But Mama I'm in love with a criminal

And this type of love isn't rational, it's physical

Mama, please don't cry I will be alright

All reason aside, I just can't deny, I love the guy

-Criminal, Britney Spears

A Rebel With A Tainted Heart

Hermione Granger sat in one of the various compartments of the Hogwarts Express with her two best friends: Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, and one complete arse: Ronald Weasley. After a traumatic previous year of them in and out of school, the Wizarding War that took place and Voldemort's defeat, they finally got a lucky break which enabled them to return for their last year at Hogwarts. As Hermione, Ron and Harry had to repeat the year, this meant that they were in the same year as Ginny which cheered them all up.

It was a well-known fact that Hogwarts would be quiet this year. After the war, many families packed up their belongings, took their kids and left. They moved away to mourn but also out of fear. Voldemort was gone but many didn't want to risk their safety. After the destruction of Hogwarts during the battle, it was one of the last places parents wanted to send their children, no matter how many times they were assured it was for the greater good.

Before her return to school, Hermione had managed to track down her obliviated parents and helped them regain their memories. They were no longer a childless couple and Hermione was greatly relieved that they recognised her and forgave her. She was lucky that her parents were so understanding and that they had realised she had acted purely with their safety in mind. To say they were proud of their little girl was an understatement.

Although she had missed her parents' presence, Hermione felt it best to give them space over the summer as they readjusted to the lives they previously led and had newly rediscovered. Her best friend Ginny Weasley had invited her to stay at The Burrow with the rest of the Weasley's as it was basically a second home to Hermione and Harry.

The battle of the Wizarding World had changed many things including the people involved in it, which soon became apparent during the course of the summer. Hermione and Ron, after kissing during the war, tried to build a relationship but both realised it was better if they remained best friends after Ron cheated with the airhead that was Lavender Brown more than three times. Their love for each other was more brother and sister than anything else and Ron felt that their relationship was just awkward which Hermione agreed.

Beside Hermione, also mulling over things was Harry. He was remembering the events of the summer and the end of Ron and Hermione's relationship which he was relieved about. He hated when they were together as he was always caught in the middle of their arguments and constantly got accused of picking sides.

Harry wasn't interested in them or anyone else as much as he had been. He was simply glad to finally be rid of Voldemort who had caused nothing but trouble throughout his life. Often he was found, usually by Ginny, lost in deep thought which he never shared with anyone. Secretly Harry was always looking at others and wondering, what if it hadn't been him? What if he had been a normal-ish child? His parents would quite possibly still be alive and he wouldn't have faced such hardships. But, like the selfless person he was, Harry was glad he was "The Chosen One." It meant that no one else would ever have to go through what he had. After experiencing it first hand, he could never wish that on anyone, not even people he hated.

It saddened him that even after death, Voldemort was still torturing him. The people he knew and loved had changed and like him, fought every night with horrible, realistic nightmares of the past events. To top it all off, he realised that he and Ginny were drifting apart and Harry worried they were becoming like Ron and Hermione. He still loved Ginny of course, but he felt it maybe in a more of a brotherish way, which confused him. Him and Ginny never spent time alone, or went out together or did anything like they had before the war. Sure their lives weren't perfect then, but they managed. This time, however, they weren't managing and Harry knew it. Why couldn't his life ever be simple?

A knock on the door of the compartment caused them all to jump about a foot in the air. Ron made to get up, tripped and landed in a heap on the floor. Harry just shook his head as Ginny digressed into a fit of giggles. Hermione sighed as she slid the door open to reveal a rather scared looking second year Hufflepuff.

"Yes?" Hermione asked, smiling kindly at the tiny boy.

"Um, Hermione Granger? Professor McGonagall has requested you in the first compartment after the drivers right away," The boy announced timidly.

"Oh okay, thank you, you can go back to your own," Hermione replied, holding in a giggle as the boy sighed in relief before wandering back down the corridor. Many thoughts raced through Hermione's mind and she wondered what she could have done to have been called to the professor so early on in the year.

