The travel back to Hogwarts was filled with excited chatter and tight hugs with those they had not seen in months.

Cho Chang was the first as She was squeezing past the students trying to find a carriage. Hermione noticed the way she gazed at Harry as they politely said hello then passed each other before Cho noticed Hermione and stopped in front of her. Cho beamed at Hermione as She engulfed her in a massive hug.

"Cho, how are you? I hope you had a great summer?" Hermione said as she squeezed Cho back.

"Yes thank you Hermione. I'm just so pleased to be going back. Have some normality… I spent the summer practicing my quidditch" Cho chuckled. "It was nice to be somewhat care free for a change".

Hermione let out a sigh "I know what you mean. I'm so glad you are good".

Cho hugged her again before going to find her other Ravenclaw friends further down the train.

Hermione carried on the fight through the crowd barely able to see through the hundreds of bodies bustling around and shunting her. She knew that even if she looked she would see her friends now.

Hermione was just squeezing through a group of 4th year Hufflepuffs that had decided they all needed to catch up in the hallway, stopping any movement.

Hermione was grumbling to herself about their lack of logic when felt a hand softly snake around her waist and pull her further into the throng of hufflepuffs. They had rotated her slightly and her back was pulled tightly against another taller body. They had passed her just enough that I couldn't see them properly except for the black shirt covering their arm. They were so close she could feel their breath brushing her hair. Hermione was overwhelmed by the smell of peppermint toothpaste, coffee, green apples, sandalwood and musk.

They took in a deep breath from behind Hermione's ear before their hand slipped away, brushing against her waist and disappearing into the crowd.

Hermione felt a tingle travel through her body and her breath hitched in her throat. She turned quickly to try and catch the stranger but they had moved to quickly down the train. All she saw was bustling bodies and bobbing heads.

Hermione was glued to where she stood. Her legs protested as she shivered in a pleasing way. She pondered for a moment about what had just happened when the whistle blew telling her the train was departing.

Hermione made my way quickly down the train until She found her friends.

"What took you so long? Come and sit down!" Ginny said

Harry looked at me quizzically "Are you okay Hermione? You look a little sick"

Hermione touched her hot flushed cheeks. " I'm fine, just excited and nervous." She lied.

Hermione smiled at her best friends before turning to look out the window at the horizon. "We're going home."

"Why does she have to smell so fucking good." Draco growled. "And she's wearing the bloody skirt again. Fucking hell Malfoy. Get a grip." Draco scorned herself. "Why did I touch her?" He smacked his head against the glass of the door to his usual carriage. "I'm a fool." The door stung open causing Draco ro almost fall face first into the compartment.

"Are you a House elf now?" Blaize Zabini arched a thick black brow down at Draco, a mischievous smirk lighting his features waiting for an answer. Draco looked up at him from his shocked position on the floor.

"What do you mean?" Draco snapped back.

"Banging your head on the door. Didn't your old elf use to do that when he messed up?" Blaize asked, an amused smile playing on his lips. Draco stuttered.

"Oh do stop winding him up Blaze, he was probably just wishing he hadn't agreed to come back and now you are ripping into him wont help that either! Now help him up!" Pansy scolded before giving Draco a pitying smile. Draco hated pity.

Blaze held out his hand for Draco to take and pulled him up into a tight embrace, thumping his back. Draco stiffened, shocked by the unexpected contact. It had been so long since anyone had made him feel welcome, he gingerly raised a hand and tapped his friends back in thanks.

When he stepped away he was hurtled back into a seat as Pansy threw her arms around his chest. "I'm so glad you are here Drakie. I didn't think you would come!" She started kissing his cheek making a beeline for his lips. Draco pushed her away gently.

"Thanks Pans. I nearly didn't. Mother made me come." He admitted.

"And you wanted to see me of course!" Pansy fluttered her lashes.

Draco rolled his eyes, unable to ignore Pansy's short skirt and partially unbuttoned shirt being thrusted toward him. "Of course." He stated flatly, Blaze raised his eyebrow again clearly reading Draco's disinterest.

"Hi, any chance we can…" Two 5th year Ravenclaws stood in the doorway to their compartment frozen still with disgust written over their face as they noticed Draco.

