Draco’s Remorse

Hermione was pacing in front of the fireplace. Draco had been away much too long now and she was starting to worry. The headmistress sent her annoyed looks from behind her desk, the pacing was very distracting. “Miss Granger- Hermione, please stop pacing. It distracts me from planning the midterms before the holidays.”

Hermione blushed and apologized, but was looking so miserable that McGonagall felt sorry for her. “Oh, sweetie, don’t worry about Malfoy. I’m convinced he’ll be back before dinner. Come and have a look on the 4th year’s Transfiguration exams and tell me if you think I’m being too hard on them.”

Hermione was taken a back. McGonagall was asking her for advice as if she was an equal, not merely a student. She nodded when Hermione asked if it was all right for her to see the test. McGonagall answered that since she didn’t have any close friends in 4th year and that McGonagall trusted her not to share this information, there where no problem with Hermione seeing the test.

Hermione looked over the test. “I think question number five is a bit hard, more suitable for a 5th year midterm. But you are the professor so you probably know what’s best.” Hermione didn’t raise her eyes from the paper as she conjured up a quill and started to rephrase some of the questions, much to the Headmistress’ amusement and satisfaction. She was thinking about offering Hermione a job as part Transfigurations, part Charms professor after she passed the final exams. She studied her apprentice and smiled.

The two witches debated if changing a hedgehog into a pin cushion should be replaced with changing buttons into beetles. Both transfigurations where rather difficult, but seeing as a few students accidentally made their hedgehogs implode last year, Hermione thought it was better to use the beetles. There was a sudden swoosh from the fireplace startling them both.

Hermione spun round and watched as Draco stepped out of the fireplace. Somehow he had aged in the seven hours he had been away. A much more mature look was in his eyes and something about him sent a tremble of fear through Hermione, not the type caused by evil, but something more sinister. She took a small step forward hesitantly, waiting for him to make the next move.

“Evening Headmistress. Sorry it took longer than planed, but some other family matters came up and I would like to discuss it with you, privately, for a moment.” Draco’s voice sounded cold and his face was expressionless. Hermione felt a sensation of being sucked into darkness when he looked at her. His eyes were cold for a moment and then a small spark lit them, making her heart beat faster. When he smiled at her, she felt relieved. For a moment she thought he was going to push her away.

“’Mi, would you mind waiting for me in the corridor? I’ll tell you later.” He didn’t beg or plead, but by the sound of his voice, she had no choice but to agree. She nodded and turned to the door. Closing it behind her she couldn’t help to think that he seemed a lot older than his 17 years. What on earth could make one grow up in a matter of hours?

Draco sat down and stared at his hands for a moment. Then, he asked if he could confide something to her and trust it wouldn’t leave the room. He raised his eyes to meet McGonagall’s. She saw a young man in pain and a need to share the reason for that pain with someone, so she nodded.

Draco told her everything, every move he had made after leaving Hogwarts. How he had deliberately tortured Lucius with his developing feelings for Hermione. How he had tricked the old guardian into recommending moving Lucius to the top security prison of Kvitoeya and how he was filled with self-loathing for doing it. “But I had to, if not I would live in fear of him escaping again and reaching Mum before the Aurors could. He would kill her! I couldn’t let that happen.” Draco’s jaw tensed, “I know I’m on his death list now. He promised to send Voldemort himself after me. I’ve drawn his hate to me instead of Mum. But if that keeps her safe, so be it!”

McGonagall was impressed with Draco’s loyalty to his mother. It wasn’t like a Slytherin to be loyal if they didn’t gain anything by it, Draco had proved that often. Last time was when he avoided taking the death mark as he knew the dark side stood to lose the war. He was a death eater, yes, but had convinced even Lord Voldemort that it would serve him best if Draco wasn’t marked. A spy without a mark could blend in and no one could prove that he was a death eater.

