Quidditch League Fanfiction Competition Season 8

Chudley Cannons

NOT ALONE ANYMORE

Even in such a foggy day, Draco Malfoy had the energy and willpower to go to work at the Ministry of Magic. After all, he was a lonely man and needed to spend his energy in some way. After the war, his father had been sent to Azkaban, his mother had been thoroughly interrogated and his family's name had been tarnished. Most people even hesitated to speak to him at the Ministry. But still, Draco didn't mind.
On this morning, he woke up and went on about getting ready for work oblivious to the surrounding chilly weather. He considered himself to be a man who couldn't care less about the surroundings but the moment he stepped out of doors, Draco noticed the thick fog which was surrounding his house. It was making it hard to even have a clear visibility. The dense fog was so obstructive that it seemed almost bewitched to an extent. Still, Draco made his way over to the telephone box through which he would be granted passage to the Ministry. He knew fully well that he might be the only one going over to work in the wizarding world. But he didn't mind. After all, an empty office to him would make no difference over a full one. Even during a pleasant day when the ministry was buzzing with energy, no one paid any attention to him. His mornings were dreary and dull. Hardly anyone ever talked to him and they only did so in the most required circumstances. And, he was fine with it. He did not specifically like anyone in his personal bubble. He wanted his personal life to be a secret and most importantly, he did not want anyone to understand his thoughts, emotions and preferences even though he yearned company sometimes.
Draco's schedule was fixed; go to the ministry, work for three hours straight, go out for a smoke, come back and work again and after finishing work, go home. During this period of time, he himself refrained to talk to anyone in order to avoid intrusive questions. People in his office were always scheming to get dirt on him and spread it around as gossip. Draco was able to hold this mindset because rarely was there ever a detour during his work period and that was only when the Head of Department called him to give him some more work. So, Draco was really not bothered about the ministry being deserted today. At least he could feel less uncomfortable and not mind the whispers that went around when he entered the room. However, the scene today was different, shocking even. When Draco reached his cubicle, instead of seeing grey walls and a brown table with stacks of paper lying on one side, he saw that instead of his papers, there were a bunch of plates laden with steaming cooked food. The walls were same though, but still the change of scenery on the table caught him by surprise. He stood still and wondered who could have done this generous act when he saw a piece of notepaper wedged between two of the plates. He went over and fished out the paper but not before marveling the beautifully cooked feast lying on the table. The note was written in a neat font and it was addressed to him. He started reading it..
Happy Birthday Draco
Though it might be odd to receive something like this from me, don't be surprised. I know you are really lonely owing to the unfortunate incidents that happened after the war, but you should really try to be more open to people. Even if most people are cold to you here in the ministry, you are always welcome to come and talk to me. I know we have a bitter history, but I am willing to keep it all aside. You should really enjoy this day. Mrs. Weasely cooked these especially for you.
Hermione
P.S. Eat the food while it's still hot
Draco had forgotten his own birthday but the prospect of someone else, Hermione especially whom he had considered to be an enemy for so long, remembering it made warmth fill his heart. He eyed the deliciously cooked food and let out a happy sigh. Maybe he would not be so lonely anymore.