Prologue
The Ministry today unveiled a new post-War social program: the Agency for the Rehabilitation of Death Eater's Children.
Legislation, spearheaded by Percy Weasley, passed the Wizengamot last night by an overwhelming majority. Personally, I am outraged that of all individuals, Percy Weasley is the main proponent of this legislation, given no-one has ever been able to prove where his loyalties truly laid during the Second War.
The new act requires the children of all confirmed Death Eaters, regardless of their affiliation during the Second War, to register with ARDEC. Each child will be assigned a caseworker, who will work with them to overcome the prejudices instilled in them by virtue of their unfortunate parentage.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," states Muggle-born Hermione Granger, caseworker for ARDEC. "It will give Muggle-borns the opportunity to share their history in a way that was never allowed for or required by the Hogwarts curriculum."
Supporters of ARDEC believe this rehabilitation process will allow these children the opportunity to move past their anti-Muggle biases and integrate into Wizard society as well-rounded, open-minded adults.
"It's not fair," states Pansy Parkinson. "If we had wanted to learn about Muggles, we could have taken a class in school. I've never hurt a Muggle and fail to understand how talking about my feelings will improve me."
Outraged? Relieved? Owl Rita and let her know what you think! The best responses will appear in next week's "Rita Writes"!
The young man slammed his fist into the tabletop, upsetting the sugar bowl and causing his coffee to slosh onto the older man's toast. The older man glared at him. However, upon seeing the look of rage and despair in the younger man's eyes, his look changed to that of concern. The younger man held out the newspaper, slightly crumpled under the stress of his flexing hands, to his older companion, and with a stabbing finger, indicated the offending article.
He took the paper and scanned the contents of the article in question. His lips thinned to an almost non-existent line, and he looked up at the younger man, who ran a hand through his shoulder-length blond hair.
"I'm fucked, aren't I?"
"Indeed," the older man sneered. "Indeed."
AN: This story was written for the help_chile challenge on LJ. It was written for kerravonsen for her winning prompt: "I'd like something Severus/Hermione, with a side order of Draco redemption, if possible. It would probably have to be AU for all of that to work. I'd prefer it to be something where neither Severus nor Hermione had a secret crush for the other all along: I like to see the relationship develop from nothing."
I hope that gives y'all an idea of where this is going. Please note that chapters will alternate between Snape's POV and Draco's POV. Thanks to clairvoyant12 for the wonderful beta work and moral support!
As this is written for charity, if you are wary of WIPs, please don't be; it will be finished.