When the war ended and he was questioned his blank arm was his best evidence that he didn’t work with the dark wizards. Draco had told McGonagall this himself the night he was brought back to Hogwarts. It formed a small amount of trust in McGonagall and when Harry told her that Draco had been seconds away from taking Dumbledore’s offer of protection, she had allowed the boy to return. Now he sat in front of her as a young man that had willingly attracted his father’s hatred to save his mother.

“I’ll do what is in my power to keep you and yours safe from Lucius’ vengeance. Knowing what you and your mother have been through, I won’t judge your actions. I don’t approve of the way you did this but knowing Lucius Malfoy, the slime ball deserved it!” McGonagall looked livid and then sent Draco a sad smile. She was astonished when she received a warm and thankful smile back. She waved him off and stared at the door as it closed behind him. For a moment he had looked shockingly like …?!

As Draco came down the spiral staircase he looked much more relaxed as he smiled at Hermione. “Damn, I’ve missed you ‘Mi!” He took her gently in his arms as if he was afraid she would break into a thousand pieces. She felt him tremble then pull away. He placed his arm around her waist and said he was famished and that they should get to the great hall before all the food was gone!

In the great hall only Harry and Ron turned their heads when Hermione entered. Draco followed shortly and headed toward the Slytherin table looking gloomy, clenching his teeth and hissing something to some of the younger students. As he reached the top end of the table Blaise stood up and gave him a hug. They talked for awhile, then sat down and seemed to enjoy their dinner.

“Sorry to hear about your aunt, may she find peace.” Blaise didn’t lift his eyes as he reached for a honey dipped sweetbread and took a big bite out of it. Draco nodded, sighed and just shovelled his food around. “My dad lashed out after me,” he hissed between his teeth in a low voice only meant for Zabini’s ears. Blaise turned his head so quickly it caught the attention of the whole table. “WHAT!” Draco turned his head down the table, sneering and looking ready to kill and one and all turned away and became suddenly extremely occupied with eating.

“He’s lost it! What the hell am I suppose to do?” Draco pushed his plate away and leaned back in his chair, put his hand behind his head and looked grim. Zabini fought back a smile. He had been worried that his friend had become soft. Rumours had it that he had developed a soft spot for the Mudblood Granger so he found it a relief that his friend seemed to be back to his old self. In a natural tone of voice Blaise said that Draco had to protect his mother and himself, so if Draco wanted any help…

Draco knew what Zabini meant, but grimaced and shook his head. He hated his father but a Dementor’s kiss? That was a bit too much. “I’ve had him sent to Kvitoeya. That should do it!” He closed his eyes. It wasn’t even hard pretending to be cold and cunning. He smirked at the discovery of yet another talent; lying to his friends convincingly. To hide his thoughts he whispered to Zabini, “Guess I’m Lord Malfoy now, eh!” Blaise grinned and the two began to discuss all the parties they could have at the manor and how girls would flock around Draco, even more than before!


Harry, Ron and Hermione watched how Draco seemed to be his normal self. “He sure is a good actor. Are you certain he’s not acting when he is with you?” Ron looked worriedly at Hermione. She sighed and once more stated that she was positive, but that Draco had to spread the word of his father’s attack on him. Draco had told her everything, or so she thought. She had shared it with her two friends over dinner; how Draco had confronted his father with the fact that he had fallen for her and that it had driven Lucius mad.

She had been astonished that it seemed to be fine with Narcissa Malfoy that her son was dating a muggle-born witch and a bit unnerving that Narcissa had invited her to tea the following Saturday, at the manor no less. Draco had said it would be all right and that he would be there too, so she didn’t need to worry.

“…. only one we didn’t find was inside the dark arts classroom. Luckily Moody saw it right away!” Hermione blinked at Harry. He smiled and shook his head, saying that he would bet she didn’t hear a word of what he just told her. Hermione blushed and apologised. He rolled his eyes and rose from his seat. “Come on you two, we have midterm exams stuff to go through. I’d like to see if my grades are good enough” Ron and Hermione followed him. They knew that Harry wanted to have passing grades to enter Auror training.

