Hermione Granger slowly kicked her feet up into the air. This was little Hermione's favorite place in the world. The park near her home happened to be very unpopular, making it a wonderful safe haven. Hermione, though she had a rather loud manner about her, preferred isolation to her fellow six year-olds. Those silly children at her school always took time to remind her how weird she was, or how ugly she was. Here in the park, she could read in tranquil peace, or swing to her heart's content. Her mum had even started letting her come alone, because her house was only a block away, and no one else came to the park. She supposed the playground was a tad on the sad side as the swings were quickly becoming rusty and creaked ominously while in use. Yes, her park could use some upkeep. But to Hermione, Ro Park was perfect just the way it was.
Every summer day, Hermione's mother would walk her to and from the park and she would spend her time with peace, quiet, and books. She did not have friends to call her own to ask to join her at the park, and spent her days with her imagination as company. She continued the solitary routine for two weeks before something unusual happened.
Hermione was enjoying the sanctuary of the park one morning, when a shadow fell over her book. She quickly looked up and saw a boy about her age staring at her curiously. Wanting to be on an even level with him, she quickly stood and haughtily stared down at him. "And who are you?"
"I'm not sure I can tell you that," the boy replied, looking proud but uncertain.
"Why not? You can't just come to my park and not tell me who you are," she sniffed.
"Your park? This isn't your park! This is just some muggle park. My father would hate it if he found out I was talking to a one of you. I'm not even supposed to be out here," the boy said.
"Why can't you be out here? Are you sick or something? You're not allergic to the sun, are you? I've read about that before, you know. That would explain why you're so awfully pale."
The boy's face clouded with haughty anger, "I am not sick, or awfully pale. I'm simply not supposed to be here. I convinced my personal servant to bring me here days ago. Dobby won't tell on me!"
"You have a personal servant?! You're life must be very different from mine. By the way, my name's Hermione Jean Granger." Suddenly, she seemed rather shy. "Most people can't say my name right."
"Her-mee, Her-mio, Her-mione. You're right that's too hard! Can I just call you Mimi?"
"That's not even my name!" Hermione pouted slightly.
"But it's just a shortened version of your name! I can give you a nickname right?"
"Oh, alright, but only every once in a while. What's your name?"
"Draco. Draco Malfoy."
"Hello, Draco Malfoy. Why've I never seen you here before?"
"I've been…" Draco looked at the ground sheepishly, and started to blush a little. "I was watching you so you couldn't see me. I was just curious, I promise! I've never met someone like you before."
Hermione looked a little uncomfortable after that proclamation. "Don't you realize that's a little weird?"
Draco was about to respond with burning cheeks, when Hermione spoke again, "Good thing I'm weird too! Or so I've been told."
"Who said you were weird?" Draco asked.
"Just some other girls at my day school. I don't have many friends there," Hermione looked sad for a moment, but suddenly brightened. "Hey! Do you want to be my friend?"
"Ok," he responded shyly. "Father tells me it's not good to be different, though."
"Well, don't worry about him. We'll be different together!" Hermione responded enthusiastically.
Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw her mother approaching from far away. "Uh oh, I'm not s'posed to talk to strangers. I have to go, now. Will you come back?" Hermione asked.
"Well…" Draco looked uncertain, "I don't want to get caught by Father."
"Please, please, please?" Hermione begged.
"Ok, ok. See you tomorrow 'Mione!"
"Bye, Draco!" Hermione ran towards her mother, never noticing the color once again rising in the boy's cheeks, or his confused expression at the sudden warmth in his body at the sound of his new friend 'Mione calling him Draco.