Blaze stood to block their view and started closing the door in their face. A sense of protectiveness toward his friend. "Leave." He growled.

"Oh, don't worry!" One said.

"We wouldn't choose to sit with a Death Eater and his henchmen anyway!" The other sneered before they flounced away looking proud of themselves.

"Little shits." Pansy snapped.

"They have a point though, don't they?" Draco huffed angrily, dropping his head into his hands. "this year is going to be shit. And if I was you I'd stay away from me." He turned toward Pansy. "Especially you. Look Pans, it's time to move on. Nothing good could come from being with me."

"But i-."

"And surely you know I don't have feelings for you Pans, and no matter what our parents have said nothing will happen between us again. For your own safety, when we get off this train. Just stay away!"

Pansy looked hurt, and Draco couldn't bring himself to look at her any longer as she blinked tears away, Pansy turned to look out of the window and regain some self control over her emotions. "One day Malfoy, you'll change your mind and you'll see what's been in front of you all these years."

As the group stepped onto the platform at Hogwarts they couldn't help but stop and stared up at the castle.

"It's nothing like we left it after the war" Harry quietly said, his voice cracking with emotion.

"Mcgonagall has done a great job rebuilding the school" Hermione says with a hint of aww in my voice.

"It looks like nothing happened" Ron sounded thankful.

They heard a scream to their right and turned to see a group of Hufflepuff girls who had stepped off the train looking horrified. That's when they noticed 100s of students stopping dead in their tracks and staring at the carriages they had all assumed had pulled themselves along magically for so many years.

Hermione saw them too. The skeletal bodies that she had once ridden blindly. The reality of being able to see them and everyone's reactions pulled on her heartstrings.

"Don't worry everyone!" A small dreamy voice echoed around the platform. "These are Thestrals! They are beautiful, timid creatures. There nothing to be afraid of!" Luna announced as she stepped in front of the crowd and stroked one of the Thestrals skeletal bodies as she continued. "Thestrals are invisible to all except those who have been truly touched by death. Do you see how the First Years haven't noticed them?"

The crowd turned to see the first years climbing into their boats, unfazed by the monsters lining the paths. The students began to murmur to each other in understanding. Some hugged and reassured each other at the reminder of what happened. The fear in the atmosphere seemed to dissipate and everyone climbed into the carriages.

Harry led the way to Luna and thanked her for helping everyone.

"Of course Harry, you know as well as I do there is nothing to be afraid of" Luna chimed as she climbed into the carriage followed by Neville and the others.

Silence had fallen among all the students as they made the ascent to the castle they all loved and feared.

The Great Hall was filled with animated chatter as they found their seats. Students from each house were talking across the tables and joking between friends. Even some of the Slytherin girls had seemed to find Gryfidor boyfriends as they hovered around the table flirting ferociously with them. The atmosphere in the hall was like it had never been before.

Hermione couldn't help but smile.

Harry turned to her with a massive grin on his face. Even his eyes looked teary "Dumbledor would be so pleased if he could see everyone like this" Hermione nodded in agreement, blinking away the tears prickling the back of her eyes.

McGonnagal stepped up to the podium on the stage and placed the sorting hat on a stool. When she cleared her throat, everyone one went silent and ran back to their seats.

McGonnagal smiled looking around the room at all of the students.

"Welcome back everyone! I must say I am so pleased you are all here.

As you may have noticed we have some familiar faces joining us again this year.

We have invited all former 7th years to rejoin us for an 8th and final year."

Many students turned to look at them with excited faces. Hermione blushed and gave a little wave.

"The staff and I have noticed a sense of House unity among you all as we entered today. It has warmed our hearts and we trust you will continue this and offer each other the support and friendship you will all need this year.

If at any point anyone needs extra support, someone to talk to, all of your professors and myself are available for you at any time.

Shortly the first years will enter and the sorting will begin.

Let's make Dumbledor proud"

There was a moment of silence before the hall erupted in cheers and applause for the new headmistress we all respected.

McGonnagal smiled broadly and waved to Filch to allow the first years in. Everyone continued the applause as the first years walked timidly behind Hagrid to the stage.

"LET THE SORTING BEGIN!"

