-1My Apology

Hermione lay on her bed staring at a picture of her and Draco. It had been taken just months before on a trip to see Ron and Harry. Molly had insisted that the couple stand for a picture in the garden. They obliged and now there were two smiling facing looking right back at her. She had been happy then. Draco had just started working with the Order and was still shy around the other members. Not wanting to make waves. Now, on the other hand, they were in completely different countries. Draco had found it necessary to get as far away from Hermione as possible after their last fight. It hadn't been over anything important, just what movie to go see. But for some reason one thing lead to another and Draco was throwing around the 'M' word again. She started crying and he left. Now Hermione was spending the night alone watching the snow fall. it had been almost two days since Draco left and Hermione hadn't heard one word from him. That is until now. She heard a slight tapping on her window and saw Draco's owl waiting to be let in. It was carrying a small package and a letter. Hermione took them both and set the package on her desk. She then opened the letter and read slowly.

"This is my apology. You have to possible answers. No: will stop all of this, but not without damage to both of us. Yes: well there is no telling where a yes will take us."

Hermione was shaking as she picked up the package, already knowing what was in it. Slowly she removed the brown paper, her hand shacking more violently as she opened the lid. She knew her answer. She picked up the ring and slide it on to her finger. Tears fell as she realized what she was doing. She was giving up her childhood. A childhood she had stained to hold on to through all the events leading up to the war. She realized that she had fallen in love with the enemy. Draco may be fighting on the side of the light he is still considered the enemy by Harry and Ron. They might be friends but the boys see Draco as the person who took her away. She is still there fighting with them but here mind is always with Draco. Harry and Ron feel that although they have gained a friend and ally they have lost, in a way, their sister, their best friend.

"I will wait to tell Draco my answer." she thought. Going back to her and picking up the photo of the two of them. Should couldn't bare facing him right now. She knew that if she did she would break down. And she didn't want the memory of her acceptance of his proposal to include her crying. So she lay down and drifted off to sleep dreaming about Draco.