DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter, nor am I affiliated in any way with J.K. Rowling.

"How am I supposed to prove to them that I've changed?" Draco scowled when Hermione had finished relaying her, Harry and Ron's conversation.

"I don't know, but I said that you would and I don't like being wrong so you'd better get your thinking cap on."

"Why is it all left to me?" Draco complained.

"Because," was all Hermione answered.

They were sat in the clearing by the lake that they had first visited only the previous day, although it seemed like centuries since.

"That's the worst excuse ever," Draco answered. "You're lucky you're pretty."

His breath came out as mist in front of him, reminding them both of the bitter cold. Still, it was the only place they could find guaranteed privacy.

Hermione smiled and pushed him lightly on the shoulder, quickly wrapping her cloak tighter around herself. Around them the trees shook in the wind and the lake, so close to being frozen, rippled.

"This is ridiculous," Draco muttered. "I'm cold."

"You wouldn't be if you were on Harry and Ron's good sides," Hermione commented lightly. "You'd be all cosy and warm in the castle."

Draco looked at Hermione for a very long time.

"What?" she asked self-consciously.

"You really want me to try, don't you?"

"Yeah," she answered quietly with a nod.

Draco just continued looking at her. She was really quite beautiful, especially in these surroundings. Her cheeks were flushed a healthy pink and her eyes, though downcast at the moment, seemed to shine. She had a power over him, stronger than anything he had felt before. Stronger than the promise of money and power, stronger than the spell the part-Veela girl temporarily cast over him during the Tri-Wizard tournament. This was real affection, and that was stronger than everything else put together.

"If I get laughed out of Slytherin, I'm blaming you," he warned her, heaving himself up off the ground and offering her his hand.

"Where are you going?" she asked, slightly bewildered.

"If I'm going to get the blessings of Boy Wonder and the Weasel-"

"Harry and Ron," Hermione interrupted sternly.

"-then I should start as soon as possible. I assume you'd like to be seen in public with me sometime in the next century?"

"Yes please," Hermione answered with a wide smile as she took Draco's hand and stood up. He opened his mouth to speak but before he could say a word, she kissed him. "You're the best."

"I know," Draco nodded. "Come on."

This is going to be the most humiliating, excruciatingly awful experience of my entire life. Ever.

"Potter," he called down the (mercifully slightly empty) corridor.

If he was going to 'make nice' as Hermione put it with her friends then he might as well start sooner rather than later.

Potter turned around, his expression darkening when he saw who it was.

"I'm late," he said curtly when Draco had caught up to him.

"For what?"

"For not being here."

"That doesn't make sense."

"Yes it does."

"No it-" Draco cut himself off with a sigh. He would be the better man here. He would. "Fine. Whatever. I'm here to prove myself."

Potter snorted. "I don't know what game you think you're playing, but leave Hermione out of it."

"We're a little old to be playing games, unless it's Quidditch and if that's the case then I think we both know Hermione doesn't like Quidditch so she wouldn't be involved anyway," Draco retorted, ignoring the fact that he was rambling.

Potter scowled. "Stop talking like you know her."

"I do know her, and this is me trying to get to know you."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just shoot me?" Potter asked sarcastically.

"Yes," Draco replied without hesitation.

"At least you're honest," Potter muttered, eyeing Draco with unmistakeable dislike.

"Shocking, isn't it?"

"Yes, which makes me think you're up to something which in turn is exactly why I won't waste my time here." Potter began to turn away, only to be stopped by a small voice calling his name down the corridor.

Both boys turned to see a timid first year approach them.

"Professor Dumbledore would like to see you, Harry," the young boy said. He shot a quick glance at Draco. "And you too, Malfoy."

Potter gave the small one a smile and a nod and, satisfied and a little star-struck, the child scampered away.

"How come you got the first name treatment?" Draco complained. "The kid wasn't even a Gryffindor."

"Because people respect me. They don't fear me." Potter paused. "They also know I'm not a complete arsehole."

It took Draco a lot to go against his natural instincts and hex the egotistical prat into oblivion.

"You're funny," he finally managed. It came out bitter and sarcastic, but it was better than violence and the best he could do under the circumstances. "What do you think Dumbledore wants?"

"Don't know," Potter answered before walking away.

Draco rolled his eyes skyward before following his enemy. All this for a girl.

"Stupid kid didn't tell us the password," Malfoy groaned as he and Harry reached Dumbledore's office.

Harry didn't say anything. It had taken him all his strength not to punch Malfoy in the corridor when he had first approached him, and when he followed him to the Headmaster's office…dear, sweet Merlin, Harry thought he would have to chain himself to the wall to prevent him doing some serious damage to the Slytherin. He kept Hermione's face in his mind the entire time they walked to Dumbledore's. He trusted Hermione's judgement…it was just unfortunate that she'd gone completely insane. Harry and Ron were already plotting a way to get her to see sense again after yesterday's revelation. Harry had initially been very impressed that Ron hadn't exploded with rage. That had been until ten minutes later, when the redhead got back to the Gryffindor tower and thoroughly trashed the dormitory.