The feast was fantastic, possibly the best Hogwarts had ever had. Some students moved around to different tables, joining friends from different houses and people talking about their summer. Hermione gazed around the room, enjoying the sight of so many smiling faces when her eyes stopped on a set of diamond blue eyes.

Draco's eyes bore into her own as if he was trying to pull the thoughts from her mind. Draco's pouty lips appeared to part in a gasp before he turned away.

Hermione's heart felt like it missed a beat at the sight of him watching her. Heat instantly reached her face and she looked down at the plate in front of her, hair falling around her face to hide her shock.

What was that?

As she slowly peaked up to see Draco was now laughing animatedly with his friend Blaze. Her heart started to beat faster when she couldn't tear her eyes away from his beautiful smile. His straight white teeth almost glowed in the light. Small lines appeared in the corners of his eyes as he let out a loud belly laugh.

Goosebumps crept over Hermione's body, She had never seen Draco like this. The only time she had ever seen him laugh over the years was always more of a forced fake chuckle at her, Harry or Ron's expense. Even then She doesn't really remember seeing that after 4th year. After that he would only sneer at anyone who tried to speak to him. He had closed himself off to everyone.

Hermione couldn't help but smile to herself as she watched him enjoying his friend's company.

"You okay Mione?" Harry laughed at the expression on Hermione's face. "Who are you staring at?" He asked as he started to look around the room to where she was watching.

"Oh no one in particular Harry! I was just watching everyone! I'm so glad we are home!" She lied.

"Toast!" Ron called

Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Hermione raised their goblets of Pumpkin Juice.

"TO BEING HOME!" Ron called loudly catching everyone in The Great Hall's attention. Almost everyone, including the professors in the room raised their goblets.

"TO BEING HOME!" The Hall cried in unison and the goosebumps covered Hermione again.

After the feast McGonnagal asked all 8th years to stay behind.

Ginny refused to leave with the rest of the students, feeling she is an honour art 8th year. That and the fact she had a firm grip on Harry's hand that she refused to let go of.

"I am afraid you will not be returning to your previous dorms this year." Everyone looked around in confusion. Ginny tensed beside them and squeezed Harry's hand tighter. She looked at Hermione, a frown playing on her face.

"As there is the new intake of students it was not possible to fit everyone into their original dorms. Therefore we have built you your own accommodation. If you could all follow me please I will show you where you will be living."

"I better get going then…" Ginny said sadly, dropping Harry's hand. She turned to walk away.

"Miss Weasley, you may come along too." McGonnagal called to her. "I believe you will be spending most of your time there anyway, so you may as well see for yourself." Ginny grinned and linked her arm with Hermione's while grabbing Harry's hand again.

"You better bloody not." Ron Complained, glaring at his sister.

"Sod off Ronald" Ginny responded.

Filch opened the giant wooden doors and McGonnagal stepped out into the night air. Everyone followed her as she turned and walked around the side of the school walls. They approached the black lake and saw a large stone Manor sitting not far from the waters edge. Everyone started to hum with excitement.

McGonnagal stopped abruptly and turned to look at the students.

"As you will see we have built you a magnificent manor house. This manor will be shared by all of you. Down stairs you will find a large common room big enough for all of you. There are also other smaller common rooms for those who need space away to study. Miss Granger will be pleased to hear we have also given you all a small library with interesting books that will help with your studies and give you an adventure when you need an escape". Hermione blushed at this and everyone chuckled warmly.

She heard a chuckle directly behind her ear.

"Now I know exactly where you will be all year."

The words to quiet and so close to her ear, no one else would have heard them.

She stiffened and slowly turned her head to see Zabini and Goyle and Parkinson a small distance away watching McGonagall intently while Draco stood with them and looked ahead with an unreadable expression.

Hermione shook my head and returned her attention to her favourite professor.

"You will see there are assigned dorms and that each house has been mixed to encourage House Unity. You are the shining example of this school and we hope the other students will follow your example so please respect the new living arrangements. You are still expected to go to the Great Hall for your meals, please do not live off the snacks provided." Everyone buzzed with excitement just wanting to see inside the manor.

"I have one more announcement before I let you go. Could Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy please come to the front?"

Hermione looked around and her friends with a questioning look. They all shrugged and pushed her forward. She looked at Draco and his friends seemed to be doing the same. They both walked up to the front and everyone started to whisper. Hermione assumed it was because of Draco, Draco knew it was because of him.

