Chapter 16: The Fort

The following day, after gathering the daily dose of wood, Hermione went exploring... She didn't have classes scheduled for the day, and neither did Draco... Or the whole school, as a matter of fact. She found the grounds quite intriguing, and was just about to explore the hidden history of Grindelwald went she discovered Draco, alone by her favourite spot in the library.

"Hermione, hey, please listen, I'm sorry, I-"

"Draco... Let 's walk for a bit?" Hermione said.

"Oh yes, the weather looks wonderful... with all the snow." Despite his words, Draco held out an arm for Hermione.

Hermione couldn't help it. She giggled. And then she accepted Draco's arm.

A long but brisk walk, found them staring up in silence.

"Draco, this is that tower I read about, the lookout tower! The remnants of the original castle. Grindelwald was rumoured-"

"I know, 'Mione. I read it too. I'm just as excited." Draco said.

"Do you think we can go up and look around?" Hermione asked.

"I'm sure there wouldn't be access to it if it's unsafe... Let's go?"

Once up inside the fort, Hermione conjured a blue fire, and Draco summoned two cups of hot cocoa from the kitchens.

"Hermione, can we just discuss what happened yesterday? I know I've been ignoring you, I know... But it seemed like the best idea at the time... Our friendship was going along really well, and I never expected anything more... But then we almost kissed, and I felt like going back to friendship would ruin it all, but I didn't have the courage to confront you and admit that I like you... So, I thought that just giving you some space would... I don't know... Give you time to make up your mind?" Draco looked abashed.

"What's it with you not expecting anything more? You're a great friend Draco, and an amazing person... I learned a lot about you these past few weeks, and to me, it seems like you deserve the world and more. Although you were a mean jerk when we were younger, you changed and seemed to show remorse for everything... And that is good enough for me." Hermione said.

"I know I'm a bad person, okay Hermione? I've done bad things, and I can't take them back. And nobody can care about someone like me, a calloused young man, I'm not good for anyone... I'm pathetic. I was blessed enough to gain your hand in friendship, but I never expected anyone to be my friend. So getting you was already way more than I expected. Okay? And then all these stuff started happening and the more I thought about it, the more I liked the small things about you, like the way you barely blink when you're absorbed in a book. How you take your cat everywhere. Small things, turned out to be the big things for me. And I don't deserve big things. That's what's with me and not expecting anything more." Draco finished, slightly out of breath.

"Draco, I know we both said things we didn't mean last night, and there are unresolved issues between us, but I don't want my experience at Durmstrang to turn into a series of unpleasant fights. I get mocked here, all the time. These kids are about nine, running around, taunting me and calling me a mudblood. I know some people don't understand my heritage, and that's okay, too. This scar will never go away... It's like the scar Voldemort gave to Harry – it will always be here, to serve as a reminder to me. But you know what? It's a reminder, that there are different opinions in the world, and someone's opinion of you should not change who you are. It helps me remember what I stand for. What I sacrificed. And once I find my parents, they might not even know who I am – but I'll always know who I am. And knowing who I am inside is something very few people have accomplished, but that doesn't make me feel worthless. I can't judge myself by their opinions of me! How terribly upsetting would that be. I have to decide for myself that I'm worth something. That I deserve more. I have to make that choice! And I want you to make that choice too. Choose a better life. We've all made mistakes. But that doesn't make you a bad person, okay?"

It was the longest speech he'd ever seen her give. But she went through the time and trouble to make him feel better. And that made him like her even more. So he kissed her. And she kissed him back.