Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own Harry Potter.

A-LONE(R)

A look of panic swept across Hermione's face as realization dawned on her. McGonagall left them alone! She has never been alone with Draco before and the last time she truly saw him was at his house when she was tortured in front of him. Suddenly the silence was very loud.

"Relax Granger, I'm not going to attack you," Malfoy sneered with annoyance.

Hermione swallowed, trying to straighten her features, "that's not what I was thinking."

Malfoy stared at her and then stated what he thinks was obvious, while scoffing "I saw the look on your face just now."

"Believe what you want Draco, that is anyway what you always do isn't it?" He smiled as if he believed himself to be right and turned to leave the room, leaving her alone in the middle of their office feeling frustrated. She could never tell him what was really on her mind.

Draco's Diary

September 3rd

Today we had our meeting with McGonagall and the Heads of Houses. It was quite a long meeting. The most interesting part about the meeting was when McGonagall took us to our office on the fifth floor. For a fleeting moment I was alone in that office with Granger and I had to get out of there as fast as I could. I couldn't bear the idea that she might thought I would harm her.

The office is really nice and it will be most advantageous. There I can be alone and escape the stares and glares. Hopefully Granger won't be there often. I can't see why they couldn't give us separate offices.

This year is not going to be a joyride. Blaise is not here. His parents decided to send him to Durmstrang so as to make a new start. He is lucky. So I am all alone. I have no one. No one to talk to – not that I am much of a talker. Maybe if Granger is going to keep up the statue-like behaviour I saw before the meeting I might talk to her. Yeah right.

Hermione's Diary

3rd of September 19:38

Today I had my very first meeting with Headmistress McGonagall and the Heads of Houses as Head girl. I can't wait to get started. There is so much to be done! McGonagall and the Heads decided to give us our very own office. The office will come in very handy – but sharing with Malfoy might not be so pleasant. How will we ever be able to work together considering the past? I think we must both just try to be as civil as possible towards each other. There's really no need to get friendly. I will probably have to take the first step to make an effort to get started. We have quite a few things to discuss. Oh, I wish Head boy were someone else!

Draco was sitting on his four-poster bed ending his diary entry when he heard the subtle knock of an owl against the window. He got up to open the window to let the unfamiliar owl in. It was a thin tawny owl with big golden eyes and attached to its leg was a note folded in half. He took the note and on the front his last name was written in neat handwriting. The owl looked at him expectantly and nipped at his hand. Draco cursed under his breath. The owl didn't move - he was waiting for Draco to reply. Draco opened the note and sat down on his bed again.

Malfoy

I think we need to get together as soon as possible to work out the schedules for the prefects and to discuss how we will handle everything this year. When will it suit you to do this? I thought tomorrow morning after breakfast could work. Please let me know.

Hermione

Draco was quite surprised with Hermione's note. He did not expect to get an owl from her at all and especially not this soon. She really had some nerve. She firsts ask him when it will suit him to meet up and then immediately after that she tells him when it will work best to get together. Seems typical of Granger; always trying to organise everything and everyone. Then it hit him. Tomorrow after breakfast will not work because he doesn't have a free period. He has Care of Magical Creatures. The last part of the note struck him. Reading Hermione's name at the end of a note for him was new and unheard of. He didn't know what to make of that. He quickly scribbled a note back to her.

Hermione felt unsure about the note she just sent to Draco. How will he react? He is probably reading the note and sneering. Is he going to be rude in his reply? She was pacing up and down before her four-poster bed when she heard the tap of the owl. After opening the window for the owl to fly in she detached the note from his leg. It is the exact same note but under Malfoy there is now written Hermione. She opened it.

Hermione

I think we can at least be civil and address each other on our first names seeing that we have to work together. Tomorrow after breakfast will not suit me because I don't have a free period. How about we meet at the office during lunch and let staff bring us lunch there? My schedule is otherwise full for tomorrow. And please try to use good-mannered owls when you send one my way.

Until tomorrow, Draco

Hermione threw the note on her bed and resumed her pacing. She expected nothing more from him. He was still an arrogant prat. He ended the note with: until tomorrow. That means the discussion is closed and that they will indeed meet at their office during lunch. Hermione let out a frustrated huff. She will write back! He will not always get his way. She will not let him hold the power.

Draco

Tomorrow during lunch is fine but that will be the first and last time.

PS This owl is as good as you will get!

Hermione

Draco threw the note in the fire and rolled his eyes. This is going to be one interesting year.

A/N: Please review. I know you have got something to say.