Disclaimers: Na-ah. I don't own anything. It's all J.K's magnificent masterwork.

A/N: Hey guys! It's my second work! This idea had been running around my mind for quite a days now and I just want to share it with you And BTW, 'You and I collide' is not yet done, okay? I'm still working on it. Enjoy!

I've been working hard so long
seems like pain has been my only friend
my fragile heart's been done so wrong
I wondered if I
I'd ever heal again

oh just like all the seasons never stay the same
all around me I can feel a change

Draco was standing with his mother, Narcissa Malfoy, at the side of platform 9¾. They were bidding each other a goodbye since Draco was going to be back at Hogwarts for his seventh year, and luckily, he was made as the head boy.

"Draco, son, do you have everything you need? Narcissa said for the umpteenth time.

"Yes mother. You don't have to worry anymore. I'm seventeen, I can take care of myself. What I want you to do is be happy while I'm gone, okay? I want you to take care of yourself. Go to France or anywhere here in Europe, stay in one of our houses, go shopping- " Draco was cut short by her mother.

"Okay son, I get the picture. Just promise me one thing and I promise I won't shut myself in our manor anymore." Narcissa said. Draco knew that whatever his mother asked him for, he would give it. He loved his mother that much. More than he could love anyone. When his mother refused to go out of their manor, he almost lost his mind. Every night, he could hear her crying ever since his father, Lucius, died on the war. He almost lost it too.

Draco didn't want her mother to have the dark mark before when Lucius was still alive, so instead of her, he sacrificed himself. He freely offered his soul to the Dark Lord. Voldemort taught him everything about the dark magic, everything there was to know. The Dark Lord wanted him to be his heir. He had been loyal until he couldn't take it anymore. He seeked the help of Dumbledore.

"Young Malfoy, I see you're here to kill me." Dumbledore said calmly, his back facing him.

"You figured it out, my dear old man." Draco said with venom in his voice. His wand was pointed at Dumbledore's head.

At that time, Draco didn't see the difference between living and killing. He was brainwashed by Voldemort. He only knew that he was doing it in order to protect his mother.

"Go ahead, Draco. I perfectly understand the reason behind this. I know you're only doing this for the sake of your mother." Dumbledore said, finally facing him. His face was full of understating and certainty.

"Don't act as if you understand."

"I do. I do understand. I would've done the same thing if I were you. I would do everything- everything just to save the person I loved the most." Dumbledore said with a smile. A sad smile.

"Bullshit." Draco swore angrily. His hands were now visibly shaking.

"But I would do the right way to save her. Not the wrong way, the easy way. Once a mistake, always a mistake, Mr. Malfoy. You don't have to do this. I will help you; I will save the both of you."

"Shut up. Nothing can ever change my mind. It's you or my mother."

"Well then, go on. I'd rather it'd be me than your soul. You're young. You still have your life ahead of you." Dumbledore said and reached out to raise Draco's hand to his chest and secured it there.

"Say it. Say those two words and it'll be done. You can go home afterwards. To your mother." Dumbledore said with his eyes closed and a smile on his face. He seemed to be anticipating the blow, the curse.

"I'm sorry." Draco apologized and said the two words that could end this, "Avada Kedavra!"

But nothing happened. Not a flash of the green light, nothing. After a few moment of silence,

"What-What happened? Why didn't it work? It should've work! You should be dead by now. Why?" Draco asked in disbelief. He couldn't fail. He couldn't put her mother in danger.

Dumbledore opened his eyes. His eyes showing understanding and unselfishness. Slowly, he lowered Draco's wand and said,

" Because you didn't mean it, because you're better than that, because you're heart is still pure, because you're still the same Draco Malfoy who walked the halls of Hogwarts for the very first time when you were eleven, because you're still there."

Draco dropped his wand and wept. Wept for everyone he killed, for every mistake, for every sin. Dumbledore walked closer to him and hugged him. "I know you're still there, Draco. You're still there."

With a sigh, Draco said, "Anything mother, anything. Just tell me."

Narcissa caressed her son's cheek and sighed deeply.

"Promise me to do everything for your happiness. Promise me to release every hatred that you kept inside your heart for a long time. Promise me to live your life on how you wanted it to be. And most of all, promise me to learn how to love. Find a girl, fall in love, marry her, have a family. I won't stand in your way. Whoever she is, I will support you. Always, son." His mother said.

Draco hugged her tightly. Her mother didn't know he was already in love, deeply in love.

Over her shoulder, he could see Hermione Granger with her friends. Hermione noticed him looking and raised an eyebrow, he just smiled politely. She seemed taken aback by his show of politeness because she blushed. Draco, wanting to tease her further, winked at her. He wasn't able to see her reaction.

Slowly, he released her mother and said, "I better leave now mom or else I'll be late. We don't want that, do we?" Narcissa only nodded. "Take care, son. I don't want to lose you, too." She said.

