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Enjoy!
June 5, 1998
It had been a shite day. In the morning, he stood trial at Wizengamot with his mother and father. Thanks to Potter, he'd gotten off with merely a slap on the wrist. His mother was declared innocent, and his father got lucky. Although Lucius wasn't sentenced to Azkaban, he was placed under permanent house arrest, with his wand privileges revoked until the Ministry saw it fit to declare otherwise. And as they were leaving the trial, they were met with insults and sneers to their faces. Some had even spat on them, condemning them to places much worse than Azkaban.
He was angry. Angry at those stupid reporters who had shoved their cameras in their faces. Angry at those who'd insulted his mother. But he was mostly angry at himself. For being so stupid. There had been a time during the height of his naivete when he had wanted to be a Death Eater. He wanted the glory he thought it came with, and he wanted to make his father proud. But now, the mark on his arm was an ugly reminder of his cowardice and failures. It ridiculed him; it was a result of every single, stupid decision he had made. It had faded since the Dark Lord died, but Draco wondered if it will ever truly disappear one day. He hoped for it.
A knock at his bedroom door interrupted his thoughts, and his mother's voice called for him from behind.
"Draco?"
"Come in, Mother," he replied.
She walked over to where he stood, and seeing his defeated expression, she placed a hand on his cheek. She was more loving to him now, as a mother should, since the war was a sharp reminder of how easily it could snatch away the people you love.
He gave her a small smile in return.
With a flick of her wand, the latest Firebolt model swooped into her free hand. His eyes goggled, as he looked at his mother, then to the broom she was holding.
"Happy birthday, Draco," she beamed at his reaction, and signalled for him to take it.
"Thank you, Mother," he breathed as he admired the broom in his hands.
"Why not have a go?" she suggested. He could use a distraction.
Grinning, Draco kissed her cheek. "I'll be back before dinner, Mother."