Note: I would recommend having 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' with you as the sequences are all in chronological order (starting from when Hermione meets a toadless Neville). Also, I tried to keep the characters in-character as much as possible but I found it difficult speaking as an 11-year-old. However, I tried my best. All is though Hermione's POV.

Chapter One:: First Year

It was the most exciting thing that happened in my life when I received a letter claiming that I was a witch and could be accepted into Hogwarts. My parents had always praised me for my intelligence but were a bit baffled when I showed them the letter. Realising I would throw a massive tantrum like most eleven-year-olds, they finally accepted that I was a witch and allowed me to attend Hogwarts.

The letter also contained another parchment explaining how to arrive at Platform Nine and Three Quarters because I was from a Muggle family. Father and Mother did look a bit insulted when I called them Muggles but they thought it was one of those words young kids made up when they were young.

So after all the confusions and hassles, I was finally abroad the train (changing already into the robes of course), when I saw a pink-faced boy looking rather sad.

"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger," I introduced sticking out my hand. "What is troubling you?"

The boy looked a bit miffed as he took my hand and gave a one weak shake. I was nervous too but this boy seemed to have more trouble masking his discomfort.

"I'm Neville Longbottom," he mumbled. "And I lost my toad."

"Well we can look for it!" I exclaimed excitedly. I had been bouncing for some sort of magic since I boarded the train. "Let's look in this compartment."

"I…I already looked in that one," Neville said shyly as I tugged at the door knob.

"We can try again," I encouraged as I slid open the door. "Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one."

I saw two boys around my age stare blankly at the wand in the red-haired boy's hand. The other boy had dark hair and glasses.

"We've already told him we didn't see it," grumbled the red-haired boy, whose hand on the wand seemed to shaken.

Neville's lost toad was at the back of my mind. This boy was going to perform magic! I hadn't seen much magic despite how I was witch and being from a Muggle family didn't help my chances. I only practised the simple ones, which were extremely boring.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it then," I exclaimed in amazement as I took a seat opposite him.

The red-haired boy cleared his throat and muttered a 'spell' but it sounded more like a nursery rhyme. Nothing changed after he finished.

"Are you sure that's a real spell?" I asked sceptically. "Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practise and it's all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard – I've learnt all our set books off by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough – I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?"

I was breathless after I finished but I knew sometimes that by giving background information, people understood you better.

"I'm Ron Weasley," replied the red-haired boy, before the other boy said, "Harry Potter."

My heart nearly stopped as I stared at Harry Potter in wonder. How could I not have identified him? The scar was a dead giveaway.

"Are you really?" I asked in a daze before I regained my wits. "I know all about you, of course – I got a few extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century."

Harry Potter looked more baffled then I (hello? I was in the presence of the infamous Harry Potter) and he murmured, "Am I?"

I really couldn't believe my ears when I heard his awe. How can he not know about himself?

"Goodness, didn't you know, I'd have found out everything I could if it was me," I chastised. "Do either of you know what house you'll be in? I've been asking around and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best, I hear Dumbledore himself was one, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad…Anyway, we'd better go and look for Neville's toad. You two had better change, you know, I expect we'll be there soon."

I was trying my hardest to give them the best advice. I tugged at Neville's hand to go and we then entered another compartment.

The first thing I saw was two pudgy boys that I almost missed the small, pale boy in the middle.

"Have you seen a toad? Neville's lost one."

Not much changed after my question. The bulky boys just looked at me blankly, almost as if they didn't understand the word 'toad'. The pale boy with platinum hair raised an eyebrow.

"Who wants a toad?" he scoffed and I immediately disliked him. I hadn't met someone who was unpleasant before. I was aware of Neville reddening beside me.

"Oh, you know," I said with a frown. "We can choose a pet if we want, the choices are –"

I was cut off when the pale boy rudely snapped, "I know what we can and can't have."

My eyebrows furrowed together with anger and I asked, "Who are you?"

"Draco Malfoy," he replied silkily. "That's Goyle and the other's Crabbe."

If I wasn't as smart as I was claimed to be, I would have assumed Goyle and Crabbe were first names. Who introduced people by last names these days, anyway?

But the name Malfoy did bring back some memory with all the readings I did. Apparently his family were involved in the Dark Arts and after You-Know-Who lost power, they cowardly begged for acceptance. That would explain his rude behaviour.

Draco was watching those emotions play on my face.

"Heard of me, have you?" he smirked. "I don't know if I can say that same. What's your name?"

