A/N: I do not own anything Harry Potter. That belongs to J.K. Rowling. Also, this will be my second fanfic ever and the first one was a Twilight one. That one came more naturally to me and I have been struggling with this one because it is a rather difficult story to write. I had this great idea after I heard a song and had to go with it. Also, I am keeping Dumbledore and Fred alive because I can't stand the fact that they died and it is just too weird, so in my story they lived. Please review and help me with this. I want it to be good and need all the help I can get. Thanks! J

Chapter 1

It was a warm, sunny day on September first. Platform 9 ¾ had become as busy as it could be like every year when term was starting. Young wizards and witches alike were hurrying to say their last minute goodbyes to their families before the train to Hogwarts started rolling away. Hermione was already in her compartment trying to put her bags in the overhead storage. She had been made Head Girl this year and was to meet the new Head Boy for the train ride as well as Professor McGonagall. Harry and Ron were probably already in their compartment laughing and having a good time with their fellow friends and classmates. Hermione didn't know for sure who the Head Boy was but she had her sneaking suspicions that it would be Malfoy. She knew how Dumbledore's mind worked.

The war was over and Harry had defeated Voldemort. Hermione knew that he would, no matter how scared she had been at the time. She was scared for Harry but it wasn't so much Harry as it was that she was scared for her life, but they had all made it through with the exception of a few and everyone else was locked up in Azkaban. Every student had been permitted to come back and finish up their schooling at Hogwarts. It would be chaotic for a little while, but it was a small price to pay for a bigger and brighter future. All this played into why she knew Dumbledore would pick Malfoy to be Head Boy. His father was taken to Azkaban and his mom was locked up in St. Mungo's. He had no one and the war had done a number on him. Maybe if he had more responsibility he would have less time to over think everything, and maybe by putting Malfoy and her together she would be sure to rub off on him. But that was huge maybe and was wishful thinking on Dumbledore's part.

There was a knock on the door and Hermione turned to see the tall, blond, pale boy standing at the compartment door. "Granger," he acknowledged with a soft tone that came out in almost a whisper. He walked in and placed in his own luggage in the overhead storage across from Hermione. Hermione wasn't sure what to think. He had never spoken to her without so much as a nasty tone in his voice, but this time he was almost kind. "Malfoy," she spoke back. He sat down in front of her and she, too, took her seat. For a few minutes they sat in complete silence, neither daring to look at the other. Just as Draco was about to say something, Professor McGonagall walked into the compartment.

"Hello Miss Granger, Mister Malfoy," She spoke with an upbeat tone.

"Professor," they both said that the same time.

"I am sure you guys would like to know just what responsibilities and duties you both will have for this year. As you know, Head Boy and Girl have their own dormitories where they share a common room and a bathroom. You both are almost adults and we trust that you will act as such. Furthermore, as Head Boy and Girl you are in a sense the law for the prefects. What you say goes and so forth. When we give you a job to do you will do it with no questions asked and without hesitation. For the most part, those tasks are simple enough. One main one that I will ask of you guys this year is that in light of recent events we would like to hold a end of the year dance. I know what you are thinking. It's a whole year away so why do you need to know now, but you would be surprised just how much time is needed to plan a dance. Also, you are to never let down your guard when it comes to your duties. We don't want anyone to think that they can get away with anything do we?" She eyed both of them when she said this. "There shall be more instructions later, but when we get to Hogsmeade you two will have your own private carriage and are to leave first. No one else can leave until you do. We will need up front for the sorting ceremony. Otherwise, enjoy your role as Head Boy and Girl and I shall see you shortly." With that speech and a smile McGonagall was gone. Hermione knew what she meant when she said not to let any one get by with anything. After all, Harry and Ron would try and she is sure that Blaise, Pansy, and the rest of Malfoy's group would try to get away with anything that they could.

Once again the compartment was filled with silence, neither knowing what to say. Hermione stared out the window while Draco was leaning his head back against the seat with his eyes closed. Finally, Hermione decided to say something. "Do you think that we should make our rounds around the compartments. We only have to do one and if we get it over with now we won't have to worry about it later." She looked at him, unsure if he was asleep or not. She almost gave up getting an answer from him and as she stood, he let out a huge sigh. "I suppose, Granger. I'll go all the way to the end first and we will meet in the middle. Sound like a plan?" He stood up and walked off without another word. Now he was agreeing with her? Hermione wasn't sure what was going on and didn't know if she liked it. She shrugged it off and began her rounds. Eventually she made it to her friends compartment. Harry and Ron were in the middle of a travel size game of wizard's chess while Ginny and Neville were listening to Luna go on about Nufftails or something of the sort.

"Knock, Knock." She smiled at all of her friends.

"Hermione! Who is he? Is he cute? Are you excited?" Ginny asked overly excited. She was obviously referring to the new Head Boy. She had been hoping it wouldn't be Malfoy but someone she could see Hermione with. She wanted someone to cheer Hermione up after her and Ron had their tiff and decided it would be better if they just stayed friends. At least Hermione had felt that way about the whole situation.

"Slow down, Ginny. It's just Malfoy." Ginny's face grimaced when she said that. "It's going to be fine. He hasn't been, too, horrible yet. I have high hopes."

"Yet being the operative word, Hermione," Harry chimed in not bothering to look up from the board. Ron still not acknowledging Hermione's presence. She giggled towards Harry and said her goodbyes. She still had more compartments to make it through. "I will see you guys at dinner." They all went back to what they were doing as Hermione closed the door.

"Have a nice chat, Granger?" Draco asked jokingly. "Slacking on your duties already?"

"Oh, come on. Like you didn't stop to talk to your friends," she said with a little curiosity. He didn't say anything but walked past her towards their shared compartment. She just stood there not knowing what to do. Draco noticing that she hadn't moved called over his shoulder, "Coming, Granger?" She turned to follow suit after him.

"Can I ask you a question?" She asked just as soon as they closed the door to their compartment? "I mean, if it isn't going to bother you?" He gave her a skeptical look before giving her the go ahead. "Is there a reason you haven't gotten smart or called me a mudblood?" She looked at him questioningly. It seemed like ages before he even answered her.

"I don't know, Granger. I guess I just don't feel like it anymore. Waste of my time. Besides, if we have to live in such close quarters, I would rather not have to deal with the constant bickering anymore." He finished with a sigh, leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. "Oh," was all she could manage to get out, still unsure of who this boy was in front of her, because it sure wasn't the boy she knew a year ago.