"Well I better go; I'm not sure when I'll see you!" She gave a half-wave to the others who returned it, before leaving and briskly walking down the hallway. Hermione rapped on the door quietly before entering the room, only to be knocked to the floor mere seconds later, pulling whoever it was down with her.

Her eyes soon focused on the body that was on top of her and she couldn't believe who it was. He looked similar to what he had before the war, but somehow even hotter?

-Wait, what? Hermione, pull yourself together, don't let your hormones control you. You cannot, under any circumstances, think of this lad as 'hot'.

As much as she tried to convince herself that the body on top of her wasn't attractive, she couldn't because he was hot. He always was, but even more so now without all the stress eating him away. His platinum blond hair was messy in an absolutely perfect way and it flopped gracefully over his eyes. Oh, his eyes. Beautiful grey orbs that were no longer cold and devoid of any emotion - grey enveloping pools that showed warmth, concern and shock. His handsome, chiselled face was no longer deathly pale, but tanned in a healthy way. He looked like a Greek God.

-Oh my god, Hermione you cannot think of him like this! Do you know who this is?! Stop!

"Malfoy?" She asked, shock and confusion evident.

"Well hello Granger, fancy seeing you here," He smiled - not a smirk, but a genuine smile. Gently he got to his feet and pulled her up carefully, chuckling at the surprised look on Hermione's face - she wasn't used to him being nice.

-He looks amazing in dark blue skinny jeans and a navy blue top, oh wow.

Hermione shook her head, trying to get rid of those oh so awful thoughts before questioning him.

"What are you doing here?" She questioned, trying not to sound harsh.

"The same as you, I guess. Some little second year Hufflepuff came up to me, told me McGonagall wanted me. Scared shitless he was ha!" Draco chuckled again and Hermione tried to hide a smile, the poor second year had obviously been terrified of both of them.

"How come you're being so nice? Smiling, laughing, and helping me up? Aren't you afraid my mudblood germs will contaminate you?" She demanded harshly and he winced.

"Hermione, listen I've changed, and I want to say sorry and ask for your forgiveness, as much as it pains me. I'm not the same obnoxious elitist that my father tried to mould me into. He's in Azkaban now and good riddance. My mother and I can finally live our lives with freedom and how we want them without him constantly looking down at us. I can do what I want and be my own person without having to worry about being tortured when I get home because of it. And please, don't call yourself a mudblood, you shouldn't put yourself down. I just want to have a good year without the weight of many problems," He explained softly. His tone of voice was so gentle that Hermione melted at how velvety it was.

"Your dad sounds awful! God, no wonder you were such a dick," Hermione gasped and Draco laughed.

"Yes I suppose I was, wasn't I?" He replied.

"Well I'm surprised you apologised, I can practically see your pride oozing out of the side of your head in defeat, but in any case, I forgive you Draco Malfoy and I'm sorry too," She smiled honestly at him.

"Sorry for what?" He asked confused.

"For being an arse too over the years. And I'm sorry for what you went through, it can't have been the easiest childhood," She answered.

"It wasn't, but thank you, it means a lot," He murmured.

"So, truce?" She asked hopefully.

"Truce," He agreed smiling, looking her over. Hermione Granger had definitely grown up over the summer! Her chocolate hair, which was almost an exact match in colour of her eyes, fell in tame cascading waves down her back. Draco couldn't help but notice the gorgeous figure she had been hiding under her school robes. A modestly tight top which accentuated a chest he hadn't even known was there, grey skinny jeans to show off her thin waist and curvy hips and heeled charcoal boots making her long legs even longer. Raised voices outside the door to the compartment snapped him out of his analysis of Granger. They went silent and still as they listened to the voices, trying to figure out who they belonged to.

"What are you doing here dick?" The attitude of the words was instantly recognisable to Hermione.

"The same as you I imagine my darling Red!" The calm and collected tone was one which Draco knew well indeed.

