Disclaimer: I do not own any of this, except the plot. How I wish to own Draco though….drool

Sorry guys, last chappie was pretty boring, I'll try to make this one better! Sorry it's taken me so long. I've had so much school work to do!

Thanks to all who reviewed! I treasure those reviews. growls at the review stealer person thingy Mine! My reviews!

Heh…I'm gonna go now. Enjoy!

Aranel

(Harry's POV) Harry looked around at his friends as they said their goodbyes to Mr and Mrs Weasley. He held Ginny's hand gently. Mrs

Weasley got to him, and hugged him tightly.

"Mrs…Weasley…Can't…breathe..." he gasped, and breathed in deeply when she let go.

"Sorry Harry dear, it's just; I do love it when you children stay for the summer," said a very bright eyed Mrs Weasley. "And with you and

Hermione being Head Boy and Girl, I'm just so proud…" with this she pulled out a handkerchief and proceeded to blow her nose, before

ushering them onto the train. Noticing that the train was starting to move, Harry pulled Ginny away from her mother and onto the train. They

waved as Mr and Mrs Weasley receded into the distance; until they disappeared from sight completely.

"Hey Gin, I'll be back, okay? I just need to get my instructions as Head Boy. I'll see you later," he gave her a peck on the cheek, then headed

towards the front of the train, meeting Hermione on the way.

(Ginny's POV) Ginny walked into the compartment they had secured earlier, to find Draco and Ron in a particularly fierce game of wizarding

chess. Ron had endeavoured to explain wizarding chess to Draco, and Draco was now hooked. She sat down to watch, though put her hands

over her ears, so as not to burst her eardrums. Before long though, they were interrupted by two big, ugly boys.

"Ah, Crabbe. Goyle," Draco said pleasantly, still immersed in the game. "Wonderful to see you again old chaps!"

Naturally, the two had no idea why Draco was being so pleasant as he wasn't on their side anymore, and stood there helplessly, trying to

figure out what to do now.

Finally Goyle made the connection. "You're trying to confuse us!" he said accusingly, jabbing his finger at Draco, forcing him to look up from
the game.

"Crabbe, Goyle," he said warningly. "Don't make me hex you."

The two pulled out their wands. "We'll get you first!"

Draco sighed. "Ah, you two aren't worth the trouble," he said, looking back to the game and pointed his wand over his shoulder.

"Impedimenta," he said, almost bored, and the two froze on the spot.

"What was the point of that?" Ginny asked, confused. "Won't the spell wear off in a few seconds?"

Draco chuckled. "Why, Miss Weasley, you really don't know Crabbe and Goyle very well. This spell, normally only holding someone for a

few seconds, renders Crabbe and Goyle useless for a few hours," he looked thoughtful. "Well, more useless than they usually are… I found it
very helpful when the two were just boring me to death with their stupidity, though it was rather amusing at times…" Draco smiled,

reminiscing.

Ginny shook her head. "I feel your pain," she said, and put her arm around him, mock consoling him. He grinned at her, then put on a puppy face.

At this moment Harry and Hermione walked in.

"What! You took care of them already? No fair!" Harry grinned, as he sat down with Ron, and proceeded to tear open a pack of Bertie Bott's

every flavour Beans. He sighed. "Ah, you never get tired of these things…"

Hermione flopped down in her seat, looking haggard. Ginny got up and sat beside her.

"You look tired Hermione, what's up?"

Hermione smiled tiredly. "Nothing, just didn't sleep well."

Draco grinned and pulled out his guitar. He was in a good mood today, Ron noticed as he popped a bean in his mouth and coughed. "Ew," he
said, and everyone looked at him.

"Vegemite," he said, and they all nodded in understanding.

(Draco's POV) Draco looked at Hermione. "I could play a song for you, if you like. It would help you sleep."

Hermione smiled. "Thanks Draco, that'd be gre-e-e-at," she said, yawning.

He settled his guitar on his lap, and started playing. It was a piece his mother had taught him, and one of his favourite pieces to play. By the

time he'd finished the song, everyone in the compartment was sound asleep, bar him. Ginny was curled up with Harry, and Ron was spread

out on the seat, mouth open. Hermione was curled up on the seat beside him.

He put away his guitar, then sat quietly, not wishing to disturb them. His eyes strayed to Hermione, and he reached out subconsciously to

brush a strand of hair off her face. He'd never realized how beautiful she was, but he was very conscious of it now. He stroked her hair gently,
lost in thought.

