Disclaimer: Not my story, just my ideas ;)

After the meal was through the group gathered back into the living room to continue the tale of the Slytherin Prince and the Gryffindor Princess, the couple name all the newspapers had given them once their relationship had been revealed.

Hermione curled up against Draco on the couch and picked up the thread of the story.

Hermione's heart pounded as she walked through the hall of the Hogwarts Express. As newly chosen Prefects she and Ron had been told to monitor the train together after their introductory meeting but she'd quickly come up with an excuse to separate in hopes that she could find Draco.

She'd thought about it long and hard over the summer and had come to a decision. She still didn't have definite proof that Draco didn't want to follow in the Death Eater family footsteps.

But if he really did want out from under Voldemort's influence then shouldn't she be trying to help him? Didn't everyone deserve a chance for redemption if they had their hearts in the right place?

Which meant one thing. In order to find out how far she'd go to save him she had to find a way to get to know him first.

Just when she was starting to lose hope she was pulled into an empty compartment. Her captor quickly pulled the shades down and locked the door. "You wouldn't happen to be looking for me, would you?"

Hermione spun around to face Draco, trying to keep a look of disinterest on her face. She didn't want to look too eager to see him so she also crossed her arms over her chest. "And why would you think I was looking for you?"

Draco sighed and made himself comfortable on one of the seats. "You're supposed to be patrolling the train with the other Prefect from your year. Since you ditched Weasley I thought you might be looking for me."

"If you're so worried about the rule then where's Pansy?" Hermione asked as she slid into the seat across from him.

"I never said I was good at following the rules because I'm not. But I was under the impression that you like rules."

Hermione snorted. "Oh I like rules but that doesn't necessarily mean I follow them."

Draco's eyebrows rose. "Oh now I am very intrigued. Please tell me more."

Hermione furrowed her brow in thought. She wanted to tell him something real and true so that maybe he'd open up to her in return. But she also didn't want to tell him so much that she'd get into trouble if he blabbed. "During Second Year I brewed Polyjuice Potion in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. And I may have borrowed a few potions ingredients from Professor Snape's stores in order to do so."

Draco's mouth fell open. "What? You stole from Snape and you brewed an upper level potion when you were twelve? I can't decide if that makes you incredibly smart or incredibly stupid."

"A little bit of both actually." Hermione's face twisted into a wry grin as she remembered the tail and furry face she'd sported for far too long.

"What did you use the potion for?"

"Harry, Ron, and I just really wanted to get to the bottom of the whole Chamber of Secrets debacle so we interrogated our most likely suspect." She tried to be nonchalant but couldn't force herself to meet Draco's gaze.

"And by your avoidance I'm guessing your most likely suspect was me. And the easiest way to get to me would be through Crabbe and Goyle. What did you do to keep the real brutes away? Tempt them with sweets?"

Hermione looked up in surprise, especially shocked by the hint of humor she'd detected in the Slytherin's voice. "Actually it was a cake laced with a Sleeping Draught. Harry and Ron had a heck of a time moving their inert bodies so they wouldn't spoil the plan."

"What about you then? From the sound of it you weren't part of my interrogation which is odd. You'd be best at asking questions without blowing your cover."

Hermione blushed at the compliment and at the very idea of telling him the reason why she hadn't been there was because she'd accidently turned herself into a cat. It had been humiliating enough for Harry, Ron, Moaning Myrtle and the professors to know. She certainly didn't want to arm Draco Malfoy with that knowledge. "We figured you'd open up to Crabbe and Goyle more than anyone and since they didn't think I'd make a convincible guy…" she shrugged.

"I'm not quite sure I believe that but I'll let it go. But why exactly were you looking for me today? You never did explain that." The blonde crossed his arms over his chest and gave her an expectant look.

"From what you told me last year you have some weird preoccupation with me and now no matter how hard I try I can't get you out of my head either," Hermione admitted, glaring at the boy when he smirked. "Since we can't talk in person I think we should communicate through letters. Maybe then we will realize we have nothing in common and we can get over whatever this is."

Draco sat there for a few minutes as he thought it over. "That could work. Perhaps I only think of you because it's forbidden. If that's the case then this could solve everything. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself!

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Your feeling of superiority is showing," she casually pointed out. "But yes that is how I'm hoping our letter writing will turn out. Just no names in case they get intercepted and we need to use the school owls. I'm sure you understand why."

"My parents send me letters and sweets all the time and my friends know better than to touch those so your letters to me will be safe. What about you?"

"Can you write in French?" Hermione asked as an idea suddenly occurred to her. When he nodded she couldn't help but smile. "That's it then. Write to me in French. The boys know I vacation there quite often. I can tell them I acquired a pen friend and I'm practicing my French. I can always use a charm on the letters if I can't translate it myself."

"But won't Potter or Weasley think to charm the letters so they can read them?"

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "Do you really think they'd bother to try and look up an advanced charm like that? They don't find me nearly interesting enough to put that much work into finding out what I'm saying to a pen friend."