"Hermione Granger," I replied stiffly. Neville didn't bother to reply. As soon as he heard Draco introduce himself, Neville had stiffened and seemed to hide behind me as if I was a shield or something.

"Not familiar at all," Draco declared then a peculiar expression entered his grey eyes. "Are you from a Muggle family?"

"Yes," I confirmed and Draco burst into laughter. One second laughter, Goyle and Crabbe joined in the laughs as if they were Draco's puppets. I felt myself shake with anger although I didn't know why. Coming from a Muggle family wouldn't be so funny but Draco laughing made it seem like I should be ashamed of myself.

"I wouldn't be proud to say that, Granger," Draco chuckled when his laughter died off. I stiffened. For some reason, I was hurt that he was calling me by my last name; it was like I wasn't even a human being.

"There's nothing wrong with Muggles!"

I was astonished when I heard Neville speak up. He had stepped away from me and looking at Draco with anger.

"Who is this charming fellow running to little Granger's defence?" Draco mused. Although he was young, he seemed to have some sort of authority in him. And Neville complied by providing his name.

"Longbottom?" Draco echoed with a frown. "You're Pure, that's all I know. But don't hang out with people like her. We all need to stick together."

I flinched as if I had been slapped. I couldn't recall anything I had done wrong but already, this pale boy was warning people away from me! I tried to appear as if I was not affected by his words.

"If I had a choice between her and you, I'd choose her," Neville squeaked and I immediately warmed to him. Likewise, I thought to myself as I narrowed my eyes at Draco.

"Ooh," Draco cooed with a smirk on his lips. "Mixing bloods aren't the best combination."

I had to give credit to my intelligence when he spoke. I was sure he meant a person from an all-wizarding family engaged with someone who wasn't.

"Well Harry Potter is one of those 'mixed' and he seems fine to me," I said hotly. I would've thought all 'Pures' were arrogant but Neville was such a sweet boy.

"Harry Potter?" Draco echoed, his pale eyebrows shooting upwards. Well, that got his attention. "Have you seen him?"

"Yes," I answered. "He seems perfectly fine and normal to me."

"Where is he?" Draco demanded. I raised an eyebrow at his eagerness and he quickly composed himself.

"Where is he, Hermione?" Draco repeated, this time in a gentler tone. "I'm sorry if I was impolite before, I'm just anxious about Hogwarts."

I studied the pale face. The way he adapted tones and expressions was incredible. I couldn't tell whether he was lying or not and that was a first. I was normally a good judge of character.

"Fine," I said. "Harry's next door on the left. We'll both be off; you haven't seen a toad, have you?"

"The lady selling sweets was screeching about one near the front of the carriage," Draco shrugged his slim shoulders.

"Thanks," I beamed and I was more than surprised when he gave a timid smile in return. Something warm spread throughout me as if he was accepting me.

"Let's go, Neville," I said and Neville mumbled a bye.

Sure enough, there was a toad at the carriage at the front and Neville was ecstatic when he found it. I left Neville to 'reconcile' with his toad to ask the train driver when we'd arrive at Hogwarts, since I was right at the front of the train. When the train driver replied that we would arrive in less than ten minutes, I was ecstatic. We'd finally be at Hogwarts! What I dreamt about since I first received my letter!

I skipped down the corridors to go back to Draco's compartment and thank him about the location of the toad but he scurried out of Harry's compartment with his two friends.

"Draco?" I asked alarmed. For some reason, I had believed that he would always be well composed but his silver eyes were sort of large.

"That Harry Potter and his poor friend are just…bullies!" he hissed before brushing past me.

I remained where I was, a bit shocked at Draco's words. Harry and Ron seemed like such timid boys and I couldn't imagine them bullying anyone. Honestly, I would imagine that Draco would be the one to bully them.

Nonetheless, I re-entered Harry's compartment to chastise them once again.

"What has been going on?" I demanded as I surveyed the room. They were sweet wrappers all over the room and Ron was examining his rat with caution.

I was more than annoyed when they both ignored me and Ron incredulously reported that 'Scabbers' has gone back to sleep. Annoyance morphed into discomfort when Ron discussed the Malfoy's involvement with You-Know-Who. People aren't defined by their families and their past. Ron and Harry fighting would definitely sculpt their true personalities.

Of course when I was lost in thought was when Ron asked, "Can we help you with something?"

I pushed Draco Malfoy out of my mind as I scowled at him.

"You'd better hurry up and put your robes on, I've just been up the front to ask the driver and he says we're nearly there. You haven't been fighting, have you? You'll be in trouble before we even get there!"

