Too Late

by:

aubshkabob

Disclaimer:

I do not own Harry Potter. This is just a rambling of an obsessive fan =) I hope you enjoy and please be gentle this is my first time. Criticism is welcome especially if it is helpful not hurtful. This story will try it's best to stick to the books timeline and outline but some will be altered to fit my story instead. So I guess somewhat of an AU.

Chapter I. The First Encounter

Present

It was too bright, a cold chill ran down her neck, she gasp for air as she ran harder. Shielding her eyes from the rays of sun she squinted and looked around. How in the world did he move so fast, this was all she could think of. The gravel was harsh on her feet, she wasn't really used to heels yet. There was a faint noise coming to her left, as she turned around she sighed, she found him. The air was clean and crisp, she inhaled it's calming aroma hoping it will help her as she approached him timidly. It wasn't long until he noticed the dull crunch of the gravel underneath her and looked up. The sun hit her face and time stood still. He couldn't be mad at her, he just couldn't. He …

"Hermoine…"

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3 days ago…

It's been years since the fall of Voldemort, its also been years since she's been genuinely happy. Everyone expected everything from her, everyone needed a lot from her. One third of the golden trio, the brains behind the success, the voice of reason, the war heroine, Hermoine Jean Granger. Yes the war was over, but something was still lost to her. There was still a battle, one that is raging within her and one that is slowly eating her alive. But she couldn't show any weakness, she was after all, the pillar for all muggle borns and for that she has to be strong. She always has to be strong. Hermoine just wanted to go back when she was unknown, before she unbeknownst became the coveted best friend of the famous Harry Potter. Hermoine wanted to be back safely in Hogwarts.

Unfortunately she was snapped out of her reverie by none other than Harry Potter. He sat down across from her at the cafe with a loud sigh and a look that she saw far too often these days on his face. Hermoine motioned for the waitress and ordered Harry his usual and asked for another fill of her tea.

"What is it this time Harry," she sipped her tea gingerly waiting for the response, "You look utterly dreadful."

Harry just stared off into space while the waitress puts his tea in front of him and goes off again. He took his cup and waited for the warmth of the tea to travel through his fingers and make it's way to the core of his body. Tea always had a way with calming Harry's nerves down and these days, it seems as if he's been needing a lot of tea. Hermoine notices the way Harry's body is stiff and just gave out a small breath before putting down her own tea. She reached over the table and cupped both of Harry's hand before urging him to look her in the eyes.

"Harry really you need to go on a vacation," she absentmindedly rubbed circles with her thumbs, she knew this relaxes her friend. "You've done so much and yet they're still asking so much from you. I mean really can't they do anything without you!"

Harry smiled at his friend, he really ought to stop burdening her.

"I'm fine Hermoine, just a bit tired," he took another sip and this time he felt himself really warm up. "It's today you know, they start releasing some of them out today."

He watches Hermoine for any tell tale sign that would maybe give him a hint of her own turmoil. Harry isn't stupid, true he may not be as smart as his counterpart, but he's known that there was something Hermoine hasn't told him. His friendship with the feisty brunette and utter respect is the only reason he wouldn't pry. Harry knew that given time Hermoine will tell him and if she doesn't well then she doesn't. Everyone has secrets, as much as it pains him to know that she has something hidden from him, Harry trusts Hermoine. Even Hermoine can have secrets, Harry knew that better than anyone.

"Oh," Hermione takes her hands back and sips her tea again, "I hadn't realized its been that long."

"Yeah three years," Harry stared outside again, deciding to change the topic to a much brighter thought, "How's the planning going is it coming along? I know you hate these kind of stuff but its almost over…"

Hermoine barely registered the swift change of the conversation, her mind was somewhere else. Three years, has it really been that long, she couldn't believe it herself. Three years since…

"Hermoine, hello" Harry waved a hand in front of her, "Earth to Hermoine do you copy?"

"Oh yes Harry," she wasn't exactly sure of what she was saying yes to, but she did know she had to get out of here. "Well ok I really should be going back. Say hello to Luna for me. Bye Harry!"