“Hey, Weasel!” Ron spun around and stared into two cold grey eyes. “Hear you wanted to have a talk. Worried that I might jump your sis? Guess you’ve noticed my effect on her.” Draco sounded like the same self-absorbed moron he had always been, but this time he was flanked by Blaise Zabini. “If you mean that you make her want to vomit, yes, I know of that effect,” Ron mocked, making Draco widen his eyes and sneer. “You, me, room of requirement, tomorrow after last class!” He passed the trio sending them a disgusted look. Zabini followed. “Guess you’re in trouble now, Weasley!” His laughter filled the Entrance Hall and flooded towards the dungeons.

“Man, I want to punch his face in!” Ron grinded his teeth in anger. The trio headed to the common room. Harry and Hermione couldn’t say that they didn’t have the same desire. Hermione gasped in shock at Draco’s return to his old self. She told herself that it was just an act and it would end soon.


All during classes next day her mind was wandering off, making her transform her rope into a snake instead of a necklace. McGonagall looked worried and asked if she was okay. Hermione nodded and excused her mistake due to lack of sleep. The headmistress accepted the excuse, but knew that there was more to it than that. The other students looked curiously at Hermione. It wasn’t normal for her to slip up, especially not in Transfiguration.

As the bell rang the trio split up for their next two classes and then met at lunch. As Hermione entered she saw Crabbe and Goyle sitting grim faced, watching Zabini and Draco laughing and having a good time at the end of the table.

The two Slytherin Princes had spent most of the day studying potions with Harry. Draco ended up as class partner with Harry, much to the amusement of Zabini. He teased Harry that it was because he needed a real potion’s genius to help him through Advanced Potions.

It stung Harry like a hoard of bees for it was true. He had trouble with some of the advanced potions and really needed some help! Draco had noticed this so after class he waited for the classroom to empty and approached Professor Slughorn.

“Professor, do you have a moment?” Draco smirked when the professor jumped and Slughorn’s eyes darted around the classroom to see if anybody else was near. He hadn’t forgotten the beating he last received from the slender boy. “What do you want?” Slughorn replied in a hasty voice. Draco walked up to the desk, making Slughorn step back. “WHAT DO YOU WANT?!”

“Relax, Professor; I just wanted to know if it would be possible for me to get a tutor. I’m struggling with a few of the advanced potions and being paired up with Potter, made me realise that he knows what he’s doing, so,” Draco paused for dramatic effect, “however much I hate it, if you would allow me to be Potter’s class partner and, well, maybe ask him if he will tutor me, I would be in you debt.”

Draco knew that Harry was too proud to ask for help and Draco was too wise to offer it up front. If he did, his image would crumble even more with the Slytherins. This way it would look like he didn’t have a choice. Slughorn looked surprised, but agreed on one term, that Draco never ever dare to attack him again. Draco nodded and turned away looking gloomy until he stepped into the corridor. He smirked contently with the way he finagled the situation. This way Harry wouldn’t loose face, nor would he. “Man, I’m good!” he whispered to himself and walked briskly to lunch.


“He really fits the part of Slytherin Prince, doesn’t he?!” Lavender sighed as she stared at Draco, making both Ron and Hermione curl their toes. When she continued pointing out that if he wasn’t so bad, she would consider asking him to the 7th year’s private Halloween Ball, Hermione abruptly left the table, looking like she was about to challenge Lavender to a duel to death.

Hermione was baffled at the fact that she was that jealous but it was hard not being able to show how much she cared for Draco. She headed for the library. She needed the quiet room and calming sense of knowing that knowledge was right in reach. She felt at peace the second she stepped over the doorstep. She took a deep breath and decided to relax with some magical history.