"That sounds like a good plan then." He slowly stood up from his seat. "I look forward to your first letter and after that... well hopefully I won't look forward to hearing from you anymore."

But the strange tingling Hermione felt when they parted ways suggested the plan wouldn't work in quite the way they expected it too.

1 September 1995

To H-

I know I said I would look forward to hearing from you, implying that you would have to contact me first, but I felt I should clarify something. I have a feeling your dark haired friend thought I was threatening his furry companion. It was not a threat, it was a warning that my father recognized him and will certainly tell the last person any of you would want to know.

Try and make sure he is more careful in the future. There are plenty of people around who still know his disguise.

-From D

6 September 1995

To D-

Thank you for the heads up about our furry friend, I'll figure out a way to pass along the message.

Just out of curiosity, what do you think of the new addition to our school? Just please be vague if your thoughts are anywhere near as negative as mine. I wouldn't put it past her to start reading the post of the students and the staff.

-From H

20 September 1995

To H-

I know exactly what you're talking about in regards to our new professor. She is a tyrant and her teaching methods…what am I talking about? "Teaching methods" would imply she's actually teaching us something. Even my fellow housemates think she's bad news. If my father wasn't too busy with other things I'd have him speak with the Ministry.

We've been thinking of a way we can still practice our skills. I mostly want to ensure I pass my O.W.L.'s but I know some of my friends have other aspirations. Plans to join my father and his friends, if you know what I mean. And unfortunately I know that he expects me to follow in his footsteps. I have one thing on my side though. My godfather has taught me how to protect my mind from any external forces. Apparently I'm rather good at it.

-From D

2 October 1995

To D-

Our first trip to Hogsmeade is fast approaching and I have a favor to ask of you.

My friends and I have recently decided we need to take a certain part of education into our own hands, much like you mentioned doing in the last letter you sent me. I will admit that part of the reason we want to supplement this part of our education is because you suggested your friends, our potential future enemies, are doing the same.

In regards to the favor, we plan to meet at the Hogs Head pub. I'd appreciate it if you could keep your housemates away from there. I hate to be prejudiced against everyone in your house but I can't risk our newest teacher finding out about this and I have a feeling they would be most likely to squeak.

In case you didn't realize it, this request is putting quite a bit of my trust in your hands.

-From H

16 October 1995

To H-

As you've seen the newest Decree I imagine you are quite displeased but I promise I told no one of your meeting. You also might have noticed that I've joined the newest "squad" at school. Part of our duties includes reading student's mail just as you predicted. The leader herself reads the mail of your dark haired friend while I've claimed you and the family of red heads. I will make sure I pass along nothing important but I will have to give her tidbits so she does not expect I'm hiding anything.

Anything I send you or you send me should me safe.

-From D

5 November 1995

To H-

I understand why you haven't responded to me and I wanted to write to you sooner but I was afraid you'd immediately toss my letter out or set it on fire or something equally violent. I'm hoping by now you've cooled off at least enough that you're reading the words I've written.

I am sorry for what happened at the latest match between our houses. I just wanted to win so badly that I over reacted and I didn't even think. I mean I knew our power mad friend wanted an excuse to punish your friends but I didn't realize they'd be kicked off their team. I just desperately needed a win because of my father.

I'm admitting this to you now so it's on record. My behavior is likely to get worse. My father got wind that I haven't been using my powers as a member of the Inquisitorial Squad nearly as much as the rest of my cohorts. He thinks I am getting weak, saying that his most influential friend disapproves of weakness.

I fear what will happen when I turn seventeen, the age at which Father's friend takes on new recruits.

-From D

23 November 1995

To D-

I am sure you will disagree with me but I really think you should talk to the Headmaster, the real one. It seems as though your father definitely plans on you to follow in his footsteps even though it seems you have little desire to do so. I think the Headmaster could help you with that. At least think about it, okay?

In other news I have a plan I'd like to set in motion and since it's inspired by you I was hoping you would help me. Just keep your eyes out for any magazine articles written by Rita Skeeter and make sure everyone reads it once it's released.

-From H

27 February 1996

To H-

I read the article and have been making sure all my housemates do as well. As you can imagine they aren't too happy about it and neither was I at first. When you grow up in a household focused almost entirely on the family name it's hard to see that name drug through the dirt no matter how much the bastard deserves it. But I also find myself hoping he'll be jailed. Mother has never shown as much prejudice as Father and perhaps without him we could lead more normal lives.

And just a warning to you and your friends. The article has certainly made the head of the Squad more rabid than ever before. She's threatening us with Unforgiveables if we don't expose your little club soon.

-From D

20 June 1996

-To H

I am so sorry that I was unable to help you when Umbridge and my friends captured you. I should have offered to help you instead of standing with the Inquisitorial Squad but I am a coward. That is why the second you were out the door I allowed Ginny to hex me and get away. I know that no amount of apology will bring back who you all lost but I have to try.

Please meet me on the train ride. I have something to say which should be said in person.

-From D