Blissful Oblivion

Chapter 1 - The Return

It was a strange feeling boarding the train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Unlike most students, Hermione hadn't at all fallen behind in her studies as even before the war, she was already far ahead of everyone in her year. She boarded the train and headed passed the many filled compartments until she found who she was looking for.

'Hermione!' Ginny squealed as she practically jumped on her with excitement. Ginny enveloped her in a tight hug and Hermione hugged her back, glad to be with her friends again. She in turn hugged Harry, Luna, Neville and finally, Ron. She and Ron hadn't lasted more than a few weeks together after the war. Hermione realised that her feelings for him weren't much more than she would feel towards a friend. Things were different now, not just for her, but for everyone. She loved him more like a brother than anything else. She could tell that he still had feelings for her but she had been trying to ignore them. She put her trunk into the luggage compartment and sat down next to Luna.

'I'm so glad that everything is finally back to normal again.' Ginny sighed, a look of despair in her eyes. Hermione could tell that her words were half-hearted. She was clearly still grieving over the loss of her brother. Harry grabbed her hand and Ginny gave him a smile of appreciation. Harry and Ginny however, were still together. They were the complete opposite of Ron and Hermione. She could tell that they both really loved each other.

'How's George?' Hermione asked, concerned.

'He pretends that he's fine but we all know that he isn't'. She replied. 'Although, he has decided to keep running the Weasley store in honour of Fred.'

They all sat in silence until there was a knock at the door. Hermione looked up and saw the last person she ever expected to see. She had heard the rumours about Draco Malfoy returning to Hogwarts, but she didn't think that he actually would.

Malfoy slid the door open and Hermione glared at him.

'What do you want?' Ron spat.

Malfoy ignored him and looked straight to Hermione.

'Professor McGonagall wishes to speak with us.' He said smugly. Hermione got up and walked straight to McGonagall's compartment, completely ignoring Malfoy, who walked closely behind her. When they arrived, Hermione knocked quietly on the door.

'Come in.'

'Professor? I was told that you wanted to speak with me?' She asked politely.

Malfoy cleared his throat loudly behind her.

'Us'. She corrected herself, clearly annoyed at his mere existence.

'Yes, yes. Mr Malfoy, Miss Granger, please take a seat.'

They did so and waited for the professor to continue.

'I have chosen to select you both as this year's head boy and head girl.'

Malfoy stared at McGonagall with a confused expression on his face.

'Why me?' He asked, still confused.

'Well Mr Malfoy, Hogwarts is a place for second chances and they are not something that come around very often so I suggest you take it.' She explained. 'You will both be sharing a common room separate from your houses.'

Hermione and Draco both opened their mouths to protest but they were cut off.

'I am well aware of your current dislikes of one another but I trust that you are mature enough to overlook this and concentrate on the tasks at hand.

'But...' Hermione began to say before she was again interrupted.

'That is all.' Professor McGonagall said ushering them towards the door. Malfoy left quickly. 'Oh and Hermione?'

'Yes professor?' She asked.

'Welcome back to Hogwarts.'

'Thank you professor.' Hermione had always appreciated Professor McGonagall. Not only was she a brilliant Professor, but Hermione admired her courage during the war. She walked back to her compartment where her friends were waiting.

'What's wrong?' Harry asked, seeing the plain annoyance on her face.

'Professor McGonagall is making Malfoy and I head boy and head girl and now we have to share a common room!' She shouted, exasperated. She sat down and they all ranted about the situation until the train came to a stop.

They had finally arrived at Hogwarts.