Draco was eagerly awaiting his parents return. His heart, once blackened with the weight of his mistakes, was now bright with hope and excitement. His parents appeared in the fireplace, Lucius supporting his wife as she walked through the familiar opening.
"It's a boy!" Narcissa shouted, jovially. Draco got up and hugged both of his parents. Narcissa instantly sensed a big change in her son.
"Draco darling, are you alright?" She asked, worried.
"Never been better." He swore. She grinned, excited with his sudden change in attitude. She was so proud of him. This was the first time she'd see him truly happy in months. It was a breath of fresh air in their lives.
"What's got you so happy, Dragon?" Narcissa asked, curiosity peaking.
"I finally started forgiving myself for my past mistakes. I feel so much lighter!" He remarked, excitedly.
Lucius smiled at his first born, incredibly pleased with him. He had been hoping that Draco would start on the road to healing, and was moved to know that he had indeed begun to forgive himself. It was one of the most important things he could ever do. He went over to his son and hugged him tightly.
"I'm proud of you, son."
"Thanks, Dad."
Lucius held himself together by a thread. For the first time in a long time, he was not just "Father". He hadn't been anything close to "Dad" since Draco was six years old. He had taken such pleasure in being a father during those first few years of his son's life. He had been so proud to be called "Daddy" for the first time. But over the years his pride got in the way and he had insisted on being "Father" in public. What a fool he'd been! He would be proud to hold the title of "Daddy" again.
Draco was moved. This was the closest he'd felt to his father in a long time. It was a liberating feeling. Lucius gave him a tight squeeze before letting go. Narcissa looked at her son, filled with hope. He had finally understood the importance of forgiving himself. In those first few days after the war, that was all she had prayed for. Unknowingly, she began to cry, and Draco walked over to her. She hugged her son tightly, wishing forlornly that he was little and easy to pick up again.
"I'm so happy for you." She choked out. "All I ever wanted was for you to be able to forgive yourself."
He held her tight. "I know." He mumbled into her shoulder, trembling. The relief he felt was overwhelming. His eyes snapped open when he remembered his surprise for them.
"I almost forgot- I have a surprise for you both. I've been looking through this book of stars and I think I found the perfect name for my new brother."
"Really? Do tell."
When he said it, Narcissa and Lucius shared a look and a nod.
"It's perfect." She said, smiling.
"I was hoping you'd like it."
The next day, Lucius received an owl from his work that asked him to go on a week-long business trip. Although he was hesitant to leave his wife, he knew he had to go. The next morning he had his bags packed and kissed his wife goodbye. He gave Draco a hug, then left to complete his work.
Narcissa was excited to spend some quality time with her son. They ate breakfast together in the dining room, making small talk and occasionally having a laugh or two. After breakfast was over, Narcissa took time to get ready for the day before going to search for her son.
Walking down the hall, she peeked into his room to see him reading a book and smiled. She knocked gently on the door, and Draco jumped a foot in the air. He recovered quickly.
"S-Sorry. You scared me, that's all."
Narcissa felt her heart sink. Two years ago he would have never been afraid of something as simple as a knock at the door.
"It's alright, darling. I just wanted to see if you wanted to spend some time together."
Draco set his book aside and smiled. "Sure Mom."
Her heart leapt into her throat, and she had to make a conscious attempt not to cry with happiness.
Draco stood up and went over to his mother. "So, what are we going to do?"
"I thought we could spend the day exploring the countryside together."
He smiled. "Sounds like a nice way to spend the day."
Narcissa was mildly surprised. She hadn't expected him to say yes.
"Wonderful." She said, clasping her hands together.
They flew to the English countryside where the house elves had packed them a picnic lunch. They spent the day enjoying the sun and talking. Draco, who normally behaved in a subdued manner, was brighter and more vivacious than usual. To say that she was impressed was an understatement.
With his father away on business, Draco finally told his mother about the experience he had in the church that past Sunday. Narcissa just smiled. Whatever made her son happy was good enough for her. She promised to take him the next week so she could see it for herself. When twilight approached, they flew back to the manor for dinner.
After another few hours alone spent reading The Daily Prophet and drinking a nice cup of Earl Grey tea, Narcissa went in to check on her son.
Draco lay asleep on top of his bed comforter, a book strewn on the other side of the bed. She smiled and went into the hall closet and got a blanket from the top shelf. She carried it back to her son's room and draped it over his sleeping form. He gave the faintest smile before turning onto his side. Carefully, she picked up the book and set it back on the shelf, then backed out carefully and shut the door behind her, leaving her most prized possession, her son, to his dreams.