Chapter 1

She sat at the Gryffindor table with her head propped up against her arm. Her gaze moved slowly towards the Slytherin table where a certain blonde was talking unenthusiastically with Pansy Parkinson. He caught her staring blankly in his direction and looked down to cover his smirk.

"Hermione? Hermione? Are you okay?" Ron said, with a worried look.

Her head snapped up and turned to stare at Ron who was sitting beside her eating pancakes. She nodded in reply to his question.

"I'm quite fine, thank you very much".

Harry frowned at her, questioning the formality in her speech. He knew there must have been something bothering her. She normally didn't speak that formally to them unless she was annoyed at someone or if she was simply in a bad mood.

"Oh you gawing to eet tat?" Ron asked with his mouth full and pointing at Hermione's full plate.

She hadn't touched any of the food , spending most of the time staring into blank space.

"I doubt it. I'm not quite hungry and besides, I went to the kitchen this morning before we met up at the common room. Dobby made me some sandwiches to eat. You can eat it, if you must." she lied. Of course she didn't lie about being full. She didn't have much of an appetite today but she hadn't really visited the kitchen since before the Christmas break.

Harry and Ron just shrugged. They knew she would never visit the kitchen without one of them. Without them she would go to such lengths to try to convince the house elves that they should be paid. It was no use arguing with Hermione anyways.

Ron turned towards Harry to discuss with him the next quidditch match they had. Hermione started to tune out again.

She stared at the house banners that hung at the front of the Great Hall. She found her gaze turning back to the Slytherin table. Malfoy was now talking to Blaise Zabini. His two side-kicks, Crabbe and Goyle, were nowhere to be seen. They had to repeat fifth year since they failed their O. last year. Malfoy was now hanging around Zabini, Parkinson and Theodore Nott more.

A hand was waving in front of her face. She looked up and frowned at the owner of the hand.

Harry smiled when he realised he had gotten her attention.

"We're moving to class now, unless you want to stay and look Petrified here".

Hermione shivered at the second year memory. The memory hadn't haunted her life but she still couldn't help grimacing whenever she was reminded of it.

Harry noticed her response to it.

"Sorry." He ducked his head in apology.

She smiled and slowly stood up. "It's fine. It's just something I never want to go through again".

They made their way towards the dungeons for Potions.

Harry chuckled. "I don't think anyone would want to go through it. I've got to admit though; you were quite brave for a second year. Wait no, scratch that. You were definitely brave back then."

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! ARE YOU INSINUATING THAT I'M NOT BRAVE NOW?" She tried to sound and look insulted but her laughter had failed her.

He merely smiled at her. Her mood had certainly lightened compared to before.

Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and started jogging. Harry quickly started fastening his pace.

"Why are you running? We're not even late."

She laughed. "I'm not running. This is jogging.".

"Well, you know I can't be bothered either way."

Hermione halted to a stop with Harry trying not to trip from the sudden brake.

She looked at him in mock horror.

"Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is not bothered? What would people think about that?"

"I'm sure they wouldn't mind."

"I'm quite sure they will." Hermione retorted and started power walking.

Harry followed.

"Well, tough luck for them then and besides, you didn't answer my question. Why are we rushing to Potions?"

"We don't want to be late for our first Potions lesson of the term now, do we?"

Harry snorted. "Correction: YOUR first Potions lesson of the term. Ron and I have already had 2 or so lessons. Unlike you, we don't have to give extra work to third years and besides, it's not like Snape is suddenly going to be so enthusiastic about seeing us." Harry smirked. " I think he much liked the 'Granger-free' lessons we previously had."

Annoyed, Hermione slapped him on the arm. "For your information, I'm not giving them extra work. Professor McGonagall asked me to tutor them since they were falling behind. I found it to be an excellent opportunity for me to have experience in teaching. It'll benefit me greatly when I pursue my dream job as a professor and with THAT smirk, you could be giving Malfoy and run for his money. One more thing, where exactly is Ron?"

