Chapter 7: You

The instant Granger had thrown herself into him, he felt his entire world shift. All of his anger had dissipated. He felt an overwhelming sense of calm wash over him. He felt lighter, as if all his concerns about his parents, about obtaining the required grades, about becoming a model citizen were gone. The only thing he was aware of was the witch pressed against him and the fact that he never wanted her to be anywhere else. When he had wrapped his arms around her small frame, he felt how perfectly they fit together - two halves of a whole.

He wasn't sure how long they had stood there like that. It could have been minutes. It could have been hours. Eventually her weeping had turned into a soft whimper until she was as silent as him. Then, ever so steadily, she picked her face off of his shoulder, staring up at him. The second their eyes locked together he felt his heart skip. Even after crying, she was gorgeous. Her face was red and puffy, eyes rimmed with the remnants of shed tears, but none of that could hide her beauty.

Watching her look up at him, no walls, no barriers between them, made him hope. He wished desperately she could see in him something worthy, something to keep her standing there in his arms. She had been the only person to accept him as he was. As terrible as he had been in the past to her, despite all of his ill-fated decisions, against everyone else most likely telling her what a worthless specimen he was, she was here. With him. She didn't look afraid. She didn't even appear to look sad anymore. Her expression mirrored his own. It was as if they were seeing each other, truly seeing each other, for the first time.

A rapping at the portrait startled them both.

Instinctively, Draco dropped his arms and took a step back. He saw Granger flinch slightly, before recovering and taking her wand out. She waved it before her, clearing up her face immediately and removing all tear stains from her garments. Then, pausing for a split second, she did the same to his robes. All signs of her disappeared from his clothing.

"Hermione?" a voice called through the door, before the rapping started up again.

"Coming Gin."

Granger stepped out of their Common Room to meet with her friend, leaving him staring at the spot that had just been damp with her tears. Draco took it as his cue to get ready for the feast, retreating to his bedroom.

He had dozens of dress robes for all sorts of occasions. Halloween was a critical holiday in the Wizarding World, especially to Pureblood families. He had made sure to back a special set of black robes for the feast. As he removed them from his wardrobe, he hesitated. As Head Boy, it was expected of him to be at the feast. However, after the events of the afternoon, he had no interest in going. Potter and Weasel were not his favorite people. He was less inclined to be sociable to them after seeing the state Granger was in. His anger from earlier crept back. Noticing how his hands were tensing, he returned his robes and closed his wardrobe. He would not be going to the feast.

Draco decided to go for a walk. The day had brought about a vast mixture of emotions. He was unsettled and, as such, was in no mood for a celebration. Instead, he needed to get some air and put some distance between himself and the witch who had him perturbed. He waited by his bedroom door until he he heard her come back. Once she was in her own chamber, he exited.

He didn't have a plan on where to go. Students passed him by without a second glance. The hallways were bustling with traffic headed towards the Great Hall. Draco turned to head outside onto the grounds. He walked out toward the Whomping Willow, passing the Greenhouses on his way. He didn't focus on any particular thing. He allowed his mind to wander as he ventured further and further out.

Finally, he came to the edge of the Black Lake. The dark abyss mirrored the star studded sky above. The opposite shore was so far away that it blended into the night creating the impression that the lake was endless. Endless like all the thoughts racing through his mind. He sat down on the bank, taking in the silence and the cool night air. The darkness scared some, but not him. To him it was comforting, a blanket of secrecy to hide the impossible longing he was feeling.

"Are you alright?" Ginny pulled Hermione into a hug the minute she left her dormitory.

Hermione nodded. "I'm fine." Ginny released her and she noticed her friend was alone. "Where's Harry?"

"Oh, he and Ron are having a row in the Gryffindor dorm," Ginny snickered. "I think they scared the pants off a second year who was studying when they first got in. No one else has even bothered to enter since."

"Harry's not one to lose his temper," Hermione commented, half-heartedly. Her thoughts were not on her friends, rather they were on a certain silver-eyed Slytherin.

