It's Like Meeting You Again (Given Another Chance)

by FadingLikeShatteredGlass

After the war, Draco Malfoy can be just Draco. Someone in control of his own life, without the horrifying fear and the extreme manipulation. He can make his own decisions now and maybe he wants to be friends with Harry Potter.

"Potter."

"Malfoy," I greeted, staring holes into him. There was something different in his eyes and I wasn't exactly sure what it was this time. Over the years, I had gotten pretty good at reading his expressions, or at least I thought so. But I hadn't seen this one before.

His gaze shifted to the floor as if it were more bearable. "I..." Then there was suddenly deep pain in his eyes. "I'm glad you came back..." Then there was sorrow and then relief.

I opened my mouth, unsure what I was going to say but he spoke again before I could.

"If possible, I'd like to start over." He held his hand out towards me. "I'm Draco Malfoy, a person who's striving to be better, stronger, and less influenced by the words and opinions of others. I'd like to get to know you, the real you, and be friends, not enemies."