Disclaimer: No, I do not own any of these characters. They, rather sadly, belong to J.K. Rowling.

Hermione Granger was sitting with Ron and Harry on the Hogwarts Express, very excited for their 7th year and chatting animatedly about their summers. Suddenly, there was a rapping at the compartment door, and a panting Malfoy slid it open, his face flushed.

"My friends didn't take the new me so well. May I sit with you guys?

"Uh, okay, " said Harry, more than a little surprised.

Hermione couldn't help but notice the matured boy's sculpted figure and shiny, slicked back hair. He was amazingly handsome. However, she internally slapped herself for being attracted to someone who'd tried to make she and her best friend's lives a living hell for the past several years.

In turn, Malfoy had surveyed her. Hermione's curls seemed tame today, and her honey-brown eyes staring up at him with apprehensive curiosity. She looked absolutely beautiful, and he stared dumbly at her features.

"Oh, I'm such a git. I forgot to explain myself. I told Crabbe and Goyle that I'm going to try to be, you know, not an asshole anymore. Try to accept mudbloods and possibly figure out why everyone seems to like you three.

"Are you proposing a friendship?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah, I guess. I went through a lot last summer." There was a far-off look in the blonde boy's eyes. "I had one of those revelation things." He grinned.

This was definitely not the Malfoy they knew, and all three of the companions were not about to jump right up and embrace him.

"I don't know, Malfoy, " said Harry, "You've got to prove yourself. How do we know this isn't all an act?

Draco Malfoy looked genuinely hurt. His eyes were downcast, and his body slumped slightly. He looked up, and his voice was cold and serious.

"Then I will prove myself.

"Good. Take a seat," Ron ordered.

Draco took the seat next to Hermione and gave her a slight smile. She raised an eyebrow, and with much effort, flashed him a grin.

The rest of their ride was in silence.

After the train ride ended, Draco and Hermione were summoned to Dumbledore's office. Harry and Ron hugged her and waved, telling her to meet them at the feast.

"So I guess this means that you're Head Boy?

"And you're Head Girl."

"Yeah."

Dumbledore received them and told them they were to share quarters. The old wizard led them to the door and told them the password: new beginnings. His eyes lit up when he said the words, and he winked at the two before going away.

He left them there and Draco and Hermione stepped into a common room that was breathtaking. It was huge, and there was a great big leather couch and two armchairs next to a blazing fire.

One half of the room was decorated in silver and green, Slytherin's colors, and the other half in red and gold, the colors of Gryffindor. A flight of stairs on either side led to their rooms.

Hermione went into hers and observed a fluffy red bed with gold satin sheets. She flopped onto it and then began putting away her clothes. Draco appeared in the doorway.

"Mine is just like yours. Except for the colors. It's nice, isn't it?

"It's great.

There was a pause between them, where their eyes locked and neither quite knew what to say.

"Malfoy-" he cut her off.

"Please, call me Draco.

"Well, okay. I did think Ron and Harry were a little severe about the whole proving yourself thing.

"So, what were you saying?

"Oh. So, Mal- I mean Draco, what caused this change of thinking?

He looked contemplative. "I'd rather not tell you today. I guess you're just going to have to trust me.

"That's a hard thing to ask of me, but I will try.

Draco smiled at her, his cloudy gray eyes sparkling. Not knowing why, she laughed aloud. And he joined her.

A/N: A little new, a little confusing. Hopefully you guys will like it though. Read and review! Thanks!