"I think we both knew our relationship was improving," Draco started. "It might didn't seem like it, but I was so interested in you. You were kind to me, even though I was a foul git. You were trying to help me, truly, and I was so grateful. I still am. My father was struggling in Azkaban, and I was at the lowest point. But you helped me with my work, my life, and everything. You were such a good friend to me, and I wanted to get to know you better. But I remembered what my father taught me all those years. To stay away from... from-"
"Mudbloods." Hermione said in disgust. Draco winced slightly and shook his head.
"I was taught my entire life... " he said quietly. "It's hard to change your perspective of something you've been taught to think for 18 years. But you made me realise that muggle-borns are just as smart and brave as we pure-bloods are. Even more, perhaps. And I told you that, on Christmas. That day was the best I've ever felt about myself. I was proud of myself for breaking family tradition. I was proud of myself for opening up. But that didn't last long. Hermione, I really thought my father would change-"
"Well, let me guess, he didn't." Hermione said, her arms still crossed.
"Well... yeah, he didn't." Draco admitted, feeling as guilty as ever. "I told him- how great you were. I told him how kind and helpful you were, but he didn't care. He threatened to execute me from the family. Just like my aunt Andromeda. She was ignored by our whole family after she married Ted Tonks. Mother was heartbroken. She was forced away from her sister. And I know how much she loves me. I don't want her to experience that loss again..." Draco's voice trailed off and he took a deep breath. "But I did. I chose my freedom instead of my Malfoy name. So I came back to you."
"But you didn't." Hermione frowned. "You didn't. I thought you did, but you didn't."
"Well, I did." Draco continued. "The day you got hit by the bludger, I visited you at the hospital wing. The entire week I changed the flowers in your vase and I told you about my days. I was convinced about my decision... but my father got to me, once again. He came crashing into the school, yelling and threatening me. You can ask Madam Pomfrey about it, she saw it all." he watched as Hermione's face stretched with realisation. "I had to force myself to ignore you again. It was the worse decision I've ever made... you've got to understand..."
"And... did you feel bad about it?" Hermione asked in a quiet whisper.
"I regretted it terribly." Draco said. "I asked myself everyday why I was doing what I was doing. I kept on trying to talk to you, but every time I tried to, my father's voice haunted me. My mother... I couldn't let her loose me. But I finally weighed my decisions and what my future would look like with each path. I could choose to live the life I've been trapped in, working at the Ministry, marrying Pansy, and have a kid to carry on our pure bloodline."
"And what's the other path like?" asked Hermione. Draco sighed, a tiny smile spreading on his lips.
"A path where I could be whoever I wanted to be." he said. "I could find a job I actually like instead of sitting behind piles of paperwork all day. I could befriend anyone I want, no matter what kind of blood they had. I could find and marry my true love, and not my girl best friend."
"What about Pansy? What does she think about your arranged marriage?" Hermione whispered.
"Me and Pansy are friends." Draco replied truthfully. "We both hate the idea of marrying each other. But it's our parents that are strict about the idea of marriage. It's really clear to me which path will bring me more good in life."
"So..." Hermione said slowly. "You're here to say-?"
"I'm choosing my freedom over my privilege, yes." Draco said firmly. "I really want to know you better... after what you did, and after what I've done to you, you deserve better." he smiled softly and offered her a hand. "You don't have to forgive me- in fact, don't forgive me. But can I have another chance?" Hermione eyed his hand and blinked rapidly.
"But, Draco..." she started. "If your family is going to ignore you- I completely understand, you don't have to do this anymore. I would've chosen my family over me, too."
"But you don't have a controlling and abusive father, do you?" Draco asked in a low voice. Hermione finally looked at him in the eye. His grey eyes were shining. She remembered those grey eyes.
"You're sure about your decision?" Hermione asked.
"It's the proudest decision I've ever made." Draco assured her. "I'm sure about it." he didn't lower his hand.
"You hurt me..." Hermione whispered, remembering the last few months she'd been through, thinking and questioning why anyone would be so cruel. Draco's face fell and he lowered his hand slightly.
"I'm terribly sorry. I was a selfish git." he said. "Don't forgive me... I don't deserve it."
"I don't forgive you." Hermione said grimly. Draco closed his eyes, pained, and lowered his hand completely. So that was it. He's messed up. He really tried to explain to her, and promised himself he would never treat her badly ever again. But she seemed to not want to see him anymore. Draco forced a smile and nodded understandingly. Hermione sighed loudly, before grabbing his hand gently. "I don't forgive you, but I understand you. Do you think that's enough for us to start again?" Draco's face lit up and a smile spread across his face.
"Enough? Yes, that's enough." he said happily, his eyes glittering beneath the moonlight. "Thanks, Granger... I feel like calling you Granger gives me more confidence." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"So," she stuck out her right hand. "All the lies and mistakes in the past are forgotten. You and I, we're Hogwarts classmates that want to know each other more. Hello, I'm Hermione Granger, a Gryffindor muggle-born. And you are?"
"Malfoy." Draco smiled. "Draco Malfoy."
"It's a pleasure, Draco Malfoy." Hermione said, trying not to grin. Their hands met and they looked into each others eyes. Draco suddenly pulled Hermione closer to him and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. Her dress was surprisingly soft and her hair smelled like a candy shop. He noticed her hair was silky and sleek, but Draco wouldn't mind if it was its usual bushy state.
"You look really good by the way," he whispered into Hermione's ear. They both blushed before pulling away.
"Thanks," Hermione smiled. Her heart was still racing like her body was hosting a sports day. The evening was an emotional roller coaster for her that she had forgotten all about the ball, and the people she wanted to meet. Draco offered her his arm.
