o_O I must remember to never try and write a song for the sorting hat ever again. It's so hard! Can I just apologise for the lousiness and shortness of the Sorting Hats song.

Well, I updated faster this time than with the last chapter. So good ^_^ I'm really pleased with the way this is going. I hope that I've slowed the pace of the story down, and I've developed the story better. I'm definately gonna do my best to finish this one. I like it. ^_^ I'm trying my best to stop making them too out of character, and just making subtle changes. I hope it's an improvement. I'm keeping the bit in about the truce, and the ribbons on the wands, simply because it's so funny. If any details are wrong, please tell me.

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Disclaimer: I'm not rich enough to afford lawyers, so I'd better say that I don't own this. I don't own this. Please don't sue me! *Swats the lawyer faeries*

"..." = talking

'Italics' = thinking

Italics = dreaming

Italics = singing/song

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Where am I? What am I doing here? There's all these trees, I can't see a thing....trees? I must be in the Forbidden Forest. Father will have a fit when he hears that I've been sent here again. At least this time I'm not with Potter. I'm not with anyone. Wait, yes, I am. Over there...who is it? It looks like Hermione! I mean, Granger. What's she doing here? I'll follow her. She's running somewhere. Wait a minute, that's not Hermione. I'd know Hermione anywhere, and that is not her. It sure looks like her, though. Maybe it's....what did that thing say? Aurora? Of the Elementals? That must be it. Okay, I'm hallucinating. But it feels so real, I can feel the leaves under my feet, the wind through my hair as I chase after her. Wait, wind through my hair? My hair...it's changed! It's longer, it's not slicked back like Father insists I have it. And, it's, wispier than before. I like it. I'll have the women falling at my feet. This makes me look so sexy, Draco you sexy devil you.

"Awaken, my Prince, my daughter's soulmate. Awaken your powers and free your heart from the restraints placed upon you at birth."

Who said that? Oh, it's her. Should have been paying attention. Got too caught up in my new look. What is she going on about? I'm no prince. I'm definately no soulmate. Mate, yes. Soul, no. And what is she on about? Are there magic mushrooms in the Forbidden Forest, then?

"Please, awaken, my Prince of souls. Awaken, and find my daughter. Please, awaken, reveal your true powers. You are needed, to help the three children. The Child of Light is pleading for you, the Child of Love is searching, the Child of Hope, unconsciously praying. You are needed. I command your powers to awake!"

Excuse me lady, but no-one commands a Malfoy. Oh, wait, she wasn't talking to me. Wait, yes she was. She's looking at me! And, whoa! Where the hell did those wings come from? Why do I feel so strange? It's like, I'm becoming more powerful. And sleepy, so sleepy...

"Awaken your powers, and find my Hermione. You are destined to be together. You are her soulmate, Draco, Prince of the Elementals."

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Hermione sat uncomfortably at the Sorting Feast, avoiding Ron's eyes. She struck up a conversation with Parvati and Lavender instead. Ron sat, silently raging. There would be fireworks in the common room tonight, he would see to it.

Harry and Ginny sat, whispering quietly, taking bets on the outcome of Ron's explosion. So far, Ginny had put twenty galleons on Hermione to win, with odds of 3:1. Harry had twenty on Ron to win, with not so good odds. They stopped making bets when Professor McGonagall led the first years in, and lined them up in front of the stool. Balancing on top of it was the Sorting Hat. A seam ripped open, and the Hat began to sing.

Welcome, young ones, to Hogwarts school

Come, let me see where you belong.

Perhaps in the house of Gryffindor

Where they are brave and strong.

Perhaps Ravenclaw's the place for you,

Those who are sharp of mind,

Perhaps you're suited to Hufflepuff,

With others as loyal and kind.

Or perhaps Slytherin's where you will dwell,

With the power-hungry crowd.

All four houses have their tales,

And all four still stand proud.

This year will see the founders return

As the four houses unite

Dire enemies become best friends

In the face of a desparate fight.

Young first-years, and others too,

Don't be blinded by your hate.

Slytherin and Gryffindor, especially,

For this is written in Fate.

Don't succumb to tradition, first years,

Make friends with the foe.

Then Hogwarts shall stand, united,

As the founders did long ago.

