start again ϟ dramione

one

HERMIONE SAT ALONE IN A CAR ON THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS, dreading the months to come. Of course, she had to push her feelings aside because her education mattered more than a social life.

The seventh years from the year of the second wizarding world war were invited back if they pleased to redo the year they had lost. Of course, Harry and Ron opted out of yet another year of schooling, but Hermione knew she had to return if she wanted to reach her full potential. The only problem was that she would probably be extremely lonely.

The hours went on of people passing back and forth in the halls and the trolley witch offering treats. So far, the trip was quite productive. Hermione had sorted all her notes from classes of the years before so she could be prepared for studying, reread Hogwarts: A History, and took a nap. Luckily, they were almost at Hogwarts once again.

ϟ

Hermione inhaled a breath of fresh air as she stepped off the train and looked around. There were hardly any 'eighth years.' Even less that Hermione recognized.

Seamus Finnigan had returned, along with Neville Longbottom. At least she could count on them to keep her company.

Glancing around some more, Hermione noticed the Patil twins and Lavender Brown. The latter made her vomit in her mouth a little. Oh, how Hermione adored the girl's childlike voice and terribly annoying personality.

Then, there were the ones in green and black. One with platinum blonde hair, another with a pug nose, and two others.

Of course, Malfoy had to be here to ruin the year some more, Hermione thought to herself. She sighed and strolled over to her only friends, Seamus and Neville.

"Oh, hi there, Hermione! Good to be seeing you back here!" Neville said with a smile.

"You too, Neville. Are there really only this many students this year?" questioned Hermione.

"Word on the train was that there's only seventeen or so of us here," Seamus replied with a shrug.

Neville sighed. "I've counted five Gryffindors. Where are Harry and Ron?"

"They didn't want to come," Hermione answered with a frown. "That leaves the three of us as well as Lavender and Parvati. Better than what I expected, honestly. Mind if I take a carriage with you?"

Seamus gave a chuckle and nodded. With that, the trio headed toward the thestral-led carriages, squeezing in with Parvati and Padma, as well as none other than Draco Malfoy. Boy, was that awkward.

"At least this year we might actually learn something, now that good ol' Voldy is gone," Neville laughed awkwardly in an attempt to break up the silence.

"A fresh start," Hermione exclaimed with a forced grin on her face. Clearly, not everyone agreed. Draco rolled his eyes in distaste. Hermione took great notice to his actions.

"Are you kidding me, Malfoy? Can't you go one minute without acting superior to the rest of us? Can't you at least try to be civil for once?" she ranted, ending off with a huff.

"Shut up, Granger. You and I both know that'll never happen, especially with you fools ruling the place. You think you're so much better than everyone else, saving the Wizarding World as we know it. We all know that's not true, nor will it ever be." Draco scowled.

"Enough, guys. Let's just calm down a little and-"

"Shut up, Longbottom," Draco cut him off.

"Shut up, Malfoy," Hermione retorted.

"Shut up, Granger," replied Draco with a smirk playing on his lips.

"No."

"Yes."