Hermoine hurried out of the cafe leaving a very confused Harry Potter, she didn't care, for once she wasn't going to care. All she knew is the impending feeling of anxiety building up inside of her. Today, they were releasing him today, out of all days why did it have to be today. She knew she was having a panic attack, she needed to calm down. Hermoine needed to keep her emotions in check, she was walking now, to where she didn't know, but her body seems to know where to go. So she let her mind wander while her body pushed forward.

"This isn't happening, it can't be happening," Hermione thought. "I couldn't still be, could I, it's been years."

The streets turn into blurs and Hermoine didn't know if it was from fatigue or is her eyes teary? She needed privacy, she needed to think, she needed to be alone. How long has it been since she seen him, talked to him, even thought of him. Without even giving it a second thought she apparrated to the one spot where she knew she could think. Thoughts of him was over whelming her, his essence, his laugh, his hands, how long has it been, it feels as if it was just yesterday that they met that afternoon. Alone and completely unguarded Hermoine finally let her self cry as she thought back of the one boy who got away.

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It was extremely crowded today, it wasn't surprising school year was just around the corner, still it was annoying him. Draco standing tall at 5'5" he wasn't a short boy nor was he tall for his age, he was average but nevertheless he was having trouble navigating his way towards his mother amongst the many mongrels. If it was up to him he wouldn't have came at all, but his mother had insisted so here he was. Narcissa Malfoy was not your average mother, she was a force to be reckon with. She rarely showed affection or attention for that matter which is why today of all days baffled Draco. Why had his mother insisted on doing what the commoners do and get his own stuff for school. Draco huffed and swept his hair out of his face, his mother was yet again a few paces ahead of him. Having an only child Narcissa wanted to at least do this for Draco, buy his robes, get his textbooks, and be there when he first feels the electricity of choosing his own wand. Narcissa looked back and smiled, her son was the epitome of his father, he loved her son very much. Sometimes she wonders if she doesn't show it enough. She slowed down for Draco to catch up and offer him her hand.

"I"m not five mother," Draco huffed finally catching up to his mother. "I am more than capable of walking by myself."

"Yes how silly of me," Narcissa only smiled while withdrawing her hand. "Come I see Flourish and Botts just ahead, then we can get out of this crowd of madness."

Mother and son made their way across the streets and into the doors of Flourish and Botts. As soon as they're inside Draco made a run for it.

"Just meet me here in 30 minutes Draco we have lots of things to get done by today!" Narcissa called after her son, she tried to grab his collar to no avail.

Draco ran upstairs and was only too glad to be away from his mother. Shaking his head, he can only assume that 30 minutes wasn't going to be enough to get all of the reading materials he needed for school year. Draco scanned the crowd and again he scowled, it wasn't as crowded as outside but nevertheless it was too crowded for his taste. Draco leisurely looks at the book spines lining the wall trying to find something interesting. He took a book off the shelf to get a closer look, as he looked up into the gap he saw her. He let out a small yelp and the girl looked up. The air felt thick and Draco was aware of the dust particles frozen around her face, the light streaked in and gave high lights to her hair that made its honey color come to life. It felt like they were stuck staring at each other for eternity when in all honesty it lasted all but 3 seconds. A blush crept up to her cheeks and Draco coughed into his hands effectively looking away first. He didn't understand, there was a funny feeling inside his chest. All of a sudden he felt odd and out of breath, flustered he was flustered and he didn't know why. Draco reminded himself that he was a Malfoy and this kind of bumbling feeling doesn't suit a Malfoy. He decided to go around the shelf and introduce himself like a true Malfoy would. Taking a step into her direction, a million things suddenly came in front of his head.

"What if she's not there anymore? Why is my palm sweaty? When did it become dusty in here? Why did I wear these shoes they look old? Was she even pretty? Why am I nervous, she should be honored to meet me!" Draco finally rounded the corner and his breath caught while his mind became blank.

She was still there and she looked up as soon as she heard him come around. She had a light yellow dress that stopped right below her knee, her light grey cardigan matched her sneakers and Draco couldn't help the smirk when he saw she had a girly frilly sock on. As his eyes moved further up his smirk went away when he saw her face. She wasn't the prettiest girl he's seen, he noted. The girl in front of him had a peach shape face, she had a fair complexion but her cheeks was tainted with a faint blush, he didn't know if that was painted or was she still blushing. Her golden locks where braided to one side and she had a head band on with a ribbon to the side. Draco thought she must be younger than me, why would she let her parents dress her like that. He wanted to make a funny comment, to go back to where he was comfortable, mocking people that's where he was comfortable. But he couldn't look away from her eyes, it was those eyes that caught his attention to begin with. They were honey colored, like the way the light had hit her hair earlier, airy, light, and kind. They were round and inviting and Draco just couldn't look away.