"Shall we go back to the ball, Granger?" he grinned.
"Why not." Hermione replied, and linked her arm to his. A shiver filled her body. She felt like she wanted to pull out her wand and produce the world's strongest Patronus. She bit her lip hard, trying not to smile stupidly, Draco guided her through the halls and to the Great Hall, where music was blasting and people were dancing to the rock n roll music. It was quite hard to see who was who in the crowded place. The Weird Sisters, a wizarding rock band, was performing on the stage, earning cheers from the young wizards. Hermione glanced at Draco and grinned mischievously. Draco realised what she was going to do and shook his head.
"Oh, no, you don't, Granger." he chuckled. Hermione laughed and pulled him into the dancing pit. They were absorbed by the crowd once they got in. All their troubled were forgotten. Hermione started to dance to the rock music along with everybody else. "I don't dance," Draco said grimly. Hermione grabbed his hands and moved him to the music.
"You don't have to be good at it, you just have to have fun." Hermione said, like it was obvious.
The night went by so fast and so beautifully. The two danced a lot (even though they were both horrible at it), ate chocolate fondu, and chat with each other excitedly. Hermione talked with her old classmates as Draco stood behind her awkwardly. Despite his change, he still felt slightly guilty for being a jerk all those years. Harry and Ron looked between him and Hermione shrugged. Soon, it was moving towards the end of the night, and Professor McGonagall went up to the stage to say a few words.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, attention please," she called. When no one heard her, she tapped her glass with a spoon loudly. Everyone fell silent and turned to the Headmistress. Professor McGonagall smiled. "Well, good evening everyone. I hope you're having a wonderful time. I just wanted to say a few words before the night ends... It has been exactly a year since the fall of Lord Voldemort and the rise of us, witches and wizards. We're here to celebrate the Wizarding World's freedom, today." Hermione turned to Draco and smiled at him proudly. "We will forever miss our friends that have passed, and will cherish their bravery forever. They will forever be in our hearts. Lastly, I would like to remind you all that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. Have great night!"
Hermione and Draco clapped and cheered along with a thousand other people. The past few depressing months were forgotten completely.
...
"Morning, Granger." Draco smiled. He had approached Hermione at the Gryffindor table, earning several glares from her friends. The house tables were back, and the decorations were all gone. It was a normal day again.
"Good morning, Draco." Hermione smiled. Draco felt himself light up at the sight of her smile. He had missed those.
"Do you want to come sit at out table?" he blurted.
"What!?" Ginny exclaimed. "Do you think-"
"Sure, I'll be there in a second." Hermione replied. She hadn't told Ginny about last night yet.
Draco smirked and walked back to his table silently. Ginny's mouth hung open and she looked at Hermione with wide eyes. Hermione chuckled and rolled her eyes.
"You have some explanation to do, young lady." Ginny said, imitating Mrs. Weasley perfectly.
"I'm older than you, kid." Hermione teased, and ruffled Ginny's hair. "I'll explain later!" she swung her legs across the bench and stood up. She blushed slightly as she approached Draco at the Slytherin table. He was sitting alone and was smirking at her embarrassed expression. Hermione sat down right beside him and sighed loudly. "Oh, will you stop smirking?" she said, rolling her eyes.
"And will you stop blushing?" Draco asked back.
"You really are a Malfoy." Hermione said and the two of them chuckled. Draco looked into her brown eyes and grinned to himself. They were so familiar, yet, he felt different about them. After last night, he felt so free. Not only did he make a brave decision, but he was also capable of doing or being whatever he wanted. He smiled at the bushy-haired girl.
"It's weird, don't you think?" he asked. "That one night could changed many things at once?"
"All I remembered last night was Neville spilling his drink on Fleur Delacour's dress." Hermione said swiftly. They stared at each other and blinked several times before bursting into chuckles. Draco's Slytherin friends eyed them disgustedly. One of the Slytherin boys grunted, making Hermione and Draco look up.
"Got a problem, Henderson?" Draco asked heatedly. The boy shrank back and grunted. "Because if you do,-"
"Draco's father will hear about it." Hermione quickly cut him. Draco rolled his eyes and smirked at the reference, leaving the Slytherin bloke confused. "I still remember that line 'till this day." Hermione smiled proudly.
"You're such a nerd about everything." Draco teased.
"And you're a foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach." Hermione said with grin.
"You're a nerd."
"Cockroach."
"Nerd."
"Roach."
"Doyouwannagotohogsmeadewithme?" Draco blurted, and immediately turned red. Hermione raised her eyebrows and snorted.
"What in Merlin's pants did you say?" she asked, chuckling slightly.
"Um...I was just-" Draco stuttered.
"Say it, Malfoy." Hermione smirked. Draco took a deep breath and sighed.
"Do you... want to go to the next Hogsmeade trip with me? I mean... it's just so we can know each other better. You don't have to say yes, or anything,-"
"Of course I'll go with you." Hermione said, blushing slightly. "I know we're not friends are anything just yet, and we've been through a fistful together... it's a new start."
"OK," Draco nodded. "It's a new start."
Author's notes: That was unbelievably exhausting, woah! Draco finally breaks character, and Hermione finally admits to her own feelings. Phew... Their relationship will only go uphill from now on ("finally, author!"). But it won't just end as happily ever after- the end, because let's not forget about Lucius mother-trucking Malfoy. So, what do you all think? Do you think they'll be forced apart again? Do you think they'll stand by each other? Who knows... (I do :)
I'll be updating soon. Bye for now!