Author's Note: Thank's so much for reading! I forgot to mention that the song in the last chapter was Dust Bowl Dance by Mumford and Sons. I got the idea for the story from the song and I think it'll keep coming up throughout the story. Anyways, here's the next chapter!

"Good evening and welcome back to Hogwarts. I would like to welcome our new first years and congratulate our returning students. It's a brave thing you all are doing, returning. We've lost many but they'll always remain in our hearts." With those final words Professor McGonagall turned and walked back to the head table. The house tables were very quiet; none of the usual chatter was present. Draco felt uncomfortable being within the walls of Hogwarts again. The last time he had been here he was on the wrong side. Voldemort had been alive. He couldn't help but shudder at the memories.

"Draco, are you all right?" Blaise whispered while cutting into a piece of chicken.

Draco turned to look at his long time friend, "I'm fine, it's just strange… being here."

Blaise looked into his eyes and Draco could tell that Blaise knew it was more than just that. "We all understand that you're hurting mate. We all are. We went through it with you."

Draco turned back to his food and responded, "No. You didn't."

Draco could see Blaise shake his head out of the corner of his eye. He wasn't the one who was assigned to kill Dumbledore. He didn't have to watch his own father laugh while he murdered countless muggles. He didn't have the mark of evidence on his forearm. He didn't understand.

Draco took one last bite and looked across the tables. People were finally talking and smiling again. They were so happy. As he scanned the familiar faces his eyes locked with Granger's. Why was she looking at him? Why wasn't she talking and laughing with Potter and Weasley? She had won the war. She was praised by the whole wizarding world. She shouldn't have a care in the world. But then, why did she look so lost? The spark was missing from her eyes, the normal sneer couldn't be found on her face.

Draco nodded and she answered back with another. Draco swung his leg over the bench and said his goodbyes to Blaise and his fellow Slytherins. He made his way the towards the doors and pushed them open. The hallways were empty. Not even the ghosts could be found.

Hermione picked at the rice on her plate. Harry was whispering with Ginny while Ron stuffed his face. She was squished between the two boys as always but it wasn't as comforting as normal. She just felt out of place.

She glanced upward and caught sight of blonde hair. Why had Malfoy treated her like that on the train? He hadn't even looked at her with the usual disgust. But, when was the last time he had done that? Fifth year? How had she not noticed before? Sure he had never apologized or anything like that before but still. He looked up and caught her gaze. Surely he would shout, make some snide comment, or smirk. Something. But he didn't. His grey eyes just continued to bore into hers. She answered his nod and watched as he walked out of the Great Hall.

"Mione?"

"Hmm?" Hermione turned to look at Harry.

"Is something wrong? You've hardly touched your food," concern was clearly written across Harry's face.

"I'm fine Harry, just not that hungry." Harry nodded and Hermione collected her bag and made her way to the common room. Surely a warm fire would already be blazing. It would be nice to just relax and feel the warmth dance across her skin. So, with that thought in mind Hermione hurried down the corridor and sharply turned the corner toward the stairs. There, she found none other but Draco Malfoy staring at a piece of parchment at the bottom of the steps.

Draco didn't know how long he'd been sitting there. While wandering around, a letter had come soaring to him in the shape of a paper airplane. He'd looked everywhere for the messenger, even called out. No one had responded. He'd opened the letter to find cruel words.

Dear Malfoy,

I have no idea what you think you're doing back at Hogwarts. You're a murderer. How dare you come back when you wear that bastard's mark on your arm. Your family is scum and I'm glad your father is rotting in Azkaban. Why don't you go do us all a favor and join him?

As his eyes came to the end of the sentence he could feel his jaw clench. He knew his father got what he deserved. He knew he shouldn't have returned. If only his mother had listened. No one wanted to see his face. He was a coward, a death eater. He was despicable.

"Malfoy?" Draco's head snapped up at the sound of another's voice while he stuffed the note into his pocket.

"What do you want Granger? Come to tell me I shouldn't have returned?" he sneered.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about. Just, you're blocking the staircase…" Hermione stuttered out. She was sure he would insult her now.

Draco just stood and kept his head down.

Hermione began walking up the stairs. What had he meant by he shouldn't have returned? Surely he wasn't regretting his decision to finish his schooling? She couldn't let him leave, even if it was Malfoy. After all he hadn't even insulted her when she had found him.

"Malfoy…" Hermione turned back to look at him and he looked up at her. "I think it's brave of you, to return." The corners of his mouth turned up slightly and he gave her a curt nod. He paused before responding, "Thanks Granger."

Please review! It'd be delightful