A/N: I'm happy so many of you liked the last chapter. It was one of my favorites to write. Let's continue, shall we?

A fan, Thank you! I'm really happy you liked the last chapter. It's fun developing their relationship.

Ardentlyadmired, Slowly but surely, they are getting there. Thanks for all your comments!

iheartdracomalfoy4life, Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, I always thought Hermione's compassion was one of her (many) amazing traits.

viola1701e, Lol, yeah, I think that about sums it up! Things are not so black and white for these two anymore. As always, thanks for reading and commenting!

shadowfax00, Thanks! I'm really happy you liked this chapter. Lol, my sister helped me with this story in a lot of ways but she will forever be remembered for shirtless-Draco 😉

Doll-Fin-Chick, Thank you! I'm glad you found it too. I'm always excited to see new readers 😊

Hermione sat at the Three Broomsticks, nervously drumming her hands on the table. She had invited Harry to meet her here for lunch so she could ask him to testify on Draco's behalf.

She had no idea if he would agree to it or not. Yes, he had testified for Narcissa Malfoy, but Hermione knew he was truly grateful to her for her actions the day Voldemort was defeated. It had, indeed, changed everything.

However, Draco Malfoy was another story. His action of helping Harry had been much more subtle, and Hermione knew Harry still resented him for the role he played in Dumbledore's death.

And then, of course, there was the years of bullying and feuding that had gone on at Hogwarts between Draco Malfoy and the Golden Trio. Even though Hermione could see a change in Malfoy, she knew Harry would still think of him as the same arrogant prat they'd known in school. She could plead Draco's case, but it didn't mean Harry would listen.

Hermione recalled the conversation she had with Draco that morning. She'd been truly surprised by his concern for her safety, and even more shocked when he'd admitted to standing up to Dolohov for her sake. Between that and the easy conversation they'd had when she'd been healing him, it had almost felt like they were friends.

So much so that she'd even started to say how she wished things had been different for them in school—that they had been friends then too. But she stopped herself at the last moment.

After all, Draco Malfoy hated her at Hogwarts. She'd recalled specifically the conversation Harry and Ron had with him during their second year, in disguise under the effects of Polyjuice Potion. Malfoy had blatantly wished for her death.

That memory was a sobering reminder of their complicated past. They may have formed an odd sort of alliance now, but that certainly didn't mean Draco Malfoy really felt any differently towards her. His agreeable behavior might merely be an act so she would plead his case more effectively.

Hermione had been surprised when Draco pressed her to finish her sentence. It was even stranger when he had looked into her eyes with apparent understanding and said he wished the same thing.

Had he somehow known what she'd been thinking? She knew he was skilled in Occlumency. He'd told her that Bellatrix Lestrange taught him, a necessity for any Death Eater, but was he a Legilimens as well?

The thought made her extremely uncomfortable. She did not like the idea of Draco Malfoy reading her mind.

"Sorry I'm late," Harry said as he sat in the chair across from her. "Ginny stopped by my office to go over wedding venues, and we lost track of time."

A huge smile spread over Hermione's face. In her line of work, it was a welcome distraction to be able to think of something as sweet as her two friends' wedding.

"How are the plans going?" she asked.

Harry shrugged sheepishly. "Good, I guess. I honestly had no idea how much preparation went into a wedding. It's a bit insane."

Hermione nodded, knowing she'd get details from Ginny later. "It can all be a little extreme. If I ever get married, I think I'd like to do something simple."

"Tell that to Ginny." Harry chuckled.

After placing their orders, Hermione cleared her throat.

"So, the reason I asked you to meet me here today is . . . I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"Go on," Harry said slowly, perhaps already knowing what was coming.

Hermione took a deep breath. "I was wondering if you would consider testifying on Draco Malfoy's behalf in court."

"Hermione . . ." Harry rubbed his eyes. "I don't know."

"Look, I know it's a lot to ask, but it could make all the difference for him. A life sentence in Azkaban versus a second chance."

"What makes you think he deserves a second chance?"

"He's different now, Harry. I mean, he can still be obnoxious, but overall, he's a much better person."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but how do you know he's not putting on an act? Trying to get you in his corner to help him gain his freedom."

