Draco sat counting the white marble spirals that lined the Ministry's floor. He felt Pansy's hand rest on his knee in a comforting gesture. He welcomed it, knowing the gesture comforted her more than him. They all needed comfort, especially today. To his left, Theo sat with an almost identical expression on his face that Draco had: stoic, calm. They both knew that it was just an act. They had too many feelings going through them. Behind him, he could hear the taps of Blaise's shoes echoing through the empty hallway. Draco knew it was bothering them all, but they did not have it in them to tell Blaise to stop. He went back to counting the spirals. 125, 126, 127… His monotony was disrupted by Pansy's manicured nails digging into his knee.
"Shit, Pans," he hissed as he rubbed the source of the pain.
He expected an apology of some sort but did not get one. He looked up and realized that Pansy's gaze was not even on him. He followed it to find it fixated on three figures emerging from the Minister's office. The sudden silence in the hall indicated that Blaise had seen them too. Draco glanced at Theo to see him still gazing at the floor.
The three figures exited the office and only then saw the four Slytherins sitting there. All smiles quickly vanishing from their faces. Whether from surprise or anger, Draco did not know. Weasley quickly changed his expression to a glare. Potter and Granger both wore looks void of emotion. Draco met Granger's eyes for the briefest of seconds before turning his gaze to Potter. Potter offered him a nod of the head which Draco returned. He had no reason to hold any malice against him. He had saved them all from the fucked up lives they were leading. The guy was a good guy. He had testified for his mother for fuck's sake.
His mother…. He quickly turned his head back to the floor as he heard the three sets of feet walk away. Blaise resumed his pacing, Draco his counting, Theo stayed staring at the ground, and Pansy ran her hands through her hair and sighed.
"The Minister is ready for you," Draco glanced up to see an old lady with a kind face staring back at them. But as Draco met her eyes, he saw no kindness. They were cold and filled with hatred. He should be used to this, but was not. Not yet anyway. He assumed that there would soon come a day where all their stares would not matter to him, just like everything else, but right now, it still stung. He saw Pansy help Theo up and held out her hand for him to hold. Theo accepted. Comfort. They needed it.
All four entered the room and took the empty seats in front of the Minister's desk.
"Hello Mr. Malfoy," the baritone voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt said. "Mr. Zabini, Mr. Nott, Miss Parkinson."
"Minister," Draco offered for the four of them. Kingsley smiled at him in return.
"I know all four of you have experienced some troubling months," Years, Draco mentally corrected. "We all have." Kingsley continued. "Today, I cannot lie, will also be difficult. We have some paperwork we have to go through first and then we can continue to the real reason you all are here today."
Four heads nodded in agreement.
"Now, did you want to do this separately, or to-"
"Together," they said unison, cutting Kingsley off. He nodded in understanding and waved a stack of folders over to his desk.
"Perfect. We will start with you, Mr. Nott,"
Theo lifted his eyes to meet Kingsley's.
"Your father, as you know, has been sentenced to the Dementor's kiss and will serve out his waiting time in Azkaban. Your mother has been moved to the Psychiatric Ward at St. Mungo's. Unfortunately, she still has not been cleared for visitors and it may be quite some time before she is. We have not found the remains of your sister, but I assure you that our Aurors are working very hard to locate them so that you can have a funeral."
Draco rolled his eyes subtly. He knew Kingsley was on their side, but he doubt the Auror department was. He wanted to say exactly that to Kingsley, but stopped himself. He did not want to make this harder for the rest of them. He saw Theo getting paler with each word. He wanted to reach over to give him a hug, a hand to hold, anything. But his father's voice nagged his mind.
"Purebloods show no emotion, Draco. Emotions are a sign of weakness."
"The Nott Estate, of course, falls into your hands, Theo. Our Aurors are going in and raiding the place of any Dark objects. After that, it completely falls to you-"
"Can-can I ask a favor, Minister?" Theo's voice came out raspy. As if he hadn't spoken in weeks. And as Draco thought about it, he can't remember the last time he heard Theo's voice. Theo looked to his three best friends for support. Pansy offered a smile.
"Of course, Theo, what is it?"
"Burn it. Please," Theo said looking straight at Kingsley. "I…I will keep the land….just burn the house."
