Fanfic 1 Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Apologies

Hermione was excited for the ball, but she didn't quite look forward to all the planning that was left to be done. She never was one for dressing up and arranging parties and all of that. Once a year was fine. But the planning part? No.

Maybe, if I had Draco's help, it'd be easier; purebloods are always having parties… But I DO NOT feel like asking for his help.

Draco, on the other hand, was not excited for the ball, at all. Typical guy, he HATED his dress robes – they were tight and scratchy and they always choked him. Plus, he didn't have a girl to go with. All his Slytherin "friends" decided to skip 8th year. He was NOT going with a Hufflepuff. But he wasn't exactly favorable with the Gryffindors or Ravenclaws either. Except Hermione. But...

I can't go with a Gryffindor! Especially not Granger - Muggleborn – And THE brains behind the Golden Trio! But… I can't show up alone, either… Granger isn't that bad…

So, they both needed each other's help. Unfortunately, they weren't speaking to each other. They were used to that – But Hermione was having more nightmares by the day, ones involving Bellatrix Lestrange and a knife. and Draco was worried about his mother. His "hate-mail" hadn't ceased either.

The next Saturday was Hermione's flying lesson. Things were bound to be awkward, especially since Hermione's arm was sore due to finding a 5th year Slytherin with a dirty mouth, when she was on prefect duty.

Oh well, it can't be that bad.

"Granger, I want to apologize."

"To me?!"

"Told you I've changed. I'm over the whole blood-prejudice thing, remember."

"Hmm. Okay. Let's just get this over with so you can go back to being a jerk, when I didn't do anything to you."

"Hermione."

"What?" She gasped.

"Ha. Gotcha. Now listen, to me, please. Frankly, I felt Weaselbee had ruined the good reputation I had built up so far, and it got me ticked off. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. You tried to help me and I realize that. So… Well.. Maybe.. I shouldn't have-"

"It's fine." She was laughing at him, watching him struggle for words to his apology.

"Truce?"

"First-name basis now, eh 'Mione?"

"Shut up." She giggled, mounting her broom.

"Alright. Now firstly, just do a slow lap. Just keep moving."

Moving, was an understatement. Flying – Yes. In fact, Hermione was racing around the pitch. Yelping, though…?

Is something wrong?

The next few seconds were a blur. Hermione saw a flash of red hair, and a poorly aimed curse coming her way, before her broom was smashed to pieces. If Draco hadn't rushed to catch her, bridal style, then she would have dropped about 50 Meters. Yep, awkwardness guaranteed.

"Are you okay?" Draco asked.

"I saw Ron! Ron hit my broom with a curse so that it was out of control and then he aimed a curse at me! Ronald! My so called best-friend!" Hermione was in tears.

"Alright… Just… Sit still, I'll take us down."

Shock, Draco thought.

"Draco, I'm not mad. It was Ron."

"Well then, it seems like him not approving of our relationship has brought us closer." He said, smirking and squeezing her with the one arm he wasn't using to steer.

Again with that smirk, Hermione thought.

Laughing a bit, she hit him, meaning to cause damage, but he merely smiled. An actual smile. Genuine.

Later, back in their dormitory, they were sitting on the couch, each drinking hot chocolate. Hermione was reading, and Draco was doing his Transfiguration Essay, occasionally asking Hermione's opinion on his hypothesis, and now and then starting a debate. They had told McGonagall of the scene, and she assured them she'd warm the other students and arrange for a guard outside the school, just in case.

They'd discussed the incident, but Hermione was too shocked to deliver a proper response. She owled Harry, explaining what happened. Then she sat, and read Hogwarts: An Updated History (Which had been published after the war), whilst Draco took a shower.

She could feel her eyelids getting heavier by the second, and the next, she was fast asleep. Not a peaceful slumber, though.

When Draco came back to their lounge, he discovered Hermione, screaming and whimpering in terror from a nightmare, clutching her arm, which was now bleeding.

"Hermione, Hermione wake up, it's okay, shhh, really, you're fine…" Her was awkwardly patting her shoulder.

"I'm sorry… I get these sometimes… Okay, a lot… Since the war, you know…"

"I understand… I have some Murtlap for your arm?"

"It's fine, Draco… Thanks, but only a special potion helps… Sleep Well…"

And with that, they went their separate ways, leaving a once again restless Hermione, and a stunned Draco.

Hey all, to those of you who suggested I Italicize their "thoughts" – thank you, that's something I forgot about. No negative reviews! Yay! Haha. Sorry my update's late – the next one will probably be, too, as I have a UNISA (University of South Africa) Piano Exam Saturday, and I need to focus. Also if I do add insane twists to my story – it is Harry Potter, and it is my story – you signed up for something different, remember. I know they became friends easily again in this chapter, and yes, Draco is starting to care… Thanks for reading! ;) – Carri xxx