Hermione didn't know what the reason was but she couldn't really join and enjoy the conversation that Harry, Ginny and her other friends Neville, Luna and Seamus were having. Whether it was the arguement she had this morning or the nervousness and excitement of seeing Hogwarts again, she couldn't tell. There was a voice in her head that said that she was nervous yet excited to see Draco Malfoy but she ignored that thought as soon as it came. However she was happy to see her old friends again in a happy environment as whoever she saw before, during and after the battle was pretty much in covered in blood and tears. She was happy to share a compartment with Harry and Ginny but became happier the instant she saw Neville and Luna as the more, the better. Seamus came after a few moments since he couldn't find Dean and wanted to see them.

Her mind wandered over to the conversation or more likely the argument she had with Ron today morning. She had just entered Ron's room to say goodbye after having breakfast since he wasn't coming to Kings Cross to see them off as he said, "If I see you all entering the train, I might change my mind and come to Hogwarts but I couldn't since I have got a really important mission yesterday. So it's better if I stay here." Hermione was reluctant at first about this but was thankful after their arguement. Since it could have caused a scene if he saw Malfoy there or if he decided to start this conversation.

Flashback

"Aren't you very excited to see Malfoy again?"

"Ron when are you going to shut that topic? If I am excited, it doesn't mean that it is to see Malfoy again. I am excited to see Hogwarts and my friends and the teachers."

"By friends, you mean Malfoy right?"

"What are you- You know what, yes. Yes I am excited to see Malfoy. Yes, by friends, I mean Malfoy. Okay? Happy?"

"See, I knew it."

"Are you insane or are you just thick to understand what I am saying?"

"I am neither insane nor thick, it's just that the way you were defending Malfoy yesterday, anyone would think what I am saying."

"No Ron, not anyone. Only you, only you will think like that because you're too stubborn to accept the fact that he can change. The boy who tormented and made us suffer can change. You're just too stubborn."

Before Ron could reply, Harry entered the room and informed Hermione that it's time to go to Kings Cross. Hermione told him just a second and turned to Ron.

"I didn't want our last conversation before I go to be like this. But I want to end it well." She hugged Ron and after a moment or so he hugged her back.

She pulled back and said,"Goodbye Ron. I will miss you. But please don't let the past decide your decisions and thoughts about people. Everyone deserves a second chance. I hope you will give it a thought." 

"Goodbye 'Mione. I will miss you too. And yeah, keep informing me what happens through letters."

With one final nod and smile, she exited the room and went downstairs. After she left, Harry turned towards Ron.

"I know that you're worried for her and you don't believe that Malfoy's changed. Believe me, I don't either. But she told us that he hadn't called her a mud- you know what I am saying even once yesterday. Maybe he's changed after all."

"Maybe he has. But what if he hasn't? What if it's just an act so he can cause trouble?"

"I know but only time will tell. I guess I will have to keep an eye on him."

"Protect her, Ginny, yourself and the others, will you?"

"Pretty sure Hermione and Ginny doesn't need my help to protect themselves but I will anyway." Harry said with a laugh. 

Ron laughed and hugged Harry. "So I guess it's a goodbye then. Take care. I will miss you."

"I will miss you too Ron. Goodbye." With that Harry left the room. Hermione had heard their conversation when she came up to call Harry and though she felt a little better, she couldn't help but get a little frustrated at Ron's thought. Harry had seen her listening and told her,"Don't worry. I won't tell Ron you were listening." He said with a laugh and they went downstairs.

Flashback ends

She was brought back from her thought when Harry put a hand on her shoulder and asked her, "Are you alright 'Mione?"

"Yeah, I was just wondering that's all."

Harry knowing perfectly well what she was thinking, whispered, " It will get better Hermione. Just wait." 

"Yeah,you're right Harry."

"As always." He joked and was pleased to see when Hermione laughed.

"Thank you Harry, for making me laugh and not telling anyone about the conversation."

She had requested Harry on their way to King's Cross to not tell anyone about their conversation with Ron. This meant that he couldn't tell even Ginny with whom he shared everything. But nevertheless, he agreed. And told her that he would not tell anyone until she wanted to. And she was pleased to hear that. She was grateful to have a best friend like Harry.

"Anytime Hermione. But please be careful. We can't be sure about everything. You know I am there for you and you can tell me anything right?"

"Of course Harry. I know that and I will tell you if anything bothers me. But please, don't just think and worry about me everytime. After all, you need to find a suitable day to propose Ginny, don't you?" She said and winked at him.

"Yeah about that, you need to help me with it okay? And please hide your excitement, because I know you will be excited the whole time and Ginny can read you well, you know?"

"You too need to hide your nervousness as she can read you as well."

Harry was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. Seamus opened it and his jaw dropped when he saw who was standing there. 

"What are you doing here Malfoy?  Didn't have any friends or what? "

"Chill Finnigan. I am here for something important."

"Yeah, listen  you are no good for a fight without your sidekicks Malfoy. So don't you dare try to do anything funny."

"Relax, I am not here for that. McGonagall has called me and  Granger to come to the Head's compartment and told me to inform her. Just that. I am here for nothing more."

"Well, I've got to go guys. I will see you later." Hemione said while standing up but before she could leave, Harry grabbed her arm and whispered, " Be careful."

She nodded and walked out with Malfoy. 

"So what do you reckon McGonagall called us for?" Malfoy asked her they made their way towards the compartment through students standing in their way.

"I don't know. Maybe for telling us our duties or something."

"Yeah probably."

When they entered the compartment , McGonagall told them to sit across her as she sat behind her desk. 

"So first of all congratulations to both of you. You both are my star students and I hope you will continue to be. Miss Granger, you were at the top of every class and I hope you will use that knowledge wisely. You were always kind to everyone and I hope you will do better than judge other people by their past."

Somehow she knew she was referring to the boy sitting in the chair next to her. She smiled and nodded.

"Mr. Malfoy, you were also at the top and I hope you will use that knowledge to help others. I know you weren't the kindest and most helpful person in your past but I hope I have done the right thing by giving you another chance."

"I will try my level best to do that. But why did you made me the Head Boy? I mean accepting me at Hogwarts was one thing, but making me the Head Boy when there were so many other deserving people? I just couldn't understand."

"Not everybody gets the second chance Mr. Malfoy. You deserve to be the Head Boy as I believe it will help you improve and give you a chance to help younger students as well as teach and punish them when required. But I hope you won't misuse this position."

"Don't worry Professor. I won't"

After that Mcgonagall explained them their duties and told them they would have their own common room and would have to share it.  She gave them a list of their duties and left. They decided to sit in the compartment to discuss their duties and other things. 

But Hermione wasn't prepared to hear what Draco had to say next nor she could believe her ears when he said that.

 A/N: That was it for this chapter and I hope you liked it. I didn't want to make Ron so bad but anyway this is a Dramione fanfic so I guess he has to be atleast a little bad. I know at the start he was literally bad but at the end of the flashback he expresses his concern so I guess he's a little bad and not much. Reviews are always appreciated. You're free to point out the mistakes as it will help me improve. I don't know when the next chapter will be out but I'll try to do as early as possible. The next chapter will hold some surprises and I hope you will like it. I hope you like the story till now and will continue to like. Vote,comment and share my story. Well, please give your views on this chapter. Thank you.

Until next time.