DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: Characters are OOC because this is AU. This chapter is good for 2 days. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 4: First Year, Part 2
"Whatever I said, whatever I did
I didn't mean it
I just want you back for good
(Want you back, want you back, want you back for good)
Whenever I'm wrong
Just tell me the song and I'll sing it
You'll be right and understood
(Want you back, want you back, want you back for good)
I want you back for good."
-Take That (Back For Good)
"Hello, Neville!" she greeted as she came down the stairs from her dormitory. Neville was sitting by the fireplace in the common room, frowning while reading a transfiguration book.
He looked up and forced a smile. "Hello, Hermione."
She looked around. "Where's Harry?" she asked.
"Still sleeping," he replied grimly.
"Well, I'm coming down to breakfast. Want to join me?" she offered.
He looked at her with hesitation. "But... Malfoy. He might get mad if he sees you with me. I don't want to ruin your friendship," he said.
She frowned. "Why would he be mad? I can be friends with anyone without breaking our friendship."
"Really?" he asked.
She smiled. "Of course! Well, he's friends with few Slytherins and I'm not jealous. Don't worry."
"But... the way he looks at you..." he trailed off.
She blushed. Draco can be very protective, always placing an arm around her when they're walking outside or talking to a stranger. "'Cause he's just protective of me. His parents told him to take care of me," she said casually.
"I see," he said.
"Well, let's have breakfast, then."
He stood up. "Sure."
They walked to the great hall side by side and chatted about their Transfiguration homework. Turns out, Neville's still having difficulties with the proper incantation and to transfigure his toad to a cup.
"I'll be tutoring Greg and Vince tonight at the library before dinner. Would you like to join?" she asked.
Neville gave her a surprised look and nodded eagerly. "Of course! But... you're talking about Crabbe and Goyle, aren't you?"
"Yes. Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle."
"Malfoy's cronies, " came a disgusted voice from behind.
They turned around and saw Harry Potter and Weasley. Weasley glared at her.
"They're not cronies. They're friends," she defended. Vince and Greg would always walk by Draco's side like bodyguards even when she's around. Draco told her that they're not that smart and always need help with homework. Draco's doing well with schoolwork but too impatient to help them. Hermione offered to tutor the two boys.
"Oh yeah. That's what Malfoys call their friends who are useful to them," said Weasley.
"Ron," Harry called, trying to stop him. "Come on, let's have breakfast."
The two continued walking to the great hall. Hermione gave Neville a quizzical look.
"Er, he prefers Ron now over me," he said timidly.
"But you're best friends!" she exclaimed.
"Well, we were. It ended a few days ago. Ron's brothers were really nice to Harry and the twins let Harry and Ron fly with their brooms. Ron always shared his mother's minced pies and treacle tart to Harry and just like that, they got along, most especially because they both like Quidditch and it's not my thing," he said gloomily.
"And he left you behind," she said sadly. Neville looked down on the floor. "But now, you have me as a friend. I'm sure you'll get along with Draco, too."
"Er, I'm not sure."
"Don't be ridiculous, Neville," came Draco's voice and she felt the familiar scent and arm snaking around her waist. "Hermione's friend is my friend, too. And don't worry if Weasley's not sharing his mother's homemade cakes. My mother sends me and Hermione almost everyday," he said, trying to lighten Neville's mood.
"T-thanks," he croaked and looked like on the verge of crying. "I'll... just go to the wash room. You go ahead, Hermione," he said timidly.
She gave Draco a wide smile. "Thanks," she said kissing his cheek.
"Five points from Gryffindor for a public display of affection," came Professor Snape's voice who was glaring down at them.
They broke their physical contact. "But professor, surely a sister can show her brother affection," she said matter-of-factly.
"Do not fool me, Miss Granger. You and Mr. Malfoy are not related by blood."
"But we grew up together like siblings," she reasoned.
"Mr. Malfoy, go ahead and join your friends for breakfast," the professor said sternly.
Draco left without a word. Professor Snape's attention was back on her. "Miss Granger, only a blind man will believe you. Everyone in the castle, even the portraits can see that Mr. Malfoy do not treat you like a sister."
Her mouth opened and formed a small 'o' but before she could reply, Professor Snape walked passed her already.
