This is my first fan fiction ever, although I'm sure it's obvious. Be as harsh on the reviews as you feel necessary, I'm the odd type of person who enjoys constructive criticism!

OK My story takes place during Hermione's sixth year and things aren't going well…at all. She has to break-up with her best friend turned boyfriend, is pressured beyond all reason by her teachers and parents, Has more homework than a killer whale has blubber, and (worst of all) Draco Malfoy knows all her deepest, darkest, secrets. And don't even think that evil git is unfamiliar with blackmail! With this crap-mound of a life Hermione Granger is Ready to Run until she discovers something completely unexpected…

And let me give credit where credit is due and thank J.K. Rowling for her brilliance because none of these characters are mine!!!!!!! I know it's short but I also hope you find it intriguing since I enjoy writing and want to keep it going. I also don't want to work on my chemistry lab report....anyways, ENJOY!

Chapter One : Return to Hogwarts

Hermione Granger's feet pounded on the pavement outside King's Cross Station. She did a mental groan, why hadn't she insisted her father drive her to the train station??? Hermione and her father shared a high regard for punctuality while her mother valued...muggle cooking shows. She burst threw the glass front doors, thankful for the air conditioning, and heaved her trunk and crookshank's carrier onto a trolley. She angled the trolley in the direction of platforms nine and ten and sped forward. She could hear her mom's heels clicking wildly behind, trying to keep up with Hermione's pace. "Hermione!" her mother yelled, "Slow down dear, I need to see you off." 'Tough luck,' thought Hermione. It was her fault she was late in the first place, why should Hermione have to wait for her? Hermione's relationship had been strained with her mum for a while but this summer had been...hellish. Thank god she was going back to Hogwarts, that is, if she made the train. Finally, she reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 without a minute to spare. She pushed her trolley through the barrier and was gone in a flash.

Draco's eyes flickered in amusement while he passed struggling first-years on his way to the prefects' compartment. The compartment was already busy when he arrived he noticed the prefects from 5th and 7th year were there along with the prefects from his own year; Cho and Charlie from Ravenclaw, Justin and Melanie from Hufflepuff, Pansy Parkinson from his own house, and Weasel. Wait. Where was Granger? It was awfully unusual for her to be late; usually she was five minutes early. 'Maybe she was in a horrible accident,' Malfoy thought hopefully. Just then Hermione burst through the compartment doors, looking thoroughly annoyed. Malfoy smirked preparing for his attack, this would be an opportune moment to irritate Granger and he couldn't resist. Just as he opened his mouth Hermione shot him a look that would kill a lesser man. "Got something to say Malfoy?" she asked dangerously. Malfoy looked at her thoughtfully, weighing his options, "You wish Granger," he said softly. She stalked away and plopped down beside Ron Weasley. 'Weasel and the Mudblood,' thought Malfoy, chuckling softly, 'the perfect representatives for the Gryffindor house'. The train creaked into motion and Malfoy seated himself next to Pansy.

"Hello Draco! How was your summer?"

"Tolerable thanks. Yours?"

"I went on holiday to the Riviera! I got a lot of clothes; you should have seen me trying to carry my luggage on the way back home. We just got home last week and I'm upset because I can't wear my new outfits to school. I was so happy when I received my prefect letter. Were you surprised? I wasn't, I kinda knew I was going to be picked I mean come..."

Pansy droned on. 'Did she ever stop?' Malfoy wondered...Draco and Pansy had a "thing" last year. He wasn't aware if it was still going and didn't know if he wanted it to continue. She was pretty, no denying it, and yet...Malfoy brushed the thought aside. Something on the other side of the compartment caught his attention. Someone was taking their sweater off revealing a white tank top that hugged them in all the right places.

