At one o’clock in the morning, Hermione and Malfoy had completed all of her paperwork. She looked over to him when he finally put down his quill and noticed deep purple shadows forming underneath his eyes. His gaze was glazed over until he looked back at her.
“What?” He asked a bit harshly.
“Nothing.” She smiled sleepily and stood up.
“Are you ready to leave, or would you rather stay here all night?” She asked jokingly.
Malfoy stood quickly and stumbled a bit. He obviously wasn’t used to being up this late.
“Yes, let’s go.” He mumbled.
“Well, I’ll see you later.” Hermione said.
“What?” Malfoy asked.
“Malfoy, er – we live in different houses. We have to leave each other now.” She laughed.
Malfoy looked angrily at her.
“I’m aware, Granger, thank you for informing me of that.” He snapped.
“I meant to say that I don’t think you should go by yourself at this hour. I’ll take you, then disapparate to my home.” He finished.
Hermione looked at him questioningly. He really was trying to go out of his way to make amends. She figured if this was as nice as he was going to be, she’d better strike while the iron was hot.
“Sure, Malfoy. Got everything you need?”
He nodded and gestured for her to walk out. They both left the office walking side by side. The emerald flames that scared her before were no longer frightening; instead they were welcoming and happy. The once dark hall seemed to get a bit lighter just with him walking next to her. She ignored these thoughts and quickened her pace a bit.
“Granger! Slow down, It’s not a bloody race.” He complained sleepily.
Hermione looked back at him. He really did look exhausted. He could hardly keep his footing in step, and his eyes were only half open. She felt a rush of sympathy for Malfoy. She could feel sympathy for him now; they were friends. At least that’s what she told herself.
“Draco, I can manage. I’ll just go home by myself. You really need the sleep. “ She said kindly.
“No, Granger, it’s getting to be too late and – wait.” He paused.
“Did you just call me ‘Draco’?”
Red tinged Hermione’s cheeks.
“W-well, y-yes, I figured since we’re friends, we’re on a first name basis.”
Shock was written in every last pale part of Malfoy’s slightly pointed face. He didn’t say anything for a moment. He’d never expected Granger to call him by his name… only people who liked him did. He was so used to spitting her last name tauntingly at her, so it came as a bit of a surprise.
“Well, I guess we are then….Hermione.” He said, testing it out. It felt strange rolling off of his tongue, but in a good way.
Hermione’s smile lit up the dark corridor. Her amber eyes were shining with happiness, even though she felt as if she was going to pass out..
“What are you smiling so big about? It’s just a name.” Draco tried to drawl, but her calling him by his first name made him just as happy as he made her.
Hermione didn’t say anything, she just led them both out of the Ministry with a comfortable silence. Malfoy took her hand gently. It was soft, even for her to write as much as she did.
