Draco felt himself being shook. Opening his eyes, he saw Pansy standing over him.

"Drakie, wake up, sleepyhead! We're here!" she said in a sickly sweet voice. Draco silently cussed at Pansy. He had been having the best dream ever. He and Hermione were together, and she had agreed to go out with him.

"We were just about to kiss when Parkinson interrupted," Draco muttered. Dragging himself off the train, Draco looked at the magnificent Hogwarts Castle. There was a glowing light on in every window, as if to say, "Welcome Back." Glancing around him, Draco caught sight of Hermione. Harry's arm was wrapped around her waist, like it was supposed to be there. The image of Draco in Harry's place suddenly came across his mind. Quickly shaking his head, Draco started off towards the castle.

"Students, and Teachers," Professor Dumbledore said, as everyone had been seated. "I welcome you to another grand year at Hogwarts." An explosion of clapping started.

"Why are they cheering?" Draco wondered negatively. "He didn't say anything important."

"I would also like to add, that our new Head Girl and Boy this year are Miss Hermione Granger, and Mr. Harry Potter," Another explosion of clapping erupted. Draco remembered how angry Lucius was that Draco didn't get Head Boy. Dumbledore finished his speech, and with a wave of his hand, food and drinks appeared on the tables. Draco looked over at the Gryffindor table, and saw Hermione. She was staring at Harry like he was the greatest thing on earth. Feeling sick, Draco looked away.

After dinner, Draco headed down towards the Slytherin dungeons. He looked around the common room.

"Welcome home," he muttered sarcastically. His stuff had been placed by his bed. Throwing off his robes, shirt, and pants, Draco flopped down onto it in his boxers, and thought about his day.

"How did Hermione change so much over the summer?" he wandered. "Last year she wasn't even half that beautiful. What would Father think if he found out that I loved a Mudblood? He'd probably kill me. But what about Granger? She would never want me over Potter. She hates me." Sighing, Draco felt his eyelids drooping, and he slowly drifted off to fitful sleep.

"Happy birthday, Draco," Narcissa said, handing her son a long, brightly wrapped box.

"Thank you, Mother," said Draco, as he quickly tore off the wrapping paper. Opening the box, he smiled broadly. "Wow!" he exclaimed, taking out a brand-new polished broomstick.

"It's the latest," Narcissa said, turning over the broomstick to reveal a silver-printed brand name.

"A Quicksilver!" Draco breathed. "Our teams' sure to win this year!" He ran his hand down the sleek broom. "Thank you so much, Mother," said Draco, hugging Narcissa.

"Your'e welcome, my dear," Narcissa smiled.

"Why did you buy him that?" came a cold voice. Lucius stood in the doorway, sneering at the sight.

"I thought we talked about this," Narcissa warned.

"So did I," Lucius growled. He and Narcissa began shouted at eachother.

"It's his birthday!" Narcissa defended.

"So? You don't go spending a bunch of galleons on one boy!" Lucius yelled.

"You always got expensive things when YOU were little!" Narcissa shouted. She angrily shoved her way past Lucius, and they began yelling in the kitchen. Draco heard the clatter of things being thrown, and a bang from them hitting whatever they had been aimed at. Tears filled his eyes as the yelling got louder. Draco gathered up the wrappings and broomstick, and slowly made his way up to his room. His parents' harsh words echoing in his mind...

Draco's eyes snapped open. He found himself on the cold floor. Shivering, Draco stood up. Only a few people were in the dormitory.

"Hey, Draco!" Blaise Zabini called, seeing him. "Want to come down to breakfast with me?"

"Sure, give me a minute," Draco said, quickly slipping on his school uniform, that had been somehow laid out for him.

"Parkinson," Draco thought. After he combed his hair, and gelled it, Draco ran down the stairs into the Slytherin Common Room. Blaise was standing by the door.

"What took ya' so long?" he asked, as they made their way towards the Great Hall.

"I didn't take that long, did I?" said Draco.

"If you call a half an hour 'that long', then I guess not," Blaise laughed. Draco frowned. He didn't remember taking up that much time. Draco didn't even know that he spent that time staring at his sorry reflection in the mirror.

"Oh great," Blaise complained, smacking his head. "Our schedules are here." At each table spot, a special schedule was set out for each student. Silently, Draco picked up his own. It read-

10:00, Potions

11:00, Charms

12:00, Lunch

1:00, Care of Magical Creatures

2:00, Defense Against the Dark Arts

3:00, Break

4:00, Transfiguration

5:00, History of Magic

6:00, Dinner

7:00, Potions

8:00, Astronomy

"God, am I going to be busy this year," Draco thought, helping himself to a steaming-hot pancake.