I decided to try to expand on this story. I hope you like it;) as this is my story, the additional chapters will be quite short. And remember this is a story from an alternate universe, so the sequence of events may be different than in the canon. We start in the third year.

Few years ago

Chapter 1 - Common cause despite differences

Hermione Granger was flipping through another book in the library. She was annoyed. She didn't understand why her friends were angry with her. Was picking up her new broom more important than her sincere concern for the safety of her friend? She thought she had already proved her loyalty to Harry. Apparently, she did not deserve the loyalty of her friends.

Draco Malfoy tried to talk to her after being hit by Hermione. At first he did not understand her indignation. He thought he hadn't hurt anyone with his behavior. Then he realized that this girl was not defending a boy he disliked, but an innocent creature that had been provoked. He heard that she had been trying to find a loophole for a long time to save the hippogriff. He hoped she would accept his help.

- Malfoy, I can see you're here. You don't have to hide behind a shelf. Insult me as usual and get out of here. I'm busy.

- Granger, I heard what you wanna do. It will not succeed. - The boy saw how the girl narrowed her eyes. He can see that she was nervous.

- Maybe not, but at least I will be aware that I did everything I could. - she hissed.

- Hold your panties, I have a solution. Dad wanted Hagrid removed from his teaching position. -Draco saw the girl want to say something. - As the Malfoys are known for not withdrawing their word, the only option to save Buckbeak is to report the matter to the Magical Creatures Rehabilitation Center in Bulgaria.

Hermione looked at Draco with her large chocolate brown eyes and was silent for a moment.

- Why are you doing this? Is this some new strategy? What do you want for that?

- Granger, Granger ... I don't want anything for it, because the whole thing is my fault. A new strategy? Maybe, but I don't know what it could lead to yet. Why am I doing this? Believe me or not, I feel guilty. I let my pride and my dislike of the Potty win and my father took advantage of the situation.

- This is not a joke? If I write to them and no one like that, it will skin you. In Muggle way. - Draco noticed that despite the anger in her voice, her eyes were sad, almost empty.

- No, it's not. You know, this Center is small, but it has achievements. I was able to reach them and pay the amount needed for this hippogriff to be accepted. I did some research and I know that with Newt Scamander's name as the main donor, the Wizengamot will have no argument to forbid Hagrid's pet from being sent there. However, I do not want anyone to know that I helped you if this transfer succeeds.

- You paid? Did you help And you don't want publicity? - Draco was mildly surprised when he felt the weight of the girl in his arms. Within a month, he was knocked out by her and then hugged. And admitting to himself, he couldn't complain about the second one. - If you were like this always, I could become friends with you. Even if you fail, you have done more than my friends.

Luckily for the young Malfoy heir, Hermione hadn't noticed how much his cheeks flushed as he inhaled the scent of the girl's hair, who had intrigued him since she had entered his compartment looking for her friend's toad.

At the same time, Harry and Ron spent their time having tea with the lovable half giant. Unfortunately for them, they were completely unaware that a gesture of kindness on an unexpected side for good changed the future of three people in the future called the Golden Trio.

- Have you made up with Hermione yet? - Hagrid asked his guests over an enormous mug of milk tea.

Ron huffed in reply. - She should apologize. Broom, that goddamn cat, her lack of remorse.

- Hagrid, even if we want to reconcile with her, there is no chance. We don't see her. Or rather, we only see her in class. Harry played with a piece of rocky cookie in his hands.

- Let me tell you one before it's too late. Hermione is an amazing girl. I wouldn't wait too long to ease the situation, especially that you are not without fault yourself.

- It's her … - Before Ron finished his thought, Hagrid cut him off.

- As for the broom, I agree with Miona. It's not very smart to fly on a broomstick from an unknown source. And in the case of your rat…. Keep a rat where there are over a hundred cats? There is a reason why rats are not on the list of allowed animals.

Harry and Ron looked at each other. Each of them had a similar thought in their head. Their behavior may lead to the loss of a friend. They wanted her to admit her mistake, disregarding the fact that the error might have been on their side.

- Hermione …

Hermione was flipping through another Potions textbook. She thought about what had just happened. She hugged Malfoy. Just like it hugs Harry and Ron.

- Hermione …

She wonders how long their truce will last.

- Shit, Granger, are you even listening to me? - Hermione sensed the nervousness in Draco's voice.

- I was pondering. Something happened? - She felt as if someone woke her from a pleasant dream.

- I tried to call you by name but you clearly prefer your last name. - He replied sarcastically.

- When we are alone, we can safely use our names. It will be less awkward.

- How are we alone? Do you take into account that we will meet again alone? Draco smiled on his lips without a trace of mockery.

- I would be honored. I'd come over earlier to talk, but you're always with the bodyguards. I would like to meet you first so I can decide if I want to apologize to you. I don't believe in forced apologies. I feel like the last few years of insults have been wrong, but before I apologize, I want to understand my mistakes first. To tomorrow.

Malfoy left so quickly she didn't even have time to answer him. Instead, she said aloud the thought that had just hit her.

- Does he consider an apology? I don't believe it.

Severus Snape listened to the entire conversation. Despite having a large bookcase, he occasionally relied on Ms. Pince in choosing to read outside of his area of interest. Only a lucky twist of fate allowed him to witness this interesting conversation. His attention was caught by a godson who was apparently watching someone. He was very surprised that it was Hermione Granger. After all, even among the faculty it was known that the two did not tolerate each other. He thoughtfully decided to lead the two. They were the perfect material to show this fool Albus Dumbledore that connections between houses are possible. I wonder how Lucius will react to his ideas. One thing was for sure. The momentary split between the Gryffindors helped Draco approach Miss Granger. Organize more opportunities for them to interact. Severus smiled under his breath. He had known for years that the director had games of chess and the rest were only his pawns. So far he has played alone. Time for someone to sit on the other side of the board. And it will be him.

Thank you for reading. Opinions about whether or not to continue this story are welcome. Regards Katie-Krum