"Scabbers has been fighting, not us," Ron scowled back. "Would you mind leaving while we change?"

As if I want to watch them change.

"All right – I only came in here because people outside are behaving very childishly, racing up and down the corridors," I said stiffly and just to annoy Ron, I added, "And you've got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?"

I swallowed a grin when Ron turned puce and left. I contemplated about going back into Draco's compartment but then I realised it was locked. Shrugging, I went back to find Neville and was incredulous when I learnt that he lost his toad again. He was almost in tears so I decided against lecturing him.

Soon, we arrived at Hogwarts and I forgot about Neville's sniffs. It was such an effort to contain my excitement!

A…well I wouldn't say giant as they were much bigger…bellowed that first years were to go in his direction. With Neville trembling besides me, we both made our way over. Of course, we had to have four in a boat and Harry and Ron were the two who accompanied us. I learnt that the half-giant was called Hagrid. As soon as we left the boat, Hagrid had found a toad and asked whether it belonged to Neville. I reframed from rolling my eyes when Neville enthusiastically confirmed his ownership.

I sighed and forgot about my annoyance as Hagrid knocked three times on the castle door.

…

It has been a few days since I started at Hogwarts and the excitement was definitely not dimming. Although I wondered whether choosing Ravenclaw over Gryffindor was the wisest choice as I had no friends at Gryffindor at all, except Neville.

I sat in Potions eagerly awaiting this new subject. I saw Draco skulk in with his friends but he didn't meet my eyes. I ignored the small little pang inside my heart.

I tried not to roll my eyes once again when Professor Snape paused at Harry's name to inquire about the 'famous' one. I wasn't against Harry getting the attention or anything; it was just that it took up quite a bit of class time.

So when Professor Snape started to fire questions at him and poor Harry didn't know the answer, I shot up my hand. Finally all that reading will pay off!

But I was more than a bit miffed and surprised when Professor Snape ignored me and continued to fire questions at Harry. In the meantime, I saw Draco give the tiniest shake of his head as if warning me. But the movement was so small, I wasn't certain whether it was real.

When Harry finally diverted the attention to me, I felt like I was slapped when Snape snapped at me and told me to sit down. I was humiliated and most of the Slytherins were snickering. I glanced a look at Draco. He had a smirk on his face but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

At that moment, I decided I should be more cautious with Snape.

…..

I couldn't remember the last time I was nervous but my shaking form and the quick heartbeats confirmed that I, Hermione Granger, was very nervous indeed.

This was the reason: We were to have flying lessons today! Despite all the reading I did, I don't know whether I was able to perform on the broomstick. I knew all the techniques off by heart but flying? I also have a small fear of height.

As I shared my knowledge of Flying with the rest of the Gryffindors, I was cut off when the arrival post arrived. I was rather annoyed as I knew no-one would listen to me now that they could be receiving something from their families.

My eyes immediately went to Draco's direction. He always had a lot of sweets from his family so I assumed he must be well adored. I never received anything because my parents, Merlin bless them, didn't know how to use an owl.

Today was rather different when Neville received a Remembrall from his Gran. I was intrigued as I had read all about them but had never seen one before. I wasn't surprised when the Remembrall turned scarlet; Neville was rather forgetful.

Suddenly, a pale hand shot out and took the Remembrall from Neville's hand. I looked up from my seat to see Draco Malfoy tossing the Remembrall carelessly in his hands. Harry and Ron immediately shot up like a rocket but I was mesmerised on the spot. Draco had slim fingers; the ones pianist dream of. But I reminded myself how those hands of his could probably change when he grew older.

Tension was rolling off Harry and Ron and I knew trouble was about to start. I didn't want to get a headache before Flying Lessons. Luckily, Professor McGonagall came and dispersed any trouble before it erupted.

And I could've sworn Draco gave me a wink before he sloped away with Crabbe and Goyle.

….

It took a lot of my will not to snap that that stupid broomstick in half. After what seemed like forever screaming 'Up!', my broomstick was a dud and did nothing.

My concentration broke from once again screaming 'Up!' when Neville caused another catastrophe and Madam Hooch had to escort him to the Hospital Wing.

As soon as those two left, Draco's laughter filled everyone's ears. I was a tad bit annoyed that Draco was able to fly a few metres (despite Madam Hooch scolding his technique), while I was unable to make the broomstick fly into my hand. But that annoyance evaporated when I heard his laughter; it was such a nice laugh.

However, his next few comments weren't very nice.

