This is my second attempt at a fanfic, I am still a beginner, so please R&R! Do not read if you haven't finished the latest HP installment.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, they are all the property of JK Rowling.




A feeling of perfect love and serenity enveloped Hermione Granger as she walked through a bed of roses. In the far distance, she saw a dark figure that appeared to be a unicorn. Hermione continued to walk toward it until she found herself standing directly in front of it. She gazed deeply into its eyes, the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. They blazed and sparkled with the light that reflected into them. She reached out to touch the breathtaking being, when suddenly it turned into a boy called Draco Malfoy.


Hermione! It's time to get up! Mrs. Granger whispered loudly, gently shaking her daughter.

Hermione grunted, still partially asleep.

Good morning, dear. You have to get up now. It's your first day of school. We can't be late, now, can we?

Oh. Right. said Hermione groggily as her mother exited the room. Hermione lifted herself from her comfortable bed and walked to the bathroom. There she undressed and stepped into a hot shower. She had now fully awoken from a long and deep sleep, which she had needed, as today was September the first. Today would be the beginning of her sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Normally, she would have been ecstatic to be returning to the school, but today was different. She dreaded going back. Just as her previous year had ended, she had been involved in a violent battle with Lord Voldemort's abominable Death Eaters, one of which had murdered Sirius Black, Hermione's dear friend Harry Potter's godfather, in cold blood. Hermione felt an upsurge of pain and empathy fill her chest as she thought of her close friend. She could only imagine the grief and emotional trauma that must have engulfed Harry after the tragic death of his beloved godfather. Though Hermione herself had not been close to Sirius, she had deeply respected and appreciated him. Sirius had spent twelve long years in the dreadful prison of Azkaban for a crime he had not committed. He had courageously escaped from the prison and journeyed to Hogwarts in the form of a dog. And, though still on the run, he has always been there to care for and protect Harry. Hermione had cried when she heard of Sirius' death, though she had not known him well. This year I shall be an even better friend to Harry,' she thought.

As Hermione stepped out of the shower, she wondered what might occur in the coming months. She suddenly began to think of Draco Malfoy, her rival and enemy. Ever since their first year at Hogwarts, Draco had delighted in harassing Hermione and Harry, as well as their friend Ron Weasley. Hermione detested Draco, and yet, strangely, a small part of her pitied him. Both of his parents were loyal followers of Voldemort, and, she supposed, they were raising their son to be the same way. She wondered why Draco had appeared in her dream. It had been such a pleasant dream until he showed up in it.

You'd better hurry, Hermione's thoughts were broken by the sound of her mother calling to her. She quickly dressed and made herself presentable.

Hermione went to her bedroom to take her luggage, and proceeded down the stairs into the kitchen. There, she found that her parents had made for her a rather large breakfast.

Eat up, Hermione, you'll need your strength today, her mother said. Hermione forced herself to eat, though not remotely hungry.

Is anything wrong, dear? You seem quieter than usual.

No, Mum, everything's fine, Hermione lied. Whether her mother's perceptive nature had picked up on this, Hermione couldn't be sure.

Well, it's almost ten o'clock, we'd better be going, Mrs. Granger said quickly. Hermione grabbed her luggage and went out with her parents to the car.

Hermione didn't say much of anything during the car ride. Her apprehension grew as they drew closer and closer to the station. What sort of trouble would she and her friends be faced with this year? What was the Dark Lord really up to? What, exactly, was the Order of the Phoenix doing to stop Him? When would Voldemort be defeated for good? Suddenly, Hermione felt a warm arm hugging her shoulders.

Are you all right? her father said, looking deeply concerned.

Yes, fine, she answered. She realized that they had arrived at King's Cross train station. She felt sick. She didn't want to ever return to the wizarding world. Fighting the urge to cry, she hugged each of her parents goodbye, took her bags, and entered the station.



King's Cross station was exceedingly crowded and noisy, but Hermione was far too consumed in her own thoughts and worries to care. She walked hastily toward platforms nine and ten. She stood between the two, looked quickly around her, and ran through the brick wall.

Hermione's eyes darted around platform nine and three quarters, where students were boarding the Hogwarts Express. Among them she recognized many of her classmates, but she did not see Harry or Ron.

Well, if it isn't the Mudblood! Hermione whirled around to see Draco Malfoy and his loyal sidekicks Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle leering at her.

Go away, Malfoy, she said curtly, but Draco ignored her.

Where are Potty and Weasel, Granger? he asked with a smirk. Crabbe and Goyle snickered. Did they finally see reason and decide not to associate with filthy Mudbloods?

Leave me alone, Malfoy! Hermione yelled. Draco sneered condescendingly, apparently pleased by her irritation.

You are the most insufferable human being on the face of the earth! Hermione shouted. And at that moment, that very brief moment, she noticed and odd look in Draco's eyes she had never seen before. Could it be hurt? Nevertheless, Hermione ignored it, stormed off, and boarded the train before Draco could speak again.




So what do you think? If you like this, I will continue. I will try to update as often as possible. Thanks!!