It was right as they had stepped from the entrance to the Headmaster's Office, when they ran into Malfoy. At first, he didn't see the trio, but seemed to be looking for something else, his eyes scanning the corridor.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" spat Ron. It seemed as though he wasn't going to let the blond-haired boy off the hook that easy.
Malfoy turned, and a hard look came over his face. "I wish to speak with Potter." That child-like bully was still inside the frightened man that stood before them. Ron started to protest, but Hermione laid a hand on his chest, with a glance at Harry.
"C'mon, Ron. There's food in the Great Hall. You must be starving." a loving smile softened her features, as she turned her attention back to the boy she had always loved.
He looked towards her, already giving in, but then narrowed his eyes at Malfoy. "Alright. But if you try anything, Malfoy - "
"I'm sure Harry can take him, Ron. Now, let's go." She grabbed his hand and led him backwards to the Hall that they had left just a short while ago. Seeming to have accepted that he was leaving, Ron wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him, while they walked away.
Harry shook his head at his two best friends as they rounded the corner. It had been evident of their feelings for a long time, but he didn't think he would ever get used to the affection they were showing each other after seeing them bicker for 7 years.
"Look, Potter," Harry was brought out of his thoughts by Malfoy speaking. He turned toward the boy that he had grown to hate over his years at Hogwarts and found that he didn't hate him any longer. In fact, Harry felt sorry for the boy standing in front of him. Malfoy was so much more than the insecure bully that Harry perceived him to be. Malfoy struggled with the words that Harry never thought would come out of his mouth. He kept opening and shutting his mouth, debating what to say next. The simple phrase choking him.
"Save it." said Harry, knowing what he was trying to say. He didn't even need to hear it. The fact that Malfoy had even attempted to apologize to him, was enough. "I get it. You're a git." At any other time, that would have steamed Malfoy, but the small smirk on Harry's face gave away the tease. Malfoy let out a short and loud laugh, that echoed around the hallway. Harry's smile grew a little larger, knowing that Malfoy was somewhat of a friend now. They had both had a rough two years, and now that the war was over, they both were in need of that little truce. Yes, they had been at each other's throats for all of their school careers, but now they were grown men. Now, they were willing to put that behind them.
Malfoy stuck out his left hand for Harry to take. For a second, Harry just looked at it, before taking the taller boy's hand into his. "Want to get some food?" asked Harry, gesturing towards the Great Hall, a friendly smile on his face.
Malfoy simply nodded his agreement, and the two men walked down the corridor towards everyone else. The comfortable silence that stayed with them during the short walk was mutual, and for once they didn't need to fill it. Right before the entrance, Malfoy stopped him.
"I'm really sorry, Harry." the words seemed to have finally made it passed his proud tongue.
"I told you I get it. You're a git and I forgive you …. Draco." the use of their first names seemed to make a bond between them that would last their whole lives. Sure they wouldn't be spending the holidays at each others houses, but at least they would be civil to each other. That's what happens when you're thrown into a war at that young of an age. Suddenly, your life is in perspective and the little feuds you had at eleven, just don't seem to matter any more.