CH1 – a new beginning
Today was the day. Hermione Granger was about to graduate from Hogwarts. It was a year after the final battle and she and Harry had decided to finish their education despite being given honorary NEWTS. Ron on the other hand had taken this offer and was now helping his brother run WWW.
The business was once again thriving as many people had returned to Britain after the defeat of Voldemort. Diagon Ally had gotten its spirit back and was even more colourful than ever. There were many new stores that had been opened by those who owned stores in other parts of the wizarding world who wanted to be part of this exciting new venture.
A few surprises came from the end of the war. Severus Snape had survived Naginis' bite and had recovered over the summer. His misdeeds and clear violations of the law had been addressed and he was now a free man. Lucius Malfoy and his family had defected towards the end of the second war and were also pardoned for their crimes.
Looking back over the past year, Hermione was pleasantly surprised with the major changes and friendships the now 8th years had developed and that Albus Dumbledore's dream of inter-house unity had been achieved. Only a small portion of their year had returned to school. Harry, Hermione, Draco, Blaise, Susan and Neville were amongst those who had returned.
On the first of September that year Harry and Hermione had boarded the Hogwarts express with a feeling of contentment that had rarely been with them. They were finally going home after what felt like years of being away. They found and empty compartment and had been discussing their summer when the door opened and in stepped Neville Longbottom and Susan Bones. When they realised that the compartment was not empty and instead held their two friends, the conversation changed slightly and they were started talking about their hopes for the upcoming year. Being so enthralled in their conversation they barely noticed Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini join them.
"What the hell are you two doing in here?" yelled Neville.
"Well Longbottom, there was nowhere else to sit and besides, we're all on the same side now" answered Blaise.
"Oh" answered Neville and then decided that it was best to continue his conversation about the upcoming Quidditch season with Harry. Hermione, who watched the conversation between Neville and Blaise transpire, while talking to Susan had decided that enough was enough. Clearing her throat to get the attention from the occupants of the cabin
"Okay so suffice to say that there is no love lost between the four of us and the two of you" looking at the two Slytherins. "I think that we all deserve a fresh start so, Hi I'm Hermione Granger." Extending her hand forward and much to everyone's surprise she got a response.
"Draco Malfoy" and then they proceeded to shake hands. After this the other occupants decided that if Hermione and Draco could start afresh then so could the rest of them.