Disclaimer: I sadly don't own any Harry Potter related. The fantastic JK Rowling does!

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Head Girl

Soon enough the train came to a halt and Hermione was quickly out the door. with her purse wrapped around her uniform. Her Head Girl badge pin was clearly visible. She had changed quite long ago, when preparing Draco's notes. She had been surprised to see him in his uniform and badge when he had come to startle her. Not even all the Prefects had been in their uniforms yet, and she found that very disrespectful and tardy. As far as she could see among the many students now exiting the train, all the Prefects were now in proper clothing however. All students as well.

The half giant was clearly visible at the end of the platform, that was now crowded with students. Prefects were showing second years towards the carriages. The Thestrals stood patient and obedient in front of each carriage. Very few students looked utterly confused, whereas most shied away from the creatures. They were not exactly beautiful to watch, and once you could see them it only meant that you had seen death. The connection wasn't the most astounding, but was yet another reminder of the war and all they had witnessed and been through.

Hermione made her way through the bust crowd and hugged Hagrid as soon as she reached him. Being quite a lot larger than her, or any of the students, he hadn't even noticed her coming. As soon as he realized she was giving him a hug he reached down his arms to embrace her the best he could.

A small tear escaped Hermione's eye. "Hagrid" She muffled into his thick coat. "I've missed you!"

"I've missed ye too!" A snorting sound escaped him, and he had to brush off a tear himself. He squeezed her tighter, and soon she had to pat him for she wasn't getting any air. Immediately he let her go and she straightened herself up with a smile. "Sorry, Hermione" He mumbled.

"Ye knows who the first yers are?" He asked once they had both collected themselves from the emotional embrace.

"They have been told to stay here on the platform, so we can follow them into the castle" She smiled up at him. She really had missed Hagrid. He had this aura or carefree happiness around him, even when things were hard or tough, they had always been able to go to Hagrids. If not for a big mug of tea, it was to gain further information he wasn't supposed to spill.

Hermione swung around with her wand at the touch of a hand on her shoulder.

"Startled you again, did I Granger." Malfoy seemed rather pleased with that fact.

"I would greatly appreciate it if you didn't creep up on me like that all the time." He just crooked an eyebrow at her. "Where's scar-head and the weasel? Thought they'd have devoured you by now."

Hermione was a little confused by this as well. She hadn't gone to visit them in their cart, and they had had a tense moment before entering the train. Never the less, that didn't mean she didn't want to be acknowledged. "Seems like they've already headed off to the castle" She said, more to herself than Malfoy.

He seemed to notice how she felt because he didn't mention it again, but rather waited in silence next to her and Hagrid.

Soon all the lost first years had gathered around Hagrid, and Hermione decided it was time to speak up. "I believe all of you are here now, so we can start heading for the boats!"

They walked in a collected group. A few were already talking weakly at each other, however the muggle borns were significantly quieter. She remembered her own first time crossing over the lake. Her first contact with real magic. Surely she had produced some of her own, like moving a tea pot without touching it, but she had never seen it it it's grand state. It had blown her mind away. Having read as much as she could before hand, so she would be prepared, she knew what would happen, and how it would happen. However, she had never seen it happen, and nothing could compare. One can visualize it, but it will never compare to real magic.

It was dark, so both Draco and Hermione, as well as Hagrid, were holding a torch each. Their fires leading the way from the platform to the lake. When they had finally reached the shore a bunch of dark boats could be seen resting on the shoreline.

"In pairs of two, please enter the boats carefully, and sit down throughout the ride" Draco said, turned towards the small kids. Hermione looked at him with surprise, she didn't know he cared as much as he did.

As tradition stated Draco and Hermione had to lead the way across the lake in their own separate boat. Hagrid following them, and the rest of the herd tracing his way.

Hermione climbed into the little boat, and it rocked violently until Malfoy put him hand on the ledge to steady it. When she had placed the torch in front, and finally was seated on the little plank he gracefully got in as well. Carefully he sat down next to her after having placed his torch in the same socket as hers.

She swallowed heavily, know knowing what to do or say. She wanted to tell him thank you, for a lot of things. The boat started to move and soon they had left the shore. As soon as there was only water surrounding them Hermione relaxed. She'd have to remember to thank him later.

They were gliding across the lake, slowly making their way to the castle. Although it was dark around them, Hogwarts seemed to have a slight glow to it, making it visible even in the darkest of times. You could hear faint whispers and astonished remarks at the sight of the castle. In the moon light, and flickering fires smiles were proudly etched on both of them. They glanced over at each other, but quickly went back to watching the castle when they realized the other was also watching.