"Did you see his face, the great lump?"

Other Slytherins followed suit and laughed but Parvati Patil snapped at him. I was unable to because I wasn't sure whether I could stand it once again if Draco looked at me the way he was looking at Parvati right now.

"Ooh, sticking up for Longbottom?" Pansy Parkinson sneered. I particularly did not like her as it seemed like she was always around Draco. "Never thought you'd like fat little cry babies, Parvati."

Draco received most of the students' attention when he grabbed Neville's Remembrall before Parvati had a chance to reply. And before I knew it, Draco was goading Harry on to try and receive the Remembrall on a tree.

"No!" I said, alarmed as Harry grabbed his broom. "Madam Hooch told us not to move – you'll get us all in trouble."

Naturally, Harry ignored me and mounted on his broom. I gnawed at my fingers in fear. I liked Harry honestly but I also liked Draco too (not that I spoke to him since on the train). With Harry following Draco, it would encourage Draco to fly faster…manoeuvre in a more complex manner…

I was enthralled as I watched the two of them fly; I knew I'd never be able to fly like that. They both looked so light and tranquil; as if they were part of the wind themselves.

I clapped along with my classmates as Harry dived for the Remembrall and caught it flawlessly. I felt a big relief wash over me as I realised neither Harry not Draco seemed to be hurt.

Of course, that all went away when Professor McGonagall materialised out of nowhere and screamed, "HARRY POTTER!"

Despite all our desperate pleas, she led Harry away before giving them all a stern look and reminding them to wait for Madam Hooch in a behaved manner.

I caught sight of Draco gloating with the Slytherins and wondered whether he was as likable as I thought he first was. Surely, getting basking in triumph when someone was probably about to get expelled didn't seem like logical.

As if sensing my disapproval, Draco made his way over to me by himself. Not many people noticed as most were in a small cluster of group lively discussing what has just occurred. Ron was constantly moaning, "I should've stopped Harry!" while Lavender Brown awkwardly patted his shoulder.

"I saw you were having trouble flying, I could teach you," Draco offered nonchalantly.

I felt my heart flutter and it was due to many reasons. One, Draco was speaking to me since the train and that was too long for my liking. Two, the thought of embarrassing myself while Draco taught me was somewhat mortifying. Three, the thought of mastering flying was a wonderful thought because I excelled at everything else.

So I decided to change the subject.

"What you did wasn't very nice," I finally said, raising my brown eyes to his silver ones. I was surprised to find myself regretting speaking such words when a cloud entered his eyes.

"Potter didn't have to be a hero; it's not my fault he got caught," Draco said in a steely voice.

"I know," I said hastily. "But you encouraged him!"

"I'm sorry for getting your boyfriend expelled," Draco said rather nastily. I was taken aback; this was worse than him warning Neville to stay away from me. "You already have Neville chasing after you too; how many boyfriends do you want?"

Before I had a chance to reply, Draco made his way back to the Slytherins and I was conscious of Pansy glaring at me with great dislike. I couldn't run to Draco now and object to his claims because I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of all those Slytherins.

When Madam Hooch returned and finished off the lesson, Draco didn't once look back at me. And for some unknown reason, I wanted to cry.

….

I was sullenly eating my dinner but I still caught glimmers of Harry's conversation with the Weasleys (Fred and George also joined in with Ron, some time ago). From the excitement in their voices, it sounded like Harry wasn't going to be expelled after all.

I stiffened when Draco came over to our table with Goyle and Crabbe following like little lost puppies. I wasn't sure whether I was pleased or not that Draco was talking to Harry rather than me. But I was infuriated to hear Draco was provoking Harry once again for a Midnight Duel. I gritted my teeth to prevent myself from speaking because I didn't want Draco to scowl at me once again.

So when Draco and his minions left (Draco once again not glancing in my direction), I decided to voice my objections to Harry and Ron. Once again, they shunned me off and after all the events of today, I didn't have the energy to continue bickering.

Perhaps Draco deserved to be punched in the nose just like Ron said because I knew for certain neither Harry not Draco could know that many spells.

….

I was even grubbier the next day. Luckily (or perhaps not), Draco didn't turn up for the Midnight Duel but being chased by Peeves and than seeing a three-headed dog was enough to remind me why I should stay out of trouble.

I realised I left my wand in my dorm (how I managed this, I don't know) so I was late to breakfast. I almost got ran over when Draco left the Dining Room in a fume.

