He Changes Her Too
"I know you want to stop it, protect her from it, but your young you don't see what I see. It's not just that she makes him a better person, she does, but he changes her too. Draco challenges her, surprises her, he makes her question her life, beliefs. Ron is different, his love is pure, he'll always be good for her. Draco is either the best thing for her or the worst." The voice of Lily Potter's ghost echoed in his head, as he stared at his best friend lay her head on the bane of his Hogwarts experience. Draco Malfoy.
A wave of guilt came over him, he felt guilty for her being happy with him, when Ron was miserable. Harry understood why things between his two best friends had ended, he didn't blame either one of them. He blamed the war, for every nightmare it had implanted in Hermione. He blamed the war, for the anger it had fuelled in Ron. Of course that anger was taken out on Hermione, or anyone for that matter, the wall was battered occasionally. Harry and Ron had never imagined that Hermione would find comfort in Malfoy.
A letter arrived late on a Saturday evening, by owl of course, Hermione turned the letter and saw the Hogwarts seal, cautiously she opened the letter, it read:
Dear Miss Granger,
As regards to your last letter, I am fully able to allow you to re-take your 7th year at Hogwarts School For Witchcraft and Wizardry and as per request by the late Albus Dumbledore, I would like to offer you the prestigious position of Head Girl. Please Owl me your response, within the next month.
With Regards,
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
Hermione stared at the letter, the words Head Girl stood out, she couldn't believe it. About 5 minutes later she had written her acceptance and sent it on it's way, smiling to herself for the first time in a long time.
September
September came around quickly and Hermione found herself at Kings Cross Station with Luna, Ginny and Harry.
"He's really not coming to say goodbye is he" Hermione said in monotone, Harry answered her statement.
"Mione, you've both had a rough year, he's just upset, you can't blame the guy"
"I know, tell him I'm sorry okay?" Harry nodded "tell him to send me an Owl any time"
"Will do Hermione" Harry gave her a peck on the cheek then turned to his beautiful girlfriend and kissed her good bye, then hugged Luna. "I'll see you all at Christmas" he yelled as they made their way onto the Hogwarts Express.
"Gin, I'll catch up with you later, I have to go meet the Head Boy"
"Don't be too long Mione" Ginny exclaimed as Hermione made her was swiftly down the train and passed the compartment that mostly contained Slytherins. She entered the carriage and saw a painfully familiar face, it was that of Draco Malfoy.
"Granger? Your Head Girl?" he questioned.
"I could say the same thing Malfoy" Their first meeting had been awkward to say the least.
"I honestly don't believe" Ginny exclaimed loudly "he was a death eater for Merlin's sake"
"Apparently it was Dumbledore's idea, you know before he died" Hermione quickly added.
"Just remember Mione, I'm quite good at hexes, just in case he tries something" Hermione laughed at her friend, and continued to watch the Sorting ceremony.
Hermione said goodnight to her friend and wondered up to the 7th floor where the Head Girl and Boy's dormitory was. She quietly said the password "inimicus" and the portrait of Albus Dumbledore opened. Hermione opted not to see the irony of the password, it being Latin for enemy or foe. She saw Draco stretched out across one of the armchairs and didn't see you notice her walking into the room, she said a mumbled "goodnight" and walked up to her bedroom, to Hermione's relief was decorated in Gryffindor's signature colours, Red and Gold. She changed from her robes into her pyjamas and a woollen cardigan as there was a chill in the air. She read for half an hour before falling asleep.
The next morning was slightly more eventful as Hermione discovered just how long Draco Malfoy takes to get ready in the morning. "MALFOY! Hurry up would you, I have classes this morning too!" She banged on the door for the tenth time. Draco who undoubtedly had a smirk on his face slowly walked out of their shared bathroom, gave her a smile.
"Morning Granger, what a lovely day it is" his smile faded into a smirk as he walked passed her and down to breakfast. This went on until morning after morning. They began learning each other's routines. In their down time they both sat quietly doing work, occasionally asking each other for an answer to a question on subjects they had in common which was a lot.