Draco's back rested against the chipped bark of the magnolia tree. His head, covered in his infamous platinum blonde hair, looked as though someone had placed it delicately to the side. The usual harshness in his cold gray eyes was gone, replaced by a scarcely seen look of thoughtfulness. He was in his sanctuary. The one place no one could bother him.
Ever since the war had ended, he had resorted to coming here almost every day to escape the stares and the whispers. People didn't know whether to respect him or to hate him. He was a war hero, but he also came from a family of prejudiced purebloods. His past had seemingly overrun his present intentions and he knew that he would never be forgiven by some.
Looking at his watch, he realized it was almost curfew. He groaned as he raised himself off the ground, dusting the dirt off his backside. Turning around, he expected to see the bright glow of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, a body was blocking his view.
He let out a sigh when he saw who was standing before him.
"What are you doing here, Granger?"
After the war, his and Granger's relationship was nonexistent. The Golden trio and the rest of the students at Hogwarts had gone back to repeat the year they had missed due to the war. And while Draco had switched sides after failing to complete his task of killing Dumbledore, Hermione had yet to utter a single word to him. Even as they fought side by side during the last battle, she had barely looked at him.
Now, her eyes glanced up to meet his.
"Hello, Draco", she said, completely ignoring his inquiry.
"What are you doing here?" Draco asked again. His eyes had lost the look of thoughtfulness and were back to their normal harshness. He had no idea how to act around this girl. No, she was no longer a girl, he realized as he waited for her reply. He could see by the look in her eyes that she had seen things that could age a person dramatically. She was a girl no longer. She was a woman.
Hermione paused for a time before answering.
"I've noticed you out here before. I thought I'd give you company."
"Why?" Draco could not believe that Granger was here, wanting to talk. He was used to being alone. He sat alone in his classes, and even had his own dorm, as the other 7th year Slytherins had refused to return to the school.
"Because I figured even you might need a friend sometime." Granger's face held no emotion. She just quietly sat down facing the lake, expecting Draco to follow her move.
Draco slowly situated himself next to her. The silence that followed was not an awkward one. It was relaxing. Peaceful. Accepting. Draco's mind wandered, as he thought about what had caused Granger to come here to him tonight. It couldn't be because she actually wanted to be his friend. She had Harry and the Weasel for that. Maybe she understood how he felt?
As the breeze picked up, Granger began to shiver.
"I better get going," she said as she began to get off the ground.
Draco lightly grabbed her arm and looked into her eyes.
"Thank you Granger." He stated, showing no emotion. "You know, for being here."
She gave him a slight smile. "It was a pleasure, Draco."
Draco let go of her arm, and Granger began to walk back to the castle.
"Oh Draco," she said while turning around, "Call me Hermione."