Hermione stretched out her limbs, trying to pull the knots that were tensing her muscles. She hadn't slept particularly well. After the excitement of going back to school had waned she started remembering how it was left. And once again the horror of what happened played through her mind. Of course that wasn't new, she was used to the nightmares now but the anxiety of facing them in the place they all started filled her with dread.

Hermione rolled over to face Ginny's bed, frowning when she found it empty. It wasn't like Ginny to be up before her. Hermione checked the clock on the wall and groaned when she saw it was already 10am. She had slept far later than she had planned.

Hermione rolled out of bed and grabbed the first pair of jeans she could find and a blue t-shirt. Hermione had lost a lot of weight while searching for the Horcruxes and it showed in her clothes. No matter what Molly Weasley put in front of her, Hermione just couldn't find it in her to enjoy her food. However she had filled out over the year as well, her figure becoming more womanly, her breasts had filled out and her hips had rounded making her clothes fit even more awkwardly. A new uniform would be a must before returning. Hermione forced her old tatty trainers onto her feet and trudged down stairs. She had barely stepped off the final step before Ginny was in front of her looking her up and down with a disapproving frown.

"You aren't wearing that!" Ginny scoffed, pulling at the thin worn material of Hermion's t-shirt.

"What's wrong with it?" Hermione squeaked.

"You look like you picked your clothes out of a bin Mione, you can't go to Diagon Alley looking like a house elf."

"Well it's not like I have much choice. I haven't been shopping in ages!"

"I'll lend you something, I know just the thing!"

Hermions assessed Ginny's thin linen dress and pretty floral sandals with a raised eyebrow.

Hermione envied Ginny's easy femininity. Hermione could never really make it work, she thinks it might be because of all her time spent with the boys. Of course she wanted to try but whenever she did the boys would always laugh and ask what had happened to her. Eventually she stopped trying.

Ginny spun Hermione round to face the stairs and gave her a little spank to get her moving.

"Let's go! Ginny called blocking her exit.

"Can I not eat first?"

"Nope!" Ginny summoned a piece of toast and shoved in Hermione's protesting mouth. "Now go!"

Hermione stomped up the stairs to Ginny's room grumbling to herself.

When they entered Ginny threw her wardrobe doors open and started pulling out dresses holding them up to Hermionie's torso. She held out a baby pink shift dress looking very smug.

"This will work, put it on!"

Hermione took the dress and looked in the mirror, holding it to herself.

"I'm not sure Gin, it's a bit too, uhh, floaty for me."

she handed it back as Ginny rolled her eyes and snatched it back. She turned back to her wardrobe lifting her hand to tap her lip, pondering.

"I got it!" Ginny yanked out a white cotton embroidery anglaise cami top followed by a tan suede fitted skirt with brass buttons down the front. Hermione stroked the fabric of the skirt.

"Ginny, this is lovely!"

" I know! Now get dressed, we leave in 30 minutes." she threw a pair of leather sandals into the bed. "and do something with your hair, it's rather large today."

Hermione stripped off and slipped into Ginny's clothes. She turned to the mirror and admired how they fit her far better than anything she owned. She used her wand to smooth her hair and twist some curls.

"that will have to do!"

Ron looked up from the sofa letting out a long low whistle, while a pink spread across his cheeks from the way he admired the thin white cotton of her top. He could see where her bra ended and the tight skin of her ribs started through the cotton.

"Wow Mione, what happened to you?"

Hermione scowled at Ron's attention. "Your sister happened."

Ron chuckled "Of course she did…" he looked her up and down slowly as he loped clumsily toward her. Ron stepped uncomfortably close, forcing Hermione to lift her face toward him, reminding her just how tall and gangly he was and how she would have to tiptoe whenever they would kiss. Ron lifted his finger up to feel the cotton of her top and brushed his lips across her ear as he said "Looks good on you, make sure you keep this one."

Hermione's breath caught in her throat, frozen by Ron's unusual intimacy.

"Umm…" she stuttered. "Thank you." Hermione stepped to the side, trying to get as much space between them as possible in the small space of the burrow, moving away and walking into the kitchen to find Ginny.

"Do you Approve?" She spun for her stylist, the blush Ron had given her still flaming her face.

"You'll do!" Ginny smirked.

"Does everyone have their floo powder?" Molly fussed as Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione surrounded the fireplace trying not to spill the powder from their fingers as Molly fretted around them.

