After running from Death Eaters, the Order, the Ministry of Magic, and worst of all, Voldemort, Draco Malfoy found himself resorting to making a deal. Dumbledore had known that he was not a murderer. Strangely enough, he had even left plans for the boy. McGonagall had become headmistress of Hogwarts due to the death of Dumbledore. For the most part, she was faithful to his creed of how he thought the school should be run. A few months into the summer, she found an interesting letter that Dumbledore had left, instructing that both Draco and Hermione had to go to the past in order to prepare the most important vehicle against Voldemort: Harry Potter.

McGonagall had, at first, been skeptical. However, the reminder of Dumbledore's almost impeccable ability for strategics shelved away any of her doubts. It was most probably that Hermione agree. The problem was getting Draco to consent to it also. A month of lobying with the Ministry of Magic and the promise of being absolved of prosecution for previous crimes ensured that Draco Malfoy would take part in this risky operation.

England was still enjoying a rather calm summer, only it wasn't so calm in the wizarding world. Voldemort was at large and as ambiguous as ever. The Ministry of Magic finally admitted that He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named had indeed returned. The Golden Trio had returned to Hogwarts. Many were surprised by two things. The appearance of Draco Malfoy and the fact that Hermione was not Head Girl. Amidst it all, Hermione was stuck, no trapped, in what she originally thought would be an "awesome covert mission" with the infamous prat himself, Draco Malfoy. How and why McGonagall thought she would be perfect for this mission was beyond her. The instant they layed eyes on each other on the train, the two quarreled as they headed towards their respective compartments.

"What are YOU doing here mudblood?! This is a covert mission. I hardly would call you a viable spy, nor less adversary!" sneered Draco.

"Well, hello to you too, Malfoy! Hmph! The least you could do is act decent towards me, you, you vile monster!" Hermione snapped.

"Tut...Tut. Why, Granger! That's not the way to adress your -" he was stopped by the stern look given to him by one Minerva McGonagall.

"Mr. Malfoy! What have I told you about breaking that dreadful habit of yours! The only way you will complete this mission is by the cooperation of both operatives. For shame. You both fully know that Dumbledore," she paused for a moment before adding, " that I have faith in your abilities. Do remember not to behave in such a manner that will give away your positions."

Hermione turned towards the cabin full of familiar faces. Harry and Ginny greeted her warmly. Ron awkwardly welcomed her with a face as red as a tomato. She had just gotten herself situated when ll of sudden, he had to go to the bathroom.

"Ron? You just went to the loo! You can't seri-" Ginny was cut off by Harry, who put a hand on her should her and mouthed "I'll explain later." This seemed to quiet her, though she was still perplexed about it.

"It's all right ,Ron, go." Ron gave Harry a quick nod before leaving.

Hermione understood full well why he was feeling so uncomfortable. At the end of sixth year, they had become a couple. Everyone but themselves had seen it obviously coming through the years. Hermione cared deeply for Ron. This was not her first boyfriend, for Victor Krum had been the first. The bulky Bulgarian teen had been the recipient of her first kiss. Since Voldemort's revival, it was no longer safe to openly acknowledge love. Voldemort would use it to his advantage and she could not permit any harm to come to Ron. So naturally, she broke up with him. It was difficult for him to understand at first, but he soon realized it was for the best. Besides, if something should happen during her new mission, she would want Ron to move on. Not surprisingly, Harry had done the same on an earlier occassion with Ginny. She was confident that her decision was for the best interest of all concerned, including herself.

The Great Hall looked spectacular with its charmed night lights. The sorting hat had just finished with its last first year and everyone was awaiting the feast. Professor McGonagall signaled for the start of the feast. Throughout the meal, she had the uneasiest feeling, as if she were embarking on a trip that would change her life forever. Whether it would be a good change, Hermione didn't know. The Heads were soon announced.

