Year 1: Train Encounters
As Hermione took her first steps onto the Hogwarts Express, she immediately felt a rush of excitement. On the outside, her expression remained calm and collected, but her thoughts were racing. Immediately after Hermione received her acceptance letter, she began to plan out her perfect 7 Year plan at Hogwarts. She had outlined the classes she wanted to take, her target O.W.L and N.E.W.T scores, and all the extracurriculars she planned to pursue. Although some in the witch and wizarding world felt that muggle-borns were lesser than those with magic in their veins, Hermione remained unfazed by their prejudice. She knew better that hard work and dedication made the magic, not blood. After finding her carriage, she sat down and pulled out "An Introduction to Charms" and immediately became engrossed in the latest chapter.
"Is that really him?"
"No way, it can't be! Who would've thought he would be starting Hogwarts the year as us?"
"Let's go to the front! Maybe we'll get to meet him!"
Hermione peeked up from her book, watching as the two young witches made their way towards the gathering crowd. She knew that only one person of that profile could garner such attention; Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. Of course, she knew who he was, she was a muggle born, not ignorant. Curious herself, Hermione decided to go and see if she could catch a glimpse of the most famous 11 year old in the wizarding world.
Just as she stepped out of her cabin she felt a weight hit her like a ton of bricks. Next thing she knew she was on the floor of the train, lying face down.
"Crabbe! Goyle! Seriously, are you two daft? Watch where you're going! You two are lucky this sap here broke my fall!" Sap? Was the voice referring to her?
"Excuse me, but this sap has a name", she said as she picked herself up and dusted herself off. She looked down at the scrapes on her knees and back up at her assailant. His pale gold hair was slicked back, robes impeccably ironed, no doubt made with the most expensive fabric in the wizarding world. Her eyes met his and she felt an instant rush of cold. The boy's eyes were like frost, icy, gray-blue, and shimmering with silver specks. Hermione was at a loss for words, the boy standing in front of her seemed more ethereal than anyone she had encountered before.
"Hmph, not my fault- these two over here have two left feet." The boy said, refusing to take responsibility for nearly knocking the wind out of her.
"I still think you should at least apologize to me." Hermione grumbled. "You didn't even bother to help me up or ask me if I was alright. That hardly seems polite."
The blonde rolled his eyes, "You seem fine to me, you got yourself up there alright didn't you?"
Hermione was at a loss for words, never in all her 11 years of life had she met a boy so haughty and rude. She clenched her fists, determined to not make a scene before she even set foot in the school. She was always taught to take the high road, so rather scold the boy on his manners she decided she would attempt to be polite.
"My name's Hermione Granger, what's yours?", she held out her hand, expecting him to shake it. The blonde boy gave her a quizzical look, and hesitantly took her hand.
"Draco, Draco Malfoy. Surprised you don't know who my father is." Draco responded, a mix of surprise and pride in his voice.
Hermione studied him for a second, "I do. Lucius Malfoy, head of the Malfoy family, one of the oldest pureblood families." Draco smirked, he knew his family was important, that he was important. Good that this girl recognized that.
"Well at least you're not completely clueless. Granger you said? I don't believe I've heard of a wizarding family with that surname." Draco said, looking at Hermione expectantly.
"That's because I'm muggle born. Both of my parents are dentists in the muggle realm." Hermione replied. Draco's expression immediately morphed to one of disdain.
"I see, you're a muggle. How…interesting." He barely made an effort to conceal the contempt in his tone. How could anyone expect him, the heir to the Malfoy family- to interact with a muggle. Draco shook his head, maybe his parents had been right to consider Durmstrang, at least blood purity meant something there.
"Well, Granger, we really must be off." Draco said as he pushed past her. Hermione couldn't help but feel a bit dumbfounded. She knew that she'd encounter prejudice and scorn from some at Hogwarts, but to think it would start so soon. That Malfoy didn't even apologize to her and left without so much as a "nice to meet you". Although she had to admit it was indeed not nice to meet him. She looked down at the scrapes on her knees, she'd need to find some sort of bandage and disinfectant for that, and soon. What a disappointing start to her time at Hogwarts. Hermione shook her head, determined to not let one sour encounter ruin what would be the beginning of her magical journey.