The four tables applauded slowly, staring at each other in confusion. Slytherin and Gryffindor? Perhaps the Sorting Hat was a few stitches loose this year. There's no way it could be serious, the older faces seemed to say.

"Amman, Tania!" Professor McGonagall started the sorting, silencing the Great Hall.

"Ravenclaw!" The Ravenclaw table, decked in blue, clapped noisily.

"Andrews, Selma!"

"Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table cheered loudly as a short girl scuttled quietly to the end of the table.

Hermione's attention drifted away from the sorting after the first Gryffindor. She clapped when she saw others on the table clapping, but her eyes were searching the Slytherin table for possible candidates for Prince. She couldn't find any. Pansy was whispering to the other 'Dumb Blondes' as they had been dubbed, no doubt circulating rumours about her. She couldn't see anyone with eyes similar to hers. She couldn't see Draco either.

'I feel so bad about it. When he's back, I'll talk to him again. Maybe start a truce. We could involve all the prefects. I hope he's okay. I feel so guilty about what I said to him. He was trying to prove he was telling the truth. And he's got such a great singing voice. Now I definitely wasn't expecting that.'

"Hermione?" Harry nudged her. "Hermione, Sorting's finished. Dumbledore's gonna make a speech."

"Oh, sorry Harry." Hermione focused her attention on Dumbledore, who was just standing to make a speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts! First years, and other years too, I might add," Dumbledore looked over at the Wonder Trio, "will please note that the Forbidden Forest is not called so to attract tourists. It is home to many dangerous animals, as some of our more reckless pupils will testify." Harry, Ron and Hermione met each others eyes and nodded fervently. They had first-hand experience of the dangerous animals.

"Mr. Filch has also asked me to remind you that no magic is to be used in the corridors between lessons. Also, any product by Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is now on the list of forbidden items. The total list now comprises of some 786 items and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office."

Ron groaned as Dumbledore mentioned his brother's new business. Everyone's attention had turned to the two redheads at the Gryffindor table.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Also, I would like to welcome Professor Lupin back to the Defence Against the Dark Arts position." There was tumultuous applause as faces turned to the much healthier looking Professor Lupin, who grinned and waved at them.

"Please note that all of your parents have been notified of his appointment, and so nothing will come of you writing to them and complaining," said Dumbledore sternly, staring at the Slytherin table. They shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, and were visibly relieved when he clapped his hands and announced the start of the feast.

"Hermione, what the hell-" started Ron. Hermione stared up innocently as Ginny and Harry, with great foresight, clamped their hands over Ron's mouth. "Ron, no scenes in the Great Hall this year. Snape will be looking to take off any points he can," hissed Harry. Ron nodded to show he understood, and as soon as Ginny and Harry removed their hands, he shovelled down his food. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks guys," she muttered, forgetting to make her usual comments about S.P.E.W as she ate quickly. The whole table seemed to sense that something was happening, because as soon as they were dismissed, the Gryffindors disappeared.

"First years, follow me please!" called Hermione. "First years, Gryffindor first years!"

"Hey, Hermione, we've got a meeting in an hour with Dumbledore. Something about common rooms. Anyway, gotta take these to the Common Room. See ya!" Hannah waved to Hermione and turned the opposite way, a crowd of children following her.

"Watch out for the trick step," warned Hermione as they walked up a staircase. "Sometime these move around, so be careful when you use them." She led the way to the portrait of the Fat Lady. "This is the entrance. The password is 'Aurora Corealis'." As she said the password, the portrait swung open. Hermione let the first years climb through first and then, making sure her hands were behind her back, ready to strike, she entered the common room. Ron, Harry, Ginny, Lavender and Parvati were waiting for her. Ron had an angry look on his face, and Harry was restraining him.

"Before you start, I've got a meeting in an hour," she said quickly. Harry nodded and then let go of Ron's arm.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF MERLIN DID YOU SAY HE SAID?!?!" bellowed Ron. Hermione winced; all Weasley's definately inherited their mothers temper.

"I told you, Ron. He said, under Veritaserum, that he loved me." Although she was nervous, her voice was clear.

"AND YOU BELIEVED HIM? HE'S A DEATH EATER! THEY'VE PROBABLY FOUND A WAY AROUND IT! DON'T BE SO BLOODY TRUSTING!" Ron's face was red and he was gripping his wand tightly. Hermione noticed all faces in the Common Room turned towards her. She decided to step up her defence.

