As Hermione entered the Great Hall the following morning, she was in a better mood; as if all the thoughts she had about the slytherin the day before had never occurred to her. She decided that she would avoid him as much as possible from now on, thing that she was already doing for the past six years, therefore it wouldn't be tough to keep this behavior.

Opposed to yesterday eve, Hermione was now a real chatterbox, and kept asking Ginny loads of questions about her relationship with Harry. And if the youngest of the Weasley family didn't mind talking about that, it was really awkward for the two boys sitting next to her; Ron wasn't feeling comfortable with knowing all about what Ginny and his best friend were doing when they were alone, nor was Harry. But Hermione didn't notice, or didn't seem to care if she had, and kept asking more and more questions.

- Guys, we should probably get going otherwise we're going to be late, Ron interrupted.

- We have plenty of time Ronny, Hermione replied with a smile.

- May I remind you that we have to go to the dungeons dear miss know-it-all? The read-head asked, and don't you dare call me Ronny again.

- Someone's in a bad mood today, Ginny whispered, rolling her eyes.

Hermione smiled and grabbed her books with a sigh. Potter wondered what was going on with his friend, usually she was the one telling them to hurry up to go to class, but this morning she was pretty reluctant to follow them into the dungeons; was it because they shared this class with the slytherins? Even if Potter didn't utter a word, she felt his gaze on her; she raised her head and tried to give him the most convincing smile she could succeed in faking at this time of day.

She sat next to Harry who was really wondering how he'll be able to get a good mark at his NEWT in potions without all the indications of his last year's friend, the half-blood prince. Even though he knew it belonged to Snape, he would have been grateful to still have it in his possession. Fortunately, he had Hermione to watch his back this year, and hopefully it'll be enough.

During the whole class, Hermione couldn't help but looking at Draco; from where she was sitting she could see his back and the right side of his face. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't even pay attention to what was being said and took no notes besides the date on her notebook. Oh Draco, what have you done to Hermione Granger?

It was with a great relief that Hermione left the dungeons and headed to the outside to attempt herbology class with professor Sprout and she welcomed the sights of the hufflepuffs with delight. Even though she didn't know any of them fully well, she'd rather be there than sharing another class with these despicable slytherins.

As they did during their second year at Hogwarts, they spent the house gardening mandrakes for Miss Pomfrey. Dean teased Neville by pretending to faint few times and before the hufflepuffs's eyes almost all the gryffindors were smiling and laughing to this memory and in answer to Longbottom's grin. No sight of Malfoy anywhere; herbology was definitely going to be a class that Hermione will like this year.

By their third period, the trio was enjoying their free time down the lake, throwing stones into the dark and frightening water while Harry was already planning this year's quidditch's tryouts which would take place pretty soon. Obviously he will have to do tryouts for each post except his; after all he was the captain and has been the youngest seeker in over a century during his first year here. And he doubted that any gryffindor will try to replace the present goal keeper; a loyalty that Ron will definitely appreciate.

Hermione sat down in the grass and looks around to see if anyone have had the same idea as theirs and had come to wander near the lake. She spotted a group of laughing slytherins who were just entering the castle. As she saw the green and sliver stripes on the black uniform, she immediately thought of Draco; she couldn't be sure that it was him though, she was sitting too far away. She wondered why he had invaded her thoughts since the previous day.

Draco, in the other hand, wasn't thinking that much about the gryffindor, not at all actually. And if he didn't bother to insult her in the hogwarts express it was only because he had way better things to do and he felt like she didn't need to be mock by his fellows. Maybe there was a part of him that pitied her.

He had some difficulties to admit it, but when she bumped into him he was somehow glad to see her; even though he put that on the fact that he was really pleased to make her life a living hell, yet he didn't say a thing and let her walk away with no harm.

- So what's with you and Pansy? Goyle asked.

- She's useful to me, that's it. But she begins to be really boring. I need some entertainment; I have no clue how to get some though, Malfoy answered.

- Should we look for some first years to bully? Crabbe suggested.

Malfoy smirked; that'd be enough for now.