"Mum you don't have to come with us. We can take care of ourselves now." Ron grumbled taking a handful of the powder Molly held out to him.

"I know Ronald, but..."

"Please Mum! We'll be fine! Besides, we might be late back! I want to take Hermione to look at a new clothes and jewellery shop that opened, aaand we need to look at the new fire bolt for Harry." Ginny explained, practically begging her mother with her eyes not to go with them.

"We have also agreed to meet Neville and Luna at The Leaky Cauldron before we come home" Ron all but whined.

"Okay fine! But please be sure to visit George in the shop. Take him this," Molly handed Ron a large basket of stews, soup and Bread. Enough to feed a small army. "I need to know he's eating." Molly chewed on her lip with worry.

Ron pulled his mother into a hug and kissed her cheek. "Of course mum. I'll tell him you love him." He smiled at his mother fondly as he stepped into the fireplace. He had to ignore the tear threatening to slip down his mother's face as he said very clearly "Diagon Alley" and threw the powder down. Vanishing instantly.

Ginny and Harry followed quickly behind waving at Molly as they left.

When it was Hermione's time she turned to Mrs Weasley and hugged her tight. "We won't be long. Please don't worry."

"Thank you Hermione" Molly's tenderness brought a smile to Hermione's lips then she stepped into the fireplace. "Diagonal alley" she threw the powder down and felt the lick of the flames and pull of the floo system.

Molly sighed and let the tears roll slowly down her cheek. "It's time to let them go again"

As they stepped out of the floo in Gringotts the gang slipped through the crowd quickly to stumble into the street. Instantly that were bombarded with flashing lights and people calling their names. Reported fired questions at them and a group of girls had the audacity to throw themselves on top of Harry and Ron, practically pushing Ginny and Hermione out of the way. Ron had his lopsided flirty smirk on his face while Harry looked horrified. Ginny acted quickly, grappling both boys by their collars and dragging them away from the shrieking harpies. Hermione followed behind quickly ushering them into an alleyway.

"Bloody hell!" Ron gushed. "That was unexpected!"

"You're telling me!" Harry groaned, straightening his glasses.

"How did you not expect it?" Why do you think i made Mione dress up for a change?" Ginny exclaimed.

Ron looked Hermione up and down.

"I guess it makes more sense now"

Hermione rolled her eyes, she knew to expect a few people approaching them. It always happened when they were seen now but the protection of the burrow had shielded than from the press. She scorned herself for not insisting she read the Proffett this morning.

"Anyway, we'll just have to take it head on and avoid them where possible. Where to first?" Harry asked while threading his fingers with Ginnys.

"Flourish and Blotts" Hermione stated. "We need to get the books we need for the year before they sell out" Everyone groaned at her "Well we do!"

"We know..." Ginny complained "But if we go in there with you we will never leave! And since this is the first time mum has let us out of her sight all summer I want to have fun!"

Hermione let out an offended scoff. "Are you saying I'm boring Ginny Weasley?!"

"Not at All Hermione Granger, I'm just pointing out that your idea of fun is slightly different to mine." Harry and Ron laughed in agreement with Ginny while Hermione crossed her arms across her chest.

"I need to get this basket to George and see how he's doing". Ron said, a glimmer of sadness in his eye that he shook off quickly.

"We should all go! I would love to see George, it's been too long. But I also need to get new robes though..."

"It's fine Hermione, we'll get our books and leave you there to drool over the rest while we go to George, then you can get your robes and meet us at Weasley Wizard Wheezes before we go to The Leaky Cauldron in 3 hours" Ginny says excitedly

"Sounds good to me!" Hermione beamed.

Everyone nodded and headed toward Flourish and Blotts digging out their book lists before fighting through the crowds and hiding where possible.

Hermione wandered the bookshelves stroking the spines of the leather bound books and smelling the pages of the oldest copies. It felt comforting to her. Occasionally Hermione would pick up a book and flick through its contents deciding if it would be her's. She had already found all of the school books she needed, which she balanced on her hip, weighing her down heavily. Hermione never considered using a featherlight charm or levitation spell, instead she enjoyed the feel of the strain on her arm. Even with the struggle she still couldn't resist trying to find a hidden gem she had not yet read.

