Hermione smiled to herself, quietly putting on a pair of shoes and grabbing her cloak. She turned back to the owl, quickly writing "Coming." on the piece of parchment, stroking the top of the creature's head. It flapped its wings, taking off, and soared through the midnight sky in the direction of the lake.
Hermione walked out of the dorm, silently creeping out of Gryffindor Tower and walking out on to the grounds. She proceeded towards the lake, hugging her cloak around her; a gust of wind tousled her hair that she had left down, and she shivered under its touch. As she neared the beach, the blonde turned around. Just like the night before, his hair was illuminated by moonlight, seeming a brilliant silvery white.
"Hi." she said, walking up to him. He held up the paper; Draco didn't say anything, but he merely smiled. It wasn't a smirk, it was a smile. An actual, genuine smile.
"Hermione." he acknowledged, grey eyes seeming to light up. She stopped next to him, and stared out at the water. It was so tranquil- the rhythm of the waves, the dancing of the trees, and the chorus of the birds. She glanced at him; Draco seemed so calm- so at home here. She smiled to herself, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.
"Why did you ask me to come?" she inquired quietly after a moment, glancing at him. Draco turned towards her, looking away. He opened his mouth to speak, closing it a second later.
"I'm sorry." he said quickly. "I'm sorry about how aggravating and horrible I've been. You...didn't deserve it." Hermione stared at him, gaze not wavering. "I really am, Hermione." Draco said softly, eyes portraying pure agony. "I am."
She gave a small smile. Hermione turned back to him; slowly, and almost cautiously, she glanced down and took his hand. Their eyes met a second later; he seemed surprised; shocked; and maybe even glad that she had done what she did. Hermione glanced down at their intertwined fingers, and looked out at the glimmering water for a second. She turned back to him, and smiled reassuringly.
"I know."