"He left before us. He said he had forgotten something in the common room and needed to get it. He'll meet us here." Harry slowed down to his normal walking pace as they were near their destination. "And there he is right there. Missed him already, Hermione?" He teased Hermione.

Hermione scowled at Harry. "You wish."

"No, I don't but I'm pretty sure he does". Harry stated while laughing and pointing at Ron who was walking towards them.

Ron was staring at Hermione and Harry suspiciously.

"Were you guys gossiping about me?" Ron asked.

"Oh please, Ron. You know very well that Harry and I don't gossip. We discuss. Quit worrying. The world doesn't revolve around you."

"I'm quite sure I'm not the one you should be saying that to". Ron turned around slightly and gestured towards Malfoy.

Draco was surrounded by his Slytherin "followers" and bragging about his brand new broom that his father had bought him for Christmas. Passing first and second years were staring at him in envy.

Hermione was not interested at all in what he was saying but the same thing couldn't be said about Ron and Harry. They tried to ignore it but couldn't stop eavesdropping as Malfoy bragged about the features of the new broom.

"Bloody hell." Ron whispered and turning to Harry. "He has the new Firebolt".

Harry tried to not look interested at all and ignored Ron to inform Hermione on what she had missed out on in Potions.

As if on cue, Malfoy slowly walked towards them looking slightly inferior without his two troll followers. As he came closer, Hermione could see the changes in his facial features. He didn't look like the annoying git that she had punched back in third year anymore. Although she had to admit it looked like he could do with more sleep, Hermione would go as far as to say he was quite handsome now. She would definitely take a second glance at him if he had a change of attitude and beliefs.

Hermione shook her head gently. Who am I kidding? Malfoy? I probably wouldn't even like him if he miraculously, for some odd reason, decided to pay his house elves wages. She laughed quietly to herself. You obviously need more sleep, Hermione. Look at what all this studying has done to your head. She looked up to find Malfoy slowly smirking at her.

"Well well well, look what the cat has dragged in. Coming back to potions for more of a challenge, Granger? You know quite well that you'll never beat me in Potions. You just don't have the skills that I possess."

Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Is that all you've got, Malfoy?"

Draco didn't budge. He stared right into her caramel eyes. "Oh, I've got so much more but why waste time on useless things like filthy-"

Hermione swiftly poked her wand on his neck and smiled devilishly. "Honestly, Malfoy. You would think that after 4 years you would think of something different or more original."

"You can say anything you want, Granger. I don't care." He spat out in between compressed breaths.

Harry just chuckled. "I believe right now you are experiencing a sense of déjà-vu, Malfoy. Am I correct?"

Scrowling, he turned his head to Harry while attempting to back away. "Shut it, Potter!". He paced backwards and started running while still keeping watch on Hermione's wand. Without realisation, he bumped into someone and fell to the ground ungracefully. The whole dungeon erupted in laughter. With his head bowed, he gathered all his books avoiding eye-contact with any of his fellow students.

With a swish of her wand, Professor McGonagall levitated all the fallen papers into her hand. "Oh, do try to look where you're going, Mr. Malfoy. You wouldn't want to be injured so early in the term." she sincerely smiled and offered a hand.

Ignoring the hand, Draco stood up and dusted himself off, his fringe falling in front of his stormy eyes and his robes crinkled at the back. Still staring at the floor, he stamped off towards the exit passing Professor Snape who looked utterly confused. The Gryffindors and some Slytherins were still laughing but all died out when they saw the serious face of their Potions professor. As the trio were about to follow him into the classroom, McGonagall called out to them and asked if she could have a word. They approached her wearily.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, I understand that there is a great rivalry between the Gryffindors and Slytherins and you three are not on the best terms with Mr. Malfoy, but I ask that each of you try to be civil to him. It is not only you three though, I will also request the same thing to Mr. Malfoy. Do you three understand?"

