CHAPTER 1

Hermione could hear the distinct sound of train engines in the distant already, the smell of chestnut, candy and butterbeer had already filled her nostrils, the all together warmth offered in Hogwarts was unbearably strong despite the happenings during the last six years. Harry had defeated Voldemort, resulting in the capture of almost all death eaters (the whereabouts of some remained unclear) and peace restored in the wizarding world. Hogwarts was soon rebuilt, and its premises were already secured. Hermione could not help but beam as she walked through the wall that separated her from the rest of the wizarding world. The Hogwarts Express had never been more cheerful, its engines humming and thrumming in rythm. She would have liked to stay rooted on that spot and take in the view, but her trail of thoughts sooned vanished as she felt a painful jolt on her behind and toppled on her knees. Someone had walked in the wall and crashed her back with his trolley. Hermione had meant to apologise, but as she looked up to meet his face, she realised it was none other than her former foe, Draco Malfoy. His skin tone was paler than usual, to the point where Hermione thought it transparent, but despite all these observations, plastered on his face was his signature smirk. Hermione grunted at his appearance. After all these years, she would have wanted nothing but his sudden dissappearance, or his arrest. She knew it was cruel, to wish something as horrible as Azkaban, even for Malfoy, but after all he did to her, there was no denying the hatred she directed to him. She quickly stood up, rolled her eyes, and proceeded to her trolley cart, which had now stopped a few meters away from her.

"No apology mudblood?" The pale-skinned boy shouted from the distant. Hermione would have chosen to ignore this rude remark she had grown accustomed to for the past seven years, but after she had helped saved him from the raging fires in the Room of Requirements! It was unacceptable. With the anger of a bull, she strutted back to Draco, wand at ready, and stared him in the eye. "Don't. Call. Me. That."

"Jinx me then." He retorted.

It would be nice to see him flying off from one end to another but it would be insensible, seeing as they were in public and that it was not worth the fight. The options were tempting enough, but with courage she walked away, back to her trolley, and ignored the rude comment that had somehow transformed Hermione's feelings about going back to Hogwarts.

"Hermione, you alright?" Ron asked from their compartment as Hermione stowed away her luggage and Crookshanks' portable cage on the rack.

"Yes," She lied.

"You're lying." Harry chimed in.

"Fine Im not okay. It's just Malfoy, you probably know the rest." Hermione muttered. She had hoped Ron would not over react to the situation but this was not the case.

"That foul-mouthed git! What did he say this time? The m word? Insulted Dumbledore again?" Ron blasted.

"Ron calm down, we've been through this a thousand times, you can't expect Malfoy to change after a war." Harry added sarcastically.

"Well after we saved him from almost getting burned to death you mean!" Ron exclaimed back.

Hermione smiled. They had finally been able to joke around after the war, finding Horcruxes had preoccupied most of their thoughts, not to mention defeating Voldemort and saving as many wizards and witches. Harry had not been able to talk after Remus' death, and this lasted for a few days. Fred's death had also scarred Ron, and the three remained disconnected. All until today. Hermione took a seat next to Ron, who had made their relationship official in the Chamber of Secrets. Although they only transpired using means of Owls (Erol took days to send a single letter so it was inconvenient) Hermione could not help but feel.. hopeless.

Ron was not the most romantic of people, that even Harry knew of, and although he was very nice to Hermione, she did not feel important. She merely thought of Ron as her brother, and nothing more than that. She spoke true to her own feelings, for how could she lie to herself? Ron was the more childish and playful among the three, and sometimes, immature, and this was not what Hermione would like in a healthy relationship. She had considered either breaking off the fling, or being patient, but she could not bring herself to break her friend's heart, nor possibly ruin their years of friendship. How awkward could it get?

"I've missed you." Ron whispered in Hermione's ear as he planted a soft kiss on her forehead. This gesture was at least comforting, and Hermione smiled back.

"Oh god at least wait until we arrive if you're going to snog." Harry teased.

The three laughed again, only to stop as Draco, Zabini and Crabbe walked pass their compartment. "I'm sorry I hurt your girlfriend's back Weasel, but she wouldn't care less." Draco joked.

"I swear –

"Ronald please."

"Too scared to hex me are we?" Draco teased.

"Ron think about what you're doing! You're just going to get us into trouble!" Harry shouted. Ron slowly lowered his wand, although its tip was still aiming Draco.

"So it's true, the Weasleys aren't as brave as they're made out to be! I thought you had standards Granger." Draco continued as he walked away.

"WHY DID YOU STOP ME?!" Ron shouted at the other two.

"You were acting childish! Not to mention it would completely ruin Harry's image! We just helped him defeat the dark lord and a few months later you're locked up in Azkaban for severely injuring Malfoy? How would everyone react to that! And as much as I want her dead, Rita Skeeter is still alive and who knows when you'll find a 'bug' on your shoulder!" Hermione argued.

"Well I wasn't intending on 'severely' hurting him, more like give him an elbow wound or something, that wouldn't create much of a chaos would it?"

"Either way Ron, we should act vigilant." Harry piped in. There was a pause.

"Alright I'm sorry. You were right." He admitted.

The three made up in time for the speaker to announce their arrival.