"Messing with Fire, Dealing with Ice"

Disclaimer: I own only the plot and the character Sharukh (whom will be introduced in part 2). Everything else belongs to JKR and affiliates.

Chapter 6~ Return to Hogwarts - part one *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hermione awoke feeling both exhausted and relieved. After enduring an entire week of Defense Against the Dark Arts, taught by Voldemort himself, she was more than ecstatic to return to Hogwarts. With the help of their rings, both Draco and she had survived every curse thrown their way with no harm done. They had found all of the rumors involving the rings to be true, as well. Hermione was glad the testing was over, and that she would be safe whenever Draco was around.

Though Hermione couldn't wait to see Ron and Harry, there were some things that she would miss from her stay at Malfoy Manor; the main thing being Draco himself. Hermione had seen the real Draco Malfoy, and she couldn't help but like what she saw. In a very short time frame, they had formed a companionship. She was upset that while at Hogwarts, there would not be much of an opportunity for them to expand on their friendship. Draco would have to go back to his old ways, and Hermione would have to pretend that she had never seen the real Draco. She could only hope that no one would be able to see through her façade.

On a brighter note, Draco had made Slytherin prefect. Therefore they would not only get to share a compartment on the train, but would have an excuse to be seen together. Hermione had also recalled that the prefects shared a bathroom where they could *discuss* their plans. They would also get their own rooms, which would be convenient for owling purposes. *Maybe we will get to spend time together after all.*

Hermione eventually got out of bed, took a warm bath, and asked the magical wardrobe for a casual muggle outfit. She selected a white denim mini-skirt; a white tube top, with silver, glitter flames running up the sides; black J Lo sunglasses; and a pair of white flip-flops. She then went to visit Muffy, the Malfoy's hairstylist, and had her highlights changed from silver to red. Personally, she had liked the silver better, but thought that red would give off a better vibe for Griffindor spirit. She then descended the grand staircase and walked into the kitchen. She ate and then waited for Draco in the entry room.

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Draco had risen feeling the same emotions that Hermione had experienced. He was glad that Hermione and he had made prefect. He wouldn't get to see her as often as he had in the past wee, but at least he'd be able to see her in a more private atmosphere.

Draco then began to think about all that he would have to accomplish over his stay at Hogwarts. *Ugh! I can't believe I'll have to pretend to go out with Pansy again! She can be so dense at times...I hope that Potty and the Weasel don't interfere with our plans.Hermione has finally gotten to see the real me, and I don't want her *friends* to change her new perception in any way!*

*Don't you think that you're acting a little selfish?* his subconscious asked.

*Don't I have the right to be? NOW GET OUT OF MY HEAD* No response was heard, so Draco hopped back onto his racing train of thought. (AN: ooo metaphor, Mrs. McEvoy would be so proud lol.)

*I guess I'll have to get used to Weasley; Hermione said that she'd have to stay with him so no one would get suspicious. I suppose Quidditch and Brown will keep Potter out of my hair, but I better come up with a back up plan, just in case. Hmm, maybe Snape can help me think of something, I'll have to remember to talk to him.*

Draco glanced at is clock and decided that he should start getting ready. He took a quick shower, put on some Fierce cologne by Abercrombie & Fitch, and then walked over to his magical wardrobe. He picked out a black muscle shirt and a pair of black, baggy jeans. The outfit made an excellent contrast with his platinum blond hair; which hung freely as he had ditched the gel last year. After a quick glance in the mirror, he took out his wand and aimed it at the magical wardrobe.

"Pockiste Sizeum!" he shouted. *Thank Merlin prefects are allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts! *The wardrobe shrunk down to a key chain, which he then attached to his belt-loop. He walked through the familiar door leading to Hermione's room, (He had heard her leave a few minutes earlier.) and repeated his actions on her wardrobe. He called up a house elf to bring down their school things.

Not feeling hungry, he passed by the kitchens and proceeded straight to the entry room to meet Hermione.

*She looks like an angel,* He thought. *Something looks different about her...* " Hey, you look different."

*Guys... they're so clueless sometimes..."* Hi. I changed my highlights, you like?" she responded.

As Draco approached her he noticed that the silver in her hair had been replaced with red. *Ugh! Griffindor colors!* "I like everything about you." was how he responded. Hermione blushed and smiled. As her modest gaze moved towards the ground, she noticed the two key rings attached to Draco's belt loop.

"What are those?"

"A gift for you, my darling Mia" Hermione smiled at her now familiar nickname. She loved the way it rolled off of his tongue.

"Thanks, you shouldn't have." She noticed a hint of disappointment in his eyes, "But I'm glad that you did." His eyes danced. "Um, not to be rude, but what is it?"

Draco smirked. "Mia, I'm shocked! You don't recognize your own magical wardrobe?" It took a moment for Hermione to process what he had said.

"My wardrobe..oh! I see it now! Thanks so much!" Hermione gave Draco a hug and a kiss on the cheek. As soon as she did, the red glow emitting from their rings surrounded them. By the time that Draco had handed Hermione the key chain, the rings had already revealed feelings of passion, lust, and friendship. The rings had reached deep into their heart and souls, and showed the two teens feelings for each other, which they could no longer deny.

*I'll have to remember to give her presents more often! *Thought Draco. "I suppose we should go. There's no sense in missing the train." He said, temporarily breaking Hermione out of her trance.

"Oh, um, yeah." Was the only response her brain could come up with.

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They walked outside and got in the back of a black stretch-limo. Once the house elves had loaded their luggage, they pulled out of the driveway, heading for the train station. Not knowing what to say, they sat in silence the entire way there.

They got out of the lime, loaded their carts, and walked towards platform 9 ¾. Draco broke the awkward silence.

"Mia?" she looked up at him. "You go first. Do you remember everything that we talked about?"

"Yeah. I go find Ron and Harry, Chat with them for a bit, ditch them, and then sit with the prefects. While acting annoyed at the fact that you made prefect, might I add."

"Right, and I'll come get you if you aren't with the rest of us in an hour." Hermione smiled appreciatively.

"And Draco, in case we don't get a chance to be alone on the train, will you meet me in the prefect's bathroom after the feast?"

"I'd be more than happy to meet you, Mia." He smirked suggestively.

"Draco!" Hermione playfully slapped him on the shoulder, and then ran through the barrier before he could react. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

AN: ok I decided to split this chapter into two parts, because I'm not sure how long the next part is going to be. I am also going to wait till the end of part two before responding to reviews, but don't let that stop you from sharing your opinions on this part! Thanx for reading, and I'll try to post the next part by the end of the week. ~mandy