[This...this is an unexpected turn in the conversation. Hermione doesn't think she's ever actually seen Malfoy drop his mask of pureblood superiority, ever. She stares at him for a long while before she finally speaks, initially with a flat voice.]
Yes, it is too late for an apology to fix everything, and yes, the things you said and did were cruel and unwarranted.
[She pauses, considering her words carefully. She can't just forgive him for all the horrible things he or his father had put her and her friends through. Not right now. But she thinks she might just at least understand perhaps why he did it.]
If that's true - and I sincerely hope you aren't trying to pull some horrible trick to get me to let my guard down - there are ways you could have still be seen to be falling in line with those beliefs without being such an arse about it. Even your father isn't as publically vocal about his beliefs as you were. Slytherins are supposed to be known for cunning. You could have found a way that didn't compromise you or make our lives hell.
[She sighs and looks away, one hand sweeping a strand of hair out of her face. She hadn't missed the clutching of his arm. She isn't an idiot - she knows what it means. And what it had required. It's a simple question, with no malice or judgement behind it. Just asked in a quiet voice.]
no subject
Yes, it is too late for an apology to fix everything, and yes, the things you said and did were cruel and unwarranted.
[She pauses, considering her words carefully. She can't just forgive him for all the horrible things he or his father had put her and her friends through. Not right now. But she thinks she might just at least understand perhaps why he did it.]
If that's true - and I sincerely hope you aren't trying to pull some horrible trick to get me to let my guard down - there are ways you could have still be seen to be falling in line with those beliefs without being such an arse about it. Even your father isn't as publically vocal about his beliefs as you were. Slytherins are supposed to be known for cunning. You could have found a way that didn't compromise you or make our lives hell.
[She sighs and looks away, one hand sweeping a strand of hair out of her face. She hadn't missed the clutching of his arm. She isn't an idiot - she knows what it means. And what it had required. It's a simple question, with no malice or judgement behind it. Just asked in a quiet voice.]
When?