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Hermione wouldn't say it but she was glad he made time to see her. Sure they became friends again, but she can tell how Draco tried to distance himself from her when he can. He would also speak to her using a formal tone right after he catches himself casually addressing her. And while they have not seen each other only a week before the Yule Ball, it felt like it's been a while.
"Granger." He said, giving her a curt nod. "We did wonderful, didn't we?" She asked, referring to the result of their efforts on preparing the ball. "Absolutely." Draco responded with a soft smile and then he schooled himself again.
Hermione found herself smoothing her dress for the hundredth time even if didn't need to be. His short response gave her anxiety despite the confidence she carried herself with when she entered the room. It was weird how she wanted him to notice her dress and not notice her behaviour at the same time.
"How's your family?" She asked trying to catch his eyes that focused themselves at the center of the room where students have started dancing. "Quite fine. Thank you."
It wasn't lost on Hermione how he answered as asked. Like he didn't want to prolong the conversation, cutting it every chance he gets. He is especially aloof now compared to the other meetings they've had previously.
Of course, she also knows why his guard is up. She wouldn't be surprised if it was still burned in the back of his mind. Last Yule Ball, she broke up with him.
He even conjured her roses but she left them on an alcove on the fourth floor to die. She remembers only that he never fought for it. But now she's also thinking maybe it was because she never gave him a chance to do so. She was so consumed by the hurt she was feeling, she was not able to take into account what he was going through.
"For what it's worth," she started then paused. Finally, he looked at her earnestly. "I am sorry." Hermione finished, making sure not to choke on the apology she's been meaning to make for weeks.
"Come on Granger, it's been a year. You can't be thinking about it still." Draco responded chuckling for the first time in what seemed like ages. She finally made him speak more. However, she's not sure what to feel about the way he brushed her apology off.
"Do you mind if I steal him for a moment?"
It was Pansy Parkinson. She had a stern look on her face, implying she wasn't really asking for permission. It was a statement that said she will whisk him away even if she minded.
"She won't." It was Draco who answered for her. "Granger." He added giving Hermione a curt nod once more, but this time, to bid her goodbye.
Hermione can only watch as Pansy led Draco to the center of the room and danced with him. And while she can't hear their conversation, she was certain it was the kind of exchange he will no longer extend to her. It's truly a pity.
It turned out freedom was nothing but making her realize what she had. As he laughed at what Pansy said, she remembered how he smiled at her and made the sound of his laughter almost exclusive to her. It made her heart hurt.
If only she could turn back time. It's wishful thinking however. Even if she had a time turner. It would be too difficult a feat. But if she could, she would go back to that December. She'd go back and make it all right.