"Huh?" Draco was deep in thought, his thin brows knitting together. Why? Then he heard Hermione say his name. His first name.
"Well, I was just thinking that I've never heard you apologize about anything before. " She added, " Thank you."
"Me?" He was distracted from his thoughts for a moment. "Why are you thanking me?"
"Thanks for trying to make me feel better... I guess it must've been hard for you to say sorry for the first time, so thanks Draco."
He loved the sound of her voice pronouncing his name. Without thinking he grinned and replied, "No problem. Hey, what are friends for?"
Hermione paused for a second. Then the Slytherin saw a similar grin lighting up her face. "That's right. We're friends."
He felt a bit awkward for giving the answer he did, so he hastily changed to another subject.
"Er... What happened tonight?"
Her grin disappeared and her face looked sad again.
Quickly the blond added, "If you don't want to tell me, I understand." He made a gesture to rise.
"No!" She cried, a little too desperately and eagerly.
It was his turn to glance at her questioningly.
"I...I don't want you to leave. Can you stay with me tonight?"
He sat back down and his heartbeat quickened a little.
The girl blushed. "I didn't mean it in that way, don't get me wrong."
"Of course, I know. Only as a friend." Draco couldn't help feeling just a little disappointed.
"It's just that I can't talk to Ginny and Harry about this - they'll probably be on his side, so you are the only one I can talk to."
"Are you sure your ready to talk about it? You look really hurt by whatever happened."
"I'm sure. I want to get it out and try to forget about it." Hermione looked rather determined.
Feeling a bit proud that she can trust him so much to share a secret with him, he nodded at her, encouraging her to go on.
I know, I know... You probably all hate me for updating so late. Still, review?