Another Face

By: Evol Nogara

Chapter Two: Hogwarts Bound

Summary: Train ride to Hogwarts. That's about all I can say, or I might ruin the chapter for you.

Disclaimer: I own only the plot and the pervy-ness.

*

Another busy morning at the Weasley's

"What time is it?"

"Where's my trunk?"

"Gerroff me!"

"Ron! That was my foot you stepped on!"

"I expect all of you to be ready in 10 minutes!"

"10 minutes? That's not even enough to take a shower!"

"Where did Pig's cage go?"

"Where's Hermione?"

"Ginny! Go back to your own room!"

After double the expected time, everyone was ready to leave for King's Cross. Hermione had already been ready and waiting for them outside. Mr. Weasley called a couple of muggle taxis to pick them up. Harry and Hermione had to help with the money and had to make up excuses for bringing on such strange luggage.

"We're doing a show at King's Cross. Those are just are props."

The taxi driver gave them a strange look and drove a little faster then usual.

*

"Just run through already! No one's looking."

Ginny, followed by Hermione, Harry and Ron glided through the barrier at Platform 9 3/4. Hogwarts Express was just about ready to leave as they hurried onto the train. The only compartment left was the one in the back of the train. Hermione, however did not follow the rest of them.

"Where are you off to?"

"Didn't Ginny tell you? I'm Head Girl. I have to sit in the front."

"Ginny! Why didn't you tell us?"

"I thought it was obvious."

"Well, I'll be going now. They still haven't told me who Head Boy is."

Hermione walked to the front of the train, leaving Ginny alone with two angry men. Hermione would have told them herself, but that's just what they would expect. Her visit to Egypt had changed her in more ways than one. She suddenly felt more comfortable with herself and able to do more than just get great grades. She opened the door to the front compartment and almost fainted.

"Don't act too surprised, Granger."

"Believe me, I'm not as surprised."

She lied, but remained to keep calm and not ramming her hand into Draco's disgustingly perfect face. She sat as far away from Draco as she could and tried not to throw up on him.

"We're going to be stuck together for the next few hours so we might as well find something in common."

Hermione couldn't believe her ears. Was Draco Malfoy trying to be nice?

"I doubt we have anything in common."

"We're both Head Students aren't we?"

"And that's about it."

"To me it just seems like you've been longing for some intelligent conversation. Potty and Weasel don't seem to be able to comprehend much at all."

"You call yourself intelligent? After all these years you still can't find a better insult that Potty and Weasel?"

"Oh, and what would you advise me to call them?"

"By their names. We're in our seventh year! Don't you think calling each other names is a bit immature?"

"Well, aren't you the happy one. Trying to suck out all the fun out of life, Granger?"

"How did you know? That's exactly what I'm trying to do. I guess I've been found out."

Hermione scoffed and turned away. Draco reached into his trunk and took out a book. Hermione was intrigued. She glanced quickly at the book's title. There was none. It was a leather bound journal with gold trimmed pages. Hermione couldn't help but want to know what was in there. Draco seemed so clam then. He didn't have a scowl on his face. He was completely absorbed in his journal. Draco slammed the book shut, causing Hermione to jump.

"Enjoy staring at me?"

"You wish. I was just curious about your book."

"Don't be. That book is for my use only."

"Don't get all possessive now. I was just curious."

This time Hermione couldn't turn away from Draco. His eyes were burning into hers. At that moment a plump witch with the food cart arrived at the compartment door.

"Will you be wanting anything?"

"No thanks."

"Same here."

The witch walked out and left Hermione and Draco with awkward silence.

"So what happened to Crabbe and Goyle?"

"Do you really care?"

"No, I was trying to make conversation. We've got another hour to go."

"Are you still doing that S.P.E.W. thing?"

"No, but I'm surprised you remembered. House elves are different from us. They seem to like being treated badly."

"They're not treated that badly."

"Really now?"

"Really. When Dobby was my house elf, he seemed to like abusing himself so much we had to stop him from banging his head on mother's fine china."

"Maybe he was just doing because you drove him mad."

"If anyone drove him mad it would be my father."

"House elves are still abused. If we didn't abuse them in the first place they wouldn't be like this."

"House elves don't care if they're abused. They just want work."

"How would you know? Are you a house elf?"

Draco smiled faintly. It wasn't a smirk, but a genuine smile.

"Find my beliefs funny do you?"

"No, you're just so cute when you're mad."

That comment sure shut Hermione up. Draco gave himself a mental slap for saying that. His smile faded. Hermione was almost sad that Draco didn't smile more.

"I am not."

"Fine, whatever you say."

The train screeched to a halt.

* A/N: Sorry about the short chapter. Please R&R.

purple-melon: First reviewer! YAY!

Xtreme Nuisance: Not sure why someone wouldn't notice. Perhaps it was just to make Ron mad. Or perhaps they were color blind! 0_0