A/N: Hello there! I just have a couple things to say before you dip into this story. This is my first story I've posted on FF so I'm very nervous. I thought of this idea because I just love Hermione and I wanted to bring something different into her life besides Dramione or Hermione/Ron. I'm not going to ask for reviews just because I'm writing because I love writing but constructive criticism is always welcomed. I hope that you do end up enjoying this story just because I'm going to have fun writing it, I already know! Oh and before I forget, this is just the prologue but for some reason while I was writing this I forgot to mention Ron. I don't think I can just plop it in there now without it seeming forced so let's just say that they never kissed during the war and are just friends. I may bring it up in later chapters but forgive me for forgetting! Anyways - READ ON!

Hermione Granger was different than before. Her bushy hair began to tame, her usually curvy figure, began to slim and her usually bright eyes held a dull brown in them now. It wasn't because she was going through an age of change or maybe it was that she wanted a better appearance. Her hair began to tame because as she got older, the curls began to fade. Her body began to slim because she spent the last year fighting a war that she almost lost hope in. Her eyes lost the light because she had to watch many people she loved, and held dear to her heart, die in front of her. All for the liberation of the wizarding world.

They had won in the end. Harry Potter, her best friend and the boy who lived, defeated Voldemort. It was something the world was waiting for and now they finally got it but at what price? No one knew the terrors of what they people who fought saw. It wasn't something anyone should see. But that was months ago and now something new had come Hermione's way. She was the one to first approach Minerva McGonagall, new Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Withcraft and Wizardy, about coming back to school. At first the woman was surprised she was even thinking about school after such a time but Hermione insisted. If she were to become a member of the Ministry of Magic, she wanted her full education.

McGonagall approached the other two of the trio about this as well, who of which both respectfully declined. Hermione found no surprise in their decision but did feel a pang of sadness realizing the two boys won't be at school with her. They asked her about her decision but she couldn't explain the real reasoning. She didn't want to live in the outside world where she was constantly being hounded by newspapers and other random people on the streets. Sure in school, students will be curious as to what had happened but she didn't believe any of them would be courageous enough to come ask her. She felt safe at Hogwarts and wanted to help with the rebuild as much as she could. So she went back. Which is the reason she was sitting on the train, right at that moment.

Hermione stared out the window of the train in her lonely compartment. McGonagall had surprised her by offering her the position of Head Girl for the year. She politely accepted, just because the professor even gave her the chance to come back in the first place. Her chocolate brown eyes watched the scenery pass by so quickly as her thoughts began to change just as fast. She pushed away the memories of the past months and thought of the new exciting possibilities of the year. Like who was the Head boy? It was going to obviously someone a year younger than her but she just crossed her fingers for someone of different house. Gryffindors were too comfortable with her and they would ask pestering questions. The compartment door slide open shortly after and Hermione turned her eyes to see the boy entering "Hermione Granger?"

The boy was definitely taller than Hermione but that wasn't hard since she wasn't that tall herself. He had a good facial structure, very defined and handsome. His hair was dirty blonde and at that length wasn't too short or long. His eyes were a dark brown like hers and were full of curiosity. She looked him up and down then let a small smile creep across her lips.

"Yes, hello." She stood up slowly and offered her hand. "And you are?" She couldn't help but feel the roughness of his hand beneath hers. Qudditich. She would bet her books on it. "I'm Jack." He finally showed her his smile. She couldn't help but feel a little taken back by it. That boy could definitely smile. "Jack…?" She questioned him for his last name. His laugh was comfortable and easy to listen to. "Forgive my manners. I'm Jack McDonnell. Seventh year, Hufflepuff." That explained why he didn't seem that familiar but still Hermione felt like she must of seen him around Hogwarts before. "Why have I never seen you before, Jack?" Her smile didn't feel as forced now and she moved back to her seat. He took the seat across from her and brought his leg on the other, crossing them like any man would "Because you weren't looking for me."

This year was going to be a big change for her. As she smile at him, locking her eyes with his, she knew that he was going to be a big part of that.