"Yes, Professor." Harry and Hermione said in clear voices while Ron merely mumbled it under his breath.

"Good. I'm glad you three understand. Oh, Miss Granger and Mr Weasley? Could you two please come to Professor Dumbledore's office just after dinner today? It is regarding the prefects this term."

"Umm Professor, I have resigned from being a prefect and Neville has replaced me." Ron spoke up.

"Yes, I do remember now that you mention it. I apologise, Mr Weasley for the mistake. With the sixth year homework, preparation for N.E. next year and quidditch practise now, I trust that that is a lot to handle but not to worry. I'm sure Mr. Longbottom will do exceptionally well just as you did, Mr. Weasley. You may go to Potions now, I must return back to my office. Goodbye, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter."

McGonagall turned towards the entrance while the trio proceeded to make their way inside. Professor Snape ignored them as he instructed the class on the potion they were to make. The trio took their seats at the back table where Dean Thomas, their fellow Gryffindor, was already occupying the seats. Hermione sat next to Dean and he told her what they were making.

Ron leaned over towards Harry and whisper." There's something definitely wrong with Malfoy. I've never seen him back down so easily and that was from Hermione too. I haven't seen that since third year when she punched him."

"I don't know, Ron. Maybe McGonagall was right. Maybe we should be slightly more civil towards him and besides, it's a possibility that he's changed."

"Over my dead body. Once a Malfoy, always a Malfoy. You can't deny that, Harry. He'll always be the insufferable git we first saw him as in first year. No one and nothing can change that."

"You never know. People can change. I mean look at Hermione for example. She's not that bossy and demanding now compared to first and second year."

"I heard that." Hermione stated without lifting her head up from her Potions textbook.

"Right. " Harry nervously laughed, "Well you see, Ron? I'm not saying that I trust him now and that I'm going to put all the hatred aside, but I'll do what McGonagall requested us to do and try not to pick fights with him. Just ignore him. That will work."

Ron sighed. "You sound just like Hermione." He then ducked as Hermione attempted to slap him on the head.

Hermione parted with Harry and Ron after dinner to go to Dumbledore's office. The hallway was suspiciously quiet. I guess most students rushed to their common room to finish their homework so they can go to the Hogsmeade trip next weekend. Her careful footsteps echoed throughout the empty space and Hermione was getting ready to run if she spotted Peeves. Maybe I could ask Professor Snape if he could write me a note so I can get a book from the Restricted Section that will help me in the research task that was given today. Besides, I'm quite early at the moment and I can pass the dungeon along the way. I hope he's not in a bad mood.

Hermione turned to walk towards the dungeon. When she arrived she could hear people talking inside the office. Being the sensible and well-mannered girl she was, she waited outside.

"I don't doubt you, Severus" a female voice said.

Hermione tried to focus on not eavesdropping but she couldn't stop herself. There was something about the voice of the unknown female that made her curious. No, Hermione. You can't eavesdrop on other's conversations. You wouldn't be happy if someone eavesdropped on yours so you should focus on blocking it out.

She could hear a distant buzzing noise as if a Muffliato charm was cast but was slowly wearing off. She could make out some words and lines of the conversation.

"I can't change the Dark Lord's mind. But it might be possible for me to help Draco."

Hermione could recognise this as her Potion teacher's monotonous voice.

"Severus..."The sound of shuffling feet could be heard.

"I'll try Narcissa. I promise to take care of Draco. He is, after all, my Godson."

Hermione had heard enough and she ran off before anyone had caught her eavesdropping to the, clearly personal, conversation. She couldn't wrap her head around it. What situation is Malfoy in? Why do they sound so serious? There was definitely something mentioned about Voldemort. Could it be...? No, it can't be. He's far too young. Voldemort wouldn't be that desperate, would he?

She ran towards the Gryffindor tower to inform Harry and Ron about what she had heard. All plans of meeting Dumbledore had escaped her mind. She had to get to the bottom of this and before it was too late.