Chapter One: Last Year


Opposites attract because they are not really opposites, but complementaries.

- Sydney J. Harris


Hermione glanced at her reflection, Not Bad she thought. She turned around trying to get a better look at her shirt. Ten minutes later, she walked out of the store with two bags of clothes, nothing over the top or extraordinary but nevertheless she needed a new wardrobe before going back to Hogwarts next week. She couldn't help but hope that maybe this was the year, the year which Hermione Granger will remember for the rest of her life. She loved Hogwarts but the past six years have been centered around Voldemort and looking back at her life at Hogwarts he was the only thing she remembered. Even if nothing did happen, this year is going to be a year of reminiscing on past memories, catching up with lost friends, thinking about future careers and opening herself up to the Hogwarts male population. She never had time for dating and regretted her obsession with studies, something that kept her from experimenting with dating in her early years of puberty. She took a sip of her skim latte as she looked across at the busy street; this year had to be different. No more of childhood feuds and unnecessary conflicts, no more inhibitions, this was her year to shine. She smiled as she walked out of the coffee shop and crossed the street and got lost in the crowd as she made her way to the subway.

"Mum, I'm home!" she said as she dropped her bags and took of her coat. She took off her shoes and made her way into the living room, and found her mother reading a book. Hermione smiled, her mother never answered when she was absorbed in her reading and by the looks of her silence, the book was good. Hermione walked upstairs and opened the door to find a complete mess; she sighed as she brought the two new bags of clothing and tucked them away in the trunk. She fed Crookshanks and started to pack the rest of the clothing and books. After two hours of packing, she looked up at the clock, seven o'clock. Dad's going to be home anytime soon, she brushed her long, wavy dark brown hair away from her face and walked downstairs.

"Hello sweetheart," her mother greeted her.

"Thanks, for acknowledging my presence Mom" Hermione said with a hint of sarcasm as she gave her mom a hug. Leaving for Hogwarts was always difficult; she loved her parents to death and felt guilty for just leaving them here though they were busy at the hospital most of the time. "Smells good" she said as she grabbed the plates and silverware and started arranging the table.

Hermione walked outside and was greeted by the cold, biting wind and made her way to the back of the van in order to get her trunk outside. Her father followed in order to help her. Soon she had all of her things outside, Crookshanks was grumpy, and he hated the cold. Hermione was trying to hold back her tears, which was hard because her eyes were wet to begin with because of the cold. She hugged both of her parents long and hard, she didn't want to let them go but she had to leave or else the train would be long gone before she reached the platform.

"Bye Hermione, take care" her mother said as she let go of her only daughter, the next several months were going to be gloomy and quiet, life just wasn't the same without Hermione.

"You too Mum and ease up on the drinks Dad" Hermione said giving them one final hug before turning around to leave.

"I'll try, you take care princess" Mr. Granger sighed.

She turned around and waved to both of them one last time before disappearing into the crowd. She reached platform 9 ¾ and was met with the usual hustle and bustle of the first years, reunions and common chit-chat that usually took place. Hermione made her way toward the cabins and opened each one trying to look for her friends. She opened one to find none other than Draco Malfoy sitting there all by himself; she quickly resorted to old habits and had to bite her tongue from saying something juvenile. She had to admit, Draco Malfoy has definitely grown this past summer. She no longer saw a boy but a young man which was hard to believe. She quickly closed the door and moved on in order to avoid confrontation which would most likely be a stupid fight but the real reason she avoided conversation because she'd be nervous in his presence and he'd take advantage of that as always.

"Hermione," she heard her voice and before she had a chance to respond, she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist and lift her off the ground. She turned around to see Harry; she beamed and gave him another hug. Ron followed and Hermione gave him a hug. They led her to their cabin, the same cabin they'd met first year.

"How are you guys? How was your summer?" she asked as they sat down.

"Boring" Harry answered, most of his summers were uneventful but exciting school years made up for it. Ron started talking about his family and Hermione listened to him while thinking about how happy she was, it was unnatural, she feared that someone was going to steal this. She glanced outside the window and looked forward to her last year at Hogwarts, the last year for the Golden Trio, the last year when all of her class mates were going to be together and the last year she'd the chance to befriend Draco Malfoy. She was surprised at that thought; maybe this year will be interesting. Without conscious awareness, Hermione found herself tracing her thoughts back to that certain man sitting alone in the cabin.


Ok, there you go! Please Please PLEASE review...Im working on chapter five at the moment so watch out for updates!!

Bye!