Hermione was more than a little disappointed when she had not received a certain piece of mail over the summer. She was sure that she would be head girl. On the train ride to Hogwart's, Ron and Harry tried to comfort her. And she tried to hide her frustration by telling them about her summer with her relatives.

"Well, I can tell you this much. The summer sure changed your outside, even if it didn't change your inside! You look great, Mione," announced Ron.

Harry agreed and Hermione looked away a little uncomfortable with all the attention. But it was true; the summer had helped her tremendously. Her cousins had showed her ways to get rid of the frizz in her hair and the days cavorting on the beach had made her skin golden brown and she had lost the little baby fat that remained on her frame and filled out into a "lovely young woman" as her mother said.

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The trio sat together at the feast awaiting the announcement of who would be head girl and boy since it wasn't Hermione apparently. After the sorting, Dumbledore stood to make his announcements.

"Welcome, students, both new and old. This year at Hogwart's will truly be tremendous. We have several standing rules, as returning students know, the Forbidden Forrest is forbidden, no students allowed out of the common rooms after 10 pm on the weekdays. However, we are breaking tradition on some traditions. The first is that the Head Boy and Girl have not been named yet. Secondly, they are currently from the same house."

Hermione and Harry exchanged hopefully glances.

"Please join me Head Girl, Hermione Granger, and Head Boy, Draco Malfoy, both of Gryffidor!"

Normally, the whole school would be applauding, but they were so stunned that there were only a few claps from first years that had no idea what the big deal was. Murmurs rose from the crowd as Hermione and Draco reluctantly rose and made their way up to Professor Dumbledore.

As the students joined him, Professor Dumbledore clarified that because of "recent developments" the sorting hat had recanted its position and asked that Mr. Malfoy be moved to Gryffindor. Everyone above first year knew that it was for Draco's protection from the Slytherins.

"Now if you will please, give our heads a round of applause," Dumbledore finished. And finally, the great hall succumbed to cheers; all accept the Slytherin table that all sat staunch, unhappy with both choices.

Harry was happy for Hermione, but at the same time he was disappointed that it wasn't him. He was even more upset that Hermione would be sharing a dorm with Draco Malfoy. Granted, he hadn't been his fiery self since last year, but he could still make Hermione's life a nightmare.

"If that prat even looks at you wrong, Hermione, I want to know straight away," demanded Harry.

"Yeah, me too," echoed Ron as he stuffed his face with dessert.

"Somehow," said Hermione confidently, "I don't think he will be a problem."

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After the feast, the prefects led the students to their dorms and patrolled the halls. Professor McGonagall showed Hermione and Draco to the Heads common room. "Draco," she said as she turned to leave, "we're glad to have you in Gryffindor. I am sure you will be an asset to the house and the Quidditch team."

"Professor, I don't know if I will be playing on the team this year. I mean, all the positions are filled. Potter is the seeker."

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter will continue to be the seeker. But I am sure that there will be a place for you on the team. Our first practice is Saturday morning, and you will be there."

Any other time, Malfoy would have protested, but he wasn't even up to the confrontation. He just wanted to hide. He had of course known about the change of house earlier in the summer, but he hadn't any idea that he would be Head Boy. That was the last thing that he needed right now, more attention and animosity.

Professor McGonagall told them that the password was Sangue Deo. It sounded familiar to Hermione but she couldn't place it. Before she could wish Professor McGonagall a good night, she was gone.

Hermione and Draco were more than pleased with the accommodations. The common room was a little smaller than the Gryffindor common room, but it wouldn't need to be as big if it were only for two people. The space was also free of house colors. Hermione wasn't sure if this was because in the past, the room had been shared by people of different houses or because no one wanted to rub it in Draco's face that he wasn't a Slytherin any more. Hermione had a large room and all her things were already there and unpacked. The room was decorated in Gryffindor red. She wondered what color Draco's room would be. Her next observation was that they shared a bathroom. This should be interesting she thought. Draco's door was open so she peered inside. It was not green or red; instead it was a variety of shades of gray. Actually, against the granite flooring, it looked nice, a little gloomy, but nice.

"Nice room, Malfoy."

"Yeah, uh, thanks."

"So what do you think of being Head Boy?"

"Shocked, I guess. I figured it would be Potter or something."

"Well that makes two of us. But since we're here…" Hermione stalled.

"Since we're here, what Granger?"

"Well, I thought since apparently we are going to be sharing some tight quarters and in the same house and all, we are going to be spending a lot of time together. So, it would be nice if we at least called a truce."

"A truce, huh?"

"Yeah, a truce. Cease-fire. Peace treaty. Whatever."

"I'll stay out of your way, Granger, if that is what you are worried about. I won't break up your Weasel/Potty party if that is what are saying."

"No, Malfoy, that isn't what I meant."

"Whatever, Granger. Goodnight. And would you please not call me Malfoy? Hardly seems fitting any more does it?" Draco snarled, slowly approaching Hermione who was unconsciously backing out the door.

"Quit being a prat, would you? I was trying to…"

"Goodnight." And with that Draco shut his door in her face.

"Well, that was rude." Hermione muttered before she went to her room to change for bed.

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Professor McGonagall had made her way over to the Gryffindor common room after seeing that the Heads were in their room. She called all the Gryffindors together. "Now, as you are aware," she said, "we have a new Gryffindor, and I am not referring to the first years. I expect that there will be no animosity within my house. You are all mature students and I expect you to conduct yourselves that way. The reason that the student was put here is because I trusted that you could set aside the past better than other houses. Any discord will be dealt with severely. I hope you won't disappoint me." Without another word, she left.

"What a year this will be. We are officially prohibited from disliking Malfoy!" Ron muttered.

"Yeah, this is gonna be a good one."

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