This made Hermione blush, but brought Draco to snicker. "Can't take your eyes off of me, can you?"

"I was watching the castle!"

"That's why you look like a tomato, right?" She actually looked more like a strawberry he though, rather than a tomato, that is.

"I do not." She mumbled.

"You're right, you don't."

At that they both stayed quiet, not knowing how to go from there. Had Draco Malfoy just been nice, in his own special way? This day was beyond strange, with many surprises.

Quite soon they crept in under the caste. Exiting the boat seemed rather easy for Draco, despite his long, slim legs. Hermione went to follow, and stood up in the wobbly boat. As soon as she rose the swaying got her to fall back down straight on her butt. "Shoot." An embarrassed glow in the shade of strawberries swept over yet again.

A very pale hand was held out in front of her and she looked up in disbelief. A look that seemed to ask "really?" was written all over her face. She gladly took it though, not ready to make a fool out of herself again. He didn't say anything, and neither did she. This was yet another thing to add to her list of thank you's. He rolled his eyes at her stubbornness.

The students soon followed and struggled out of their boats. Some tripped over their own cloaks and managed to get wet. Hermione quickly dried them up with her wand. Small and shy thank you's could be heard whenever she did. It wasn't hard for them, why did it have to be so hard for her?

They walked through the corridors and hallways, staircases and paintings, until they finally reached the entrance to the great hall. "McGonagall will soon lead you through these door, and to the front. There you will be sorted into your separate houses; Gryffindor, like myself, Slytherin, like Malfoy here, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. All houses have their own charm, and there is no need to hate on any of them."

At this Draco rolled his eyes. He knew that last comment was directed at him.

"We will leave you now, and I hope to see you all later." With this she turned on her heel and opened the big doors. Malfoy followed and pasted a dry, crooked smile on, as he faced the crowd. They parted without a word to each other, barely even a glance.

At the sight of her friends she felt relief. They were smiling at her and she couldn't wait to join them. She met several happy faces on the way that she smiled and waved to. It felt so good to be back. She could just imagine the wonderful times thee have together, sitting by the fire and enjoying each other's company. Doing homework together, mostly her, and talking about annoying assignments they have.

She sat down next to Ginny, opposite Harry and Ron, where she had saved a seat. It was a little bit awkward, but after a little while it felt quite okay. Now when they had left The Burrow it seemed their relationship issues could be left behind. Along with Mrs. Weasley. Thinking about it, they could probably have moved on long ago, if it wasn't for Ronald's mother.

The sorting went smoothly and they all joined their separate house tables happily. Hermione was starving and started eating the instant the table was filled. Tons of food; sausages, meets, eggs, omelets, sallads, meet-balls, pasta, soups, ribs, potatoes in all various sizes and not to mention drinks. Pumpkin juice was of course filling in Hermione's cup. This was heven.

"The way you're eating you could compete with Ron!" Harry laughed. Hermione joined in on the laughter.

"I suppose so" She looked at Ron who proudly looked back at her.

"I've taught you well!" And she smiled back at him in agreement.

Soon the lovely dinner was over and it was time for the Prefects to lead the first years and the rest of the students back to their dorms. She got up to keep an eye out on all of them. Only so she could give them a stare if they weren't up and gathering the rest by now. She caught Malfoy's eye, and she was surprised to see he was doing the same thing. He hadn't been kidding when when he had told they they'd be strict.

She followed them all out together with Harry, Ginny and Ron. Malfoy soon crept up behind her, stopping her when she was about to start climbing the second staircase.

"Don't touch her!" Ron shouted.

"As much as you would like to deny it, Granger and I are Head team this year, so there is no need to be overly dramatic."

"What? Is he serious 'Mione?" He turned with his mouth gaping.

"Yes, I am serious, Weasel." He hissed. "Why, does it surprise you? Or annoy you that I get to spend every night with your ex instead of you Lions?"

Now it was Hermione's turn to turn agape. "What?"

"I take it you didn't know. As Head Girl and Head Boy we have our own separate dorm."

"No way." Ginny exclaimed.

"I'm sure there's a way around it 'Mione" Harry comforted.

Before Ron could say anything outrageously aggressive Hermione spoke up, already collected from the shock. "I should have known, then it's best we leave."

"It surely is." Malfoy answered her and reached out a hand. She walked straight by him, ignoring his hand. he looked a little bit taken aback, but still managed to look over at Ron with a huge grin before turning and walking in Hermione's direction.

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Hello! Finally done with this chapter! As you know this chapter together with the last one was originally made into one chapter. As you notice it would have been quite much too long.

But don't you love the ending? I know Hermione doesn't! :)

Love