I need to thank everyone who has read my story. I appreciate all reviews, be they good or "constructive." Stick with the story, it gets better, I promise.

Chapter 3- School Daze

"TEN MINUTES TO HOGWARTS" a loud voice announced.

The students donned their robes and made ready to disembark from the train. Later in the great hall, they watched the sorting ceremony, listened to Dumbledore's beginning-of-year-speech, and Hermione and Draco had to stand when they were announced as head boy and girl. Everyone broke out in applause, including Snape, genuinely pleased to see house rivalry set aside at the sight of the two head student's friendship. The feast began.

After the dinner feast, the prefects of each house led the students to their common rooms. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape led Draco and Hermione to their rooms. At the entrance to the room, Dumbledore said "Phoenix" to the painting and the door opened. They all walked in to a modest sized common room, tastefully decorated with both Gryffindor and Slytherin colors. Hermione and Draco were pleased- they could study and relax in peace and comfort.

"Miss Granger and Mr, Malfoy. I am pleased that I do not have to tell you two to behave, as you already seem to be doing just that. The password for the main door is Phoenix as you've heard. You have to share a bathroom, but you have your own bedrooms, and that password is up to you. Just think of one, whisper it to the painting, then let your heads of house know what it is. They will be the only ones that know."

They thought for a minute then walked to their respective doors. Hermione whispered "Bulgaria" then told McGonagall.

"Good evening to you two, congratulations on what I am sure is going to be a banner year here at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore said then left with the professors.

"Well Draco, I'm tired and want to get a letter off to Victor. See you tomorrow morning, good night."

He watched her take off her robe as she said her password then go into her bedroom. He got a good long glance at her shapely body before she shut her door. As he went into his own room he found himself thinking how lucky Victor was!

Can I get that way with Ginny? This is gonna take some work!

In her room, Hermione stood frozen in place upon seeing her new room. It was enormous and beautiful! All of her things were settled and a letter was waiting for her on the desk. She picked it up, it was from Victor!

My dearest Hermione,

It pained me to leave you today. I find myself jealous at those who get to be with you everyday. Have you thought more of what we talked about? Bulgaria will be a better place with you in it. My mother is even hinting about having a daughter-in-law! I'm not trying to pressure you, but please think about it. I know vampire hunting does not interest you, but with your intelligence, you have the option of doing whatever you please. I'll try to get away and see you on weekends, but I can't promise anything. I do promise you this however: I love you, Hermione. You are first in my thoughts when I wake up in the morning, and in my dreams as I sleep. Please take care of yourself.

Love, Victor

She sighed as she finished the letter and sat down to compose one to him.

Victor!

I hated to leave you too! Do you know what you do to me? And yes, I am giving a lot of thought to your offer. Leaving Britain to go to Bulgaria would be an enormous change and requires much thought. All of my friends and family are here, and I have had many jobs offered to me after I graduate from here. So here's the big question: Am I willing to leave all I have here? To be with you, yes I am. Speaking of being with you, you should see the huge bed I have here in my room. Oh the things we could do in it! It's bigger than the bed in your room! Anyway, I would be thrilled to see you on weekends, and understand that you may not be able get away. Those blood-suckers you are chasing can be pesky that way. Please be careful while hunting those vampires, I worry about you. Give your parents my best regards, and remember how much I love you. I am your possession.

Love, Hermione

After sending the owl off with the letter, she changed into her pajamas and fell asleep dreaming of flying with Victor.

Meanwhile, Professor Snape was in his quarters getting ready for the first day of classes. He had quite a day ahead: first years to frighten, OWL level students to intimidate, and seventh years to put to their ultimate test. To his chagrin, his thoughts again drifted to Hermione. She had not blinked an eye earlier today in their confrontation.

Well, Granger, you have come into your own. The smartest witch, as well as beautiful I admit, to come along in twenty years finally feels comfortable in her own skin, as the saying goes. Mr. Krum is a lucky man. If only I were twenty years younger.

Snape stopped breathing as he realized his last thought.

It's going to be a long year. he scowled.

Hermione slapped her alarm off and groaned as she slipped out of bed. She was not a morning person in any way, shape or form. She slowly put on her clothes and snatched her robe off the chair. Stepping out of her bedroom, she found Draco waiting.

Grinning at her, he greeted her with,

"Good morning sunshine! Have you forgotten something?"

"Huh?" she replied yawning.

Draco pointed to her head and she realized she forgot to brush her hair.

Damn it, I hate fucking mornings! she growled to herself.

She turned around and marched to her vanity and ran a brush through her hair. A minute later she rejoined Draco in the common room and they headed to the great hall for breakfast.

Walking through the corridors, the two head students cut quite a path. The younger students moved aside as the not-really-a-morning-person, but beautiful head girl glared ahead. The headboy strode with an air of authority that had students quickly move aside as well. They opened the doors to the great hall, nodded to the professor's tables and went to their respective houses.