Right before Ginny had come to the Head's dorm, Hermione had been caught in his gaze. His eyes had always had a cold glaze over them. Just now, that coldness was gone. She believed she saw the real Draco Malfoy in that moment. He wasn't the arrogant, mean-spirited, instigating Pureblood he had been in the past. No, the man she saw in front of her was broken, fragile, and looking for comfort - same as her. He hid it well. His constant need to have the last word in, remain untouchable in front of others was intimidating. But she had seen through it. There was more to him beyond his cold, calculating facade.

"Ron better count his lucky stars that he's hearing it from Harry and not my Mum." Ginny continued, unaware of Hermione's indifference to the conversation. "She's lively to blow up part of the house when she finds out. He's barmy"

Hermione remembered second year when the boys had missed the Hogwarts Express. Mrs. Weasley had been enraged that time as well. They had left her alone on the train back to school. Given how the rest of that year had gone, she had forgotten about her trip. Now, she recalled the details of that afternoon more clearly. Prior to departure, she had told Neville, Seamus, and Dean that she was saving the seats for Harry and Ron. She didn't really know Ginny yet, but that didn't matter because the youngest Weasley was getting the grand tour from her older brothers. She had been reading one of her favorite novels, "Pride & Prejudice", alone in her compartment when he had walked in. At first, she prepared herself for him to snarl out an insult. However, he simply motioned to the empty seat across from her. At her nod, he had sat there for the remainder of the ride, silently reading a Quidditch magazine.

"I'll have you know that I didn't help him pick out that ring. Neither did Harry. If either of us had any idea of what he was planning, well we would have tossed him in St. Mungo's."

By itself, it didn't mean anything. They hadn't uttered a single word to one another on the train. It was hardly worth mentioning to Harry or Ron. After their impromptu entrance that year, she had completely forgotten about it. Given this evening's turn of events, she tried taking a deeper look at her memories of the blonde-haired boy. Harry had been dubbed "The Boy Who Lived", a title which he had never asked for. In similar fashion, she felt Malfoy was "The Boy Without a Choice." There was a fear hidden behind his eyes, a debilitating fear that could be the reason for his callused actions.

"I don't know what's gotten into him. He's been so hell-bent on this fame kick that..." Ginny trailed off, as she realized Hermione wasn't listening. "Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you sure you are alright?"

"Yes, yes of course," Hermione quickly nodded. "Are the boys still planning on coming to the Halloween feast?"

"Yes," Ginny groaned. "McGonagall asked them to make an appearance."

"I understand."

"I could hex Ron," she offered, a devious glint in her eyes.

Hermione felt her lips curl up in a small smile. "Thanks, Gin, but I'm going to have to face him at some point. He is your brother."

She shrugged. "Eh, well it's not as if I don't have fiv-four," she caught herself, twitching slightly at the mistake, "others."

It was Hermione's turn to hug her friend. "Fred will always watch over you."

"Yeah," Ginny giggled softly. "He would have made one hell of a ghost."

"He would have," Hermione agreed. "Peeves would have some heavy competition"

"Yeah," Ginny said again, her eyes no longer focused on anything in the present. "Yeah."

The two stood quiet for a short whilte. It had not yet been a year since the war had ended and the wounds from it were fresh. As if the castle sensed their pain, there was a stillness to the hallways. No sounds of other students filtered down the stone corridors. The air was stale.

"We should probably get ready for the feast, that is, if the boys haven't killed each other."

"Well, if Voldemort couldn't do it, I doubt Ron will have any luck," Ginny flashed a cheeky grin, returning to her normal self.

"Thanks for coming to check on me, Gin." Hermione gave her one last quick hug, before agreeing to meet her and the boys down at the Great Hall. With a wave, she went back inside the Head's dormitory.

Malfoy was no longer in the common area. She assumed he was getting changed, which was what she needed to do. Hermione entered her bedroom, heading directly to her wardrobe. She scanned through several outfits hanging up, before pulling out the one she had her mind set on. Setting it down on her bed, she stepped back staring at the black gown. She had bought it specifically for Halloween. She had planned on going as Elphaba from Gregory Maguire's "Wicked" at least once, whether it be here or back in the Muggle world. She had even purchased a new witches' hat in Diagon Alley before the start of the term to complete the ensemble. She believed it made the outfit more authentic.

