Chapter Twenty-Six:

Sorry

1st of May, 2011. Sunday.

I came to, my mind fogged with conversations I was too tired to take away from dreams and reality. I lay in bed waiting for my mind to clear and wake up. It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, Hermione Granger and I were calling each other an idiot or an asshole. I resisted the urge to sigh, remembering the Marriage Law. I shook my head softly against the pillow to vanish the negative thoughts. I hate the Marriage Law- they're going to force me to marry?

Slowly, I started to recollect myself. Then I remembered what happened yesterday at the Formal. And the letter. Panic.

"Hermione," I whispered, the distraction, the voice interrupting the silence, made me calm.

She didn't even flinch.

I waited, focusing that it was Sunday. Sunday, the day after the Formal. Slowly, I remembered what I did a what felt like weeks ago.

I have to wake Hermione up. "Hermione," I repeated.

After a short pause, the Former Gryffindor groaned and lifted her arm up, practically chucking it on me. It landed on my shoulder but she didn't move it. I had to restrain myself from bursting into laughter. I had only just opened my mouth and was about to try again to call her name when, a moment later, her eyebrows furrowed and she opened her eyes.

"Draco?"

"Yes?"

"What- What's the time?" She took her arm off me and sat up in the bed, rubbing her eyes. Her voice was still slurred from sleep.

"Um… I don't know." I sat up in the bed and waited until Hermione was fully awake. "Hermione, come with me to McGonagall's office."

She looked at me with a baffled expression. "What? Why?" She paused and I didn't say anything as I recognised that she was waiting for her vision to clear since she only had just woken up. Suddenly she said, "What did you do?"

I smirked at Hermione's reaction but avoided the easy strike, "I need to talk to her about something I planned about- well, a while ago."

"What?" Hermione asked, her eyebrows furrowing. Her eyes flickered over to me and I half-smiled at her expression. She didn't look or act much like herself. Normally she was more focused, but I shook off the thoughts as I was aware to the fact that the Slytherin had only just woken up. Even I get groggily when I just wake up.

I rolled my eyes, not bothered to explain it all right then and there. Hermione eventually got out of the bed and then got changed in the bathroom (like always) and I got changed in the bedroom quickly (like always). Once she got outside, I grabbed her arm, noticing that she had brushed her straight hair, then we rushed to the Headmaster's office.

Minutes later, we were sitting in the Headmaster's office. I was smiling, watching Hermione who was sitting in the chair besides me. Professor McGonagall was explaining what was going on.

7 days ago:

I opened my eyes. I glanced at the clock on the wall, 9:30 in the morning. I just woke up. I turned my head to the side and glanced at Hermione. She was still asleep, on the other side of the bed.

I got off the bed and stretched. I'm losing my touch… I should probably jog every night as Quidditch isn't on this year; something about NEWTs and Marriage Law interfering. Another reason to hate the Marriage Law. So what, so what I like Hermione a little bit, we were talking before the Marriage Law. I'd be perfectly fine going to talk to her with these feelings, without the help of the Marriage Law and the force of Marriage from the title, being stuffed down my throat.

I grabbed my wand, I then ran out of the room. I wanted to talk to Blaise Zabini. He'd understand. Where would Blaise be at 9:30 o'clock in the morning? Breakfast finishes around now so either he will stay the Great Hall for a while or go somewhere with Nikkie Piper.

Then I realised that I need to talk to someone else, unfortunately. I instantly knew who it was and a plan started forming in my mind.

I smiled at the memory. It was a few days ago when I thought of the plan. Professor McGonagall did think it was a stupid joke or a way to get out of staying with Hermione… but then she thought twice and did actually look surprised when she realised Hermione Granger and me are happy together. Maybe. Or maybe she was in shock, and she thought, 'why not?'. She agreed almost instantly after that.

Now, she looked up at Hermione and I and smiled, "You are allowed to go to Austria. There is a mountain range there now that is snowing near the top," Professor McGonagall explained. "You're hotel is there. There is also a café where you will have your breakfast."

