A/N: J. K. Rowling owns Harry Potter, not me.

Draco studied the schedule in front of him. This year they took their O. , he already knew he'd have to do well in most of his classes. He couldn't allow Granger especially to get better grades, if his father found out...he shuttered at the thought. His father, like all the Dark Lord's supporters seemed to only care about blood, about being pure.

"Potions this morning," Goyle muttered. Draco nodded.

"We still with the Gryffindorks?" he asked.

"Yup," Crabbe stated.

"Figures, at least we don't have to worry about anything. What's after that?" Goyle seemed to study the schedule before Draco grabbed it.

"Let me see that, transfiguration, and Defense."

"The new teacher gave a speech last night, while you were talking to Professor Snape."

"Oh?"

"I didn't understand most of it," Goyle admitted. Draco sighed. He wasn't surprised. Crabbe and Goyle were good at blindly following directions and they were loyal, but he was the brains of the group.

"It means the ministry has taken an interest in what's happening here at school. They want to control things, especially a certain troublemaker who talks too much about things," a girl stated sliding across from Draco.

"Daphne. Nice of you to join us, but why? I thought you believe us beneath you," Draco stated.

"I do. I have no interest in being league with baby death eaters like yourselves, but...it has come to my attention that war is imminent. Wouldn't hurt to expand my circle of...friends?" Draco nodded slowly. Daphne Greengrass was in his year and one of the most manipulative and calculating people he'd ever known. Having her on his side, which ever one he was on, would not be a bad idea.

"In that case, welcome," he said with a smile. Daphne returned it with ease, but Draco could see the coldness in her eyes. They ate the rest of breakfast in silence, Draco's eyes slipping over to the Gryffindor table on occasion, Granger seemed alright. She laughed at something the Weasel said while Potter was staring at the head table.

Draco followed his eyes and shuddered upon seeing the pink monstrosity who would be teaching defense this year. His father claimed she was sympathetic to their cause, but Draco still had a bad feeling about her. Professor Snape caught Draco's eyes for a second and gave the briefest nod. He'd talked to Professor McGonagall about Granger. Draco knew he should feel relieved, things were being taken care of, taken out of his hands. But instead he felt...he wasn't sure what he felt. Why did he even care?

He glanced back towards the Gryffindors again, this time, Granger noticed him and flushed slightly looking down at her plate. He tore his eyes from her.

Draco made his way to potions, which was his favorite subject, not just because of Professor Snape, but because he was decent at it.

"We need to talk," Granger stated cornering him outside the classroom.

"About?" There were other students around, and Draco didn't believe in airing one's dirty laundry in front of the masses.

"What happened on the train," Granger whispered, her voice quivered slightly. Draco nodded catching Professor Snape's eyes as he and Granger slipped into a nearby classroom.

"What about it?" he asked now that they were alone.

"Professor McGonagall asked if I was alright, said she'd heard some rumors. Apparently someone was bragging...about..." she burst in tears. Draco stood there stunned for a second before pulling her to his chest. She sobbed quietly wrapping her arms around him.

"Someone took credit? Why haven't they been expelled?"

"I don't know, it's my word against theirs, they claim they were just...I don't know, speaking hypothetically. That since they didn't mention any names specifically..." Draco frowned holding her close. He could feel her heart beating against his chest.

"Don't worry, Granger, he won't hurt you again. Can you tell me who it was?" She shook her head, eyes wide in fear. Draco nodded. She'd tell him once she was sure he could protect her. Something stirred in his heart and he realized that he would do anything to protect this girl.

"I'm here, Hermione. Don't worry. I'm here," he whispered stroking her hair as she cried against his shoulder.