The quiet Slytherin, Blaise Zabini, had been chosen as Head Boy. Usually when people heardhis name, they immediately thought of the typical Italian- dark, tall, and handsom. But that wasn't the case. In fact, he was half African. His mother was a pureblood from Zimbabwe. Secretly, he laughed when people realized they were absolutely wrong about him. It was rather hilarious for him to think about the prejudice that is normally projected towards people of color and the fact that in the wizarding world, it was the total opposite. The Head Girl was a rather pronounced person that wasn't all the well known either. Her name was Amelia Baker (Okay, so I made her up. I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get the damn books out. The reason why there's only a little bit of mention of her is because in this story, she is not as important as Blaise is.)

When one and all had satisfied themselves, they started to leave for their dormitories. Professor McGonagall had called for Draco and Hermione for a meeting in her office. It was a while before she arrived, but as she said, "All in good time."

The entered the renovated office. The portraits were still in their previous positions. Mostly, everything was very similar to Dumbledore's style, except it had a woman's touch.

"You both must be wondering why I called you so late." McGonagall stated, peering occassionally at each of the students.

"Your mission will start this very night. As I have alluded to, you are going to probe into the past. Here are your Time Turners." She promptly handed them out.

" Please, use extreme caution. You are to find Lily Evans and James Potter. Do not reveal your true selves. Present yourselves as 'friends'." Hermione interjected almost immediately.

"Find Lilly and James Potter? Befriend them. What are you on about?" Hermione demanded.

"Miss Granger, please, do calm yourself. " Malfoy snickered but was silenced with a glare from the headmistress. She cleared here throat and contined. "What I was eventual going to explain was that you are going to search for their childhood selves. That is why you are going to search for Lily Evans, not Lily Potter. They have been charmed to turn back in years instead of hours. When you turn your Time Turner to the left, you will turn it 4 times, going up to what would appear as "20" on a normal watch after the fourth turn to the left. This will bring you back 42 years, to the year 1967. This means that they are 8 year-olds. Befriend them with your utmost ability. The rest, which I cannot reveal, will fall into place and become as they say 'history'. Here," she pointed towards the wardrobe," are your suitcases, filled with clothes that are time appropriate. I have also given you invisibility cloaks. I trust that both of you will be responsible and agreeable." She looked pointedly at both of them before taking a breath.

"At first, you will be separated, but as time goes on, you will meet each other again. You have been given special permission to leave the grounds. I believe Filch will neither interrogate you nor do you any harm whatsoever. In your suitcases are present day maps and maps from the year 1965 of England. I have given Hermione the muggle versions of your maps and Draco, the wizarding ones. Hermione, you will be heading to 298 Locus Avenue. Draco, you are to go to 27 Salamander Street, which for your information is in the wizarding world. You have been given a sufficient amount of money, both wizard and muggle money, to stay in hotels until there is no longer a need to. Am I understood? Good. Merlin's speed."

Draco was now the one flabbergasted. What did this all mean. What is the real purpose of this mission? Nonetheless, Draco and Hermione started out for their destinations under the cover of darkness.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John

When are you gonna come down / When are you going to land / I should have stayed on the farm / I should have listened to my old man / You know you can't hold me forever / I didn't sign up with you / I'm not a present for your friends to open / This boy's too young to be singing the blues / So goodbye yellow brick road / Where the dogs of society howl / You can't plant me in your penthouse / I'm going back to my plough / Back to the howling old owl in the woods / Hunting the horny back toad / Oh i've finally decided my future lies / Beyond the yellow brick road / What do you think you'll do then / I bet that'll shoot down your plane / It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics / To set you on your feet again / Maybe you'll get a replacement / There's plenty like me to be found / Mongrels who ain't got a penny / Sniffing for tidbits like you on the ground / So goodbye yellow brick road / Where the dogs of society howl / You can't plant me in your penthouse / I'm going back to my plough / Back to the howling old owl in the woods / Hunting the horny back toad / Oh i've finally decided my future lies / Beyond the yellow brick road