to lie there with his eyes closed. When she left, he made sure she had gone, then slowly sat up and stretched. Even with the death of the Dark Lord, things hadn't changed much in his house. His father, cold-hearted and cruel, still acted like he always had. Draco found himself changing, but could not see any improvement in his father. He knew, however, that his mother loved him purely as her son, and not as the heir to the Malfoy throne.

He used to dream of becoming like his father. Inheriting his fortunes and business ventures. Ever since he was a little boy, his father filled him with the dream of becoming a Death Eater and serving the Dark Lord. His mother had protested, saying that he was too young to be hearing of all this. But his father believed in keeping his boy tough.

It had not been the best of childhoods, but he knew that he couldn't change his predicament, only what he made out of it.

Glancing at his watch as he walked out of his compartment, he saw that he was supposed to be at the lounge three minutes ago. He grinned. What a way to start off the year.

A/N: Well, I'll come out with the first chapter in a few days, just wanted to get this out there. Sorry it was so short. Please tell me what you think of it so far.

~Rachael