"It is very rude to stare you know," the girl fidgeted on the spot and she just couldn't take the staring contest anymore. She moved forward and extended her hand out to the boy. "My name's Hermoine Granger, whats yours?"

"Uhhm Draco," Draco took her hand into his and felt the tingle that shot through his whole body. He looked at her and saw that she felt the same thing, taking his hand away he stood taller. "Draco Malfoy."

Draco heard his mother call for him and without another word he left the girl still gaping behind.

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The train ride was proving to be very dull, which isn't what Draco had expected. This was his first year and he was hoping it would be more grand. He looked at his fellow companions and he was just about to suggest doing something when the compartment door opened up. For the second time of his life he found himself mesmerized by the same chocolate orb of the girl he saw the other day, he couldn't remember her name though, but he definitely couldn't forget those eyes. She was gone just as quickly as she came in, apparently she was a bleeding heart for animals, Draco snorted, figures.

Of course he's heard stories about Hogwarts, it's beauty, its grandeur, but nothing could compare seeing it for yourself for the first time. There was a big oaf that was collecting all the first years and Draco wasn't too pleased to take orders from the oaf. He reluctantly followed the giant like the rest of the first years to the edge of a lake.

"Oh no, why are we at the lake, shouldn't we be getting on some carriages?" Draco thought internally. Draco was successful in many things, but swimming unfortunately wasn't one of them. He never shared it with anyone but Draco fell into the well at the Manor and ever since, he was afraid of the water. If it hadn't been for his loyal elf, Dobby, he would have drowned for sure.

Draco's breath starts being irregular and he's very well aware that he's forehead is starting to gather beads of sweat. He slows down his pace, falling behind his friends as he tries to think of a way out. Draco runs his hand through his hair as he looks from side to side.

"Bloody hell how am I suppose to get out of this one without my friends laughing at me." Draco contemplated feigning sickness and just go back to the train. He hadn't even realized that he was still stumbling back until he fell into her.

Hermoine Granger was too busy looking down the ground to notice the young blond boy essentially backing into her. They collided and very nearly fell if not for his quick reflex. He straightened both of them and for the second time that day looked into her eyes. She couldn't really tell what the boy was thinking but she quickly separated from him.

"Oh I'm sorry I guess I wasn't paying attention," Hermoine started rambling on trying to hide her own anxiety. "You see I'm not normally like this, I mean I pay attention to my surrounding, it's just well it's dark you see and then we're at the edge of this lake. Well, I'm not familiar with these things and…"

It should be noted that Draco should be irritated by now with this girls rambling, but in contrary he found it distracting. Her fears and constant babble was taking over his logic and fear of getting into the boat and going towards Hogwarts. It was with that in mind that Draco grabbed Hermoine's hand and walked both of them towards an empty boat. He hesitated before getting on and didn't even noticed that she hadn't yanked her hand away.

"How will these boats go, I don't see anyone with oars," the girl gave his hand a gentle tug which brought back Draco from his reverie. "I mean I'm not athletic or anything, it could take a while if we have to do it ourselves don't you think?"

He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at her, she must be more of a nervous wreck than I am, Draco thought. "We don't need any oars, it moves by magic of course!" He looked at her like that was the stupidest thing he must have heard all day.

"Well, yes but of course," Hemoine fidgeted again and this time she slid her hand out of his before taking a seat. "I mean yes it must be magic, I just am still new at all of this you know. I have read in Hogwarts a History…"

"As interesting as that is, I really have no interest in a History lesson," Draco sat next to the chatterbox of a girl. "We'll have plenty of that once we're in school don't you think? How old are you anyways, I thought you would be younger than me, but here you are starting Hogwarts with me."

"Well we obviously are the same age then aren't we." Hermoine snipped back, a little hurt of by the way he cut her off. "As for my exact age I don't see it as pertinent to me being in the same class year as you. Just know that I am."

