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The letter came that evening during supper.

A stately owl dove straight for Draco's plate, gliding across the table until it landed in front him. When it held out its leg and the Slytherin saw the official stamp, he nearly choked on his milk. His hand was shaky enough for Zabini to comment as he reached over to untie the envelope.

"Something wrong?" the dark-skinned young man asked, his eyebrows rising in curiosity. Throat too tight to speak, Draco merely shook his head. Zabini shrugged. "If you need someone to beat some sense into you, you know where I am." There was a knowing gleam in his dark, serpentine eyes.

Grudgingly grateful, Draco nodded and stood up from the table. Though his jaw was aching from gritting his teeth and his muscles were cramping, he forced himself to walk calmly out the door.

The back of his neck burned from the stares following him. Apparently, he had not looked as confident as he had thought. One particular gaze sent heat blazing through him, and he had to keep from glancing back.

When he finally stepped out of the Great Hall and turned the corner, the Slytherin gulped in the fresh air. Laughter floated down the hall, and Draco jerked his head up, eyes wide. The walls seemed to close in on him condemningly. Panicking, he raced down the corridor.

No matter how fast Draco ran, he could not escape the letter clutched in his hand. It taunted him, mocked him for his delusions. His attempts at a new life were futile, it told him. He had no right to drag Ginny into the mess he had made.

Oh, Ginny, he thought numbly. What am I going to tell her? I haven't had enough time. I'm not ready! I was just beginning to think that we—

What? the letter sneered, its voice a demented version on Harry Potter's. What did you think? Oh, Draco. Silly, stupid little Draco. Did you really expect you could get away with it? After everything you've done, did you really think you could live a normal life? You are evil, Draco Malfoy. You don't deserve a second chance. When Ginny finds out, she'll realize it too. All this time, you've been pretending, trying to fool her into thinking you've changed. But you haven't. You can never change.

Draco ran for what seemed like hours until he finally slowed down to a jog. The familiar corridor soothed some worry from his mind as he turned the corner, heading towards his common room.

Once he was safely in his dormitory, Draco collapsed on the bed. It was a few minutes before he was calm enough to open the envelope. He took a deep breath and slowly slid the letter out, tossing the envelope aside. His eyes scanned the parchment anxiously.

Draco Malfoy,

I, Kingesly Shacklebolt, request your attendance at Malfoy Manor this Sunday afternoon. There are certain legal matters that we must discuss with your mother and father, the latter of whom I have personally requested be released from imprisonment for the sake of this meeting. Please feel free to bring a trusted confidant. Said meeting should not last longer than the afternoon, but I suggest you pack an overnight bag in case our talk runs over to Monday.

Please note that this is an unofficial meeting headed by myself. No other Ministry officials will be present. That being said, I shall be coming under the title of Minister of Magic. I trust that your family will behave accordingly.

I look forward to seeing you then.

With regards,

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Minister of Magic

A watery film swept across his vision, and Draco's hands trembled as he reached up numbly to touch the wet trails running down his face.


Sorry for the shortness. Next chapter will be much longer and much more interesting ;) *cue dramatic music*