If Kingsley was surprised by Theo's request, he did not show it. Draco was not surprised. He thought of doing the same thing to the Manor, but then he remembered his mother. He wanted her to be comfortable.
"If that is what you want Theo, then we can definitely do that," Kingsley responded. Theo nodded and sunk back into his seat.
"We will move onto Miss Parkinson," Pansy sat up straighter. "Pansy, as you also know, your father has been sentenced to the Dementor's kiss. He will also be serving out the rest of his time in Azkaban. Parkinson Manor is now yours." Kingsley paused as if waiting for Pansy to request the same thing to Theo. She did not say a word, instead she nodded. Kingsley smiled and turned to Blaise.
"Mr. Zabini, we cannot locate your mother. We have Aurors searching everywhere for her. Because of this, we do not think it is wise for you to return to your estate. Do you have a place to stay?"
Blaise looked conflicted. Draco knew he wanted good news on the whereabouts of his mother.
"Yes, Minister," Blaise answered. "I will stay with Draco."
"Very well," Kingsley responded. "We will have Aurors sent over to the apartment to make sure that the proper charms are cast. Would that be okay Draco?"
Draco grudgingly nodded. Honestly, he did not want Aurors to step foot into his apartment, but he did not want to upset Kingsley.
"Perfect, now onto you Mr. Malfoy," Kingsley turned his gaze to Draco and offered him a small smile. Draco did not return it, but Kingsley was not expecting him too.
"First, I want to thank you for coming to me to discuss all of this. I know it is a lot to go through and it is a lot you have already gone through,"
Draco nodded, but said nothing.
"I hope this is not too inappropriate Draco, but I also wanted to let you know that I never thought you like your father," Kingsley said sincerely. Draco saw Pansy and Blaise exchange surprised looks. "You are so like your mother. I don't know if I ever expressed this to you, but I am very grateful that you came to us during the way. I also believe that I need to apologize."
All four sets of eyes, now filled with shock, turned to look at Kingsley. He looked sincere and truthful.
"I thought it would have been beneficial not to reveal your true alliance during the war. I was mistaken. I asked the four of you to continue living in your bigoted lives when you asked for a chance to see light. It has been my greatest disappointment. I truthfully hope that the four of you can forgive me. I see the looks everyone gives you four, unknowingly. It is undeserving."
"Minister… Kingsley," Draco said catching his attention. "It is okay. We know that we would not have been welcomed with opened arms. We all did what we had to do. We did what we had to survive. We forgive you."
The other three nodded in agreement. Kingsley looked impressed and touched.
"Thank you," he responded then proceeded to clear his throat as if getting rid of any emotion that may have built up in there. "Now Mr. Malfoy, as you know, your father has the same fate as the others. Malfoy Manor is now yours."
"It is my mother's," Draco said. "She will keep it and do as she wishes."
Kingsley nodded. He finished writing all the paperwork and moved to receive four familiar letters.
"I have one more thing to address to the four of you before we move on," he continued. "Hogwarts is opening once more."
He handed each of them their letters.
"Headmistress McGonagall has expressed her wishes for those in your year to come back to school to repeat your final year. The Ministry is highly in agreement in this decision with Hogwarts and also encourages your seventh year to be repeated. Do you have any questions?"
"So we definitely have to go back?" Pansy said eyeing her letter.
"It is not required, but as your Minister I am requiring you," Kingsley said smiling.
Pansy laughed lightly, but Draco knew that she did not want to go back. None of them really did. "Of course I am joking, but I do highly suggest going back, The Ministry job requirements have not changed. You do still need to obtain your NEWTs to get a job. However, I know that this is a new world we are living in. There are many people who have lost loved ones who will have a hard time moving on. I am afraid that grudges will be held, on both sides. But, I also want you four to know that if you have any problems at all, you can owl me directly."
Draco turned to Theo to see him with shock all over his face. Blaise and Pansy looked similar. Draco knew that Kingsley was just trying to make up for everything that had happened during the war. And to be honest, he was doing a great job so far.
"Thank you very much, Minister," Pansy smiled. Kingsley returned it before standing and making his way around the desk to stand directly in front of them.