"Ginny?" Hermione asked confused. "Blaise?" Draco asked at the same time. He opened the door and sure enough there was his Italian best friend, more like brother, and other Slytherin Prince. Beside him, was Ginny Weasley aka Weaslette/Red/Girl Ginger, Granger's best friend, more like sister, and other Gryffindor Princess.

"Ah, now this is exciting, the two handsome Slytherin Princes and the two beautiful Gryffindor Princesses. I wonder what will happen here?" Blaise asked, a twinkle in his eye.

"Will you stop flirting and get in here Blaise?" The blond hissed, dragging his best friend in the door by his arm, oblivious to the Italian's complaining.

"Hermione! So this is where you disappeared off to! Some little second year came and found me as well, said McGonagall wanted me too," Ginny shrugged before stepping through the door to hug her best friend, who accepted the hug.

"Alright Malfoy," Ginny mock bowed, greeting him happily. After he and Blaise saved her during the war she had become a lot friendlier towards the pair. Ron and Harry still hated 'the bastards' however.

"Weaslette," He commented, giving her a mock salute which made her giggle. He and Blaise draped themselves gracefully over two of the four sofas in the compartment and the two girls tried not to stare open-mouthed at how God-like and in control they appeared.

"Why are we all here?" Draco asked the question with a well practised bored expression on his face.

"Well if we knew that we wouldn't be here would we?" Ginny rolled her eyes before plonking herself down on the sofa nearest Blaise. Hermione made a mental note to ask the younger girl about this later.

"That doesn't make sense Red, you're talking crap," Blaise pointed out, snorting derisively but evidently pleased about her seating arrangement.

"And you would know all about talking crap wouldn't you Zabini, everything you say is absolute sh-"

"Miss Weasley! What were you saying?" Startled, they all looked around to see Professor McGonagall entering the room and staring harshly at Ginny, who at least had the decency to look mildly ashamed.

"Nothing Professor," She muttered, shooting angry glares at Blaise, who merely accepted them with an amused glint in his eyes.

"I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here, so I will not keep you in the dark any longer. I apologise that this is such short notice but as the second in command 'Slytherin Prince' if you will, Mr Zabini would you accept the title of Deputy Head Boy?" Professor McGonagall smiled at him kindly.

"Of course Professor, it would be a pleasure," He replied politely, turning on the Zabini charm.

"Now, Miss Weasley, second in command 'Gryffindor Princess' would you accept the title of Deputy Head Girl?" She turned her attention to the youngest Weasley, who was narrowing her eyes.

"Yes I will, can't believe my partner is-" Ginny trailed off.

"Someone who is charmingly handsome with amazing hair?" Blaise offered helpfully, much to her dismay.

"Right Mr Zabini that's enough flirting with Miss Weasley, don't you lead her astray now! Miss Granger, I believe the role of Head Girl has been patiently waiting for you to fill it since your arrival here. As a 'Gryffindor Princess' and war hero, you are greatly respected, and I believe Hogwarts would benefit?" The Professor smiled proudly at Hermione who was blushing at the compliments.

"Of course I'll accept Head Girl Professor," She smiled back as Ginny hugged her.

"Now Mr Malfoy I do believe that the Head Boy title has had your name written on it too. As a 'Slytherin Prince' you are also respected despite what you were forced into and you are highly influential, especially with the Hogwarts females. ("What about me? I'm hot too!") That's debatable Mr Zabini. You are courageous and have strength; I also have faith that you will be able to keep Mr Zabini here in line!"

"HEY, Professor!" Blaise protested but she shushed him with a glance.

"Yes Professor, I'll accept Head Boy," Draco smiled politely at her and she looked like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"Well thank goodness; I shall see you at Hogwarts where we shall discuss more about rules, where you shall stay and such. In the Great Hall you all shall sit together at the end of the Gryffindor table, it will promote house unity so no complaints. For now I will see you all later, the train will arrive at the grounds in about 2 hours, so be sure to change into your uniform before you arrive. Good evening." And with that, she set four badges on the coffee table before turning on her heels to leave, closing the door behind her. Hermione leaned over and grabbed the badges, examining them before handing them out.