"With the new accommodation and strange new structure we decided we needed 2 heads of year who can help to support you all and pass information from staff to students when needed. They will also be expected to ensure all students are in the manor by 11pm sharp. They will also assist with night patrols of the grounds before returning and reporting to me anyone who did not make the curfew. You will notice we have given you an extra hour. Please do not abuse it." She looked at a few students pointedly.

"The password is Albus" McGonnagal smiled at Hermione with a hint of sadness. "Now congratulates Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy and to all of you. You are free to explore!"

Hermione looked at Draco nervously. He nodded without saying a word and started walking toward the manor. She followed him and so everyone else followed her.

They made it to the entrance and stood in front of a large oak door with the school emblem carved into it.

"We'll go on then Hermione we want to see inside! Besides, it's bloody freezing!" Seamus called to her.

Hermione chuckled. "Albus." She said, loud and clear.

They watched as each house emblem split one at a time in a clockwise direction then the doors opened wide slowly revealing a magnificent entry hall with a large oak staircase leading to the first floor. Everyone entered and gasped or giggled with excitement. Everyone split up and started roaming the manor, exploring. Hermione stood and took in the magnificent view around her. Draco stepped close and stood next to her, his arm almost brushed her own.

"It's impressive, even by my standards" Hermione looked over at Draco and followed his gaze up to a brilliant chandelier made up of sparkling crystals of red, green, blue and gold hanging on a large silver frame.

"It is" She whispered.

Draco turned to look at her, a stern look fixing his features.

"Look. I know you hate me and that you are suspicious of me, but I want to put my past behind me and move on." Draco let out a breath he seemed to be holding.

"It seems we will have to spend a lot of time together this year and I don't like it anymore than you do. I'm just letting you know now I don't need you and your friends trying to sabotage me. Let's just agree to stay out of each other's way unless absolutely necessary". He sneered slightly but Hermione got the feeling it didn't have the same emphasis it used to.

Hermione studied his features, he still looked tired but the colour had started to return to his skin, his eyes less shadowed. Before she could say anything in return Draco turned and walked away.

Hermione let out a sigh and scowled at the chandelier. She didn't want to avoid him. She actually wanted to make a point of NOT avoiding him. She didn't want to be friends per say, but she didn't want to be enemies either. Besides the more he avoided her the less she could secretly admire his handsome features.

Hermione was still glaring at that bloody chandelier when Ron snuck up behind her and stroked her hair behind her ear making her jump.

"Hey, sorry I scared you." He gave her a half smile. "Have you seen the library yet?" Hermione shook her head, her wild hair falling back into her face.

"You will love it!" Ron draped his arm over Hermione's shoulder and walked her through the most magnificent common room she could ever imagine.

The hard oak floors continued throughout the manor. The common room had two large stone fireplaces on either side of it. Both blazing with large orange flames.

There were large sofas and cozy armchairs in multiple clusters around the room. All were a soft velvet material and in jewel shades of the house colours. Grey/silver rugs lay on the floor between them adorned with coffee tables of all variations.

Hermione stared in wonder at the ceiling which had been bewitched to show the sky above, just like The Great Hall. As it was late the ceiling was a dark inky blue, almost black with brilliant bright stars.

"C'mon Mione. This way!" Ron led her to a door at the back of the room which opened up to another fairly large room. The walls were covered floor to ceiling with books.

Hermione's mouth dropped open as she went to the section labeled Muggle literature. Tears pricked her eyes as she ran her fingers over the spines of what looked like thousands of first editions. She stopped at a bookbound in leaf green leather and I grinned widely, pulling it off the shelf and turning to Ron, filled with excitement.

"It's Peter Pan! I love this book, When I was growing up my dad would read this to me all the time!" Ron beamed at her excitement until her smile faltered and sadness hit her like a wave. Hermione turned back to the shelf and slid the book back into its space, hiding the tears that suddenly threatened to fall.

Ron came up behind Hermione and turned her into his body, his arms enveloped her as her head found his chest. Ron stroked Hermione's hair and shushed her, the vibrations of his voice and heart beat in his chest somewhat soothing to her.

