A/N: I do not own Draco, Hermione, Harry, Ron, Ginny, ect…although I wish I did…Especially for Draco… wink Anyway, Don't sue me, okay? Now, enjoy…

CHAPTER ONE – A NEW BEGINNING

Hermione Etienne Granger looked up from her book as she felt someone's eyes on her. Standing and looking around she saw no one, and chided herself gently for being so paranoid. She sat down again at her table and opened her book. As she read, the vague feeling of being watched came over her again. She ignored it and flipped the page. As her eyes drank in the words, her back felt as though someone was burning a hole through it with their gaze. Slamming the book shut, she whipped around to see who it was, but no one was there!

"Ron!" She whispered, "Ron, Harry…Is that you?" She stood and was about to walk over to the next row of shelves in the Hogwarts Library, but Madame Pince rounded the corner, seething.

"Miss Granger!" She reprimanded. "As Head Girl, you should be setting an example, not slamming books around! Am I clear?"

The poor girl blushed and stuttered an apology, but Madame Pince had already left. Hermione glared at the bookshelf for a moment, and then decided to go back to the common room; it was obvious she wouldn't get anything done while she had the peculiar feeling of being watched. She gathered her books and pushed in her chair, then headed for the exit. What a way to start my last year at Hogwarts, She thought. Practically getting thrown out of the library on my first day! Her thoughts were cut off, however, when she rounded the corner and ran into something tall and solid. Her books went flying and Hermione staggered backwards from the impact with a cry. She was about to lose her balance and fall, when a pair of arms grabbed her around the waist. She steadied herself and looked up to identify her savior. She noticed what he (for it was a 'he') was wearing first, for it wasn't the usual school robes. He was wearing a black dress shirt and slacks, and black loafers. The shirt was tailored, accenting his broad shoulders which tapered down to a slender waist and hips. The shirt was half tucked into the black slacks, which were probably mean to be loose, but whoever was in them had some muscles, Hermione noted. The pants were rather clingy around his legs, loosening slightly toward the calf and feet. As her gaze traveled upwards again, she noticed the shirt was shot through with silver threads, and only when she reached the pale silver blue eyes and platinum blonde hair, did she register who it was.

"Like what you see, Granger?" Draco Lucius Malfoy asked smoothly. His hair hung loosely in his face, giving him a dangerously mysterious air. He grinned as she blushed, not meeting his gaze. His eyes flickered over her briefly, but slow enough that he saw she had filled out nicely. As soon as the thought passed his mind, he mentally slapped himself for thinking about that.

"Whassamatter? Cat got your tongue? Or should I say dragon?" He smirked at what he thought was a rather clever play on words, as the look on Hermione's face turned to anger.

"You wish, Malfoy. I was actually wondering how long it took for your mother to dress you this morning." She smirked slightly, and Draco noticed she was wearing make-up, as well as the fact that it looked rather good. Again, he mentally smacked himself as the thought registered. A pinkish tinge came into his cheeks as he glared at her.

"Watch your tongue, you filthy Mudblood! I actually imagine my mother will be quite upset when I tell her how I'd had to burn these clothes after being soiled with your touch." He sneered as her cheeks filled with color, and her amber eyes glowed with anger. She bent down swiftly to retrieve her books and began walking away when she suddenly turned around with a smile. Draco didn't like the look on her face as she reached for her wand, but he didn't have time to react as she pointed it at his crotch and said sweetly, "Here, let me help." She muttered something under her breath and sprinted away, but still heard the cry of rage and pain as the front of Draco's pants lit on fire.

"You'll pay for this, Mudblood!" He yelled. Hermione fought to keep down a laugh as she trotted up the stairs toward the Gryffindor Common room. Coming upon the portrait of the Fat Lady, she smiled and gave the password.

"Glory." She said sweetly, as the painting swung forward. She climbed through and dropped her books on a table by the armchairs. She slumped into one and leaned forward, rubbing her temples. She was so annoyed that she didn't noticed Harry, Ron, and Ginny come in behind her. She was just sitting up with a yawn when three pairs of hands began tickling her fiercely. Hermione shouted in surprised laughter as she was attacked by the three of them, giggling hysterically as they didn't let up.

"Uncle! Uncle!" She yelled finally, tears of laughter streaming down her cheeks. Harry and Ron grinned at her as they let go, but Ginny hugged her.