"We better not be out here long," Malfoy continued muttering.

"Or you'll do what?" Harry spat, at the end of his tether. "Thought you were one of the good guys now?"

"Good guys," Malfoy repeated almost scornfully. "As if everything boils down to good and bad."

"I don't know," Harry argued. "It can do. Hermione: good. Hermione with you: bad."

"Where's Weasley anyway?" Malfoy asked, determinedly ignoring Harry.

"Probably plotting your violent death at the hands of blast-ended skrewts."

"They have hands?"

"I don't know."

"Huh."

Harry rolled his eyes and leant against the nearby wall. It wasn't like Dumbledore to forget to give him the password and why the hell Malfoy was here he didn't know. Maybe Dumbledore didn't trust Malfoy. Smart guy.

"Draco!" came Hermione's voice happily from the other end of the corridor, "…and Harry!" she added quickly when she caught sight of him.

Harry noted the brief look of alarm that passed through her eyes although she tried to maintain her upbeat expression.

"What are you doing here?" Malfoy asked, casting a cautious sidelong glance at Harry despite speaking to Hermione.

"Dumbledore wanted to see me," Hermione shrugged. "He wanted to see you as well?"

"Both of us," Harry cut in before Malfoy could answer, reminding her that he was there as well.

Hermione met his eyes then quickly looked away under the force of the glare he was directing at her. Harry couldn't help it, he loved Hermione, she was like a sister to him and he trusted her with his life. But he kept getting the feeling that someone was going to leap out and yell 'got you!' and everyone would laugh and Malfoy would attack him. You know, like the good old days.

"Do you know why?" Malfoy asked her and Harry tried not to acknowledge that his voice had gotten softer since Hermione had arrived.

"Nope," Hermione answered. "Don't you have the password?"

"Don't get him started," Harry muttered.

"That's a no," Malfoy clarified. "But it won't be long."

"Okay."

And so silence descended.

For a really long time.

And then the passageway to Dumbledore's office opened and the relief in the air was almost palpable. A miscellaneous teacher left the office, nodding to the students as he left. Once he had gone, Harry started up the staircase without a word, assuming the others would follow. They did.

"Welcome," Dumbledore smiled once they entered his office. "Would you care to sit down?"

He gestured to four chairs in a row before his desk. His smile faltered slightly as his eyes passed over the group.

"Is Mr. Weasley preoccupied?" he asked.

Why, yes Headmaster, he's currently screaming into his pillow, Harry thought but would never voice this aloud.

"I don't know," he settled for instead.

"Well, I suppose you could pass on the message…" Dumbledore started doubtfully. "Please, sit down."

Dutifully, they sat. Harry noticed Hermione and Malfoy sneaking quick glances around the impressive room filled with gadgets.

"Good afternoon-" Dumbledore began.

"Why are we here?" Malfoy interrupted impatiently.

"Draco!" Hermione admonished, nudging him slightly.

Harry glared at her, whilst Dumbledore raised his eyebrows.

"I mean…shut up Malfoy!" Hermione tried again.

"Smooth," Malfoy muttered, a slight smirk on his lips. Harry fought the urge to punch him.

"The resident ghosts reported a disturbance last night," Dumbledore went on, wisely deciding to ignore the display. "I have noticed a ghost in your presence, Mr. Malfoy, and I wondered if he may have anything to do with it."

"Because he's hanging around a Slytherin?" Malfoy asked, scowling. Harry fought the urge to punch him.

"Because the ghost did not die here and was not invited," Dumbledore corrected calmly. "Sir Nicholas came to me this morning incredibly distressed and I was understandably curious. He mentioned the new ghost and many conspiracy theories which involved yourself and Miss. Granger."

Malfoy and Hermione exchanged glances.

"There are many things I am tolerant of but the threat of the wellbeing of the residents at Hogwarts - dead or alive - is not something I will accept." His eyes were stern behind his half-moon spectacles.

"They weren't the ones in danger," Malfoy muttered. Harry fought the urge to punch him.

"If you were ever in danger I would've hoped you would come to see me about it," Dumbledore replied sadly.

"We weren't in danger," Hermione said, shooting a look at Malfoy. "Dra - Malfoy's exaggerating."

"Like hell!" Malfoy answered indignantly. "Sorry," he added almost sincerely to Dumbledore, who nodded. "Look, Professor, everything's been sorted out. The ghosts are gone and they didn't do any lasting damage."

"Ghosts?" Dumbledore repeated. "As in, more than one?"

"No," Hermione replied, the same time Malfoy answered "Yes."

