**Author's Note: I do not own any of the characters, just the story/plot. I have previously posted this story on under the name _Finite_Incantatem_ so this story was not stolen from anyone, it is my own.
Hermione sat, fiddling with her new Head Girl badge, as she was waiting to see who the new Head Boy was. Over the summer she received a letter from Professor McGonagall, who had taken position of Headmistress at Hogwarts after Voldemort was defeated a year ago, asking her if she would like to finish her studies and finish her seventh year as Head Girl of Hogwarts. She immediately took the opportunity. Ron and Harry had both received letters giving the same opportunity to complete their studies but they declined both not wanting to go back after everything that had happened. Hermione felt a ping of sadness as she wished they were here with her. She sat in the compartment that Professor McGonagall instructed her to so she could meet the new Head Boy while on the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione watched out the window as the trees whizzed by. She waited for a long time and just as she was about to fall asleep she heard the compartment door slide open. When she saw who standing in the doorway her jaw dropped. Standing before her with his blonde hair, icy blue eyes, and the smirk she had grown to hate was no other than Draco Malfoy.
Hermione squeaked incredulously, "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too Granger," Malfoy replied somewhat sarcastic.
Hermione's eyes shot down to the shiny Head Boy's badge on his chest, her eyes widened. "No! You can't be Head Boy!" she seethed.
"Sorry to disappoint you," Draco said taking a seat on the bench across from her.
"Shouldn't you be in Azkaban or something Malfoy?" she asked venomously.
"You know as well as I do that I was pardoned by the Ministry."
"Because you switched sides at the last second because you were a coward!"
Hermione watched as Malfoy's face changed now looking somewhat defeated. "How do you know I haven't really changed?" he asked tentatively, no sarcasm or malice in his voice, but instead regret. Hermione stared at him wide eyed.
Draco Malfoy is feeling guilty? Impossible!
"I have known you for years Malfoy," Hermione said, her eyes narrowing, "There isn't a chance in hell you would change."
Malfoy's face instantly hardened, his cruel smirk back on his face, "That's right!"
Hermione huffed, "You're such a prat!"
Malfoy said nothing, but Hermione glared at him all the same as the Hogwarts Express slowed. Once the train stopped completely Hermione shot up, hurrying out of the compartment, leaving Malfoy behind. When Hermione got off the train she searched around for Ginny who now was now in her seventh year. Luckily she spotted her, "Mione! I'm so glad you're here!"
"Hi Ginny," she greeted happily.
As they got closer and closer to Hogwarts memories of the battle at Hogwarts replayed in her mind. Fred, Dobby, Tonks, Remus, and many other faces flashed in her mind. She fought back the stinging behind her eyes and she looked at Ginny who was sitting in front of her. Her shoulders were shaking and she had her arms wrapped around herself. Hermione comfortingly reached out to Ginny and grabbed one of her shaking shoulders. She watched as Ginny's hands went up to wipe tears from her eyes. Ginny said aloud, "I can't believe it's been a year already."
Whether she was speaking to Hermione or herself she did not know, but Hermione did not reply, just gave Ginny's shoulder another reassuring squeeze. Hermione looked back up as Hogwarts loomed over them, back to its original form. As they all walked into the castle, it looked untouched. It was almost as if the events that took place last year didn't occur, like it was just a bad dream. They all headed for the Great Hall and sat at their respective house tables. As she looked around the enchanted hall, with the floating candles, house flags, and familiar faces around her, Hermione sighed happily.
It's good to be back.
Sorry this one is so short, I promise the next ones will be longer! Please Review! Any comments or constructive criticism would be much appreciated.