The red bricks moulded around her as Hermione ran through the barrier between Platform 9 and 10. The first sight of the Hogwarts Express would never get old. The hustle and bustle of parents and students finding lost possessions and storing their last bits of luggage on the train was happening all around her. It was like she was back in her first year, eagerly waiting for the journey to Hogwarts to begin. It was the first time she had met Harry, and Ron.

"Hermione!" Someone called out.

She looked around and noticed Ginny waving a freckled, short-nailed hand at her. Giving Ginny a hug, Hermione said, "I can't believe Professor McGonagall has invited some of us back to complete our 8th year!"

"You're only coming back because you'd miss me too much." Ginny winked.

"If you say so!" Hermione laughed. Ginny took her by the hand and led her to where Harry, Ron, Luna and Neville were waiting.

Giving Harry a hug Hermione whispered, "Hope you brought the Invisibility Cloak!"

"Of course I have! What low standards do you have of me?" Harry replied, grinning.

They laughed at their private joke. Moving over to Ron, Hermione just stood there before Ron pulled her in for a kiss. Not even moving her lips nor moving her hands from her side to hold him, Hermione looked stiff with Ron cupping her face. He gave her a small warning-like glare, before she gave a quick hug to both Luna and Neville.

"I'm so sorry about your parents, Hermione." Luna apologised.

"Don't worry Luna, it's not your fault." Hermione said sadly. "But thanks anyway."

"But, really Hermione," Neville asked. "How are you really holding up?"

"Just on my two legs, to be honest." Hermione replied. "It's hard to think they are all the way in Australia, but I'm glad I have my friends to support me."

Hermione smiled sweetly at all of them, except Ron who she glared at before turning away quickly.

"Why don't we get on the train?" Harry asked, holding out his hand to Ginny.

Following him onto the train, Hermione and the others met up with Dean and Seamus. Seating themselves in a carriage compartment, everyone asked each other how their summer's went.

"I was really surprised actually, though, when I got the letter from McGonagall," Seamus said. "I sent an owl to Dean literally immediately to find out if he was also invited back."

"I replied that I was, then I contacted Harry to see who else was coming back," Dean said. "It was all quite a shock really."

"As I stayed over at the Weasley's during the summer-"

Harry got cut off when they all heard a scrambling outside the door. Quiet annoying whispers and scrabbling at the handle of the compartment door could be heard. Bringing out her wand, Hermione leaned forward ready to open the door, but she was beaten to it by those outside the door.

The six saw the face of Theodore Nott appear in the carriage walkway and he seemed to be pulling on something. A mob of blond hair appeared, matched with Slytherin robes. Draco Malfoy was shoved into the compartment suddenly before the door shut sharply behind him. He was met with glares from everyone, even Luna. The air turned bitter. Draco stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with his hands and bitten nails.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry demanded.

"I just-" Draco began.

"Spit it out." Ron glared.

"Still the same fiery-redhead I see, Weasley," Draco smirked.

"Stop with the insults Malfoy. Just get to the point." Ginny moaned.

Draco sighed. "I just wanted to say..."

"Say what?" Seamus asked, clearly annoyed.

"I just wanted to say thank you to you Harry, Ron and Hermione," Draco said quickly, looked at the floor.

Ron looked gobsmacked. "What?"

"You saved Blaise and I's lives in the Room of Requirement, and I think you deserve a thank you." Draco picked at his nails, not looking at anyone in the eye.

Hermione was the first one to speak. "Um. Thank you, I guess, Malfoy. we did not want to leave anyone behind..."

"Even if it was an enemy." Harry continued. "I think it's also time that we came to an agreement. No more fights, no more name-calling, no more having each other as an enemy. What do you say?"

"Is this really a good idea?" Hermione heard Ron whisper to Harry. "What if he uses this against us?"

Harry looked at Hermione for advice and she nodded her head in approval. Harry held out his hand.

"Ok, deal..." Draco said, awkwardly, shaking Harry's hand. "Well, anyway, I'm gonna go-"

Draco dashed out of the compartment. The six sat in utter silence, confused with what had just happened.

"What in the nargles just happened?" Luna said, raising her hands in a question-like manner.

"This doesn't make any sense," Ron said. "Malfoy, apology and agreement do not go together."

"People change Ron." Hermione shrugged. "I know some other people that have changed since the war."