Hermione had found an interesting book called The Hidden Beauty and Mysteries of the Black Lake which was bound in a luxurious plum leather. She opened the book and it fell to a page about Mermaids and she became mesmerised by the moving illustration of the gorgeous creature.

Draco had read his Letter from Mcgonnagal at least 5 times and warred with himself about whether he should attend his final year or not. On the one hand he relished learning and had missed being absorbed by the knowledge that beckoned him to his books. On the other he knew he would be scorned by the staff and students and didn't know if he could cope with another year of solitude amongst so many people that wanted him locked up or dead. In the end he had sent an owl to his mother seeking her opinion. He was surprised to receive a reply the following morning expressing how she wanted nothing more than for him to return, to show he could not be beaten into hiding and to make her proud. Of Course this meant he had to go, he could never deny his mother anything. Obviously…

Draco dressed himself in his smartest tailored back trousers and black shirt finishing the look with classic black dragon leather shoes. He unfogged his mirror to examine himself, relieved to see a ghost of his old self staring back at him. The dreamless sleep drought had knocked him out cold and the rest in his own bed had brought some of the colour back to his cheeks and reduced the dark shadows under his eyes considerably. When Gipsy arrived with his morning coffee and the Daily Prophet she gave him an appeasing smile and complimented how fresh he looked.

Draco sipped his coffee while he scanned the Prophet, stopping to read a few articles about trials that were coming up and appeals asking for witnesses regarding some former snatchers. On page 5 he nearly dropped the paper. Staring back at him were the enchanting golden brown orbs he had spent so long avoiding. Her smile was split across her face while a scraggly ginger oaf draped his arm around her dainty shoulders and a disheveled black haired Potter was grinning maniacally at them both. It must be an old photo of just after the war as she was still wearing that filthy pink muggle jumper. He refocused on Granger's breathtaking smile before reading the text below.

Golden Trio to Return to Hogwarts?

By Reeta Skeeter

All former 7th years have been invited to return to Hogwarts School of WitchCraft and Wizardry for a final year. Who is to say how the students will react to the newly refurbish school when returning to the former battle ground. As for the Golden Trio, job offers have already been made to the young heroes so their attendance is not a certainty. Anyone wanting autographs may want to head to Diagon Alley for the next week for a possible glimpse of the celebrities.

It has not been confirmed or denied whether students involved in supporting the Dark Lord's rise to power have been invited. Look out for reports on this coming soon.

Draco tossed the paper down on his desk with a huff. He'll have to be sneaky if he was going to get his supplies, he couldn't be bothered with the harassment he would receive if recognised.

Draco pulled on his black wooden coat and pulled the collar up high to obscure his face before apperating to a dark alleyway in Diagon Alley and peaked around the wall as he attempted to keep himself hidden. He was released to see the hoards of people that might want to question him were gathered outside of Gringotts, presumably waiting for a glimpse of anyone special that might be using the Floo System.

He was surprised to find Flourish and Blotts so quiet considering how close it was to term time. He stalked the shelves collecting what he needed and placed them into a basket which he hovered alongside him. He dawdled in the fiction section looking for new authors that peaked his interest. He found a book called The Boy Darkness Chose and flipped it over to read the blurb. It appeared to be about a young boy selected by a dark group of wizards to do their bidding and his trials while doing so. Draco frowned at the book, but added it to his basket. He wanted to see how close they had gotten to the reality of it. He drifted toward the Magical Creatures section knowing he wanted a book about Dragons. He had been somewhat fascinated by them after seeing the Horntail nearly destroy Potter.

"Ow my foot" Draco grumbled as another foot crushed his own. He turned quickly to see who dared to be so clumsy when he knocked them backwards into the book shelf causing brown curls to fly and them to drop everything they were holding.

"I am so sorry!" Hermione bent down to pick everything up, apologising over and over.

"No it was me, I'm sorry" Draco stammered as he bent down to help the poor girl he had sent flying.

Hermione looked up to see Draco Malfoy's unmistakable white hair obscuring his eyes as he collected her belongings. She stayed silent and continued to pick up the mess when Draco's hand landed on top of hers. They both looked up together and their eyes met.

"Granger..." Draco looked shocked and gasped ever so slightly before he pulled his hand away standing up quickly, putting distance between them. Hermione stood up and was about to say thank you when he quickly turned away, put her books down and marched out of the shop as quickly as he possibly could.

