disclaimer: I don't own anything. JK owns all Harry Potter related things, and Warcraft II owns Azeroth.

Chapter 4: Unexpected Changes

Arriving at Hogwarts was much like it had been in the past. The students exited the train dressed in their robes, and piled into the awaiting horseless carriages. Sadly, Hermione couldn't join the rest of her friends as she had usually done, for there was a carriage at the very front reserved for the Head Boy and Head Girl. "See you all inside," she said to her friends, and walked to her carriage.

Inside, it was decorated with gorgeous ivory walls, laced with mother of pearl. It didn't have the mold and straw smell as the rest of the carriages, but had an undistinguishable scent. It smelled good though, whatever it was. She sat as close to the window as she could, away from the door. She trembled with nervousness, and her stomach felt like there were a million butterflies swarming around inside of her. What do I have to be nervous for? Its only Draco that's coming, and you hate him, remember? He thinks you're not anything more than a good-for-nothing mudblood. The butterflies in her stomach died down as she was soon filled with uncontrollable anger. So much that she almost wanted to cry. All those awful things he said to her; the memories had always came flooding back each year she returned to school.

Just then, the carriage door opened, and Draco stepped in. He took a seat across from her, and as close to the opposite end as he could get. A few seconds later, the carriages took off.

"It's about damn time. Just because you're a Malfoy, doesn't mean you can do things in your own sweet time," Hermione growled, as she looked out of the window, her anger still swelling.

Draco was taken aback. He had been thinking about her ever since returning to his compartment on the train. He had kicked Pansy out, wanting to be alone with his thoughts. For some odd reason, he thought that she would act kinder the next time they spoke. Boy, was he wrong.

"Shove it, Granger," he snapped. "I don't need any comments from a mudblood." What ever thoughts he had about Hermione earlier were now gone.

Hermione balled up her fists tightly and clenched her teeth, trying to fight back the tears that were coming as she continued to stare out the window. Tears were silently streaming down her cheeks. She tried her best to keep them hidden from Draco. It didn't work for long.

"Are you crying, Granger?," he snickered.

Hermione closed her eyes, then turned her head towards Draco. Opening them back up she saw him staring at her, an amused look on his face. She didn't say anything. She turned her head back towards the window and stared into the night. The lake was glistening underneath the full moon.

A few moments later, the carriages came to a stop, and the students began piling out of them. In just ten minutes, they were all walking together to the Great Hall. Hermione stayed as far away from Draco as she could. She could feel him watching her, but she didn't care. Once she reunited with Harry, Ron and Ginny, she acted like she didn't have a care in the world. Hermione and Ginny busted into a fit of giggles when Ginny told her that she found a picture of Lavender Brown Ron had hidden away in one of his drawers.

"What's so funny?," Harry asked the girls when they came to a stop in front of the Great Hall. Hermione looked up at Ron and burst out laughing.

Ron's ears went red. "What?"

"Nothing," Ginny squeaked.

After their giggling subsided, they all began to talk about what new rules were going to be installed at Hogwarts this year.

"I hope he's not canceling all of our Hogsmeade visits," worried Ron. "I can't live without butterbeer!"

"I bet it's nothing," said Harry. He smiled at Ginny, who turned a bright shade of crimson.

The students continued guessing on what the new rules would be until the doors to the Great Hall opened slowly to reveal the four long tables, and the familiar candles floating in midair above them. Professor McGonogall appeared from behind one of the doors and cleared her throat. Everyone went silent. "Follow me, please."

The hall echoed as the students and McGonogall made their way to one long table that was placed right in front of the head table. "Everyone please take a seat," ordered the professor. She then made her way to her own seat beside the Headmaster. Once she was seated, Dumbledore rose.

"Welcome everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful summer." Dumbledore smiled down at Harry. "I have brought you all here right now, because there are some things that I wish to discuss with you. First off, there will be two new rules being put into effect as soon as the school year starts."

Everyone became so silent it was as if a dementor had entered the room.

"I regret to announce that all Hogsmeade trips will be cancelled this year."

"NOOO!," Ron shouted. He hung his head in disbelief while Hermione rubbed his back whispering "It's okay, you can still get your butterbeers". The students began murmuring between themselves in disbelief.

"Also," continued Dumbledore, "You will not be permitted to be outside on the school grounds after darkness falls."

The students spoke more loudly. Questions of "What?", "That's not fair!", and "You can't cancel our Hogsmeade trips!" filled the air.

McGonogall hit the side of her glass to get their attention once more.

"As you all might have suspected, there is a reason behind all this. It has been feared for many years now, but Voldemort's power is rising rapidly. We must take all safety precautions to protect our students. These rules will help keep the school more safe for you."

"Voldemort's power is, is rising?," Harry questioned in disbelief.

"Harry, everything's going to be all right. Don't worry. Please don't worry," Ginny said, trying to comfort him.

"If any of you suspect, see, or hear of anything funny, anything suspicious at all, please do not hesitate to tell one of your teachers or myself immediately." Dumbledore looked once more at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Dumbledore then clapped his hands together. "Now on to the good news!" There can't possibly be any good news after that!, thought Hermione. She glanced over at Draco. He was staring at her again, ignoring the fact that Pansy was all over him. She quickly replaced her gaze on Dumbledore.

"This year, you will be able to throw a ball. It may be on any holiday you like. The day, name, theme, etc. will all be decided by this year's Head Boy and Head Girl, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy."

Ron gasped. " 'Mione! You didn't tell us that Malfoy was Head Boy!"

"I guess I forgot," replied Hermione. Indeed she had. She had always told them anything and everything she knew, but somehow she forgot to mention that. She didn't even bother to look up at Malfoy; she knew he was watching her.

"With that said and done, let's eat!" With a wave of his hand, Dumbledore had made the golden plates on the table fill with food. The students worries began to melt away as they ate and talked merrily. When everyone had finished the last of their treacle pudding, the plates were cleared, and they were sent off to their dorms. The Prefects were escorted to their rooms by the heads of their houses. Hermione was just about to leave with Harry, Ron, and Ginny when Professor McGonogall spoke up. "Miss Granger, what are you doing?"

"Excuse me?," Hermione replied with bewilderment.

"You aren't staying with the prefects, remember? You're Head Girl. You have your own room connected with Mr. Malfoy's."

Hermione's heart sank. She had completely forgotten. What's wrong with me today?, she wondered.

"I'm sorry, Professor. It must have slipped my mind."

"It's quite alright. Now hurry along, dear. Professor Dumbledore's waiting for you." She turned around. McGonogall was right. He was standing next to Draco, smiling at her.

"See you all later," she said to her friends. Harry pulled her close. "If he does anything to you, anything at all, let me know." She looked up at him.

"I will," she replied.

"Bye 'Mione," said Ron. Ginny waved. Hermione smiled at Harry with a reassurring look, and walked to Dumbledore. "I assume you're ready now, Miss Granger?," he asked.

"Yes Headmaster. Sorry to keep you waiting."

Dumbledore winked at her, then motioned for her and Draco to follow him to their rooms.

"Just because you're Hermione Granger, doesn't mean you can do things in your own sweet time," Draco whispered to her mockingly.

She glared at him. "Don't speak to me. I don't like to associate with Death Eaters." She knew she had gotten him good just by the look he made after she spoke. You deserved it, she thought to herself. She smirked at him before speeding up to talk with Dumbledore.

What an odd place to end don't you think? *grins* I thought so. ~*Elven Goddess*~