First off, thanks for clicking the link to my story! Second, I have this posted on harrypotterfanfiction . com , so I'm not stealing anyone's story, because it's my story! I, of course, do not own any of JK Rowling's characters. I would have NOT have done several things the way I did if I did own them. *laughs* At any rate, enjoy!
Summary: As teens, the characters weren't entirely sure of what was going on in their minds and hearts, until now. They finally realize why they bicker with one another, and realize what feelings they truly have.
Chapter One: The Tears, the Fights, and the Apologies
As Life Goes...
Hermione sat in the prefect's carriage, waiting for the other prefects and the new Headboy to turn up. Over the summer, Hermione had gotten her Hogwarts letter and in the envelope had been the Headgirl's badge. In the center had a lion's head, its mouth wide open in a roar that would have shaken all if it was making noise. She looked out the window, suddenly wishing she were already snuggled into her bed at Hogwarts.
The compartment door slid open and a couple Ravenclaw students walked in. They had their prefects badge pinned proudly onto their chest. She smiled, remembering how proud she had been to have her badge on for the first time. Now, she had the biggest badge: the Headgirl's badge, the one she'd been striving for since before she started Hogwarts when she'd first read Hogwarts, A History. Before she could fully return to zoning, the rest of the prefects walked in, including Ron. He avoided her gaze and sat as far away as possible.
Over the summer, they had had a huge fight over nothing, and even though Hermione had stayed at the Burrow, they hadn't spoken since. Hermione had already cried her tears over him, and was completely over him and his asshole-ishness.
"We can start when the Headboy gets here." Hermione said. A small screen materialized on the window and the carriage went dark. McGonagall's face popped up onto the screen.
"Where is the Headboy, Ms. Granger?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, Pro-"
"I'm right here, Professor." Draco Malfoy's arrogant voice said as he stepped into the carriage, wearing deep green robes and his Headboy's badge pinned pompously on his chest. A snake bearing its fangs was in the very center, looking ready to bite and kill anyone that crossed the wearer. The only seat left was right next to Hermione, so he stayed standing.
"Sit down, Mr. Malfoy, and we will begin." she said. He scowled and sat down next to Hermione. It was very cramped in there, so their legs were touching.
"Gonna have to scourgify these." Malfoy muttered. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Now, as you know, Professor Dumbledore has passed, but being Headmistress, I have his portrait to aid me in important decisions. I was the one that chose who would be prefects, but he hand-chose you, Ms. Granger, and you, Mr. Malfoy, as the Headgirl and Headboy." she said, looking at the two of them in turn. "Since we are in a war, you two will have additional responsibilities, as will all you prefects. The new curfew is 8:00 PM, and all of you will patrol until 9:30, and then the Heads will patrol for an additional hour and a half until retiring to their dorms." McGonagall said. There were groans throughout the carriage. "This is for your safety. Do you not remember what happened last year at the end of term?" The groans and complaints ceased. "It wasn't even curfew yet and there were attacks. If curfew is earlier, no one will be out and it will be easier to receive help from the outside. It is for the good of the student body." Suddenly, McGonagall moved aside and the portrait of Albus Dumbledore came on. Tears sprang into Hermione's eyes at the sight of her beloved Headmaster.
"Hello, all of you. I have one question for all of you. Do you sleep at night?" Albus' portrait asked. Various yesses were said. "So does the outside world." he replied. "They sleep, and if an attack is made on the castle, it will take that much longer to get their aid. So, if curfew is earlier, the halls will be empty, you all will be safe in your dormitories, and no one will get hurt except those who disobey the rules or defenders." Hermione felt so at peace and safe hearing Dumbledore's voice again. She would do everything within her power to keep her fellow students from harm.
"Now, prefects, go have fun with your friends, as we need to speak with the Heads privately." McGonagall said. The prefects got up, chattering amongst themselves and filed out. Draco sprang up and sat across from Hermione. Ron walked out without a second glance at Hermione. Her protective feeling was slightly crushed, but she ignored it and looked into the face of Albus.
"Ms. Granger, how have you been?" Albus asked her.
"Oh, Professor..." she said, tears coming to her eyes. "I have missed you so much. When you... you know, I didn't know how safe we would be- no offense Professor McGonagall. I thought we were doomed, and then at the funeral, Hagrid was just so... so..." She then burst into tears. Draco rolled his eyes and looked at his fingers. "I'm sorry, Professor." she said, wiping her eyes. "Then, Harry is the only one that will talk to me, other than the rest of the Weasley's, minus Ron." she said.
"I am sorry to hear that. Just remember: it's not from others, but from within that true strength comes." Albus said. He then looked to Draco. "And, you, Mr. Malfoy? How have you been?" Hermione expected him to ignore Dumbledore, but to her surprise, he talked to him.
"Well, my mother passes along her thanks for the shelter and protection you provided for us from my mess-up." Draco said. "I have been bored, and was surprised when I found the Headboy badge in my envelope. Now, I sit here, talking with you. No fights with girlfriends, seeing as Pansy won't talk to me now. She is not a loss." Draco said. Hermione grinned to herself. She didn't like Pansy, and now, neither did a Slytherin.
"Now, what we needed to talk about. Minerva, would you like to?" he asked her politely.
"No thank you, Albus. I have work I need to do with the other professors, so I will leave and let you handle this one." McGonagall said, leaving after saying, "I will see the both of you in a few hours' time." Hermione glanced over at Draco and noticed him looking at her. He looked away quickly and fixed his gaze on Dumbledore.
"So, you two are probably wondering what is so important that the prefects had to leave, eh?" Dumbledore asked them. The two nodded and looked at Albus for more information.
"There is no way to soften the blow, but for the safety of both of you, we are placing you together in a dorm." Albus said. Draco and Hermione both stood.
"No, Professor!" Hermione cried.
"Absolutely not, sir." Draco said.
"There is no arguments about this. It must be this way. You may not see it now, but in time, you will." Albus looked at them down his half-moon spectacles. "The password is ingenuity. Have a fun rest of the trip. Unfortunately, you two need to remain in the carriage for the rest of the trip and check the entire train afterwards. Draco, heed my warning." And with that, the screen disappeared.
'Why must we share a dorm?' Hermione fumed in her head. She continued to vent until Draco's voice cut into her musings.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Granger." Draco Malfoy said. He wasn't looking at her, but for some odd reason, she could tell he meant it. "I have been horrible to you over the years, and it was Potter I was mad at. Despite your... heritage, I had no right. My father, as you can tell..." he looked right into her eyes. The look in his eyes, the utter seriousness, stole her breath. "As you can tell, had a lot of influence over me." His eyes took a dark tone, which made Hermione feel an emotion she had never felt for a Malfoy: pity.
"It must have been hard." she said. "I, of course, have no idea of the extent, but I have had some things harder than others, as have you, obviously." she added. Draco nodded and finally looked away, allowing Hermione to breathe again.
"So, can we be... friends? It's necessary in the upcoming year, whether we like it or not." Draco said, holding out his hand. Startled, Hermione stared at his hand before extending her own and shaking it, making a bond between the two ex-enemies.