Today was like any other. The bright blue sky seemed endless and the shining sun cast its light over everything. It was a glorious day to head out onto a train. Of course, not just any old train. Hermione stood before platforms 9 and 10, her hands gripping the bar of her wheel cart tightly. She was never used to this part, slipping through the brick. It made her uncomfortable and weird afterwards. Taking in a deep breath, Hermione pushed the cart filled with all her necessities and belongings through the brick and out of sight. All the muggles at the train station did not notice a single thing as she disappeared and continued on their merry way.
On the other side, Hermione appeared, her face exasperated. A tingling sensation ran through her body as she looked around. A sign saying Platform 9 3/4 hung on a black metal bar, the sign swinging back and forth creating a creaking sound. She winced and turned toward the train tracks. In the distance a whistle sounded and excitement rose in her chest. The black train barreled along until it stopped with a screech in front of her. Hermione's anticipation rose to a feverish peak as she raced toward the man who was placing their chests and baggage on the train.
The man was tall and wore a black uniform. He had dark brown hair and large green eyes. He remained Hermione of one of her best friends. He flashed her a toothy smile as he grabbed a hold of her baggage and placed it on the train. This gave her the chance to board the transportation machine and Hermione did so. She stopped on the steps to look at herself in the window. Her curly brown hair had lightened over the summer and her hazel eyes seemed more chocolate brown than ever. Her skin was a lot finer though she stayed in the sun almost the whole vacation. A mass of light brown sun freckles scattered over her nose to prove it. They'd disappear in a matter of time however. Her body had grown more mature as well and she believed she would stop growing now. Curves were more apparent in her form and she seemed to sway with every step.
Hermione continued up the steps and into a free compartment. She sat down in the cushioned seats and awaited her friend's arrival. They were usually late and she remembered second year when they had actually missed the train all together and took Mr. Weasley's flying car all the way to the school. That car was never spotted again after it disappeared into the forbidden forest. Hermione wondered what it was doing at that very moment. Distracted, Hermione did not notice the sound of the compartment door opening and a figure slipping in. His entrance was quiet and sneaky like a snake. Icy blue eyes watched Hermione and after feeling a slight chill from the outside hallway, Hermione finally looked up.
Draco Malfoy leaned against the wall, Icy blues watching her. His pale blond hair hung over his face. His features were sharper more narrow. A small smirk was on his face. Hermione scowled. The last person she had wanted to run into was now purposefully standing before her, mocking her almost. She hoped Harry and Ron would hurry up. They seemed to be taking forever even though only a few minutes had passed since she had sat down.
"Well, Well. If it isn't Granger. Where's your little gang? Going to miss the train again?" His voice seemed to deepen only slightly but the arrogant tone remained. Hermione glared at him, her hand tightening around the handle of her wand which sat in her pocket.
"Get lost Malfoy. No one wants you around here," she spat back. Draco did not look fazed at all.
"Oh Granger, I'm hurt. But I know one thing. No one wants a mudblood around." Hermione rose to her feet in an instant, wand pulled out but Draco was fast and already halfway down the corridor.
"Coward..." she mumbled. He never stuck around whenever she got mad, ever since she punched him in the nose third year.
Hermione sat back down, one leg crossed over the other. Her fingers tapped against the seat impatiently. She kept her wand out just in case Draco decided to come back to mock her. There was no need for that because at that moment, two bobbing heads, one black, one red appeared in front of the compartment.
"Hermione!" they said together as they rushed in.
"Harry! Ron!" She said excitedly as she gave each of them a hug. When she hugged Ron however, he pulled away quickly and ran a hand through his hair. She felt suddenly awkward and sat back down. Her eyes wandered to Harry who had changed a bit over the summer. His hair seemed darker than usual and His green eyes seemed more mesmerizing. His scar, however, seemed to fade and was barely visible to most who didn't know about it. Ron hadn't changed, except for his height. He was extremely tall but his red hair and freckles always stood out. She gave a soft smile toward him and he suddenly turned red.
