Chapter two

Draco Malfoy did not remember a time where he had been more insulted and outraged. He was simply outraged by the attack on the train, not only by the humilating results of Hermione Granger coming to his rescue - but the whole event happening at all. If it had been an attack by Death Eaters, the Dark Lord had surely sent the most pathetic excuses for Death Eaters possible. Attacking a Malfoy? This was surely unheard of in the Darker Soecity, and he damned well would make sure whoever had committed the crime would pay. Secondly, he was insulted by the idea of Hermione teaching Draco how to defend himself.

''You think you can teach me skills and countercurses I don't already know? Do you honestly believe that you are better trained in the art of wand magic than I, Granger? Don't even flatter yourself, not even for a moment. I, unlike you, was born into this world - where people like you shouldn't be welcome. Most of us don't welcome you, but old kooks like Dumbleore think that you Muggleborns deserve a chance. I don't think so, none of us decent wizrds think so. So just back the fuck off, you hear me? Leave, now!'' Draco hissed through his teeth, disgusted with the silly little mudblood who believed herself to be better than him. He assumed she would run out sobbing, back to Golden Boy and his disgrace of a sidekick.

Instead, Hermione Granger stood up from her seat, with clenched fists, raising her chin upwards. She wore a look of disgust on her face, though her eyes shone with delicate tears. A few younger students had stopped their moaning and fidgeting to watch the scene unfold, two Prefects glaring and throwing insults. This would be what every house would be discussing over dinner.

''You know what, Malfoy? I should have just let you take the attack, because you are a disgusting human being. A decent human being, no matter what differences and disliking, would have at least swallowed their pride and thanked me. But ofcourse not, not you Draco Malfoy. What is it? Are you embaressed that I'm perhaps better than you when it comes to wand work? Well - I'm not going to help you. Next time you're on your own.'' Hermione spat back at him, her face was flushed and her arms trembled slightly.

''Miss Granger, you will obey the Headmaster's wishes.'' A smooth voice came from behind Hermione, she turned quickly. Professor Snape had heard her small speech, smirking to himself sightly. Hermione let out a small frustated sigh, before storming out of the ward. Draco smirked slightly at her departure, then frowned at his Potions Master and family friend. He had thought that at least Severus would have taken his side, objected, offered to teach him instead?

''Draco, before you demand anything - I will not disobey the Headmaster in his school. You will follow through with his wishes, for the time being. Your father sent me several owls demanding to know how you were recovering, and I was just coming to see if you had awoken. I can inform your father that you have made a promising recovery. I will see you tonight in the Hall, the Headmaster is having a memorial in honor of the two students we lost on Sunday.'' With this, Severus turned and left briskly, not allowing Draco to object.

Lying back into his pillow, Draco punched his fists into the bed. He would have to deal with Hermione Granger for god knows how long.

Several hours later, Draco was seated in the Great Hall, surrounded b y his fellow housemates. Blaise was chatting away about the Quiddich match that was next month between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, and Pansy was shrilly discussing her summer in Romania. Draco was not paying attention to either conversation, but was watching Hermione Granger at the opposite side of the hall. She was engaged in a conversation with Neville and Ginny, who were sitting rather close for friends. Hermione seemed to hae forgotten her argument with Draco earlier that day, for her eyes were lighting up as she laughed and joked with her friends.

''I think Ravenclaw will win by a landslide, they got a new keeper this year - Eric Champ, he's bloody good. Pureblood, lives near us. I've seen him practice with his father - his father works with my father. But yeah, they would win without him obviously - Hufflepuff are rotten. Don't you agree, Draco? Draco?'' Blaise questioned, waving a hand infront of Draco's face. Draco scowled, grabbing his wrist and twisting it.

''Who are you looking at, Draco? Is it a girl? Is it? Who? Who is she?'' Pansy demanded, trying to move her head into Draco's viewline.

''Nobody.'' Draco answered, lying simply. Pansy caught view of Hermione Granger.

