Chapter 2

a/n: *whispers: Its not Snape.

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"Don't run in the house, Draco." Lucius drawled at the breakfast table.

"I'm sorry father. I was just excited."

"Yes well. Now that you're starting at Hogwarts, I have something very important to ask of you."

"Of course father."

"There is many things I have taught you regarding blood status and the beliefs we need to hold around our fellow pureblood witches and wizards. For this one time only, I want you to ignore that. There is a muggleborn witch that will be starting at Hogwarts along side you. Hermione Granger. She is a powerful witch and I have no doubt that she will grow up to be remarkable. I don't ask that you be her best friend Draco, but for reasons that I can discuss with you right now, I do ask that you look out for her whilst at Hogwarts. Don't let her feel excluded as most muggleborns do."

"Will that not label me a Blood traitor father?" Draco asked curiously.

"if she is sorted into Slytherin then you will be able to befriend her on the basis of 'house before blood'. Your Slytherin peers will acknowledge this as its been done for many years for half blood Slytherins."

Draco nodded in understanding, "And what if she doesn't get sorted into Slytherin? Surely she will not trust a Slytherin. The other houses will taint her opinion of us."

"indeed. That is why you are to seek her out on the train today. Befriend her enough that she will see the good in you. Let her formulate a good opinion of you before she learns of house prejudices."

Draco nodded, "I will not fail you, father."

"Good." Lucius said, "Now eat your breakfast." He said with a wave of his hand.

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Draco walked along the train, looking into each cart for a specific face. His father had pointed out the witch whilst they were on the platform, but the bushy haired girl had disappeared into the train before Draco had even said his goodbyes you his parents.

"Hey!" Draco heard a female yell, only then realising he had bumped into some one while getting lost in his own thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I didn't –" Draco started then recognised the witch in front of him. For a split second, he found himself speechless, then clearing his throat he continued, "My apologies. My mind was elsewhere."

"it's okay." She smiled at the boy.

"I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." The blond said, sticking his hand out for the witch.

"Hermione Granger." She said, happy to have encountered a friendly person considering how nervous she was, "it's a pleasure to meet you."

"do you have cart?" Draco asked quickly as she started to leave.

"Yes. I already settled my things in." She answered.

"do you mind sharing? I can't seem to find an empty one." He said.

"No problem at all," she smiled, "It would be nice to have some company. Although I did bring along a book to do some reading."

"Oh, I won't disturb. By all means, feel free to ignore me when you want some time with your book." He said, following the witch.

For the rest of the ride, Draco fulfilled his obligations by befriending the witch and getting to know her. He was a little surprised to find himself actually enjoying the witch's company. The fact that she was a muggleborm had only come up once and when she confided in him that she was nervous that she wouldn't be good enough for Hogwarts and that they had made a mistake or that they would kick her out. He responded by telling her that magic is magic, regardless of heritage and that she could do anything she put her mind to. He did forewarn her that her heritage will by scrutinized and that she will have to expect some people to not approve of her, but advised her to not let it get to her.

"I have no doubt that you will be a remarkable witch." He told her with a wink, "but do me a favour and don't tell anyone I said that. Malfoy's have a reputation of being cold and unfriendly, demanding respect. Wouldn't wanna ruin that." He said with a laugh.

She laughed at him and thanked him for his kind reputation-ruining words. And for the rest of the ride, they ate sweets from the trolley, spoke and sometimes debated about magic and magical creatures, as well as things Draco felt she should know about the Wizarding world, and then sat in a comfortable silence while Hermione read her book.

Draco looked curiously at the witch across from him. He didn't know why his father had instructed him to protect her, but he thanked Merlin he did. It would have been a pity if he were not able to befriend her due to here blood status. From the little time they spent together, Draco could tell that she was fiercely intelligent. From the friendly debates they had during their conversation, he could tell she was stubborn and opinionated. From the fact that she chose to spend the last hour of their trip reading about Hogwarts when she could have just been goofing off, he could tell she was dedicated. And with all of those traits coupled with her eagerness you learn, Draco found himself thinking the exact same thing his father did. Hermione Granger would be a remarkable witch.

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"Hermione Granger" called out the witch in the pointed hat who introduced herself as Professor McGonagall.

Hermione walked slowly towards the stool in front of the entire hall, nervous to be sorted into a house. She had heard someone mentioned that she was mental or something along those lines but she didn't care. 'Magic is magic' she told herself, willing herself to calm down, 'you will be a remarkable witch.'