Hermione smiled as she made her way through the familiar halls of Hogwarts with her two best friends at her side. She was nervous to begin her seventh and final year at Hogwarts, but happy that she was able to. The war ended only months ago, and there was talk that the school would not reopen due to excessive damage. Hermione cried happily when she found out that she would be able to finish school at Hogwarts, the place that had been her home for the past six years.
Ron and Harry were talking excitedly about the new Quidditch season, and although Hermione didn't understand or care about what they were saying, she smiled anyway. Harry noticed this, and gave her a quizzical look.
"You ok, Hermione?"
She nodded, and then smiled wider. "I'm just so happy to be back."
Harry and Ron nodded in agreement, then bid farewell to Hermione, before disappearing around the corner, heading towards the Gryfindor Common Room. Hermione kept walking straight on the fifth floor toward the suite that the Head Girl and Head Boy would partially share.
She knew who had been appointed Head Boy, and because of that, she was nervous; even though he and his family pledged to be through with dark magic, Hermione wasn't so sure. Some people just don't change. But she had promised herself she would give him a chance, and she would.
When she reached the doorway she took a deep breath, and then walked in.
Draco Malfoy was already waiting when Hermione arrived. He looked different from the last time she had seen him; he used to be pale and sickly skinny with bags under his eyes. Now he looked lean and fit and healthy.
He looked over when she walked in, and returned her polite smile somewhat awkwardly. The two had never gotten along well, and Draco knew that was mostly his fault. He had never been particularly nice to Hermione, and had even refused to ever call her by her first name. He told himself to let go of his pride, and to relax. There was no reason to be nervous, just be polite.
"Hello Malfoy. Did you have a pleasant summer?" He wasn't at all surprised that she was using his surname; they weren't on good enough terms for first names, yet.
He nodded. "Yes. And you?"
"It was good, thanks."
"Glad to hear it." Draco said.
Hermione realized at that moment that Draco felt uncomfortable. She smiled at him, trying to ease the obvious tension in the room. "Which room is mine?"
He glanced over toward the two doors directly across from the fireplace. One had a large lion, the other a snake. Both were adorned with the correct colors of the specific house. Draco looked back at Hermione. "The one with the lion."
She laughed nervously. "Right. Sorry."
He smiled for the first time, and Hermione noted that he looked like an entirely different person. "It's okay. You should go check it out; it's quite nice."
Hermione had never seen a nicer room. There was a large bed in the center of the room, Gryfindor colors of course, with thin sheets hanging on all sides of the bed, but pulled back elegantly. There was a dresser and a vanity and a full length mirror on one wall, a large bookcase on another, a mahogany desk on the third, and a large closet claimed the fourth. Hermione smiled. It was perfect.
"It's beautiful!" Hermione said as she walked into the Common Room. "I've never seen anything like it. Is your room the same?"
Draco shrugged. "I'm guessing they are similar. You can take a look, if you like."
"If it's not a problem."
"Not at all."
Draco's room layout was the same, except Draco had no vanity. As a boy he probably wouldn't use it anyway. His bed was in the same place, except his was round, and of course, silver and green. A large snake curled around itself on the comforter.
"It's almost the same." Hermione said.
"Except the colors. I mean, scarlet and gold? Those are just ridiculous colors."
Hermione turned to glare, but then realized he was just teasing. She laughed. "Better then green and silver."
"Hardly."
Hermione rolled her eyes. Draco laughed, and then stepped aside so Hermione could leave first. She smiled, and walked out of the room, and as she did, she inhaled his scent. He smelled good. It was manly and potent, but not too strong that she could taste it; just enough for Hermione to notice.
"Do you suppose we should get down to the Great Hall for the feast?" Draco asked. Hermione shook her head clear of thoughts of Draco and nodded.
They walked quietly down to dinner, not sure what to say to each other. Draco wanted to ask her about her schedule, but couldn't muster the courage. He wondered if they would have classes together. He half hoped they would, half hoped they wouldn't. It was odd being on friendly terms with Hermione, and he didn't want to ruin it.
When they finally entered the Great Hall, Hermione and Draco said an awkward goodbye, then made their ways to their respective tables. Draco was greeted by Blaise, Pansy, and the rest of the Slytherin's with loud cheers and handshakes. He smiled at them all, then took his seat in the center beside Blaise. While he helped himself to roasted potatoes, he noticed that barely half the Slytherins that normally adorned this table were here; most must had been too ashamed to return after the war.
"How have you been, Draco?" Blaise asked.
"I've been good, Blaise. How's your family?"
"Parents are on vacation in France." He said bitterly. "Can you believe they didn't take me with them?"
Draco shrugged. "Then you wouldn't be able to run the Quidditch team with me. After all, I need a competent co-captain."
Blaise smiled at his best friend. "Thanks, Draco. I won't let you down."
"I know."
your document here...
