I am an atom in a sea of nothing

Looking for another to combine

Maybe we could be the start of something

Be together at the start of time

Start of Time by Gabrielle Aplin

July 31st, 1991

Draco Malfoy had always been a curious boy. When he was about six years old, he would always sneak out of his family's mansion, jump on his broom, and fly down to the neighbouring village or the woods to explore. This, Draco managed to continue for a few years until his parents found out. His father especially was furious, and Draco was from that moment onwards forbidden from leaving the premises alone, or there would be consequences. However, this whole ordeal had definitely not crushed Draco's curious spirit. It was, therefore, by no means a surprise to find the youngest Malfoy roaming Diagon Alley on his own, without any adult supervision, even though he had only turned 11 a little over a month ago. His parents left him on his own to get his robes fitted at Madame Malkin's. So this was one of the only chances he would get to explore the wizarding world's most popular shopping area. Draco was laughing to himself. His parents were a little naïve sometimes.

He looked around the Alley for a bit. Everywhere you could see children and their parents walking in and out of stores, buying their school supplies. All of them being future or current students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Draco, too, would finally be attending the school in September, and he could not wait. Finally, he could escape the clutches of his parents and make a name for himself in the Wizarding World. He already knew a few others who would be joining him in first year. There were Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe, two of the sons of his father's friends. They were not particularly intelligent, but Draco knew they would be loyal to him. Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini would also attend Hogwarts this year, and fortunately, they were more up his sleeve.

Draco also recalled the odd conversation he had just had with a boy also attending the school this year. Draco had not caught his name, but he did not think that really mattered. The boy had had a really scruffy look about him and did not seem that bright. The boy had not known about the Hogwarts houses and did not know about Quidditch either, even though he had claimed to be of magical parents. He would probably be a Hufflepuff, Draco reasoned. Draco would not associate with Hufflepuffs, as he would be in the mighty house of Slytherin. Slytherin was the house most, if not all, of his family members had ended up. His father and mother spoke highly of the house, and Draco could not wait to be a part of it officially.

Draco wandered around for a bit before laying his eyes on the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies near the end of the Alley. Displayed was a brand new broom model, the Nimbus 2000. Draco himself had a mere Comet 260, and while the broom was adequate, he had, after some research, soon learned that it was no match to the Nimbus 2000. His father had provided him with pictures and data on the broom, but that was all a tease, if anything. When he had asked his father to buy him the new model, he had immediately dismissed him, claiming that it would be a waste of money as Draco would not be able to play for another year. Really, it had annoyed Draco. The man had more money than he could count, and he could not even bring it up to buy his only son, the sole Malfoy heir, a new broomstick? Complete rubbish. Personally, he also thought that the rule that said that first years could not play for their house at Hogwarts was absolute drivel. Draco had flown since he was five years old and was fairly good, he reckoned. Why did students who came from muggle families and could not fly for their lives have to ruin it for everyone else?

Draco soon walked away from the store, though, as overly eager children crowded around it as if they had never seen a broomstick in their lives. Some of them really hadn't, Draco thought to himself. Instead, he walked towards Flourish and Blotts. Although he would be risking running into his parents, he wanted to check out some of the more interesting books. His school books mainly were basic magical theory and not that interesting to read or even browse through. Plus, his parents were probably already on their way back to Madame Malkin's or were already looking for him. Draco smiled to himself. Going into a store was probably a bright idea.

Draco walked into the store and briefly looked at his surroundings. The place was crowded but not as much as in and around Quality Quidditch Supplies. Straight ahead of him were a lot of children and their parents looking at and buying their school books. However, Draco already knew that the more interesting and fascinating books on obscure magic, magical places, and magical history were found at the top level of the store. Thus, he quickly climbed the stairs to start browsing. He made it to the top, but his eyes did not immediately focus on the different books but on a bushy-haired girl sitting on a stool in the corner. She seemed about his age and was flipping rather quickly through a book, which upon second glance was 'Hogwarts a History.' She was reading, if she even was, so fast, he was afraid she would harm the pages. Draco himself had a copy of the book at home, and it truly was a great book to gain knowledge about the magical school. It also had some intriguing facts and secrets about the castle that Draco would definitely use in his time there. He eyed the girl again, taking notice of her appearance. She was not particularly beautiful, but definitely not ugly. Her extremely bushy hair covered the better part of her face, though, so he could not say anything else. But there was something about her, and Draco could not put his finger on it. It seems that was a trigger for him; before he even fully comprehended it, he was approaching the girl.

He was standing above her and smirked.

'Merlin, what has that book ever done to you?' he said snidely, although voicing a genuine concern on the condition of the book. The girl evidently was startled, as if she had been in her own personal world while reading. For a few seconds, she had a distinct look of fear in her eyes when finally looking up to him. However, this fear was almost immediately gone as she took a deep breath and got back to reading before returning the favour.

