Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, I'm not J.K. Rowling, therefore I'm not one of the richest people in England, and therefore I do not own any of these characters.

A loud whistle from the fiery red engine of the Hogwarts express let Hermione know that it was time to say her last goodbyes to her parents. She gave her parents one hug and kiss each and walked over to the train. Before she boarded the train, she turned and waved at her smiling parents.

            As Hermione walked down the narrow corridor towards the head of the train, she thought about her parents. She sometimes thought that she didn't spend enough time with them, especially when the subject of Harry's parents came up. What with everything going on with the Order, she felt that she had spent far too much time at The Burrow and Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place and far too little at home.

            Hermione finally arrived at the Prefects' Compartment. She pulled open the glass door and the first person she saw was Ron. She quickly sat down and threw her arms around him.

            "Easy, Hermione. I need to breathe!" Ron exclaimed, face bright red.

            "Sorry," Hermione said, removing her arms. "It's just that I haven't seen you in ages!"

            Ron leaned in closer and whispered, "So…has Dumbledore kept you up-to-date on the–" Ron was suddenly interrupted by Hermione's hand clamped over his mouth.

            "Shh," hissed Hermione. "Here comes Malfoy."

            As she spoke, a tall, pale, blond-haired boy entered the compartment. Ron and Hermione glared at him furiously. "Hello, Weasley. I was actually looking for you. If you'll notice my shoes need a bit of a polish and since that's the only thing your clothes are good for, I was wondering if I might borrow them," Malfoy sneered.

            "Eat crud, Malfoy," Ron said, blushing furiously.

            "Why not borrow some of your father's robes," Hermione said, coolly. "I've heard they're not too great at Azkaban."

            "Filthy mudblood," spat Malfoy. The sneer was quickly wiped off of his face. Ron suddenly stood up, wand at the ready.

            "Sit down, Ron." Hermione said.

            "Yeah, sit down, Weasley. You've got a mudblood to fight your battles for you," said Malfoy, tauntingly. Ron's face flushed once again and a scowl appeared. Hermione turned to Draco and said, "I suggest YOU sit down, Malfoy. If you recall, I throw a pretty mean punch." Malfoy quickly sat down, glaring and muttering under his breath.

            This is going to be a long year, thought Hermione.