A/N: Edited October 15, 2016.
AN: Obviously I don't own Harry Potter or JK Rowling's Characters.
Not much has changed at Hogwarts. The only difference is in the Great Hall. After the sorting, we were told to stand and the four large tables were replaced with smaller ones. Each table had to contain people from at least two houses and we had to find out something we didn't know about the others before our food would appear. This was only mandatory for the first week of school but hardly anyone sits with just their house anymore. I think that's why it isn't mandatory now.
It's the second Thursday of school and I'm eating lunch with Ginny, Luna and a few Hufflepuffs. I have the odd sensation of someone's eyes on me. I look up and catch the eyes of Draco Malfoy yet again. He immediately drops his, just like he did on the train, and like the countless other times I've caught him staring over the last two weeks; it's so odd that he continues to do this, he doesn't look angry or even arrogant. I don't really know what to make of it. He looks even better now than he did on the train, so much better than at the trial where he looked so broken. It almost made me want to hug him afterward. He's in quidditch gear so he must be playing again. He looks a lot better in it this year than he did before, he really fills out that uniform now. Stop that thought! He wasn't wearing quidditch gear the last year I was here because he was too busy fixing the vanishing cabinet to let Death-Eaters in the castle! Oh Merlin help me! I was just checking out Draco. No. No. I was not. I just made an observation that he looks healthier than he did, that's all, nothing more. I'm going to class before I get anymore crazy ideas.
All through Ancient Runes I think of Draco, I can't seem to stop calling him by his first name either. I started that at the trail when looked so shattered, so devastated. I decided that day to forgive him. Anyone that dejected couldn't be all bad. I also realized for the first time how handsome he is, although I'm loathe to even admit that to myself. I've noticed his eyes too since I've caught him staring, perhaps since they are not looking at me with such hate now. They are such a beautiful color, like grey storm clouds. Enough thinking about Draco! Pay attention to the professor. I look down and see I have drawn several DMs on my notes. Stop this nonsense now! I've gone round the bend.
It's Saturday morning and I've been studying in my favorite quiet nook in the library for several hours now. I've read the same chapter three times as my mind keeps going back to Draco, to him staring at me again this morning at breakfast and wondering why.
My eyes fly up when someone clears their throat above me. Speak of the devil, it's him! My heart knocks against my chest, he can't know you were just thinking about him. Be calm. Whatever you do, don't call him Draco. I try to drain my voice of emotions. "What do you want Malfoy?"
"May I talk to you for a few moments?"
His voice sounds off. I hope he's ok. What are you thinking? Detach Hermione! Trying to pull off an even tone, I reply, "I'm really busy Malfoy."
"I just...what I mean to say is..." He sounds a bit unsure of himself. "uh, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry."
I immediately scoff, "Whatever". My eyes drop to my book. This must be some sort of ploy, what is he playing at? Staring at me for days, then apologizing. This must be some twisted prank.
"I do really mean it. I regret everything."
What? That sounded sincere, not possible.
"I...I know I do not deserve your forgiveness for anything. The things I have said and done in the past are unforgivable."
I think he might be sincere. He's got that dejected look again.
"All the things from when we were kids, when I was too stupid to know any better. All the things after when I was too arrogant and at my home when I was too much of a coward to do anything to help you."
I'm shocked. I never expected to hear that. Especially the last part. "I really do regret it all Granger. I hope in time you can forgive me."
If anyone had told me this would happen before school started or even earlier today I would have thought they were mental.
"Malfoy, I already have." He looks at me shocked.
"Why would you do that Granger?"
"Why don't you sit down and l will tell you." He sits next to me.
I explain, "It is really quite simple to forgive, but forgetting can be much more difficult."
He asks, "So what does that mean?"
His sounds so childlike that I can't help but smile and answer, "I forgave you, before you asked; if I hold on to anger and resentment, it will only make me angry and bitter. Grudges aren't worth it, even when they are what someone deserves; letting it go is freeing."
