Draco

We sat down in a corner booth and I sighed. I was nervous. I really want them to forgive me for everything I've done. Hermione has already started calling me by my first name, and I don't want to ruin that. I take a breath in and start to break the awkward silence.

"So... I just want to start with... I'm sorry. For everything, I've done to the both of you. For everything I've done wrong in the past. I want to put it behind us. For how I made both of your lives living hells. I was just so obsessed with trying to please my father and not get beaten that I just- decided everything that he said goes. I never even thought about my opinions on people who were muggle-born or how my actions would make others feel. As long as my father wanted it done, it would be. Looking back, I regret everything that has happened. I realized what great people you guys are and it makes me feel like I don't deserve your forgiveness at all, but I want it so badly. Gr-Hermione-" I paused, wanting to see if she would correct me. She didn't and I proceeded.

"Hermione, I regret every word I've said to you. I've called you so many terrible things. Things you didn't deserve being called. Things that no one should be called. All because of my father's influence. I never wanted to hurt you. When I was a child, my mother tried so hard to protect me from father's influences and the death eaters, but it didn't work out in her favor. And in the end, my father forced everything onto me. The hatred for Muggle-borns, the 'Purebloods are superior', and that everything he said went. If I didn't, he'd beat me. Or worse, my mother. But I tried so hard to please him. And if I couldn't, I would take the beatings silently. I'll let you assume what would have happened if I cried harder."

"Dra-"

"I'm not done yet." She could tell I was fighting off tears. That I needed to get this out. To get this weight off my shoulders. She nodded and kept her mouth closed, waiting for me to pull myself together and continue.

"Hermione, I never wanted the life I gave you. I actually wanted to be your guys' friend. I wanted to be part of the Golden Trio. So badly. I never wanted to hurt you. Well, maybe First Year I didn't like you guys- but that was strictly because of the fact that Potter rejected me as a friend and I took it out on anyone who was friends with Potter..." I was starting to get embarrassed, and I really didn't want to get frustrated because of it. I am not used to explaining my feelings. She squeezed my hand once, as a way to show me it was alright.

Hermoine

"Thank you, Draco. I accept your apology." I gave him one of my most genuine smiles and he smiled back for once. A full on smile. With teeth and all! I decided not to say anything for fear of ruining the moment. I didn't want that smile to go away. Ever. It was so white and straight, and it suited him well. I looked into his eyes and they were swarmed with emotions. I saw happiness and relief. I've never seen them that way. The color grey they were as well, was so-

"Eh hem." Harry cleared his throat and had a little glint in his eye. I stuttered a bit and let go of Draco's hand, blushing intently. Draco cleared his throat as well and you could tell he was fighting back the blush as well.

"As for you Potter... Harry," Harry's eyes went a little wide, having not heard Draco Malfoy say his first name before without any spite in it.

"I am sorry to you as well. You are a great person and you've had a hard life. Growing up underneath a staircase, living with muggles that acted probably even worse than I ever treated you, and you had to deal with my bullshit over the years. Again, I was only doing it because my father was forcing me to. Like how he forced me to become a death eater..." He looked down and sighed.

"My point is, I'm sorry. No one deserves to be treated the way you two were. Especially the Weasley's. They're all perfect and funny and it annoyed me because they were a loving family. Something I lacked when I was younger. I was jealous of all the laughs and happy smiles and the present trading during holidays. Don't think for a second I didn't see Weasel wearing that sweater his mum makes every year. It may look tacky but it's from the heart and that's what counts. Me? I get a shit ton of money and a family heirloom. One that's supposed to bring luck in finding a pureblood to be with." He seemed to be getting agitated now. I could see the anger in his eyes. I felt the urge to do something and whether he wanted it or not, he was getting it.

I leaned in and gave him a hug. I started to rub his back gently and I could feel him stiffen. I prayed to Merlin that he wouldn't get angry. But all he did was sigh and slump down into his seat. I didn't expect him to hug me back, but it still stung a little. I let go after a few seconds and smiled towards him. He gave a soft smile and cleared his throat once more.

"My point is... I was jealous of everyone being so happy, and- I couldn't take it at all. I'm so sorry Harry... Could you ever forgive me?" Draco looked desperate for Harry to forgive him. Like his life depended on it. Harry looked in shock after a moment and then smiled.

"Yeah. Totally. I forgive you Malf-" Harry paused for a second and I giggled a bit. "Draco. I forgive you Draco." He held out his hand and they shook on it. I smiled wide. I had a good feeling that this was the start of a great new friendship.

"Alright. Well, what should we do now?"

"Well, Hermione, could you guys get Weasel and Weaselette so I could apologize to them?" I immediately looked down and cleared my throat.

"You should ask Harry for that one..." I rubbed my arms and Draco looked like he wanted to question me, but decided not to.

"That's alright. I'm sure I'll see them on the train." He gave a short smile and patted my shoulders awkwardly. I laughed a bit at his attempt and he smiled. We all then left the cafe and talked about random things.

"Draco, could you tell your mother that I said thanks for saving my life?" Harry asked awkwardly. It was then that Draco stopped short.

"What?" He looked very confused.

"When Voldemort killed me, I - obviously- came back and when he asked if I was dead, she came up and saw me breathing. She had asked if you were alright and when I nodded yes, she told him I was dead. I never got to thank her properly for saving my life." I always frowned at the memory. But I always felt grateful towards Draco's mother myself. She was a great woman and I honestly would love to meet her.

"Alright. I'll tell her in private when I get home tonight." Harry nodded and it got a little awkward. I checked the time and it was getting close to dinner.

"Well, we best get going, Harry. I have to get dinner started and you promised you'd help me."

"Alright, fine. But I'm not doing the dishes this time!"

"At least do your own for Merlin's sake!" He sighed and started on his goodbye's to Draco.

"Would it actually be alright if I joined you two?" We looked at one another and grew anxious.

"It's just that, I live with Ginny... And she will try to hex you when you enter the room. I mean I am fine with it if Harry is, but we have to warn Ginny first." Draco nodded and looked towards Harry.

"It's fine with me. Just let me apparate first and then wait five minutes. That should be plenty of time to explain everything and have her not hex you." Draco nodded curtly and Harry disapparated. As told, we waited the five minutes and then I apparated both Draco and me to the apartment.

"HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER GET YOUR ARSE IN HERE NOW!"

Oh, Merlin... This will be an eventful night...