"What did Professor Snape say?" asked Draco when they were walking to Charms after breakfast.
Hermione blushed and looked down to hide it. "Just gave me extra telling off," she said truthfully.
"Was he mad about the kiss?" he asked in a low voice. "He didn't believe you, did he? I can write to Father and tell him to speak to Professor Snape. They were like brothers," he said.
She shook her head. "No. It's fine, Draco."
He stopped walking and held her by the shoulders gently to make her face him. "Are you sure?" She nodded. "Then, what's bothering you?"
"Fine. I was... hurt by what he said, but that's no big deal," she lied. "I'll tell you when his words hurt me too much, alright?"
Draco nodded hesitantly.
"Let's go; we might be late," she said and Draco offered his arm again.
They entered the Charms class and Professor Flitwick announced that they'll be practicing the Levitation Charm. Each of them were given feathers for practice. He also assigned each of them in pairs. Unfortunately, Draco and Hermione got separated. He was paired with a Slytherin named Blaise Zabini and she was paired with Weasley.
"WingarDIUM LevioSAAA!" chanted Weasley and he was swishing his old wand violently.
"Stop, stop, stop," she said, holding his arms in the air. "You'll end up like Seamus if you continue to swish your wand like that!" she said in her bossy tone. "Besides, you're doing it wrong. It's win-GAR-dium levi-O-sa. You have to put stress on 'gar' and 'o'."
Weasley glared at her. "You do it then if you're so clever!" he snapped.
She rolled her eyes and waved her wand lazily. "Wingardium Leviosa!" The feather levitated few inches above the desk.
"Oh, look! Miss Granger's done it. Ten points to Gryffindor!" said Professor Flitwick happily. Neville, Draco and his Slytherin friends applauded. Weasley's face and ears matched his ginger hair and glared at her even more.
After the class, she walked behind Weasley and Potter with Draco and they overheard him complaining. "That girl will be the death of me. I can't stand her. No one can! Even her roommates don't like her. The Slytherins are only using her to ask help for their homework!"
Before Hermione could react, Vince and Greg brushed past Weasley and Potter and blocked their way. "Problem, Weasley? Can't believe that a Muggle-born knows more than you do?" said Vince.
"I'd stop taunting Hermione if I were you, Weasley," came Draco's voice. "If you bully her once more, I'll make sure Father hears about you. Which was your father's department at the ministry again? Ih yeah, Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifact!"
Weasley was speechless and balled his fists.
Hermione's grip to Draco tightened. "Come on, Draco. We're looking forward to the Halloween Feast, weren't we? Let's not let a weasel ruin the festive mood," she said confidently. They moved but Vince and Greg were still on Weasley's way, glaring at the two smaller boys. "Vince, Greg, come on. We have a lot of studying to do after dinner so make the most of the feast tonight," she said with encouragement. The two Slytherins nodded and left with them.
They enjoyed the feast that night; Draco with the Slytherins in their house table and Hermione with Neville. She ignored the piercing looks of the Weasleys and her two female roommates, Parvati and Lavender.
When she and Neville met Draco, Vince and Greg outside the great hall, Harry and Weasley came with another Weasley, the fifth year prefect, Percy.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for threatening a student, Granger," said Percy, looking down at her.
Vince and Greg stepped forward, facing the Weasleys. "We're the ones who threatened him," Vince lied pointing at Ron Weasley. "Why don't you take points from Slytherin?"
"'Cause prefects cannot take points from other houses," she answered matter-of-factly. She brushed past Vince and Greg. "Take as many points as you want, Mr. Prefect. I can earn them in just a day."
"I'm going to report your disrespect to Professor McGonagall, Granger!" he threatened.
"And I'm going to remind Professor Flitwick and the other professors how rude your brother was. So, go on." She turned to Draco. "Your father is one of the Board of Governors, right? If Professor McGonagall won't believe us and take Weasley's side, we can always write to him, can't we?"
Draco smirked. "Of course. You know, Father hates abusive prefects," he replied. "You know, Weasley," he said to Ron. "If you want to redeem yourself, how about a wizard's duel instead of running off to your prefect of a brother?"
Harry stepped forward to face Draco. "We accept. I'm his second."
