I do not claim to own Harry Potter and this is written as a fan's appreciation for the series.

Chapter 2

The two sat on the floor in awkward positions glaring at one another. Draco Malfoy placed his wand back into his robes and stood up. He glanced around to be sure that no one in the shop had noticed his fall. Everything seemed the same.

"Well, are you going to sit there all day?" He snarled, lightly brushing invisible dirt off of his trousers.

"Just as rude as ever, I see," drawled a familiar voice other than Hermione's. Draco looked up in alarm. The ever so charming Blaise Zabini was there with a smirk upon his face.

Blaise's dark eyes tilted up slyly as his smirk widened at Draco's surprise. With a shake of the head, Blaise bowed down slightly and reached his hand out to the witch on the floor.

During their years at Hogwarts, Blaise walked around with a quiet air about him. He was charming yet it seemed as if he were bored all of the time. He didn't go out of his way to insult the other houses but he didn't oppose the treatment either.

During the war he and his parents were neutral which for the most part didn't seem to be an issue. Instead of choosing sides, they relocated to his family's private island to wait it out. He'd even invited Draco to come with him but he refused the offer. He said something about obligatory family issues.

One year after the war Zabini returned to London and sought out his best friend only to discover that Draco was deep within the throes of depression. It took two years to get the man to get off of his arse and into work again. Blaise had figured that things were getting better. He thought that Malfoy had broken out of his cocoon of self-pity, but apparently that wasn't so.

Hermione blinked up at Blaise Zabini in confusion before taking his hand. Once she was on her feet, she cleared her throat and stuck her hand out again in greeting.

"Zabini."

"Ms. Granger." Zabini took the offered hand and lightly kissed the back of it. When he released Hermione's hand, she pulled it back to her slowly. She didn't have anything against the darker skinned boy. In fact, she admired his cool attitude and smarts. Blaise also worked for the Ministry and he assisted a few times on the archaeological sites.

"How'd you know where to find me, Zabini?" questioned the blond boy. Malfoy had righted his chair and was sitting in it properly. His face tilted up towards his best friend.

"I didn't. I simply saw my dear friend Luna Lovegood walk into this building and I thought I'd say hello. Once lunch arrangements were made she and I split apart to find Ms. Granger here for the aforementioned lunch. I didn't expect to see you," Blaise spoke in a manner of nonchalance while gesturing at each syllable he uttered.

"Well take Granger and go. I've got studying to do. She's caused too much of a distraction already."

Draco turned his back to them and flipped his study book to the next page.

"No, you don't understand, Draco," Blaise paused to pick up the potions study book, "You're going to join us for lunch."

Draco furrowed his eyebrows at the thought of dining with the muggleborn witch and her spacey friend. Blaise was a very determined fellow and generally when he said something, it was to be. Besides, he owed the man his life.

He would go to this lunch, albeit, reluctantly and he would not enjoy it.

xxxxx

The Three Broomstick's was a lovely refuge in March as it presented a cozy warmth. Hermione begrudgingly took off her winter cloak and sat down at the table. Luna sat down right next to her. Unfortunately, Malfoy had no choice but to sit across from her once Zabini took his seat across from Luna.

"So, Hermione, how does it feel to be back in London after such an extensive time in Africa?" Blaise questioned once they were all settled. Hermione looked at him to be sure that he was genuinely curious before answering.

"It feels good, actually. I don't have the sun beating down on me. I'm seeing friends again. Though, I do feel that it's going to be a bit boring around here, I don't mind," the frizzy haired witch answered.

Hermione glanced down at her menu, already knowing what she was going to order.

"That's wonderful. I hope you find something to stimulate your mind," Blaise's dark eyes turned to Luna, "I read in The Quibbler that you were engaged to Longbottom. How did that come about?"

Hermione grinned in reminiscence when Luna owled her to tell her the news three months ago.

"We had a pregnancy scare," Luna said simply. Her eyes looked up in remembrance. Draco snorted which earned the glare of Hermione and the quizzical gaze of Blaise. Luna's head was still in the clouds.

"Longbottom, father a child?" Draco rolled his eyes, his usual scowl on his face.

"He'd make a much better father than you," Hermione retorted, defending her friend. Sensing a squabble, Blaise stood up pulling Luna with him. They walked over to the bar to greet Madam Rosmerta.

"One would like to think so," Draco bit back. He held his hand up and Hermione flinched thinking he was drawing his wand. But, he only just inspected his fingernails.

"I know so. You see, Neville didn't grow up in a home filled with Death Eaters. He--," Hermione was cut off by the look in Malfoy's grey eyes. It was a look she was all too familiar with. There was regret and then there was anger. At that moment, she was reminded of Harry Potter right after his god-father had died.

Without a word, Draco Malfoy picked up his cloak and disapparated. Reflecting back on her choice of words, two seconds afterward, Hermione felt shame.

"So much for lunch," she grumbled to herself.

xxxxxx

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