Disclaimer: I disclaim everything that is not mine... (what's mine? plot and my character maranda, veronica, and anyone new.)

A/N: Alright.. Second story in the trilogy.. Hope it goes well.

Chapter 1: "Slythedor"

Platform nine and three-qurters, the place to be before it was time to get aboard the Hogwarts Express. Hermione and I met up with Harry, Ron, and Neville after buying our school supplies this morning. The time was racing to noon, and our luggage was still being placed in the train. Seamus complained that time went by too slowly, but it went by too quickly for me.

The summer that I spent with Hermione and her family was marvelous. We went swimming, shopping, dancing, and even had a kareoke party with her parents. As it was my first experience with a real family, I was extremely nervous before entering her lovely house. Within a week I found it very comfortable to be around her parents, so my nerves were gone. The spare time we had over summer, Hermione and I got to know each other better. We shared secrets, sang together, and just talked at times. The bonding really helped strengthen our friendship.

At long last, the Hogwarts Express opened its golden doors to welcome the boarding students. I followed Hermione to an open compartment where her, Harry, Ron, and I sat. I sat next to the door which we left open for a moment. We soon regreted this, for Draco Malfoy spotted us.

He peered at us and laughed, "Well, if it isn't Granger, Weasley, Potter, and Maguire.. I thought I'd never see you four again."

"Stuff it, Malfoy," Ron retorted, "We aren't in the mood for your crap this year."

"I don't care," Ferret Boy responded, "I came to speak with Maranda, anyways. If you wouldn't mind, Maguire, would you come out here where these three won't listen in with their gigantic ears?"

Not even back to school and already drama was building up. Sighing, I stepped out of the compartment, shutting the door behind me. Draco and I stood in the middle of two compartments so not to be seen by anyone. I folded my arms, coughed, and waited.

"So, Maguire," Draco began with a better attitude than before, "I need to talk to you."

"We've already established that, Ferret." I was in no mood for nonsense.

He grinned, "I know."

"Well, what do you want?"

The train began to move, it was time to return home to Hogwarts.

The train's whistle blew before Draco's grin disappeared and he spoke, "Actually, I wanted to appologize for last year. I think because we were both changing a bit, we let it interfere with the relationship we could've had."

"..." I wasn't going to speak until I had a good reason to.

Draco took my silence well, and talked more serious, "Over the summer I was able to think a lot. I came to the conclusion that last year should be left behind, and we should start anew."

"Like...become friends?" I was now interested in what he had to say. Something inside of me still liked him a bit.. A large bit.

"No," Malfoy was an inch away from me, "Like...Boyfriend/girlfriend.."

Shocked, I was shocked and frustrated. How could he ask me to be his girlfriend after we both said no to each other last year?

I spoke up for myself, "How can we have a kind of relationship when we don't even really know each other? We are starting over aren't we? So wouldn't that mean getting to know each other first? You said yourself that we both changed, so how can I trust that you aren't a murderer or something?" Yes, I was being very sarcastic and unreasonable.

Draco let a short laugh out, apparently liking my irritability, "Yeah..I murdered how many people this summer? I think none, but I'll check my closet for further reassurance. You know for a fact that I'm not a bad person. You even said you liked me.. Don't you still feel the same way?"

Taking a deep breath, I leaned closer to Draco, feeling his hot breath on my face. "That's for me to know, and you to find out," I smirked at draco, staying as close as I was.

"Well, let's find out.." Draco stated exactly what I knew he was going to say.

Pressing my lips onto his, I felt my heart beat faster. We kissed for a moment with closed eyes, but then he pulled away. My stomach's jittery feeling stayed to spite me.

"So will you be my girlfriend? I'm taking a big chance by asking you out. You are a Gryffindor...and I am Slytherin. If anyone insults us, you have my word I will not take it." Ferret Boy suddenly became a bodyguard as well as a pest.

Thinking about it, I shook my head, but said, "Yes...I will be your girlfriend. But let me remind you that I don't believe in love. So, if you feel the need to say those magic three words, please do so in your head."

"Don't worry," He laughed, "The only magic words I'll be saying will be centered around incantations we learn in Hogwarts. No funny business."

"So that's it?" I wondered.

He was puzzled, "What's it?"

"We are now," I gulped, "An item?"

Draco kissed my cheek, which blushed like a tomato, "Yes, Maranda. We are now in a relationship."

Realizing over twenty minutes had flown by, I gasped, "The three must be thinking you killed me or something. I have to get back to them."

"Again with the murder thing..Honestly, I wouldn't kill anyone unless they deserved it." Draco winked, "Besides, I should be returning to Crabbe and Goyle so they don't think you killed me."

With a hug and a smile, we left each other's arms and returned to our eager friends. When I got back to the compartment Hermione, Ron, and Harry sat in, I explained everything to them. While I described the story-including the kiss-they did nothing but stare in awe and disgust.

"...Draco?...Out of all people..." Harry raised his eyebrows.

Ron blurted, "You could've chosen anyone! Anyone! Even the bloke, Snape!"

"Aww...Gross!" I was now repulsed.

Hermione joined the conversation, "Ron, that was a bit too far."

"A bit?" I complained, "That was far worse than any insult you have given me, Ron. For that...I award you the title of Worst Insulter this year."

"Thanks," He obviously took pride in cruelty. I didn't mind..It was very funny how much he picked on Snape. I just happened to be involved in the insult.

0o0o0o0o

Now arriving at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, students entered anxiously. Hermione told me first years wouldn't arrive until a little later for the sorting of the houses. I was looking forward to seeing who would join our house. Into the Great Hall we went, Hermione, Harry, Ron, and I. We sat on the closest side to the teacher's tables where we sat last year. The night sky ceiling had shooting stars and puffy, blue clouds. Floating candles brought back memories of last year, and as did seeing the professors sitting in their seats. They were obviously glaring at us, too.

Hagrid was sitting on the far left side of the table, and I immediately waved at him frantically. He spotted me, and waved back. Then, I saw Draco at the Slytherin table, talking to a bubbley looking brunette, whose wavy hair bounced around flirtatiously. Was jealousy part of relationships?

One by one, First years piled into the Great Hall to be sorted. It was a nice cerimony, and Dumbledore even said a few words at the end to welcome the new students.

"Who's that girl talking to Draco?" I asked Hermione quietly.

She glanced at the girl, "That's Gwenneth Thompson, she's a Slytherin who wants to be in Gryffindor. We call her Gwenny the Slythedor. You didn't get to meet her last year?"

"No, but I know she's in our classes." I answered.

"Hmm," Hermione looked back at me, "You should. She's really funny. Her strong point is being spunky and active. Her only disposition is the temper she has if you get on her bad side. Other than that she really should be a Gryffindor... ..Draco doesn't like her in that way if you're worried. One loyal thing about Draco that I'll admit is that when he gets a girlfriend, he doesn't fool around about it. He did have a long-term relationship with some other Slytherin a few years ago, but she cheated on him. They were pretty serious. But his heart was broken... I don't think he could ever hurt a woman.."

"Oh.." Turning back to listen to the end of Dumbledore's speech, he waved his arms and food appeared in front of our eyes.

It was feast time.

After feasting, eating, and having a fun time, I left the Great Hall to go to bed early. I didn't want to be late my first day of classes like last year. I promised myself that this year would be much better. No fighting, no trouble, no temper, and no bull. As it was the last year of school before I graduated, I wanted to make this the best year ever.

And it would be...