Always

The Meet At The Ministry

" Potter", he calls out through the crowd. I had noticed him mere seconds ago but had denied eye contact. I am surprised, stupefied really. Why would he want to do anything with me?

"Potter", he calls out again. I'm regaining my composure which had been tainted by his sudden appearance.

"Great many years it's been, hasn't it? How shocking it is truly, to run into you of all people here, at the Ministry. I guess we must behave then, not like we did back then but just pretend we're old pals not ex arch enemies, what do you think."- He pants out, clearly winded up from jogging towards me. He does have weak bones.

"First off Malfoy , it's just been three years. Second off, it's not that shocking to find me here, though five months have passed since I last visited, as you might have known my friends work here, who I'm sure you are well acquainted with- Ron, whose mother killed your master Voldemort's favorite lieutenant Bellatrix Lestrange , your aunt ;and Hermione who punched you in the face in third year, remember? You looked like Merlin's left soggy-"

"Aaagh shut up Potter!" I can feel the anger brewing behind his eyes but it quickly diminishes.

"You wish, Malfoy" I know it gets to him, every single time. But we should keep our conversation formal,we are in public after all.

"Look I'm trying to make amends here, I know how it has been. I did not even want to be a- be a Deatheater , okay? I was forced, I was tortured. They  had taken my Father, they had thrown him in Azkaban. He told me that if I did not carry out his task, then my Father would rot away in Azkaban"-I can see his eyes getting a little glossy and before I know it, I reach towards his shoulders and give him a light squeeze.

"I know it sounds crazy, it is crazy, I am crazy. But the point is, I am trying to repent for everything, I am not joking or trying to lure you into a trap, it is just that I'm asking for your forgiveness, I am asking to be friends........that is if we could ever be friends." He gives me a sad smile, one that I do not return.

"Friends?" I am sure a very cynical expression rests on my face at this moment. Malfoy and me being friends? I don't know why or how but a warm and fuzzy feeling washes over me. But it fades away as soon as it had arrived.

"Yes, friends. I know that it is really strange to begin with. As you might remember, we never really got along that well. but I have never had friends in my life, ever."

"You had Crabbe and Goyle though, didn't you?"

"Well they were not my friends really. Minions is the right word for them. They never cared for me  as their friend. They only stayed with me because their fathers  were scared of my father and because of the fact that they were scared of me because no one wants to go against a bully , right. Oh and also, my mother sent delicious treats every Sunday." He smiles at the blissful memory.

" So naturally", he continues , " I was jealous of you three. Always going on adventures together. Just being the best of friends. I could not believe myself back then- me being jealous of a blood traitor and a filthy Mudblood." He blurts out.

"Malfoy, you better watch that trap of yours before I -."

"Oh good Lord no!- I did not mean to say that. I am terribly terribly sorry. Look, I am new to all of this and it just slipped out of my mouth. I am actually trying to turn into a better person but things just keep slipping out  of my mouth and I don't know how to control it. I think it will take some time, probably. But I really just need to shut my mouth. I did not mean this to happen but things just slip out of my mouth when I am flustered and I-" He stops in the middle of his sentence and his mouth slightly gapes open.

He was ranting and apologizing so tremendously fast that I could not help but forgive him. 

My blood had started boiling when he had spoken such foul and filthy words for my friends but seeing him realize his mistake and immediately apologizing, I felt like he actually meant it and was actually trying to be a better version of himself. He just needed some practice.

As for the last part, I see no reason why he would be so flustered to  be talking with me. I am very confused but have I ever not been confused when Malfoy is considered?

"Draco, it's fine. I can understand, really. I know you are not over the trauma , but I can see that you are trying and I will forgive you because of that. But why did you come to the Ministry anyway? Meeting up with someone?"- I ask with a slight smile.

I am instantly blessed with a rare sight- Malfoy flushing and his eartips turn bright red, just like Ron's do when I mention Hermione.

"Oooooooh, Malfoy. You lucky lad- who is your special lady? Though I cannot call her lucky." He flushes further more as I tease him.

" It's Astoria- I've, I have been seeing her since a couple of weeks now. I'm glad I joined the Ministry."

"Astoria Greengrass?" I ask as I scrunch up my nose. "From Beauxbatons, right? She is a pretty sight, isn't she?"

"Shut up, Potter."

"Only teasing. Fleur told me about her. Fleur and Astoria's sister were inseparable during their time in Beauxbatons. Also, how did I not hear about you joining the Ministry? Ron and Hermione working here and all. They should've mentioned." I smile at him, he returns it.

"Well of course, but I  thought they would have so I did not bother."

"Oh." is all I say. 

"Um yeah........" Ok things are getting relatively awkward now so I try to change the topic.

"Anyways, I had to go meet up with Ron. Something about Hermione's book themed birthday party. Would you like to join us for the party. I am sure Hermione wouldn't mind if brought a plus one."

"Um well, I will think about it. I -er- I had to ask you something...........".

"Ok then...go on."

"Er well , would you like to grab coffee after this, it's okay if you say no, totally fine, really. I just thought I would offer." He says it so fast  that I almost couldn't catch his words.

"Draco Malfoy, are you asking me out on a date?" I give him my biggest grin.

He flushes. Deep. Hard.

But I quickly agree before he can change his mind.

"Yes, I would love to join you for coffee after this."

"Ok then. I will meet you in the Atrium in about three hours time."

"Sure."

And with those last words, I depart.