Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the plot.

A/N: I'm not sure where this story is going yet, but I have a general idea. The details will be worked out as I go along. Enjoy.

Hidden Beauty

Sitting on the Hogwarts Express seemed more than lonely this year. The dark, damp day did nothing for the silence and emptiness in her carriage. While her friends were down the train catching up and talking about their summers, she was left to wait for further directions on her Head Girl duties for the upcoming year.

As the smartest girl in her year, Hermione Granger was less than obligated to fill the role of Head Girl. She received a special owl a month ago informing her that she was selected, along with Draco Malfoy, to lead their class for their last year at Hogwarts. As much as she was dreading spending a year sharing a dorm with Draco, she knew how honorable the position was. Of course her parents were prouder than ever, even if they didn't understand completely what a Head Girl was.

Just as Hermione was beginning to nod off, she heard her compartment door slide open. Her head shot up and her back straightened. "Dozing off on the job are we Granger?" a cold, icy voice spoke. "Shove it Malfoy." "Tsk tsk tsk, is that any way for a Head Girl to behave?" Hermione rolled her eyes and turned her head to look out the window.

"So, excited to share a dorm with me?" Draco asked. "Oh yes, thrilled. It'll make my year," Hermione replied sarcastically." "Well I know it'll make mine," he sneered.

As much as Hermione tried to hide it, it was obvious she had turned into quite the young woman in the last few years. Her baggy t-shirts and loose, boys' jeans weren't enough to cover her slim waist and full figure. She crossed her arms self-consciously over her chest, feeling her confidence drop significantly.

"Oh, what now mudblood? Can't take a little compliment?"

"ONE MORE WORD MALFOY – and you'll be eating snails through your nose for a month!"

"Have it your way," Draco said, leaning back in his chair and putting his hands behind his head. They sat in the compartment silently for 10 or 15 minutes before Professor Snape came trudging through their door.

"Welcome back Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger. I expect that you are both, amply prepared for your responsibilities this year." With a nod from both students, the professor continued to explain that they would be expected to take nightly hall duties on the weekends, where their dorm would be located, their password, and their privileges. After he had made the point very clear, that both of them would be under intense supervision for their grades and behavior, he left the compartment with a dirty look to Hermione and a swish of his long, black cape.

"You heard him Granger – one little slip of your wand and your whole career in the wizarding world be gone. Don't want to show your parents what a filthy little mudblood is made of, do you?" Draco said tauntingly.

"If we are going to spend the whole year together, you could try to make yourself a little more tolerable," Hermione retorted. She stood swiftly and left Draco alone, closing the door with more force than needed.

Hermione strode down the train looking for the compartment that held her friends. She finally spotted a pair of fiery redheads sitting amongst a mop of black, shaggy hair. She threw open the door and was greeted with hugs and many questions. When everything was answered she settled into a seat next to Ginny while Harry and Ron had a heated discussion on Quidditch.

This year is going to be quite an experience, Hermione thought to herself as the lunch cart pulled up, Quite and extraordinary experience.