Draco sat in the desolate home formerly belonging to his grandmother Black. The house was temporarily in use by the Order of the Phoenix. Of course, it was rare that anyone come for a reason other than to keep watch of him or merely to keep him company. It was here that the Order had plot against his fellow Death Eaters. It was here they had plot against himself, his father: his family. They had shown such hospitality toward him, but none of it seemed right to Draco. It did not seem right at all. How could he betray his family in such a way? How could he commit such treachery against his friends? He felt so deceitful and fearful, yet amidst his uncertainty, there was a small sense of relief.
It had only been a week since that night in which he had stood over Albus Dumbledore's body, his wand ready. The anxiety of coming to that situation had been weighing on him like a brick for months. He had gotten ill over the very thought of it. And that night had come a week ago. Extremely dangerous wizards had entered Hogwarts that night because he, Draco Malfoy, had made it possible. Even Fenrir Greyback had come. Draco had put his own friends in jeopardy and the guilt of this tore at his conscience. There had been deaths—his teacher had died. Now, here he sat hiding in number twelve Grimmauld Place for fear of the Dark Lord's wrath. Frightening as it was to be hiding from Voldemort, there was great relief in Draco. Yet another emotion weighed in his heart.
This life of confinement was a very isolating one. He was extremely lonely and was without a single friend. The past week could not have felt longer to Draco. Luckily it was summer and he didn't have to be alone for too much of the time. He dreaded the start of term when he would be left to himself and confined much more than now. He was pained by the thought of not returning to Hogwarts, so he forced it from his mind. Draco stood and walked mechanically to the window, staring out into the world so oblivious of its freedom. You are free, he reminded himself. You are free…