"It clashes with my ring!" Blaise whined suddenly.

"Fuck up Blaise it clashes with mine too but get over it you retard," Draco snapped, rolling his eyes as the two girls stared at the pair incredulously.

"I am NOT a retard, I'll have you know I'm your second in command as McGonagall so rightly put it," Blaise huffed at his friend.

"You clearly are, you're always moaning and usually about clothes not matching or you room down in the Slytherin dungeons. 'Oh no this light makes my robes look green.' We lived under the fucking black lake obviously the light would be green you arse," The blond argued.

"I'm not an arse, take that back you man whore!" The Italian stood up.

"Man whore? Eh I've been called worse, mainly by you and I will not take it back. Sit down Blaise and remember who is the taller and stronger one here. Remember your wrist?" Draco smirked, standing up to tower over his best friend.

"Remember your nose?" He questioned sarcastically before sinking back down into his seat.

"Face it dick, Draco's the alpha male, get over it," Ginny smirked at him and Blaise couldn't help but think how damn sexy Red was when she did that.

"No I won't, arm wrestle to settle it!" Zabini demanded.

"I'm going to be honest here, Blaise looks like the stronger one Malfoy, I'll root for Zabini," Hermione shrugged, laughing at the mock offense on Malfoy's face.

"I'm going for ferret because he will clearly win against the gay," Ginny giggled.

"See the Weaslette knows I'm the best. I can't believe I'm agreeing to this, but fine Blaise. If I win, you accept that you are second in command, and not the Slytherin Prince. I have never lost my title and I certainly won't to you. If you win, you get the title, but I doubt it. Granger you and the Weaslette referee." Malfoy pulled the sleeves of his navy top up slightly and adjusted his position so he could put his arm on the table. Zabini did the same, a smirk evident on his face. He was convinced he had it in the bag.

"Right 3, 2, 1 GO!"

In a matter of seconds, Draco Malfoy had slammed Blaise Zabini's hand down on the table with a winning smile on his face. Ginny looked very pleased with herself as well, while Blaise and Hermione were in shock, watching Draco stand.

"There you are, my second in command. I am the alpha male, Slytherin Prince and sex god, I thank you," He bowed before straightening up to look at the confused face of Blaise.

"What, but, you, HOW?" His best friend was absolutely raging and the Weaslette was revelling in it, clapping her hands together in amusement while Hermione looked impressed.

"You lost to the better person Blaise, accept it graciously, don't be a sore loser," The blond shrugged. The Italian jumped up and aimed at punch at him, which he caught in his palm, before jerking his wrist to flip Blaise on his back. Ginny was howling with laughter by this time, tears running down her face as she watched Blaise scramble to his feet. He made to go towards Draco who lazily waved a hand and muttered "Protego", sinking on the sofa beside a crying Weaslette and a half amused half horrified Granger.

"You don't seem surprised Malfoy," She commented.

"He does this a lot, what can I say, I'm the better person," He laughed.

"Oh yes everyone loves Draco Malfoy. He's tall, thin yet muscly, strong, beautiful, has blond hair that flops perfectly into his gorgeous grey eyes, the sex god Slytherin, the bad boy, preferred by everyone who gets everything. He was Snape's godson, his absolute favourite, one of Dumbledore's favourites, one of McGonagall's favourites, one of that bastard Dark Lord's favourites, got the Dark Mark before me and now he has the girls sitting beside him." Blaise sat on the sofa opposite them, huffing about his best friend who merely looked amused.

"Aw Blaise, don't worry, everyone still loves you," Ginny giggled at him and he brightened up.

"Really?" He asked.

"Yep," She giggled again.

"Sweet!" He announced happily.

"Good, I can take this shield down now," Draco complained.

"Speaking of, when have you been able to do wandless magic?" Hermione demanded.

"Eh, I think around war time, it just sort of happened one day, I talked to Professor Dumbledore about it," He answered calmly.

"Why do you think the resurrection stone brought him back and he was normal?" Hermione asked. This question had been troubling her for a while.