"Where were you!" The redhead questioned. "You weren't on the train at all! At least, we didn't see you! And you weren't at the feast either!" Ginny looked expectantly at the brunette, as well as Harry and Ron. Hermione sighed and motioned for them to sit down, which they did.

"Well, I was at the library just n- Shut up, Ron!" She slapped him gently as he gave her a look of mock surprise. "Anyway, I was at the library. But earlier on the train I was in the front compartment on Dumbledore's orders, and at the feast I was in his office, being told why I had to sit in the front." She paused at the look of confusion on their faces. Finally, Ron spoke up.

"So, why did you have to sit up front?" He asked. Hermione sighed and stood up, going to her dorm. She returned with a book and a photo. She placed the photo in the book, and then sat back down.

"Ok, this might come as a shock to you, but probably not. I'm not a muggleborn." She took in the looks of surprise on all their faces. "This summer, on my 17th birthday – you know, my legal birthday in the Wizarding World – my parents told me that they are, actually, not my parents. I was adopted. My real parents were –are- Requiem and Eternity Valantois." She smiled slightly as they all gasped in surprise and shock, and Ron fell out of his chair. Ginny looked dumbstruck and Harry looked plain confused. Hermione could tell she would have to explain the situation more clearly.

"Ok, this is going to be kind of hard to explain, but I'll try as best I can. I'm assuming you all know what vampires are?" They all nodded and she continued. "Well, the very first vampires to exist were not the vampires we know today. Once they became a vampire, they didn't look human, they were deformed. Once you were bitten, your body took on a change, and you always ended up looking like your creator. The first vampires were about 6 feet tall, slim, and slightly muscled. Both male and female had shoulder-length hair, though the color depended on the gender. Black for males, crimson for females. Same for their eyes, Green for males, blue for females, and not regular green and blue. The colors were too bright to be natural, almost shimmery, as though shot through with silver specks. These vampires were called the Aucun Salut, or 'Creature of no salvation'. As the years went by and they learned to breed with humans, the result was a more normal looking vampire called a Rachat, which looked like a human. When they were created, they grew until they were 18 then became immortal. They looked the same in death as they did in life, except for their eyes, which grew either the green or blue color I mentioned earlier, and their features, which became more defined. The rest of them stayed the same. As time went on, female vampires became infertile, able to create new vampiric life only by the Kiss of Death, or vampire bite." She paused and asked if they understood so far. When they all nodded, she continued. "My father, Requiem Valantois, was one of the last of the Rachat line. Almost all the rest were killed when their creator, Adaire, was destroyed. Requiem only survived because he was one of the new generation.

"My mother, Eternity, was part of another race entirely. She was a Veela." Once again, the trio looked surprised. Hermione continued, "My mother was not an ordinary Veela. She was a rare creature, called a Primordial Veela. It was basically a regular Veela, only with the ability to control the elements. It was almost impossible to kill a Primordial Veela, but only if the Veela had found it's mate. Without it's mate, the Veela would die within a matter of hours. The Veela traits are usually passed down from generation to generation, but after the Primordial Veela produces an offspring, it doesn't produce anymore. On it's child's 21st birthday, the parent dies, leaving it's child to fulfill it's place. If the Veela has a son, the trait stays within the blood, but does not take effect until it is in the body of a female, which is why there are no male Primordial Veela. The Veela's mate is born within the same year as the Veela, and both of their fates are already determined. It is simply a matter of finding your mate before you're 21st birthday. When you turn 21, you have one month before you die if you have not yet found your mate. If you die, the entire line of Veela you came from dies as well. When you find your mate an instant connection will occur, but there will be 5 bonds necessary to complete the mating. A physical bond, a metaphysical bond, an aura bond, a telepathic bond, and a unity bond. Some of those sound the same, but there are specific details for each bond. Anyway, the Veela and her mate have two years to complete the bonds. After that, if the bonds have not been created and sealed, they both will die." Hermione sat back to let them absorb all the information, and took a deep breath.

"So you're a Veela?" Questioned Harry. He still looked quite confused. Hermione smiled.

"I'm getting to that. As I said, my father is a vampire, right? Vampires are a magical being, and they can only be pureblooded. When a vampire is created, all the previous blood in the body is lost; it dissolves. That is why, when a vampire is first created, it needs to feed immediately, to sustain its life. The blood of it's victim is filtered as it passes into the vampire, making it magical. Now, a Veela is also pureblooded, and when a Veela child is born, if it is female, it will start to develop it's Veela traits and powers exactly 17 days after it's 17th birthday. If it's a male, the magic will stay in the blood and be passed on until it has found a female carrier. Until I was born, there was never a hybrid Veela. Now here's where I get to the confusing part. When my mom found that Requiem was her mate, she thought it would never work, since their blood couldn't blend and the race would die. But Requiem had gained a new power when the rest of his race had died, and his blood could mix with any life form, including Veela. So, when Eternity and Requiem mated and I was conceived, I received both traits and curses. I am both Vampire and Primordial Veela." She gazed at their awestruck faces, and tried hard not to smile.