"Mione, please don't cry. They would be so proud of you". Ron whispered, squeezing her tighter.

Hermione heard footsteps behind Ron but he didn't seem to notice them, or maybe he just didn't care. He just continued to stroke her hair. Hermione pulled away just in time to see Draco's tall figure with white blond hair vanish through the door.

"Thank you Ron." She smiled lifting her chin to show him she meant it.

Ron smiled back tenderly. "C'mon let's find Harry before we look for our dorms".

They found Harry and Ginny chatting in the entrance hall with Parvati and Padma Patil when they saw them approaching.

Parvati smiled sweetly at Hermione and Ron before Padma spoke. "Hermione. It seems we are in the same dorm." Shegave Hermione a great toothy wasn't hard to see what the twins were considered the most beautiful in the year.

"Brilliant! Finally some quality time with a Ravenclaw" Hermione laughed. "Maybe I'll get some stimulating conversation for once!" She joked, nudging Ginny.

"Don't be so sure." Parvati grinned. "She can be a bit of an Airhead I'm afraid!"

Padma scoffed. "No more than you." She scowled at her twin.

"Ahh yes, but I don't claim to be wise or intelligent!" Hermione could help but laugh at their easy banter as she started to climb the stairs.

"Hey! Mione! I'm off! See you at breakfast!" Ginny waved. "Don't miss me too much" she winked.

"Night guys." Hermione waved back.

Ron followed the girls on the stairs and when they turned left at a sign pointing towards the girls dorms he turned right.

"See you tomorrow ladies." He nodded before heading down his hall.

Hermione and the twins turned and saw a long corridor with beautiful lanterns hanging all the way down each wall, between the doorway to each dorm. They walked forward and saw on the first door on the left were our names written in bright gold calligraphy

Hermione Granger

Padma Patil

Susan Bones

Pansy Parkinson

When Hermione reached the final name she couldn't help but swear. Padma looked back at the name list again. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"Pansy has been a bitch to Hermione since first year. Remember the teeth thing? That was Pansy Parkinson." Parvati explained.

"Well this will be interesting!" Padma sang as she opened the door.

This room was beautiful too. It had deep blue walls with giant gold stars painted across them which continued onto the ceiling where a crescent moon was painted in the center. The moon and stars shimmered and twinkled reflecting light everywhere. The room was filled with more lanterns floating close to the height ceiling. There were four king size four poster beds, and each had corresponding house colours for their bedsheets and surrounding curtains. Their trunks were already placed at the foot of their beds. Hermione couldn't help but smile and let out a sigh. "This is so gorgeous! I can't believe it" Padma clapped her hands excitedly and jumped onto her bed. Hermione flopped down onto hers feeling the soft warm crimson sheets cool and inviting on her skin.

"This year is going to make up for all the other crap we've been through " Padma announced as smiled over at Hermione.

"I think you might be right." she agreed.

Draco stomped through the manor and up the stairs to find his room. He could explore tomorrow, right now he just wanted to be away from all those god awful happy faces.

Draco followed the sign to the boys and couldn't help but stop when he saw a long corridor lined with lanterns. It looked like it went on for extremity with its mirrored wall as the far end. If he hadn't seen his own reflection he may have been fooled. He started to search for his dorm but didn't have to look long as he saw his name shining in the light, written on the second door on the right.

The looping gold calligraphy listed;

Ronald Weasley

Michael Corner

Justin Finch-Fletchly

Draco Malfoy

Draco eyes flicked back to the first name and he punched the wall. "Fucking marvellous!" He yelled at himself as he swung the door open.

As pissed off as Draco was he was still pleasantly surprised by the room. The walls were very dark grey, which continued up to the ceiling. Ripples of blue, green and silver shiver around and above him giving him the impression he was underwater. One spot in the ceiling looks just like if you could see the moon trying to break through the ripples of water, dispersing light through the room.

Silver lanterns flayed near the high ceiling, not that Draco felt they needed them in this room.

He looked at the four, four-poster beds in corresponding house colours and rolled his eyes when he saw the deep crimson sheets.

"What the bloody hell was McGonagall thinking putting me and that twat in the same room!" Draco yelled to no one. He threw himself down on his emerald bedding and closed his eyes in frustration.

