hello. (: i did not get that many reviews last chapter, but a ton of hits and story adds, so ive decided to post another chapter. but reviews are the only way i really know that you want me to continue, so please do. lol hopefully this will be better than the last few…

i do not own harry potter blah blah blah.

Hermione Granger sat alone in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express. Tears ran silently down her cheeks. Her time with Harry and Ron had been, interesting. To see them so happy and carefree put a smile on her face, but when she thought of how she could not share that with them, tore her heart in two. They were the golden trio, how was she expected to not converse with them at all this year? She had not really thought any of this through when she agreed to accept the mission. But, it's all for the bigger cause, the bigger picture. This could possibly help bring down Voldemort, she could surely sacrifice this if that is the result.

But it still hurt to not be able to joke around and have to pretend that she hasn't spent the last 5 years with them. She left them with Ginny and Neville with the excuse that she needed some air. When really, she needed some time to cry by herself before being thrown into a new house with people she, for lack of a better term, hadn't really gotten along with.

Draco had just left Pansy with Theo and Blaise and started to walk around to look for an empty compartment where he could think. Crabbe and Goyle had not bothered returning this year, being full time death eaters and all. They didn't know better and had accepted it willingly, wanting to be just like their fathers. Something they did not have in common with Draco. With all that just happened, and all he couldn't talk about with them, he just needed to be by himself for a while.

He put his ear to a door, and when he did not hear a sound, opened it expecting to find empty air. What he found, however, had his trademark scowl softening immediately.

She lay on the seat, with her feet against the window, and her face turned away from the door. She did not hear the door open, as she was still deep in thought and grief of losing her boys for at least the next six months. She whipped her head around, however, when she heard someone clear their throat. What she saw made her start wiping her face out of embarrassment. She wasn't used to people seeing her cry, no matter what she looked like.

"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked hesitantly, fearing her rejection.

She sniffed and took a few deep, calming breaths, before replying, "No, sit down." with a small smile.

He did as she told, and took the time to introduce himself, "I'm Draco Malfoy, and you are?"

"He-Rosalie Jones, nice to meet you." she stuck her hand out to him, and almost gasped when he raised it to his lips.

He looked at her flushed face and realized that she was obviously not used to being around people with good manners. However, he decided he would continue to do so, wanting to be as kind as possible, seeing as she obviously did not know his family or reputation yet.

"Is this your first year at Hogwarts? I mean, you're clearly not eleven, but I think I would have noticed someone as beautiful as you sometime in the past five years…" he trailed off with a smirk, a softer one, but a smirk none the less.

She blushed, not used to being complimented so bluntly, and replied, "No, I'm not eleven, but this is my first year here. I was home schooled in America, but when I was asked to enroll when a girl in year six was not returning. Hermione Granger, I think her name was."

Hermione frowned when he grimaced at her name. However, he covered it up quickly and put the charm back in place.

"Well, I'm glad you're here." he told her.

An awkward silence came after that, and they took the time to study each other. Hermione was looking out the window, and did not notice his eyes boring into her.

This is my chance, Rosalie. he thought with a small smile. Finally, someone who doesn't know my name, or what it means. I can have someone to talk to without worrying about keeping up my image, or what they will think of what I have to say. She looks so innocent, and she has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, a light blue, almost purple shade. That's it. I can't get her involved with my mission, but she will be different. She will make this year better. She will help me become who my father is not.

She looked up from the window and immediately met Draco's gaze. He quickly glanced away, and took his own turn at looking out the window at the passing scenery. As she stared, she noticed she had never seen him, so, relaxed. The typical cruel smirk or scowl was gone, and his body slumped against the cushion. His blue-grey eyes didn't have the malicious tone to them that they usually held. He almost looked, serene. It was a little bit unnerving to say the least, but she could get used to it. Hermione just hoped that this would be the Draco she would become friends with.

Maybe this won't be so bad. He was just nice to me. Only cause he doesn't know who you are, her conscious added. No, if this is how he is all the time, I could see us being friends, or maybe more…what? Did i just think that? I mean, he does look like he's grown up, in more ways than one. He had grown out of his skinny frame and pointed features were more pronounced, more sophicated, more handsome. Oh my, this year will be interesting.

The train came to a stop, which meant what little peace he got was about to be gone, and sighed. He looked at her through the corner of his eye and saw her smile at him, her eyes shining, which made him look at her and smile in return.

Yes, Draco thought to himself, this will not be an entirely horrible year. Please be in Slytherin. If so, she will be my light in this dark time. I just have to keep her away from him.

ahhhh, what do you think? i've decided to post this chapter, and the next one will be the sorting and having Hermione meet her new housemates. (;

i thought of the song Something More – Aly and AJ for this chapter…

I didn't know what was in store.
When I walked right through the door.
Then I saw you over there, our blue eyes locked in a stare.
I didn't know quite what to say; sometimes words get in the way.

Would we be more than friends?
Yet little did I know before,
We would be something more