The war was over. Everything went back to how it was, just like 1st November 1981. The war had strong proved that when all four houses unite evil and be defeated. Not all of the Slytherin students took the bad side, some fought strongly to what they truly believed in. Most of the Ravenclaws did their best in charms throwing spells at the Death Eaters. Hufflepuffs fought hard and treated injured students. Gryffindors tried their best to save others and fight the evil off. Battle of Hogwarts had unite the whole student body. There was no longer any house hate. Students started to mingle with students from other houses. Students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were finally going back to school. Some of the students came back as 8 years to complete their studies. Harry, Ron and Hermione were already in the Hogwarts Express.
'' I wonder who is the head boy, I really hope it's not Malfoy. I bet I'd have a hard time with him,'' Hermione exclaimed as she sat down beside Harry.
'' Well, at least you'll have your own dorms, your own bathroom and well at least it's like having more privacy you know'' Ron said while shoving a cupcake into his mouth.
'' Hey Harry are you okay? I mean you don't seem to be looking good.'' Hermione noticed with a arched eyebrow.
'' No, I'm fine, it's just, just that I'm tired I guess. I think-''
'' Is it because of Ginny mate?'' Ron asked in a soft note after eating finish his delicious chocolate cupcake.
'' Frankly speaking, I miss her Ron. Even though we kept bumping into each other in the burrow, it's still awkward. Now there is quidditch for us to some more time together. How great can that even get?''
At that point, the train started to move. That was a signal to Hermione that she had to the compartment.
'' Hey, I'll meet you two at the great hall later during the feast. Now I shall go meet my fellow Head Boy. Wish me luck! Harry, it takes time to let go someone you once really loved. I understand what you're going through'' while saying the last part she glanced down at Ron who was busy opening a chocolate frog.
Hermione walked down slowly to the Prefects compartment and slide opened the door.
'' Why hello there Granger'' a smooth voice caught her attention.
'' Malfoy! What an awesome piece of news to know to kick of the school year! Why in the right mind were you even chosen to be the head boy?'' Hermione sat down opposite of him.
Finally opening his eyes,'' Why don't you tell me? Who saved you during the war at one point? Who tried to fight off most of the Death Eaters? Who actually-'' he was cut off by the opening of the cabin door.
'' Hey mate! Good to see finally see you! Oh, hey Granger'' Zabini walked in fell back beside Draco. Hermione simply just returned the smile and started to wonder about one particular night during the Battle of Hogwarts.
'' Blaise what can I do for now? I really need to a nap.''
'' Really? A nap? Now in the train? Weren't you just talking to Granger?'' Blaise retorted back. '' Anyway, I need you to suggest some presents or maybe one so that I can buy it for my girlfriend,'' he had a big wide smile when he said the word girlfriend.
'' She said yes? As in you guys are in a relationship already? Now that's my boy! Dude, just so you know there is a bloody Gryffindor whom you can ask. Apparently she might even suggest something your lady might like.''
'' Hey! I'm not bloody you filthy Malfoy! And why on earth will I even know what his girlfriend even like? Do I -''
''Granger, that's because his girlfriend happens to be in Gryffindor!''
''Oh.''
''So Granger, what am I supposed to buy? I'm taking her out this coming Saturday to the café in Hogsmede for a date and I really don't want to turn up without a present. You know, first impression and stuff like that.''
''Well, chocolates, bouquet of flowers and um.. perhaps soft toys?''
''Wow Granger, you're still childish aren't you? Soft toys? I mean seriously?'' Draco said with a smirk on his face.
'' Hey you should seriously stop-''
'' Alright, noted thanks Granger! See during the feast Draco, and you guys can carry one bickering with one another.'' Blaise left grinning to himself.
'' Now Granger, read a book or something, don't disturb me at all. I need to rest.'' Draco said with a tired yet cold voice.
Few hours later the train stopped.
''Malfoy, psst Malfoy, oi! Draco!'' yelled Hermione.
''What the fuck Granger didn't I say-''
'' Yeah, whatever we're here if you haven't notice the train has stopped moving. Hurry up we've got tons of stuff to do now''
''Hey Harry!'' Hermione exclaimed as she sat down at the Gryffindor table. '' Where's Ron? Isn't he usually looking forward to the feast?''
