A/N: Hello again! Thank you sooooooo much my loyal fans as i asked for one review and you provided me with two! Special thanks to

VampireLoverForever27

and krista04

And thank you to my story alert/favouriters

LenaMalfoy

and bookinspired

Thank you both very much for your supportive comments and here is chapetr 1 dedicated to you both!

Another riview would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED! They make the fanfiction world go round! And i'm baking cyber brownies for anyone who does review as an added bonus! Enjoy!~

Chapter 1

It was the beginning of summer and, like I had done for the past three years, I was packing my suitcase ready for my final year at Hogwarts. Things had changed since the war. I found out the hard way that the war-time paranoia never really goes away. Fred found this out the hard way, too, when I had glued his eyes closed after he barged in on me while I was getting dressed. I had been staying with the Weasley's for the summer, since my parents were still in Australia. I had reversed my memory charm on them, but they were happier there. I was 18 in a few months anyway, so I could get my own place. Just as I had finished packing, Harry and Ron came bounding into my room, already dressed in their robes. They were coming back to Hogwarts with me too, but not because of the studies, like I was. They were going back because of Ginny's final year, Harry because they were a couple and Ron because they were a couple! I think Ron was returning because of me as well. Despite my never-ending efforts to convince him that we were OVER, he never got the message. Stupid boys, I thought sarcastically, as Harry and Ron started arguing about a sweater.

"I told you Ron, orange is not the colour to be wearing when you're trying to fit in!"

"What are you talking about? Orange is perfectly normal, right Hermione?"

They boys stared at me as I shook my head. We then heard Molly call from down stairs and I hurried to finish packing. Oh, stuff this, I thought as I waved my wand and my clothes neatly folded themselves and dropped into my suitcase.

"Come on kids, the portkey's leaving in one minute! And so help me Ron if you're wearing that orange sweater I swear I'm going to-"She didn't have to say anymore as Ron hurriedly transfigured the bright orange sweater into a dimmer light green one. I shrunk our luggage quickly as we rushed down the stairs just in time to grab hold of the portkey. We were going to take the car but, our second year fresh in mind, we decided not to. The world became a spinning blob as I waved to Fred and George before a sharp pull at my navel sent me tumbling in to the swirling mist. I dropped, head first onto the concrete at King's Cross Station. I had never gotten the hang of that! As my vision and body righted itself I noticed that I was facing a pair of shiny, black shoes. I looked up dismally to find myself staring at the handsome face of Lucius Malfoy. I rapidly attempted to stand up, only to slip on a stone and tumble back towards the ground. I expected to feel sharp pain and the sound of my body meeting the floor, but was instead greeted by a pair of strong arms wrapping themselves around my waist and pulling me toward my saviour. I leaned into the warm, muscled body surrounding me, and locked eyes with a very astonished looking Lucius Malfoy, who swiftly knocked me out of my reverie. I would have laughed at his face had the situation not been so serious. He seemed rather dazed when he let me go, and I stammered my apology nervously. Granted, falling onto an ex Death Eater was not a brilliant way to start the year, but certainly and amusing one! I had expected him to lash out at me, even curse me, though Mr and Mrs Weasley were only meters away. Instead he smiled at me, and politely reminded me to be more careful before inclining his head, and turning away. In retrospect I should have seen this coming, as I remembered seeing him leave with a suitcase, but my dazed brain had simply assumed it was Draco's. What a horrid mistake to make! I saw him once more at the foot of the compartment we were boarding. He was ushering a squealing Draco onto the train hastily, while whispering eloquently to him about a clearly sensitive topic, as Draco was almost in tears. I stopped suddenly to listen in. My traitorous brain reprimanded me, but I had reminded myself that he was the enemy, and to be always on my guard meant more than just looking out for yourself. Draco had stomped his foot at something Lucius had said, and I couldn't help but feel intrigued, though now I am wondering why.

"For goodness sakes Draco, I will not say it again! My intentions are as pure as a first-year and I am following through with this!"

"But father, must you really come and-"

"Hush Draco, and hurry up or you'll miss the train. I will be seeing you soon" Draco huffed once more before turning his back on his father and sitting down in the Slytherin compartment. Apparently Ron believed I was taking too long as he picked me up and practically threw me onto the train! And he wonders why I'm not attracted to him! I huffed and took a seat next to Harry and Luna. Immediately Luna struck up a conversation with me about Nargles and their native habitat. I knew in that moment that it was going to be a long ride!

I had managed to sleep most of the way to Hogwarts and only awoke at the very last call to depart the train. Harry had also managed to get to sleep it seemed, as he awoke startled and practically ran for the doors at the same time I did. For the second time that day I had contracted the 'clumsy' virus as I tripped on the edge of my robe and fell face first into a firm chest. I groaned and, wanting to thank my saviour, looked up groggily into beautiful eyes of liquid pewter. While I was busy admiring the captivating eyes, the mysterious stranger must have put me down and was already retreating down the foggy path to the castle. I could have sworn I saw a flash of blond hair, but I assumed I was mistaken. Harry then shook me out of my daydream enough for me to regain my footing and make my way steadily up to the castle. As I arrived I took a seat next to Ron and, realising I was starving tuned out of all the conversations and focus my attentions solely on eat all I could before the food vanished. The end of dinner came all too quickly and once again it was time for the teachers to make their speeches. Just as Headmaster Dumbledore was about to begin, an elegant figure strode into the Great hall and captured all the attention, especially mine. The room went silent as i stood up and inspected the intruder from his leather dress shoes, right up to his emerald cufflinks. i took a step closer and, taking a leap of faith, looked straight into eyes of liquid pewter. The intruder smiled at my sharp intake of breath and spoke softly to me:

"Hello Ms Granger"

I promptly fainted.