I found him in our bedroom, sitting on the bench at the foot of our bed. He was crying into his hands, shoulders shaking. I sat down, put my arms around him, and gently asked, "What's wrong, love?"

"I'm not worthy. I shouldn't have this second chance. You shouldn't love me. I don't deserve you or your love."

It's been years, but he gets like this whenever something triggers it, like an unpleasant mention of his father. He knows he was a product of his upbringing. He admired and looked up to him, wanted to be just like him. But then in 8th year, when few of us came back to complete our education, he sought me out in the library one day. Came up to me with a swagger in his step, robes billowing behind him. Even though it had been awhile since I'd seen him, I braced myself for the onslaught of hate he usually spewed at me.

But when he stopped right in front of me, he quietly asked, "Why are they wrong?"

I was curious, so I took the bait. "Who are you referring to?"

"My parents. They said you were inferior, you shouldn't have magic. But from what I've seen, you are far superior. You handle yourself with such beauty and grace. You never back down and you do everything with a fierceness that's quite mesmerizing. I'm wondering why I ever believed that utter garbage in the first place. He swiped at his hair and then said, "I'd like to get to know you better...if you'd please let me." He was lonely and so was I. With a tiny, almost imperceptible nod, I said yes. He sat down and well...the rest is history. And when I heard him sigh, I was snapped back to the present.

"Where is this coming from?"

"I was so horrible to you back then. You shouldn't even be giving me the time of day."

I knelt in front of him so I could look at his beautiful tear stained face. I put my fingers on his chin so his mercurial eyes could meet mine.

"Draco, you are not that cruel little boy anymore. You have changed for the better. Please stop thinking there isn't a redemptive arc in your story. You proved over and over again how very sorry you are for everything you'd done in the past. From that moment you found me in the library and asked me that question, you started on your journey of self forgiveness, and I have been honored to see this transformation to a decent, loving man certainly deserving of all the love you receive, especially mine. I. Love. You."

Soon he is beside me on the floor. He heaves a sigh and then takes me in his arms. My safe place and haven, where I'm happiest of all. Finally, a smile lights up his face.

"Will you stay with me forever?"

As if he had to ask.

"Always, my love."

A/N: This was sparked by a Mugglenet article I read defending Draco against the thought he could not be redeemed.

Fun fact: this is exactly 500 words!