Between Friends

Between Friends, Chapter 3

"Shit!" Hermione muttered under her breath. She was late to work, and trying to sneak in unnoticed when she ran headlong into Draco Malfoy.

"Good morning, Ms. Granger!" he loudly exclaimed, a great smirk spreading over his face. "So glad you could join us on this fine day!"

"Fuck off, Malfoy," she hissed.

"Temper, Granger! I thought we were going to try to keep things civil between us." Draco drawled, smirk still in place. He followed her into her office. "So what's got your knickers in such a twist this morning?" he asked. "Had a row with Weasley, have you?"

Hermione shot him a withering look.

"You'd know what one looks like, wouldn't you, Draco? You and Pansy had enough of them before your divorce!"

Draco's smirk evaporated.

"Jesus, Granger, there's really no need to get nasty," he muttered, looking wounded.

Hermione felt a small twinge of guilt. Draco had, after all, just gotten the final papers last month. He and Pansy Parkinson had been school sweethearts, just as she and Ron had. Pansy had abruptly left him when his parents were sent to Azkaban. Hermione had heard rumours that Pansy was humiliated by Draco's fall from grace, and that she'd decided a marriage to a mere Ministry worker was beneath her.

"Er...sorry, Draco." Hermione said quietly. "My personal life is just a bit stressful at the moment."

"No harm done, Granger," Draco replied, his dark expression lifting a bit. "Now, shall we get started on this project?"

Draco and Hermione were working together on several new additions to the Floo Network, all located in Wessex. It was bloody boring work, but rather tricky, as Wessex, playing host to a number of prehistoric monuments, including Stonehenge, tended to be deluged with Muggle tourists. It was an assignment that would eventually require the two of them to travel to Wessex, in Muggle attire, and personally test the new additions.

As they worked, Hermione couldn't help stopping periodically to marvel at the apparent transformation in Draco's attitude. At school, Draco Malfoy had been nothing less than a snotty, loathsome, insulting little git. Though Hermione still didn't consider him a friend, she was amazed at how tolerable he'd become out from his under father's critical eye. He was actually an intelligent, thoughtful co-worker, and Hermione could think of far worse people to have to interact with on a daily basis.

As the work day drew to a close, Hermione began to gather her things. She was just tying her scarf when Draco grabbed her arm.

"Erm, Hermione, I was wondering if I might have a word?" he enquired.

Hermione was so stunned by his use of her given name that she just nodded mutely.

"Um, look..." he began. "I know that I was a nasty little bastard in school, and I just want to say...I am deeply, truly sorry." Draco's expression was sincere.

Hermione's eyes were wide. Did Draco Malfoy really just apologise?

"Wow, er, thanks, Draco! I really appreciate that..." she replied, in an astounded tone. "But, an apology?" she asked, laughing. "Are you sure you're feeling all right?"

Draco's face brightened.

"Yeah, I think I am," he responded smilingly. "Just keep it between us, eh? Wouldn't want old Potty and Weaselby to come round asking for an apology as well."

At the mention of the men in her life, Hermione's face fell.

Draco looked alarmed.

"What's wrong, Hermione?" he asked quickly. "Have I said something? I was only kidding about Potter and Weasley, I swear."

Hermione bit hard on her lip to avoid crying in front of Draco.

"No, that's not it," she sighed. "It's nothing to do with you. I just...well, Ron and I are...well, we've sort of...broken up." Great, she thought, here I am, pouring my heart out to Draco sodding Malfoy. "Anyway," she concluded. "It's a long story...You don't want to know."

"Try me, Hermione," Draco quietly replied. "I may surprise you."

His silver eyes bore an expression Hermione didn't recognise. Was it empathy? From a Malfoy?

"You've pulled a long day here at the office," Draco observed. "Let me take you to dinner. We'll go strictly as work colleagues, of course," he added, winking.

Hermione sighed wearily. She didn't fully trust Draco, but he did seem sincere. Besides, she really did feel like talking to someone other than Harry or Ron about the tangled web her love life had become.

An hour (and a couple of pints) later, Hermione had spilled the entire ghastly story to Draco. Amazingly, he'd sat and listened to the whole thing with nary a smirk, and without interrupting once.

"So anyway," Hermione concluded. "That's the whole nasty saga." She buried her face in her hands. "I feel like absolute shit about it all."

Draco let out a low whistle.

"Jesus, Granger," he exclaimed. "That is a mess. Though, I can't say I'm surprised."

Hermione raised her head to shoot him a puzzled look.

"What do you mean?" she demanded. "You expected my life to turn out this utterly fucked up?"

Draco chuckled.

"No, Hermione," he said gently. "But I, along with nearly everyone else at school, have known that Potter was madly in love with you since he saw you at the Yule ball in our fourth year."

Hermione looked stunned.

"You and the rest of the school?" she queried. "How the hell did everyone know but me?"

"Oh, come off it, Hermione!" Draco said, rolling his eyes. "It was quite obvious. From that night on, Potter was constantly gazing at you with great puppy-dog eyes. It was rather sickening, actually." Draco paused, shuddering. "Can't say I blame him, though." he continued. "You did look utterly radiant that night." His face bore a wolfish grin. "You do clean up rather well, you know, Granger."

Hermione pelted him with peanuts.

"All right, all right! Mercy!" Draco cried, laughing.

Hermione checked her watch.

"Well, I better go," she said. "Thanks for listening to me. I really appreciate it, and I feel loads better." She laughed. "I guess you've turned out to be a pretty nice fella after all."

Draco smiled.

"Anytime, Hermione," he replied, and Hermione could tell he meant it.