"How was your Summer Hermione? Got your last owl mail a few days ago. Seemed like you had fun." Harry said, changing the topic. Hermione nodded. Her summer was good. She had helped her parents out with renovations to their home and even volunteered at an animal shelter. Though, the animals were nothing like the ones she was used to at Hogwarts.
"It was nice... But I missed Hogwarts, and you guys." She watched Ron look out the window at the breathe-taking scenery. The train had started its journey and Hermione hadn't even noticed the jolt from when the train started.
"Yeah, Well, I was with Charlie in Romania. Took care of some dragons, not that I'm bragging," he said nonchalantly. Hermione shook her head with a smile on her face. She had missed them.
"Where's Ginny?" Hermione asked suddenly. She had just realized the sixth year wasn't with them.
"Oh, she's hanging around Dean. They might be getting together again." Ron didn't seem all too pleased about it and neither did Harry. The two had shared a kiss in the room of Requirements last year and never spoke about it again. Hermione did not want to press the matter, though her curiosity was killing her. There was a knock at the door and the woman with the trolley appeared. None of them were very hungry for sweets so she continued on with her mission to sell to the students.
Before long, everyone were in their black robes and heading off the train and into carriages leading to the castle. Only the first years were led by boat. She wondered how many first years would become Gryffindor. She was always curious how she ended up in the house of the Lion seeing as she was book smart and most certainly should have been in Ravenclaw. She could not argue however, because she would have never had the adventures with Harry and Ron if she wasn't.
The road was bumpy and they barely talked the whole ride to the school. Once it came into view, Hermione could only stare at its magnificent beauty. Its striking appearance always had an affect on her each time she saw it. She could guess the same for Harry and Ron as they both released a sigh of relief.
They all filed into the school once they arrived and headed straight for the Great Hall. Hermione stood in the entranceway staring at the glorious arrangement. The ceiling had floating candles that lit the entire room. Four long narrow tables each with a logo on them were arranged on the ground. The teacher's table ran horizontally, each teacher sitting in their designated seat. A large podium stood in the center where Dumbledore would give his speeches. Hermione turned to Harry whose expression was full of grief. She knew he was thinking of the old Headmaster. Hermione placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and gave a light squeeze. Harry gave her a weak smile before heading to the Gryffindor table.
Food had yet to appear and only the returning students knew it would only arrive once the welcome speech was given. Professor McGonagall appeared and stood in front of the podium. First years sat in front of the tables on the floor and a stool with an old disheveled hat stood before them. McGonagall was now to be called Head Mistress. She gave a speech on how everything would be run this year and went straight to the placement of the first years. Most of the little ones went to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw while a few went to Gryffindor and Slytherin. After the roar of applause, Headmistress McGonagall cleared her throat and the room went silent.
"I would now like to announce the Head Girl and Boy. This award will be given to the student who has shown academic excellence and leadership qualities." Hermione felt shaky, her fingers tapping the table. Ron grabbed a hold of her hand.
"Hermione, calm down. Did you eat anything today?" he suddenly asked. She hadn't and shook her head. She was shaky and a bit dizzy but it was only because she knew that this moment would arrive. She had so desperately worked hard for the title of Head Girl and now the moment had showed itself and the announcement would be made in only a matter of seconds. She would eat later.
"Head Girl will be given to a Gryffindor. None other than Hermione Granger." The Gryffindor table broke into hoots and hollers as Hermione rose to her wobbly feet and made her way to McGonagall. She was presented with a golden Lion Badge with the name Head Girl written in intricate lettering. She placed it proudly on her robes and stood by the podium. Headmistress cleared her throat once more and the Gryffindors simmered down.
"Now, Head Boy shall be awarded to a Slytherin..." Not Draco Malfoy, Not Draco Malfoy... "Draco Malfoy." Hermione's heart seemed to freeze and she felt her eyes frantically searching for Harry and Ron. They were staring at her in horror. Draco glided to the front like a ghost, the Slytherin's hissing with excitement. This can't be happening, she thought as her vision began to fade in and out. The last thing she could remember was Draco suddenly reaching out for her as she fell.