Chapter Seven:

"You gonna be okay?" Draco asked Hermione. They were sitting outside the Gryffindor house leaning against the wall. waiting for Harry to get Hermione.

"Yeah... I just hope Ron'll give you a chance Draco. I don't know what I'll do without Ron...he and Harry are my best friends. I can't lose him...I just can't, " she told Draco. He held her hand hoping things would go well with Ron. He didn't want to see Hermione depressed. They sat in silence, Hermione's head resting on Draco's shoulders. He kissed the top of her head just as Harry came out.

"Hermione? You ready?" Harry called. Hermione slowly nodded and got up. Draco followed her and gave her a quick good luck kiss. She wished that kiss would last forever, because she knew that nothing could go wrong with it.

"Here, " Harry said as he handed her his father's invisible cloak. She took it, then turned around and blew Draco a kiss before she disappeared into the cloak, and followed Harry.

"I'll be out in about 15 minutes okay Draco?" Harry said.

"Sure thing Potter, " Draco answered.

* * * * * * * *

"Ron...we're coming in, " Harry warned before opening the door. No answer. Harry opened the door and motioned for Hermione to follow. Once inside Hermione took of the cloak and gave it to Harry. She saw Ron sitting on the edge of his bed, petting his owl.

"Hello Ron, " Hemione softly spoke. Ron turned to look at her, and she saw dark, cold eyes in place of Ron's bright cheerful eyes

"Ron, if this is going to work, you need to say something," Harry said. He told Hermione to sit on his bed, opposite of Ron.

"What took you so long?" Ron said with a cold tone.

"I was waiting for Harry outside...with Draco, " Hermione answered.

"This is a waste of time, " Ron declared getting up to leave. Harry moved in front of the door, arms crossed wearing a look on his face that read, " Ron Weasley! You best sit your butt back down and TALK to her!!"

Ron saw that look and sat back down.

"Ron, like I told you the other day, you're still my best friend, no matter what happens. I'm never gonna forget all that you've done for me. Don't think I'm not thankful, cause I am."

"Whatever."

"I am Ron...like that time a few years ago. When me and Krum broke up. I felt so rejected and I wouldn't stop crying. And you were there for me...and Harry too...you helped me get through one of the toughest times in my life Ron. And I'm so thankful for that. ... For you, " she tried to get him to look at her, and although his eyes were as black as night, a tiny piece of his anger melted away,

"And, I know you're wondering 'why Draco?' " She continued. Ron kept on listening attentively, wanting to hear her answer.

"When Draco asked me to help him, I yelled at him telling him I wanted respect from him. He agreed, yet I still didn't trust him...cause...well...becasue he was 'Draco Malfoy'. Then in a few days into the homework sessions, I noticed that he help his part of the agreement. He listened to the lessons and even started to understand! He never called me names, or threatened me at all, and obviously I was quite surprised, " she looked up at Ron.

"And?" Ron asked wanting to hear more.

"And...her started to treat me like his friend...like Crabbe and Goyle...no...not like them...better...come to think of it...he kinda reminded me of you Ron."

"Me?" Ron was confused, but he listened. Harry smiled, glad that this was working out so far. He quietly slipped out and went to get Draco.

* * * * * * * *

"How's everything going in there?" Draco asked anxiously as he saw Harry immerge from the Gryfindor house.

"Good so far. Hermione's doing most of the talking, but Ron's listening. He's really listening, " Harry updated. Draco breathed a little better knowing that things could very well be okay. They began to walk around the castle, silently. Then Draco spoke up.

"You know what Harry?" Draco asked as they walked around the castle.

"What?"

"I actually didn't think this would work out, but I didn't tell Hermione that. Didn't want to kill her spirit. It's just that I KNOW Weasley despises me and I didn't think that he would ever forgive Hermione for being with me...but don't tell Hermione any of this, " Draco explained.

"Your secret's safe with me, " Harry promised. They con tinued to walk around and actually began to get to know each other better. They found our much about the other, including that they had a lot in common.

' Hmm...who knew that Draco Malfoy and I would have a lot in common,' Harry thought as they exchanged information on their favourite quidditch players.

* * * * * * * *

"He reminded me of you because, he was funny, and he complained about EVERYTHING, from homework to family!" She smiled at Ron, then went on, " I found out that he loved to visit Honeydukes, Three Broomsticks and Zonko's...like you!"

"What wizard doesn't," Ron grumbled.

"No...Ron, he also loves all the things you do; like those Zonko trick bags, Coakroach Cluster Candies, Every Flavour Beans, Choclate Frogs!"

"Really?" Ron seemed really curious now.

"When I yelled at you and Harry...I didn't have anyone to turn to...so I turned to Draco. And you know what Ron...he listened to me. He actually listened to me, and then he did something that non of us could ever imagine him doing in a million years; he APOLOGIZED! Ron...don't you see? He blamed our fight on himself and APOLOGIZED! Would the old Draco have apologized Ron? ...Would he?" She questioned. Ron looked at Hermione, her pleading eyes begging him to reconsider.

' Maybe she's right. Maybe Malfoy's changed,' Ron thought. He tore his glance away from her and looked to the floors, then spoke more than three words, " Here, take a look at this." He handed her his magical scrapbook. She leafed through it, seeing pictures of her, Harry and Ron together during their seven years together.

"Oh Ron, this is gorgeous!" So commented, looking up to Ron. He blushed slightly, " That's how I pictured us to be forever."

"Ron, nothing's gonna change, I just want to add to this!"

"But that's changing Hermione! If you bring Draco into this, we'll have to change!" He told her.

"You're right Ron...sure we'll have to change a few things. but the fact that you and Harry are my best friends will NEVER change! No matter who I'm with, " she responded.

"Hermione...the reason I was so upset was because..." he couldn't do it.

"Because?"

"Well...because...beacuse for nearly five years, I've liked you... as in more that a friend. I always protected you because I didn't wan to see you hurt. During those few weeks after the break up with Krum , it was so painful to look at you because you were so hurt. I knew you needed someone, that's why I was there."

Hermione was so shocked, she didni't know what to say.

"Oh Ron...I'm...I"m so sorry...I didn't know..." she whispered. She got up and sat beside him. He turned away too ashamed to look at her. She knew she had to leave him alone, so she placed a hand on his shoulder, then got up and headed to the door. As her hand reached for the knob, Ron spoke up, " Wait...Hermione...don't go."

She turned around and stood there.

"I'm sorry. For everything. I over-reacted and I'll try and give Malfoy a chance. On one condition, " he said.

"Anything."

Ron stood up and walked ever to Hermione.

"That we remain best friends...forever, " his eyes were no longer black, as he smiled. Hermione felt the hot tears run down her face. She hugged Ron and she laughed between sobs. Ron smiled, happy to have her back, only this time for real.

"Come on Hermione, let's go look for Harry...and Draco."

The two left the house of Gryffindor, all smiles, hands around one another. They found Harry and Draco just outside the main entrance. The instant she saw Draco, she ran to him and hugged him. Ron walked over to Draco, his face serious, looking like he was ready to strike. He stuck out his hand to Draco and smiled, " Welcome to our group Draco."

!!