''Granger?! That mudblood? Why were you looking at HER?'' Pansy shrilly accused, causing several Slytherine's to look. Draco rolled his eyes at the ever-desperate Pansy, she had gained a little weight and had her hair cut in a style that didn't suit her. Pansy was not an ugly girl, but she wore too much make up and her personality was one of a foul tempered donkey. She had written to him every few days from Romania, but Draco had never really bothered to reply. She was really nothing more than a pest to Draco, but their families had been friends for decades and there was really nothing Draco could do. She was extremely jealous of every girl who spoke to Draco, or even looked at him. She had warned other girls in their house that if they so much as thought about Draco, she would break their fingers.

'Ofcourse not, Pansy. Don't be more stupid than you already are.'' Draco answered, already bored of this conversation. Pansy frowned as she stared down at her dinnerplate piled high with potatoes and chicken, and took one more glance at Hermione. She was about to speak once again how ugly Hermione Granger was, when Dumbledore stood up. Silence overtook the Great Hall as Dumbledore began to speak.

''My students, my teachers, my companions. This school year has started with a tragic loss, grief has entered our schoolyear so early on and many of us feel that we will never let go of that. Fear, confusion, grief and anger are feelings we are all sharing right now, for who would want to take our dear friends, so young, from us? Perhaps, these losses, shall make us stronger as a school, and more importantly - as people. For now, we need that strength. For the Dark Lord has risen again, and there is strong reason to believe that he was behind those attacks on the train. But please, fear not tonight. Instead, join me in remembering Stephenie Knowls and Henry Black - in our hearts they shall live on.''

Applause erupted, tears and smiles together. It was obvious that Ravenclaw had lost these two students - for their housemates were perhaps the most grief striken. Draco Malfoy clapped for half a moment, then went back to picking his food. His eyes however were drawn towards the other side of the hall, where Hermione Granger applauded with tears shining in her eyes.

Later that night, when the moon seemed to glow a sympathetic blue to those two students who had lost their lives on a journey where they believed their lives were just beginning, Draco Malfoy lay restlessly in his own bed. The other boys in his dorm had been sleeping heavily for an hour now, but Draco couldn't sleep. His bed felt too warm, then it felt too cool. His bed clothes felt too rough, then they felt too smooth. Now, he lay on top of his bed clothes, his pillow thrown aside, his eyes cast on the ceiling. He knew that this schoolyear would be different to the last five he had attended at Hogwarts, he knew mainly this was because of the task that had been set before him. But he couldn't help but feel that there was something else new, something different.

His mind began to wander once again, and Draco frowned when he realised that it had wandered back to Hermione Granger. Why had he suddenly become fascinated by the foul girl? He felt a huge amount of distaste and hatred towards her, ever since the day he had laid eyes on her. But now, there was something else. He couldn't put his finger on what exaclty he was feeling about Hermione, except that he ha suddenly become fixated on her. Perhaps it was only gratitude that she had saved his life, but then again - she had put his life in danger by being in his carriage. Extremely frustated, Draco Malfoy threw his surrounded pillows on the ground, and turned onto his side. He stared at the glowing moon, and his head felt heavy.

In the Gryffindor tower, Hermione Granger lay awake. She stared at the moon, unsure of the year ahead. Her heat felt heavy, sorrow and grief weighing it down. She turned away from the moonlight, and closed her eyes. A dreamless sleep embraced her.

Hi guys. :3 I noticed that quite a few people subscribed to my story - but only one person reviewed. This isn't entirely a bad thing, but it does leave me in the dark about your thoughts about my story. I don't know how exactly to improve or change anything without feedback - so I'd really love for you guys to tell me what you liked/disliked about my story. It helps heaps!

I'm posting another story - which will go un-updated for a while whilst I work on this one. But it will give you an idea of my other pairings and future stories!

Thanks so much for reading guys. :3

- Amy.