(A/N: Hey ya'll! Before you ask, those of you who are reading this on HPFF, I am southern. Oh, I really, really like abbreviations for things so if you don't know what they mean, feel free to ask! My wonderful co-author, a.k.a. my cousin, has given me the even-number chapters, so, think even, think me, odd, not me! Sorry, too much caffeine! Anywho, second chapter commin' right up!)

Chapter 2 and 35/6 (Like I said, lots of caffeine!)

"Listen Malfoy, if we're going to be working together we need to set aside our differences. At least long enough to get the new Prefects doing what they need to do." Hermione was not at all excited about working with Draco, but seeing as she didn't have a choice, they might as well try and get along.

"All right then. You take Gryffindor and Hufflepuff; I'll take Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Will that work?" Draco quite obviously shared Hermione's opinion about working together, but cut the unnecessary suffering- for both of them. Hermione nodded her consent and took a seat by the window of the car. For some odd reason Draco kept glancing at Hermione. After a few minutes he decided it was going to be a long year at Hogwarts.

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The last of the new first years had just been sorted and Dumbledore stood to give his pre-feast speech, one that usually consisted of two to three words, and the introduction of the DADA teacher.

"Welcome students, new and old. I have one announcement before we start the feast." Everyone stared at Dumbledore this was most unusual. "Sirius Black has been found wandering about the Department of mysteries last night. He is awaiting a trial for criminal charges to be brought against him. And on a lighter note, our new defense against the dark arts teacher will once again be Mr. Remus Lupin. Now eat your fill and enjoy!"

"So Hermione, who is the head boy this year?" Ginny asked from her seat beside Harry. The two had been going out for several months.

"Draco Malfoy." Hermione was watching Ron load his plate with food, "Why don't you slow down, at this rate you'll eat all of Hogwarts." She was disgusted at his behavior.

"Why should I, the house elves will always make more." Ron looked up long enough to say this, then went back to his plate.

"Ronald Weasley, don't you dare say something like that." Hermione then refused to talk to Ron for the rest of dinner.

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The Next Day

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore had a terrible headache, he didn't know where it had come from, but it hurt. In fact his day, the first day of the new school year, had been bad on a whole. His morning tea had been cold by time he had decided to drink it, two of his teachers were out with a cold and needed subs, and a mountain of paperwork sat on his desk. But the thing weighing on him most was his terrible secret, the one he guarded most heavily.

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Harry and Ginny sat on a couch in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione was at a table working on Homework, Ron was discussing Quidditch with a group of second and third years.

"I swear that boy would do just about anything for a good discussion about Quidditch." Ginny told Harry with a small giggle. He smiled back at her, she smiled too and put her head on his shoulder.

"Gin, what are we going to do once we leave school? I know what I have to do, but I won't put you in that kind of danger."

"Harry, I would follow you to the end of the Earth, and if you try to leave me where you think I might be safe, I will follow you to Voldemort."

"I guess we have no, choice do we?"

"No, that would be too nice, to get to choose your destiny." She was looking him in the eye. "I love you Harry, and I will always love you, no matter where it leads me."

"And I love you, though I'd rather you not follow me on my journey."

"And here we are again, youcan't stay andIwon't stay ifyou don't." She put her head back on his shoulder; he stroked her hair it was so soft, like the dying flames of the fire.