"Redemption," Lucius spat at him with a sneer.
"Redemption?" Narcissa arched one perfect eyebrow, matching her confused query.
"Redemption," he and Astoria whispered it hopefully to each other in the privacy of their bed.
Draco Malfoy lived under no illusions; being awarded a Chocolate Frog trading card because of 'Outstanding contributions to society through his Alchemical studies' in no way negated the horrors he perpetrated in his youth.
Yet, if he could be known for something beyond the faded tattoo on his arm which still stirred shame in his gut, then he thanked the gods it included the words 'contributions to society'.
Draco harbored no fantasies of incoming letters containing accolades from previously estranged friends or former childhood nemeses.
Theo counted as his one remaining childhood friend. Well, Daphne still spoke with him too. It was difficult to count her, as she had the dual drawbacks of not being a bloke who would go out for a drink with him, and as family, she felt obligated to socialize with him.
The only person from the other side that acknowledged his academic pursuits happened to be Granger, of course. Every time he was published, beginning with his very first article, Draco received a congratulatory letter from her. He saved each of those missives, tucked away in a locked box, in turn locked in a desk drawer in his private study.
The rosewood box they were carefully preserved in currently sat open before him. He had sealed the room with powerful charms and poured a considerable glass of firewhisky before he pulled the stack of parchment out.
Below them, in the bottom of the box, sat her Chocolate Frog card. Taking a long pull on his drink, he watched her brandish the scar he had been forced to witness his deranged aunt carve over 20 years ago.
"Redemption," he determinedly told Granger's picture, daring to believe it as he laid one of his cards next to hers. He replaced the letters, and locked everything back away before downing the last of the alcohol.
He walked downstairs to discover Astoria and Scorpius waiting to toast him with glasses of champagne.