Draco grinned as he ascended the stairs to the dining room, a wide smile that made his eyes crinkle. He felt optimistic for the first time in years. Like there was hope that he could actually rebuild something good out of the smouldering rubble that remained of his life. He might have lost everything, but Hermione had kissed him. Had told him shyly and blushing that she liked him, and that she was willing to see where this unexpected thing between them went. That had been totally unexpected if he were honest. Sure, he’d let himself fantasise about it, but ultimately...