"Ron, I checked it. It was Veritaserum. Draco Malfoy said he loved me. And I believed him. If you have a problem with someone who you don't approve of loving me, then just say."

"Problem? Problem?!" Ron was shaking with rage. "Of course I've got a bloody problem! He's a Slytherin! A Death Eater! A slimy son-of-a-bitch who's probably just trying to get you on his good side to give you to You-Know-Who!" Ron hissed. "Once You-Know-Who has you, he knows Harry will come. You're the smartest witch in the school. He's got to be after you! And Malfoy is just gonna lead you right to him!"

Hermione raised her hand. "Ron, Draco Malfoy is not a Death Eater! And I already know that You-Know-Who is after me! Draco told me! He also told me that he's saved my life! Every single time a Death Eater tried to get me, Malfoy saved my life! I owe him my life!" She screamed this, and everyone's faces paled.

"He said what? Hermione, have you told this to Dumbledore?" Harry joined in quickly.

"Bugger Dumbledore! He's got enough on his plate saving your ass every time you get into trouble!" she screamed, losing her temper. Weeks of anger and stress were finally erupting in this explosion.

"Hermione, there's no need to swear at Harry like that!" yelled Ginny defensively. "He's just worried! We all are!"

"I can bloody well swear if I bloody well want! I don't like too, but sometimes I need too! For your information, Dumbledore's the one who screwed up my life! He's the one who made me Hermione Granger. He never told me who I was! Well I'm damn well going to be the real me now! You can kiss goodbye to Granger, the Good Girl, and say hello to Princess Hermione, The One With The Kick-Ass Powers!" Hermione has by now created a large wind, which knocked everyone to the floor. Ron in particular had fallen across a chair and hurt himself.

"Hermione, please calm down," said Lavender sensibly. "We weren't told the full story, and we're sorry. I guess even Ron can be civil to Malfoy for saving your life."

Hermione dropped her hand and sighed. "I'm so sorry. Honestly. I'm sorry for shouting and I'm sorry for swearing so much. I've just had a lot to cope with, and not much chance to get it off my chest. I'd better go to that meeting now." She hung her head in shame and left the Common Room. As the portrait closed, Ginny turned to Harry.

"My galleons, please."

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"Sorry I'm late," said Hermione quietly as she reached Dumbledore's office. He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling. 'Why does he always look like he's reading my mind?' she asked silently.

"It's no problem, Miss Granger. I trust the Gryffindor common room is still in one piece?"

'Damn! How does he know?' she thought.

"Mr. Weasley's behaviour at dinner suggested that there was something looming. I assume you've sorted it out."

'He did it again! Well, we did sort it out, kinda...' Her thoughts trailed off.

"Splendid! Ah, now, where was I?" Dumbledore paused thoughtfully. "Ah yes. This year, we have decided to try and solve inter-house relationship problems. The four prefects and the Head Boy and Head Girl will be sharing a common room."

"Sure, why not?" said Terry after a while with a shrug. "I get on well with Roger, and Katie's not too bad. Hannah's fine, and so's Hermione." The others nodded.

"What about Mr. Malfoy?" asked Dumbledore. Terry, Hannah and Hermione's eyes were wide with shock.

"Uh-uh. Nope. No way. Sorry, not gonna," said Hannah stubbornly. Terry nodded his agreement. "Share a Common Room with the slimy ferret? I refuse to."

"But you have no choice in the matter, guys," said Hermione in a low voice. "We're all stuck with it. Besides, it won't be all that bad. If he starts insulting us, I'll hex his ass to the Hospital Wing." She frowned as she realised that she had been swearing again, and apologised quickly.

"Well, if Hermione says she's okay with it, I guess we can't complain," said Hannah slowly. Terry leapt back in shock.

"Hold on, are we talking about the same Malfoy here? Why can't we complain?" he demanded. Hannah stared at him, her brown eyes patient and stubborn at the same time.

"Hermione is Gryffindor. Part of the Wonder Trio. No offence," she added quickly to Hermione. "Malfoy is always insulting her and Ron and Harry. If she can cope, so can we. And also, if Hermione promises to hex him when he misbehaves, we know he'll be in the Hospital Wing for months." She smiled cheerfully as she said this, indicating that there was no argument. Terry hung his head submissively.

