Chapter 9: New Friends?
"Oh, Merlin, Hermione," he began, but stopped short seeing the now standing Harry and Ron.
He looked at Hermione who was looking at him with pleading eyes.
He looked back to Harry and Ron and prepared himself for the fists he knew was coming. He walked up to Ron, and stuck out his hand. Ron looked at it, floored.
"Hello, Ron. How are you?" he asked sincerely.
Ron looked at him, astonished. He looked back at Hermione, then back to Draco. He shook his hand and muttered, "I'm fine, thanks."
Draco turned to Harry, and put his hand out. Harry shook it and said "hello, Draco. Nice seeing you."
It was Draco's turn to be floored.
Harry smiled and stepped out of his was so he could walk over to Hermione.
He walked over and Hermione stood, and wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him close. "How is she?" she asked quietly.
"As fine as she can be in her condition. She told me she wanted to meet you once she was out of bed. I told her there would be plenty of time. I don't plan on letting you go anytime soon."
Hermione smiled up at him, and standing on tiptoes, kissed him. Draco kissed her back, hungrily.
After a few minutes, Harry cleared his throat, not only to make them stop, but also because Ron looked like he was about to blow.
Draco looked down at Hermione. "At this rate we're not going to be able to snog as long as we want."
Hermione smiled, "that just leaves more for latter, huh?"
"Oh, you two go get a room!!!" Ron said disgusted.
Draco smirked. "This is a room, Weasley. Its not my fault you happen to be in it to."
Harry laughed, while Hermione elbowed Draco in the side.
"Ouch, Hermione!" Then he saw the look on her face, and he quailed under it. "Uh, er, Sorry wea-Ron. No hard feelings, eh?"
Ron stared at him, once again floored. He snapped out of it and looked over at Harry. "Did you hear that, Harry? Draco-the-ferret-boy-Malfoy, has just apologized." He turned back to Draco. "That'll go down in history books, that will."
Draco stared at him for a few seconds, and then started laughing.
"That's a good comeback, Ron. He said. "How cone you never told me he was like this, Hermione."
"Well you never gave us the time of day, did you Malfoy, unless it was to make fun of us." Ron retorted.
Draco stopped laughing and looked a bit awkward. "About that, I'm sorry. My father didn't want me to acquire friends that he didn't approve of. He didn't approve of you, Ron, because..." he blushed slightly. "Because of the fact...that...well, you didn't have much money. Also, the fact that your father loved mud- muggle borne and muggles. I guess I was jealous too. Of the fact you have a loving caring family, something I didn't have when he was around." He stopped, and his eyes clouded with emotion. Hermione slid her hand into his, silently telling him that she was there for him.
Draco looked down at her, thanking Merlin he had finally got her.
"I owe you an apology, too." Draco said looking at Harry. My father hated you and expected me to do the same. But, deep down, Harry, I secretly admire the fact that you go out of your way to save you friends and the lives of others. I admire the fact that you have stood up against Voldemort" (Ron shuddered and they all gave him an exasperated look.) "And the fact that you have helped put so many of his supporters away, including my father. Thank you, Harry. I owe you my life and my mothers well being."
Harry nodded. "It's all right, mate. I should apologize also, since we seem to be having a heart to heart conversation here. I apologize for being horrible to you, and I'm sorry that I didn't look behind your mask to see the real Draco Malfoy, not the one his father made."
Draco had a look of relief on his face, and said, "Thanks mate. I really needed to know that you forgave me. I was afraid that I would get a punch in the face."
Last of all he turned to Hermione, pulling her close. "I'm sorry to you, most of all, darling. I'm sorry for calling you horrible names. I'm sorry for making you angry, for making fun of you. I'm sorry that I didn't ignore all that had been drilled into me by my father to be with you sooner. I'm sorry, Hermione. I honestly don't deserve you." ("Got that straight." Ron muttered.) "But, you were there for me when I needed someone most. Dumbledore told you what had happened? Yes, I thought it was him. I guess I have him to thank for such a beautiful girl coming into my life. You know I've liked you since the first day I saw you? You asked me if I had seen some toad named Travis." ("Trevor." Ron muttered.) "You've got everything I want in a women, Hermione, brains, talent, and beauty. Just do me one favor? Let me win some arguments, okay? I want to feel smart around you sometimes."
Hermione nodded.
"Draco, you'll be the first one to win an argument against her, then, mate." Harry said, shaking his head jokingly. "Because, to be truthful, I don't think I have won one against her yet, in the all the five years that I've known her."
"Yea," Ron said. "Just make sure you win it where we can hear you. It would be great to see her lose." He smiled at Hermione wickedly.
Hermione shook her head. "I love you too, guys." She said sarcastically