Her mood had not fully recovered from Ron's outburst. Even after she had had a good long cry about it, the pain refused to let up. She was not sad that her and Ron were over as a couple. She was sad she was losing her best friend. Regardless of if they were together romantically or not, she had always believed they would remain friends and stay close. That no longer seemed to be a viable option. Ron's words had cut into her. He had succeeded in his plan to isolate her - not in the way he originally intended. He had isolated her from him. She had no interest being anywhere near him. Truthfully, as much as she appreciated that Ginny and Harry were on her side, she had no interest in being around anyone in her current state.

Except Malfoy.

She felt heat rise in her cheeks as she recalled how she had collapsed into him. Hermione chastised herself for being so careless in her actions. She was not that girl. She didn't get all emotional in front of people, especially people she barely knew. Draco Malfoy didn't care if she was heart broken. He didn't care if she had ended things with Ron. He was probably in his chamber now, having a good laugh at how easily she had fallen apart in front of him.

As she berated herself, she remembered how tenderly he had held her. He had not uttered a single word to her. He had simply held her as she cried. His arms had been strong, but warm and surprisingly gentle. She could still detect the scent of his cologne on her robes. He smelled like citrus with notes of bergamot, sage, white musk and amber. It was light enough that it didn't over power her senses, but she found herself inhaling the fabric deeply to get another whiff of the scent. As she did, she registered the time, noting that she had to hurry.

Harry and Ron were guests of Hogwarts for the feast, an event that she was required to attend as Head Girl regardless of her personal feelings. She went into her private bathroom, changing into the dress. She said a quick charm to turn her skin green, unsure if anyone without Muggle roots would understand the significance. She didn't care. Everyone knew her as Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of the age and one third of the Golden Trio. There was a hefty weight of expectations that came with that. A weight that suddenly she felt the need to offload.

Perhaps it was the fact that her future had been altered so suddenly by turning down Ron's proposal. Or perhaps it was solely because she was tired of being coined the "good girl." She would wear her complete outfit to the feast. If someone didn't approve of it, let them trifle with her. Grinning at herself in the mirror, she quoted Jane Austen, "Angry people are not always wise." She could attest to that. Grabbing her hat, she placed it upon the top of her head, gave herself a final once-over, and strolled out.

Ginny and Harry were standing together by the doors when she arrived. Harry opened his mouth to say something as he saw her approaching. Ginny jabbed in the ribs with her elbow. Hermione didn't bother to comment on the act. She allowed them to link arms with her, one on each side, and guide her inside. She spotted Ron sitting at the front of the room with the professors, animatedly talking. Hermione felt relief knowing he would be far to busy chatting to bother her. She suspected Harry may have had his hand in the seating arrangement.

The Great Hall was decorated with the traditional floating jack-o-laterns, a stormy night sky, and black banners from the rafters. The air was crisp and cool, the perfect fall time weather. The tables were covered in various offerings such as carrot cake, apples, roasted turkey legs, and candies from Honeydukes. Even the pickiest of eaters would have a hard time not finding something worth salivating over. Unfortunately, she was anything but hungry. She scanned the room to search for the Head Boy. He was not at his normal spot near the edge of the Slytherin table. In fact, she couldn't locate him anywhere in the room.

"I'll be right there," she told Ginny and Harry, as they prepared to sit down. "Save me a seat."

Thankfully the majority of the students were too busy eating and talking excitedly among themselves to notice her make her way to the Slytherin table. Hermione found Astoria Greengrass sitting with a few other girls her age towards the middle of the table.

"Astoria?"

"Hermione," she greeted her with a happy smile. "Happy Halloween."

"Happy Halloween," Hermione smiled back. "Um," she bit back her bottom lip, unsure how to phrase what she wanted to ask the Prefect.

"Did you need something?" Astoria seemed to sense her unease. She pulled herself away from her friends, moving off to the side of the table to stand next to the Head Girl. "Is something wrong?"

"Have you seen Malfoy tonight?"