Draco was baffled at the audacity of this girl and how she was talking to him. She clearly doesn't know who she is sitting with or she wouldn't be this brass.

"Where are you from exactly?" Draco tilted his head to the side waiting for her response. He found it unbelievable that anyone in the wizarding world is ignorant of the influence of the Malfoy name.

"Oh I'm from a small town, a bit far from here actually, it was quite a feat trying to get here you know," the scrawny girl chatters on. "A town a bit," then she gasps and reaches for his arm, he was so caught off guard he didn't shrug her hands off. "Oh my goodness we're here!" Hermoine squealed squeezing Draco and facing him. "We're in Hogwarts!"

Draco stared at her face and the way her eyes lit up with joy. It was incredible, her energy, it was contagious. Draco couldn't help but be affected by her energy and found himself smiling upon the girl. What was even more surprising was the urge to tuck an unruly curl away. Hermoine was so giddy from excitement she hadn't noticed she was bouncing up and down from her seat. A few of her curls slid in front of her face and next thing she knew Draco had reached over and tucked them behind her ears. There it was again, the electricity they had both felt the first time they touched at Flourish and Botts. She was never this close to Draco so she never noticed his eyes, they were captivating. A swirl of grey that had a storm of emotions that made Hermoine reach out and touch his cheeks, she gently brushed her thumb across the bottom of his eyes. It was calling her, his eyes, as if it was the only safe and solid thing amongst this new and scary world.

There was a booming voice urging all first years to follow him. They both jumped back from each other, looking extremely awkward, they made their way to the rest of the group.

Draco couldn't help being confused as to what just happened, this girl definitely did something to him. He just couldn't figure out what and to be honest he didn't want to know either. Hermoine started babbling again and Draco came to the realization that she did this every time she was nervous. Again it should bother him but instead in turn it calmed him. So instead of giving her a smart retort he let her ramble on and on.

They ushered them into a single file line bringing them into the hall. Hermoine let out a surprised gasp as they enter into the dining room. She had read about Hogwarts but seeing it for the first time was incredible. Hermoine couldn't help herself from looking up and be baffled by the enchanted ceiling and the floating candles. She looked around and she knew that this place was going to be her new home. Hermoine hadn't noticed that she had absentmindedly reached out and grabbed the end sleeve of Draco. There was a tug and he looked down at his sleeve, her little hand was there with a firm grip and as he looked at her he couldn't help but smile at her naivety. Draco noticed she was really taking all of Hogwarts in, he was impressed by its enchantments but he wasn't enthralled. Apparently she was though, and somehow it made Draco just smile at her. He noticed when she had reached out and he didn't correct her when she grabbed him. Soon they were calling names for the sorting hat, he didn't really need to pay attention. Draco knew where he was going to get sorted at. Generations upon generations of Malfoys always end up in Slytherin, yes he wasn't worried at all.

"Hermoine Granger!" McGonagall called for her.

Hermoine hesitantly removed her grip from Draco's sleeve, she slowly went ahead of him, but not before she glanced back. She sought out his eyes, seeking out her comfort amongst the see of unknowns. They locked eyes for a brief moment and Draco gave her an encouraging nod urging her to go on. With that new burst of supporting confidence Hermoine sat on the stool as the bewildering hat was poised down her head. It didn't take long…

"Gryffindor!"

Draco's face fell, as Hermoine got off the stool and made her way towards the cheering table. Hermoine looked around and made a mental note that these group of people were going to be her family now, here in this school. When she looked over to Draco she waved and gave him a smile, Hermoine couldn't help noticing the perplexing look gracing Draco's face. Above all else she noticed that he didn't wave back.

"Draco Malfoy!"

There was a hush in the crowd as he walked towards the stool. He glanced once more over Hermoine who looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to waive back, as if they could ever be friends. He thought he saw hurt in her beautiful golden eyes as he refused to waive back. He really shouldn't be mad at her, she doesn't know better. Draco knew otherwise, Hermoine was a Gryffindor, and he, heir to the Malfoy name, Draco is a…

"Slytherin!"

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author's note:

So what did you guys think? Hope you liked it. If the writing isn't so good, give me time I promise it will get better. XOXO

Also I'm looking for a BETA i know my spelling and grammar can be horrendous.