DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own the Harry Potter series.
It was the happiest day of her life. Everything was perfect. She was getting married. She vividly remembered the day when she first set eyes on him.
"Greengrass, Astoria" Professor McGonagall read her name from the scroll.
She walked to take her place on the stool and Professor put the hat on her head. "Hmm…A lot of brains I see there. Maybe Ravenclaw…? Um…SLYTHERIN!" the sorting hat shouted and the green table burst out in applause. It was then when she saw him. Neatly combed blonde hair, grey eyes and an aura of being well cared for; Draco Malfoy looked every bit of a pureblood as he should. He looked at her too and smiled gently. She meekly replied in kind and her heart fluttered.
Draco knew that the Greengrass family was pureblood and that they had believed in Lord Voldemort's extremist thoughts and actions. Though they were never Death Eaters themselves, they were one of the rich pureblood families that funded the Dark Lord. They had believed that Lord Voldemort would bring justice to the rightful wizarding families. Astoria grew up to believe that muggleborns are nothing but filth, just like Draco. But the second wizarding war taught both of them that blood status doesn't matter the hard way. It was difficult for them to treat the Muggleborns with equality all of a sudden but they tried nevertheless.
Draco stood in front of the mirror. He was lost in thought. Everyone present in the dressing room was admiring his suit and his hair and his everything. He paid no heed to them. He needed to tell her now. NOW! He had learned that lie and deceit had no future. Truth and trust – he wanted these to be the pillars of his marriage. He could not keep her in the dark about his reality. He was sure that neither his parents nor Astoria's parents would have told her the truth, the absolute unmodified truth. He needed to do it. He needed to do it now.
He proceeded towards the door when his mother stopped him, "Where are going Draco?" "I want to see Astoria." He replied in a small voice. "It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. Surely you can wait for a few minutes." She was smiling and looked at Draco like she used to when he was small and wanted quick delivery of food at every restaurant. "I need to see her." He said in a determined voice. "You can't." "I can." And with this he went out of the room leaving behind an exasperated Narcissa shouting for him to come back.
He entered Astoria's room. There she was standing in front of the mirror laughing with her friends. She was examining her dress for any creases or flaws. She wanted to be prefect for her groom. Draco stood there mesmerized by her beauty. He thought she looked like an angel. It was then Astoria noticed him. She blushed immediately. "Draco…" was all she managed. "I was wondering if…I um... could get a few minutes with you." He stuttered. "Sure. Come in" "Alone." Her friends and sisters went out of the room, giggling. Draco was beginning to feel the heat travelling up his cheeks. Thank God Mrs. Greengrass is checking the decoration.
He moved towards her hesitantly. If you continue to look so happy and innocent I won't be able to do it! "I need to…why don't you sit down first?" She obliged him. He took a chair himself and drew it closer to hers in such a way that they sat facing each other. "What is it Draco?" worry evident in her eyes.
"I need to talk to you." He drew in a deep breath. "You know that my parents were Death Eaters, right?" she nodded solemnly. Why is he reminding me of the war now? It is our wedding day for God's sake! "And your parents supported him too if I am right." She nodded again. Where is all this leading? "What you don't know is that I was a Death Eater too." He looked down while saying these words. Astoria was confused and she said, "Being the son of Death Eaters doesn't make you one." She was smiling a bit now.
"No! You don't get me!" He rolled up the sleeve of this left arm. There it was – the Dark Mark. It had faded and it was broken at many places but it was clear that it was the Dark Mark. She was speechless. "I was in the inner circle." He added. She looked at him, "You have changed now, haven't you? This is the past. It doesn't matter." "It does, Astoria. You need to know what I have done. I don't in the least match your inner beauty. I was appointed to murder Dumbledore, which I tried to do. Thrice. I didn't care that Katie Bell and Ron Weasley or Professor Slughorn for that matter could have died. I didn't kill Dumbledore but I was the one who disarmed him. I did it willingly. I am a murderer!" Draco looked at Astoria whose eyes were brimming with tears. She took his hands in hers and looked straight in his eyes. "You are not the same now. I am willing to give us a chance." It was his turn to be speechless. At that point of time he decided to make the most out of this golden opportunity. He stood up looking relieved and she did the same. He kissed her on the cheek, whispered, "Thank you…" and with one last smile he walked away. He checked his watch. Twelve minutes to go I will be married to her. He was nothing but happy.