"No," Astoria shook her head. "Though to be honest, I rarely see him except for at our meetings. He keeps to himself. Lone wolf, tough guy act."

"Right," Hermione nodded, though she didn't buy that act one bit. "Well, I won't keep you from your friends. Thanks."

She turned on her heel to leave, when she felt Astoria grab her sleeve. "Wait, Hermione?"

"Yes?"

"You know," Astoria glanced down at her shoes for a bit, before clearing her throat. "You know, Quinton and I would never have gotten to know each other if you hadn't forced us to work together for the ball."

"Oh." Though she was surprised Astoria as confiding in her, Hermione wasn't shocked by the younger witch's confession. She had noticed the growing relationship between the two. They had come together quicker than she had anticipated, but they had come together. "Good. I'm happy for you."

"Thank you. The reason I wanted to tell you that is because," she dropped her gaze again, taking a deep breath. "Well, because if you and Draco are-."

Hermione felt her cheeks burn and her eyes go wide. "No!" She cried quickly. Her outcry had startled a few students around them. She lowered her voice, shaking her head. "No, Astoria. It's not like that. We're just..." She stopped. What were they? Friends? Roommates? The title was indescribable.

"Sorry," Astoria replied quickly, covering her face with her hands, embarrassed. "It's just that you are the only person I ever see him talk to or spend time with. I assumed it was because you two were-."

"No."

"Ok."

"I have to get back," Hermione said, as she noticed Harry and Ginny waving at her from across the Great Hall.

"Sure, but Hermione," Astoria was smiling again. "If you two ever did, you know..." she shrugged, a goofy grin appearing on her face, "well, I would support you two."

Hermione didn't know how to respond to that. So she didn't.

Instead, she walked back to the Gryffindor table completely speechless for one of the first times in her life.

Draco had lost track of time. Eventually, he decided it was time to return. He needed to formulate an excuse for the Headmistress for neglecting his duties. Crossing the threshold of the castle, he figured taking a small potion to induce vomiting would be the safest course of action. Pomfrey would have to acknowledge his illness. It would surely gain him enough sympathy from McGonagall to avoid any form of punishment.

During his walk back, he came across the corridor he had found Granger crying in during the Yule Ball during their fourth year. Despite his attempts to keep her out of his thoughts, he found himself recalling that evening in complete clarity. Everyone had known she fancied Weasley, except of course, the Weasel. It wasn't until she had attended the ball on the arm of Viktor Krum that the red-headed moron had even taken notice of her. Draco had admitted to himself that evening that she was the loveliest of all the girls in attendance. The moment she had appeared, he had lost the ability to come up with a single jab. He couldn't even glare at her. She had been stunning, absolutely gorgeous. Of course, he had never admitted it to anyone, though Pansy had been particularly annoying that evening. She had picked up on the fact he had been distracted all evening, though thankfully, she never deciphered why.

Weasel was the reason she had been crying when Draco stumbled upon her outside the festivities. He had left the ball in an attempt to avoid his own date. Her sniffling was what alerted him to her presence. Her blue dress was fanned out about her, as she tried to hide slumped down on the floor between two pillars. He had immediately felt drawn to her. Tears and all, she was still the most fantastically beautiful thing he had ever seen. He had looked around, checking to see if any other students were around. Several had been slipping off for "extra curricular" activities throughout the night. Then, once he had determined no one was around, he had had made his way towards her.

Before he could work up the nerve to speak, Viktor had appeared with drinks in hand. "Herm-own-ninny?" he called her in his broken English. Her head had snapped up at the sound of his voice. "Vat is wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," she had wiped at her face, quickly getting to her feet. "I'm fine," she had lied.

Draco had ducked around the corner, quickly leaving the couple to return to the ball. He told himself he had missed out on a golden opportunity to destroy Granger. She had without her typical male escorts and broken. He could have tortured her further. At that point, she would have been so easy to destroy. But he didn't have it in him. Instead, he felt a strange pang in his chest. The sensation had caused him to retire early that evening. He wanted to push the night far from his mind and forget the girl in the blue dress.

As he continued wandering aimlessly through the castle, he wondered what would have happened if he had gone to her that night. Would they have fought? Would he have had the courage to talk to her? Would they have been friends?

