I know it's been a loooong time and many apologies for those who have kept up with this story. I lost the will to write for a while since my last entry, and then I started college and now going on my second year. But I'm back now, and have found the inspiration to write again. So enjoy and fill free to leave reviews.

Draco's POV

"Well, that was …"

"Awkward." Finishing my mothers' sentence before she could, once Granger was far enough away.

"No, what I was going to say was pleasant, considering the situation." She says with a calm tone.

If mother was rattled by the entire exchange with Granger, then she does a perfect job not showing it. Though, that's what is to be expected by a perfect pureblood lady.

Mother and I continue to make are way to the platform after our encounter with Granger in relative silence due to the fact the King's Cross has enough noise to make one not even hear their own thoughts. The stations noise, however, does not stop me from thinking back to what just happened.

One moment I was walking through the station a little ahead of mother, due to the fact that a large group of muggle tourist had separated us, minding my own business, and the next I feel a something very small and very solid run straight into my side.

I didn't realize it was a person, let alone Granger, until I looked down and saw her laying flat on her bum, with her hair strewn across her face.

I knew she didn't even realize it was me because she didn't stop to look at the person she bumped into, but immediately began to assemble her things she had dropped and recompose herself.

She looked a bit rattled, perhaps because she realized it was me who she ran into. I also probably didn't help matter when I spoke to her. Hell, I even apologized and helped her up. So really she has every right to be shocked by the entire thing. She'll most likely try to avoid me the entire year, no thanks to my stupid self bringing up the whole manor incident with her and my mother.

No wonder she ran away so fast. Wait… did she say she was Head Girl? Figures McGonagall would make her Head Girl. This is going to be an interesting year indeed.

As we approach the barrier for the platform, I can feel my mothers hand in the crook of my arm began to tense. This will be the first time she's been out in public since the trial, but her face gives nothing away as she releases her hold of me and steps through the barrier with an effortless ease.

I used to get a rush of adrenaline every time I pass through the barrier, but this time as I follow my mother I feel nothing but dread.

As I entire the platform, I see loads of parents hugging their children. Mothers with excited smiles and fresh tears on their cheeks as they say their goodbye to the first year students. Underclassmen greeting their fellow classmates and promises to sit with each other on the train.

Then I see her again. She's crying as she hugs Weasley and Potter. Of course they would come see her off, even while being in Auror training.

I look away before she notices that I am looking in their direction, and began to put my trunk on the train. After it is load I look at my mother who is standing by herself waiting for me to say goodbye.

She give a small smile at me as I approach her to say our goodbyes.

"Please write often sweetheart, you know how fond I am of your letters and how lonely I am at the manor without you." She says, I knowing full well she is trying to make me feel guilty, even though I know she can entertain herself perfectly fine.

"Of course mother." I reply as manly as I can.

"And please, do try to stay out of any trouble. You are Head Boy after all, and I am so proud that you are going back. This will be good us, good for you." She says a little softer this time.

"Thank you mother, I promise I won't let you down." I give her a small nod and as I turn away to board the train, she takes my hand and surprises me with a hug.

I unsurely wrap my arms around her to return her sudden display of affection.

"I love you sweetheart, never forget that." She whispers as she hugs me. When we release, she looks at me for a moment and then gives me her best mum smile.

"I love you to mum." I whisper back to her and give a short nod and turn to board the train.

As I make my way through the train heading towards the Heads cabin, I continue to think about the hug my mother gave me. In public no less. Malfoy's have be taught to keep their emotions and displays of affection to a bare minimum. So for her to do that was quite a shock, but was a rather nice change from our usual formal goodbyes.

Once I make to the heads cabin I quickly open the door and step into the compartment. Once inside, I carefully place Romulus' cage in the overhead rack and take a seat next away from the window to avoid anyones eye.

I lay back against the seat and close my eyes. I focus on my breathing, and listen to the hum of the Hogwarts Express as it begins to leave the station. I open my eyes only for a moment to see that we have fully left the station and on our way to Hogwarts. I close my eyes again hoping for sleep to overtake me, and send a silent prayer that I can keep my nightmares at bay just long enough for a nap.

Hopefully I'll be awake before Granger gets here.