Chapter 1: The Train
The first day of 7th year is damp. The rain was really not expected during that time of the year.
Hermione step into the train to check if the students and their things are not causing any problems. As the Head Girl, she needs to reach or even top the expectations of the assigned position.
Besides it's almost tine for departure so her actions are not considered as imposing her authority too early. She ignored the blonde who just stepped out of the train together with a certain Italian. She has learned to just ignore things, yes, he's an "it".
She's intelligent, she shall be reasonable. If logic does not fit then don't bother with it anymore. So, there is no reason for her to acknowledge "it". She knows he's the Head Boy but that does not mean that she'll just suddenly say hi and shake his hand. No.
She was also fully aware that girls are drooling, cooing or staring at him when he passes by. Hermione examined him.
He was tall, about 6'2" with pail skin and light blonde hair, no longer combed back like when they were younger, now it's down. Some of his hair slightly covers his sharp grey eyes. His jaw is fully defined. His body is slim and masculine in a good way not bulky. His legs are long, defined by his sleek pants. His smile and charismatic way of talking can win a girl in a heartbeat. Well even without talking, women are already falling at his feet.
She looked away. Observing people became a hobby of hers, so summing up Malfoy was just another observation. Nothing of these concerns her. In Hogwarts she needed to study harder and maintain her status in the overall list. She needs to study to make sure she has a good future.
The train started to move. She could hear "goodbyes and be careful", or "don't do anything stupid if you don't want to be sent home", last speeches and call-outs.
Upon last inspection, she settled herself in the compartment reserved for the Head Girl and Head Boy. As she is alone, she once again felt the loneliness she experienced when Harry said he won't be coming back to Hogwarts for 7th year because he needs to start training to be an Auror. She sighed and looked outside the window. The rain is still strong, hitting the glass. The wind made it worst. In the muggle world, transportation has already been stopped due to severe weather but in the Magical world, there is no such thing. The train is protected by magic so rest assured that there will be no problem due to weather.
Weather.
She does not want to remember. She wanted to erase the memory, the pain, the words.
Seeing Ron in the arms of another woman broke her.
NO. It shattered her.
She knew she should not react that way because Ron and she was only a fling. It was too late when she realized she truly loves him. Ron did not feel the same. Now that she looks back, she rejected Victor Krum because of Ron. She was so hurt seeing him with Lavender Brown. She wanted to take him to those boring parties of Professor Slughorn. She wanted, she wanted him. Since there earlier years in Hogwarts, Hermione already loves Ronald.
BUT he did not feel the same.
*yes, yes, i already said that a while ago* she muttered to herself.
Beside the hurt of one-sided love, she truly missed her friends. The stories that took hours, the laughter, the fights, the discussions of anything under the sun, the warmth of friends just near you and spending the time with no worries at all. She smiled to herself remembering those memories.
"So it's true, Potty and Weasel won't be here this year. Plus their beloved Mudblood is going retard, smiling to herself" a drawl came from the door with a man chuckling, and a black haired girl gasping.
The sudden sounds made her jump and her eyes shot at the door. She actually did not hear the whole thing but she knew she needed to retaliate.
"Oh it's you. I thought it was someone important" she said lazily and then after turned around and continued staring outside.
Someone laughed and the other growled.
"Nothing is funny, Zabini. Because i am an important person"
"Yeah, sure mate" Zabini replied but still grinning.
The brown haired Gryffindor grabbed a book from her bag and started to read, ignoring the ferret, his right hand and the delusional Banshee who claims to be the girlfriend.
While the blonde and the Italian were rummaging at their stuff, the "girlfriend" started hissing at Hermione.
"How dare you say that to Drakey! You're the one who shall be ignored, being as the Mudblood you are! Look at your hair! Your eyes! They have the same color as a mud! Hmmpp! Suits you perfectly!"
Hermione just rolled her eyes and told herself, "answering this person will probably lower my I.Q."
She stayed quiet during the whole ordeal and muttered some things only she could hear, like "oh, you noticed just now?", "well that's great, what do you want? A cookie?"
Blaise Zabini, the resident Playboy (as referred to by one of the Gryffindors) was covering his ears and told Pansy to shut up before she burst our eardrums.
Draco, in his mind, did not argue with what Pansy has just said to Granger but he did not want to support her either.
A lot changed after the war. Their family has fallen from grace, yeah, the money is still there and they are certainly not hurting for money but the respect was gone. The life he knew and the respect and treatment he grew up receiving was no longer there. Before, it counts to be a Malfoy. However, as much as he wanted it back he was also relieved in a way.
He was no longer caged in the world his father made. He is more relaxed in making decisions and doing things.
Lucius Malfoy.
When his father died in the war he became Lord Malfoy, inheriting the title. He won't be using that until he comes to age which is about a year from now.
*ah! There it is* he thought, finally locating a silver box.
*why do mom has to put it in the deepest part of the suitcase?* Draco complained to himself.
Even after everything, he is still the egoistic, oh so mighty Draco Malfoy. One really can't change the character of a person, especially Draco Malfoy's.
He stood up and threw the box to Zabini who was flirting with a bunch of 4th yr. Slyherins in the corridor.
"There! Now stop pestering me about it" said Draco
"Sure mate. I was just really curious what aunt Cissa got for me. As you know, she has impeccable taste" Zabini started inspecting the box.
"Of course I know I'm her son" retorted the blonde.
"Let's go then Drakey" cooed Pansy while holding Draco's left arm.
Draco pulled his arm away and told Pansy to start walking. Hermione, at the other hand, stood up to close the door when the train jerked sending their balances skewed. Hermione was able to hold onto the door frame however the Slytherines wasn't as lucky. As much as the delight of Pansy to fall on top of Draco, it was irritating for him. Blaise fall on top of an unfortunate passing by Ravenclaw girl.
As Draco was telling Pansy to get off of him, which proved to be difficult. Blaise offered a hand to the girl. The girl just shook her head, stood up without any help and left quickly just muttering "I'm sorry".
"Wow she's cute" Blaise commented then continued, "but not friendly. Wasn't she affected by my charm?"
"Not all are 'affected' by 'your charm' Zabini" Hermione commented
But before Blaise could answer Malfoy called him. He finally, finally, pushed Pansy away from him. Hermione giggled due to that. Malfoy glared at her but she just smiled and closes the door.
Hermione settled back to her seat and decided to take a nap. Besides she has the whole compartment for herself.
Draco opened the compartment to find the Head Girl sleeping peacefully. He sat in front of her taking in her appearance. She was no longer the bucktooth, messy hair Mudblodd he grew up to hate. Now, in front of him is a woman. She is not as beautiful as the pureblood girls he is used to but definitely pass the high standards he put up.
*What is wrong with me?! I'm ogling Granger! of all people*
He stood up to leave as he heard Blaise coming, shouting his name.
Hermione shivered when Draco opened the door.
"Draco, Com' on. If we don't hurry Pansy will know what we're doing"
Draco nodded in annoyance and closed the door.
Hermione woke up due to the thunder that startled her. She felt warm realizing that a black robe is around her. It smelled nice. Masculine but very comforting. She didn't ask herself who put it on her, she was just glad someone did, then she returned to her slumber.