Hermione was struggling to take off her sweater, running through the station had made her hot and the sweater was confining. Trouble was it didn't want to let go of her head! "Ron," mumbled Hermione, "Help!" Ron tugged and finally released Hermione from her cotton prison. "You alright?" he asked. "Fine, thanks." Hermione noticed Malfoy staring at her dumbstruck on the other end of the compartment. 'What's his problem?' she thought. "I'm so glad to be going back to Hogwarts," chirped Hermione. "Mum troubles?" Ron inquired. "You have no idea," she answered through gritted teeth, "This summer was unbearable. My dormitory and the library will feel heaven sent. And I can spend as much time as I want with you and Harry!" said Hermione excitedly. "Shame we can't sit with Harry on the way over though. I feel bad leaving him all alone," said Ron. "I know. I didn't even get a chance to say hi to him since I was so late. At least Ginny is with him," she said hopefully.

Hermione sighed. 'Harry,' she thought. They'd only spoken twice the whole summer. They had written numerous letters to one another but that wasn't the same. But truthfully, she was glad to postpone their meeting for a few more hours. She and Harry officially started dating in the last term of 6th year. On the surface they had been mushy, kissie, and happy. All the while Hermione was bewildered as to why she never felt anything for her new beau...Harry was attractive, smart, and loyal. What was wrong with her? She was dating Harry Potter! Other girls were dying to be in her position. To make matters worse Harry confessed to Hermione that he loved her on the last day of 6th year. She felt uncomfortable just thinking about it.

They had been on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, hand-in-hand, reminiscing about the good 'ole days when Harry awkwardly grabbed Hermione by the shoulders and looked deep into her eyes.

"I love you Hermione."

He had said it. Just like that. As if he was asking the time or ordering a hamburger. She realized he was staring at her, waiting for an answer.

"Harry, I...love you too," she answered meekly.

Well, what should she have done!? Harry was her friend, her boyfriend. She couldn't bring herself to hurt him. The guilt had been eating away at her the whole summer. Her lie to Harry was horrible and inexcusable. She was too cowardly to face the facts then but was now ready to face the problem head on. She had to break up with Harry.

A stern voice woke her from her reverie.

"Attention prefects."

It was Professor McGonagall. Since when did she take the train?

"And welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I am here to inform you of your duties as prefects this year."

Ron rolled his eyes at Hermione; they had both been prefects last year and knew their responsibilities.

"I know what you're thinking Mr. Weasley," Ron turned scarlet, "But Dumbledore has made some changes to the prefects' duties this year. Hogwarts is simply too large for the Head Boy and Girl to patrol on their own, so the prefects will be helping them out this year."

The compartment groaned simultaneously.

"I will be pairing you up with a 'patrol buddy' from a different house be-"

"Professor!" said Hermione, "Why can't we just patrol with the other prefect from our house?"

"If you'd let me finish Ms. Granger I will explain. Your patrol buddy will be from a different house in order to decrease house rivalry and increase school unity. Also, to prevent attacks on prefects from students in opposing houses." She shot a look in Malfoy's direction, "Listen up!-"

Ron looked grumpily at Hermione. "Why should we have to patrol the halls? Filch and his bloody cat already have it covered." "I know," sighed Hermione, "I just hope I'm not paired with a Slytherin."

"Now, you will each be responsible to patrol the halls one night a week. Monday will be Mr. Weasley and Mr. Finch-Fletchly."

Ron released a breathe, relieved to be partnered with someone decent.

"Tuesday is Ms. Chang and Ms. Parkinson, Wednesday will be Ms. Millie and Mr. Hughes, Wednesdays will be Ms. Bergman and Mr. Bogart, Thursdays are Mr. Carrie and Mr. Matin, Fridays are Ms. Joseph and Ms. Cleary, Saturdays will be taken care of by the Head Boy and Girl, and Sunday belongs to Mr. Draco and Ms. Smith."

'That's odd,' Hermione thought, 'my name wasn't mentioned. Oh well, McGonagall probably has a more important task assigned for me.'

"Wait a minute," said McGonagall, "I meant to say Sundays belong to Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger. Discuss patrol routes and meeting times with your partners and see me in the Transfiguration room after the feast." With that, Professor McGonagall slipped out of the compartment, letting the newly formed chaos and arguments ensue.

Well don't just sit there staring at the screen...tell me what you think! REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!