Soon she was lost in the book and jumped when two hands covered her eyes. “Guess who?” a voice whispered in her ear. She knew it was Draco, but pretended to think about it. “Harry? No, Ron? No? Hmmm, who can it be...?” She was smiling as Draco spun the chair around. He smirked down at her and called her a tease. She looked to see if they were alone.

Draco offered her his hands and helped her to her feet and pulled her close. “Do you know how hard it is to be able to see you, but not touch you?” He whispered in a husky tone as he looked into her eyes. They were full of something no one had ever seen before. He lowered his lips slowly to hers and let out a low moan, closing his eyes tight as he felt her lips part and her tongue came out to play. Running one hand up her back, he gently loosened the ribbon that held her hair in place while he planted kisses across her cheek to her ear and down to the crook of her neck.

Hermione bit down on her lower lip and whimpered, feeling warm and slightly dizzy. She ran her fingers through his long smooth blond hair, the scent of cedar wood and amber filled the air. He smelled so good! “Dray… Draco… Not here… Someone could see us!” She pulled away panting and when she saw his eyes she felt the floor move. So much desire, so much… love? It was almost too much!

Draco had never felt so vulnerable or so hungry. Her kisses made him forget everything and filled his body with aching need for her caresses. “Then we’ll go where they won’t find us…” Draco’s voice was soft, but demanding. He wanted her so bad and he didn’t want to wait. Hermione frowned, her mind a little cloudy, this was going too fast for her. “We have afternoon classes; they start soon.” She ran her fingers through his hair and he moaned again, his eyes showing his passion, but also a hint of disappointment.

He knew she was right, but the adrenaline pumping through his body was fierce competition for his logic. He took a deep breath, kissed her quickly then looked into her eyes and smiled. “Later then.” He left her as silently as he had appeared. She stared after him still feeling the last kiss on her lips. He was a very passionate boy, that one! She thought and smiled a mischievous smile, picking up the book and putting it back on the shelf as she walked out the library.

Grinning, she realized that her next class was N.E.W.T. level Herbology; a class where all N.E.W.T. level students joined as one group. It would be fun to see if the sparks between Draco and herself would set the greenhouse on fire!


Draco never thought he would get through Herbology with Hermione standing opposite the counter. She so clearly tortured him, looking dazzling and sending him small secret smiles, licking her lips and playing with a strand of hair, as she wrote down the basics of Alihotsy care. Damn, she looked so sexy! He felt his pants tighten and was thankful that no one noticed. Damn her for teasing him so.

“Draco Malfoy, please tell me the attributes of Alihotsy and how to use it.” Draco stared flabbergasted at Mrs. Sprout, his mouth open, thinking hard on what she had been teaching them in the past hour. Neville sniggered. It wasn’t often Malfoy was lost. Ohhh, if only Collin and his camera were here right now!

“Cat got you tongue, eh Malfoy?” Ron scoffed bringing Draco back from wherever his mind had been hiding. “The attributes of Alihotsy… if you consume the leaves it will cause hysteria, not the type you get from seeing a spider,” he glanced spitefully over to Ron, “but the type that causes paralysis, blindness, deafness or amnesia. It’s most powerful when made into a potion where the dried leaves are crushed and mixed along with a few other ingredients.” Draco frowned briefly then added that if he remembered correctly if Alihotsy poison was swallowed you would need more that one Anti-Poison Potion or a vial of very strong bezoar draught.

A complete silence fell over the greenhouse. “My, my, my, Draco Malfoy, I didn’t think you found Herbology so interesting! Ten points for Slytherin for a perfect description of Alihotsy.” Mrs. Sprout beamed. Draco’s smirk transformed into a genuine smile. He said if he wanted to be an Auror, knowledge of herbs and plants would come in handy.

Ron and Hermione simultaneously dropped there pots and turned to stare at Draco. “You… would… what?!” Ron couldn’t believe his ears. Did Draco Malfoy, son of Voldemort’s favourite pet Lucius Malfoy, just say that he wanted to fight on the good side against people like his father?

