A Hogwart's Legend

The Apology

After their encounter in the lavatory, Draco and Hermione pretended as if nothing had happened. 

They continued to throw insults at one another and their respective gang. Both oblivious to the fact that the other longed for a second encounter. Of course, both would rather ignore it than admit it to themselves.

However, neither could deny that they had been glancing at the other every so often during and in between classes. 

Days passed by, and things seemingly started to fall back in place, going on with their regular routines. 

Hermione settled in her usual spot in the library. having set the required book on the tanle, she began to do her homework. As always, she lost herself in her studies, blocking out any sort of movement going on around her. 

"Thought I'd find you here Granger."

She looked up from her notes to find thre source of the voice. 

"What are you doing here Malfoy? Ran out of first years to insult?" She definetely was not in the mood to bicker off with Malfoy, but .. maybe just this once. 

"Better yet, are you spying on me now?" She sneered before he could even respond.

He let out a quiet chuckle. "Is it bad that I would simply like to have a civil conversation with you Granger?" His infamous smirk never failed to appear.

He went ahead and sat himself directly across from her.

"Merlin's beard, what has gotten into you lately?" She looked at him, trying to make out his exact intentions. 

"I've been meaning to you know, ask how it's been going with weasel-bee."

She cut him off before he could continue. "Your concern is very touching, Malfoy,"she scoffed before turning her attention back to her notes.

"C'mon Granger, don't get so full of yourself. Believe whatever you'd like, but I'm telling you, I'm not as big of a jerk as you think. I'm trying to right my wrongs."

"Right your wrongs?" Hermione spat out.

 "Do you happen to mean making cruel remarks and jokes everytime I happen to be in your presence, or perhaps by calling me that foul, derogatory word, or as you use it, Mudblood, which is it?" Hermione did not feel like holding back. Years of pent up anger seemingly wanted to be let out. 

He didn't even dare look up. 

"What? Is the almighty Draco Malfoy finally at a loss for words? Such a shame-"

"Merlin's beard, Granger. Just listen to me for one second." He paused, not sure how to exactly continue.

By this point, he was looking straight at her.

 "I acknowledge I've been an enormous egotistical arse, especially to you. Calling you that foul word is not acceptable, and I'm fully aware of that, but please understand I was brought up thinking I was 'above everyone else'. I thought my reputation was far more inmpotant. I recognize I made a huge mistake, and I can't take any of that back. I apologize, for making you suffer for nearly 6 years, for causing any pain.

"Again, I'm sorry for being an arse, and I bloody did deserve that punch back in our third year. If I cross out of line, Merlin, don't hesitate to do so."

 Hermione let out a small chuckle, recalling how bloody amazing it felt to let out her anger on him.

"I greatly appreciate and accept your apology. I recognize you have grown, partly, out of your old ways. Everyone does deserve a second chance, and I must say it would be a nice change to be civil for once." She gave Malfoy a small smile, showing her sincerity. 

"It's great to know that after the war, you've decided to change.." Frankly, she did not know how to continue, and remained silent. 

Sensing the sudden awkwardness around them, he stood up, thinking it was best to leave now.

"I'll leave you to your studies Granger." 

He turned to leave when Hermione bid her own goodbye.

"See you around ferret."

He stopped and let out a smirk. He knew that for once she said it with no malice laced in her words. 

"See you around Granger."

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merlin, have i been behind on my updates..

well i hope you enjoyed this chapter

vote and comment :)

-m