The Apology

Goodbye

Draco and Hermione stood on the front steps of the Malfoy Manor.

"You can disapparate now. It was only in the house where you couldn't," Draco said, "I have to get back to the Candy Shop anyway."

"I'll disapparate to the Candy Shop with you," Hermione said.

They both stood in awkward silence. Hermione swayed back and forth on her feet. Draco picked at his sleeve.

"Well... um..." Draco moved a little closer to her.

"Um... Yeah..." Hermione scooted closer also.

There was a moment of eye contact between them then they very awkwardly embraced. Draco patted her back stiffly and Hermione wrapped her arms around his back, not knowing what to do with her hands. They pulled apart quickly.

Draco ran his hand through his hair and exhaled quickly, "Well, that was awkward."

Hermione nodded quickly then grinned wickedly, "I can think of a more awkward hug, Draco."

Draco groaned, "Oh, please don't bring that up. That may have been the worst moment of my life."

"You're hug with Voldemort was definitely something," Hermione giggled.

Draco groaned and rubbed his temples, "Oh, please stop."

Hermione just laughed.

He, embarrassed, moaned, "Let's go."

"OK" She laughed.

*Poof Puff Magic Stuff*

They appeared in the Candy Shop.

Draco was behind the counter and Hermione apparated by the door. Draco pulled a white apron over his head. Hermione looked about the shop not knowing what else to say.

Draco picked up a large card board box off the ground and placed it on the counter. "Hermione, before you go, you wanted a Chocolate Frog," He pulled out a packaged Frog, "I promise this one isn't a Portkey."

Hermione smiled and walked over to him, "How did you know I would want a Chocolate Frog in the first place?"

"Well you came in and called out that you wanted a Chocolate Frog, from then it was just very quick magic and a lot of luck, but this one isn't a Portkey, I promise. It's brand new," Draco explained, holding out the candy for her.

She took it.

Draco shoved his hands into his pockets, "I don't know if you're busy tonight, but if you'd like we could get some Butter Beers together?"

Hermione sighed, "I wish I could but I've got something going on tonight- I'm probably late for it as it is."

She was going to the Burrow. Ron, Mrs. Weasley, and her were going to start the preparations for the wedding. As much as she wanted to plan it out with Ron, she couldn't help but want to stay with Draco. He was so lonely.

Draco nodded, "Alright, maybe another time then?"

"Of course! I really would love to tonight but, you see, Ron and I- we're planning tonight- and-"

Draco interrupted her, "Did Weasley ask you the big question?"

"Well, yes," Hermione answered, surprised he knew.

"I thought so, you had the ring and everything," Draco explained.

Hermione touched the ring on her hand gently which clutched the Chocolate Frog.

Draco smiled, "Good for you two. Weasley wouldn't survive without you- he needs you."

She knew he was teasing but she couldn't help but pick out a hint of bitterness in Draco's voice. And a nagging voice inside her head said, Draco needs you too.

Hermione stumbled, "Yes, Thank you- He does- Ron-he needs me, I mean."

Draco simply nodded.

She took a deep breath and reached out her hand, "Thank you Draco for having me. We'll do this again."

Draco shook her hand, "It's been an honor, Granger."

Hermione turned and walked towards the door. She spun on her heel at the last second, "Draco, you're a friend. A friend now."

Draco looked down and whispered, "Thank you Hermione, It's more then I could ever wish for."

She nodded and walked quickly out of the shop. She took in some deep breaths of air. She didn't know what was going on in her head. She felt the need to be with Draco but knew that it wasn't the right choice. She was so confused. She sat on a bench, a block away from the shop, to collect her thoughts.

Draco's face kept appearing along with Ron's in her head. She moaned and ran a hand through her thick hair. Why were emotions so strange?

She looked down at the Chocolate Frog Draco had given her. She sighed and opened it. The Frog jumped out and hopped away. Hermione made no move to catch it.

She pulled out the card and turned it over.

There smiling up at her with his sarcastic grin was Ron.

Ron.

She held the card up to her heart. Ron was the one. She had known it all along.

She wiped her damp eyes with her hands. She got up to go to the Burrow. To go to Ron.

*Cue the Tears*

Okay people, that's it of the story BUT I will write a epilogue!

Don't ya love the *Poof Puff Magic Stuff*? ehehe

The VoldemortXDraco hug was in the movie not in the book... I tried to keep this towards the books but that hug was too hilarious not to put in!