Hermione Granger's mouth popped open in surprise. McGonagall and Hermione stared at each other until Hermione turned to me and said, "Did you plan this?"

I nodded and Hermione continued to stare at me.

"Draco Malfoy did indeed come to me 2 weeks ago about this decision, Mrs. Granger. Although I have agreed to this there will still be rules, of course. You two cannot go alone as your still at Hogwarts and I don't want you to, to well… do anything reckless."

Hermione and I gave each other odd looks. "What?" I spat. "McGonagall-"

"Mr. Malfoy you are still a student here! You will not go alone and you will refer to me as Professor McGonagall."

I didn't reply as she looked at me sternly. I calmed down, reminding myself that I am grateful for Professor McGonagall to allow Hermione and I go to Austria for a day and night.

"So, who will come with us?" I asked.

"Hagrid will accompany you and Hermione," Professor McGonagall replied, smiling softly. It was truth when every Professor said they liked Hagrid- everybody trusted Hagrid.

Besides me, I felt Hermione jump and I turned to look at her. She was beaming with excitement. Of course, Hagrid and Hermione are good friends. However, Hagrid and I aren't exactly. I felt suddenly uneasy about the whole… adventure.

"So, when are we going?" Hermione asked McGonagall.

"Right now. Hagrid should be waiting outside the door for you."

We both stood up. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall," I said, cautious of adding 'Professor' this time. I was sure this probably wouldn't continue- McGonagall and I have a very complicated relationship: We trust each other but our respect is hidden from old scenrios. For example, McGonagall constantly reminds me of things I've done in the past-

"Your welcome, Mr. Malfoy."

I turned to leave but noticed Hermione didn't follow. Turning around, I saw the Slytherin hug the professor. For a moment, I gaped but then collected myself. I walked outside and saw Hagrid. He was facing the door and was beaming at me.

"Ah! 'ello Malfoy!" Hagrid said.

"Thanks for… um, coming with us," I stated, trying to sound sincere.

Hagrid shrugged, "Well…" The door opened. "'Ermione! 'ow are yeh?" Hagrid asked the Former Gryffindor.

"I'm good! How are you, Hagrid?"

The weather conditions in Austria were hot. I felt embarrassed that I couldn't tell whether it was spring or summer, but Hermione and Hagrid were content on getting to the hotel placed on the mountain, as quickly as possible. Hermione had offered to ride a plane to the hotel from Hogwarts in England, to which Hagrid looked a taken back and replied, "Plane? Those things 'hat fly in the air and aren't brooms? 're yeh mad?"

Hermione shrugged, "I was only kidding- I've never drove one before."

Hagrid patted Hermione on the shoulder and joked, "Don't worry, 'ermione, we can just walk there!"

To the fact that it was hot in Austria, there was some mountains that had some snow, still, right at the top. Someone- I'd assume from the ministry or Hogwarts- had managed to conjure up a hotel on the mountain and made it safe.

We got to our rooms and dropped our suitcase: we only brought one for me and one for Hermione as we weren't staying here for very long. Hermione and I walked down the stairs, hunting for breakfast. We both ordered toast and hot chocolate.

I was aware of the wind outside as I lifted my hot chocolate to my lips as I watched the snow softly rustle across the ground as the wind went through it. Though I've seen snow countless of times, I haven't seen it on a mountain with my girlfriend in Austria. It made it seem a little bit like a new experience.

The Former Gryffindor exhaled and drank her hot chocolate as well. She looked relaxed, a big contrast from the looks she wore yesterday at the Formal, when she was fighting with her Former Best Friend And Boyfriend.

"Draco, this is beautiful," she said. "Why did you… You know… come up with this plan?"

