The train slowed down to a stop. Draco and I said our goodbyes to each other. Right before I stepped off the train, Draco pulled me back.

"Wait a sec, Mione." He grabbed my left hand. "This is sure to cause confusion," he said referring to the ring on my third finger.

"Oh, of course!" I replied. "Yours too though!"

He smiled. "That is why I have these." He pulled out two beautiful gold chains. "We can wear the rings around our neck under our clothes instead."

I smiled as he fastened the necklace on me. "Perfect."

We then got off the train in a cold silence befitting our images.

I soon found Harry and we got a carriage with Neville Longbottom and Lavender Brown. Both had changed a lot due to the war. Neville was even quieter and more introverted. Lavender was no longer her giggly, gossipy self, but rather silent and reflective.

Needless to say, it was a silent ride to the castle.

The four of us got out of the carriage when we reached the building which would be home for one last year. We went inside the Great Hall and made our way to the Gryffindor table. We watched the Sorting and then Professor Dumbledore stood up to say a few words.

"Welcome students to another year at Hogwarts! Some start of term reminders: The Forbidden Forest is as it says, Forbidden. First years, and some seventh years, should make note of that." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in the direction of Harry and me. "Also, Mr. Filch would like to remind all students of the list of forbidden items that can be found in his office. There have been many new additions to it including many of the items from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

"Lastly, in light of the events last June, I understand that some students may be harboring some depressing or angry feelings. All of the teachers will be available if you need an adult to speak to. Now, let the feast begin!"

I thought about what he had said as I scooped some mashed potatoes onto my plate. He must be really out of his mind if he thought any student would go to a teacher like McGonagall or Snape with their problems. But I suppose it was to have made the offer just the same.

Dinner passed uneventfully and everyone headed up to their dormitories. Harry, Lavender, Draco, and I were some of the last people to leave the Great Hall. Draco walked past us and winked at me. I slightly smiled back, and then check to see if Harry noticed. At the moment he seemed to be off in another world, so I didn't worry about him. We walked up to the common room in silence again. I said goodnight and went upstairs to my dormitory. I changed into pajamas and fell asleep immediately.

XOX

I followed Harry and Hermione up to the Gryffindor tower. Hermione went straight up to the girls' dormitories and Harry lingered in the common room only for a few moments and then went upstairs himself.

I stayed in the common room as everyone slowly left to go to bed. Soon I was the only one left. I like it better this way though. It was quiet so I could think.

I never did seem like a thinker, just a gossiper. Parvati and I knew everything about everyone. Nowadays though, it just didn't interest me too much. Maybe it was because Parvati or Padma wasn't around to gossip with. Maybe because gossip didn't seem to be fun or important anymore. Maybe because there wasn't anything to gossip about.

Well, the last one certainly wasn't true. There was plenty to gossip about, especially Hermione. These sharp eyes still saw the wink and smile that were exchanged.

Hermione and Malfoy? The thought boggled my mind. They hated each other! Not anymore apparently. And obviously no one else knew because of the discretion. I wondered what possessed her to fall for him if that's what you would call what she's done. And what about Malfoy's pureblood insanity?

I wondered if I should ask her about it. Not only because of my desire to know (no, that sounds too nice, how about my intense curiosity.), but what if she was forced into it or something like that? Ginny Weasley was dead so who else could she talk to besides me? Harry and the boys wouldn't understand.

I resolved to ask her about it the next day. With that decided, I went to bed.