'Sorry,' the girl spoke, 'turns out this book is more important than you.' Draco looked at her with wide eyes before starting to laugh out loud. The girl looked at him with surprise and with caution, probably not knowing what to make of this.

'Sorry,' Draco said, trying to form the right words. 'I love that comment. I will steal it from you and use it in the future.' The girl now also laughed and brushed some of her hair behind her ear. This was not very successful, as most of it immediately fell back again.

'I am Draco,' he introduced himself, offering his hand.

'Hermione,' the girl said with a smile on her face, and she accepted his hand and shook it. Her hand was soft, and Draco could not help but think that the name 'Hermione' suited her, even though he was almost certain he had never heard the name before. It definitely was not common, he was sure.

'I most certainly thought you were making fun of me back there,' Hermione stated.

'I kind of was, to be honest. It looked like you were hurting that book, so fast were you reading. But I get it, it is a good book.'

'Right!' Hermione said excitedly. 'I wanted some more background information about Hogwarts before I go there next September, and this seems just perfect.' Draco smiled to himself. So, she would be joining him at Hogwarts this year, and she absolutely seemed brighter than the other boy he had met in Madame Malkin's.

'It is really. I have a copy at home. I'd definitely recommend the sections on school myths and the special abilities of the castle. They are enjoyable to read.' Hermione listened carefully, and it looked like she was making a mental note to herself.

'Thanks, that is helpful. Are you also going to Hogwarts this year?'

'Yes I am,' Draco said, 'do you know in which house you will be?' he added. Hermione was in deep thought for a few seconds.

'I guess if I am logical, I will probably be in Ravenclaw, but Gryffindor I would take any day of the year. I read that some of the greatest wizards and witches of all time were a part of that house. However, we will, of course, not be sure until the Sorting Ceremony.' Well, Ravenclaw was not a bad house, and she certainly was not wrong about her assessment of Gryffindor. Still, Draco had only heard bad things about the house from his family. There was a high chance Draco would be disowned if he ended up in Gryffindor.

'You?' the girl asked, trying to get his attention. He had probably drifted off for a bit.

'Oh, I will almost certainly be in Slytherin. My whole family has been in that house, you see. I guess Ravenclaw would be my second choice if I had to. However, Merlin was a member of Slytherin house, so I cannot see how you can beat that.'

Hermione had looked sceptical at first but then laughed. 'It is hard to argue with that, I admit.'

Draco and Hermione continued to talk for a few minutes about other exciting books in the store. Hermione had agreed with him when saying that the first year books by themselves were, of course, necessary but not a real pleasure to read. Hermione seemed to be kind of new to the store, so Draco had introduced her to all the fun spots and books.

'Okay, you see the sweep of children and their parents down there?' She nodded. 'Well, there are most, if not all, of the obligatory school books, located. So, that section, not really interesting.' Hermione laughed at that. 'For more interesting books about magic, I would recommend this area, which you already found,' she smiled somewhat smugly at that, 'and also the books behind the counter. They are mostly early edition. You will have to ask about them, though, but they are really worth it. Once, I got my hands on a first edition of Beedle the Bard.' Hermione was eager to pluck at his knowledge.

'If you could show me one extraordinary book right now, which one would you pick?' Draco did not have to think long and moved on instinct toward the shelves behind her, feeling amongst the books before picking one out and presenting it to her. Hermione looked confused.

'Is this supposed to be a joke? Where is the book?' Draco smirked before putting his hand forward and opening the magical book. Hermione looked gobsmacked.

'Wow, was that book really invisible?'

'Yes, and you know what the kicker is. The book is also about invisibility spells.' Hermione smiled. 'Wicked.'

They continued the conversation about books once more and briefly talked about Hogwarts. Draco was happy he had met this girl. Thank Merlin, there would be someone else at this school who could have a conversation be on the same level as him. Sure, Blaise and Theo were both pretty bright themselves. Still, Hermione seemed to have, besides her obvious intelligence, substance as well.

'Oh,' Hermione said, slightly annoyed when looking down.

'What is it?' Hermione looked back up at him.

'I see my parents outside. They were just at Gringotts to acquire some money, and I had convinced them to let me browse here, while they attended to business there. However, I did promise to meet them outside the store.' Draco noticed a sad smile on her face. 'So, I have to go now, but I will definitely see you at Hogwarts.' Draco was hesitant. He was sorry to see her go so soon, but she was right.

'Yeah, I guess I will see you on September 1st. I will keep an eye out for you.' Hermione smiled at that.

'Good to know.' And at that, she moved to walk down the stairs. She briefly looked around one last time and waved at him. Draco returned her wave and leaned on the balustrade as he watched her walk out of the door, and he could not help but wonder what meeting her would mean for his time at Hogwarts.

