Hermione could not get over the brusque but friendly conversation. Malfoy had even gotten her a Pepper-Up. She dressed quickly and considered avoiding the Great Hall so not to have to see Ron, but she knew Harry and Ginny would ask questions so she continued on and sat next to Ginny. Harry and Ron arrived a few minutes later. Ron glared at Hermione but otherwise acted as if nothing had happened last night.
After breakfast Ron walked her to and from every class and meals. Hermione figured it was his way of being protective but there was a slight nagging feeling in the back of her mind that told her otherwise. Obviously she ignored it and went on with her life.
The week continued for her without any hiccups. Ron stayed fairly cheery, but she could not tell if it was from the alcohol ever present in his system or actual happiness. As the weekend began, Ron told Hermione to meet him in the Gryffindor common room to spend time together. When she arrived, he was playing Wizard's Chess with Seamus. She tried to tell him hi but he brushed her off and told her to sit down and watch. Ginny entered soon after and kept her company while Ron was playing.
Time ticked by and it was soon nearing supper time. Ginny grabbed Hermione's hand and started to drag her to the Great Hall. As they neared the Entrance Hall, they heard voices yelling at someone. Hiding behind a pillar, they peered around the corner to find three boys kicking a lump on the ground. Was that a student?
Hermione sprang into action. "And just who do you think you are acting like that?"
The boys eerily turned towards her smirking. "We're making Hogwarts safe from traitorous scum like him."
That was when the lump stuck its head up. She recognized that hair immediately.
"20 points from Slytherin for stupidity. And against your own house mate? Go before I call the Headmistress."
They scurried off towards the Great Hall.
"I could have handled it, Granger," Draco managed to pant out as he stood up.
"Well, now you don't have to. Consider it repayment for last night."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Hermione turned to Ginny and they entered the hall.
"Why were you so nice to him?"
"He's been nothing but kind since we arrived. I'm giving him a chance."
"But he was so cruel… And a Death Eater…"
"He's changed, Gin. War does that to a person, especially if they are forced into fighting for the wrong side. "
"And what did you mean by repayment for last night?"
"Oh! You caught that? Don't say anything around your brother, but I ran into him towards the end of my rounds. I wasn't feeling good so he helped me to my dorm. Even brought me a Pepper-Up this morning."
"Well then. That's interesting… And he didn't say anything against you? Not even a snide remark?"
"Nothing of the sort."
"Wow… Maybe he has changed."
A/N: Thank you for reading my dribble. I got a job that requires me to sit in an office for lengths of time with little to accomplish so my writing time has been increasing. Maybe I'll get this one finished faster than expected. Read and review please! As always, I do not own HP. I'm merely playing in the fandom.