"And I'm Draco's second!" said Neville.
"Fine," Harry said with a hint of annoyance. "Tonight at the trophy room."
"Alright, Potter. See you at eleven p.m. and bring the weasel," said Draco and he took Hermione's arm and continued walking to the library.
"Draco, what were you thinking?" she asked exasperatedly when they turned left in the corridors.
Draco smirked. "Don't worry. I won't be leaving our dormitory after curfew. I'll tell Mr. Filch that Potter and Weasley will be at the trophy room tonight at eleven. They will lose at least fifty points," he sniggered.
She rolled her eyes. "You're a prat."
"Come on, Hermione! That was brilliant!" said Neville. "Well, since I stay in the same room with them, I'll pretend to leave early and hide in the bathroom."
She shook her head and continued walking to the library while the boys followed her and they're all laughing, imagining Harry and Weasley being caught by Mr. Filch.
.
The following day was Saturday. Hermione, Draco, Vince, Greg and Neville went to the library to borrow some books and they practiced by the lake. Neville told them how Harry and Weasley came back to the first year boys' dormitory panting and arguing because Harry eventually realized that it was a set-up. They checked the hourglass and Gryffindor lost one hundred points because they were caught by Mr. Filch and was reported to Professor McGonagall.
"Harry's never gonna speak to me again," said Neville but he was laughing.
"Some best friend, he is," she said.
Before lunch, Neville got it correctly and was able to transfigure his toad to a teacup. Vince and Greg took some time, but managed before the day ended. The five of them came to a routine. They would go to their classes together and sit beside each other. During free period, they would do their homework together and Hermione would tutor Neville, Vince and Greg. their professors were pleased by the three boys' improvement on their essays, especially in potions and transfiguration. Hermione and Draco would beat each other in every test and essay, but it was a friendly competition. They don't get jealous with one another. Plus, their parents were pleased because their respective Heads of Houses wrote to their parents about their excellence.
Hermione was also pleased that Neville found new friends in Slytherin house. He would sometimes help Draco insult Weasley when the circumstances call. Hermione tried to stop them and would always give them a telling off when nobody's listening, but 'boys will always be boys', they told her.
.
Christmas break started. Hermione and Draco boarded the Hogwarts Express to return to their parents. Together with Neville, Greg and Vince, they shared a compartment. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy were looking very pleased when they met at King's Cross. The Malfoys went to the Muggle side of the station with Hermione where her parents were waiting. Her mother fussed over her and Draco. Hermione's father gave her a bone-crushing hug and lifted her off the ground in front of everyone.
The Malfoys invited the Grangers for their private Christmas celebration at the manor. In return, the Grangers invited the Malfoys at their place for the New Year's Day. The Malfoys loved Muggle New Year's celebration because of the fireworks display.
On the first night back home, Hermione was surprised to see Draco in her bedroom after taking a shower. He was sitting on her narrow bed.
"You look surprised," he noted when she did not move by the door.
"Yes. This is unexpected," she admitted.
"Missed me?" he asked in his conceited tone.
She rolled her eyes. "I think it's the other way around," she said stepping forward to join him on the bed.
"I came here because I know you already miss me," he said, lying down on his back.
She crawled beside him and laid down as well. "How long do you plan on staying?"
"Until morning," he said with his eyes closed.
She sighed. "Draco, do you realize that someday, my bed will be too small for us?"
"Yes. That's why you'll have to get a new one two years from now. But for now, Billy can use magic to enlarge this."
"Someday you'll find a girl you'll fall in love with and eventually you'll get married. You can't come here anymore," she said trying to sound normally.
"I sorted it out already," he said matter-of-factly.
"How?" she asked.
"I'll tell you tomorrow."
"'Kay."
"Night, Honey."
She smiled and laid on her side to looke at his sleeping figure. He's becoming more handsome every single day and Hermione couldn't help her heart from beating fast when he's around.
The following morning, Hercules arrived at the Grangers after Draco left. He was carrying a parcel from Mrs. Malfoy for Hermione which appeared to be a book entitled Courtship and Dating: The Pure-Blood Way. Her parents do not seem surprised and her father even said that he preferred the pure-blood way than the Muggle way. She immediately read the book after breakfast and finished it in the evening before bedtime.
