AN: I thought long and hard about whether or not to write this with events from HBP taken into account or not. I decided not. If you don't like the fact that Dumbledore lives then I'm sorry. +understudy

disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Wish I did, but I don't.

Chapter I: Old Beginnings

Just short of the barrier I paused, my parents could go no further. If there is one thing I do not like about being raised a muggle it is this: I am jealous of how Ron's family can follow him to the train. As I turned to face my parents I grinned. This is the last year I will have to do this.

"Now Hermione," my father began, "you have a lot of responsibility this year and your mum and I expect you to fulfill every expectation." He is a stern man, but I know he wants only the best for me.

Then it was mum's turn. "Dear, you've made us so proud these last few years; I know you'll do it again." Mum smiled, gathered me into a hug and whispered, "Don't forget your duty."

With one last smile at my parents, I stepped through the barrier onto Platform 9 ¾ to look for my friends.

"HERMIONE! OVER HERE!"

I grinned when I heard that voice. Ron always was a bit enthusiastic.

"Hermione!" he yelled again, running across the platform. "Harry and I were wondering if you would show up! We missed you this summer at the Burrow. Mum said that she didn't think you were very safe staying with your parents seeing as how they're muggles and all, but I guess you were!" He finished speaking as he reached me, then he tackled me. "It's so good to see you!" Harry followed soon after, having spanned the platform at a more leisurely pace.

"Have a good summer, Hermes?" He asked as he took his turn hugging me.

"It went well considering the circumstances," I replied. "Where's Ginny?" My question was answered as I was rammed from behind by the Gryffindor 6th year.

"WHAHOOOOAH!" the red-head screamed. "Come on you guys, let's go get a compartment." At this, I felt a bit uncomfortable. They didn't know.

"Guys, I can't ride with you." All three of them looked at me shocked. "Well, I made head girl and heads have their own compartment and all so I kind of have to sit there…." she trailed off.

"You're head girl!"

"I knew it!"

"Who's head boy?"

"You get your own apartment now, don't you?"

"Can we still skive class without you docking points?"

I laughed, "Yes, thanks, I don't know, yes and no Ronald, I will NOT let you skive class. See you at the feast!"

I boarded the train by myself, but I was happy just the same. Harry, Ron and Ginny are all good friends, but it is nice to get away from them sometimes. As I wandered towards the head of the train I let my mind drift. I wondered idly who the head boy would be, but the question was gone as soon as it came. I would find out soon in any case. Occasionally, a compartment door would be open and I would peek in. They were mostly occupied by first years who were hoping that more people would enter to keep them company. It made me smile; surely I was not like that as a first year. No, I was never unsure of myself. I never begged for friends. Either I had them or I didn't. It really didn't matter to me either way. Friends were transient in the long run, especially school friends. I no longer speak to anyone from my old muggle school and except for Harry and Ron, I never see anyone from Hogwarts outside of school. When it all comes down to it there is only me, and truth be told, I like it that way.

I snapped out of my reverie when I reached the end of the train and saw the plaque to the Heads' compartment. I paused for a moment, steeling myself against my own entrance. 'Stop being such a pussy, Hermes,' I chided, 'might as well find out who the head boy is.' With a sigh, I opened the door.

"Mudblood."

'Oh, bloody hell. I get to live with Malfoy. Won't my parents be thrilled for me?'

"Ferret!" I responded in a falsely cheerful voice. Then I sat down. The thing with Malfoy is he likes to bait. He was hoping I would do a classic book-worm Granger response and start lecturing him on the issue of blood-purity and how it doesn't matter. Fortunately for me, I don't rise to his bait unless necessary. Usually, I keep Harry and Ron from rising to it because they would end up breaking his pretty nose. I would have hated to see Malfoy dead before this year, because I know things that would make him squirm. And I plan on using them.