This is my first story and after months of procrastinating, I finished the first chapter in roughly 2 long days. Just how lazy can I get?

Disclaimer- All things Harry Potter related is the property of one JK Rowling.

CHAPTER 1: A FAMILY

Draco Malfoy was sitting at the edge of his huge four-poster bed, staring blankly at the cream-colored walls of his bedroom at his family's manor, clutching his Hogwarts letter in one hand and twirling his wand in the other, when there was a crack and a house-elf appeared.

"Master Draco", the elf intoned, bowing deeply, her nose almost touching the floor. "The Master Malfoy is requesting for you at his study, Sir."

Draco looked up at the house-elf who was his caretaker since infancy and who was loyal and devoted to him through the years and, he smiled lightly at this, who still wore the pillow case Draco hand-painted for her when he realized that it was too boring. "Tell him I'll be along Mimpy."

"Yes sir." And with another bow and a crack she disappeared.

Draco stood up and walked out of his room. Climbing a flight of stairs and turning towards the right wing of the Manor, he proceeded until he came upon a single wooden door with the Malfoy Crest etched into its center. The Crest was of two serpents with emerald eyes, in parallel with each other and clutching a wand at each of their mouths. The wands intersect each other, forming the letter M.

He took a deep breath and rapped his knuckles twice on the door.

"Enter."

Draco opened the door and entered the spacious room where his father spends most of his hours, handling the family business. Shutting the door silently behind him, he stood still, looking around at the too familiar surroundings. Three of the walls had a light brown hue covering them while the east wall was completely made of glass, looking out on his mother's part of the garden. A fireplace was off to one side flanked by a low table and two couches and several bookshelves as well.

"Have a seat Draco." His father said as he turned to look at his only child gesturing to one of the two chairs in front of the huge wooden desk that dominated the central north area of the room. He was previously looking out the glass wall and thus, had his back turned when Draco entered. Lucius sat on the other chair leaning back casually. The two regarded each other coolly, looking very much alike. Right from the straight ash blonde hair-only Lucius' were longer- to the silver eyes that revealed almost nothing, down to that famous Malfoy smirk. Draco inherited the proud, aristocratic facial structure of the Black family though, ending in a prominent cleft chin.

"I see you have received your Hogwarts letter." He indicated the piece of parchment still held in Draco's left hand. "Have you decided yet?"

"Decided on what Sir?" Draco was confused. Was he supposed to be deciding on something? Funny, he couldn't remember any.

"If you'll be going back to Hogwarts or not." Lucius looked and felt impatient, but he didn't act on it.

Draco looked at his father in shock. Never in his entire life, as far as he could remember, did his father ask him about his choices. His actions were always based on his father's opinion and say in the matter.

"Well?", Lucius prompted.

"B-but..I-i.." He stuttered for a moment and mentally cursed for displaying such weakness in front of his father. He cleared his throat before continuing. "But I thought you want me to finish my studies before I take my place at the company? Now, you're telling me I could not go back if I wanted to?"

For a moment, Lucius looked ucomfortable. For years, he willed himself to shrug everything off as if it was nothing, hiding behind his perfect façade of an emotionless dictator. This he forced upon his son too. But times have changed, especially after the war, and he decided when he almost lost his family on that horrible battle, that he would try and become a better husband and father. But damn, it wasn't easy- not when you're Lucius Malfoy.

"Of course", Lucius intoned. "You're a grown man now Draco, I know you can make your own choices perfectly. And before you say anything else, we, that is, your mother and I, will support you in whatever decision you make."

Draco still could not believe his own ears. Here was the great Lucius Malfoy whose words were considered as the law in the family telling him he can do anything he want-well, almost anything – and that he'll be supporting Draco. Top that! Draco knows that his father was trying to change, much to his mother's happiness, and become more of a part of the family and he knew it wasn't easy. So hearing those words come from his father's mouth gave Draco a very warm feeling in him. And as he bid his father a good day after telling him that he will make up his mind soon and was walking back towards his room, a thought entered his mind.

Maybe, hopefully, they would one day become what it means to be truly a family.

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