I just updated this story but the muse was still at it so I wrote this piece as well... sorry it is so short tho, I will be sure the next one is quite a bit longer! :D
Part 3: Forging Ahead by HPFangirl71
"What other bruises? I don't know what you're talking about Malfoy. There was just the one. I told you I was clumsy and bumped against my office door."
Granger was nervous as she tried convincing him of something he knew wasn't the truth.
"No that's not what you told me." he said in a cool voice. "You told me you bumped into the lift door."
Granger sucked in a breath, the look on her face one of abject horror.
"Malfoy please…" she whispered.
"Look I don't know what's going on or why you feel the need to lie to everyone… but I don't really have to either. Just know that if you need someone to talk to… I'm here Granger." he finally said with a careless shrug of his shoulders.
"Thank you…"
It was the second time in so many days that she'd said those words to him and he reveled in the feel of them.
"What I could really use right now is a friend." she said and it was hard to believe she was actually speaking to him. After everything he'd ever done to make her life miserable, he felt unworthy.
"Actually Granger so could I…" he whispered, his voice so struck with emotion that it was barely audible.
"Call me Hermione." she said with a smile on her lips. "… And let's do lunch tomorrow, my office, my treat."
"Lunch it is." he said with a wide grin crossing his own face. "Oh and Grang… I mean Hermione, thanks."
The name felt foreign upon his tongue but felt like something he'd love getting used to.
"For what?" she asked him.
"For giving me a second chance. For being a friend. I don't have many, I'm just grateful is all." embarrassment clouded his pale face at his vulnerable confession.
She gave him another warm smile but said nothing more as she exited the room. As the door closed, Draco sat back in his chair, wondering at what had just happened…