Draco came again that night while she's getting ready for bed. He spotted the book on her side table. "Done reading?" he asked.
She nodded and moved to her side of the bed to give him his space. "I've seen some Fifth to Seventh Years wearing silver and gold bracelets with their initials. Were those engagement bracelets?"
"Yes. Some has their initials; some has their future husband's family crest," he replied as he sat on the bed, leaning on the headboard.
"Silver for dating, gold for engagement," she said, remembering what she read from the book. "Why did Mrs. Malfoy give me the book?" she asked, a bit reluctant.
He reached for something in his pyjama pants pocket. It was a small green velvet box and Hermione gasped.
I think I know what that is, she thought, staring at the box.
"For you. One of your Christmas presents," he said timidly and his ears turned pink.
She accepted it. "Thanks."
"Open it, please."
She did. Her eyes widened like saucers and her mouth formed a small 'o' when she saw the silver chain bracelet with a matte coin that holds their initials 'H.G.' and 'D.M.' with a heart between them. She looked at Draco questioningly.
"You asked me if I'm going to marry Pansy someday. The answer is 'no' because... it's always been you."
Hermione closed her mouth and her brown eyes brimmed with tears, but she was smiling. "Professor Snape was right." She laughed.
"What did he tell you?"
"He said that only a blind man will believe me when I say that we're like brother and sister."
Draco's expression relaxed and he wiped the tears on her cheeks. "So... would you like to be my girlfriend... someday?"
She frowned. "Someday?"
He nodded. "Maybe third year or fourth year? I'll not ask you to wear that now because we're too young to date. If you wear that, it means we're exclusively dating and in a serious relationship."
"Oh. Right," she said and remembered the book Mrs. Malfoy gave her. "But... what about my parents? Do we tell them?"
He smirked. "They like me for you, you know. Your father said that he would prefer me than any other boy."
She hit him on the shoulder. "Conceited, arrogant prat!"
He smirked. "Is that a 'yes' to my question?"
She smiled and leaned to kiss his cheek. "Yes. I want to be your girlfriend... someday."
Draco hugged her. "Best Christmas ever."
.
"Hey, I heard that Ron's in the hospital wing because of a dragon bite," said Neville when they're studying together in the library on the third day back at school after the Easter break.
She rolled her eyes without taking them off the Tales of Beedle the Bard book, one of Draco's three Christmas gifts. It's been five months since she received it and she's not tired of reading it over and over again. Having her own copy is just amazing.
"There's no dragon here at Hogwarts," she said matter-of-factly.
"Not inside the castle; but in Hagrid's hut!" said Neville.
She looked up from the book to Neville. "Nev, Hagrid lives in a hut. He can't let a dragon live there."
"It's a baby dragon, Hermione. I heard Harry say he won the egg at the pub in Hogsmeade and now he's raising it. He even named it 'Norbert'!"
"But it's too dangerous," she replied.
"Don't you think we should tell a professor?" asked Greg.
"Well, too late now," said Neville. "Tonight, Ron's brother, Charlie who works as a dragon caretaker in Romania will be sending his friends to fetch Norbert."
"How will they do that without being caught?" asked Draco.
"Harry has an invisibility cloak," he said.
"Spilling your best friend's secret now, aren't you?" Draco said with a smirk.
Neville did not reply. "Then let them get rid of the dragon. It's their problem if they get caught," she said.
"No. I won't let this opportunity pass," said Draco eagerly. "We'll tell Professor McGonagall," he said to Greg and Vince with an evil smile.
The following morning, many Gryffindor students (Hermione and Neville were among them) gathered in front of the hourglass, wondering how on Earth they lost two hundred points in one night. And then, an older Slytherin came to them and told them about Draco Malfoy reporting Potter and Weasley to Professor McGonagall about a baby dragon. Slytherin House was awarded fifty points for what Draco did. Hermione wasn't pleased. She worked hard to bring back the points they lost because of Potter and Weasley by studying harder and answering every professor's questions even when Professor Snape already called her 'insufferable know-it-all'.