Hermione stood and watched as Draco Malloy disappeared. Her heart thundered in her chest. She looked at her hand where he had touched it and clenched her first before shaking off the strange feeling.

Draco fled from the shop without purchasing his books. Of course the charm on the door prevented them from leaving with him so he would have to return but there was no way he could go back until she was gone. He looked over his shoulder and saw her stood by the window with what looked like a scowl on her face. How could he not have recognised her right away? He figured he had recognised her voice but it hadn't registered. And since when did she dress like that? Draco shook his head and headed to his next destination.

Hermione purchased her books and put them into her bewitched beaded handbag. As she was leaving she noticed Malfoy's basket floating aimlessly by the door. She contemplated paying for them and trying to find him but then sense kicked in and she decided it was a bad idea. It's not like they are friends, and never will be. Though the smell of his cologne still filled her nostrils, making her feel somewhat uneasy.

Hermione decided to head straight to Madam Malkin's Robe Shop for all Occasions. She didn't know how long she had been in the book shop but she had a feeling it had been quite a while. She entered the shop and began looking through the rails.

"I will be with you in just a minute dear" Madam Malkin called from the back of the shop. Hermione was about to tell her there was no rush when she saw the same blond head standing in front of Madame Mallon herself.

Hermione hid behind the rails and watched Draco from her hiding place. Draco was wearing a fitted black shirt that defined his shape. His arms were stretched out to the side as he was being measured, pulling it tight across his chest. She noticed how thin he appeared. Much thinner than she remembered. The tape measure emphasised how slim his frame had become, although his shoulders still appeared to be broad and muscular.

Hermione's eyes traveled up to his face, his lips were pressed into thin a line. She assumed this was from impatience as Madam Malkin re-checked her measurements again and again.

Draco's jaw clenched, making Hermione notice how defined it was. His cheek bones were a sharp constraint to his hollow cheeks and tired eyes. Hermione had never really admired Draco before, which isn't surprising when you consider their history. She couldn't help but notice that even though this past year had obviously worn on him, she could see just how beautiful he truly was.

Her eyes continued up his perfect straight nose to his eyes. They were like no eyes She had ever seen before. With the lights bright above him they were a magnificent shade of bright blue, though when he looked down they turned almost grey. She wondered whether the grey in his eyes was due to the sadness that was so obvious within them.

"Okay dear, you are all finished" She heard Madam Malkin say to Draco.

"Thank you Madam, can you put them on my account?" Draco stepped down from the podium and as he turned he noticed the smooth brown curls shimmer under the light coming through the window and she spun into a rail of robes.

Hermione had panicked and quickly turned to a corner and tried to look as if I was admiring the Hufflepuff robes that hung there. She thought She was safe until She heard a small cough behind her.

"I don't think yellow is your colour Granger." Hermione turned around to face him, stuttering for something to say.

"I-umm"

"Look Granger if you are following me, stop it now. And tell your bloody friends there no reason to tail me. I'm not doing anything you have to worry about. I know I am your number 1 enemy and I fucked up but please, Just let me move on. Now leave me the hell alone." Draco snarled at Hermione, His face so close She could smell the peppermint and coffee on his breath. He cologne filled her senses again making her head spin. Before She could say anything he huffed and stormed away.

Hermione's new robes were sorted and fit perfectly. Madame Mallon had tried to cinch the waist right into Hermione's slim frame but she asked her to leave space in the hope she may regain some of the weight she had lost. Hermione packed them away and checked the time.

"Shit I am so late!" Hermione ran to The Leaky Cauldron where she was met with cheers from Ginny, Harry, Ron, Neville and Luna.

"You finally made it! Did you get lost in the book shelves?" Ginny laughed while Hermione hugged Neville and Luna and slid into the booth beside them.

"You could say that" She sighed then bit her lips, reluctant to tell her friends who she ran into.

Harry and Ron went to the bar and returned with six Fire Whiskeys.

"I'm not so sure about this, maybe I'll just have a butter beer..." Hermione started to get up to head to the bar.

"Rubbish Hermione, we're celebrating!" Harry said as he raised his glass "to fresh starts, good friends and following our dreams!" He cheered loudly.

They picked up their glasses. "Following our dreams!" They cheered and clinked their glasses together before gulping the drinks down, letting it burn.

"Six more!" Ron Bellowed toward the bar as they all laughed.

No one noticed the blue eyes watching Hermione from the shadows.