AN: Hey guys! This is my first story, and I just want to start off with a short chapter to see if anyone is interested in the whole idea of it. Please review and give me your opinions! I'll start right away on the next chapter, and I promise it will be much longer.

Disclaimer: I am not nor ever will be JK Rowling. *sob * These are her characters and I'm just borrowing them.

Hermione was in the midst of gathering her things, when an apprehensive Harry approached her.

"Hey Harry," she smiled and went to embrace her friend, when he held his hand up in protest.

" 'Mione I have something to tell you that you are not going to..erm...like" He stated, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she couldn't get him to meet her gaze. After a short pause he continued.

"You have been chosen by the Ministry of Magic to go and live with the Malfoys at their manor for the duration of one full year. You must stay there to keep a sharp eye out for trouble and clear their names with the ministry."

Hermione couldn't believe the words she was hearing. "What?" She breathed, the word barely escaping her lips. She had meant for it to come out demanding, but the shock was too much, and it seemed to have stolen her voice.

Her friend finally raised his eyes now full with uneasiness, to meet hers. He reached out to put a comforting hand on her shoulder, but was unsuccessful as she shrugged him off.

He then brought his hand to the back of his head and rubbed it as he spoke. "I'm so sorry 'Mione. I don't want you to go either, believe me, but you're the only one whose schedule can be worked with now and-"

"You have got to be kidding me!" She yelled heatedly, finally finding her voice.

"Calm down 'Mione, I-"

"Calm down?" She spat waving her arms, whipping herself into a hastened frenzy. She began to pace the span of the small room, muttering what Harry thought could only be a string of profanities.

"Calm down? Okay, okay. I'll calm down. I mean after all, why should I be upset when Malfoy and I get along so wonderfully."

She spun on her heel and got right up in his face. "You know Harry, I'm starting to wonder about your judgment. You of all people know exactly how Malfoy treats me. You know of our many spats and all of our encounters end with hurt."

Harry couldn't bring himself to look at her once again, and shifted uneasily as her heated gaze scoured his face.

After a few minutes of what seemed like hours of uncomfortable silence, Hermione spoke again.

"I'm leaving. Thanks a lot Harry." She threw her bag over her shoulder and just as she was about to storm out added, "It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing that I have such great friends looking out for me."

The acidity of her voice surprised her, but she tried to hide it as she stomped off leaving Harry stung and silent.