I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE HARRY POTTER UNIVERSE. THIS IS ALL INSPIRED BY J. K. ROWLINGS WONDERFUL MASTERPIECE

Chapter 1

Hermione sighed as the sun kissed her skin and the wind sent whispers through her hair. She sat against a tree in the backyard of the Weasleys' trying to sort through her thoughts. The war had ended, Voldemort defeated. Her parents gone, they died during the war. However she was grateful they died quickly in a muggle related vehicle accident and not by dark magic and torture. The good thoughts and the bad battled in her soul until a completely different thought pushed its way to her. Ronald. Their ever expected relationship began during the final battle and ran strong for the first few weeks. Lately though, it had felt forced and strained. At least to her it did. Something just felt different between them. Hermione closed her eyes and forced all of the thoughts out of her mind. There was only one thing she wanted to think about. Hogwarts, her home. All of the students from her year were returning to finish up their education. Obviously the war had gotten in the way of them graduating, and everyone wanted a proper final year and graduation. She couldn't wait to get back to the familiar halls and classrooms, and especially the library, that she missed so much.

"HERMIONE! LET'S GO! WE'RE HEADING OFF TO GET OUR BOOKS!" Yelled Ginny Weasley from the house.

Hermione jumped up to join the redhead and couldn't help but think about the year ahead. She couldn't make herself believe it would be quiet and calm like everyone else expected. She knew her friends all to well to believe that they could go an entire year without trouble.

Molly Weasley was ushering everyone to the fireplace, shouting orders and making sure everyone was there. It was quite a lot easier for her this year because it was only Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny that needed school supplies. She had quite a bit more money to work with as well, being that the new Minister had given everyone in the Order a large amount of money for their contributions to the war and their losses. One by one she sent the kids to Diagon Alley to meet Arthur.

"I don't get why we have to go back to school, mate." Ron whispered to Harry. "We were both offered places in the auror training program. There's no reason to go back ."

Harry chuckled at his oldest friend. "There could be some very important and useful spells or potions that we learn this year that will help us in training, Ron."

"More helpful than fighting in a bloody war against the most powerful wizard of all time?"

"Oh cmon now Ron. You were fighting with me, not against me."

It was Ron's turn to chuckle. "Oiy that ego of yours needs to be deflated."

Behind the two boys, Hermione and Ginny walked along talking about the new school year and how different Hogwarts would be. Rumors were swirling that 7Th and 8th years had private dorms and common rooms, much like the head students, instead of the normal bunks. However Hermione wasn't too interested because she was sure that she made Head Girl and would have a private dorm anyway . She worked too hard over the last few years to be robbed of the title.

"Hermione, come up here and walk with your brilliant boyfriend. Don't you wanna be seen on the arm of a war hero?" Ron shouted back to her.

Hermione glared at him. "On the arm of a war hero? Seriously Ronald, I am a war hero I don't need to hang all over you for recognition."

He looked slightly annoyed but she ignored it and made her way to Florish Blotts. She stomped around getting her school books, and browsing for some others to read on the side. She was fuming at his attitude lately. All he wanted was to be in the spotlight and the only time he ever gave her his undivided attention was when they were in public for the papers and reporters to see.

"Excuse me, please." A silky voice said from behind her.

She jumped back to reality to see where the voice came from. Soft gold eyes met sharp silver ones.

"Oh Hermione I didn't realize that was you." Said Draco Malfoy. "I just need to grab that book in front of you. It's by my favorite author and I've been waiting for it to finally be published all summer."

Hermione stared, mouth open at the man in front of her. Not because of how polite he had been. During the final battle, Draco had saved her life a number of times and helped Harry destroy the remaining horcruxs. She wasn't surprised at all by the goodness radiating from him. It was how good looking he was that stopped her in her tracks. How had she never noticed before...

"Uhh, Granger can I have the book please?"

She stepped aside and smiled apologetically.

"Thanks. You should pick it up too. It's gotten amazing reviews in the Prophet. Anyways. I uhh better go. Nice seeing you."

"Get away from her Malfoy! She doesn't need scum like you bothering her." Ron yelled as he walked in.

"Honestly Ron, don't be such a git." She snapped.

"No girlfriend of mine is going to be around the likes of a Malfoy." Ron retorted angrily.

Draco awkwardly stepped away. "Its fine Hermione. I deserve it."

Harry looked at Hermione with sympathy. He understood the war changed people but Ron was stuck with his old prejudices.