I drank the hot chocolate, enjoying the warmth and flavour travelling down my throat. Hermione looked at me expectedly and I put my cup down. "Well… I love you. I've told you before," it seemed odd to me that yesterday at the Formal I had been uncomfortable to saying 'I love you' to Hermione out loud. I had said it before with confidence. Perhaps the night of a Formal had freaked me out. "And if we wouldn't be here in Austria, then we'd probably be in our Dorm bored or doing homework that wouldn't be due for about a week or two," I replied.

Hermione didn't reply for a moment. We both looked at each other and then outside the window of the café. The café was in the hotel.

"Thanks," Hermione said abruptly.

I didn't respond to the sudden comment the brunette made, and then briefly wandered when I had turned so… civil… polite? I shook those thoughts off; that's not me anymore. I'm happy with Hermione. "It's alright," I said, continuing to eat at my toast. Mine only had butter on it.

"Where's Hagrid?" Hermione asked.

"Eh, probably in his Dorm… he should be coming here soon." I replied smoothly.

By the time I finished my toast and Hermione finished her breakfast, Hagrid came to our table. He explained to us that we can now travel up the mountain a bit, if we wanted. Hermione and I looked at each other before we accepted.

The mountain was amazing. We only went for around half an hour. Hagrid guided us, in front, as expected. He seemed happy though I thought he'd feel a little uncomfortable. I guess I can understand- he probably feels like he's imposing on us. I am trying to make friends with him and he seems to have noticed and continued to be friendly back to me. He was since the beginning of the year… since first year.

Hagrid turned around and smiled at us, "the snow… it's brilliant, don't yeh think?" Hermione and I nodded. Hagrid continued to walk through the snowy mountain.

Soon, we stopped at snowy, ledged hill and gazed over the view. The sun was out but it was still windy and cloudy- the sun was covered most the time.

"We should've brought a camera," I exhaled.

Hermione dug through a small bag she brought and took out a camera. She grinned, "It's Ginny's. I quickly went into her Dorm this morning to explain I'll be with you here for Sunday and she gave it to me."

"Oh, okay," I said. "Can you give it to me for a moment?"

Hermione sighed but then gave me the camera. I took a picture of the snowy mountain, then the trees, and then Hagrid with Hermione and then a picture of Hermione.

"Oh, Hagrid?" Hermione suddenly asked.

"Yes, 'Ermione?" Hagrid asked.

Hermione grabbed the camera off me and gave it to Hagrid. "Could you please take a photo of Draco and I?"

Hagrid nodded. Hermione stood next to me before I went in front of her and bent down off the ground a little. "Get on my back," I said.

Hermione looked hesitate at first but didn't say anything and got onto my back. She wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck.

"Ready?" Hagrid beamed, positioning the camera.

"Yep," Hermione said.

"Yeah," I said.

Hagrid clicked the button and the photo was taken. We stayed around for a bit longer, taking a few more photos before walking back to the hotel. After being on top of the mountain with Hermione and holding her from behind for a photo, hearing her laugh, finally made me calm down. I sunk into the normal, happy atmosphere around me, temporarily forgetting about the letter and my father.

Hagrid wasn't exactly happy when Hermione announced after hours after we came back that she wanted to go shopping. He wasn't about to say no, but then again, was he allowed to go shopping? Were we allowed to go shopping? Hermione wouldn't hear it. She exclaimed about shopping in Austria and that she's never been here before. She mentioned how buying a scarf would be a good memory of being here with us.

I blinked, stating, "What's the difference? You can buy a scarf in London… plus aren't the photos a memory?"

But it didn't matter what I had said, because Hermione Granger wanted to go shopping. I didn't fight with her. It was surprising to me that we didn't actually shop for a long time though. I brought an expensive camera that I hoped I wouldn't regret. It was for Hermione, if I was being serious- I couldn't see myself abruptly transforming into a photographer. Hermione actually did buy herself a scarf whilst Hagrid didn't want to buy anything.

