A/N: So this is a short one, I wanted a cliffhanger-ish ending (if that makes sense?), so the next chapter will be longer. I WILL update soon, I have a few exams coming up when I get back to school in January but I'm on holiday until the 7th so I should have a lot more free time than I usually do. R+R please! I would love some feedback from you guys!

Hermione's POV

I stepped to one side to face the brick wall that was the gateway to everything that I held dear, and smiled. I looked down at the shiny red Head Girl badge I had attached to my dark blue jumper and caressed it with my hand, keeping the other on the handle. I'd always dreamed about being Head Girl, and I was excited to learn who my fellow Head Boy would be. It wasn't Harry or Ron, I knew that much, but I sort of hoped that it would be Neville. He saved my life, and Ron's. He deserved the honour of being Head Boy.

"Hey, 'Mione, wake up," Harry said, placing a hand on my shoulder and smiling. I smiled back at him, let go of my badge, and focused on the wall ahead. Gripping tightly onto the handle of my trolley, I shut my eyes and sped forward towards my home. Upon hearing the sound of that all too familiar train whistle, I opened my eyes and sighed. The sign dangling from the brick wall reading 9 ¾ swayed in the breeze of latecomers rushing to get their luggage on board and find an empty compartment. The sounds of screeching owls echoed in the platform. It was as if nothing had changed.

"But of course everything's changed."

I remembered what I had said to Harry that day in the woods during our hunt for the Horcruxes.

But the most distinguished and vibrant element of the gateway to Hogwarts was the train itself, glistening in the light of the morning sun. I shook off threatening tears that knew what would await at the end of the railway line. Emotional, and physical, destruction.

Taking a deep breath I joined Harry, Ron and Ginny, who had just emerged from the wall and were presently making their way towards the back of the train to load their luggage.

I hadn't told them about what Malfoy had said in Flourish & Blotts. I had to convince myself not to dwell on it. If I had mentioned it to any of them I would never be able to escape it (only because they worry about me too much). Besides, I knew what they'd say;

"What a prat!"

"You're worth more than that ferret 'Mione!"

I'd heard it all before - the last thing I needed was to hear it again.

We boarded the train, accompanied by Ron's comment on the first year's getting smaller. I laughed, determined not to let my anger at the world get the better of me.

"That's probably what Hagrid says every year," I retorted jokingly.

"Where as Flitwick on the other hand…" Ginny added, and we entered our compartment laughing to each other. For the first time since I made to decision to repeat my seventh year I felt relaxed, boarding the train that would take me to Hogwarts. I pushed my bag onto the racks about the seats and settled in a spot by the window.

As Harry slid the compartment door shut Malfoy himself sauntered down the corridor with a profound dignity only seen in people who had just achieved a great feat (the nature of which I didn't know at the time). He slowed down slightly when he noticed who was in our cabin. His eyes found mine. I was preparing myself to turn my nose up at him following the smirk which was sure to come, however it didn't. Instead he smiled at me. A genuine, amiable, friendly smile. He looked like he was about to wave at me, however he must have decided against it, as his hand rose to his chest and then fell again. He walked off, maintaining his dignity. The raven-haired boy was so stunned that he hadn't even noticed that he was trapping his hands in the gap between the door and the doorframe.

"Ah!" Harry hissed as the impending collision occurred, bringing his hand to his mouth and sucking on it. "Since when did Malfoy become so friendly?"

"Never mind that, Merlin knows what he's up to! The real question is since when did Malfoy decide to come back?!" Ron exclaimed, as Harry sat down beside Ginny, shaking his hand in the air to get rid of the pain. I wasn't really paying attention. I'd noticed something else.

"I saw him in Diagon Alley in Flourish & Blotts," I said quietly, keeping my eyes on the door. Ron, who was sitting beside me, stared at me in horror.

"What? Why was he there? What did he buy? Did he talk to you? Did he threaten you? He did didn't he? He threatened you! I swear to Merlin I will get my hands on that little sh-"

"RON! SHUT UP!" Ginny yelled at her brother, making him sink back into his seat and his ears turn a dark scarlet colour. Looking at me, Ginny spoke in a quieter pitch.

"'Mione what's wrong?" I was shaking slightly at this point.

"He's wearing the badge," I whispered. I groaned before putting my head in my hands. Only Harry understood what I meant.

"Merlin's beard. Are you sure?" he said, almost as shocked as I was.

"What badge?" Ron and Ginny asked at the same moment. I lifted my head and looked at the window. The train had started to move, and for miles along the platform parents were waving goodbye to their children and blowing them kisses. This made me want to cry even more. How was I supposed to put up with this with everything else distracting me? I put my elbow on the small table in front of me attached to the window and rested the side of my head in the palm of my hand.

"Draco Malfoy is Head Boy."