Draco watched from the shadows as the beautiful, petite woman browsed the shelves at Flourish and Blotts. He had been watching for weeks, every Monday she would come in, browse, select at least 4 thick books, pay and leave. But it was the highlight of his day. The only thing he regretted was that he had never seen her face directly. He had caught glimpses, but from where he hid, he couldn't see all that well. He never had the courage to walk out and mingle, he despised the filthy looks of contempt that people held for him. But today was the day.

Draco weaved between the shelves, keeping the lady in view at all times.

Watching as she reached up for a book just out of her reach, Draco leaned up behind her to pass it down.

"Thank-you…" The words died in Hermione's mouth as she realised who her helper was. Shock flittered across her face and she tried not to let her mouth gape. Draco Malfoy had just done something nice for her. Draco Malfoy. Shock was evident on his face and he quickly spun around and stalked away, leaving Hermione clutching the books as if her life depended on it. Hermione stood frozen for a moment, watching the snarky blonde move further and further away.

"WAIT!" the word was out of her mouth before she had processed it and Hermione quickly put the books down on the nearest counter and raced after him.

Never had he thought the beautiful woman was her, Hermione Granger, muggle-born extraordinaire. It was years after the war, why was life punishing him even further? Surely he had paid his dues by now. Donations to the rebuilding of Hogwarts, donations to St. Mungo's, the list of things he had done since the war was 6 ft. long! Why must he now have a crush on her of all people?
Draco felt his heart throb painfully in his chest as he tried not to break into a sprint away from her.

"WAIT!"

The single word penetrated his mind rambling and he stilled. She wasn't calling after him, was she? Draco looked down, unwilling to see the pity and utter loathing in the people around him. This couldn't be happening. A small hand entered his view as it caught him under the chin and raised his head. Hermione Granger stood before him and Draco didn't see an inch of loathing in her freckled face. Instead, there was a sadness of sorts etched across her brow.

"I'm willing to forgive you Malfoy." The statement hung in the air between them and Draco felt his eyes widen. Surely she wasn't offering him forgiveness for his actions, he didn't deserve it.

"Why?" Draco whispered. He was afraid, afraid of all the torturous memories that haunted his dreams. The echoes of her screams flittered through his mind as she pondered her reasoning.
"Because it's time to move on. For both of us."

*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Hermione watched the hurricane of emotions play across his face.
"Come to lunch with me. Take the first steps on the way to living again." She said quietly.

Slowly, Draco nodded.

"Ok."