AUTHOR'S NOTES: A very short chapter, but a poignant one. This chapter sparks new beginnings and lives

Chapter 21 Second Chances

Mallory sat next to Draco's bedside, holding his hand. Looking up briefly, Mallory caught Luna's eye for a second.

Luna sat next to Neville on the other side of the ward, also holding his hand and trying to bring her boyfriend back to the land of the living.

It was almost a month since Voldemort had finally been defeated and the wizarding world was celebrating constantly. There were parties and feasts almost every day. The stores in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade were reporting record business and Hogwarts exams had been canceled in celebration.

St. Mungo's was having record drops in the amount of injuries, but since this meant a lack of dark magic, no one was really complaining.

The only problems were Draco Malfoy and Neville Longbottom, both of whom had fallen into deep comas after the raid on the Malfoy Manor.

Neville's condition had been a result of the magical drain from the Killing Curse. And while his magic was slowly building up again, Neville had yet to regain consciousness.

Draco, on the other hand, had received a serious concussion from falling debris when part of the manor blew. Although the healers had repaired the physical damage, Draco was still in a coma.

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On Groundhog's Day, Luna was surprised when she felt Neville gently squeeze her hand. After a few moments, Neville's eyes flickered open and he smiled at Luna who replied by kissing him on the lips.

Mallory was happy for Luna, but looking at Draco the happiness leeched out of her. Squeezing his hand, Mallory said, "Draco… you need to wake up. You have to, because I love you. And… I want to marry you. You're not like your father. You are NOT evil. I know your mother gave up, but you can't do that. You're stronger than her. Your mum gave up, but you can't do that. You can't give up."

Remembering the fairy tale her mother had told her when she was little, Mallory leaned over and gently kissed Draco's lips.

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Draco could hear Mallory's voice but he couldn't reply.

Something was keeping him here… his pas, namely.

And until he conquered that, he would never be back in Mallory's arms.

Thinking on the most wonderful girl in his life, Draco's spirit felt slightly more solid… more together. Like he was getting better hold to the world.

With each thought of Mallory—her face, the dance they'd shared at Silver and Sirius's wedding—Draco could hear her voice more clearly. He could feel his body again. Could feel her hand in his.

He tried to squeeze her hand but couldn't move his fingers.

Mallory kissed him. Draco felt her lips and tried to squeeze her hand.

At last, he made contact.

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"Here's to the strong

Thanks to the brave

Don't give up hope

Some people change

Against all odds

Against the grain

Love finds a way

Some people change"

Mallory pulled back and here eyes filled with tears when the green met the blue. "I thought you were going to leave me," she whispered.

"I'll never leave you, Mallory Serena Potter," Draco promised. "I love you. And I'll never leave you."

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