"Now I am afraid it is time for the hard part," Kingsley's voice went serious. Draco felt his palms get sweaty. "I know none of you want to do this. But it is Wizarding Law. If a family member is receiving the dementor's kiss, they must meet with one member of their family. It is meant to act as their last chance to remember their humanity."
Blaise looked at his three best friends as they all got up and followed Kingsley out of the office to the lift. Ignoring all the looks they were receiving, they made their way. Once the doors closed, Kingsley turned to them.
"You will each have 5 minutes," he said. "Mr. Zabini, you will stay with me." Blaise nodded but continued looking at the pale expressions on his best friends' faces. They should not have to be put in a room with their sadistic parents. He hoped none of them would break character, even though it didn't matter if their parents knew now or not. They were locked up. For him, it was a different story. Either way, none of their parents needed to know that their children did not believe the bullshit they've been spewing for years.
"Mr. Nott, you will be in holding room 1." Kingsley continued.
"Theo," Draco said to his friend who was getting paler by the second. When Theo did not look up, Draco let out a more forceful, "Theo!"
Theo's head snapped up to meet Draco's eyes.
"It will be okay. It is only 5 minutes," Draco said.
"Drake, he killed Elizabeth. He tortured my mum." Theo was visibly shaking now. Pansy stepped closer to him and grasped his hand. Blaise put a hand on his shoulder.
"We know Theo. We know. But we have to. You need to get yourself together. You are a damn good Legilimens. We all are." Draco grabbed Theo's shoulders as an attempt to stop him from shaking. "I believe in you, mate. Theo, I believe in you."
Theo took some deep breaths and sent a small smile at his friends. Draco stepped back and met Kingsley's eyes. He had an odd expression on his face. One of thought mixed with guilt. Draco looked away as he waited to hear where his father was located.
Kingsley cleared his throat and continued, "Miss Parkinson, you'll be in holding room 2." Pansy let go of Theo's hand and blew out a long breath. "Okay," she replied.
"Mr. Malfoy," Kingsley said turning to Draco. "Room 3."
Draco nodded. The lift opened and Kingsley led them through the Auror office. Draco once again, ignored all the glares, stares, and whispers. They were led through another series of doors before finally stopping. In front of them were large metal doors with Aurors on each side. Each door was clearly marked by numbers. Draco moved to stand in front of the one marked three. He looked to his right to see Pansy and Theo following his lead.
"There will be Aurors in there with you. They have the Muffliato charm cast on them to ensure privacy." All three nodded. Then the doors opened.
The room was all metal. The emptiness that filled Draco meant that no magic was allowed to be performed. In the middle of the room sat a metal desk with one chair on each side, He glanced at both Aurors. They both faced the table, but neither was looking at him. Draco tried to take some deep calming breaths that Pansy had recommended they try. He found no use in them. Sighing, he instead focused on putting the walls up around his mind. Lucius has never been able to break them and he was not about to let him break them now. Just as Draco finished, the door on the other side of the room opened. In walked a shackled Lucius led by a pair of burly Aurors. They let go of him and went to stand beside the other door in the room.
Draco took in his father's appearance. His hair was tangled and greasy. His cheeks were sunken and his lips chapped. He looked like he was in desperate need of a shower. If Draco had an ounce of sympathy left in him directed at his father then he would have felt it all in that moment. But now… now he could not help but think that his father deserved every bit of punishment he got. He knew that karma was a bitch and Lucius was on the receiving end now.
Lucius slowly sat down opposite of Draco and stared at him. Draco stared back before clearing his throat.
"Father."
"Draco," Lucius replied, his voice sounded like sandpaper. "You are looking well, son."
"Thank you." Draco did not return the sentiment. Lucius looked like shit.
"How is your mother?"
With those four words, Draco froze. How dare he ask about her? After everything he had done to her, to them, he dared to ask. Draco clenched his hands and took a deep breath. When he looked up, he saw Lucius smirking.
"You have always been too much like your mother, Draco," Lucius said. Draco continued staring at him. "You are soft. A coward. You have too many...feelings. The Dark Lord was right about you. You will never be a great wizard. You will never do something worthy of remembering. You and Narcissa are both disgraces to the Malfoy name."
Draco's jaw clenched. Lucius saw it and his smirk widened even more. Draco sat processing his father's words before deciding his. He didn't care; this man sitting in front of him was a stranger. A dead man. When he decided to speak, his voice came out low and threatening.