"It's because he died due to Dark Magic and he was a very powerful wizard in possession of a Deathly Hallow. It's like it knew the balance wasn't quite right," Malfoy explained.

"Anyway, where's the Death-trap Twins?" Blaise interrupted, accepting a 'Nice!' handshake from Draco.

"Who?" Ginny asked confused.

"The Twat Twins Weaslette?"

"Who?"

"The Dickhead Duo Granger?"

"Who?"

"The Troll Twins?"

"Who?"

"The Brain-dead butt monkeys?"

"Who?"

"The-"

"Oh for fucksake Malfoy WHO?"

"Calm down Granger, we're asking you two where's Scar head and Weaselbee?" He smirked at her, especially pleased with the new nicknames he and Blaise had come up with.

"I don't know where Harry is and hopefully my dearest brother Ronald's fallen off the back of the train and is lying horribly mangled on the tracks with one of his arms caught on the underneath of the train trailing along with it as it speeds away and all they can see is bloody guts and red flaming hair that-"

"GINNY!"

"Sorry Hermione."

"Woah Red, that was sexy, remind me to get you angry more often. As horrific as that imagery was, I've seen worse," Blaise looked at Ginny, clearly eyeing her up as she blushed.

"We need to get our school stuff on, we're nearly at Hogwarts. You girls can stay here and Blaise and I will go find empty rooms. Yes, separate, you queer, now come on." They could hear him complaining as Draco took charge and dragged him out. Hermione waited until they were out of earshot until she turned to Ginny.

"Firstly, they're being nice? Secondly you and Blaise, ooh girl!" Hermione teased and the younger girl blushed deep red blending with her hair.

"Of course, they want a normal year like the rest of us I'm sure, they saved me in the war and plus they're hot. They'll be good partners this year, we need intimidating guys to back us up and I have a feeling these two are up to the challenge. They'll be flashing those Dark Marks about just to get their reputations back. And there is no me and Blaise, he's just being his usual self. More like you and Draco." Now it was the older girl's turn to blush lightly.

"We're not friends yet, but we called a truce, and he is looking hotttttt this year. I just want a normal year with no drama, but I have a feeling that's not what we'll get," Hermione admitted hesitantly. Ginny just winked at her before they quickly got changed into their robes. Deciding to be more rebellious and like her best friend, Hermione shortened her skirt (modestly still for her) and opened a few of her blouse's buttons before re-coating her eyelashes in black mascara beside Ginny who was doing the same thing.

"I'll open the door, so those two know they can come in," The younger Weasley crossed the wide room and flung the door open dramatically, causing Hermione to raise her eyebrow. Mere seconds later, Ginny was on the floor with Blaise Zabini pressed on top of her.

"Can't get enough of me Red?" He winked and Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Hm, I do believe that doorway is cursed, the same thing happened to Granger and me as she came in. Or rather barrelled in and took me down with her," Draco commented, casually stepping over the pair.

"I did not barrel in Malfoy! I knocked and opened the door, then I grabbed you to steady myself, I didn't know you'd fall on top of me," Hermione argued. Blaise and Ginny however, were completely oblivious to their little argument. They were instead looking each other up and down.

Ginny looked hard at Blaise - he was gorgeous as well. His school uniform was utterly perfect for him and complimented his complexion well. He eyed Ginny up and down in her uniform - he had to admit, Red was hot in her tight skirt and blouse unbuttoned just enough so as to not look slutty. He made no move to get off her and she made no move to get out from under him, in fact, she rather enjoyed being pressed up against his hard body. But of course, she'd never tell the egotistical prat that.

Meanwhile, Hermione Granger was trying not to look at Draco Malfoy, who was too hot for his own good. She was determined not to be one of those girls captivated by his good looks, but she couldn't help it - he really was gorgeous.

Finally, they arrived at Hogwarts, and Hermione finally felt at home once more. Even from the station in Hogsmeade she could see the repairs that had taken place and to be honest, she thought the castle and village looked better than ever.