Annoyed that he was ignoring my presence and needing to take out my anger out on someone (and Draco seemed like the perfect choice since he was the cause for most of my anger), I decided to shout after him, "You're a coward for not turning up last night!"

Draco whisked back around and his grey eyes depicted heavy storms.

"How would you know? Your little boyfriends tell you everything?" he sneered.

It was very childish for him telling me I had many boyfriends.

"No," I snapped. "I happened to follow them and I'm sure our adventures would please you. We were chased almost into insanity by Peeves and landed in the lair of a three-headed dog!"

The storms in his eyes calmed but the next emotion that entered his eyes was not something I could identify.

"You…went?"

"You honestly believed I would let you ridicule them any further? Someone had to be the logical one!" I exclaimed furiously.

Draco rubbed at his temples as if all the anger in him died away.

"Whatever, Granger, I'm tired of Potter always bending the rules because he's so 'famous'. He just received a Nimbus Two Thousand and from what I believe, he's allowed to play Quidditch even though this is our first year," Draco said tiredly.

"What?" I breathed incredulous. "Harry's reward for disobeying Madam Hooch's order is to land a spot on the Quidditch team?"

Draco raised his eyes and there was some sort of light in his eyes instead of tiredness.

"That's right."

"The nerve of him!" I exclaimed. Draco nodded his agreement but then I remembered something. "You were breaking rules yourself!"

"I know," Draco said solemnly. "But I don't get special treatment because I'm not famous."

He looked so sad that I decided against chastising him further. I recalled him saying how much he loved Quidditch so for him to see Harry gaining a position probably hurt him a lot deeper than he would confess.

"I'll give them a piece of my mind," I promised. I was rewarded with a smile from Draco; he looked like an angel when he smiled. With his porcelain skin and platinum blonde hair.

"Thanks, Hermione," Draco said. He gave a curt nod (which made him look a lot older than he was) and walked away.

Suddenly it felt like my bad mood was suddenly lifted.

….

When I did end up telling Harry and Ron off, I realised it made their dislike for me grow. I heard Ron calling me a 'nightmare' after being paired together in Charms and this time I couldn't keep my emotions in tact. I was just sick of people disliking me and I was scared Draco would soon fall back into disliking me.

I burst into tears and brushed pass Harry and Ron, hoping no-one else saw me (especially Draco). I let Ron's words sink in when I cried in the toilets. He said that I had no friends and that was true. Neville mostly looked uncomfortable around me; almost as if he couldn't wait to run away from me. And Draco…I wouldn't say we were friends. More like acquaintances that ended up in the wrong Houses. The more time passed, I realised Slytherins and Gryffindors weren't friends. So even if I want to be friends with Draco, it would never work.

The tears diminished when a troll happened to enter the toilets I was in. Somehow, Ron and Harry came to my rescue and at the end of the day, I finally had two friends. Harry and Ron.

…

I didn't think about Draco often after that. Being friends with Harry and Ron had them confessing their daily stories or fears. For some reason, the two of them were so intent that Snape was trying to get pass the three-headed dog.

But Draco came into my mind on Christmas morning. I realised he had sent me a present that was wrapped in very expensive emerald wrappings.

Inside was a golden bell about the size of a walnut and it looked exquisite and very expensive. There was a note attached: I heard that trolls are afraid of the sounds bells make. Just in case, D.

I couldn't help laughing with happiness and I kissed the bell. Somehow that made Christmas the whole lot better. Realising I didn't buy him anything; I quickly Transfigured a quill into a miniature Quidditch broom and hastily sent it to Draco with a card.

I left the golden bell on my nightstand so it could be something I looked at first thing in the morning and last thing at night. When the girls asked me where I had gotten such a pretty bell, I replied: "From a very special friend."

…..

Somehow, I never really talked to Draco much again as I was involved in Harry's obsession that Snape is some sort of monster and discovering who Nicholas Flamel really was. But somehow Draco would pop into my head such as when Neville once entered the Common Room with a Leg-Locker Curse. Although I was distressed that Draco was once again cruel, I had to admit I was impressed that he could manage such a complex spell.

I suddenly realised all the tension between Draco and us Gryffindors was due to the upcoming Quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. If we won, we would be ahead of Slytherin in house points.

During the match, I was dimly aware that Ron, Draco, Grabbe, Goyle and Neville were in some sort of brawl. But it didn't look like anything too serious and I kept my eyes glued on Harry, hoping he would catch the Snitch so Gryffindors would be first. The tension had rubbed off onto me.