His mouth is hanging open and it makes me smile again. He's so different than before. But I have to be sure. "My trust will have to be earned, though your apology is a step toward that Draco." I called him Draco and he smiled. It's not a smirk either. I don't think I've even seen really him smile before and it makes him even more handsome.
"Thank you for your forgiveness Hermione," He said my name too. "I'll let you get back to your books, see you tomorrow."
Oh my. I find myself smiling and say, "Goodnight." What just happened? Never would I have thought I'd hear Draco Malfoy apologize and it seemed sincere.
I'm sitting at dinner the following Friday and am pondering the last week. Draco has taken to smiling at me when I catch him staring and actually speaking to me at times. Nothing consequential just about classes and once about the weather. Ginny and Luna were concerned when I told them about Draco apologizing and have been keeping a close eye on him. When I spoke with them yesterday, they said he hasn't approached them but did agree he doesn't seem to be the prat he once was. It is all so odd.
I'm caught a bit unaware when a deep, velvety voice asks, "May we sit here?" I look up and see Draco and Blaise Zabini. Both are looking at their shoes. I glance around the table and Ginny is smirking at me and Luna is giggling a bit behind her hand. Neville looks shocked and Seamus looks angry. To head off an argument I quickly say "Sure guys, have a seat," Seamus turns to me so I smile and he shoots me a dirty look, gets up and stomps away. Oh well. Neville just watches as we discuss our day, like it is something we have always done. Eventually, Zabini has us all laughing as he does a spot on imitation of Professor Trelawney. The rest of dinner is quite pleasant and Neville even begins to loosen up. As we are getting up to leave, Draco leans over to me and says where only I can hear him, "Thanks, Hermione." For some reason it makes me shiver.
As we break away from the others and head back toward the Gryffindor tower, Neville says, "Who knew Syltherians could be funny?" and we all laugh. "Very funny!" I say and think handsome.
As soon as we enter the common room, we're accosted. "What the bloody hell was that all about!?" Seamus is seething. "Well? When did we become friends with bloody Malfoy and Zabini? Did you forget everything The Malfoys have done? Especially you Hermione?" He's practically shouting.
"No, I haven't and I have the scar to prove that I'll never forget!"I say this through clenched teeth, then I pull up my sleeve and thrust my mudblood scar in his face. "If I can forgive, you have to be able to Seamus."
I can see the fight leave him as he drops his head and quietly says, "Sorry Hermione, I didn't think."
"Seamus, we all need to move beyond the war. If they are willing to put their old prejudices aside, surely we should allow them. I'm not asking you to be friends, just be courteous to them and to my choices."
"Ok Herimone, but if they, especially Malfoy, says or does anything out of line, I will make them answer for it."
I give him a hug and say, "Thank you." I take notice of our surroundings and there are several other fifth & sixth years are watching our confrontation. This will be all over Gryffindor, possibly the whole school, by tomorrow.
Ginny says, "Come on, let's head to bed." I nod, suddenly weary. I collapse on my bed, thankful Ginny can read me well enough to know I'm done talking for the day. All she says is, "You know I'm always here for you, even if you want to talk about how good Malfoy looks in his robes now." She chuckles and says, "Goodnight," which I return and am asleep within a few minutes.
I look around and am still a bit taken aback that I'm having breakfast with Neville, Luna, Ginny, Draco and Blaise. It's been a few weeks since that first dinner together and the two Slytherins have become somewhat of a fixture at most meals since then. Seamus will even join us occasionally. I think it is to keep an eye on them, but at least he is cordial.
We are heading out of the Great Hall to Charms when I feel a hand on my arm. I look up into those steel colored irises that hold much more depth than I thought possible and hear "If you haven't made plans already, would you accompany me to Hogsmeade on Saturday?"
