Hey guys, sorry the third chap was such a long time coming. Anyway, I've reformatted so hopefully this chapter will be a little easier on the eyes.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"So you are still in there, Malfoy."
Harry's words were still in the air, and he could almost feel them rattling around in his ears. The last response he expected from Malfoy was a smirk, but that was the response the blond wizard gave him.
"Yes Potter," Draco said after a few moments. "I am still in here. I doubt it myself sometimes, what with the Ministry brainwashing me and all, but I know Draco Malfoy still lives."
"It's a shame Harry Potter doesn't." Harry commented, somewhat sadly, and Malfoy appeared taken aback by the revelation.
"You have your life Potter. It's a grace few were treated to after this war, and you should be thankful." Draco said slowly, squinting a little.
"I'm being educated on morals by a Malfoy: someone shoot me."
"With pleasure."
For some reason, unbeknownst even to himself, Harry smiled at Malfoy's statement. Something pounded in his chest.
Familiarity.
Malfoy brought with him memories of the 'norm'; his life before the war, with Ron and Hermione by his side. Harry hadn't remembered the corridors of Hogwarts so clearly in seven years as he did in these moments, peering into the silver eyes of Draco Malfoy.
Harry thought, though he couldn't be sure, that Malfoy was coming to a similar realisation. Recognition of long-buried rivalry swam into his eyes, and the two wizards stared at each other for what seemed like minutes. Finally, Harry spoke.
"It's good to know you haven't really changed."
"Why." It was more of a statement than a question.
"Because so much has changed; at least they couldn't change a Malfoy." Harry said, earning a strange look from Draco.
"Does that mean I'm still evil, then?" The blond wizard asked, the odd look remaining in his eyes.
"You never were. As much as I'd love to pin every casualty on you: you didn't really do anything. You were a scared kid, just like I was." Harry said softly, coming to a conclusion in his own mind that he'd never settled on before.
"I wouldn't have killed Dumbledore." Draco said it quickly, almost as if it were an explanation he felt he owed Harry.
"I know."
"My father supported Voldemort more for the prestige and power than anything else. But he had no moral obligations to killing, especially muggle-borns, and Voldemort exploited that." Malfoy explained, staring down at the ground in thought.
"Your family got in far too deep, I'm aware of that. I also know that your father was the reason you took the Mark." The Gryffindor responded.
"Ah... the bathroom."
"So you remember?"
"Of course I do, you sliced my fucking chest open!" Draco exclaimed, rolling his eyes. Harry noticed that his voice entirely lacked malice.
"Sorry about that..."
"As much as I love speaking with you Potter, can we please get back to business so I can go home at some point this evening?"
It was with those words that the conversation turned back to Luna, and Harry didn't even bother to disguise the pangs of sadness that threatened to overwhelm him.
With a final signature, everything was done, and Malfoy stood to leave.
"It's been... bearable." Malfoy stated, and extended a hand. Harry shook it with a nod, and lead Draco to the door.
"Will you be attending the memorial?" Harry questioned, and Malfoy shrugged.
"Usually it's protocol, but I didn't think it would be appropriate under the circumstances." He replied, and Harry nodded. Malfoy stepped through the doorframe and turned to Harry for the final time.
"If I can't find someone else though, I may have to be there. But I won't disturb your mourning, Potter. Even I know better than that." With a pop, the ex-Death Eater was gone.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
That's it for now, next chapter will come promptly. Please review and tell me what I can improve and what you'd like to see from future chapters!