"If mother and I are disgraces to the Malfoy name then no words make me happier. The more I am like Mother and less like you, the better. You are a lousy person. What happened to you? What made you become such a spineless excuse of a wizard?"
"Don't you dare speak to-," Lucius yelled at him, but Draco cut him off.
"I will speak to you however I damn well please! You are no longer the man whom I looked up to. I hold no respect for you anymore; do you want to know when that started?"
Lucius was red in the face and seething. His nostrils were flared and he was breathing heavily. Draco reveled at how he angry he was making his father. He knew exactly where he was going with this conversation, consequences be damned.
"It was the summer before my fourth year, Father. I found out what you were planning. What you did to Mother… Imagine that: the man I thought to be someone I wanted to grow up to be, was nothing more than a brainless oaf. I went to Severus. I told him everything. He took us, all of us, the ones who you all assumed was on your side, to the Order. To Kingsley Shaklebolt and Albus Dumbledore. We were under their protection. We served the Order as spies. And you know what? I am fucking proud of what I did." Draco did not even realize that he was standing until he was done. He sat back down and glared at his father who looked like he had been slapped in the face. Draco smirked before continuing:
"No one knows what we did, only Kingsley now. But it does not matter. We know. If what I did makes me weak, if it makes me a coward, so be it. Those words mean nothing to me. I am proud to be my mother's son. My father, on the other hand… Well, let's just say, I have never been happier than I was the day they announced your sentence."
Draco leant back in his chair. He felt lighter like he was no longer carrying the weight of the world. He could finally live his life. Lucius was looking at him like he had no idea who he was. And truthfully, he did not know his son. Draco knew that he and his friends had talked about keeping their roles in the war from their parents, but he saw no point in that anymore. The war was over. The Light won. His father was sentenced to a fate worse than death. There should be no reason why he should not tell him the truth. He wanted to hurt him. He wanted him to know that his only child did not believe the same ideologies that he did. Lucius cleared his throat.
"Is it true?" he asked, his eyes disbelieving.
"Why would I lie?" Draco responded snarkily before sighing. "Yes, it is true. Every word I just told you is the truth."
Lucius looked into his son's eyes before responding, hate filling his voice.
"You disgust me," he spat. Draco just smiled.
"Father, enjoy the last few days of your life." Draco looked at the Aurors who were moving towards them. He stood and stared at the man who raised him for a final time. Lucius looked like he was having an internal battle. He opted for glaring at his son before he was pulled out of the room. Draco turned to exit the room, turning his back on his father and his past.
When he reentered the corridor, he saw Pansy already standing with Blaise with a torn expression on her face. Draco hurriedly made his way over.
"Pans, you okay?" he asked as he approached.
"Yes, I think so," she replied turning to face him. "I just told my father about everything."
"Great!" Draco exclaimed. "Me too"
"How did yours react?"
Draco shrugged. "Just like I expected him to: stubborn. Why? How did yours react?"
"Calmly," Pansy replied softly. "Too calm…He told me that he always knew that I would disappoint him. Then he calmly told me about my mom…everything about her…what he did to her…"
Draco and Blaise exchanged shocked looks, but before they could enquire further, Theo emerged from his room. He had a smile plastered across his face. He jogged up to his friends happily.
"I told him," he said. "I told him what we did. How much I hate him and how I am happy he'll be gone."
Pansy and Draco smiled at Theo. "Us too," Draco responded.
Blaise stood looking shocked. "Hang on for a bloody second! I thought," he started. "I thought we agreed not to tell them anything."
Pansy was about to respond when Kingsley came back over.
"It looks like everything went well. Your parents are back in their cells at Azkaban." Kingsley smiled at them as he started leading them out of the Auror office. "Did you guys happen to tell them anything about your roles in the war?"
They nodded.
"I just felt like I needed to," Draco responded. "I did not want him to think that I was anything like him."
Kingsley nodded as they reached the Floo area.
"I agree with you Mr. Malfoy. You four have nothing to be ashamed of. You don't have to hide anymore," He smiled at them. "Thank you all for coming in. I know it was hard, but it needed to be done."
They returned the smile as they shook hands with him and exited through the Floo into their new lives.