A/N I do not own any characters or anything from the Harry Potter universe. I do not write this for any profit other than the feeling I get writing it. This is my first fic, hope it's ok.

Hermione always knew she would return. She just thought she'd have her two best friends with her. Hermione was returning to Hogwarts to complete her education, while Harry and Ron had been accepted into the Auror program with the Ministry of Magic.

So here she was, sitting, waiting for Ginny to say a very physical goodbye to her boyfriend Harry. She had stood there making awkward conversation with Ron, who she had recently broken up with, for only 2 minutes, before finding a compartment on the Hogwarts Express.

Hermione and Ron had tried dating after the final battle, just mere months ago, but they soon realised that they were better as just friends, as they really had nothing in common. Their relationship was short lived.

Ginny had finally joined her

'Sorry that took so long' Ginny said looking flushed, as she sat down next to Hermione.

'It's fine. I'm glad you two finally sorted your shit out and got together" Hermione replied.

'Hey!' Ginny said with a shove to Hermione's shoulder, 'It's not my fault Harry decided to be all noble and break up with me'

'I know,' Hermione chuckled 'I really am happy for you though.'

Ginny smiled. 'Thanks. How long till you have to go to the Heads compartment?'

'Soon. I wonder who Head Boy is this year. I'm surprised I got it at all, being a returning students a year older.' Hermione said.

Ginny scoffed. 'Oh please, you deserve it. No one was surprised at all. Head Girl has had your name on it ever since the results from your first year exams came out.'

Hermione blushed. 'Well I better go see who I'll be sharing a dorm with'

'Good luck!' Ginny called as Hermione walked out the door, 'Hope it's someone hot!'

Hermione shook her head. That's all Ginny had been pestering her about since she broke up with Ron. Ginny had tried many times to set her up with a new guy, but Hermione just wasn't interested in any of them.

Hermione reached the Heads compartment and opened the door. She stopped dead in her tracks.

'You've got to be shitting me'

'Hello to you to Granger,' said none other than Draco Malfoy.

'What are you doing here Malfoy? This compartment is reserved for the Head Girl and Boy" Hermione said matter-of-factly.

'Well I guess I'm in the right place them, being Head Boy.' He replied smoothly.

Hermione was speechless. How could this be happening to her. This year was meant to be the best year ever.

She finally found her voice. 'Right, well as the universe is obviously playing a very sick joke on me, let's get a few things straight. You will not come near me, unless you want to be hexed through until next spring. Second, you will respect my privacy at all times. Since we will be living together, I don't want any funny business. Thirdly, if you try anything, and I mean anything, to cause me more harm, I will end you. I've got enough scars from your fucked up family already,' she grabbed her left forearm at this point without even realising she did it. 'Are we understood?'

There was a pause.

'May I speak' Draco asked. Hermione looked at him and waited. Draco looked uncomfortable and gestured for Hermione to sit. She did so reluctantly.

'Right, first of all….I want to say sorry,' he started.

'What?!' Hermione interrupted.

'No interrupting, it's my turn. Just hear me out. I am sorry, for everything. For all the shit that happened during school, and especially for what happened at the Manor. I now realise that everything my father told me and made me believe was total crap. I know you might not ever be able to forgive me, and that's fine. I just want you to know that I truly am sorry and I am a changed person. At least, I'm trying to be.' Draco finished with a sigh.

Hermione sat quietly, thinking this over. When she finally spoke she said,

'Thank you for the apology. As for forgiving you, I'll get back to you on that. From now on through maybe we could have a fresh start.'

She held out her hand, 'I'm Hermione Granger.'

Draco looked at her hand and quickly took it. 'Draco Malfoy. Pleasure to meet you.'