"So, Hermione, what are your powers? When do you get them? Will your appearance change?" Ginny fired question after question at her, which she tried to answer.

"Well, I will be able to control elements up to a certain point, and I will be able to shape-shift. But I will also be capable of invisibility and mind control, from my vampiric side. And yes, I will have to feed." She looked ashamed as she revealed that, as though it was a vile thought. And it was, to her. "In one week, my change will begin. My body will stay basically the same, though I will grow retractable fangs. My eyes will change to lighter amber, a silvery gold color, and my hair will grow longer, and develop silver highlights. That's pretty much it. Oh, except for one catch." Ginny, Ron, and Harry all leaned in expectantly, waiting to hear anything else about her condition. "Since I am part vampire, I will need to find my mate before by my 18th birthday, instead of 21st. According to Dumbledore, they are at this school." She smiled mysteriously. "I don't know who it is yet, but I have the rest of the year to figure it out." Finally finished, she sat back in her chair, slightly exhausted. There was a complete silence for a moment, as they all absorbed her story.

Hermione glanced up at the clock on the wall and gasped, jolting up. "Oh!" She cried, "I'm late for a meeting with Dumbledore! See you later, guys!" She dashed out to the portrait and clamored out hastily, making her way to the headmaster's office. As she ran along the corridors she mentally cursed herself for being so careless. Now, whoever was Head Boy would think she was a total mistake! She finally skidded to a halt in front of the gargoyle guarding his office. "Skittles" She gasped and the gargoyle shifted, bearing way to a flight of stairs that wound themselves around a giant pillar. Hermione sighed and darted up the stairs, huffing. Wow, She thought as she ran, breathing sporadically, I'm really out of shape! She finally reached a huge oak door and was about to knock when it swung open.

"Ah, Miss Granger. I was beginning to worry." Dumbledore smiled. "However, I assume you were telling our dear trio the news?" He guessed. Hermione nodded gratefully and replied, "Yes, Headmaster, I'm sorry I'm late. Should I sit?" Dumbledore gestured to a chair in front of his desk and Hermione took a seat. Dumbledore went around the other side of the desk and sat, and only when he did, did Hermione notice who was sitting next to her.

"You!" She spat, as her eyes landed on none other then Draco Malfoy. Again. "You're Head Boy!" She looked at Dumbledore for a validation, and sighed in defeat when he nodded. She glared at Malfoy, who looked quite smug.

"Well," Dumbledore said, "At least I don't have to introduce you." He chuckled quietly, but neither Hermione nor Malfoy thought anything about the situation was funny. "Now my children, I have called you up here to tell you about your duties and your living arrangements. Your duties are quite simple. Every teacher patrols the halls one night a week, and you will be added to that list. Hermione, you will patrol the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor hallways, Draco, you will patrol the Hufflepuff and Slytherin halls. I trust you both to be stern and take away points for anyone you see out. 10 for being out late and 25 if they defy your wishes. Understood?" They both nodded and Dumbledore continued, "Also, you will be asked to plan all of the School Balls and Hogsmade visits, as well as putting together a Quidditch schedule. Is that clear?" Draco and Hermione both muttered a 'yes' and nodded.

"Very good," Dumbledore said, "very good. Now, for your living arrangements." Hermione shifted forward in interest, but Draco stayed slumped in his seat, his eyes a cool mask of polite boredom. "As the Heads of this school the two of you will share a dorm."

At this, both Hermione and Draco jumped up and began arguing furiously with the Headmaster, outraged that they would not only have to work together, but LIVE together!

"Professor, Please! Can't I stay in the Gryffindor Dorms?" Hermione begged. Draco nodded, his hair bouncing furiously. "Yes, you crazy old coot! I refuse to stay in the same dorm as her!" The begging and pleading continued for another few moments, and then was silenced as Dumbledore held up his hands.

