One of you who reviewed the last chapter suggested that Draco was OOC...yes, he was. I will not dispute that. However, I think after reading this, you'll understand WHY. I promise, Draco will still be Draco in this story. I feel like in the HP books, JKR was able to show that Draco did have a soft side. The movies very seldom offered a look into that side of him. This is the first time I've been Draco as a main in my stories, and I hope I do okay with it.
True to his word, Draco Malfoy owled Hermione before the night was out. Hermione had, at Minerva's request, returned to Hogwarts and waiting. Both women were anxious to find out what Draco had to say. The young Slytherin had never been known for displaying any Gryffindor traits, but coming forward to help a girl he'd spend his own school days publicly bullying was a show of bravery if there ever was one.
Minerva watched as Hermione opened the package from Draco, contents spilling out on the desk in front of them. Two vials, obviously filled with memories, were included along with a roll of parchments. Hermione layed the parchment out on the desk, so that both of them could read it.
Miss Granger,
Firstly I think I should apologize for our quarrels at Hogwarts. You may not believe me, but after you punched me in the face during our third year, I began to think more highly of you, though it would never have done for me to act any differently, with the political climate being what it was. I also had my father's expectations to contend with, which brings me to the point of this letter.
"He calls that an apology?" Minerva scoffed.
"Hush," Hermione said, elbowing her in the rib. "Keep reading, Minerva."
I was not surprised to find that my father raped you. I was there at that Manor that night, though I did not witness the actual assault. All I know is that he did not come to my room that evening, which was what I expected. You see Granger, I happen to be gay, a revelation I came to the summer between third and forth years. I did not think I had reason to keep that a secret from my parents. My father's reaction was terrible. He raped me for the first time the night I told him I fancied other blokes. He was convinced that if he raped me - which he did over and over again - it would turn me against being gay.
"Oh sweet Merlin," Minerva murmured, tears streaming down he face. "That poor boy."
"He never let it show," Hermione agreed solemnly. "We all thought he adored his father."
I am not at the Manor now, nor will I return there until my father is behind bars. Him raping me has been a constant part of my life for the last three years. You may wonder why I let it go on, why I didn't tell anyone before now - it would have been his word against mine, and despite what you may think I did not have any friends to turn to for help. Those I hung out with while at Hogwarts were 'assigned friends', for lack of better word. My father paid them to shadow me so that I would not be able to seek help. Your standing up to him this afternoon gives me the help I've been begging Merlin to come along for a long time. I guess I should thank you for being so bloody Gryffindor. Between the two of our testimonies, the Wizengamot will have no choice but to prosecute him.
Minerva and Hermione chuckled at the same time. "He has a sense of humor after all," Hermione mused. "Who knew?"
I sent two bottles of memories. The one with my personal seal contains my memories of my own abuse. The one without a seal contains my memories of other people my father has raped over the course of my life, most in the service of the Dark Lord, Voldemort. I could never be sure any of them would step up and testify if I put forth my memories of the events, which is why I've just held on to them until now. I know of at least three people whom he both raped and killed...consider yourself lucky in that regard, Granger.
Minerva's heart nearly stopped at that part. She knew Lucius Malfoy was a monster, but to hear that he had raped and killed in the same stroke made her feel very...mortal. For all Minerva knew, she could have been his first victim. The older witch's teeth clenched together as her resolve to see that bastard behind bars strengthened.
As far as I know, you are the only one to have become pregnant as a result of my father's crimes, though I wouldn't be surprised if others have merely chosen to abort the fetus the moment they found out. A part of me is actually a bit excited about the prospect of having a sibling, despite how it came about. I hope that you will allow me to be a part of my brother or sister's life, beyond simple monetary support, which I have already pledged will be yours in any event.
Please keep me apprised of your plan of action against my father. I have very little money at my disposal while my father is still Head of Malfoy House, which means that my ability to support myself food and lodging wise is only in effect in the short term. The quicker things are resolved, the better. I hope you feel the same, though if you'd prefer to wait till after the child is born to more forward, I'll find some sort of employment to support myself. I will not go back to Malfoy Manor while he is still free.
Regards,
Draco Malfoy
"Well, what do you think of all that?" Hermione asked Minerva, turning to the older woman as she leaned back in the chair.
Minerva didn't know what to think. Taking action against Lucius seemed to be the obvious thing to do, but Draco's suggestion that Hermione may want to wait till after the baby was born was a good point. Would the stress of the trial be healthy for Hermione during pregnancy? Would it be wiser to wait? In the case that they did wait, Minerva thought that perhaps Draco could take up temporary residence here at Hogwarts, so he wouldn't have to worry about money. It hardly seemed fair to hand Draco Malfoy off to any employer, no matter how much of a new leaf the boy was turning. He had been groomed to never work a day in his life, and that much of a superiority complex could not be undone as quickly as Draco would need it to, in order to not get fired three days into his job.
Hold up...in the case that they waited? Minerva kicked herself mentally. Since when had she and Hermione become a they? This was Hermione's decision to make, and she had no say it it whatsoever. It would not even be proper for Minerva to offer Draco assistance without Hermione's approval. It was not her place to interfere. Minerva pursed her lips, and took a deep breath. "Hermione, dear, what I think does not matter. What are your thoughts?"
Please review! (Did anyone suspect that was why Draco was surprisingly accepting of Hermione's word?)
