*DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter or anything related to it.*

Raina Potter boarded the Hogwarts Express. All the seventh-years had been called back for an extra year, due to the war "disturbing the learning environment", as Professor Mcgonagall had phrased it.

Raina walked towards the cart that she usually sat in with Ron and Hermione, but was soon stopped by none other than Draco Malfoy.

"Surprised to see you here, Malfoy. I see they didn't expel you." Raina said.

"Look, I'm not here to cause trouble, Potter. I'm here to apologize." Draco replied.

"Oh.."

Raina was dumbfounded. The idea that Draco would ever apologize for anything had never crossed her mind, she had always assumed he despised her and that the two were strictly enemies.

"Look, I'm really sorry. I let my father get into my head. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you over the years. I want to change, be a better person. I'm hoping you'll give me that chance."

Emerald green eyes were full of confusion and distrust, but then softened, realizing he was being genuine. She placed her hand on his arm.

"It's okay, Draco. We all make mistakes." Raina smiled. For some odd reason, she was willing to give him a second chance.

"Thank you, Raina."

This was the first time Raina had seen him smile, and not in a mischievous way.

"Wait, did you just call me Raina?" She questioned.

Draco shrugged and smiled. "Later, Potthead," he smirked as he made his way back to his cart.

"Maybe he isn't so bad after all.."

Raina continued on and opened the door to the cart. Hermione was already asleep on Ron's shoulder. Ron made eye contact with Raina, and they both knew not to wake her. She decided she would tell them both of her encounter with Draco when Hermione wakes up.

Raina sat down and stared at the window, watching as the scenery changed the closer they got to Hogwarts. She smiled at the thought of being back in her room that she shared with Hermione, going to her classes, eating in the Great Hall. It brought back memories from before the war. Before so many had been lost. She sighed, remembering how Ron was probably still grieving Fred's death, and how George must be handling it. She felt awful.

They had all lost people they loved. Raina tried not to dwell too much on the past. The more she thought about it, the more broken she felt, and she could not be broken. Her friends needed her more than ever right now, and she wasn't going to have them worry about her. She needed to be there for them.

She couldn't help but wonder about Draco. Was he really trying to change for the better, or was it all just another game of his? She is pretty good at reading people, and he seemed to be genuine, almost as if he wanted to be a better person. It seemed as though he had matured a little, and finally realized he needed to be his own person and not his father's pet.

Raina sighed. Why on earth was she thinking about Draco Malfoy? Of all people. She thought it was just her mind's way of thinking about things besides the fact that Bellatrix had killed Sirius, or that Fred had died in the war she could have prevented had she let Voldemort kill her. Maybe everything would be different. She let too many people sacrifice themselves for her, and she wasn't going to let that happen again.

The train pulled to a stop. The ride had gone by a lot quicker than Raina had expected, but she was thankful they had arrived.

"Come on Mione, time to wake up," Ron whispered into Hermione's ear, nudging her awake. Hermione yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"I know my hair is an absolute mess, but you don't have to point it out by staring, Raina," Hermione stated. Raina chuckled.

"I wasn't staring at that, Mione."

"Then..what were you staring at?"

"Nothing. Lets just go get on the carriage."

Hermione smiled. They were finally back.

Raina watched as the two gingerly held hands. She almost envied their love, wishing she had someone that loved her as much as Ron loved Hermione. It truly was amazing that the two had ended up together, seeing as they were always arguing and bickering about petty things. But, in the end, they were somehow perfect for each other. Raina wished she had something like that.

The all piled onto the carriage, except for Raina. There was not enough room.

"Ron and I can stay and wait for another carriage with you, Rai," Hermione offered.

Raina shook her head. "No, no, it's alright. I can wait, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Ron questioned.

"I'm sure. I'll meet you guys at the Great Hall."

Ron and Hermione nodded as the carriage headed in the direction of Hogwarts.

Raina breathed in the scent of the forrest. She had always loved this place, more than anything. It was her safe house. She had so many memories here, and was dreading the fact that it was her last year. As another carriage pulled up, she climbed on.

DRACO POV

For some odd reason, he knew he had to talk to her. He had never realized exactly how mesmorizing she was, and he wondered why she was not yet seeing anyone.

Draco pulled himself back to reality and almost vomited, realizing he found Potter attractive. How could that be? He hated her. They were supposed to be enemies, not friends, and most definitely not lovers. Yet, he told his friends to stay behind and not let anyone else on the carriage. He climbed on behind Raina and sat across from her.

"I don't believe it. The great Draco Malfoy has decided to sit himself on the same carriage as me." Raina commented.

"Well, I mean, I thought that since you were giving me a uh, second chance, I thought that maybe-"

"Friends?" Raina threw the request out there. She knew she was pushing the limit, giving Draco the chance to be her friend and all, but she thought he deserved it. He seemed to be wanting to change, so she was going to let him.

"Uh, yeah. T-That would be nice, yeah." Draco said.

Raina chuckled. "Yeah, it would." They shook hands.

"Cheers to new beginnings, Potter." Draco replied.

Hey guys! Sorry this chapter is quite short, and boring, but I just needed something quick to start things off. Hope ya'll like it, and I'll be updating very soon. A new chapter is on its way! It should be longer and a bit more interesting than this one:)