When Harry caught the Snitch, I erupted into cheers with my fellow Gryffindors. Finally, we were ahead! I called out for Ron to share the excitement and I realised he was tangled up with Draco under my chair. How that happened, I don't know.

"We won!" I repeated with a laugh. I caught the fury on Draco's flawless face and I gave him a smile; offering truce.

Draco smiled back despite being locked under Ron's arms. That feeling was equivalent to the one I would get if we won House Cup. Next to him, Ron grinned at me too and I realised to anyone watching, it would've looked like I was smiling at Ron.

…..

The Astronomy Tower offered tranquillity and solitary so I often went up there to escape from Harry and Ron's obsession. It just gave me headaches sometimes because they looked to me for the answers. Reading all the books in the library can't give answers to everything.

So I was more than merely surprised when I saw Draco Malfoy sitting at my usual spot. I hadn't seem him since the Quidditch match because it was less than ten week until exams and I had extra cramming to do as I had to learn about Nicholas Flamel as well!

"Draco, what are you doing here?" I asked pleasantly, taking a seat next to me. He had raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement when I came in but then turned back around to look out the window.

"Wanted to be alone," he shrugged. He wasn't being cruel to me but somehow I felt a slight stab in my stomach.

"Sorry," I said awkwardly. I knew what it was like to want alone time only to have someone constantly talking besides me. "Do you want me to leave?"

Draco turned his head to peer at me and my heart did a funny flop. I had never been this close to anyone before, he was less than a ruler away and he was amazingly flawless up close.

"No," he replied and although his answer wasn't enthusiastic, the tension in me alleviated.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked hesitantly. He just looked so sad and I wanted to do something – anything – to make him feel better.

"I just…don't like my friends, I guess," he mumbled and he sounded a bit embarrassed. "They're so immature sometimes but since I'm in Slytherin, they're all basically the same."

I wish I could say I understood him but I only had about three friends: Harry, Ron and Neville. And I found all three of them great.

I thought about taking a risk just then; admitting something to Draco and if he disagreed, could cause my heart to shrivel like a prune. But then again, I was Sorted into Gryffindor for a reason.

"What about me?" I whispered. "I'm your friend, aren't I? And I'm not in Slytherin."

A pause. More silence. Nothing but the erratic beats of my hearts.

"I want to be friends with you, Hermione," he said and I felt a smile tugging at my lips when he said my name. I simply loved it when he spoke my name. "But think of the repercussions."

"What do you mean?" I asked with a frown, the smile disappearing off my face.

"This is our first year, people are all so confused about who they are. The Muggle-borns are adjusting to all this magic while the Purebloods are trying to be friends with other Purebloods because their parents said so. If we told all the students we were friends – a Slytherin and a Gryffindor, a Muggle-born and a Pureblood – imagine all the chaos it would cause! The balance would be broken and all those people who thought they know where they stand would be lost again," Draco sighed heavily.

I looked in the other direction so he wouldn't see the tears welling up in my eyes. I had never thought about the consequences because I just wanted to be friends with him. I didn't care about the consequences.

"They don't have to know," I mumbled. It was a weak response but if that guaranteed my friendship with Draco, I'd take it.

I heard Draco inhale sharply and I hastily wiped under my eyes so I could see what expression on his face. Awe.

"You're right, Hermione!" he said, a glimmer of a smile on his face. My smile was wide because I basked off his delight and I could forever hear him saying my name. "We can just keep meeting here, in private. As friends. No-one has to know."

"I'd like that," I said softly.

This time Draco couldn't contain his smile and he beamed at me with such joy that it left me breathless.

….

"Oh, please, please, don't tell anyone about the dragon!" I pleaded Draco, one dark night before we were to say good-bye to Norbert.

Draco looked as if he was having some sort of inner turmoil. He couldn't reach my gaze and flinched when I tried to grab his hand. I ignored a painful tug at my heart and reminded myself not to touch him again.

"I'm not doing this to spite you," he said gruffly. "It's Potter, I just simply don't like him. Don't be there when he returns, don't go."

"I have to," I protested. "I can't let Harry go by himself and Ron's in hospital because of his hand. Let this one go, please."

"If I let this go, I'll let every opportunity to expose Harry go," Draco snapped causing me to flinch.

"But this would hurt Hagrid too," I pressed on. "Please, Draco."

Draco let out a growl and ran a hand shakily through his hair. That was surprising as it messed up his normally neat hair.

"I won't mention you're involved," he concluded. "If you're there when he's caught, it's your own cause."

