A/N" This is my third fanfic. But my second long one. I hope you would like this. This story deviates from my usual OTP, Fremione. This one is a Dramione. So i hope you would like this as well!

5 years after the Second Wizarding War, the Malfoys was practically ostracized by their fellow wizards due to their contribution in the rise of Lord Voldemort. The young Draco Malfoy still lives in the Malfoy Manor, rich but without any friends. He lives only with his friendly house elf—Puri.

"Puri, please make me some soup." Draco said.

"Master. Puri is sorry. We are out of soup. Would you like Puri to buy at Hogsmeade?" the elf said.

"No. Nevermind. I'll just buy some myself." He said as he went for the door.

Draco apparated to Hogsmeade and saw groups of people having a drink, laughing. He thought to himself, why can't I have fun? Why am I alone and lonely?

He walked inside Madam Rosemerta's and ordered a mead. As he finishes his drink, he signaled to the barman for his check and stood up. Walking to the door, he saw a woman with bushy brown hair alone in a corner booth. Distinctively, he knew who it was. Hermione Granger. The brightest witch of their age. What would a witch like her be doing in a place like this? And drinking alone. Now that's a question he needed to ask. But Draco still went to the door. Confused whether he would talk to her or leave her alone. He made up his mind. He opened the door and left. But as he was apparating, he went back and find himself standing behind the brunette.

"What maybe the business of a witch like you in a place like this, drinking her heart out, Granger?" Draco said with a smirk.

Hermione looked back and saw Draco smirking at her "And what do you care, Malfoy?"

"Do you need company, Granger?" he asked looking intent.

"I can find better company. Thank you." She said without looking at him.

Draco sighed and said "I just thought you needed someone to talk to. Seeing that you look like rubbish and pitiful."

Hermione went red "I don't need pity from you, Malfoy. "

"Alright. I'm sorry for what I said. I just thought you needed a friend-" she interrupted him "we are not-" but he interrupted her "OR just someone to be with."

"Like I said, Malfoy. I don't need anybody."

"Okay. But the next time you feel trashy, you could owl me. I'm always free."

As he walked to the door, he looked back and said to her "I'm a changed man, Hermione. Whoever I was in the past is done. I cannot change it. But I'm trying to be a better person. I can be a friend."

And with that, he left Hermione wondering.

Draco apparated back home, Puri met him at the door.

"Master, should I heat up your soup?" Puri ask.

"No. I forgot to buy. I'm not hungry anymore. Maybe some coffee would do, Puri. Thank you."

"Master Draco, sorry for asking, but why are you smiling? Puri has never seen Master, smile like that."

"No matter, Puri. I just met someone from Hogwarts." Draco said trying to control his facial muscles.

"Yes, Master." Puri left.

A few weeks has pass, but there is still no owl. Draco was starting to feel hopeless.

A/N: Tune in! :)

-Eks Sophia