Chapter Two

Draco Malfoy was in a foul mood. He apparated onto the platform just in time to see a girl throw herself into the arms of Potter and Weasley.

Must be that Mudblood.

But it couldn't be her. First, the usual trunk load of books was absent. Then there was the fact she was gorgeous—at least from what he could see. And, if his eyes didn't lie (which they didn't, if he was completely honest), why the hell would she be hanging around with those two idiots? He hoped it wasn't the mudblood, but despite his mental hatred of the girl, he couldn't keep his eyes off her. Draco stood in the shadows watching her get onto the train, making sure he could at least maintain the decency of autonomy. Yes she was a beauty. He kept his eyes on her as she boarded the train; when she turned around he slunk deeper into the shadows. Yes, he thought. This year could definitely be fun.

When Crabbe and Goyle arrived, he got on the train. If he was lucky, he would find a decent-looking Slytherin; it might get this enigma off his mind.

Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Ginny, all piled into their compartment. Within minutes, Hermione and Ron had begun an argument about Crookshanks, who had been in Hermione's lap. Harry and Ginny shook their heads and took out a game of exploding snap.

Suddenly Hermione stood up and pulled her uniform out of her trunk located on the rack above.

"Hey Hermione," asked Ron, "What's the rush?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you guys—"

"That you are Head Girl," answered Harry.

"How did you...?"

"Hermione," he answered, "you're the smartest witch in school. It's a bit obvious."

"A bit?" asked Ron.

"Okay, really obvious," Harry countered.

"Shut up and turn around," Ginny stated flatly. "Hermione needs to change."

Laughing, the two boys turned around and played a game of gobstones while Ginny helped Hermione out.

With a quick thanks, Hermione rushed out of the compartment, heading towards the front of the train. She checked her watch upon reaching the Head's compartment and, seeing that she was five minutes early, kicked her shoes leaned back and closed her eyes. In seconds she was sleeping lightly.

Draco Malfoy thundered down the corridor. He hadn't been able to find anyone attractive enough to satisfy, but it hardly mattered; all the compartments were full anyway. But his temper was still foul. He had entered Potter's compartment and an insult had barely left his mouth before the Weasel's sister had hexed him. He had blocked it but attempting to escape unscathed had strained his neck. She was becoming a strong witch—and pretty too. Too bad she came from such a decrepit family. Cracking his neck he entered the Head's compartment and stopped in his tracks.

She was lying down on the seat sleeping peacefully. Her chocolate colored hair was highlighted in deep gold and hung in loose curls down her back. Her long eyelashes brushed her cheeks, bring their dark colour in sharp contrast with her slightly tanned skin. Her cheeks were brushed pink; her lips, the colour of roses. And her legs, God her legs, they stretched on, seemingly endless, underneath her school skirt; never had he liked those damn school skirts more than now, especially with hers inched up slightly. His eyes wandered to the diamond ring on her right hand and the Gryffindor seal above her Head Girl badge, and the pieces began to fall into place. He stepped back slightly, causing a small sound. She stirred and pulled herself up on her shoulders. Shaking her head to get her curls out of her face, she looked up to see a God of a man leaning against the wall; upon realizing who it was, her eyes grew defiant and she raised her head higher.

The two Heads stared at each other as she stood up to face him. She was about six inches shorter than him, but it wasn't that noticeable as the two stared each other down.

"So, the little Mudblood had grown up," he spat arrogantly.

"So has Ferret Boy," she countered, "but you? Head Boy? Did Daddy have to threaten half the ministry to get you chosen?"

"Don't you dare talk about my father Granger. Besides, anything is better than being a know- it -all bitch."

"At least I have worked my ass of to get here instead of sleeping my way through class, or bedding half of the female student body—and maybe some of the male."

"Not exactly half, and I'm not you, Granger" he answered while giving her a smirk and a quick glance up and down.

"Bastard."

"Am I? Well, I can tell you this, Granger: nothing you say or do will be able to harm me in any way. Plus," he added, having advanced on her and backed against the window. He pulled a curl, letting it slide through his fingertips; it felt like silk. "I enjoy a challenge, and you will be a challenge." He braced his arms on either side of her.

"Bastard!" With that she slapped him, and kneed him in the groin—what would be the first of many kneeings. Pulling out her wand, she muttered a few words and he was slammed into the corner of the compartment.

Smiling, Hermione left the compartment and headed back to Harry, Ginny, and Ron.

Draco got up from the seat and ran his hands through his hair, which now hung loose over his shoulders instead of its usual queue. Angrily, he stalked out of the compartment looking for Crabbe and Goyle. He needed to put a hole in something and their heads were perfect targets.