Even after fourth year, the youngest Weasley wizard didn't pursue her. Instead, he had shacked up with that twit, Lavendar Brown. She might have been the one witch he found more intolerable than Pansy Parkinson. He had never understood it and it made even less sense now. Over the course of the last couple months, he had grown to know the brown-haired witch. She was still a pain in the ass, but she was far more than the brainy side-kick. If he had been in Weasel's shoes, he wouldn't have wasted another second fawning over a nit like Brown. He would have cut-in on Viktor and...

And what?

He shook his head. And nothing. Because he wasn't Weasel. He was Draco Lucius Malfoy. He hadn't been the knight in shining armor at the Yule Ball. He had been too afraid. His whole life had been lived within the confinements of his parent's expectations and the obligations of Pureblood society. Unlike Granger, he had never questioned anything he had been taught. He had accepted it. He had believed that world was that way because that's how things worked. Everyone around him growing up had been raised the same. He had no reason to believe in anything different. Until he met her.

Granger defied everything he had been taught to believe about Muggleborns. She was beyond worthy of the magic she possessed and she was the most pure soul he had ever met. Despite the constant name-calling, prejudice, and other ruthless behavior towards her, she had risen above it all. She had fought back, defending herself and others like her, who were persecuted for what they were, not who. During the war, when propaganda announced that Muggleborns had stolen their wands and magic, he found the idea ridiculous. To spare himself from enduring another Cruciatus curse from his father, he had never discussed it. However, he found it hard to believe that Little Miss Perfect would ever steal a thing.

Then, as if she knew she was on his mind, she appeared.

The feast was uneventful. Harry and Ginny expertly avoided the topic of Ron and his proposal all evening. Romilda helped with that. She was star-struck over Harry, the same way she had been when she first met Hermione on the Hogwarts Express. Harry seemed to be pleased to have someone to talk Quidditch with, especially a person who didn't want to discuss the War, his scar, or how he felt the new Minister of Magic was doing. Ron remained up with the Professors, though Hermione did catch him glancing in her direction a few times. She poked around her plate a bit, taking a bit here and there so her friends wouldn't know something was amiss. They knew she was upset. They didn't know the full story regarding why.

As the evening wound down, Ron came to stand by their table. "Harry."

His one word altered his friend to what time it was. "Time to go," the raven-haired boy said.

"I'm going to look into that polish, Harry," Romilda commented. "Thanks for the tips."

"Anytime."

"Do you have to go already?" Ginny asked.

"Yes, but I'll write you this week."

"You better."

"Write me too," Hermione told him, giving him a hug goodbye.

"I will," Harry promised, squeezing her. "And this time they will reach you." He added the last part in a softer tone, so only she could hear. "I promise." Releasing her, he turned to Ginny, as Ron remained awkwardly off to the side, waiting. "I love you," Harry gave her a quick kiss and hug, conscious of his two best friends watching.

"I love you too," she replied. "But I am a better Quidditch captain."

"Of course you are, you grew up with it," he teased back.

"We could practice over the holidays," Ginny flashed him a suggestive smile.

"Enough. Sister. Best Friend," Ron snapped, gruffly. His sister shot him an angry glare, making him stalk off towards Hogsmeade station.

"Um, right," Harry pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, nervously. "We better get going."

"See you at the Burrow for Christmas," Ginny waved.

"I'll see you both then," Harry waved to the girls, then he followed Ron out.

"Boys," Ginny smiled, shaking her head, her eyes never leaving Harry. "How are you feeling?"

"As well as can be expected," Hermione answered honestly.

"Do you want me to walk with you back to your dorm?"

"No, you need your rest, being the best Quidditch captain and highest scorer."

Ginny giggled. "Thanks, Mum." Stretching her arms over her head, Ginny yawned. "But you're right. See you tomorrow for breakfast?"

"Sure," Hermione answered.

"See you then," Ginny waved, heading off to Gryffindor tower.