Hermione’s heart jumped. She had thought that Draco planned to work with Snape as a potion-maker, she had no idea that he wanted to become an Auror. “Oh, Draco!” She didn’t mean to say it out loud but now all eyes rested on her. “Yes, Granger?” Draco looked amused at her little slip. Staring down onto the counter surface she said in a speculative voice, “Do you think they want you?”

Draco smirked and said if they didn’t he’ll just become a hit-wizard or even just become a bounty hunter. “As long as the rest of the Death Eaters are exterminated, I don’t really care! They make the rest of us look bad!”

“Now, children, stop the chitchat and focus on the Alihotsyas. Congratulations to you Draco, for choosing such a fine occupation!” Mrs. Sprout began to explain the different stages of the plant’s life and focus shifted from Draco to the professor. Draco let out a quiet sigh of relief. He didn’t like the way the conversation had turned out. He looked forward to the weekend, to get away from the gossip, but mostly to see if there was a chance for Hermione and his mother to form a relationship.

When the last period ended Draco cast a quick look after Hermione who hurried out of the greenhouse. He guessed she wanted to avoid being questioned over her outburst. He turned and found Weasley looking at him. “So, Ferret, the Room of Requirement, then?” Ron smiled at the confused look on Draco’s face. Draco had totally forgotten that the Weasel wanted to have a man to man talk. “After you, Weasel!” He hissed and followed Ron to the castle.

Here the two were greeted by several Slytherin students singing the *hit* song, Weasley Is Our King. Ron turned red and swore under his breath. They booed and threw rude comments as he passed them. Draco followed looking so livid none of his fellow students dared to speak to him. Somebody whispered that there might be a murder in the castle before dinner, judging from the look on Draco’s face.

Yes, Draco was furious with Weasel. He HATED being called ferret and the fact that Weasley had caught him off guard in the greenhouse… oh; he had a few select words to share with Ronald Weasley, too! As the two entered the room of requirement his face was an icy mask of rage, and Ron was startled when he saw Malfoy’s expression. “So, Weasel? What do you want?!”

“Why did your father try to kill you?” The question surprised Draco and left him looking confused. “What’s it to you?” Draco couldn’t figure out why Weasel wanted to know and it made him curious. Then Ron said that he had his reasons. He added that if Draco didn’t want to tell him, it must be because it was too embarrassing to talk about.

Draco looked around the room for a chair. One appeared along with a table and an additional chair for Ron. Draco gestured to the table and sat down; nonchalantly he leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. He let out a cold, hard laugh. Ron raised his eyebrows in wonder. “This is hilarious! You don’t trust a word I say even when I tell the truth. How am I going to make you believe me?”

They sat quietly for a moment then Draco raised his wand, making Ron go for his. “Whoa! Slow down Weasley, just wanted to conjure up a vial of Veritaserum, then I have to tell you the truth, right?!” Ron lowered his wand and looked amazed. “You are willing to drink Veritaserum?” Draco nodded.

“How do I know it is what you say it is? And where did you get it from?” Ron looked suspiciously. Draco smiled and explained that he WAS Godson of Severus Snape so Veritaserum was easy to get a hand on, plus he could make it himself. On the matter if it was what he said it was, Draco could take one drop so Ron could see it wasn’t poison and then Ron could take two drops. “Then I’ll ask you some questions I know you don’t want me to know the answers to.”

Ron frowned, but couldn’t see any other way, he so nodded. Draco uncorked the vial and caught a drop on his finger and licked it off. He waited a few minutes and turned the bottle over to Ron. The two sat for a moment to let it work. Then Draco smiled and asked if Ron was ready. Ron nodded.

“Do you envy my wealth?” Draco knew the answer and smiled when Ron struggled to keep the “YES!” inside. It impossible so he stopped fighting and let it slip out. Draco nodded and then asked if Ron still loved Hermione like a girlfriend.