"My dears, the arrangements have been made, and should you not like them, I would be happy to assign your title to another student. Would you like that instead?" Both Hermione and Draco glared at each other, but shook their heads. "It's all settled then. The portrait guarding you dorms is from a muggle musical, I'm sure you will recognize it when you see it. It is on the third floor, on the third corridor to your right. Your belongings have already been moved. Cheerio, then!" He smiled and waved, and Hermione and Draco realized they were dismissed. As they clomped down the stairs, Hermione suddenly stopped and swung out a hand to stop Draco.

"Ok, Malfoy. I have a proposal." She began. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. "For the past 6 years we have been absolutely horrid to each other, correct?" He nodded. "Well, if you're willing, I propose we call a truce. You be civil to me, and I'll be civil to you, fair?" She held out her hand. Draco looked surprised, and held his hand back. "Oh, come on!" Hermione sighed, "It's not like I'm asking you to be my best friend; I'm just asking that we won't constantly be insulting each other! Now, is that ok with you?" She held out her hand again, and hesitantly, Draco shook it. Hermione's eyes met his and she smiled slightly. Draco blushed and dropped her hand. Hastily, he said, "So, does this mean I can't call you Granger? Are we on a first name basis?" He looked at her. She thought for a moment before answering.

"I suppose. But if you're really uncomfortable, then no, you don't have to. Just, please not Mudblood. For a number of reasons…" She grinned as she realized, she was more pureblooded then he was! She shook her head slightly, grinning like a fool. Looking up, she saw Malfoy with a puzzled expression.

"What's so funny, Hermione?" He asked, making a real effort to use her first name. He truly was trying, Hermione realized. "Nothing, nothing," She lied. "I'll tell you later if you keep your promise." She turned and began walking to their dorm, smiling all the way, Draco in a confused and dazed state behind her.

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About 10 minutes later, during which Hermione and Draco had actually managed to have a civil conversation about teachers they disliked, they came upon the portrait. In it was a young woman of about 22, slender and petite with long, curly, dark auburn hair and brown eyes. She wore a simple dress; a white chemise, a golden overskirt which hugged her hips then cascaded loosely with a black scarf over it and a brown corset over the whole ensemble, so dark it was almost black and embroidered with tiny roses. Tucked into the woman's hair was a real rose, blood red in full bloom. The man in the painting was tall and slender, but not lacking in figure. His dark hair was falling loosely, curling just beneath his chin. He was dressed in brown pants of the same color as the corset, which hugged his figure and were tucked into knee-length black boots. He wore a white ruffled shirt tucked into the pants, and blended with a black waistband. Over the shirt he wore a brown suit jacket, embroidered with black designs along the edges. As Draco studied the man he was surprised to note that he wore a white half-mask over the right side of his face. Whereas the woman was soft and demure, though quite beautiful, the man was breathtaking. His skin was slightly tanned and underneath his dark eyebrows were two eyes the color of a stormy sea, yet speckled with amber spots. Draco wondered why this man could possible need a mask, he could probably seduce a woman by looking at her! He turned to Hermione to ask, but was stalled when she let out a squeal of delight. He looked questioningly at her, and she explained, "This is my all-time favorite musical! The Phantom of the Opera'. It really is brilliant. These are the two main characters. Erik, the Phantom, and Christine, the young opera star." She stepped back and grinned ecstatically as Erik bowed and Christine curtsied.

"I am glad you know who we are, ma petite. Not many know my true name." The man said in a deep voice. Hermione sighed happily, and Draco thought he knew why. The man had the voice of an angel! Truly! "I am Erik Destler," He introduced himself to Draco, "And this is my new wife, formerly known as Miss Christine Daae." The young woman smiled and curtsied again. "Pleasure to meet you, monsieur." She said, her voice ringing sweetly in his ears. Draco was about to bow and thank her when Hermione squealed again.

"Oh my gosh! So you didn't leave him?" She asked excitedly. Forgetting herself completely she launched herself at Draco and hugged him. A split second later she quickly sprang away, brushing herself off. "Sorry." She whispered, blushing furiously. Draco could not help but grin, even though a small part in the back of his mind was whispering, 'She's a Mudblood, Draco! You can't become friends with her, just be polite is all! You're got to get through the school year somehow!' He grimaced at the voice and cleared his throat.

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Destler, I am pleased to meet you, as is Hermione. But, if you please, what is the password?" He inquired. Christine moved closer to them in the painting.

"Your name, monsieur?" She asked. "Draco, Madame." He answered politely. "Well, Draco, we have been told that the two of you are to choose the password, and change it on the new moon of each month. So, what shall it be?" She asked.