I respond before I can think, "Of course Draco. We had better hurry or we will be late for class." I start walking again in a bit of a haze. Draco just asked me out and I agreed. My arm still feels warm and a bit tingly where he touched it. Maybe Ginny was right after all when she teased me last night saying the reason for my glum mood at dinner was because I was missing Draco while he was at quidditch practice. I take a seat next to Ginny and get out my essay that is due and some parchment and quills.
Do I fancy Draco? He is very intelligent; he or I are always the ones with the top grades. He is built rather well, very fit. He seems to have become quite considerate, holding doors open for me, standing when I stand and the like. We haven't had a row at all this year. He's just started teasing me, but he's just having a go and it has never been hurtful. He has become rather charming. I notice everyone is shifting around me and I realize I've just spent all of class thinking about Draco. Blimey, I have to snap out of this or I'll get all trolls on my N.E.W.T.s! I resolve not to think of him more today.
I don't do so well at keeping thought of Draco at bay, they continue to return to a certain blonde Syltherian until I'm beside him at dinner. I make a point to engage everyone else as well while we are eating. I'm not sure I'm ready for everyone, especially him to realize that I'm taken with him.
"HERMIONE!"
"Hmmm?" as I respond to Ginny, I look over at her and she's giving me the oddest look.
"Alright. Spill!" She says.
"Spill?"
She chuckles and shakes her head. "I've watched you stare into space with a dreamy expression on your face since we got back from dinner and you haven't opened your book. I had to shout just now to get your attention."
"You did?"
She quirks her eyebrow and chuckles. "Yes, I did. Whatever are you thinking about?"
I shake my head to clear it. Would she be ok if I tell her the truth? She has been teasing me about him; well everyone will know soon enough. "Draco asked me to Hogsmeade this weekend." I'm sure I'm blushing.
"And you said yes?" She asks smiling.
I reply a bit pensively, "Yes. Do you think that is OK?"
She's smiling brightly now. "About bloody time."
I didn't expect this response. Maybe surprise, disgust or anger. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, Hermione really, it's written all over both your faces when you are together. If you aren't sitting next to each other, you are both giving each other the eye across the room. Honestly I thought he would have asked you out before now."
"Really?" I squeaked out.
"For someone that's supposed to be the brightest witch of our age, you think you'd of realized that sooner." She's laughing again.
"I didn't realize. I haven't been able to stop thinking of him lately, and with our past history, I didn't think it possible. Then when he asked me this morning after breakfast, saying yes was the only thing I could say, well, actually I said 'of course,' like it was a given. My only hesitation came after, worrying about what you, Harry and Ron would think."
"Well I think it's brilliant! I don't think Harry will mind much, as long as he doesn't hurt you. Course Harry'll have to wait til I'm done with him if he does!" She laughs again.
I notice she doesn't mention Ron, so I ask, "And your brother?"
"Well if you are referring to the youngest Weasley boy, he gave up the right to have an opinion on your love life this summer."
This makes me a bit sad and I'm sure my face shows it. Ginny comes over, throwing her arms around me and squeezes. "Honestly he is a git, don't know what you ever saw in him." We both grin."Plus Malfoy's a thousand times sexier," Ginny and I both descends into giggles at this.
"He really is! When he touched my arms this morning, it actually tingled and that was through my clothes!"
She gives me a wink and says, "Imagine it without them." We descend in to a giggling fit.
Nothing changes over the rest of the week, except maybe I blush a bit more when our eyes meet. Ginny's comments made me a bit self conscious. This week has gone by so fast. I am little surprised that Draco has not mentioned Saturday again, but we have not been alone any. We are at dinner Friday night and no one is paying us any mind so I put my hand on Draco's arm.
I ask so only he hears, "Draco, when and where would you like to meet me tomorrow?" He looks down into my eyes and gives me a smile that makes me feel tingly all over.
He asks, "Will I have the pleasure of your company for the day or will you need to do some things on your own while in town?"
