A/N: Hey so this chapter is up earlier than I expected. For the next six weeks, I may be able to update more frequently as I'm on my summer break. Also, I'm sorry about the unclear break between scenes, I use Word and some of the format doesn't carry over properly. I'll try and fix it this chapter. Side note: THANK YOU to everyone who followed the story and reviewed, it means so much to me and keeps me motivated knowing that people want to read my story. Anyways, I'm gonna stop rambling now. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.

Chapter 2:

Draco sat at the Slytherin table, head resting on his palm, waiting for the rest of the school to arrive. Due to his 'condition', he had arrived a week early. As he sat contemplating his life, McGonagall and the other teachers entered. Draco noticed that Snape wasn't there and remembered the awful night that his godfather lost his life.

The door to the Great Hall swung open, snapping him out of his reverie. He raised his head off his hand slightly and glanced at the sea of students now piling into the Hall. As he was staring intently at the door, he didn't notice the presence of his friends as they slid onto the bench beside him.

'Draco? Oi, Earth to Draco.'

Draco jumped and turned to his left to see the face of Theo Nott grinning back at him. Behind him was Pansy. Opposite Draco was Blaise and Daphne.

'Ah, he's back. How've you been, mate?'

'A bit shit to be honest Theo. How're you?'

'As good as I can be with Dad still around. I really thought the old bastard would end up in Azkaban.'

'Yeah, I know what you mean, if only my fath- '

Draco stopped dead as an intoxicating scent hit him. His head snapped up, eyes scanning the room for the source of the heavenly aroma. He growled in frustration when he couldn't detect where or who it was coming from.

'Err… mate? What's going on? You… growled.'

Draco blushed and cleared his throat nervously.

'I have something important to tell you guys but you need to promise you won't tell anyone. At least not until I've found what I'm looking for.'

'Found what you're looking for? What are you on about?'

'I'm a Veela. And I haven't found my mate.'

'Shit. You do know what happens if you don't find her don't you Draco?'

'Yes Pansy, I'm fully aware what will happen.'

Ignoring his friends' concerned looks, he stood up and left the Hall mumbling about needing some air.

Hermione sat idly prodding her food with her fork, half listening to the animated conversation Ron and Harry were having about Quidditch. She was about to say something when she saw a certain ferret swiftly exit the Great Hall, a look of frustration and something else on his face though she couldn't quite work out what.

'Ha, I wonder what's got Malfoy all worked up. Reckon Parkinson's pissed him off?'

Ron looked at Hermione, still sniggering and noticed she had a look of worry on her face as she watched after the blonde.

''Mione, why do you look worried about that git? 'Mione? OI!'

Hermione slowly turned to glare at a very angry, very jealous Ron.

'Ron, leave her alone. You know she's always worried when people are upset no matter what they've done. I bet if she saw He-Who-Has-No-Nose sat on the stairs crying about his failed plan of world domination, she'd hand him a chocolate frog and a tissue.'

Hermione turned to Ginny and smiled gratefully.

'Thank you, Ginny. I'm just worried because he's normally so careful to hide his emotions, but the look on his face just now was…'

Ron scoffed and folded his arms

'I didn't know you paid so much attention to him.'

'Ron! I don't understand why you're jealous! Nothing will ever happen between me and Draco! I should be the one getting jealous as you are quite clearly still friends with Lavender who, in case you've forgotten, you used to date! I'm done with this. I'll see you later Ginny.'

With one final glare at Ron, Hermione stood up and left the Great Hall. Once in the corridor, she rounded a corner and began to cry softly.

'Granger?'

Hermione's head snapped up and she was met with Draco's cool, grey eyes. She wiped her eyes furiously and tried to push past him but he caught her wrist.

'Malfoy. I am not in the mood. Let go of me.'

Draco reluctantly loosened his grip on her wrist.

'Please Granger, hear me out?'

Hermione sighed and turned back around to face him. He breathed a sigh of relief and swallowed nervously. He couldn't believe it. Hermione Granger was his mate. Was the universe trying to make his life as difficult as possible. He bitterly thought of the saying 'Karma's a bitch' and focused his attention back onto the brunette witch in front of him.

'Grang-Hermione, I'm sorry. For everything. I know it's going to take more than an apology to fix this but it's a start. I was an arrogant, bigoted arsehole and I let Lucius' pathetic prejudices shape my own views. I should have judged you as a person, not for your blood status. You're an incredible witch and you have such an amazing personality. I can only hope that you can eventually forgive me.'

Hermione stared at Draco, shocked that he was capable of apologizing. Part of her thought he was playing a cruel joke on her, but then she recalled how he had used her given name and the fact that Draco Malfoy had actually apologized. Hermione looked up at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes and knew that he was genuinely remorseful.

Draco stood staring at the floor, anxiously awaiting her response when he felt her small hand gently grasp his, trying to get his attention. He looked up at her face and saw she was smiling at him.

'I forgive you, Draco.'

Those four words caused Draco's heart to skip. He returned her smile before hesitantly asking,

'Does that mean… we can try being… friends?'

Hermione giggled.

'Yes. How about you come to Hogsmede with Ginny and I on Saturday? I would bring Ron and Harry but I don't want to make you uncomfortable.'

Draco's eyes lit up with excitement.

'I would love to. I've always liked Weaslette. She's fiery.'

Hermione laughed loudly and wrapped an arm around Draco's waist.

'Come on. Let's go back to the feast. People will be wondering where we are.'

Draco smiled and gently squeezed her shoulder before releasing her.

'HERMIONE! WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING?!'

A/N: I don't really have anything to say other than please review!

Bye!