The past four months, Draco had been very obsessed catching Potter and Weasley's and telling Mr. Filch about their mischief. He, Vince and Greg were awarded house points for that. And now, Hermione wanted to smack her best friend for being an insensitive git. It seemed to her that he didn't care about her. He didn't care that she's in Gryffindor, too and she was working hard for her house, too.
Smacking Draco won't do anything good, she decided. She will let him suffer in another way, so instead of going to breakfast, she went by the lake alone, ignoring Neville's questions. She did not talk to Draco that day, and the day after until the following week. She only spoke with Neville, Greg and Vince and continued to tutor them. Draco started waiting for her outside the Gryffindor tower, begging her to forgive him for whatever he did. She doesn't really hate him. She could never hate him, but she's annoyed and he has to learn his lesson.
.
"Miss Granger, a private word, please," said Professor Snape, earning surprised looks from the other students. Hermione was surprised as well, but she didn't show it.
She turned to Neville who was waiting for her. "Go ahead and eat. Bring Vince and Greg after dinner tot he library so that we can work on your Defence essay."
Neville nodded and was the last to leave the room. She knew Draco was looking at her but she never glanced to his direction.
When they're finally alone, Professor Snape closed and locked the door with his wand. "Miss Granger, I noticed that you're working too much to earn back the points Gryffindor House lost and you're tired.
Thank you for stating the obvious, Professor, she thought angrily.
"I would like to offer you something for extra credit; to help you earn back the points without being an insufferable know-it-all in every class."
She wanted to stomp her feet and leave him, but she stopped herself from showing disrespect. She might lose more points.
"I noticed that your potions were perfect and so far, you and Mr. Malfoy were the best in your year. Now, I can't offer this to Mr. Malfoy because it's not him who needs more house points. I'd like you to assist me in brewing more boil cure potion and a few antidotes for the hospital wing."
She gave him a very surprised look. She never expected him to trust her that much. She will be brewing for the hospital wing and she can take their lost house points back!
"Thank you so much, Professor!" she exclaimed and her eyes brimmed with tears.
He rolled his eyes. "Please, Miss Granger, not in my classroom. I will never wipe your tears like Mr. Malfoy used to do."
She wiped her tears. "Sorry,Professor. I was just..." she trailed off, not knowing what to say next.
"Well, we shall start on Saturday, an hour after breakfast. You may go," he said dismissively.
Hermione left the room with a smile. It's been a week since she smiled genuinely.
.
"You have to forgive him, you know," said a familiar male voice to her side while she stood at the entrance of the great hall, watching Draco pick his food on the Slytherin table.
She looked up and saw Professor Snape. "Let's take a walk by the lake, Miss Granger." He started to walk and she followed him.
After two weeks of brewing with Professor Snape, they finally got comfortable with each other as student-teacher. He did not criticize her when it's just the two of them. He wasn't still generous with praises, but he would tell her if her work is passable and if she did better. So, this is the first time they're going for a walk and perhaps, talk about personal things.
They finally reached the tree by the lake and Professor Snape stood there, looking at the beautiful body of water.
"You have to forgive your best friend," he said in a conversational tone. "I once had a best friend; I was in Slytherin, she was in Gryffindor and a Muggle-born like you. We had a fight in fifth year. I called her something; a name and she never forgave me. I regret it every single day of my life until we graduated. Some said, she wasn't really a good friend because she cannot forgive me for a single mistake after six years of friendship. Some said she's not worth my time and effort. She never spoke to me no matter how I tried, even after school. Until she died."
Hermione gasped in shock. Professor Snape looked down to her. "Miss Granger, I know that Mr. Malfoy can be an arrogant insensitive prat sometimes, but her is obviously devoted to you. Can you bear it if you see him with another girl because he thought you already ended your friendship?"
She shook her head violently. "No. I can't."
"Then you know what to do. Do not let go of someone you can't bear to see in another person's arms."
.
Hermione let out a heavy sigh. She's planning to walk to the Slytherin table at dinner to speak with Draco. She stayed in her dormitory the whole day, thinking how to apologize to Draco and slept as well to clear her mind. Now, she just woke up and it's dinner time. For sure, he will be there in the great hall. She will apologize and if needed, beg for his forgiveness. It might not be easy because Draco could be difficult at times, but she will do her best.
