Disclaimer; I don't own anything except the plot and the character Jaide Black.
Chapter Four: Apologising to Harry"Hey Harry?" Hermione said as they sat down for breakfast.
"Yeah 'Mione?"
"Could you please meet me in the library at lunch?" she asked.
"Sure. Why?" he replied.
"Um, you'll see."
"Well don't invite me or anything." Ron exclaimed.
"Sorry Ron." Hermione said apologetically, "You can come too."
"I feel so privileged." He muttered.
Hermione rolled her eyes and looked over to where Draco was sitting. He looked nervous, probably because of what he was going to do. They had quite a good conversation the previous night, and Hermione was convinced he was telling the truth. She still wanted him to apologise to Harry though, just incase.
Jaide stood in her office, staring out the window. She wondered whether Dumbledore was right about the prophecy.
"When the Second Shadow descends," she whispered,
"Not even He-Who-Lived will prevail.
Destiny turns to the long-time rivals,
For it is they who will not fail.
The Silver Heir and Gifted Mind,
Must unlock the power within,
Lest the Shadow consumes all light,
And an age of darkness shall begin."
She was startled by the sudden noise of someone knocking at her door. Sighing, she walked across the room and opened it.
"Hey Draco." She said when she saw who it was, "What brings you here?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you."
"Do you not have class?"
"No, I've got a free hour this morning." He informed her.
"Very well, you'd better come in." she opened the door wider to let him into the room and they both sat down.
"What's bothering you Draco?" she asked, once she had poured some tea for him.
"Well, I've decided not to become a deatheater." He began, "And I've also decided to apologise to the people I've been horrid to over the years."
Jaide beamed at him, "That's excellent news. Why do you look so upset about it."
"I've apologised to Hermione Granger and she seems to believe I'm telling the truth, however, she says that she'll only truly believe me if I apologise to Potter as well."
"Is there anything wrong with doing that."
"Not really. It's just, we've hated each other for years. I just know he's going to throw any apology I offer right back at me. There just doesn't seem to be a point."
"That's not true. For starters you'll feel much better knowing you made an effort, even if it is an unsuccessful one." She said, "Secondly, If my cousin was being at all honest in his letters (and I have no doubt he was) then Harry is a very decent young man. As long as you are being truly sincere he will accept your apology."
"I hope so." Draco hesitated, "That's not all that's bothering me though."
Jaide looked up, "Well tell me your other problem then."
"What am I going to do about father? He's not going to let me walk away from becoming a deatheater."
"I would've thought the solution to that would be quite obvious."
"Huh?" he said with a confused look.
"I talked to Albus before I came here and he agreed that on the occasion you changed your mind about becoming a deatheater you would automatically be put in my custody."
Draco smiled, "So I don't have to go back."
"Only if you want to."
"Yeah right."
"Sorry I'm late 'Mione." Harry told her as he and Ron raced around the corner.
"That's okay, he isn't here yet." She replied.
"Who?" he asked curiously.
"You'll see." Then she saw Draco round the corner, "Ah, here he is."
"What's the Ferret boy doing here?" Ron spat.
"Please try and be civil Ronald Weasley." Hermione ordered as she glared at him.
"Sorry I'm late Hermione. I had to stay behind after class."
"That's okay Draco." She smiled, "Well, they're all yours."
He smiled back nervously and turned to the confused boys.
"Since when are you two on first name terms?" Ron asked viciously, "There isn't something going on between you is there? Is that why you've dragged us out here?"
"Good heavens Ronald. Please be quiet and let Draco speak." She snapped.
"Well, I would just like to apologise to the both of you for the way I've treated you over the past six years. I've been a major prat."
Harry looked at Hermione, who nodded, and then turned back to Draco, "I'll say. But if Hermione trusts you then I will also. I'm not saying you're forgiven cause it'll take a bit for that, but I do believe you are willing to change and…" he hesitated, "…and I am willing to help you do it."
Hermione was smiling at Harry so hard her eyes teared up. Draco was shocked but also smiling at the boy he thought wouldn't believe him. Ron, however, looked disgusted.
"SO THAT'S IT THEN!" He raged, "AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS OF TORMENT HE JUST COMES ALONG AND SAYS 'I'M SORRY' AND YOU BELIEVE HIM! HONESTLY HERMIONE, I THOUGHT YOU WERE SMARTER THAN THIS."
He turned on his heel and stormed down the corridor, not looking back.
"Sorry about that Draco, he has a bit of a temper." Harry said quietly.
"Yes, well Draco and I are going to head back to our dorm now." Hermione said, "Good luck with Ron."
"Thanks. See you guys tommorow."