When Hermione took her seat, no one said anything to her. They conversed among themselves until it was safe to talk with her, which would be when she started her cup of coffee. Professor McGonagall passed along the Gryffindor table passing out class schedules. Hermione grinned when she read her schedule and sipped her coffee.

"Everyone have a good night?" Hermione asked to no one in particular.

At that, the chatter started. The students compared schedules, gossiped about supposed romances, and joked with one another over pancakes. The morning owls then flew in and dropped letters letters here and there. An owl that resembled a hawk landed in Hermione's shoulder (much to the amusement of the great hall occupants) and placed a letter in her hand.

She said "Morning Pavel, here's your treat. Thanks."

The bird nuzzled her ear then flew away.

"Victor's owl," she explained seeing the quizzical looks around her.

She took her letter, gathered her things and said,

"See you in class, Harry. Don't be late, alright? We have potions first." She glanced at Snape and added, "I've already vexed him and he's just itching to return the favor I imagine."

She sauntered from the hall while reading her letter. The Gryffindor table watched her go. The males in particular.

"Well fellas, it's official. Gryffindor has the hottest witch at Hogwarts this year," Seamus Finnegan chimed in.

"While I agree, she's taken fellas. Dream on," Ron replied.

"Just how taken?" asked Dean Thomas.

"Very much taken. Like Ron said, dream on," Harry said.

In Professor Snape's classroom, the NEWT level double potions class settled in. Parchment and quills at the ready, they waited for the professor to swoop in. Sure enough, as if on cue, robes billowing, he slammed the door shut and drawled,

"Remember what class you are in. You have somehow managed to make it into this class so I expect a certain level of excellence from you. Turn your books to page fourteen. Today we will be discussing ways to possibly improve more commonly used potions."

At that, Hermione snapped to attention. She had been doing that this summer! After forty-five minutes of lecturing, even the hardiest of students begin to zone out. Hermione was not spared. Noticing her lounging in her chair, stroking her quill absently, Professor Snape sharply asked,

"Miss Granger, am I boring you?" Hermione bolted up.

She locked her gaze with his and replied, "Not at all, Professor. On the contrary, this lecture is quite riveting."

"Twenty points from Gryffindor," hissed Snape.

Hermione snapped her quill in half with one hand. Her eyes flashed with anger the same way they had yesterday. Harry carefully handed her a spare quill. She shook her head at Harry sitting beside her, then mouthed thank you.

He must have woke up on the wrong side of the cave this morning. she thought grimly.

They spent the last hour dabbling with various potion ingredients to test it's volatility at various temperatures. Snape droned on…"so as you can see, you must use caution when altering the state of even the most common of ingredients. That concludes the lecture. Begin cleaning your caldrons. I want two feet of parchment on the pros and cons of altering belladonna, due by tomorrow's class. That is all."

The rest of her classes went well, and she was actually hungry when she went to the great hall for lunch. She was the first seventh year to arrive for lunch, so she chatted with some first years about their class load. She advised them about the importance of studying hard and was amused when they answered with "Yes Miss Granger."

I could get used to that!

The rest of the house arrived and Harry joined her at the table and handed her a box of chocolate covered raspberries, her favorite treat.

"I thought you could use this," Harry said.

"Thanks, that's sweet of you. I'm fine really. Snape just knows what buttons to push. I'm letting my temper get the best of me I guess," Hermione replied.

"I know how you feel. I have to find outlets for my temper or I will go crazy. You're a smart girl Mione, you'll figure it out. With you, me, Ron and Draco in all but three of the same classes, we are there for you," Harry smiled at her.

"Quidditch helps too," he added.

Snape exited through the front doors of the great hall and heard Hermione say on the way out,

"Gotta go guys. I'll be in the music room. See you at dinner."

She had an idea. She had a free half hour before her next class. She decided to vent some frustration by pounding away on a piano. She made her way to the Hogwarts' music room where instruments of all kind were present. Sitting at he piano, she warmed up with scales then flipped through the book of sheet music at the piano. She found the one she wanted, her favorite, a Vivaldi piece. She lost herself in the music. Snape was walking by the music room when he heard the classical music playing. It was his favorite kind of music. He quietly opened the door a bit and peeked in. What he saw enchanted him. Hermione was playing her heart out, playing the piece to perfection. Her small, graceful hands caressed the keys. Sweat was glistening her brow. He silently made his way to her and tapped her on the shoulder as she played the last note. She jumped a foot and let out a small yelp as she whirled around.

"Professor, that was completely unnecessary. You should have made your presence known, you scared me to death," she glowered at him.

"My apologies Miss Granger. I was walking by and heard the music. I enjoy classical music and was curious as to who was playing it. Shouldn't you be heading to class?" Snape inquired. She looked at her watch.

Shit! Late!

"Yes Professor, I am late. If you'll excuse me," she rushed to the door.

"Oh Miss Granger, by the way, you play Vivaldi beautifully."