"Excellent!" Dumbledore smiled at them all. "Mr. Davies and Miss Bell are waiting outside to escort you to your new room. The password is Phoenix Tail. Have fun."

The three left the office silently. Outside the office, they met up with Roger Davies and Katie Bell, the Head Boy and Head Girl. Not a word was spoken until they were halfway down the corridor.

"Hermione, why didn't you complain?" Terry was the first to speak. "I mean, Malfoy is your mortal enemy."

Hermione smiled. "I guess I live in the hope of him changing. There's more to him than we know, and maybe we can change him." She closed her eyes, and remembered the compassion in his eyes on the train. Hannah stared at her thoughtfully, and then smiled knowingly.

"Well, here we are." Katie interrupted Hermione's thoughts as they arrived at a painting. It was a portrait of a face familiar to Hermione, and she gasped.

"That's her! Do you know who that is? It's Aurora! She's the Queen of the Elementals!"

The others looked blankly at each other. "Yeah, so?" said Roger. "Phoenix Tail." The picture swung open, and they climbed through to the common room. They stood in the centre of the circular room and gazed around, awestruck.

The room was large, bright and cheerful. The walls were painted a cheery Hufflepuff yellow, and four pictures hung on the walls.One of a lion, one was an eagle, one was a badger, and one a serpent. The floor was covered in a thick, deep red carpet. There was a large green bookcase, and a blue cupboard, what looked like a potion supplies cupboard. There was one large desk, surrounded by six chairs. In the centre of the room were four chairs and a sofa. There was a red chair, a blue one, a yellow one, and a green one. They had a blanket folded neatly in the centre, gold, bronze, black and silver. The room even had muggle devices, a television, a radio, a DVD player, and some games consoles. Hermione's eyes lit up as she saw them.

"This is amazing!" she cried happily. "I love it!" Hannah and Terry echoed their agreement.

"Your rooms are up there." Katie pointed to four of the five doors linked to the main room. "Ours are up the stairs." She gestured to a staircase leading up. "The portraits link to the common rooms. It's sight and voice activated, so no-one goes into the wrong rooms." Hermione nodded and pointed to the centre, white door.

"What's that?"

"That's your bathroom. That door is the only way to get into it." Katie said this quickly and ran upstairs, with Roger hot on her heels, as outraged yells of "WHAT?!" echoed through the common room.

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Hermione pushed open the mahogany door to her room. She sighed in happiness as she saw Crookshanks already curled up on the bed. She looked around in amazement. The bedroom was circular too, with a huge four-poster bed filling the centre. It had a wonderfully soft red quilt covering it. Most of the room was in mahogany or shades of dark red, making it seem warm and comforting. There was a desk underneath that window, a soft red carpet on the floor, and heavy red velvet drapes over the window. Her bedside table was mahogany too, and her trunk was on the floor at the end. A huge wardrobe was located at the other side of the room.

"This is perfect," she smiled, collapsing across the bed tiredly. "It's like a home from home." And then, too tired to do anything else, she curled up and fell asleep, with Crookshanks draped across her feet like a furry, orange comforter.

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You can guess one thing thats coming up. *smirks* Notice comment about bathroom. That's all I'm saying.

Haebrethiliel (christianclarinet@imstressed.com) - Look! It worked! Here's a new chapter. ^_^ Thank you, but I'm sure you could write something really great if you tried to.

Morbid Princess - Thank you for your support. I'm definately not gonna let it happen again. I'm gonna do my very best to finish this. ^_^

SlytherinAngel - I thought so too, and I'm glad you think this is being developed better.

willowfairy - Thank you. Everyone has been so nice and supportive. Here, everyone have a virtual cookie!

ariesgirl - Thanks! I try to update regularly.

KaiserMonkey - Thanks! I always find Draco/Hermione stories so different, because they hate each other in the book.

angel_4eva (tomoyo_and_eriol@hotmail.com) - Thanks! I'll try to remember to e-mail you when I update, but I'm apologising in advance if I forget.

Nyx - Thanks ^_^

Polaris the Ice Queen - Hey hey to you too. I'm glad you think it's ace. Dobby/Winky is coming soon enough! (Yes you are.)

Thanks to all my lovely reviewers. I hope you liked the chapter. Anway, more of our Slytherin Prince next chapter. Yummy Draco :P