Author's Note: Before you dive in, please note that this is a post-war story that will eventually become a Dramione romance. The main theme is healing from trauma, so the build-up will be slow. After all, redemption is a long road trip with many bumps in the road, and matters of the heart take time.
With that being said I won't keep you any longer. Happy reading, and please consider leaving me a review to share your thoughts on the story. I would really appreciate hearing from you throughout the chapters! Your feedback really is the fuel to my motivation.
Prologue
Monday, 31 August 1998
"Young Master Malfoy, Mistress has asked for you to come inside, sir," the little house-elf squeaked nervously.
Not acknowledging the house-elf or the message, Draco remained seated on the stone porch and stared out over the grounds that belonged to his family. His father's albino peafowl had found a spot near the pond and had settled down for the night. The dark water was nearly motionless and reflected the waning crescent moon.
It was a quiet and beautiful night, but Draco felt restless.
He was returning to Hogwarts tomorrow.
Minerva McGonagall, now Headmistress, had visited, flanked by two seasoned Aurors. There had been no pleasantries, just the announcement that the Ministry had decided that the best way of rehabilitation was to return to school and sit his N.E.W.T.s. He would be under strict observation, McGonagall had told him.
Then she had slid a thick envelope his way. It had contained the usual book and supply lists, along with an additional surprise. Draco sighed unhappily and reached into his pocket, taking out a badge that he wasn't supposed to have. He stared at it with disdain.
Head Boy.
The title was supposed to be an honour, but McGonagall had managed to take away all the pride, turning the position into a prison sentence.
You are aware of the duties that come with the title, Mr Malfoy. These duties will ensure that I am able to monitor your every move. I will instruct the Head Girl to supervise you and to report your behaviour to me. Because she will be unable to do so when you are residing in your current dormitories in the Slytherin dungeons, I have arranged a separate common room with private sleeping chambers in one of the towers.
You will not be allowed to leave this tower after a set curfew. This decision is also made to keep you away from the temptation and peer pressure you may receive from your fellow Housemates. More information on this matter shall be given upon arrival at school. Enclosed you will find a list of your main duties, which will start upon your arrival on Platform 9¾.
He didn't have to guess who the Head Girl was going to be. Chances were she was going to return. Being the studious person he knew she was, she would want to finish her education. Despite these realistic expectations, Draco sincerely hoped she would decide against returning and that he would be partnered with someone else, preferably some Ravenclaw girl.
"Draco..."
He turned his head and looked up at his mother, standing behind him in the doorway with her robes wrapped around her to stay warm against the chilly wind. "It's late, my dear," she said quietly. "Please come inside."
He got to his feet and followed his mother inside, quietly obliging. Bidding her goodnight, he immediately left and made his way through the Manor to his bedroom. He pinned the badge on his school robes before stuffing them into his trunk, undressed and then got into bed.
It would be hours before he would finally fall asleep.