Note: I am sorry for the delayed update. It took me ages to find this and then ages again to actually type it up. I will try to have chapter 3 written and posted sooner than later. Please Read and Review, and forgive my tardiness!!!

Disclaimer: Harry Potter will never be mine. Harry Potter will always belong to J.K. Rowling.

Particular

Chapter 2: New Duties

As the train slowed to a stop at the Hogsmeade station, Hermione pulled her robes back over her head and turned to Draco.

"You should make sure no one's left behind. I'll make sure everyone gets where they're going."

Draco nodded curtly and strode from the compartment, his robs flowing behind him. Hermione exited the train and walked down its length, opening all the doors and ensuring there was a prefect stationed at each one. She smiled and waved at Ron and Harry, who both waved back. Soon the students were piling out of the train and Hagrid's voice was calling out for the first years. Hermione supervised the students getting on the carriages and watched the Thestrals as they walked ghost like onwards towards the castle.

Slowly, the queue began to thin and she saw Draco coming up the path. The last of the students clambered into a carriage, laughing, but there was no room for either Draco or Hermione.

"Looks like we'll have to wait for another one."

Hermione nodded, "I guess so."

A very awkward silence filled the air between them. After all, they were enemies. It seemed almost a cruel joke that they were being forced to run the entire operation together.

"I –"

"Thanks –"

Both stopped and looked at each other. "Go ahead." Hermione said.

"No, it's not important. What were you going to say?" Draco asked, looking at her.

"It's nothing really. Probably just an ego boost for your fat head."

Draco's jaw dropped. "I beg your pardon? MY fat head? You're the one constantly throwing the fact that you're smarter than everyone else in everybody's faces."

Hermione frowned. "I don't do it on purpose. Besides, you flaunt your pure-blood mania everywhere and yet I – yes, that's right – the muggle born, still beat you in everything."

"Don't you think I know that?" He snapped, walking away from her and towards the approaching carriage.

Hermione hesitated, wishing to avoid a heated confrontation with Draco, but moved towards the carriage as well, making sure to keep her distance. As she stepped into the carriage, it started to move and the sudden jolt sent her tumbling right onto Draco's lap after hitting her head rather painfully on the way down.

Cursing loudly, she pulled herself up and onto the other seat, holding her rapidly swelling temple. "Ugh," she moaned as she pulled her hand away and saw blood on her fingers. Draco held out a handkerchief and she pressed it gently to her throbbing temple.

"That looks painful," He said, "Are you alright?"

Hermione nodded, closing her eyes. "I'll be fine. It just smarts is all." She opened her eyes and turned to look at him. "Listen, I'm really sorry about what I said back there. I'm sure your father must make it hell for you."

Draco stiffened slightly, but recovered almost immediately. "That fall must have knocked you silly Granger. Since when has it ever mattered to you?"

Hermione smiled softly. "I'm not a child anymore Malfoy. Our differences are unimportant and I don't have the tolerance for immature arguments over blood status."

"You never cared about it." Draco said, furrowing his brow slightly and taking back his handkerchief.

"Thanks," She said, leaning back. "You're wrong about that though. I've resented the fact that I get looked down on because of what my parents are. People assume I'm a pure-blood because I'm so smart and talented. It's just – I've always wished it never matter. Oh, look, we're at the castle."

Draco held the door for Hermione as she shakily got out of the carriage. "Maybe you should go see Madam Pomfrey." He suggested, frowning, as he caught her from falling.

She nodded. "After we check in with Professor Dumbledore."

"Alright. Just don't expect me to catch you again."

Hermione chuckled weakly. "Oh, Malfoy. I know you want everyone to think you hate me. But I do appreciate you not trying to hex me in this state."

Draco smirked. "I may be a jerk, but I'm still a gentleman."

The two of them slowly made their way to the Great Hall. Hermione kept stumbling over herself. "Damn it," She said. "I've probably given myself a concussion."

"I wouldn't doubt it Miss Granger, that's quite a nasty bump on your head."

Professor Dumbledore smiled at them. "I hope you haven't been fighting."

"Oh no, Professor! I fell in the carriage and hit my head." Hermione said quickly.

"Well then you should go see Madam Pomfrey. She'll clear that up quickly. If you could please, Mr Malfoy, escort Miss Granger to the hospital wing. I will be there shortly."

Draco nodded and led Hermione on, firmly gripping her arm. She didn't protest, but rather gladly accepted the support. They remained silent until they got to the hospital wing. "I might as well go in with you, seeing as Professor Dumbledore said he'd be here soon." Hermione nodded as Draco followed her into the room.

"Well, it's not too bad." Madam Pomfrey said, inspecting the shallow gash on her Hermione's temple. "Just a simple charm to fix that up. I'll give you a potion for the dizziness as well."

Hermione nodded gratefully and swallowed the potion. She pulled a face that made Draco snigger. "What's so funny?" She asked putting down the cup as Madam Pomfrey ran her want across Hermione's cut.

Draco shrugged as Professor Dumbledore entered the ward. "Good evening Poppy. The feast is just beginning."

"Thank you Professor, but I have a patient." She said, glancing at Hermione.

"I assure you, my dear lady, that I will ensure Miss Granger is well taken care of."

Madam Pomfrey pursed her lips, rather like Professor McGonagall, but left the room all the same without another word. Dumbledore turned his attention back to the two watching him. His eyes twinkled brightly. "Good evening. It's good to see you both again."

Both of them nodded. Dumbledore continued, "As you know, being students Heads has a lot of responsibilities, but there are also many privileges. As you know, Lord Voldemort was defeated last year. Last school year, I should say, by Harry Potter. Naturally, this is a joyous occasion and the House Heads and I have decided there should be an annual celebration of the event. And the Head Boy and Girl are in charge of organizing the ball."

"Really?" Hermione asked. "But, what about our NEWTs and classes? How will we have time to study?"

Dumbledore smiled. "You will be given adequate study time I assure you. The ball will be held at the end of the year, after the exams have taken place and all our teachers are willing to help. Plus, we have ministry funding."

Hermione slumped back, thinking hard. Draco remained silent and expressionless. There was no way he'd enjoy a ball. He thought the Yule ball was bad! Now they had to throw a ball in honour of precious Potter.

"What's troubling you Mr Malfoy?"

Draco shook his head. "Nothing, sir."

Dumbledore pondered him for a moment then stood. "Very well. I must return to the feast. Please join me; I'm sure you must be hungry."

The two of them stood and followed Dumbledore to the Great Hall, stopping outside its doors to look at each other.

"You don't want the ball either, do you?" Hermione asked.

Draco shook his head. "Still, we can't let down everyone, I guess."

Hermione nodded. "Well, see you around Malfoy, you slime ball."

Draco smirked. "Unfortunately, mud blood."

And, looking as though they were embarrassed to be seen with each other, they walked into the Great Hall, hurrying towards their friends. But despite complaining about each other to those close to them, neither could help but glance back to each other and smile. Their conversation in the carriage seem to have set aside some of their differences at last.

Dumbledore sat smiling in his seat at the staff table. Yes, he thought, this is going to be a wonderful year. His eyes twinkled as he saw a playful smile pass across Draco Malfoy's face as he looked at Hermione. Could it be that the Slytherin Prince and Gryffindor's most prized student were warming up to each other? Well, thought Dumbledore, it certainly seemed that way.

And there we have it!!!! Please review, it does let me know that people are actually reading this which does make me feel bad for not updating. So, if you are reading and would like more... review please! It'll encourage me :D