Ron’s face went blank in shock. “No, I don’t… Funny, I thought I did.” He scratched his head and stared at his shoes. “I love her and don’t want to see her hurt,” he murmured. THAT was one thing he didn’t want to admit to himself.

“Sorry, that was one for me. I needed to know.” Draco felt a hint of shame to take advantage of Ron like that, but it soon passed. Ron looked up at Draco who nodded and reached for the vial. He took two more drops. “That makes three drops, now I can’t lie. Happy?”

“Yes, I am!” Ron smiled and then gave the Veritaserum four minutes to work. Draco looked doped, swaying a bit in his seat. He put his elbow on the table and placed a clenched fist on his forehead to hide his face. He hated this, but if this little game made the Weasel trust him, it would mean that ‘Mi didn’t have to choose between her friend and Draco’s love. “Go on then.”

“So, why did your father try two kill you?”

“Because I tricked him in to it, I wanted revenge for all the pain he has caused us over the years. I hoped I’d driven him insane so he would make a run for it and I could seek him out and make him suffer!” The icy tone of Draco’s voice frightened Ron more that anything he had ever heard.

“Did you take the mark?”

“Yes, of course I did, I was a Death Eater. It was required. It hurt like hell. The pain brought me to my knees and I begged, yes, I pleaded for him to stop. Pathetic, right? To whine about something you requested yourself. All I have to show for it is a scar where I blasted it off!” Draco pulled up his sleeve and a contorted, barely visible death mark could be made out on his arm. “Normally I glamour it, but seeing that that would be a lie, now I can’t.” Draco sighed and looked tired, but Ron continued.

“Are your intentions with ‘Mione sincere or are you just playing with her?”

Draco was quiet for some time. Then, in a low, trembling voice began, “I have never been I love. Didn’t think I could be. Hell, I treated my former girlfriend like shit. Everybody knows I cheated on Parkinson. But it’s different with ‘Mi.” Draco’s face twitched. He didn’t want to tell Ron any more. “I hated her so intensely for being better that me in class because I knew that meant I would be punished next time I went home. But a few days ago she helped me. Go figure? Why, after all those years of torment from me? Isn’t that enough!?” Draco asked in a harshly. He didn’t want to share more of his private thoughts with Weasel.

“One more, if you had had five more minutes in the tower with Dumbledore, would it have made a difference?”

“No…” Draco looked directly at Ron. “No… It wouldn’t… Voldemort kept my mother under siege… If I didn’t kill Dumbledore, Voldemort would kill my mother… If I had five minutes more, I probably would have just waited for the death eaters to find me… and well we know how that ended.” Draco looked away again “But I wished that I had trusted enough in Dumbledore’s powers… Then I would have taken his offer of protection… Does that make any difference?” Ron smiled and nodded and said that it definitely did...

“I need you to promise me one thing Malfoy, if you find that you loose interest in ‘Mione, make her hate you. Hate is better that not feeling good enough. Don’t hurt her!” Ron waited for Draco’s promise.

Draco looked very serious. “If I ever loose interest in ‘Mi, I promise she will hate me so much it might actually kill me. I’ll do my best not to hurt her. Can you make me a promise?” He looked so harsh that Ron feared the worse but nodded.

“Stop calling me Ferret Boy, all right? I HATE IT!” Draco’s eyes went almost black. If it hadn’t been because Ron was so relieved, he might have been worried. Instead, he laughed and stuttered between the laughs if that was all! Draco looked grim and nodded causing Ron to crumble to the floor holding his stomach, the laughter made it hurt.

“Ouch, oh ouch it hurts! Oh, I’ll stop if… ouch… you stop calling me weasel! Oh bloody hell… pain!” Still laughing so hard tears were in his eyes; he tried to sit up but was pushed back by Draco’s boot. Ron stopped laughing and looked up into a sinister face. “If any of things I have told you gets out...” Draco closed his eyes and removed his foot from Ron. He presented his hand to Ron. “Come on, take it.” Ron took it cautiously and Draco helped him onto his feet.

The boys studied each other. Draco knew his father would have killed him for what he was about to ask. “Will you introduce me to your father?” Ron couldn’t place the tone of Draco’s voice. “Why…?”

Draco shrugged and said that that was between Mr. Weasley and him but that Ron didn’t need worry, it was nothing bad. In fact, quite contrary, it would be good for Mr. Weasley’s reputation. Ron hated to admit it, but he was intrigued enough to give in. “I’ll ask him!” They shook hands on it and then Draco made Ron an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“People out there think we’re fighting, so let’s take the duel out into the corridor. I know you’ve been aching to get a chance at me. I won’t let you win, it will be a regular duel, but we better make it look like we’ve been at it for some time, eh?”


Students from the different houses stood in the hall outside the Room of Requirement, including Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Zabini. “You think they’ve killed each other?” He asked no one in particular. Before he got an answer the door was blown off its hinges, barely missing a group of students.

Draco came darting out backwards, ducking a hex and sending a curse in return. His clothes where ripped and he was bleeding from a cut on his left arm. “Damn you, Weasley… Play nice!” he bellowed as Ron followed him out into the corridor.

“Can’t take the heat, eh Malfoy?” Ron laughed but was knocked to the ground by a Trip Jinx. Draco smirked. “Now, Ronald, falling to your knees! Dear, oh dear, what a mess!” Stepping closer to Ron he stared down at him, grinning. “Give up?”

Draco swallowed once and then turned green as Ron’s slug-vomiting charm hit him right in the chest. Falling to his knees, Draco felt the slugs crawling around in his stomach. “Oh… my… god…!” He felt his stomach contract and a big fat slug fell down onto the floor in front of him, soon followed by more.

Ron sat up and laughed out loud. “Nasty isn’t it, Malfoy? Now I ask, give up?” as he enjoyed the sight of Draco’s body quake as he fought the nausea in vain. Another pair of slugs fell to the floor as Harry discreetly held Hermione back with one hand and cast a silent counter charm he had invented and soon Draco stopped vomiting slugs.

Ron frowned and cast a quick glance at Harry who smiled back, guilty as could be. Ron scoffed and asked again if Draco surrendered. “A Malfoy never surrenders.” Draco hissed and stood slowly on wobbly legs. “Ready?” He positioned himself in a duelling pose as did Ron. They were about to engage when both there wands here ripped from there hands.

“MR. WEASLEY…. MR. MALFOY… WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” All turned around a saw a thundercloud striding down the corridor. Most of the students made a run for it leaving Ron, Draco, Hermione and Harry. “Headmistress! Sor- sorry?!” Ron tried but it was worthless.

“You two, my office, NOW!” McGonagall looked livid, but Hermione had to try. “Headmistress, no one got hurt and I believe this might have a good affect on those two.” She nodded her head towards Ron and Draco. McGonagall looked a little less cross and asked Hermione to explain.

“Well, Harry and I have accepted Draco’s apology, but Ron was not keen on forgiving, seeing that he didn’t trust Draco because the Weasley’s and the Malfoy’s have been sworn enemies. So I asked them to sit down and talk it out. Apparently they decided to battle it out instead and if I’m not mistaken, they have come to a ceasefire. Haven’t you?” She looked sternly at both boys and they nodded.

“We’re not best friends, but we are not enemies either!” Draco said and moaned in pain at the cut on his arm. He was in awe over the way Hermione could make it seem like nothing that two boys were duelling in the halls of Hogwarts. Disguising a smile with a grimace, he asked if they had permission to go and see the nurse.

McGonagall sighed and shook her head. “Stupid boys,” She thought as she waved them off. “Get out of my sight and detention with Hagrid all next week for both of you! Now get!” Draco offered Ron his hand and Ron shook it and the two walked off to see Madam Pomfrey laughing wondering what she would say this time!