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Written for;

The Occasion A Day Competition, Day 18 - Write about a reformed character trying to make amends.


Amends To Make


Draco walked down the narrow corridor of he Hogwarts Express, his legs feeling like they were filled with lead, his stomach playing host to a swarm of butterflies. Although he'd only admit it in his own head, he was terrified about the results of the confrontation he was about to ignite. He had little hope that it was going to go well, but he also knew he had to try.

It was the only thing to do.

He knocked on the door, waiting patiently for one of the most famous trio of Gyffindors to grace the train in many years to open the door. The door slid open, and Draco wasn't surprised to see Potter with his wand trained on him before he could even take a step into the cart. Raising his hands in a surrender motion, Draco cleared his throat.

"Potter, Weasley, Granger," he greeted, glancing at Longbottom and Lovegood. Nodding to them, he returned his eyes to Harry. "I came to apologise for my behaviour towards all of you in our previous years at Hogwarts. I know that no apology will ever be large enough, but I hope that you can see that I'm sincere, and wish to put our past behind us. I'm not asking for friendship, I'm well aware that too much water has passed under the bridge, but I do wish to offer a truce. I truly am sorry for everything I've said and done with regard to you."

He held his breath, waiting for the derision he was surely facing. When it didn't come, Draco didn't really know how to react. He watched Potter glance at his friends, who both shrugged. Then he did surprise Draco.

He stuck out his hand.

A very small part of Draco wanted to refuse the hand, as Potter had done all those years ago, but he squashed that down and accepted the handshake.

"Thank you," he murmured as their hands dropped. Hand on the door, Draco turned to look at Weasley. "I'm sorry about your brother."

Weasley looked shocked, but surprisingly to Draco, he didn't look angry. "Thanks."

Nodding, Draco left the compartment, closing the door with a soft click. He'd noticed the lopsided smile on Potter's face, and he felt a small flutter of acceptance. He had a lot of amends to make, but at least he'd made a start. With the hardest done, Draco could finally let the hope in his chest blossom.

Perhaps his life wasn't going to be completely ruled by his mistakes after all.