"Whatever, Ron." She sighed and picked up the book that Malfoy recommended. She tucked it in her bag after paying and followed the rest of her group to get lunch.

Before they all knew it, it was time to board the Hogwarts Express. Hermione was waiting patiently by the door while Molly rounded up Ginny, Harry, and Ron. She triple checked to make sure everyone had their books and they were off.

"I cannot believe were getting on the train for the last time." Ginny said quietly.

Hermione and Harry nodded, Ron smiled. They made their way back to the usual empty compartment and settled in for the long ride. Ron slung his arm around Hermione and chatted with Harry about quidditch while Ginny talked animatedly about all the balls that were rumored to be scheduled for the higher students. They were all interrupted by a knock on the door. Harry slid the door open to see Draco Malfoy standing outside.

"What do you want, Malfoy." Ron sneered.

Draco glared back at him. "I'd like to talk to Potter.. Uhm.. Harry…if he doesn't mind."

"HARRYYYY!" Luna Lovegood yelled as she pushed past Draco and into Harry's arms. "I missed you."

Luna and Harry had realized their love for each other in the final battle and professed their feelings before Harry went off to the woods to meet Voldemort. Ever since, they've been pretty much inseparable.

"Oh I missed you too, Beautiful. But I have to talk to Mal… uhm.. Drac… uhg. I just have to go. I'll be right back." Harry said, giving her a kiss.

The two former enemies made their way to the back of the train.

"So. What's up?" Harry asked the other boy awkwardly.

Draco fidgeted with a string on his jumper. "Look this isn't an easy thing for me to do. I'm a Malfoy and Malfoys don't apologize. But. I've learned a lot during and since the war. And I uh just wanted to say that uhm I'm sorry. If I could take back all the years of tormenting everyone I would. I mean I'm not saying we have to be best friends, but maybe we don't have to be enemies."

Harry stared out the back window for awhile before speaking. "Not only did you help me destroy the horcruxs, therefore helping me defeat Ole Voldy, but I saw you save Hermione's life. Several different times. You haven't been my enemy in a while."

The two looked awkwardly at each other.

"I appreciate that. After my father was killed, I no longer had to fear him. I no longer had to fear being myself. And the real me doesn't care about blood status or power." Draco mumbled.

"Listen, you've got a friend in me. And with your new found freedom to be yourself and to have feelings and love, I'm sure you'll have plenty of other people by your side."

Draco nodded and cleared his throat. "Yeah yeah, don't get too soft on me, Potter."

"Haha, sorry mate." Harry laughed. "You got soft on me first."

"Oh, sod off."

"There! That's the Malfoy we all know!"

The two laughed. Draco reached out his hand and Harry shook it. A new understanding between them.

Back in the compartment, Ginny and Luna had left and Ron was getting more and more angry at Harry's absence with Malfoy. "I don't even know why Harry would give him the time of day. He's a bloody git"

"Ron, do you know he saved my life? More than once actually." Hermione stated. "People do crazy things out of fear, and he grew up living in fear of his father. Once Lupin killed Lucious, Draco had no reason to fear anymore and he came to our side to fight. Get over your old grudges and move on. We're all starting over."

Ron was fuming. "I don't know why you're so quick to defend him. He saved your bloody life? Yeah so did I."

He grabbed her wrists and held her close to him. "And what's with calling him Draco now, huh? You're not to go anywhere near him. Do you understand me, Hermione?"

"Oww, Ron you're hurting me! Let go." She gasped, completely shocked by his sudden aggressive behavior.

Just then, the door slid open and Harry walked in. He turned and said bye to Malfoy and saw that Malfoys eyes were angry and glued to something behind him. He turned and saw Hermione struggling against Rons grasp.

"What the fuck? Ron, what are you doing?" Harry yelled and reached out to Hermione.

Ron realized he had an audience and let go of his girlfriend. "Oh hey Harry! Were just messing around mate, don't get your knickers in a twist."

Harry eyed him suspiciously as he sat down. As oblivious as Harry was, even he noticed how different Ron had been since the war. Becoming a war hero had made him think he should get whatever he wanted and people should do whatever he said. And Gods help us if his wishes weren't followed. To be quite blunt, he'd turned into a rightful prat.

Across the compartment Hermione rubbed her wrists and avoided the two boys. As she looked away, her eyes we're met by the same silvery eyes from the bookstore.