Dear readers,

This is in fact my first posted fanfiction. I am a bit wary, however I sincerely welcome all reviews and suggestions. Feel free to bother me about anything… and feel free to give me advice. I have recently become a big fan of the Draco/Hermione pairing. So this is my own version. This chapter, and many more will be safe, but I do intend for the situations to… well… escalate. Please enjoy!

Love,

SweetSlytherinPrincess

LOCOMOTIVE

Chapter I

Her heart fluttered as the locomotive made its way around the bend, chugging along at great speed to a destination only people like her could see. She sat alone, her face pressed so close against the window that her breath fogged the glass before her, and she quickly wiped it away so she could peer into the darkness as best she could. It was twilight, the last bits of light disappearing quickly at the edges of the earth, and through the window she could make out the tall towering shapes in the distance. A feeling rushed over her... A feeling of relief and gladness to be home again after so much uncertainty. It was as if the train could not move itself fast enough. As her knee bobbled up and down she sank into her seat with a childish grin on her face. Despite all the pain and hurt, death and horror that had taken place here the year before, she was overwhelmingly ready to learn again. To finish what she had started here.

She glanced around her. The seats beside her usually taken by smiling faces. It seemed only yesterday that she had pried herself through the doors, making snooty remarks and demonstrating her knowledge. She chuckled softly, remembering how high her nose had been in the air. How awkward they all had been. And yet, that had shared this space for years onward. A bond between them has formed and this space had always marked the beginning of a new journey for them. This time however, she sat alone. Her partners in crime having opted out of returning.

It was not long before the train lurched to a stop. Now, outside her window, the moon glittered upon the vast, almost daunting lake; and lanterns began to glow as students bustled out of the train doors to meet the escorts. Suddenly the train was alive with laughter. From outside her door she could see people bump against each other with smiling faces in their attempt to make it within the castle walls as quickly as possible. It wasn't only smiling faces she saw, however. Some had huge, frightened eyes, anxious for what was to come. And of course, she could not mistake some of the hard, nearly solemn faces of those who remembered the previous year. Those who could not push the death from their memory. Her heart sunk as the faces passed her. This was her home, her sanctuary. The place she met those she loved most. And yet also the place she lost those she loved most.

Things had begun to die down around her. It was at this moment the frizzy haired girl took a deep breath and emerged from the doors before her. Looking up and down the narrow aisle, there was none but herself. With a nod of her head and an anxious smile, Hermione Granger exited the train and began her trek towards Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry to finish out her seventh year.

She had however, been mistaken. For as she made her way down the aisle, a door in the back silently slid open. From it, a tall pale figure stepped into the aisle way. Feet adorned in fashionable black leather, perfectly fitted black trousers, crisp black dress coat lined with a dazzling silver. Hands rose to adjust a tie, for beneath the dress coat was a white dress shirt and a sweater-vest lined with the green of a snake. Overall, the figure had a regal, mysterious, and matter-of-fact look about him. His pale, silvery-blue eyes watched as Hermione made her way towards the doors. His body going cold at the sight of her, his hand reflexively gripping his wand. He breathed slowly, annoying by his own behavior. The times had changed, she was no longer the enemy. But for some reason he could not help but be wary. After years and years of what he had been through… he was surprised he could even manage to return to this bloody school. But alas, now that much of his family was either dead or screaming in Azkaban; there was not much else for him to do. He had to finish out his seventh year here, or else he might end up a similar fate.

The mass of milk chocolate-amber hair glinted like precious gold as she turned the corner and exited the train. Silver eyes gazed at her as she left. Practical shoes, practical uniform. Practical, practical, practical. Just as she had always been. Save for a few rare occasions when she dawned a dress and rouge for the Yule or something similar. It did not surprise him in the slightest that she had shown up at Hogwarts this year. Out of everyone else in the school, it was she alone who thirsted for knowledge so passionately. It only seemed fitting that she return. Though, surprisingly enough, there seeming to be something missing. There was no freckled redhead or blasted Potter on either side of her.

This confused him a bit. For he was pretty damn positive Potter had nowhere else to go other that Hogwarts. Of course plenty would put him up, but Hogwarts had always seemed to be his escape. He figured though, that because of the war, Potter's fame had reached new heights…. And perhaps it wasn't that Potter didn't want to return…. Perhaps he was asked not to. Possibly the same scenario for the weasel…. But being that Weasley and Granger had fallen into some awkward romance, it was downright amazing the weasel wasn't prancing around her feet everywhere she went.

Draco sighed, pushing a strong hand through his platinum locks. The sides of which had been cropped, with a bit of length left at the top. His physique had filled out, toned long and lean. His face had become less pointed, and his skin less of a sickly pallor. While he had always been handsome, the lack of a dark Lord looming over him seemed to have given him a bit more of a lively look to him. Lively meaning…. Less dead. He looked tired perhaps, but other than that, the Malfoy that once was, seemed no more.

With yet another sigh, the young master made his way down the aisle, and exited the train. The mudblood not much further ahead and the crowd of returning students and first-years much farther up. Their lanterns glinting like stars and their laughter downright sickening. He started after them, picking up his luggage as he went.

Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table, Ginny Weasley by her side. Smiles on both of their faces. Nearly all of the damage done the year before had been repaired. Some of the towers still needed to be patched, and there was some burned wood here and there. But to the first years coming in, the rumors they had heard of the destruction seemed entirely false. As they padded into the Great Hall, all their eyes wide, aghast by the sheer majesty that it was, Hermione watched with a small giggle. Remembering how nervous she had been on this very day nearly eight years ago.

"Marjorie Hendrickson." A hush fell over the crowd as the small made her way up to the chair to be sorted.

"Hmmm…. Too easy! Hufflepuff!" Her comrades cheered as she made her way to her new table.

"Conner O'Brien."

"Well, well, what a bright one we have here. Better be…. Ravenclaw!" The young boy smiled as applause poured from the Ravenclaw table.

"Theodora Aspen."

"Slytherin!" The sorting hat said without pause. Cheering came once again, and Malfoy peered over at the first new edition. She looked slightly frightened. Perhaps because of recent events, her status now as a Slytherin made the girl weary. Malfoy scoffed. What a pity.

The sorting went on. Everything seeming evenly distributed. And as the sorting hat was put away, Headmaster McGonagall made her way to the podium. Her cloak a rich velvety green. Her graying hair up in a tight bun, and her lips pursed in seriousness.

"Now. Congratulations to all that have been sorted. Make the best of what your houses can offer you." There was a hush over the crowd.

"Before we feast I have a few announcements. First: To all that have heard rumors about the previous year. Fear not. For the Dark Lord has fallen, and Hogwarts continues to not only be safe… but the safest place for you. While there is little threat to us anymore… if any…. We have decided to put certain safety precautions in place to put all at ease."

As she spoke of the Dark Lord, Malfoy cringed. He felt a few eyes wander and rest on him. Wondering if he was dangerous or not. He kept a calm composure. When his stormy eyes met another's, he offered them his signature smirk… and the quickly turned away.

"Furthermore, we have new staff to welcome." McGonagall motioned and her long-sleeved cloak billowed as she signaled for them to rise.

"Taking the place as potions-master and head of Slytherin House is Professor Tantibus." A tall, beautiful woman stood. Her skin of Mediterranean coloring. Her hair cascading down her back in chocolate heavy curls. Her eyes dark and mysterious. Her lips a matte wine color. She was adorned in all black. Her bodice buttoned up tight while her robes fell perfectly around her legs to the floor.

She spoke, nodding to McGonagall. Her voice languid yet stern.

"I am most pleased. I give my condolences, and I am excited to prepare you all for greatness." The corners of her mouth turned up, and with that applause rang out and she sat quietly back down.

McGonagall nodded a thank you, and cleared her throat to remind the students to close their mouths.

"We also welcome Professor Stellamordis. Your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Again a woman rose. Only this time she was a petite, pale young woman. Her eyes a sparkling blue, her cheeks rosy and her hair long, straight, and in an intricate braid that hung over her shoulder. She grinned and smoothed her violet cloak.

"I shall hope to do my best. Thank you, Headmaster." She waved delicately and sat back down. Now an excited and confused murmur began among the students, and McGonagall raised her own with a tightened in her voice.

"Hush now." She started. "Finally, I shall apologize to those who were previously unaware…. But because of the way last year went. Head students were never chosen. It is now that I will award then this honor of Head boy or girl. Which as you all know, is a great honor and a great responsibility. Please stand as I call your name"

Ears perked at this, and they all turned their focus up to the Headmaster.

"Ravenclaw. Head boy: Michael Pertilous." The young man stood with a smile as a badge appeared on the front of his vest. There was a soft applause that followed.

"Hufflepuff. Head Girl: Susan Bones." The red-head popped up. A wide smile on her face and the applause got a bit louder.

"Gryffindor. Head Girl: Hermione Granger." Suddenly the applause stopped, and Hermione's eyes became wide. The sweet honey brown of them glinting in the candle light as she stared at Mcgonagall. Her body frozen in awe.

McGonagall huffed. "I said please stand, Miss Granger." With that she hopped up, a deep blush coming across her face as the badge appeared. She traced her fingers along it lightly.

"Slytherin. Head Boy: Draco Malfoy." A cry rang out and gasps filled the room, mixing with loud applause from the Slytherin table. Malfoy stood slowly, showing no emotion... despite his confusion.

"Wonderful. Congratulations to all of you. Your luggage and belongings have already been moved to the Head Student Common room, where you will be escorted shortly. There will be a mandatory meeting tomorrow morning to go over duties, and so forth."

As Hermione sat back down in her seat. Her mind flooded with questions. Sharing a common room…. With Malfoy of all people? Why was she chosen? Why was HE chosen? She turned and looked over her shoulder in his direction, only to find his stormy silver eyes locked, starting deep into hers. His hands folded, and a mischievous smirk on his face. She shivered, a strange feeling of warmth shooting though her body. She shot him an angry glare, and turned her back to him once more.

"Let the feast, begin!"