"I'm all yours." Oh my God! Did that really just come out of my mouth? I know I'm blushing scarlet. Think fast! "For the day." His lips are still curved in a smile. I wonder if they are soft? What would his hand feel like in mine? What would if be like to kiss him? Oh! He's talking again.
"Brilliant. Then I shall pick you up outside your common room at 10:30. Will that work for you?"
"That will be lovely. Good night Draco and sweet dreams." That came out a little breathy. Goodness I hope I don't fall over on my way out of the Great Hall.
"You as well."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The sun on my face wakes me up early. Today is my date with Draco! Butterflies are flitting around in my stomach as I get ready. Ginny and I head down to breakfast. Draco isn't here yet, but that's not unusual, I'm usually here before him. As the morning continues, I keep my eyes out for Draco and Blaise, but they never come.
"Come on Hermione. Let's go and get you ready." Ginny and Luna are both beaming at me. I had really expected to see him this morning and am a bit disappointed and a little uneasy as to why he wasn't here.
"OK." I respond a bit dejected.
"Hey! None of that!" says Ginny. I shrug in response. "I know you're bummed that he wasn't here, but you will see him in about 45 minutes. He was probably afraid I would hex him this morning, you know I do have a brilliant bat bogey one!" This makes me smile. We head back up to our dorm and I change into a Gryffindor red jumper and slacks. Luna and Ginny finish my hair and make up, they both give me a big hug and send me off.
As I make my way out of the portrait hole, I see him leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He's wearing a fitted black dress shirt and dark blue jeans. My breath catches as he sees me and smiles. My heart is racing. This is it!
"Good morning, you look lovely today." Does he realize what his voice does to me? "Thank you Draco."
He holds out his arm to me and says, "Shall we Miss Granger?" I can't help but smile when I take his arm and respond, "Yes, Mr. Malfoy, let us go."
We are walking into town chatting about different things and he says, "Do you mind if we get an early lunch? I overslept this morning."
I let out a breath and chuckle. Oh! "I was a bit worried when you weren't there. I thought you had changed your mind."
"About what Hermione?" he asks.
"About going to Hogsmeade together today." I reply.
Draco stops walking and looks down at me. "No Hermione, I would never change my mind about you." My stomach does a little flip. I nod and start walking again, then realize he hasn't moved. I look up into those beautiful grey eyes. It's like looking into his soul and I know he is a changed man. "Good, because I think I trust you now Draco." I drop my eyes and look at where my arms is still looped through his.
"Hermione, are you dating anyone?"
I swallow, "Why do you ask?" I'm on a date with you!
"I hope that you aren't." he says.
"Why?" I ask. What is he talking about?
"Because I'd like today to be a date; would you Hermione?"
My mind is spinning. We are on a date. I'm not dating anyone I wouldn't be on a date with you if I was, as I look up he looks miserable as he says, "I understand. I, um, can walk you back or into town, then I won't bother you again; well, I'll do whatever you want, stay away or be your friend, whatever you want me to do."
What is he going on about? Why's he pulling away? He looks like he is about to cry. It hits me like a ton. He doesn't think I want to date him.
"Draco." His eyes are squeezed shut.
"Draco, would you please look at me?"
He finally does. He looks tormented. I smile reassuringly and reach up to place my hand on his cheek.
"I am not seeing anyone and I would very much like today to be a date. You surprised me. That is why it took a bit to answer. I had hoped, but I wasn't really sure, especially after not seeing you at breakfast this morning."
His pained expression changes immediately to that of elation.
Next thing I know I'm off my feet, flying around in circles. I laugh harder than I have in years. I put my arms around him. He stops turning, but doesn't put me down. Our eyes are locked as he dips his head, and gives me a kiss I feel all the way down to my toes. This feels so right.
That ends my first foray into Fanfiction! Hope you enjoyed! Please review and let me know if I you think I should write more or leave this as a one done?
Thank you so much to those of you that favored and followed! It really encourages me!