Draco looked at Hermione, who shrugged. "Chance?" She suggested. Draco nodded, not being able to think of anything better, and told Christine. She smiled, and the portrait swung open. "Enjoy!" She called sweetly. Draco and Hermione were not listening, for they were staring in awe at their new rooms. The main area was quite large, like the living room of a house. The entire room was done in silver, black, and gold. By the fireplace were two armchairs, one silver, and one gold, both with black stitching. Between the chairs was a black couch, with silver and gold throw pillows. On the ground, which was silver tile, there was a black shag rug, and two black coffee tables; one with silver edging by the silver chair, and one with gold edging by the gold chair. Behind the living room was a small kitchenette, with a two-seater black marble table. Hermione sighed with happiness as she walked through, making her way to the bedrooms. On the left was a door with a silver snake, and on the right was one with a golden lion. She looked at Draco, then they both opened the doors to their rooms, and each one gasped.

Hermione's room was beautifully done in a theme of crimson and gold, although there weren't exactly the same as the Gryffindor colors. The crimson was a richer, almost blood red color, and the gold was faint and shimmery. In the middle of the room was a queen sized bed, with a dark red velvet bedspread with black, silver, and gold embroidery on it. She turned back the sheets and noted that they were Egyptian cotton, and crimson they were gold. Sighing happily she flopped onto the big bed and looked around again. The walls, which were a pale crème color, had a crimson border with gold edging, and there was a mock-gold chandelier hanging from the ceiling, which was painted gold. Hermione got back up reluctantly to find the bathroom, but stalled a bit more to explore her closet, which took up an entire wall and was already filled with her clothes, as well as the dresser. On the shelves her books had been arranged by Author. Shaking her head, she saw the door that led to what she guessed was the bathroom. As she pulled it she let out a squeal.

The bathroom was enormous! It was the same silver and gold theme as the living room, with crème walls. In the center of the room, which was about the size of the living room, was a giant bathtub, similar to the prefects'. The bathtub was made of black marble as well, and sported a variety of spouts and handles. There were steps leading from the edge of the tub, and Hermione guessed that it probably went to about 8 feet deep, starting at about 4. At the far corner of the tub, a small square area was walled in, with a ladder. Hermione, living with muggles for her childhood, immediately saw that it was a hot tub. She walked around the tub, noticing the cabinets on either side. Probably towels, she mused. Opening one, she saw it was filled with crimson towels, with gold embroidery. Walking to the other, she found that there were forest green towels with silver embroidery. She turned around and noticed a shower. The base was black marble, but the walls were made of glass, and they were crystal clear. They formed a semi-circle starting at the wall, then rounding and coming back to the same wall 5 feet later. Even the door, with a crystal knob, was rounded. On either side of the shower was a sink, each made of black marble with a mirror over it. Beside each sink was a small closed off cubicle. Hermione entered the one by her room and found that it was a toilet, made of black marble as well. She exited the cubicle and made her way to Draco's room, finding that they were adjoined by the bathroom. She knocked, and the door swung open. Draco stepped back and looked at her blankly.

"Yes?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione edged past him and looked around. "Just wanted to see your room." She told him. "If you'd like, you can look at mine. Check out the bathroom as well." Draco shrugged and meandered into the bathroom, gazing at the bathtub in awe.

Hermione noted that his room was the exact mirror of hers. The walls were the same crème color, but the borders were dark green with silver edging, and the ceiling was silver with a mock silver chandelier. The bedspread was the same dark green color with the same embroidery as hers, in the same colors. She noticed that he had turned down his sheets as well; they were silver. The floors in both their rooms were silver tile, and each had a shag carpet. Draco's was green, Hermione's was red. She went back into the main area, and collapsed onto the sofa, closing her eyes and sighing contentedly.

She tugged off her school robes, revealing low-rise jeans and a black t-shirt underneath. The shirt had a logo for a muggle band on it, 'Coheed and Cambria', who Hermione happened to like. She had bought most of her wardrobe from a store she had recently discovered at the mall nearest to her, called Hot Topic. The general color of the store was black, and it was obviously Gothic. But Hermione had changed over the summer, still a bookworm, but more bold. She had begun working out, driving to a gym every other day where she swam laps. As a result, her stomach was toned and flat, and since she swam outside often, it was slightly tanned. Her hair was less bushy, and had toned down to a luscious dark brown wave. She yawned and stretched, then a voice above her shocked her.