A new beginning
The halls of Hogwarts had seen better days, the grounds were dried, cracked and blood stained but the castle stood firmly against the forces of evil. As the sun rose over the horizon a sense of freedom and light filled all those in the wizarding world, evil was finally abated for, hopefully, the last time.
Standing in the Headmistress' office, Hermione and Ron listened to the praises and many congratulations given to them by past Heads of Hogwarts. They stood there waiting for Harry Potter, the Chosen One, to get back from the Forbidden Forest. The whoops, hollers and cheers were silenced as someone walked into the room. It was none other Draco Malfoy hanging his head with soft footfalls hitting the cold stone floor.
He nodded at the others in the room before sitting on one of the chairs placed in front of the elongated desk. ''I'm sorry'' He said it almost inaudibly that Ron and Hermione thought it could have been the whisper of the wind. He looked up with remorseful eyes, but soon they changed back to distant blue-grey orbs staring into the distance.
Ron was the first to realise what had taken place and began to form a response which was swiftly stopped by a nudge in the ribs by an astounded Hermione. ''Ronald, don't even think about it.'' she reprimanded in a tone reminiscent of the Weasley matriarch. Only then did she make her way towards the usually arrogant Slytherin boy. Her hand landed on his slouched shoulder and squeezed it in a comforting manner. Bending over, she whispered in his ear, ''Your parents are worried sick looking for you, Draco.''
Draco's tired and wary grey eyes met Hermione's warm and caring chocolate ones. The forgiveness and softness emanating from her prompted him to say something he thought he'd never say. Bursting forth through the open doorway holding the snitch triumphantly, Harry paused sensing something of importance was taking place. ''Guess there is no better time than the present.'' The young Malfoy said in a clearer more confident voice. ''Look, I've been a right prat. I've said and done infinitely terrible things, which probably means I didn't deserve you guys saving m useless arse out there-''
''Right you are, mate'' Harry said sensing that this conversation needed some sort of comedian relief. ''But even you deserve a second chance.'' he intoned as two other familiar figures made their presence in the room clear.
''Father.'' Draco said rising up from the chirping he was sitting ''I-''
''Sit down Draco.'' his father ordered in somewhat tired tone. ''I think it's time me straighten things out.''
Pacing the room, holding his snake-headed cane in his right hand he began thinking of how to word his confessions and apologies regally; so as not to besmirch the Malfoy family name. Just as he opened his mouth, Minerva McGonagall came through the door, black robes billowing behind her and a smile on her wrinkle-ridden face. The Headmistress was momentarily immobilized from shock. There she saw enemies in the same room, without as much as a duel or sure flying at each other. What shocked her most was the unbidden look of remorse written over Draco Malfoy's war stained face.
''Mistress Malfoy, Potter and Weasley,'' she said nodding in each man's direction. ''Ms. Granger, Mrs Malfoy.'' she said walking rather regally towards the elongated and tall black chair sitting behind it. ''What is it that brings you here, to my office?''
An awkward silence filled the room, ''Actually, it's Ms Black. Soon enough.'' Narcissa replied ''But that's here nor there.'' The lady in question, now had six shocked expressions sent her way , along with her soon to be ex-husband's scowl at her bluntness.
Another awkward silence blanketed the room, as everyone's mind adjusted to the news and goings on. ''Headmistress,'' it was Draco who spoke first. ''I was just apologising and thanking Po- Harry, Ron and Hermione for the past as well as saving my arsenal during the battle.''
''Lovely wording, Draco.'' McGonagall replied rather cautiously as she took a seat in the black armchair ''What say you, Lucius? Is there really need for pacing?''
''Minerva'' Lucius started not able to say much else, his pleading grey orbs drilled into the Headmistress' face allowing his eyes to say the word his mouth could not form. ''I am a proud man, I do not care for begging.''
The Golden Trio watched and gauged McGonagall's reaction, wondering what she was to do or say. ''Very well, I see how it is going to see, Lucius.'' She replied in a cool voice. ''We-motioning to Draco and the others- will be happy to wait until you have decided to let down that infernal pride of yours. Until then, I'm sure the Minister of Magic is awaiting you, as is the Wizengamot.''