She walked slowly to the Slytherin table, scanning it for any sign of her best friend, but she only saw Vince and Greg, looking very desperate. "Vince? Greg?" she called them and they looked up. "Where's Draco?" she asked nervously.
The two boys' eyes widened. "Haven't you heard?" asked Vince.
She felt a pang of fear. "What?"
"Draco's in the hospital wing!" exclaimed Greg.
"What happened?" she asked anxiously.
Vince and Greg took her by her arms and dragged her outside the great hall but not in a rude manner. Once they were outside, they let go of her. "Potter and Weasley lured him to the third floor corridor; the forbidden one. They know that Draco was obsessed to catch them and so they made up a loud conversation about their secret with you hidden under the trapdoor in third floor corridor. We tried to stop him, but he was so stubborn. He thought the reason why we haven't seen you all day was because you were there," explained Vince.
"And then?"
"We called Neville and the three of us tried to follow him," said Greg. "But there was a three-headed dog guarding the trapdoor. Only Neville made it through the trapdoor to help Draco and he sent us to inform a teacher. At first, Professor McGonagall did not believe us, so we went to Professor Snape. He went down and came back after half an hour with Neville and Draco, both unconscious."
Hermione's eyes brimmed with tears. "It's my fault," she said regretfully.
"Don't blame yourself, Hermione," said Greg, trying to comfort her. He even placed an arm around her shoulders.
"Professor Snape said that Draco and Neville will be fine. They just have to recover from being smashed by the transfigured giant chess pieces," said Vince.
"Oh no!" she gasped when she heard it.
"You're not helping!" Greg smacked Vince.
"S-sorry," he mumbled.
"I'll go and visit him at the hospital wing," she told them.
The two boys went back to dinner and she walked to the hospital wing and found Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy sitting beside Draco's bed. Mrs. Malfoy immediately opened her arms upon seeing her. She ran to her and they gave each other a very tight embrace. Hermione couldn't stop her tears anymore. She cried against her chest. Mrs. Malfoy hushed her. "Calm down now, dear. He will be fine," she told her.
"It's my fault," she said while crying. "I did not speak to him; I got mad just because of house points and those boys took the opportunity to lure him," she sobbed. "I hate them!"
"Do not blame yourself, dear. Even if you and Draco did not have a rift, those boys would still use you to get back to Draco," said Mrs. Malfoy.
"But-"
"No buts, dear," she cut her off. "Not your fault."
"Cissy is right, Hermione," came Mr. Malfoy's voice. "It's Potter and Weasley's fault. I spoke with the headmaster and made sure that those boys will be punished. Headmaster Dumbledore already wrote to their parents."
Hermione pulled away from Mrs. Malfoy and wiped her tears before facing Draco's parents. "Did Professor Snape tell you what exactly happened down there?" she asked.
"There was a three-headed dog guarding the Philosopher's Stone, a creation of Albus Dumbledore's friend, Nicholas Flamel. A thief made it to his house, then at Gringotts, attempted to steal the stone so Flamel decided to bring it to Hogwarts for safekeeping," Mr, Malfoy explained. "It was hidden under the third floor corridor; each professor made up something to guard it. Hagrid, the gamekeeper volunteered his three-headed dog to Dumbledore; Professor Spout put the devil's snare; Madam Hooch and Flitwick charmed several flying keys; McGonagall transfigured a giant wizard's chess board; Severus created a riddle and potions. Draco and Neville did not make it to Severus's potions because they did not win the chess game and just in time, Severus arrived."
"He had several fractures, but with Skele-Gro, Draco's bones will be back to normal," said Mrs. Malfoy.
"How about Neville?" she asked.
"He fell off the knight piece," replied Mr. Malfoy. "Just like Draco, he will be fine."
"I hate Potter and Weasley!" she cried.
"Oh, dear," hushed Mrs. Malfoy. "Don't worry about them. Lucius will make sure they'll be dealt accordingly."
She stayed by Draco's side until ten minutes before curfew. Mr. Malfoy escorted her to the Gryffindor tower. In the morning, she got up very early to check on Draco before going to the great hall. She was surprised when she did not see Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy at the hospital wing.
"Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey gave her a nod. "Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy was invited at the headmaster's office. But I am glad that you're here; my patient is too stubborn to eat his breakfast."
