CHAPTER 1
It was plastered all over the papers. Draco Malfoy was back from the continent, but Harry already knew that.
Harry sat back, put his feet up on his table and stared intently at the scrap of parchment in his hands. This was his chance to correct his mistake and move forward but for some reason could not find it in himself to send his reply.
"Harry James Potter." Hermione called out from the doorway. "Our meeting was supposed to start 15 minutes ago."
Harry sat up, startled. "SHIT!" He quickly stood up, pushed the parchment into his robe pocket and gathered the open folders and pieces of paper on his desk. He stood up and hurriedly made his way to where Hermione stood.
They walked briskly side by side to the meeting room but just as they were about to turn the last corner. Hermione touched his elbow gently.
"Harry, is something wrong?" Hermione asked softly. "You've been acting distant." The unspoken "again" hung heavily in Hermione's tone.
"It's nothing to be worried about 'mione. I promise. Not this time."
Potter,
I am pleased that you accepted my invitation. Tomorrow is good for me, as well and yes I still remember how to get to Grimmauld Place.
D. Malfoy
Kreacher positively beamed as Draco Malfoy stepped into Grimmauld place. "Welcome master Malfoy. Descendant of the most honorable house of Black." The old elf bowed so low Harry thought his head would hit the stone floor.
"Hullo Kreacher. It has been a while." Malfoy smiled warmly at the old elf.
Harry was taken aback.
Malfoy wore a crisp white button down shirt and ashen-grey tailored pants. His hair fell around his face, framing it gently. The angles of his face were now more refined, less pointy and more masculine, and his eyes. His eyes were still the same icy blue-grey but they were no longer cold and dead.
Malfoy turned towards were Harry stood and smiled at him. Something fluttered in Harry's chest.
"Potter." He greeted. "It has been a long time."
"It has." It was all Harry could muster.
Malfoy chuckled before flashing Harry a brilliant smile. "I see you are still as eloquent as ever."
"I.. uh.." Harry stammered. "Yeah. I guess." He responded, unable to stop himself from grinning back at the smiling man. "Let's move this to the library, shall we?" He invited finally recovering his composure.
"That would be lovely."
They settled into Harry's library with Kreacher instantly providing them with refreshments and muttering more praise for the blonde before retreating with a soft pop.
The expression on Malfoy's face slowly sombered and he began to open his mouth to say his piece but before he could do so, Harry cut him off.
"Listen Malfoy." Harry said, raising one hand to touch the back of his nape and looking sideways, away from Malfoy's face. A nervous gesture he thought he already outgrew. "Before you say anything, I would just like to apologize… to you… for you know, how I handled…"
"Potter. Look at me." Malfoy said quietly. His eyes were warm, his face was calm and unreadable.
Harry put his arm down and looked at Malfoy. Their eyes met.
"My father died shortly after the war." Malfoy suddenly stated. Harry knew that very well. Lucius was killed a few days after the war but before order could be completely re-established and Harry remembered thinking at that time 'good riddance.' He flushed as he felt guilt bubbling within him. If Malfoy noticed he did not show it, instead he continued. "But even before the war ended he told me that if we… if I survived the war that I should make amends for all the wrongs that our family committed."
Malfoy paused. His gaze grew distant.
"He told me that unless people believe me and until they believe in me that I would never be truly forgiven." He paused again. "Which is why I am here today."
The silence weighed heavily between them. Harry understood. Malfoy was giving Harry the second chance he'd been hoping for, but rather than giving Malfoy the forgiveness that he came for, Harry decided to give him more.
Harry stood up and walked over to where Malfoy sat. He extended his hand and said. "Hullo, my name is Harry Potter. It's very nice to meet you."
Malfoy's eyes widened in shock for a fraction of a second before understanding filled his handsome features. He stood up and took Harry's hand. "Nice to meet you Harry. My name is Draco Malfoy, please call me Draco."
A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing. Please be patient with me I've been having a hard time writing lately but I am trying! D: