Back To School
Hermione and Ron were now over, and because the walls of the train weren't exactly sound proof, every one at the school now knew that, Draco and his little gang not being the exception. The Slytherin trio were having unexpected reactions to what they had heard; Pansy was feeling bad for Hermione, specially since her sobs were still ringing around the hall; Blaise was considering the possibility that maybe Hermione did, in fact, have feelings for his friend based on the way she had answered and reacted to the accusations; and Draco had a knot in his stomach telling him that it had all been his fault.
In a brave attempt to shake off the feeling of guilt, the blond Slytherin stood up and left his compartment, and at the moment he had stepped out, he saw Hermione in the floor, hugging her legs and crying terribly to her knees in front of her own compartment. Draco took a few steps closer and stood there, not really sure of what to do, and after what felt like an hour, he finally got down to the floor and sat next to her. He didn't really know why he was doing it, if it had been just guilt he could've asked from the door of his compartment if she was okay and then apologize, but a small feeling was starting to cook up in his stomach, playing with the knot, and even though that scared him, he didn't move, after all, she had said earlier that there was a chance of a friendship... Draco waited for a bit and then looked at her, she had stopped sobbing as soon as he sat down, but she hadn't looked up. He waited for her to raise her head so he could give her a reassuring smile and then leave, but she kept her position, so he limited himself to give her a small pat in the head.
-I couldn't help to overhear your... small exchange of words Granger-
-I'm sorry if we disturbed you...- Replied Hermione with a soft voice that almost got lost in the fabric of her sweater, where her face was resting now.
-No, it's not that, I just wanted to say sorry again, I can't help but feeling like it's my fault-
-It's not Malfoy, it was just a matter of time- Said the young witch trying not to give many explanations, it was still Malfoy after all.
-Right... still, sorry... and also thanks... for defending me...-
Hermione lifted her head and turned a bit to see Draco, his behavior was definitely odd, but it was also comforting, an obvious improvement from the past; she cleaned some tears from her eyes that were trying to communicate gratitude and gave him a reassuring smile, which he slightly returned before standing up and going back to his friends. At that exact moment Harry opened the door and helped her up (he had been waiting for her to calm down a bit), before giving her a big hug, which she happily returned.
•
-Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts, now that all our new students have been sorted, I would like to thank you all for coming back. I know how hard it must be for some of you. However, evil has now been defeated and we must stand tall, continue with our lives and give the best of ourselves in this new era... We will now have a minute of silence for our fallen partners before enjoying the meal that our dear house elves have prepared for us.-
Professor McGonagall finished her kind words and the whole school was quiet, the food then appeared and they all ate and drank until they were full, and after the dessert it was time for another announcement.
-Prefects, I would like you to guide the first years to their dormitories, all students up to sixth year can go too, I would like to have some words with the seventh and eight years.-
After the Great Hall was emptied, McGonagall informed them how this new year was going to work, and after she had explained, everyone left with mixed emotions, for the new year had brought a very special change: Not only did the eight years have to share a common room and take classes with the seventh years, but they were also starting therapy sessions for PTSD.