A few months after the war, he was at flourish and blotts buying his school books for the forthcoming year. All the seventh year students of Hogwarts were asked to return to complete their education if they wished to do it. He too like many others decided it was the best to return as it would give him a chance to prove people how the war has changed him completely. He wanted to have a fresh start and hoped that this decision would help him. His father was in Azkaban and the ministry decided to let him and his mother go as they were proven guilty. He moved into small flat just a few blocks away from the leaky cauldron. He was not able to stay in the manor after everything that happened. His mother was upset but decided to let him go because she wanted her son to be happy and start a new life. He received his letter a week ago and decided to buy his supplies two days before the start of school. That was when he saw her.
Hermione granger was looking at all the books at the store. Books never ceased to impress her. The impressive smell and the relaxation that she found everytime she read a book, always brought a smile to her. She was at diagon alley to buy her school supplies. After the war, she went back to Australia, found her parents and with the help of the ministry, she repaired their memories and brought them back to England. During the war, Ron kissed her but later they decided to remain friends because she saw him as her brother and he gladly accepted because he felt the same. She visited The Burrow during the summer and helped the family recover from the loss of a member. She along with Harry, Ron and Ginny travelled a lot and were recovering fast. She was looking for the new revised copy of Hogwarts: A History when she saw him.
Draco Malfoy stood by the door and was looking at her. His face showed no sign of arrogance or superiority but his expression was unreadable. She was shocked when he walked towards her. "Granger" he nodded. "Malfoy" she nodded back. "Shopping for school stuff?'" he asked. "Like you would even care" she snapped. "Look granger, I am not the same old arrogant git okay? The war changed me and I would like to live a new life and prove people that I have changed. I want to live normal life. I won't torment you or disturb you in any situation. I just want to be normal and move around with people. Is that too much to ask for?". To say Hermione was shocked would not be enough. She didn't know if she should trust him. But looking at him something told her that he was telling the truth. So she decided to give him a chance. She knew deep down that Harry and Ron would not appreciate it but everyone deserved a second chance and that included Draco. "Alright Malfoy" she said, "I trust you". He flashed a brilliant smile and asked her, "care for a drink granger?" she was shocked but she agreed.
They walked to the Leaky Cauldron in silence and sat in one of the tables at the very end. Draco went to get the drinks and came back with two butter beers. "so granger" he said " how is your life? What have you been doing after the war?" Hermione was surprised at his casual tone but replied," well I went back to Australia to repair my parents' memories and brought them back to England and I travelled a lot along with Harry, Ginny and Ron. Harry and Ginny are dating now but Ron and I , we decided it was the best to remain friends. And how about you Malfoy? Still going out with Parkinson?" she smirked. He smiled a proper smile at her and replied "no no no. We are friends from the beginning. We tried to date but ended up in the same way as you and Weasley did. But to answer your first question, after the war, my father was captured and was sent to Azkaban. The ministry decided to let me and my mother go because we were proven guilty and after that I found it hard to live in the manor after everything that happened you know. So I moved into a flat nearby and I have been living there for a few months. I received my letter last week and decided to get my supplies today and that is where I ran into you! But I am glad that you have given me a chance. Thank you! "
This surprised Hermione. Draco Malfoy never thanked people. He was stubborn and arrogant. But all this made here trust him. "Everyone deserves a second chance Draco! You paid for what you did. I am really glad that you are trying to create a new life and this change of attitude surprised me! I trust you now!"She said. Draco's face brightened. "Thank you Hermione!" he said.
"To a new beginning!" they toasted.