''umm.. Well, er. Sorry Hermione but erm..'' Harry stuttered.
''What? Stop stuttering'' she chuckled while she reached out to take her cup.
'' Well, Ronisbackwithlavender!''
'' I'm sorry what? You went very fast there Harry. Are you alright?''
''I mean, Ron is back together with Lavender, Hermione.''
''Oh. Well, good for him, I mean New Year means new stuff and new people right?'' she tried to hide the fact that she was hurt by smiling. After all she's a brave Gryffindor who doesn't really like show her emotions out unless she's happy. However, sitting right in front of her best friend didn't help her cover up much. Even if she was to try to hide her emotions, Harry could see right through her sometimes.
'' Cheer up you'll do fine without him. I mean, you're the brightest witch of our time. You'll get someone better than him. I promise.''
Looking up and facing her best friend and small smile appeared on her face.'' Thanks Harry. And you stop dwelling about Ginny, you will find a girl that you'll love. After all, you are the chosen one aren't you?''
Grinning to himself Harry glance over to the other side of the table noticing that Ginny seemed to be quite happy. Harry cursed himself quietly in his head for even turning to her direction.
'' So anyway, moving on. Guess who is the head boy? Draco Malfoy!'' Hermione just had to share that piece of news with someone.
'' Well, I'm not that shock. He might have been a Death Eater, school bully and so on however, you saw it yourself. The way he fought for Hogwarts during the battle. I think he kind of deserve it.'' Harry just shrugged it away.
'' Well yeah, suppose so. It's a bit weird yet good though that he is not so snobbish or arrogant anymore.''
After the feast Hermione dragged her legs to the Head's dorm. ''Phoenix fire'' she uttered and the portrait swung opened. Draco was already in the common area reading a book. Noticing that Hermione was back, he looked and decided to tell her some of the ground rules he had thought of.
'' So Granger, I've been thinking about some ground rules and I need you to well try to follow them''
''Shoot. I don't have much time I tired and I want to rest asap!'' she seemed too grumpy for the first day back in school.
'' Why are you so moody anyway? Basically it's simply. Neither of us enters each other's room without consent. And next most importantly, try not to be in the common area if I were to have my friends over. Get it?''
'' Yeah, got. That's it? You're done?'' Hermione spoke with a harsh tone of voice.
'' Yeah pretty much, mind watching your tone Granger?'' Malfoy obviously a person with limited amount of tolerance for people who gives him attitude.
Ignoring the blonde Slytherin, Granger went into her room. Adjusting the shower to medium heat. She stepped into the bath. She had a bad feeling about walking pass that particular corridor yet she did. She shouldn't have or else she would have been spared that heart breaking scene. She stood in the shower for as long as an hour or so, the scene kept playing at the back of her head causing tears to run down her cherry red cheeks. After that warm shower, Granger just sat in front of her dresser and stared at her own reflection. Reflecting what happened on this day exactly a year ago. After dwelling on it for a while she realised about how she treated Malfoy. For once she felt bad about her unreasonable attitude towards Malfoy. She left her room just to find that the common area was simply empty. She stood in front of Malfoy's door, reluctantly knocked his door thrice.
The door and a shirtless Malfoy appeared.
''What? Granger I don't know about you muggle born but I must sleep right now. Do you even know what time it is?'' Draco said with a pissed tone.
''I'm sorry.'' Hermione couldn't help herself but to stare at his body.
''For? For knocking on my door this late?''
'' No, for my ridicules behavior just now. That's not me alright. I.. I just was..-''
'' Yes Granger, I know who you are and how you usually behave. Mind telling me why?''
''No, not yet. We're not that close yet. Not even friends. So yup. That's all. Sorry and goodnight.'' With that Hermione rushed back to her room. Her heart pound fast whenever she thought of Draco being shirtless.
Damn he's so hot and sexy. Oh my god, what am I thinking. No Hermione he is not hot at all. He's a bloody hell Death Eater. No
At least the thought of Draco stopped her from thinking about the scene she witnessed that night. Finally after a long time, Granger slept soundly that night.