Chapter One: Introduction.
Draco Malfoy trailed his once perfectly manicured fingertips along the picket fences.
White fence, green fence, brick fence, blue fence...
The pavement beneath his feet was cracked and resolved to rubble in certain parts. So he walked slowly. Careful where he stepped. Avoiding the cracks. Avoiding the caterpillars that bravely ventured across the blistering pavement. Keeping his eyes focused on the fences the entire time.
Brown Fence, White fence, Green Fence, Red Fence...
He reached the street corner and stared at the last picket of the corner house.
White Fence.
He did not know what drew him to come here. It was all over there was nothing. No-one for him.
Perhaps that was why.
He begun slowly walking backwards, counting his steps.
Draco stopped before the gate and outlined the golden numbers with his fingertips.
Nineteen.
Taking a deep breath, Draco closed his eyes and unlatched the gate. He took one step inside and closed it quickly behind him before he had a chance to change his mind.
Holding his breath, Draco walked slowly up the pebbled path to the front-door. A breeze lilted through the small flowers which lined the path. They bent in the breeze as if pointing and urging him towards the door. Like a helping hand showing him the way. And as unlikely as it was that that was what they were actually doing, Draco found comfort in the thought. He was at the right place.
He reached the steps onto the front patio and slowly scaled them.
He was finally here. At the door. With absolutely no clue of where to go from once he knocked. Only knowing that knocking was the only thing he could do.
There was nothing left for him.
Fist raised and trembling. He cleared his throat, counted to three and knocked twice; ever so gently.
Draco took two steps back from the door and waited anxiously. He could hear voices inside. Happy, wholesome sounds of loving family and friends. He lost his resolve at this. Not taking into the consideration that perhaps she wouldn't be alone. Yet footsteps sounded, getting closer and closer to the door. And Draco stood frozen anxiously waiting.
The door unlatched and a girl appeared, brown tendrils sticking to her porcelain features. When she noted her guest she froze. Her smile disappearing and her face growing illegible.
She said nothing.
He said nothing.
Minutes passed and they simply stood eye to eye; both unreadable. Then hesitantly, Draco took a step backwards, regretting his decision to come here. Wondering what an earth it was that possessed him to consider the thought that, perhaps, he'd be welcome. Yet as he took a step back, she took one forward as if trying to stop from moving away. So he froze.
And then he trembled. She watched as his whole body trembled slightly as if cold; which was rather impossible considering the searing heat of this summer day. She noticed the reddish-hue of his eyes, and the deep, dark circles which ringed the once fresh and healthy silvery orbs.
She recognised how weak and weary he was. How dead he was inside. And so she nodded. And took a step back to the door, opening it wide and waited for him to follow her.
And he finally spoke. He could only manage to raise his gaze to her feet. He did not feel worthy of looking her in the face. Not now.
"Granger." He whispered.
It wasn't just a statement of the girl's name. It was a reprieve. A cry for help. Relief.
It was three weeks after the final battle. Draco slowly followed Hermione Granger through the front door of her home, mustering as much gallantry and pride as was left.
Granger closed the door behind them with a click.
A/N: First chapter. It's written differently to how the rest of the story shall be written and is terribly vague. But I also feel this is important because on the first meeting after the events which have played out within these two characters lives I imagine this would be how it would happen. Vague and odd. I have also ended this chapter to sound slightly like a one-shot. But I have entire story I intend to post with it. Havent thought of a title. Hang in there with me though everyone. (:
xx LB