"He's been very honest with me. At least, I think he has. Plus, I'll see his memories, and he'll be questioned under Veritaserum." Hermione shook her head. "The way he acted in school, that was him—what he believed at the time. But the things he did . . . I think that was mainly out of fear. Voldemort threatened him and his family. He really didn't have a choice."

"There's always a choice, Hermione." Harry cocked his head. "Dumbledore offered to help him."

"I know. But you said so yourself, he was lowering his wand. He didn't want to kill Dumbledore, and I don't think he would have."

"Maybe not. But he still let those Death Eaters into Hogwarts. And he plotted Dumbledore's murder all sixth year, hurting Ron and Katie in the process."

"He did it to protect his parents. He didn't want to do it, Harry. Not in the end. You remember what he was like that year. He was a mess—barely eating or sleeping. What he did was wrong, but it all goes back to Voldemort."

Harry sighed. "What would you want me to do?"

"Share your memories of that night in the Astronomy Tower and testify that you don't think Draco would have killed Dumbledore, if that's what you believe. And . . . possibly testify that Draco didn't reveal you at the Manor."

"Are you really going to bring that up in court?"

Hermione nodded, recalling the part of Narcissa's memory she'd been brave enough to view. "I'm considering it. Malfoy knew it was you. He didn't want Voldemort to be called, and he didn't want us to be killed."

"What about what happened after?"

"That's not relevant." Hermione dismissed it quickly with a wave of her hand.

"Not relevant? Hermione, we all hated Malfoy but none of us would have stood by and watched him get tortured! I'm sorry, but I agree with Ron. Malfoy's a coward."

"Narcissa didn't help me either, and you testified for her."

"That's different!" Harry threw his hands in the air. "She didn't grow up with you and see you at school for six years of her life."

Hermione sighed. "If I can overlook it, I think you should too. Malfoy didn't torture me, so strictly speaking, he didn't commit any crime against me. Please, just consider sharing the facts."

"I'll think about it," Harry said. "But Hermione, I don't like you working with him. I don't trust him. I think he's using you."

"Using me?" Hermione's voice rose. "I'm his Inquisitor, for Merlin's sake, it's my job to defend him!"

"It's just . . . I know you . . . you care about everyone. And some people don't deserve it."

Hermione softened towards her friend, knowing he had her best interest at heart. "I can take care of myself, Harry."

"I know. Just don't let your guard down with him."

"I won't, I promise. If you honestly feel that Malfoy isn't completely guilty, please consider sharing those thoughts at his trial. That's all I ask."

Harry released a heavy breath. "I'll think about it."

Draco sat down in his usual spot in the Azkaban meeting room, but this time, he was across from someone he never would have expected to see there.

"Potter." He nodded.

"Malfoy." Harry mimicked his gesture, his gaze cold. "You requested a meeting with an Auror."

"Yes . . . I didn't think they'd send you, but given the circumstances, I guess you're ideal."

Harry's eyebrows drew together above his round glasses. "What's this about?"

"Granger. One of the Death Eaters in here threatened to send someone after her."

"Who?" Harry's eyes widened and Draco knew he'd gotten his attention.

"Antonin Dolohov—he's a real sick piece of work, and I wouldn't put anything past him or his cronies."

"Why would he target Hermione?"

Draco shrugged. "Because she's on my case. He despises me."

"Does Hermione know?"

"Yes, I told her, but she tried to downplay it." Draco leaned back in his chair. "You know her, she's stubborn and doesn't want anyone telling her what to do."

Harry gave a short laugh. "You've got that right." Then he seemed to realize who he was talking to and cleared his throat. "I'll make sure we have someone do regular checks on her flat, and I'll talk to her about not going anywhere alone at night."

"Good. I'm not sure if you have anything on the whereabouts of the Carrows, but I know Dolohov was tight with them at one point. They'd probably be who he'd contact."

"I'll look into it. Anything else?"

"That's it." Draco stood up and walked towards the door.

"Malfoy," Harry called, and Draco turned. "Thanks . . . you did the right thing by letting us know."

Draco nodded once and knocked on the door. "Just make sure she's careful, Potter."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed seeing Harry again. The next chapter is an important one, and I already posted the Preview on my social pages if you want a tease (you know you do!) Here's how you can find me (or go to my profile and click the links):

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