Hermione and I spent the rest of the evening and some of the night watching movies. It was quite fascinating, but it would be surprising to many people that I have watched movies and television before. We have a television at the Malfoy Manor, but don't normally watch it a lot. The last time we watched the television was probably the beginning of last year. Thinking about it made me feel sorry for myself- I remembered the short time of hope I felt after the war, thinking maybe my family and I would change. Maybe if it changed further, we could've watched the TV together.

The hotel have televisions in every Dorm and they update the movie selection every 2 years or so. There were 5 movies in the selections and we watched them all, which means that we finished watching the television at 2oclock Monday morning.

"Which was your favourite movie?" I asked Hermione.

We shut the television off and went into the bed. Hermione always faced the ceiling and kept a safe distance from me; it was hard not to notice the routine, but I never mentioned it. So far.

"I'm not sure… I liked them all," Hermione replied. "Thanks… for everything."

"It's alright," I said. "I love you."

It's quite simple for me to say I love you to Hermione now, the fact startled me, but I decided to fall asleep to distract myself from any negative emotion. I was feeling too secure and happy.

There was a slight moment of pause, which lasted about 2 seconds after I told Hermione I love her, until Hermione said, "I love you too."

I smiled, my eyes snapping in the direction of Hermione. It was like a firework had just been set off and I couldn't stop smiling. Hermione didn't say anything else and I was speechless, suddenly.

I could hear Hagrid's television and knew he was awake. He was sent to Austria with us to keep an eye on us; If he hears anything suspicious from his Dorm, in no doubt he'd be in here in a minute. I wanted to mention this to Hermione but when I turned to look at her, I realised she had already fallen asleep.

I turned to face the window and wandered if I should go to sleep or not. I'm not exactly tired and I didn't want to go to sleep. I knew that if I didn't go to sleep, there wasn't very much I could do. I've watched all the movies with Hermione so I'll have to watch the shows on the television. The hotel has good movies but very limited shows. I stayed for about 40 minutes watching a show I didn't exactly understand. I've heard of it before; it's a series. Of course, I don't get what's going on if I watch an episode in the middle of a season. I don't even know how many seasons there are, I assumed more than two.

Sighing, I turned off the television. I was greeted by mostly quiet but sometimes in the distance, I would hear some soft noises from the television in the hotel room next to Hermione and my dorm. Then I got a random idea.

I knocked on Hagrid's door and a moment later, the door opened.

"Draco!" Hagrid exclaimed. "Why are yeh awake so late?"

"Hermione's asleep… but, I-I didn't want to, and I knew you were awake," I explained. "I heard your TV."

Hagrid nodded, "yeh can come in." Hagrid shut the door behind me, saying, "Now, are yeh sure yeh don't wanna go to sleep?"

"Yes, I'm sure," I replied easily.

The male shrugged and suddenly all the tension was gone. The light had been off, but hurriedly Hagrid turned it on.

"Are yeh thirsty?" he beamed.

"No, thanks," I said.

"Well, sit down, it's too formal with yeh standing in the middle of the room looking so nervous!" Hagrid chucked slightly.

I shrugged and sat down on the side of the bed. My mind was racing; what do I say? Do I ask why he's awake? That'd be silly because I know why!

"Why are you awake?" I asked. "I guess to keep a watch on Hermione and I?"

Hagrid suddenly looked slightly uncomfortable. "Yeh know I trust yeh and 'Ermione!"

"I know," I exhaled, waving my hand around pointlessly. "It's your job." Hagrid didn't reply. I suddenly realised my comments were making the atmosphere tense again and said, "So… the snow is beautiful."

Hagrid nodded, "Oh yeh! The snow is brilliant! I'll 'ave to ask Ginny to give me the photo yeh took with the snow. I was with 'Ermione and then yeh in one, right?"

"Yeah," I said. "I'm glad you came with us, Hagrid. I- I'm sorry I was a jerk before.'

"It's okay," Hagrid said and then suddenly all the tension that I felt in the atmosphere had vanished.

A/N: Please review and tell me what you think! I really do appreciate all your reviews!