Draco was so deep in thought that he had not noticed his mother observing him while he was looking, almost longingly, towards the young witch.

'Draco,' Narcissa Malfoy hissed loudly at him, not wanting any more attention than necessary. Draco was awakened from his daydream.

'Mother,' he smirked.

'Get down here this instant. I have been looking for you all around the Alley.' Draco smiled knowingly as he descended the stairs calmly.

'Thank Merlin, your father is not back yet. He probably has some trouble finding an adequate wand for you since you are not with him.'

'He should have,' Draco stated, annoyed. He had been pretty upset that his father had gone to pick out a wand without him present. It was supposed to be a rite of passage for a young wizard.

'Do not get clever with me, young man. But I estimate that we should join your father at Ollivanders nonetheless.'

Draco and his mother, thus, walked down to Ollivanders, but before they went in, his mother stopped him.

'Before we go in and face your father, I need to ask you something. I was willing to ignore it, but you do need to be taught whom you can and cannot associate with in this world.' Draco looked at her in confusion. What in Merlin's name was she talking about?

Narcissa looked at her son with disappointment. 'Draco, do you honestly not know what I am talking about?' Draco shrugged his shoulders.

'Circe, this is even worse than I had thought. The girl, Draco!' Draco was still confused. What girl? She could not be talking about Hermione. She had not even seen him talking with her. And even if she had, Draco could not for the life of him figure out what could be wrong with associating with Hermione. She was a witch, just like him.

'What girl?'

'The one you were looking at from the balustrade of Flourish and Blotts. Honestly, son, do you think I am blind as well as stupid?' Draco knew it was a rhetorical question, but he could not help but retort. He also still wondered what could be wrong with Hermione. Maybe her family had done his wrong in the past, or something like that.

'Honestly, mother, sometimes I am concerned about your state of mind.' His mother was now fuming.

'Draco Lucius Malfoy, do not disrespect your mother!' she hissed, although still being careful of her surroundings. 'And about that girl, Draco. Do not talk to her again, do you hear me. She is filth.'

'Why, mother? What has she ever done to you?' Draco exclaimed, not worried about who could hear him. If there was anything he did not like, it was being told what to do.

'Nothing like that.' He could see that his mother was getting impatient with him, but she managed to keep herself together to speak the following words, which would change Draco's life for the worse.

'She is a Muggle-born, Draco,' Narcissa spoke softly.

'What?' Draco spoke, not knowing what else to say. She could not be. He had always learned that Muggle-born witches and wizards were unworthy of having magic. That they did not have the capabilities, background, or blood status to be called a witch or wizard and should therefore not be allowed in the wizarding world. That profile did not fit with the girl he had just met. Draco managed to retrieve his ability to speak.

'But how could she. She knew so much about our world and she…' Draco knew what he wanted to say. She was smart and could have a good conversation with him on the same level. Something other wizards and witches of his age rarely could.

Narcissa looked with a slight sense of sympathy towards her son. 'She definitely was, son. Did you not see the clothes she was wearing. Oh, and do not get me started on the Muggles I saw her walking towards when she stepped outside, her parents most likely.' Draco saw his mother shuddering as if trying to rid her body of having been in the mere presence of Muggles.

Draco did not care for it, but he had to agree with his mother's assessment. He had noticed Hermione's clothing, but he had believed that she had just visited the Alley through the Leaky Cauldron entrance. And she did seem to be a little out of place and had been very careful of her surroundings. Suddenly, the look of fear in her eyes at the start of their conversation did not seem so strange anymore.

'So, please Draco. Do not talk to her or associate with her again during the school year. I might be lenient over your behaviour, but you know your father. He would hex you to tomorrow if he ever found out you had a civil conversation with a Muggle-born.' Draco swallowed, knowing his mother was right about that.

'I understand.' Narcissa Malfoy smiled at that.

'Okay, good. Now, come, let us go to Ollivanders and get you a proper wand.' Draco forced a smile to appear on his face while starting to walk towards the door. He knew that he could not befriend Hermione now. She, and him consequently, would bring shame on his family if he did. He could not let that happen. His parents had ordered him to restore the pride of the Malfoy family, and Draco knew that would always be his life's mission. Moreover, Draco reckoned he could not face his family's wrath if he did try to defy them.

So, Draco walked inside the store and smiled politely at his father, who had been impatiently waiting for him. He waved with a few wands and eventually let a wand choose him, making him a full-fledged wizard at last, who would bring pride to the Malfoy name.

A/N I hope you liked this small dramione story! I just think these two are too compatible to ignore. English is not my first language so I hope I didn't make any major mistakes.

I am thinking about turning it into a multi-chapter story covering pretty much all of the books, so I am very eager to find out what you thought of this start and if you'd like me to continue ;)