I wanted to continue protesting but from the fragility in his eyes, I knew he would probably lose his control and shout at me if I continued.

"Okay," I said. "Good night, Draco."

"Good night…Hermione, please try to stay away. I know Harry's your friend and you have to stick by him…but I'm your friend too. Try and stick by me, your other friend."

I gave a stiff nod as I made my way back into the Gryffindor Quarters.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been meeting Draco in the Astronomy Tower privately ever since the first encounter. Normally, it would bring me delight but tonight was different and it was painful.

Although it was a hard enough job, being friends with Harry and Draco; two people who completely detested each other. But I knew deep down, that I couldn't hurt either one if I tried.

….

I shivered in the cold as Hagrid assigned us into groups for our detention. Harry and I were to go with Hagrid while Draco was to go with Neville and Fang.

Secretly, I wished it was me and Draco and the dog. But the thought disintegrated when another gust of wind blew at me that my teeth nearly broke from chattering so hard. After all, Draco was the reason I was here. As if hearing my thought, Draco mouthed, "sorry" when no-one else was looking. Immediately, my distaste towards him lessened.

We were trudging along discussion unicorns and meeting centaurs when red sparks flew up from the distance. I grabbed at Hagrid's bulky arm and focused his attention in the other direction.

"You two wait here!" Hagrid shouted. Boomed, it was more like. "Stay on the path, I'll come back for yeh."

"You don't think they've been hurt, do you?" I whispered. I was trembling once again but this time it had nothing to do with the cold.

"I don't care if Malfoy has, but if something's got Neville…It's our fault he's here in the first place," Harry replied.

I shivered. The difference was…I care if something happened to Draco.

After what seemed like agonising minutes, Hagrid returned fuming with Draco, Neville and Fang. I released a sigh of relief I didn't know I was holding when I realised they were safe. I shot Draco a warning look for trying to scare Neville but he shrugged back at me nonchalantly.

Hagrid redesignated the groups, swapping Harry and Neville. I stifled a smile at seeing my friends paired together, even though they both disliked each other.

I was soothing Neville and trudging in the mud when I heard a blood-curling scream emitted by Draco.

"Hagrid!" I shrieked in terror. "That was Draco! Something's happened, you have to help him! And Harry's with him too!"

I realised there were tears rolling down my cheeks as I pulled at Hagrid's arm. Hagrid gave a nod and warned us to remain where we were while he disappeared in the dark.

"Oh Neville, I'm so scared," I panted as I tried to gulp in breaths. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like a Gryffindor. I didn't know what I'd do if Draco or Harry were hurt. How could there be such evil in the world?

"I know, Hermione," Neville trembled beside me. He grabbed my hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

I muffled a squeal as a figure came tumbling out. I raised my wand pointlessly as I knew that my trembling would not ensure I cast a successful spell. Neville was squirming beside me and I think it was because I was digging my fingernails into his hand.

I gasped when I realised it was Draco and he looked paler than usual in the eerie moonlight.

"Draco," I sobbed, letting go of Neville's hand and rushing up towards him. Letting my emotions control my actions, I ran into him and gave him a tight hug. "What happened? Where's Harry?"

Slight tremors were running through Draco's frame and he slowly withdrew from my grasp, his silver eyes appearing frantic rather than collected.

"We have to get out of here!" he warned, grabbing my shoulders tightly and giving me a small shake. "There's…evil back there. Do you understand, Hermione? We have to get back to the castle where we'll be safe!"

I let out a sob as he continued to shake me frantically. But this time, he seemed to be dragging me along with him.

"I can't leave Harry," I sobbed, shaking my head in disagreement. "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him!"

"No offence, but I don't think anything you do can help him," Draco snapped at me, stepping away from me so he no longer touched me.

His words were harsh and it cut through me. He was right of course. What's the point of staying? It's not like an eleven-year-old witch is a threat to whatever Draco saw.

"Go, then!" I snapped, using anger to disguise my hurt. "Go save yourself since you're so important!"

Draco threw me a murderous glare, which caused more grief than his words. He had never looked at me like that before – at Harry and Ron, sure – but never me. With that, he marched back off into the night.

When he disappeared, I realised Neville had watched the whole thing motionlessly.

"You can go too," I heard myself mutter. I didn't know what I was staying except that I knew I couldn't leave Harry.

"There's a reason I'm in Gryffindor, and I'm staying," Neville said firmly and I admired his courage.

I hoped he wouldn't ask about Draco because I suddenly realised what happened between me and the pale blonde was not something that would occur between 'enemies'.

