Disclaimer: Don't own characters. (DuH…)
A/N: One shot/Drabble. I recommend carefully paying attention to the details, because it's kind of confusing if you don't… or so I'm told.
Strangers in the Looking Glass
-The past often calls for redemption. It's only a matter of time before it catches up to you…-
She hurried forward, careful not to look either way. Sometimes it's best not to evoke memories.
"Fancy seeing you here of all places, Granger…" he remarked nonchalantly, leaning against the wall.
She froze, her breath silently catching in her throat.
"Malfoy…"
"I haven't seen you in ages… you don't drop by anymore to see me."
She slowly composed herself and turned, regarding him with a cool gaze.
"I know."
"So maybe we should do some catching up…?"
Her gaze faltered.
"I'm here to see your father. He still has many legal papers to sign before…"
She paused, then looked back up at him.
"I'm a lawyer now," she stated. "Best in my league… never lost a case."
"I know." He looked her up and down and took in her business suit and briefcase. "You've moved on. You're… busy now. Drowning in work is a good way to forget isn't it?"
She paused, eyes clouding over.
"At least I can."
He flashed an ironic smirk.
She stared at him stonily for a minute, then turned heel to walk away.
"And I can't." He murmured. "But whose fault is that?"
She stopped in her tracks, eyes widening.
"H-how…how…?
"Tsk tsk…" He paused and began to slowly pace. "You were the only one who knew… did you know that?"
She was glad she was facing the other way. He couldn't see her shake.
"I- I reported you." She replied shakily. "I…I don't regret it."
"Of course you don't Hermione, of course you don't. Cleverest witch in our year, great friends, great family, always making the right decisions… you don't really have anything to regret do you? Well… except me. Am I right?"
She turned to face him again, not meeting his piercing gaze.
"No."
When she lifted her head again, her eyes were burning with fury and desperation.
"No. You're wrong. You don't know how wrong you are…you just don't get it do you?" she whispered. "You don't get it!"
Her voice escalated to a shriek. "Do you know all the nights I spent regretting my decision? I didn't want to do it to you! But I didn't have a choice did I? I never do… I have to do the right thing!"
"Damn it! I couldn't lie, cover up for you anymore!" She cried as disheveled locks of hair flew out of their messy bun. "It just wasn't right! How dare you say that I have nothing to regret! You- you… you have no idea..! I've regretted more than you can imagine."
"I-…" she choked. "I didn't want it to be like this."
"And it's not my fault!" she breathed, tears streaming down her face. "I'm not trying to forget. I'm not."
There was silence. He seemed to be looking past her, a woeful smile upon his sharp features.
Realizing her predicament, she took a step back and lowered her eyes.
"I apologize for my outburst," she said calmly and evenly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment to attend… Draco."
She turned to walk away, but hesitated.
"I don't suppose… you couldn't… tell me where I could find Lucius Malfoy…?"
He looked at her; just looked at her for a few last moments.
"He's eight cells down from mine… cell C306." He murmured. "Say hi to father for me… they won't let me attend the execution."
"I… I forgive you, you know," he added after a pause.
She watched him through the bars sadly. "I'm sorry…" was all she said before straightening her posture and striding away, blinking hard.
A/N: So… did you get it? Well, if you didn't… leave message and I'll get back to you. (I took the explanation off of my profile)