"Well at least I told the Queen-Bee to stay away, hopefully she'll pass the message on." He spoke to himself again. Draco worried he may be losing his mind. He quickly changed out of his robes and jumped into bed, pulling his curtain around his bed. Tomorrow he would speak with McGonagall about a room change. Even Potter would be a better choice!

Draco was just starting to unwind when the door flew open and heavy footsteps marched to beside his bed. His curtain was yanked back and the ginger twat was practically growling at him.

"I don't know how the hell you got McGonagall to let you back. Or what you have hanging over her head in order to get Head Boy but to me you are still Death Eater Scum. Don't even try to do anything funny or you will live to regret it. And I suggest you stay out of my way!" Ron spat.

Draco plastered a board look on his face. "Are you quite done Weasel? I was trying to get some sleep. You see I have a late night tomorrow patrolling with you girlfriend." Draco smirked.

Ron pushed Draco down on the bed with his hand around his throat, first raised ready to crack Draco in the Jaw when Michael and Justin came in.

They blinked between Ron and Draco, jousting looked Dumb founded.

"As much as I'd love to see Malfoy get a good beating," Michael said. "I'd prefer you did it outside of my bedroom, thanks."

Draco silently thanked Michael with his eyes while Ron huffed and pulled away. Draco watched as Ron threw himself down on his bed. Maybe Granger hadn't spoken to him yet…

Draco drew his curtains again and placed a lock charm over them so he didn't get any uninvited guests in the night.

Now that he had thought of Hermione the image of her on the train floated into his mind. That tight suede skirt hugged her arse so perfectly. And that white top, giving just a slight glimpse of her bra. Wow. He didn't expect her waist to be so tiny under her clothes though, and he's certain her felt her ribs protruding in a way he felt was similar to his own. The thought saddened him. He knew his own issues, he couldn't understand why Hermione would be similar. Now he thought about it, her arms and legs were looking thinner too. Maybe he would have to watch and make sure she was eating properly.

No Draco, it's not your place to look out for her… he thought, angry with himself.

Draco had shocked himself though, he hadn't planned on touching her, let alone pressing her against him and taking a deep breath of her enchanting scent. He couldn't quite pick it apart. He knows for sure he could smell rose, and maybe raspberries. Definitely coconut in her hair. But there was something else. Almost a base note that tied them all together. He was going to have to figure it out or die trying.

"For fuck sake!" Hermione and Padma heard a scream outside the room "why the fuck am I with Granger?!"

Hermione looked at Padma with a horrified expression and she bit her lip to stop the laugh that threatened to spill out. "I think Pansy is here…"

"It's not that bad" said a soft friendly voice I recognised. "Granger's not that bad when you get to know-..." the girl was cut off.

"And who the hell are you? Why are you talking to me?"

"I-I'm Susan… your roommate…"

There was another scream of frustration and the door swung open. Hermione blinked with wide eyes as Pansy looked around the room before she marched to the end of Hermione's bed.

"Why you?! Why am I with the sodding Mudblood?!" Hermione didn't flinch at Pansy's words. She was so used to them by now. Draco had called her Mudblood every time he saw her for years.

"Hello Pansy, it's nice to see you too. Aren't you just so excited to be roommates?" Hermione drawled out sarcastically then giggled and clapped her hands together in a mocking way.

Panay huffed "Watch it Mudblood or you might wake up with Giant teeth again…"

"Go ahead. It'd be good to have a laugh" Hermione chuckled. Pansy didn't like that Hermione didn't seem at all faded by her threats and decided with a huff to throw herself on her bed with a flounce and scream into her pillow, Banging the bed like a toddler.

Hermione used her wand to close the curtains around Pansy's bed and charmed it so that no one had to hear her "Good night Pansy. You might feel better in the morning".

Padma and Susan started howling with laughter causing Hermione to laugh with them. It felt so good until it hurt.

Hermione started getting ready for bed, as did Padma and Susan. When they were ready they snuggled into bed Susan draw her curtain first leaving the other two in peace. They smiled at each other once more "good night Padma."

"Good night Hermione, I hope you have magical dreams"

Hermione closed the curtains and settled under her covers letting the mattress absorb her.

That night She did have magical dreams. Of dazzling blue eyes that invited her to dive in and swim to their deepest depths…