Note: This story will a combination of a series of letters and narration. Astoria may have an immature thinking at times because of her past sheltered life. A slight patience with development will be appreciated.

This story contains a few elements from the novel, Daddy-Long-Legs as I feel that some parts of it are of great inspiration, however the story is significantly different. I also do not own any of the Harry Potter characters. Credit goes to the two authors and the creator of the image of the book cover.

"Tell me, Mr Malfoy. Has something gone into your head?" Professor McGonagall was chewing a piece of shortbread a little too furiously. She carefully studied the young man in front of her. He had hardly changed. His platinum blond hair was combed away to reveal a pale face with a sharply tapered jawline. Most striking of all were his grey eyes that flickered with indignance, coupled with a frown that soured the mood.

"I think I am completely normal, Professor." His arrogant nonchalance made her exasperatedly adjust her pointed witch's hat to the optimum angle that made her appear taller. Under McGonagall's table, Draco's hands kept shifting restlessly. He forced his muscles to stiffen, restraining the urge to let his anxiety take hold of him. McGonagall removed the round glasses that sat the sharp tip of her nose, dropping a few crumbs in the process. She squinted hard at him. Her usually quiet office had turned into a cold war, there was silent chaos brewing between the two of them. She pursed her lips, itching to make a few cutting remarks, but they abruptly clamped shut. Quietly looking down, Draco was unsure if he was supposed to hide anything from her. He felt his patience trickling away quickly and finally, it got the better of him. "Are you taking the deal or not, Professor?"

"And you say that you have repented, Mr Malfoy." McGonagall's reply was laced with a harsh iciness that plagued him. Draco said nothing, his pretentiously innocent expression challenging her. McGonagall sighed exasperatedly and rubbed her temples, creasing the wrinkles at her forehead. She wondered defeatedly, as her bony hand reached out for another biscuit, how she could possibly have ended up at the losing end.

"There is one student, Astoria Greengrass." McGonagall noisily chewed on a ginger newt while scraping her head to ensure that her grey-streaked hair was still in place. Having found a brief moment of solace, she placed her elbows back on her desk with returned authority, its emerald green sleeves draping elegantly. Draco feigned uninterest, but she was keen enough to observe that he was listening. He played around with the name in his mind, it sounded familiar to him, except that he could never remember anyone he had met. It was never worth the trouble. "Her family had just lost their inherited wealth, which for years they had relied upon." She ran a finger along the edge of the table, clearly troubled attempting to find a source of distraction. "I'm afraid she may not be able to finish her next year of final education."

"I'll do it." McGonagall suddenly sat up straight, nearly falling out of her chair. There was a secret satisfaction in knowing that she had finally managed to knock some sense to him. He looked at her with surprising determination, nodding with a casual uncertainty to convince himself of the decision. "Let me pay for everything she needs. Her books, robes, Hogsmeade. Anything." McGonagall took a huge bite of the ginger newt to stall time, dusting her hands.

"And how would you like her to repay you?"

"Nothing." He slipped an envelope towards her and before she could question further, he stood up prompting, a small sense of pride and assurance swelling in him "Farewell, Professor." The door of the Headmaster's Office hastily slammed close.

McGonagall could not help but give a small smile.

To: Whomever it may concern

I have made the decision to do some charity and provide financial assistance to a selected student in Hogwarts. I trust that you will handle the matter responsibly. Outlined below is a sensible nine-point plan, for your viewing.

1. Your final year of education in Hogwarts will be paid for.

2. You will receive a weekly allowance sent by owl to purchase anything required. Your allowance is to be spent purely on necessities. Should you need extra money, a highly unlikely scenario, you are to write to me with the reason specified. The guidelines for writing your letters are as follows below.

3. You will write to me minimally once a week, detailing in your letters the use of my allowance. I wish to remain anonymous to you, therefore there is no need to address me with any particular name.

4. I do not wish to see in your letters any complaints or sharing of problems. I am merely a benefactor and I do not take any interest in what you are doing.

5. There is no need for me to receive any form of payment. However, it is expected that you take your education seriously.

6. I would not like to receive appreciation in any form, whether it is gifts or written. Any gratitude from you is uncalled for.

7. You are forbidden to question anything about me.

8. After you have completed your education, you are to cut off contact and stop writing to me.

9. I will completely ignore your letters and no reply will be given. I hate girls.

Prologue is done, the letters from Astoria will start coming in soon. Any reviews and feedback are welcomed. Updates will be on Tuesdays, every one to two weeks.