Hermione woke the next morning still leaning against Draco's chest. She blinked before she gently pulled herself out of his grasp. She tried to be quiet, but the squeaky floorboards gave her away. Draco opened his eyes. He yawned a good morning.

"Morning, we best get ready. It is pretty late. We might miss breakfast," she responded without making a move to leave.

"Well, we cannot have the Slytherin King and Gryffindor Queen let rumors start about them not showing to breakfast," he tried to joke. Hermione let out a short laugh before she walked away to get ready.

Hermione brushed her hair as well as putting on the school uniform. The uniforn that meant so much to her. Without it her life would be very different. She looked in the large mirror. She was smiling a natural smile. After the war you would not think one would be able to. She just woke up happy. Today was going to be a good day, she told herself.

Draco gelled his hair back as well as putting on some cologne. As Head Boy he had look good. He tugged at his collar before smoothing down his bottun down. Besides the school robes, he chose his clothes over the uniform. He had to dress to impress. He walked out of his room right before Hermione stepped out of hers.

"Shall I walk you to breakfast?" he asked. He offered his arm, while raising a questioning eyebrow. Hermione could not help but giggle. This Draco was one she could get used to. She took his arm. They walked most of the way to the Great Hall in comfortable silence. She stopped abruptly. She turned to Draco, deep in thought.

"Draco wait. People will talk if we just waltz in there like this." She gestured at their linked arms. Draco's face became a clouded mask. He dropped his arm.

"Fine. If that is what you want," he said. He then quickly walked away. He did not look back. Hermione did not know how to feel. They had been doing well and then he was gone again. She sighed and continued to walk towards the Great Hall by herself. She was not smiling anymore. Breakfast was dull. Everyone kept to themselves. When, someone did try to start up a conversation it quickly ended. It seemed like Hermione was not the only one in a great mood. Hermione still did not know which classes she had. Yes, she had the books, but not the schedule. She walked to Headmistress McGonagell's office after breakfast.

"Hermione dear, how can I help you?" Headmistress McGonagell asked, greeting her warmly. She was sitting at Dumbledore's old desk.

"Well I was wondering what my schedule was," Hermione replied. She blushed not used to not knowing what was happening.

"Oh, that's all dear?" she let out a breath of relief. Her hair was in the same tight bun Hermione had always known. McGonagell was showing her age and ware from her years at Hogwarts. "With you and your friends reputation, I thought there might be another troll in the Dungeons." She waved her wand and a scroll appeared with Hermione's classes listed.

"Thank you, Headmistress McGonagell," Hermione thanked after she took the scroll.

"Call me Minerva dear. Anytime you need anything just ask," she responded warmly. Hermione thanked her again before leaving. Ancient Runes was up first. She loved that class. This year would be more in-depth, as well as a smaller class. After that was Potions, then a free block, Care for Magical Creatures, lunch, etc.

Draco had Herbology first. He did not know why he needed this class anymore. He still did not know what he wanted to be. He had been given a range of classes, to keep his options open. He knew he liked Potions, but was not sure what to do with that.

Draco was struggling with the class assignment. He glowered when he saw Neville had already finished. Neville noticed him staring and quickly glanced away. After a few more failed attempts, Draco swore under his breath. Neville came over and tried to offer him help. Draco was relunctant, but at this rate, he was going to fail.

"Fine. What do I need to do?" Draco gave in. Neville was taken back. He had not expected Draco to accept his help. He got to work anyway. There was not much time left. Draco tried to do his part, but Neville ended up doing most of the work. When Professor Sprout came and looked at Draco's progress, Draco recieved a good grade. Draco muttered a thank you, almost inaudible. Neville could tell what he had tried to say. Draco hurried off to Potions. A class he did not need any help in.

Neville walked with Luna. He told her about what Draco had done. Luna smiled at the thought of Draco being kind. People change in many unexpected ways. She slipped her hand into Neville's. She lay her head on his shoulder as they walked to their next class together. Care For Magical Creatures was Luna's favorite class.

Meanwhile, Hermione walked with Harry and Ron to Potions. Even though people thought Harry was the master of Potions she always had to help him at least a little. Ron kept bringing up Draco and Hermione being Head Boy and Head Girl in their conversation.

"For the last time Ron, We have seperate bedrooms and bathrooms. We do not sleep with each other nor will we ever. The only thing we share is the common room. There are multiple couches and seats, so we do not have to sit right next to each other," she explained for the third time.

"I know 'Mione. I just don't want him pulling anything on you. I cannot always protect you. Draco has a bad past. He may try and harm you..." he pressed on.

"Ron just stop. Stop. You do not have to protect me. Voldemort is dead. I can protect myself. Malfoy is not the..." she was interrupted.

"Malfoy is not what? You sound like he has you under his spell. He cannot be trusted. You know that. Do not let him make you feel like he actually cares," Ron was getting very mad. Hermione did not understand. She whipped her head around.

"Ron we just started school. You have not even considered that the war has changed people. I can take care of myself. You do not have to make conspiracies about everybody." Hermione turned and headed towards the bathroom, instead of class. She needed to compose herself. She rinsed her face with water, trying to calm down. Why did Ron always have to be so obnoxious?

... (FLASHBACK to winter of their 4th year. The Yule Ball)