Thankfully I made it back to the dungeon without getting caught. After my little meeting with Harry and Ron I had been so surprised by their suspicions of me that I had nearly forgotten what Draco had said. Almost, but not quite. We were still fighting and neither of us wanted to make the first step. I didn't want to fight but I couldn't just let Draco think that his words had meant nothing. He should've realized how much that would've hurt me and stopped himself.

Classes went on somewhat normal and I used them as a way to occupy my time. Despite the constant complaints from the students we still had exams. I was actually thankful for them as it kept my mind busy. I spent my time reading and practicing in my room with Daphne and felt pretty confident about the material. I couldn't help but think of Hermione and how she would've been studying like mad if she hadn't been attacked.

Three days before the first exam we received some good news. It was breakfast and we were all in the Great Hall trying to enjoy our meals. I drank from my orange juice, talking to Daphne when Professor McGonagall made her announcement.

"Tonight, we will be able to revive those people who have been Petrified."

There was an explosion of cheers in the Great Hall as everyone forgot about their breakfast. Even some of the Slytherins joined in with a small applause. I joined in the excitement, happy that Hermione would be back to normal soon enough. I turned over to Draco and he turned to look at me. Unlike everyone else, he wasn't cheering. He still looked sad and angry that I hadn't forgiven him. Mostly angry though. I was more sad.

We were back in class and I couldn't stop myself from looking over at him. I wanted things to get better between us. I wanted things to go back to how they were before he said the things he did. But for that to happen one of us had to apologize. He had too much pride and I didn't feel like I had anything to apologize for. Even if I did, Draco should be the one to apologize to me… I sighed and put my head down on the desk. It was almost time for break and I was just waiting to get out of there when the announcement came

"All students must return to their House dormitories at once…."

We were all dismissed to our common rooms before our professor even had time to finish the lecture. I made my way, along with the other Slytherins, back to the dungeon without any questions. We were all confused waiting to be told what had happened. Had there been another attack? Soon enough the Head Boy and Head Girl came in to tell us that there had. This time it was Ginny Weasley.

Nobody in my house really cared about this news. Even though she was a pureblood, nobody looked worried for their own safety. According to some of them since she and her family associated with muggles it was as if she was one. They couldn't have cared less. But I felt sad for Fred and George. They must be taking this really hard; they may never see their sister again. I knew that feeling too well. When my brother left I wasn't sure if I ever would see or hear from him again.

I sat in the common room in my pyjamas looking out a window into the lake. It could be scary and cold here but it was relaxing to listen to the sound of the water swishing against the glass. From time to time the giant squid or other creatures from the lake would even swim by. I hugged my knees, resting my cheek on them and continued to look into the Black Lake. There was beauty in those dark waters and I lost myself in it. It wasn't until someone came up to me that I was able to look away. It was Draco.

"Hey" he said curtly and sat next to me. I gave him a small smile as a greeting and turned back to the window. He sighed audibly and I saw him anxiously rubbing his hands through the reflection in the glass. "When are you going to get over this stupid thing?"

"It's not stupid to me" I replied and turned back to him. He looked angry and I smiled again. He never was good with expressing his emotions. "If it's so stupid why not just apologize?"

"Because I shouldn't have to! I can say whatever I want if I want, alright!"

"Alright" I said and continued to look him in the eyes. He knew this didn't mean I had forgiven him and it only angered him more.

"What do you want from me?!"

"Draco," I lowered my voice so others wouldn't hear. "You know how much I love my brother. You can say whatever you want to whoever you want; I'm not saying you can't. Just know that when you say that kind of thing I'm not going to stay around to hear the rest." He looked down but I meant what I said. I was willing to put up with Draco's behavior, he sure had put up with mine over the past years, but some things were too much. I looked back to the lake waiting for his response. It was a while before he spoke

"Just because you decided to turn nice doesn't mean I will. I'm fine with the way I am and if you don't accept that, I don't care!" Neither of us believed that

"Then why are you still talking to me?" I smiled at him and he scowled back. He took in a jagged breath and put his head in his hands. When he took it off I saw a small smile on his face. "So… you'll apologize to me?"

"Yes. I'm sorry…" he apologized looking down. This time that wouldn't be enough. He had really hurt me and I wanted him to make it up to me.

"You're sorry for…" I said forcing him to go on. He sighed but complied

"I'm sorry for hurting your feelings. I didn't mean to make you sad or call him… that…"

"And you'll apologize to him too?" That one comment was what had upset me the most. I did care a lot for Hermione but no one came before my brother; not even Draco.

"I'll start the letter tonight" he said with a nod. I smiled at him and he smiled back, happy that I was going to forgive him. But I wasn't done yet.

"And you'll apologize to Hermione?"

"What?!" he exclaimed shocked that I would even say such a thing. I tried not to laugh at his reaction but couldn't hold back a small smile. He didn't notice. "You want me to apologize to that filthy mudblood?!"

"Draco…" I said as a fake warning. I knew he'd never agree to that but I pretended I really wanted him to do it. I would forgive him of course but first I needed him to feel bad too. I needed to know that my forgiveness really meant something to him. It sounded bad but I liked knowing that I was the one in power in our little relationship.

"No!" he screamed unwilling to accept that part my request. It was hard but I kept a straight face.

"Fine" I said in a serious manner and got up. I started walking away but Draco grabbed my wrist, stopping me.

"Wait" he said grudgingly and sat me back down on the window seat. He looked like he was thinking about something, but probably not about how to apologize to Hermione. And I sat there, waiting. "I'll…"

"You'll apologize to her?" I said encouragingly. He made a face

"No I'm not doing that. But I'll… I'll do something else…" he mumbled. That was probably what he was thinking about, how to make it up to me without having to apologize to a Gryffindor.

"Like what?" He didn't look like he knew.

"I'll…"

"Yes?" I said actually curious as to what he had in mind

"I'll do this" he grumbled and with that he stood up. Draco made his way from where we had been sitting and through the large crowd in the common room. Some Slytherins looked confused as others stared curiously as the little blond boy climbed onto a small table in the middle of the room. Everyone stared. He exhaled loudly, sounding aggravated, and turned over to look at me.

"Katerina Volkov. I am so very sorry I upset you. I am a very stupid person and I don't deserve you. Would you please oh please forgive me?" It sounded forced, almost sarcastic, but I couldn't hold back my smile. A few people clapped tauntingly and Draco did not appreciate it. He was waiting for my response and I made a face, as if I didn't understand. Draco responded with an angry one but tried again. "Will you please forgive me?"

"Why not" I said with a shrug and beamed at him. There were more cheers now as everyone was stifling laughs, finding the scene too funny. Draco looked angry and embarrassed as he made his way back to me. By the fireplace I saw Daphne give me an impressed look and Pansy start to stomp off up the stairs to our dorm.

This may not have looked like much of an apology to some people but it was a big step for Draco. He had too much pride to apologize normally that I knew getting up in front of everyone like that must have been really hard for him. I appreciated it. He really was sorry he'd hurt me and I could tell. He finally reached me and sat with me looking out the window, his cheeks flushed. We sat there, smiling at each other for a while. Draco looked happy that I had forgiven him and I was happy to know I meant so much to him. Soon we were told of the new feast to celebrate the end of the Heir of Slytherin's reign.

"Too bad, it was a good run" Draco said as we got up. I made a face at him and he smiled.

"Alright," I said linking my arms, "let's go"