"So…you friends with Malfoy?" Neville attempted nonchalance but failed miserably. Poor guy. I felt sympathy towards him despite how he made me feel nervous.

"Not that I know of," I lied. "I think something scared him and he was trying to be a hero for once, you know, saving more people if he could. Fear does that to you."

Neville gave a curt nod but didn't reply. Then I realised there was a flaw in my explanation, Draco didn't attempt to 'save' Neville at all.

I heard the trees shake against and the loud footsteps but I recognised them as Hagrid's. Neville didn't and his eyes were widening in fear. At least he would've forgotten about Draco, right?

"Don't worry, it's Hagrid," I comforted with a forced smile.

Neville nodded, letting out a sigh of relief. However, his eyes were still the size of Snitches. He then caught a look on my face and seemed to sober up, sagging his shoulders.

"Don't worry, Hermione, I won't say anything."

After that, I knew Neville knew whatever it was between Draco and me.

…

I nervously waited at the Astronomy Tower, glancing at the door every few seconds. I was exhausted but still excited about Harry's victory over Quirrell but the note I received this morning made me fearful once again.

It was from Draco of course, and he wanted to see me right before we boarded our train back home. After what felt like forever, he came in.

The coldness in his eyes made my breath hitch and I twisted my hands nervously. He seemed to be the only one who could make me this nervous.

"You wanted to see me," I said. Well, it sounded more like a squeak to me. I couldn't look at him so I stared at the way my fingers twisted.

"Obviously," Draco said sarcastically and he took the seat next to me. I stiffened and untangled my fingers. If he saw what I was doing, he might think I was as immature as his Slytherin friends.

There was an uncomfortable silence after. Normally, the silences I had with him were quite pleasant as we both enjoyed the peace as well as the presence of one another. But this time…it was awkward and tense.

"Well done on taking out You-Know-Who and…I'm glad you're okay," Draco finally said, his voice slightly high.

I peeked a glance at him but his eyes were cast down so his eyelashes covered his expression. However, there was a slight pink tinging his cheeks.

"Uh…thanks," I said, slightly awkwardly. I don't know why it was suddenly so awkward between us; we were so comfortable with each other a few weeks back. Perhaps it was because we hadn't spoken since the Forbidden Forest? But after that detention, I was suddenly so busy. "But it wasn't really me, it was more Harry –"

"Please don't talk about him when you're with me."

I immediately shut my big mouth up and fought the urge to twist my fingers together.

"The year's over," he said finally, after another long pause.

"I know," I said. Somehow I found it a little sad that I wouldn't be able to see him for so long.

"The year wasn't what I thought it would be," he added.

"Same." I don't know why I was speaking so pathetically; normally my sentences were like retelling a story.

"We don't know what the next few years would be like…perhaps it would be easier to be friends in public," Draco said, a very slight hesitation in his voice. Only someone who knew him well would be able to detect it.

My heart did a little pang at his words. He had no idea how much I wished that was true.

"I'd really like that," I whispered shyly reaching for his hand. For the first time, he didn't pull away; instead he squeezed my hand right back. I felt as though I would explode from sheer happiness.

"I don't want to go back to the Great Hall for the final celebration, even though Slytherin's winning the House Points," Draco said after a few more minutes of silence. Peaceful silence, this time.

"Don't rub it in! But, who knows? Perhaps Gryffindor can scrap in a few more points and emerge victorious," I teased.

"You're 160 points behind, I don't know how anyone can scrap any more points," Draco teased right back.

I laughed as I accepted that Gryffindor would most likely lose the House Cup. But I sobered up when I remembered how we'd both have to go to the Great Hall soon.

"I know what you mean," I said and I felt him tense as he took in the seriousness of my voice. "Just staying here, just you and me. No Purebloods, no Muggle-borns, no Slytherins, no Dark Magic, no wars. Just Draco and Hermione."

He squeezed my hand so tightly, it was almost painful.

"The way it should be…the way it'll always be," he added fiercely.

I squeezed back his hand just as tightly and the smile on my face felt painful as well.

I just hope with all my heart that his words will be true.

#(-_^)#

Ending Note: You would not believe how long it took me to write that – ages it seemed! I had to basically reread Harry Potter again but then again, how can I complain about that? Harry Potter is an amazing series.
Anyway I decided to tell you all that because since it took me so long to write that first chapter, it might take me even longer to write all the other chapters.
Regardless, please send in a review and let me know what you think! If I receive enough reviews, I might make a companion story, from Draco's POV! 3