A/N: Come on guys. Just 1 review? I know you guys can do better! I haven't written in ages, and I NEED feedback! Whatever. :P

Summary: In this chapter, we meet a new character. Hermione says something that she regrets instantaneously, and perhaps we see…a new side of Draco? Sorry about Ron the Horn dog, like I said, it's my first time writing in a LONG time, so I'm kinda rusty. I think he'll be better.

Disclaimer: Marco! …Polo! Marco! …Polo! What are we looking for? Oh, yeah, the copyright! Well you see, this is MINE, I am not JK Rowling, I am not Daniel Radcliffe, and I don't own anything. Except myself. And…the stuff I own.

Chapter 2: A New Headmaster

The ride to Hogwarts never seemed to end. Hermione was starting to get anxious. The only times she ever felt at peace were times when Draco slipped out of the compartment.

Finally, after an eternity, the silhouette of the Hogwarts castle appeared. Hermione let out a sigh of relief. But she realized it would take FOREVER to get off the train, especially if the first-years lagged behind to chase after Harry. Hermione looked out the compartment window. Sure enough, Harry was elbowing his way through a bunch of fans.

"Looks like we're going to be here for a while," Malfoy drawled. Hermione ignored him. It was the only thing she could do. Although her back was to him, she could feel that stupid smirk.

"So, what happened with the Weasel?" Draco asked.

"What do you care?" Hermione snapped. Draco's smile was devilish.

"I care, Hermy, because I could report the both of you. Weasel for sneaking in here, and you for letting him. Tut, tut. I wonder what Professor McGonagall would have to say about her two most trusted students getting it on?"

Hermione was horrified.

"We did not, as you just so crudely put it, 'got it on'," She glared at him. Malfoy just smirked.

"And furthermore," Hermione continued. "She…she wouldn't believe you even if we did."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah!"

"Why's that."

"Because…because…you helped kill Dumbledore!" She blurted. Silence. If there was ever a time where she wanted to take back what she said, it was now. Draco's eyes flashed with anger, and his wand was in his hand.

"Wh-What did you say to me, Granger?" Hermione never saw him so angry in her entire life at Hogwarts. She pulled out her wand too, just in case.

"You heard what I said," Hermione said. Draco took a step toward her.

"Is there a problem?" Asked a different voice. Hermione turned around. The owner of the voice was a fairly young-looking man. He had chestnut colored hair and a chiseled face. He looked between the two of them.

"No," Draco replied his chest heaving. "There's no problem," It was the first time Hermione ever heard him not show disrespect to a new face. She reckoned it was because she had made Draco so angry…and…what was that in his eyes? He actually looked hurt.

"Okay, then!" The man exclaimed cheerfully. "Let's get a move on,"

The three stepped into the abandoned corridor. Hermione could not look at Draco. She figured if she did, her heart would be shattered at the look of pain on his face.

ooooooooooooo

"Wha' took you s'long?" Ron asked, his face stuffed with mashed potatoes as Hermione sat down.

"I was held back," Hermione said quietly.

"Oh. Well…eat!" Ron exclaimed. Hermione watched as Ron continued to stuff his face. She thought she was going to be sick.

"I'm not hungry," Was her reply.

"Oh! Hermione," Ron finally said, "You missed the GREATEST thing. Draco came in looking really irked about something. He went to sit at the Slytherin table, and Pansy started putting the moves on him. Well, he got MORE annoyed, and stormed out of the room. I never saw him so upset since the day Gryffindor won the Quidditch cup!" He told this story with glee. Hermione just forced a polite smile.

"'Mione, are you okay?" Harry asked.

"I…I'm fine," Hermione said. "I'm just not hungry,"

"Bu' it's th'feast!" Ron exclaimed his cheeks full of stew. Hermione said nothing.

Just then, Malfoy walked into the Great Hall. He still looked a little tense, but he walked to his seat. Just as he sat down, Professor McGonagall began talking.

"Good evening. Welcome back those who are returning, and welcome new students," Hermione watched Harry. His jaw was tensed, and he looked stiff. Hermione knew he was trying to keep his composure. Dumbledore should have been making the Start of Year speech. She noticed some other students had the same expression as Harry did. She reached over and squeezed his hand. Harry gave her a small smile, which Hermione returned.

"As you all know," McGonagall went on. "This year is going to be…different," She hesitated, trying to pick her words carefully. "We lost someone very important to us. Someone irreplaceable,"

Harry made a choking sound with his throat as he took off his glasses. Hermione gripped his hand, and stroked the back of it with his thumb. McGonagall looked at Harry with sympathy, and continued,

"We have a temporary Headmaster. We are unsure of how long he will be staying. He may stay for the year; he may not. But we will treat him with respect. It is something Alb—Professor Dumbledore would want," There were sounds of students and teachers blowing their noses. Hermione noticed Hagrid dab his eyes with the tablecloth. Professor McGonagall was getting teary-eyed herself. "Everyone," She announced. "This is Professor Blackburn."

The man that ushered Draco and Hermione off the train station stood up. Hermione's mouth turned into an "O." She looked over at Draco. Draco was glaring at her.

I'm sorry. She pleaded with her eyes. Draco looked at her for a couple more minutes. His facial expression softened slightly, and he barely inclined his head to let her know that it was okay.

He's acting so weird, Hermione thought.

When the welcoming applause for the new Headmaster died down, McGonagall continued.

"I have a few more things to announce. First of all, congratulations to our new Head Boy and Head Girl, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger," Applause. Hermione smiled brightly at Professor McGonagall.

"Secondly, this announcement is in regards for third years and up. On a normal school year, thirteen year olds and up would go to Hogsmeade. This year, to avoid any concern of a student's safety, there will only be two Hogsmeade visits this year." McGonagall expected the students to moan and complain, but they did not. Everybody just nodded their heads.

"Very well then. Welcome back, and have a good year."

oooooooooooooo

It was late. Hermione was in front of the fireplace inside the Common Room. Her fingertips brushed against her forehead as she thought about the words she said to Malfoy on the train. She really didn't mean them. She had to find some way to apologize.

"Hey," Came Ron's voice. Hermione stirred and saw Ron coming into the Common Room. She smiled gently.

"Hey yourself," Hermione murmured. "Where have you been?"

"Prefects meeting," Ron replied. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Hermione said. "Just a bit shook up."

Ron came behind her, and massaged her shoulders. Hermione let out a sigh of content and let her head droop backwards. His index fingers caressed her neck as he continued to relax her.

"I love you," Hermione said quietly.

"I love you too," Ron responded. She stood up.

"I wasn't done," Ron said with mild humor.

"I don't care,"

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled his head down gently. Her lips caught against his in a gentle kiss. Ron's hands came around her waist and pulled her closer against him. The kiss deepened a little bit, but was still a passionate, gentle kiss. At the moment, Hermione Granger couldn't think of anywhere else she'd rather be than in her love's arms.