A/N - I lied. I realized we had one more little loose end to tie up before everyone finds out why the Wealseys are so upset with our dear Mr. Malfoy.
Two days after returning from Hogwarts, Draco was in the garden, lazily throwing seeds to the peacocks, when McGonagall and Shacklebolt came to see him.
His first thought was panic. Oh shit, the Ministry had come for him again. Then he realized there were only two of them, wands were not visible, and Shacklebolt was actually smiling.
"Mr. Malfoy," the headmistress addressed him. "I came to offer my congratulations. You made straight O's on all of your NEWTs. You will be our class valedictorian for this year."
Draco was dumbfounded."What? But Granger..."
"Made an Exceeds Expectations on her Potions exam," McGonagall smiled at him. "Graduation will be Friday evening at 6pm in the Great Hall. I shall see you then. Meanwhile I must go to the house to share the good news with your parents before returning to Hogwarts."
She turned and left them.
Shacklebolt was still smiling at him. He held out his hand. "I wish to offer my congratulations as well, Mr. Malfoy. There are very few students who make five Outstandings, and certainly not with everything you've been through the past few months."
"Thank you sir," Draco shook his hand, positive there was more to this meeting than just congratulating the valedictorian.
"And I would like to offer you a job," Bingo! "You've been highly recommended by several individuals to pursue Auror training. It would be an honor to have you join our program."
Draco looked at the ground for a moment before looking back at the Minister. "Sir, I'm honored that you've even asked me. But I don't think that being an Auror is for me. No offense, but I've had enough secrets and lies to last a lifetime."
The Minister nodded. "I can respect that answer, Mr. Malfoy. However, I am going to keep the offer open and would ask you to think about it. If you change your mind..."
"Thank you sir," Draco nodded as well.
By that time, his parents were running down the path toward him.
Draco had to make fucking speech at the graduation. Unfortunately, it was expected of the valedictorian. He wrote a monologue of how he hoped the wizarding world would move forward in peace and unity for the future generations, which is exactly what everyone would want to hear. He put on his best Slytherin face and gave the performance everyone expected. He didn't show that it bothered him that the Weasel muttered all night long that he must have cheated to beat Hermione out as valedictorian. He pretended not to notice that the group in the Great Hall had segregated themselves, the Weasleys and Grangers in one corner, the Malfoys and Longbottoms in another, and everyone else, including Harry, in a third. He told himself that it was for the best that Luna didn't show.
He almost believed it.