Hermione went in the opposite direction, wandering towards the viaduct. She crossed through the courtyard, pausing by one of the arches, to gaze out into the night. There had been a time when she had sat in this spot, commenting to Harry and Ron that 'everything was going to change'. She felt a parallel to that time now. Everything had changed. She was still here, but she was alone. Harry and Ron were off on their own, staring their own lives without her. They were in London, which felt as if it was half a world away, and she was studying, her nose buried in books, as was her nature.

She stood there for an unknown length of time. Her thoughts went from topic to topic, bouncing across unanswered questions, theories, and a couple of spells. Briefly, she wondered if she had been wrong to turn down Ron's proposal. Perhaps they could have mended what was broke between them. That thought quickly turned sour in her mind. Love didn't break. Love was effortless. She had put in a fair amount of effort in their relationship, far more than Ron ever had. There was only so much she could do, if he was unwilling to meet her. A relationship couldn't depend on one person.

Above her, the stars hung in the sky, tiny blimps of light against an otherwise endless sea of black. People may have guessed she was frightened of the dark. She had endured far worse than most her age. Hermione had never been afraid of the dark, even after the war. The night was beautiful. It was the wiping clean of the day prior's canvas. It lead to rebirth, new life, new chances. It held a certain sway, a certain magical power of it's own. It gave way to hope.

"What happened to you, Granger? Eat one too many puking pastilles?"

A voice startled her from her thoughts. Hermione whipped around, noticing Malfoy tucked away in the corner. He hadn't changed, still dressed in his school uniform. His skin looked paler, if that was possible and he was hunched over, twisting his hands in his lap. Was he hiding? She turned back to the view, letting her arms rest on the cool stone. He rose to his feet, coming over to stand next to her.

"It's how my character looks," she explained.

He raised an eyebrow. "Your character?"

"It's from a book."

"Of course it is," he chuckled, shaking his head. Then, after a slight pause, he asked, "Which book?"

"Wicked."

"Never heard of it."

"I'm not surprised," she grinned, before adding, "It's by a Muggle author."

Before she realized what he was doing, he drew his wand. "Communem Statum Revertatur." Her green skin tone vanished until she was back to her normal shade.

"Why did you do that?"

He shrugged. "Green isn't your color."

Hermione couldn't help herself. She stared at him. First the literal shoulder to cry on and now this. She felt as if the world had gone upside down. Her best friend for over seven years, had betrayed and embarrassed her while her enemy was taking care of her and keeping her company. Then, she recalled what Astoria had said in the Great Hall. Her face immediately went red. She wished her green skin was still present to hide it. The Head Boy was gazing out at the landscape silently. Malfoy had either not noticed or didn't care to mock her.

"Is this some kind of trick?"

"Trick?"

There was genuine surprise in his voice at her question. His actions didn't add up. They had been spending time together lately. It was more than she she'd ever imagined spending with him. He hadn't called her a Mudblood all year, not once. His teasing was more playful, less hurtful. He was less like the Draco Malfoy she knew and more like a friend. It has to be a ruse, right?

"What game are you playing?"

"You'll trust me to not let you fall to your death on a broomstick, but I can't be nice to you?"

"Is that what you're really doing?"

"Yes, though apparently not very well."

She crossed her arms over her chest, facing him. "Malfoy."

"Granger." He copied her stance. She ignored his childish effort and continued to study him with a quizzical expression. "Do you want me to take a sip of Veritaserum? Would that set you at ease?"

She made a skeptical face at him. "You're Draco Malfoy. You don't like Muggle-borns, especially ones that are sorted into Gryffindor and beat you at every subject."

"Almost every subject."

"Flying and Muggle Studies cancel each other out," she stated, matter-of-factly.

He gave a short snort. "If you say so, but I think I'm doing better at Muggle Studies than you are with Flying."

"Since when?"

"Since always."

"Get off your high horse!"

"Jealous?"

"Of you?" She raised an eyebrow and forced out a laugh.

"Obviously. I am, after all, undeniably sexy and quite intelligent to boot." He flashed her an over-the-top smile.

"Please." She rolled her eyes, as she moved past him, giving up on trying to figure him out.