Her eyes widened with joy. "Draco's awake, isn't he?" she shrieked in excitement.
The matron smiled and nodded. "Yes, he is, Miss Granger and I need your help."
"Oh, I can make him eat, you know," she said confidently but her face fell when she remembered that they weren't speaking to each other. "But... I'll try."
She walked behind the white drapes and saw Draco sitting in his bed, leaning on the headboard. He looked surprised when he saw her. She stopped at the foot of the bed.
Hermione offered her a small smile. "Hi."
Draco nodded. "Hello."
"How are you?" she asked nervously. How do you start a good conversation with someone you haven't spoken with for a few weeks?
"Feels like I fell off a real broom," he said casually.
She walked to the side of his bed. "I'm sorry."
He frowned. "It wasn't you who smashed me with a queen's chair; most of all, it wasn't you who sent me there," he said with a shrug.
She fiddled her robes sleeve. "I know. I'm sorry for being cross at you. If that did not happen, if I only spoke with you, Potter and Weasley wouldn't take the opportunity."
"It is what it is. We don't have a time-turner to change what happened."
She bit her lip as she sat on the edge of his bed. "Will you forgive me for being such a birdbrain?"
Draco eyed her intently and she let out a sigh. Perhaps he won't forgive me, she thought.
To her surprise, Draco laughed. "Of course, I forgive you!" He opened his arms for her. "Come here, give me a hug." She obeyed and rested her chin on his shoulder. Feeling his touch and familiar scent made her heart jump again and she could feel her cheeks blushing.
"I missed you, Honey," Draco whispered.
"I missed you, too," she replied. Hermione closed her eyes and tightened her hold to him, as if her life depended on it ad swore that she will never ignore him again. Never. "And oh... Grey?" she said without pulling away from him.
"Hmm?"
"Happy Birthday."
"This is the best birthday present. Your presence."
They stayed like that for a moment, not wanting to let go of each other. They broke apart when someone cleared their throat. A woman with spiky hair and round face was looking down at them with a smile. Judging by her attire, Hermione knew she is an Auror.
"Hello, dears. Sorry to interrupt. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alice Longbottom, Neville's mother." She offered her hand to them.
Hermione was the first to take it. "I am Hermione Granger, Neville's friend. Nice to meet you, Ma'am."
"Thank you, dear. Neville told me nice things about you." Then, she turned to Draco. "You must be Draco Malfoy."
Draco nodded and took the woman's hand politely. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Thank you for saving my Neville!" she said emotionally and squeezed his hand.
"We saved each other down there," said Draco. "Though, it was really my fault that we were hurt by the chess pieces."
"Don't blame yourself, dear. I am here to thank you for being Neville's friend."
Draco nodded. "You're welcome, then."
Mrs. Longbottom turned to Hermione again. "It's really nice to finally meet you, Hermione. I hope we will meet again, soon. My husband would like to meet you and the rest of Neville's friends." Hermione noticed that the woman's eyes were teary. She opened her arms. "Can I give you a hug?"
She was shocked, but nodded. This was Neville's mother and perhaps, she's thankful that after Harry left Neville, he still found friends.
Mrs. Longbottom pulled her to a hug, similar to her mother's hug when they missed each other so much. Hermione didn't know how to respond, but before she could do anything, Mrs. Longbottom pulled away and thanked them once again. Then, she excused herself.
Hermione started feeding Draco and he happily obeyed. It felt like they're back at the manor, when Draco was injured after falling off a broom. She was worried, but glad to know that he will be fine. Hermione stayed the whole day and only left his side when it's time to go back to her dormitory.
.
The end-of-term feast was a happy one for Draco and the Slytherins. He was awarded one hundred points for the proper use of intellect even in desperate times and the best chess game. Neville was also awarded for the bravery he has shown when he tried to 'rescue' her and Draco. Vince and Greg were also awarded twenty points each for doing what they think was right. Hermione was also awarded two hundred points for 'the best boil cure potion brewed by a first year' and for assisting Professor Snape to supply the hospital wing with healing potions.
In the end, Slytherin House still won the house Cup, but Gryffindor got the second place. Hermione was still happy because she was able to bring back the points they lost months ago. She was happy for Draco, too.