Hermione's POV) Hermione woke as the train slowed, feeling refreshed. Draco was waking the others, who all seemed better from their

slumber. Draco came over to pick up his guitar, and Hermione touched his sleeve. "Thank you," she said softly.

"No problem," he said lightly, but held her gaze a few seconds longer before turning away and leaving the compartment.

Hermione got up to follow, scooping up her new kitten, Jasper. Crookshanks had been hit by a car during the holidays, and she still missed

the furball, though Jasper was a great companion. She ushered Ron, Harry and Ginny out of the compartment, then produced two post it

notes out of thin air, and wrote 'Deliver us to the Slytherin dormitory.' On each. She stuck them on the two unconscious Slytherins, and

hopped off the train.

She now saw the thestrals, having seen Charlie Weasley tortured and murdered last year by Voldemort. She closed her eyes in pain, Charlie

had been like a brother to her, he had been her best friend, even more so than Ron and Harry, who had been spending more and more time

together, as she had changed, and they knew it. She missed him terribly, and often cried herself to sleep. She stepped up into the carriage that
the other 3 occupied, and held Jasper tightly, drawing comfort from the soft little bundle of fur. Once she was in, the carriage began to move,

and before long, Hogwarts was in sight.

(Draco's POV) Draco helped Hermione out of the carriage, noticing how sad she looked. As they were walking towards the Great Hall, Ron

deep in conversation with Neville and Luna in front of them; Ginny and Harry talking quietly behind them, Professor McGonagall came up to

them, and asked if they would accompany her to her office. She motioned for Harry to join them, and, confused, the three left the crowd of

students, and entered McGonagall's office.

"First of all, congratulations Harry and Hermione," Professor McGonagall smiled. "I suppose you, Draco, are wondering why you were told to
come along too?" She asked him, eyebrows raised. He nodded.

"Well, Draco, It has been decided that you would be the best candidate for the position of Defence against the Dark Arts teacher," she held

up her hands for silence as Draco opened his mouth to speak, bewildered. "Now, special provisions shall be made for you; I understand you

want to be an auror when you leave Hogwarts?"

Draco nodded mutely.

"Well, Professor Snape, Professor Flitwick and I have all agreed to teach you when you're not teaching a class. Special provisions have been

made for you in the event that you do agree, and those are the only classes you will be required to attend. Professor Dumbledore and myself

will be happy to help you if you find yourself needing it, though I sincerely doubt you will. Any questions?"

Draco grinned. "When do I start?"

Professor McGonagall smiled back. "Tomorrow. Here is your timetable of classes. It also includes the times you will be instructed in potions,

charms and transfiguration," McGonagall looked at Hermione and Harry, who were looking on in amazement. "The other reason I summoned

you two here with Mr Malfoy is the three of you will not be staying in your house dormitories, you will be moved to a smaller dormitory on

the 4th floor, which will be your living quarters for the year. The dorm is behind an a picture of an ancient man, and the password is Devil's

Snare. I trust you will make us proud- Mr Potter, Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger," she stood up, and opened the door, ushering them out and

closing the door behind them.

"Come on, the sorting needs to be started," McGonagall said, and walked off in the direction of the room the first years were waiting in.

"I can't believe it! Congrats Draco!" Harry said, grinning.

"It's amazing!" Hermione said beaming, and gave him a hug.

"Come on, we'll miss the sorting," Draco complained, and led them into the Great Hall.

The whispering started as Draco sat down at the Gryffindor table, and continued until well into the sorting, when Professor Dumbledore

called for quiet so the sorting could be heard.

(Harry's POV) After the feast, Harry, Ron, Draco, Ginny and Hermione left the Great Hall together, Draco, Harry and Hermione leaving the

others at the 4th floor.

"Devil's Snare," Hermione said, and the portrait swung open.

As they entered, they looked around in amazement, and Hermione almost squealed in happiness. It seemed they had their own personal

library.

I know I know, this is probably the shortest chapter I've ever written, but hey, what can I say? I will try and keep them to about this length, as
that means there will be more updates more often. Thanks again to those who reviewed, don't stop!

I hope this chapter is a little better than the last one, the last one was lame. Anyways, chow (Yes I know that's chow as in food…)!

Aranel