House: You Choose
Blood Status: You Choose
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Holding Draco's hand, you walk through the halls of Hogwarts once again. It's been repaired and is back in pristine condition just like it has been with the addition of a large square pillar, carved with the words "Never Forget May 2, 1998" in memory of all those who died during the battle. Below the words set in stone, metal plaques on each side read the names of all who died in the battle. After many conversations and persuading, you convinced him to come back to Hogwarts and finish your educations together. He was quite reluctant to do so, but he decided to come with you because he wanted to stay close. Thus far, being back at Hogwarts was quite interesting and different, being part of the year below you with Ginny and her friends. Despite the differences, in your mind, it's been pleasant to come back and finish your schooling.
"Hey, look at those two," a small, young boy in third or fourth year calls to his friends.
"What about them?" a member of his group asks the others, taking noticeable glances in your direction.
"They're from... that class. They must've come back," the first one stage whispers, pointing at you two. "Look at the Slytherin there.
"Hey, it's he a Death Eater?!" the second one gasps.
"Yeah! I saw him during the battle. I stayed behind and I totally saw him running around. He was dressed in all black and I swear he'd killed someone! He was so suspicious!" another one gasps, mouth open wide.
"Why isn't he in Azkaban?" a girl with pigtails inquires. The group continues to murmur and you take Draco's hand.
"No, Draco. Leave them be," you say calmly. "Let's go."
Pulling Draco away from the younger students, you sigh. People have been whispering about Draco often; they've been whispering about his Death Eater days because he was the only one of the Slytherins in our year to come back. It's been hard for him. Everybody is scared of him or rude to him. Nobody treats him normally and it hurts him.
"I wish it was different, y/n," Draco sighs, once out of earshot of the fourth years.
"I know, Draco. It will be. I promise," you say softly to him, taking his hand in yours. he smiles as he feels your fingers wrap around his hand.
"They'll never get off my back...," he groans. "All they want to do is talk about what I was... They just keep telling me how awful I am and that I should be sent to jail. One of them said that I don't deserve my should and that I should turn myself in to the dementors."
"Don't listen to them, Draco," you say kindly, turning into the library. "Their opinion doesn't matter. They're fourth years and they don't know a thing about you."
"I know, y/n. It's just hard to ignore them. I don't want people to see me as a Death Eater for the rest of my life. Yes, I was one, but I don't want it to define me," Draco says, frustrated. You both sit down at a table and pull out your school books, still holding hands.
"Oi, Malfoy! Gonna murder someone soon or are you waiting for the perfect moment to strike and, oh, I don't know... put something in someone's drink? Wouldn't be the first time. I bet you couldn't get a girl like her without a potion helping you! No Death Eater can get a girl like y/n!" a Gryffindor third year calls as she passes by the table. Draco stands up abruptly at her words, shooting daggers at her with his eyes.
"No, Draco!" you gasp, grabbing his arm. He turns around to look you in the eyes and his gaze softens. "Please don't. You're only proving them right if you act aggressively. We just talked about this. They are not the ones whose opinion matters in the long run. They are only small individuals in a great big world. Sit down again, babe, please?"
Draco nods again and returns to his seat and you circle around the table to sit next to him.
"See what I tell you?" the girl scoffs. "Completely mad!"
You shake your head as Draco clenches his fists.
"I did want to become one of them, y/n. I was eager to please my father. I was so stupid and now look where I'm at...," Draco cries, cupping his face with his hands.
"Draco... You are going to be alright. I swear to you," you smile, wiping his tears away.
"I'm so lucky, y/n...," Draco sighs.
"What do you mean? Just a few minutes ago, you were talking about how much you hated your situation...."
"I'm lucky to have you. everyone has an amazing girlfriend like y/n y/l/n," Draco smiles. "You're so supportive, y/n. You're the best. You got me through the war, y/n. You really are amazing."
"Oh, you," you grin, wrapping your arms around him. "You're amazing, too, and I love you more than anything."
Draco chuckles and nuzzles closer to you, closing his eyes.
"Never leave, y/n?"
"Never, Draco," you reply wholeheartedly.
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A/N: This chapter was 850 words long! Thanks for reading! There will be another Q&A at 100k! Please submit your questions via comment! Thanks again!
- Soiea