Dramione : A Kidnap Story

Chapter Eight : An Unexpected Apology

Draco lay on his bed, seeking rest after a long day, but every time he closed his eyes, he saw her tear-stained face. "Did I hurt her?" he wondered, his thoughts consumed by concern.

Descending once more, Draco opened the door to find Hermione crying.

"What now? You want to laugh at me again?" she asked, tears clouding her eyes.

"So it's true, you're in love with Weasley?" Draco said, taking a seat beside her.

"It's funny, isn't it?" Hermione's voice trembled with sadness.

"Not that. I wasn't laughing about that," Draco reassured her. "I was laughing about Weasley. He's a stupid person, don't you think?"

"Malfoy," Hermione almost yelled, her emotions raw.

"I just meant that you're not like him. You're a sweet, smart, beautiful girl, and he's... What I want to say is that you can find someone better," Draco explained sincerely.

Hermione was taken aback by his compliment "We don't choose the people we fall in love with, Malfoy," she said softly.

"Did you tell him? About your feelings?" Draco asked, genuinely curious.

"No, no. I don't think I can do that," Hermione confessed.

"And why? You don't want him to know? Are you afraid of rejection?" Draco questioned gently.

"I don't want to ruin our friendship. Our friendship means a lot," Hermione's voice cracked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I understand," Draco said, surprising himself with his empathy. "I apologize for reminding you of him."

Hermione was taken aback. Draco Malfoy apologizing to her? It felt surreal.

"What? Aren't you going to accept my apology?" Draco asked, curious about her reaction.

"I'm just feeling shocked," Hermione admitted.

"Shocked?" Draco raised an eyebrow.

"First, you call me beautiful and smart, and then you apologize. What did you do to Draco Malfoy?" Hermione remarked, trying to make sense of the unexpected shift in Draco's behavior."You never said sorry to me," she.explained, her words a mixture of astonishment and intrigue, as she struggled to comprehend the unfamiliar sight of Draco offering an apology..

"It'll be the last time, don't worry. Now, tell me, do you forgive me?" Draco asked sincerely.

"Yes, I do," Hermione smiled softly.

"Very well, I'm leaving then," Draco tried to make a quick exit.

"Can't you stay a little bit?" Hermione surprised herself with the request.

"You want me to stay?" Draco teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Draco didn't want to stay alone, and neither did Hermione. Preferring her company to solitude, he promised to return with something to eat before leaving the room.

Maybe Hermione was afraid, maybe she didn't want to be alone, but Draco found solace in her presence, preferring to stay with her rather than facing the night alone in his spacious room.