"It's complicated," Hermione said with a weak smile.

"I have time," Dumbledore told her, returning the smile.

"We don't," Malfoy muttered. Harry fought the urge to…never mind. He knew he wouldn't go through with it right now anyway.

With a slight sigh, Hermione launched into the events of the past few weeks. Or rather, an outline of the events. She doubted Dumbledore wanted to know about them sneaking into the library out of hours and she knew that Harry would explode if he found out just some of things she and Draco had done. She also had a hell of a time avoiding the issue of the secret room that none of the teacher's knew about.

"Quite a tale," Dumbledore mused once she had finished. A sudden, rather sly smile sprang onto his face. "And I assume you're not fearful that history may repeat itself."

"I don't understand-"

"Why, you and Mr. Malfoy, of course," Dumbledore clarified cheerfully.

"How did you…?" Hermione asked, her cheeks staining crimson.

"Was I not supposed to know?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes widening slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry. From the way you talked about him I thought it was obvious-"

"It is obvious," Harry muttered.

"Shut up, Harry," Hermione shot back.

"She doesn't want people knowing," Draco told Dumbledore, almost conspiratorially.

"Shut up, Draco!"

"I for one think it's wonderful," Dumbledore interrupted.

"What?" Harry asked, snapping his gaze onto the Headmaster. "How? What?"

"Harry's not very happy with mine and Hermione's relationship, Sir," Draco sighed mock-regretfully to Dumbledore.

"You're enjoying this!" Hermione accused.

"Of course I am," Draco replied with a grin. "It's funny."

"Why don't you approve, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, concealing a smile at Draco's comments.

Hermione couldn't believe this. Why was there a therapy session going on in Dumbledore's office and why did it revolve around her private relationship?

"It's wrong on a variety of levels," Harry answered promptly. "A variety of wrong, disturbing levels."

"Kind of like your face."

Hermione sighed deeply and brought her palm up to her forehead in exasperation while Draco and Harry stared daggers at each other.

"Grow up," she muttered through her hand.

"Why do you think it's wrong, Harry?" Dumbledore prompted.

"Because…he's Malfoy and she's Hermione and the two just don't…just don't go together!"

"Have you spent time with them whilst they've been a couple?"

"We're not officially a couple," Hermione argued, lifting her forehead from her palm.

"Hermione, go out with me?" Draco asked almost immediately.

Back down went the forehead.

"This is a farce," she moaned. "I can't believe you're asking me that here."

"Have you considered that maybe your prejudices are getting in the way of your friend being happy?" Dumbledore asked Harry, now completely ignoring the other two. "Our impressions of people change over the years. Experiences can define and shape who we are, and from what I gather Hermione and Draco had to go through the ordeal with no one but to each to turn to for help. In a distressing time such as that, aren't you happy that Hermione didn't have to go through it alone? You know that, should Hermione ever fall into trouble again, Draco will be there to help her. He's proven himself to her. Hermione isn't foolish, Harry, so it may be wise to trust her judgement."

"Where else would I ask you?" Draco asked Hermione, in turn ignoring Harry and Dumbledore.

"I don't know, maybe in front of all the Hogwarts staff?" Hermione suggested sarcastically, raising her forehead again.

"That can be arranged."

"Don't you dare!" Hermione warned. Her face softened and she smiled. "But yes, I will go out with you." When the smirk remained on his face, she frowned at him.

"Sorry, am I supposed to act surprised that you said yes?" he asked.

She responded by shoving him. "You're arrogant."

"I am," he agreed. "I'm also determined. Which is exactly how I know that when I brag to everyone that I managed to get Hermione Granger to go out with me, they'll accept it and even be jealous."

"What about Pansy?" Hermione asked. "Isn't she like the queen of your fan club?"

"I don't think she'll be a problem," Draco answered, a grin on his face again.

"Why?"

"She likes Blaise."

"Zabini?" Hermione asked. She paused and nodded. "Huh, I approve."

Draco scowled at her and she laughed.

"Relax, I'm kidding." He's very good looking though. "So at least we won't be the only topic of the gossip at the Slytherin table."

"Are you kidding? This - us - is going to rock their world. I wouldn't be surprised if Blaise and Pansy don't even get a mention."

"Why do you sound happy about that?" Hermione frowned.

"I like attention," Draco shrugged.

Meanwhile, in the other conversation in the room, Harry was sulking.

"It's not that I don't want her to be happy, I just don't want her to be happy with him," he said.

"Harry, all I ask is that you give them a chance," Dumbledore requested quietly, his bright eyes beseeching. "You don't have to like it, you just have to accept it for now."

Harry glanced over at Hermione. She was laughing and smiling a lot and scowling playfully. Harry was happy to see his friend in high spirits, but the only thing wrong with the picture was that Draco Malfoy was the one making her so. Then, taking Dumbledore's words to heart, he tried to look at Malfoy from a different perspective and forget the long-running enmity between them. It lasted all of three seconds and he turned back to Dumbledore with a scowl.