He followed her. They walked next to each other not speaking right away. The castle had died down from the earlier celebration. The Great Hall was no longer decorated for the holiday. It had been set back to its normal state with only a few floating candles providing a dim light. The students had been sent to bed after the festivities, due to the normal class schedule resuming in the morning. Hermione noticed Malfoy seemed to be distracted. He was holding his hands stiffly at his sides, sometimes twitching as if he was about to move and then decided against it. He broke the silence first.

"I like your dress."

"You don't have to lie to me," she replied.

"Why would you think I'm lying?"

"Maybe you aren't lying, but you obviously want something."

"That's true," he admitted, as they reached their dorm.

"Ha!" she cried, pointing a finger at him, as they stepped inside. "I knew it."

"I was wondering if we could be...friends."

"Friends?" She repeated, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

Now she was sure she had entered into an alternate universe. Draco Malfoy did not make friends with non-Slytherins and he certainly didn't befriend Muggleborns. This was probably a ploy. He had fallen out of grace with his followers. He was looking for a way to resume his position as the Prince of Slytherin. Pranking the Head Girl, a Gryffindor, was the perfect recipe to solidify his standing.

"A favor for a favor?" He asked, picking up on her resistance. "I could use one."

The way he said those words made her stop her malicious thoughts. She saw the boy from the train in second year. She heard him warning Harry and Ron to keep her safe at the Quidditch World Cup. She smelled his fear as his aunt tortured her on the floor of his childhood home. The boy who had no choice, she thought. Hermione believed in second chances. She had asked Malfoy for help on how to fly and he had kept up his end of the bargain. He had given her no reason to not trust him this year. It would be wrong of her to turn him away based on his past actions, especially after he had comforted her.

"Friends." She held out her hand.

"Friends," he agreed, taking her hand and shaking it.

"Alright then," she smiled. "Goodnight, Malfoy."

"Goodnight, Granger."

A/N: Wow! The response on the last chapter was crazy! Thank you all. Whether you follow, fav, or review, I sincerely appreciate it. This is my first story in over 2 years and your support has been the reason I've continued instead of letting this go unfinished. Thank you!

Guest - Ever since I discovered Dramione, Ron is an ass (to me anyway). This is for you: image/12912026449
NikeCeleste13 - No one makes his Granger cry.
Rayah19 - You are awesome. Repeat. Awesome! Thank you for all your feedback and support for this story.
insecure-author - Glad you enjoyed it. As promised, there will be more lovely details forth coming in the following chapters.
SavingAngel8 - Hope this chapter didn't disappoint. Their spit-fire back and forth is about to take on a new twist!
KangBoRam - Please don't drop your phone! :) But I'm glad it made an impact. Hopefully the end of this chapter didn't have you dropping anything as important as your phone.
lasvegasskye - Here you go, love!
Elsa007 - Your review is so sweet! Thank you. And yes, he is ABSOLUTELY going to get protective. I already have Chapter 8 and 9 partially written. You will see just how protective he is of his Granger.
Abooknerdandproud - Thank you for the review. I'm happy to know you liked it.
Sage McMae - Draco's Muggle Studies aren't over yet! Stay tuned for more fun with Muggle inventions.
Elovie - Thank you very much. I'm trying to update quicker. I have a jumpstart on multiple chapters.
Guest (2) - I'm glad you approve. I hope to continue writing something worth your praise.
Ren Mashiro - Thank you. That means more to me than you can possibly know.
caprubia - Thank you for all your feedback. I appreciate when people explain to me why they feel how they feel regarding the choices I've made on content.
pgoodrichboggs - I'm happy you enjoy my decision for them to teach each other. I honestly believe that's one of the best parts of Dramione. They each are such strong characters but they each need something the other has.
ktester2016 - Thank you. Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter even more!
Visiteur - Your review was very touching. Thank you!
CosmoWolf - Thank you. I love them as a couple, but there are years of "unlearning" so-to-speak that they need to get by first.
kurisutiin-chan - There will most definitely be more jealous Draco coming your way. Thanks for the review!
nellaine824 - You are very sweet. I'm not a Ron fan either obviously.
. - I'm glad you approve of the twist. There will be more to come!