"Just to lighten the mood after that weirdness from Malfoy," Neville chuckled. "I asked Luna out."

"Ah, well done mate," Dean said, clapping Neville on the back.

"But she said no..." Neville said looking downtrodden.

"Oh...sorry-"

"Just joking!" Neville laughed. "Who could resist a guy who killed a snake?"

"No one, of course." Luna smiled giving Neville a kiss on the cheek, making his cheeks burn red.

Arriving at Hogsmeade Station all the war heroes were met with attention: photographs taken, questions asked and autographs to sign. Glancing back at the Hogwarts Express, Hermione could see a group of students surrounding Draco Malfoy. Getting closer, she could hear their angry remarks and the abuse they were shouting at him. Pushing through them, Hermione grabbed Draco by the hand and pulled him away. She could feel his hands squirming under her touch; obviously, he still had the same mudblood views.

"I did not want to hold your hand you know, Malfoy," Hermione said annoyed. "Just because I'm a Muggle-born, gosh, just grow up!"

"It wasn't like that." Draco insisted, but Hermione was already walking away.

"Oh and by the way, thank you Hermione for saving me, no problem Malfoy!" Hermione said sarcastically, her voice raised.

"I didn't ask you to come and help me!"

"Fine!" Hermione glared. "Don't ask for my help!"

"Fine!"

Hermione stomped away, feeling ashamed at herself for even bothering to help the pathetic Malfoy. She could hear running steps behind her and a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to face him.

"Seriously, Granger," Draco said. "I didn't mean it like that. Argh, I'm sorry, ok?"

"Ok."

"So that's it?"

"What else do you want me to say?" Hermione's questioned. "Do you want me to get down on my hands and knees, and kiss the feet of the Draco Malfoy who said sorry to me?"

"That would be rather nice!" Draco smirked. "I'm joking! It's hard for me, ok? It's probably hard for you as well to be talking to me. The war changed people, including me. Change is hard for me. A lot of change happened in my life and it wasn't for the better."

"Ok, sorry." Hermione apologised. "It is a bit weird really! I would have never thought I would have an actual conversation for you."

"Me neither!" Draco laughed, walking alongside Hermione to the carriages to take them to Hogwarts. "Imagine what the other Slytherin's would be saying."

Hermione nervously laughed. "I wouldn't want to know."

Climbing up into a carriage, they seated themselves opposite each other. As the carriage moved along, Hermione noticed Draco looking at her. She noticed his grey eyes searching every inch of her, trying to take her all in. Her eyes flickered to him but she couldn't hold the gaze for more than a few seconds. Arriving at Hogwarts a few minutes later, students were still making their way into the school. Jumping down from the carriage, Hermione saw that Draco waited for her to walk ahead before he started.

"For merlin's sake." Hermione thought. "And to think I thought he was now ok."

Approaching the Great Hall, Draco pulled Hermione aside. "What do you want, Malfoy? I did see you hold back, you know!"

"I did it for you!"

"No, you didn't!" Hermione argued. "You did it for your own reputation."

"No, I did it for you so it wouldn't ruin your reputation in case you were caught hanging out with a Slytherin!"

"If that's true, it's kind but I wouldn't care!" Hermione explained. "Why am I even talking to you anyway? You don't talk to people like me!"

"Granger, you need to stop!" Draco said. "You know I've changed! Why is it such a big deal to realise that?"

"Sorry, but it's hard for me too!" Hermione exclaimed. "How else am I supposed to react to Draco Malfoy and I having an actual conversation."

"Same here! C'mon Granger, how can I keep that agreement with Potter if we keep on arguing? Even Weasel doesn't trust me!"

"Let's make a pact of our own then." Hermione decided. "Firstly, no more arguing about stupid things. Secondly, no more being awkward around each other. Thirdly-"

"No more calling each other by our last names around each other," Draco said, cutting Hermione off.

"Really?" Hermione questioned. "Is that really going to work, Malfoy?"

"It's definitely not working for you already!" Draco laughed. "You just called me Malfoy!"

Hermione frowned, punching him lightly on the shoulder. "The terms start from now."

"Good talking to you...Her-Hermione."

"Same to you, Draco."

"Before you go," Draco said, pulling Hermione into him so he could whisper in her ear. "Let's not mention this to anyone else. No, and I mean it, not even Weaslette."