Draco kissed her forehead and said, "See you on Christmas, mom."

I will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it's mine for the taking
I know I can make it, today my life begins

In the train…

Hermione was sitting in the head compartment when Draco entered. He noticed the faraway look she had on her eyes. It was as if she was thinking of something so deep that nobody could ever understand.

"Knock, knock." Draco said, he was leaning against the wall, his hair falling freely on his forehead.

"What?" Hermione asked irritatingly. Her eyes never once left the window.

Draco ignored her question and just entered the compartment, sat in front of her and stared at her.

After a few moments of silence, "I'm jealous of the window..." Draco said suddenly.

Hermione finally looked at him and blinked twice before saying, "Huh?" It was as if she never noticed Draco there.

"Finally! Hermione Granger laid her eyes on me." Draco said, teasing her. He crossed his arms on his chest.

When Hermione only stared at him, he sighed and said. "I said I was jealous of the window."

"And why is that?" Hermione asked, looking again at the window and resting her forehead on it.

"Because you laid your eyes on it. While mine, it's as if you never wanted to look in it." Draco said leaning in.

Hermione chuckled and said. "I never thought I'd see the day when Draco Malfoy would tell a joke. And what more, would sit in front of me without throwing insults."

"Well, that Draco Malfoy is gone." Draco shrugged. Well, that was true. He threw all the prejudice of his out the window. Except the ones for Potter.

"Let's just see, Malfoy." Hermione said, stood up and was about to walk out of the compartment when Draco caught her arm and pulled her to sit beside him. When he said he changed, that didn't include being a spoiled brat and getting whatever he wanted.

"Off to Potter, aren't you?" Draco said, his voice full of venom.

"What. Is. Your. Problem. Malfoy?" Hermione said, her voice rising while prying Draco's finger one by one. Well, of course, he didn't even flinched, and thus, her attempt was unsuccessful.

That was when it hit Hermione.

"Wait- Are you? Are you the headboy?" Hermione asked, bewildered.

"You got it right, Granger." He answered, smiling evilly.

'Oh no. This would be a hell of a school year.' Hermione thought.

Well, expect more. It will be better and worse than what you were anticipating for.

yesterday has come and gone
and I've learn how to leave it where it is
and I see that I was wrong
for ever doubting I could win

"Since you two are the Heads, I expect you to be responsible and be a good role model to the younger wizards and witches." Dumbledore started, looking intently at the two teenagers in front of him.

"I can do that, Headmaster. But, I worry the other one in this room wouldn't be able to do his job." Hermione said, looking pointedly at Draco while smiling sweetly.

"Oh, you worry too much about me, Granger .Be careful; I might fall in love with you because of your caring and all." Draco shot back.

"I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about the welfare of the younger students of Hogwarts. That is why, Headmaster, I propose a suggestion to you." Hermione said, not wanting to lose a fight to Draco.

"What might that be, Ms. Granger?" The headmaster inquired.

"I shall say that it's not too late to change the headboy and appoint a new one." Hermione said proudly. She looked at Draco, who only shook his head and still smirking.

"Who do you have in mind then, Granger?" Draco said, meeting her eyes.

"Harry Potter, I'm sure he'll accept that and be more than happy too." She said cheerfully.

She could see that Draco's eyes suddenly grew colder than before, if it was even possible. Draco controlled his rage and only smiled at Hermione.

"I'm not sure it's needed, headmaster." Draco said, now looking at Dumbledore. "Also Granger, I don't think he's capable of the work. I must say, I'm better than him that's why I'm here at the first place, isn't?" Draco continued, now referring to her.

"Well, I really think that the two of you will make a good team. You two are the top students of this school. You can handle the work." Dumbledore said, the tone of his voice indicating that no more arguments would be heard.

"You hear that, Granger? We'll make a good team." Draco said. She just stared at him incredously. He winked at her.

"That's it!" Hermione said, losing her patience, and walked out of the office.

Draco couldn't help but chuckled a little bit.

"Young man, you're pushing her too hard." Dumbledore warned but there was a hint of amusement on his voice.

"She'll come around." Draco said surely.

"Remember, there is a time for joy and there is also a time for you to be serious."

"I know. I just love it- I mean like it when she blushed."

"Remember your duty. You have to protect her." Dumbledore said seriously.

"I haven't forgotten. She'll be safe with me. Remember, former death eater. Master of dark arts. Voldemort himself taught me everything." Draco smirked at the memory.

Life's too short to have regrets
So I'm learning now to leave it in the past and try to forget
Only have one life to live
So you better make the best of it

A/N: Sooooooooo, how was it? Was it good? Or bad? Should I continue? Hey, guys! Wait for the update of my other story. Sorry for the delay It had been a tiring week. Cheering was tiring.

Why does Hermione need protecting? Have any ideas?