"It's not happening, Sir."

Dumbledore sighed. "Harry, please. If nothing else, think about what a relationship between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor could bring with your blessing. There would be no more of this ridiculous prejudice the second someone finds out a potential friend or lover is in an opposing house. Even more importantly, students would go into the wizarding world with no misconceptions about people with different bloodlines from their own."

Harry sat silently for moment. His logical side told him that Draco and Hermione's relationship couldn't have that much of an impact, but his heart wondered what it would be like to live in a world of peace. Creatures like Voldemort wouldn't exist, the Death Eaters would remain an unconscious nightmare in some little child's mind.

"Let them be happy," Dumbledore murmured, a last-ditch attempt to make Harry see his point of view.

"I can't just flick a switch," Harry warned. He sighed heavily. "But…I can try considering Malfoy was involved in something important and the world didn't end because of it."

"Hey," Malfoy complained mildly. "And you should start calling me Draco now we're friends."

"Who said we're friends?" Harry scowled. "I trust Hermione, Hermione, for some God awful, unknown reason, trusts you. Ipso facto, I won't go out of my way to mutilate you the way my instincts are telling me to."

"Isn't it nice when we all get along?" Malfoy muttered dryly.

"Thank you," Hermione smiled, ignoring Malfoy's comment. She knew that this, for the time being anyway, was the closest Harry would get to accepting Draco and she was grateful that Harry could look beyond his prejudices for the sake of a friend's happiness.

"Well, off you go, I'm sure you have homework to do," Dumbledore said, content now that his meddling had paid off.

"Wait," Draco said to Dumbledore as the others stood up. "Not that this wasn't a rewarding and fulfilling experience for everyone-" Hermione rolled her eyes at his sarcasm "-but why is Potter here?"

Dumbledore blinked, then grinned sheepishly. "I, ah, I actually thought that Harry might have something to do with the disturbance the ghosts felt."

"Why?" Harry frowned.

"Because you're involved in everything else," Hermione joked. When Dumbledore didn't reply, she raised her eyebrows. "Oh. Well, fair enough, he has a point Harry."

"Oh, of course Wonderboy here would have something to do with my success," Draco muttered irritably.

"I believe that's our success, Draco, and shut up," Hermione reprimanded.

They all made to leave again before Hermione paused and looked back to Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbledore," she started hesitantly. "What happens to ghosts when they move on?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "I have no idea. But it sounds as though Trayton and Zella finally found the acceptance in death that they couldn't have in life. There may have been many things that were tying them both to our mortal plane but they must have all been resolved last night. Ghosts can choose whether to stay once given the option of moving on, but they can't actually choose to move on themselves. Whatever was keeping them here, be it love or hate or revenge, you two-" he looked at Hermione and Draco with kindly eyes "-set them free."

While Draco stood there, unsubtly rolling his eyes, Hermione smiled softly.

"I imagine the moment the conflict between them was resolved, they simply…moved on," Dumbledore suggested with a slight shrug. "But who can guess the mysteries of life after death?"

The conversation ended on that rhetorical question. Harry, Hermione and Draco shuffled in silence out of the office and down the stairs.

"So…that's it?" Harry asked after a minute. "Trayton and Zella, they're just gone?"

"Apparently so," Draco nodded thoughtfully. He turned to Hermione with a grin. "If I'd known that getting manipulated and possessed could've solved the problem, I wouldn't even have said anything to you, Granger."

"And if I'd known that kissing you would've made everything go away, I would've done it sooner," Hermione replied sweetly.

"I'm off," Harry announced, quickly striding down the corridor and out of sight.

"I think we scared him," Hermione murmured, watching her friend walk away sadly.

"He'll get used to it," Draco answered, unconcerned.

The corridor was starting to fill up. A few students were already sending questioning glances the couple's way. Hermione answered the looks with a smile. She had nothing to be ashamed of.

"We've just about got Harry to accept us," she mused. "But Ron? There's the challenge."

"A Slytherin is always up for a challenge," Draco smirked.

"An honest challenge?"

"Well, no."

"Thought not," Hermione replied with a laugh. "Come on then, we'll work on this challenge together."

As if reading her mind, Draco took her hand and, in full view of all the students in the corridor, proceeded to walk down the corridor with her.

A/N:

Hey guys, sorry about the epic wait.

Really hope you enjoyed this chapter, it's probably going to be the last. Things with exams are stressing me out, plus some other, more personal, things which mean that I'm not really having the inclination to write at the moment. I hope that changes soon because God knows I love to write.

Thank you so much for all of your fantastic reviews over the course of 'Echo,' they meant a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed the story (:

Everyone enjoy the next HP film when it comes out! :D

- Momo