"Deal," Hermione whispered back.

Her mouth slightly touched his cheek. His cologne smelt like green apples, weird but somehow nice. She could feel his mouth form into a grin. Pulling away, Draco walked towards the Great Hall. Hermione stood there confused.

"You got to go first last time," Draco smirked. "My turn this time!"

Hermione rolled her eyes as he swaggered into the hall.

Seating herself at the Gryffindor table, Hermione looked around. Her table was the fullest, but Slytherin was definitely the minority. She saw Draco sitting to the right of Theodore. He gave her a small smile and then turned away. Just before the feast began, Professor McGonagall made her speech - Hermione found it weird not seeing Professor Dumbledore talking instead.

"Good evening everyone!" Professor McGonagall said after all the first-years were sorted into their houses. "Here are the teachers for this year, Professor Binns for History of Magic, Professor Firenze for Divination, Professor Flitwick for Charms, Hagrid for Care of Magical Creatures, Professor Hooch for Flying lessons, Professor Aberforth Dumbledore for Defence Against the Dark Arts, Professor Sinstra for Astronomy, Professor Slughorn for Potions, Professor Sprout for Herbology, and Professor Vector for Arithmancy. As you can tell we have some new teachers. Also, I'm pleased to welcome back some 8th years to complete their Hogwarts education."

Claps sounded through the hall, bouncing off the walls.

"As I can see, we have quite a bit of unbalance between the Houses." Professor McGonagall explained. "What I am going to propose is that all the tables are not dedicated to one house for this year. You are free to sit wherever you would like. If you want to, please do it now."

Students got up and shuffled over to their friends. None of Hermione's friends moved, so she didn't either. She caught Draco's eye and gestured for him to sit next to her. He shook his head and returned to his conversation with Theodore.

Once the feast was over, Professor McGonagall instructed the students to go to their house Common Rooms to get a good nights rest. Climbing over the bench she sat on, Hermione made her way out of the hall. Telling Ginny she would meet her up there, Hermione went to the girl's bathroom. As she was coming down the corridor after she had finished in the bathroom, Hermione got ambushed from behind. Her attacker pushed her up against the wall, holding her throat.

"Stop with the act, Hermione." the voice growled, who moved into the light showing who they were.

"Ron!" Hermione chocked. "Stop, what are you doing?"

"Don't get stupid with me!" Ron said angrily. "All those comments about me changing, and the quick glares. I don't like it!"

"Well-maybe you have changed-" Hermione spluttered. Ron took his hand away from around her neck.

Rubbing her neck she said, "Ron, what has gotten into you? You've changed so much, I'm worried!"

"No, Hermione, you don't!" Ron glared, pointing an angry finger at her. "I'm warning you, if you don't act like my girlfriend or tell anyone what I'm like, you will seriously pay, Hermione!"

Ron stormed away. Hermione breathed out, shaking a little.

"Are you alright?"

Hermione looked around confused. "Who said that?"

A figure appeared in the shadows. "I couldn't help but hear your conversation."

Hermione couldn't quite match the voice to someone she knew, but it was very familiar. "So you were eavesdropping then?"

"In some people's opinion, I guess." The voice said. "You didn't answer my question. What was that all about?"

"I'm fine, and it's nothing for you to worry about."

The figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Malfoy," Hermione whispered.

"You did it again." Draco grinned. "Yeah, I overheard your conversation with Ron. He sounded pretty angry."

He came over and stood next to her. "What was that all about?"

"It was just a couple fighting. Normal as ever." Hermione said unconvincingly.

"I know you're lying, Hermione."

Her heart lept when he called her that. "Ok, maybe I am lying. But, I cannot tell you what it was about."

"Ok, 'Mione."

"What did you just call me?" Hermione asked, her voice quivering.

"'Mione," Draco repeated. "Is that ok?"

"Um..." Hermione stuttered. "That's what my parents called me. No one has ever called me that except them."

"I'm sorry." Draco apologised. "I think it suits you though."

"I'll let you call me that," Hermione said quietly.

As she walked away, Draco called to her.

"I'm here for you, even if it doesn't seem like it."

"Thanks, Draco." Hermione smiled.

"Just remember," Draco quoted. "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light."

And with that, he disappeared back into the shadows.