Draco's POV

I bounced my knee nervously on the seat. Crabbe and Goyle were sharing some sort of story about how freaking fantastic their summer was or something stupid like that. The English country side was blazing by and I turned to stare out at it. A mist was rolling over the green hills, and a light rain was falling from the rolling clouds overhead. I sighed and pressed my head against the cool glass. This summer had been the worst. The war had been terrible, awful and now dear sweet daddy was behind bars and would never get out. Being in league with Voldemort was not an easily forgiven offense. My mom had cried for weeks and then she'd shut herself away in her bedroom for even longer. Let's just say Malfoy Manner had not been buckets of sunshine this summer. My mom had emerged two weeks prior to hand me a letter. It was addressed to me and was from Hogwarts. What the hell did they want with me? 7th year was over, I shouldn't be getting a letter now. I broke the seal and began reading.

Mr. Malfoy,

Due to the unfortunate events that transpired during your 7th year we would like to offer you a second chance. We are inviting all students whose seventh year was interrupted to come back and finish your education. The book list is included and we will expect your owl before the train departs in September. Please consider wisely as this is the best chance you will receive to complete your training for the wizarding world.

Thank you and we await your owl,

Ms. Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress.

I had scoffed at the time, but after another week of sitting around an empty, falling apart manor, I sent an owl back. I had told my mom when she'd emerged from her room once to yell at some servant. Shed looked at me with dead eyes and I'd known I'd made the right choice. Then I'd stood on the platform my heart thumping hard as I wondered if they'd come back. She would of course, but what of the others? Would the now not-so-special boy and the ginger be back? I didn't know. I said I didn't care but I did. I remember seeing her bushy hair waving in the steam that was kicked up by the train and I'd felt my heart drop to my shoes. She had come! Which I'd expected.

Now I looked out the window wishing I had an excuse to walk down the hall to see if their usual compartment was occupied. But I didn't have one so I sat there and nodded occasionally to stupid stories about better summers.

Hermione POV

Draco was back. Draco fucking Malfoy was back?! What the hell? Harry, Ron and I had laughed when we'd got our invitations and guessed who would come back. We knew that Malfoy would not be one who came back. I was undecided at that point what I thought of this turn of events. I flipped my mass of bush hair over my head and back so that I could pull it into a ponytail. Then I turned and stared out the window.

"You aren't reading?! Hermione! I'm disappointed in you!" Ron teased. I turned and looked at him.

"What?" I asked. My mind still thinking of the blonde.

"You alright there? Maybe you need food?" Harry asked. Ever since Ron and I had kissed last year he had been finding excuses to leave us alone. "I'll get you some." He said and then hurried from the compartment.

"If you wouldn't stare at my chest, Ronald, he wouldn't be uncomfortable." I said staring back out the window.

"Ugh you sound like my mom when you talk like that. Don't call me Ronald." He said scooting closer toward me. His hand went to the small of my back, and his other one slid up my thigh. I sighed and looked down at his hand. "Hermione?" I took a deep breath and turned to face him. He had little worry lines between his eyebrows and his lips pulled down with unhappiness. I reached up and touched those worry lines. Then I leaned in and kissed him.

My touch always seemed to cause him to lose his breath. He always started gasping when we kissed, and usually a boner followed. His touch to me was not unpleasant but it never elicited the same response anymore. After an entire summer in each other's arms, sometimes I got bored. That makes me horrible. I know. But love isn't just about sex, or so I'd thought.

Draco's POV

Food! That was the key! I would go looking for the food cart and just casually walk by her compartment. That was it! I leapt up so suddenly Crabbe almost fell over.

"Sorry. I want food. I'll be back." I turned and rushed out of the compartment. Their compartment was only a few down from mine. Before getting there I adjusted my t-shirt and jeans on my hips. I smoothed my hair back, (it's gotten long, almost as long as my dad's used to be). I took another deep breath. I stood up straight and walked past the compartment. I casually looked in and felt my heart drop. The ginger was kissing her. Pushing her up against the window and kissing her.

"Like watching huh Malfoy?" I turned to see Potter walking up. We both stood there, watching the couple. "Don't worry I won't tell. He's a bit aggressive isn't he?" Harry chuckled. I raised an eyebrow. But he was right, Ron was quite aggressive in his kissing.

"What is this Potter? You trying to be my friend?" I asked. Harry laughed.

"I've seen the way you look at her. Or I see the way you're looking at her now. And besides Voldy is gone so it doesn't matter." With that Harry hurried into the compartment. The couple sprang apart. Ron leaned over and examined the food Harry had. But Hermione, Hermione looked up at me with those piercing eyes. My heart stopped and I couldn't breathe. Her eyes held me in their piercing gaze for what felt like centuries. Suddenly the train lurched and I stumbled forward, forcing my gaze downward. When I regained my balance and looked up, she was gazing at the food Harry had.

Oh my God what was one woman doing to me?