Chapter 26: Bracing for Impact
Once again, Hermione stood by the window, looking up at the sky, waiting anxiously for the barrage of newspapers to arrive. Yesterday's article had been their attempt to steer public opinion in a different direction, but whether it worked or not depended on how the other newspapers picked up the story. Would they run with the more positive spin, or would they continue fueling the flames of scandal? If the latter, chaos would surely follow.
Despite feeling hopeful the night before, Hermione's nerves had returned in full force this morning. Her stomach twisted with worry, knowing how fickle public opinion could be.
Just as Draco emerged from the kitchen, sipping his morning coffee, the first owl appeared on the horizon. The majestic bird swooped down gracefully, dropping a folded newspaper at Hermione's feet. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked it up, her eyes scanning the headline:
Draco Malfoy: A Reformed Death Eater or Master Manipulator?
Hermione froze, her breath catching in her throat. "Looks like our plan didn't work," she whispered, a wave of dread washing over her.
Before Draco could respond, another owl arrived, dropping a second paper at her feet. The headline on this one read:
What Does Draco Malfoy Have on Harry Potter? Why is He Supporting Malfoy Against His Best Friend?
"No, no, no," Hermione muttered, her voice filled with mounting panic. "This isn't good."
Draco, noticing the fear in her eyes, put down his mug and gently wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into a comforting half-hug. "Hey," he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. "Don't worry. No matter what happens, we're going to make this work. I promise."
Hermione looked up at him, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. Draco took the first newspaper from her hands and began reading the article, his brow furrowing at first, then relaxing as he got further into it.
"Hey," he said, his voice lightening. "This isn't as bad as I thought."
"Really?" Hermione asked, her skepticism evident in her tone.
"Yeah," Draco nodded, showing her the article. "Listen to this."
Draco Malfoy: A Reformed Death Eater or Master Manipulator?
Draco Malfoy's reformation has been the subject of much debate ever since his involvement in the Second Wizarding War. Malfoy underwent a unique rehabilitation program that included spending years in the Muggle world to help him reintegrate into society. His reformation officers, Sally Whitaker and Edward Brighton, who oversaw his case, have publicly praised his dedication to change.
"Draco embraced the program fully," said Whitaker. "He genuinely wanted to leave his old self behind and build a better future."
Edward Brighton, who worked closely with Malfoy, echoed similar sentiments. "Draco's progress was remarkable. He didn't just follow the rules; he went above and beyond to prove he could change."
Despite this, some continue to question whether Draco's transformation is genuine or if he is merely playing the long game. After all, can someone with such a dark past truly change? If Draco Malfoy is indeed a master manipulator, then he has done an impeccable job hiding it. For Hermione Granger's sake, let's hope he's truly changed.
Hermione exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging with relief. "That's… better than I expected," she admitted.
"See?" Draco smiled, trying to ease her tension. "There's nothing bad to report about me. Not since the war ended, anyway. If I'm some kind of master manipulator, I've done a damn good job hiding it."
"For my sake," Hermione muttered with a small grin, "let's hope you've truly changed." She echoed the final line of the article, her voice teasing yet tinged with genuine emotion.
Draco smiled happy to see Hermione in a playful mood.
Hermione smiled back, but the gnawing anxiety hadn't fully left her. She picked up the second newspaper, her hands trembling slightly as she unfolded it.
Her heart sank at the headline as she began reading the article aloud.
What Does Draco Malfoy Have on Harry Potter? Why is He Supporting Draco Instead of His Best Friend?
After investigating Harry Potter's life, this reporter found no evidence that Potter is under any external pressure. In fact, the answer to this puzzling question may lie in Draco Malfoy's remarkable transformation.
Following years in the Muggle world as part of his rehabilitation program, Draco Malfoy has taken significant steps to rebuild his family's legacy. After inheriting Malfoy Industries, Malfoy made the controversial decision to close down many illegal operations that his father, Lucius Malfoy, had kept running, sacrificing 75% of the company's profits. However, over the past two years, Draco has rebuilt the company using only legal methods, restoring its former financial standing.
Interviews with Malfoy's reformation officers, colleagues, and employees paint a picture of a man who is nothing like his father. His reformation officers, Sally Whitaker and Edward Brighton, speak highly of his dedication to change. Friends and employees describe Draco as a fair and supportive leader, completely different from the cold, prejudiced man he once was.
Looking at these facts, it becomes clear why Harry Potter, along with Hermione Granger, would stand by Draco Malfoy now. Perhaps it's time for the rest of us to recognize that Malfoy may not be the man we remember from the war.
Hermione sighed again, but this time with relief. "It's working," she said, her voice tinged with surprise and cautious optimism. "People still have doubts, but they're starting to see that maybe those doubts aren't grounded in reality."
Draco gave her a warm hug, pulling her closer. "See? I told you everything was going to be fine."
Hermione shook her head in disbelief. "I really thought we had failed after those headlines. I thought the whole plan had backfired, but it actually worked out in the end."
"Of course it did," Draco said confidently. "I've been careful since I came back. That's the only reason I haven't hexed the Weasel yet."
Hermione chuckled, leaning into him. "Draco, in case I haven't told you before, I'm proud of you. For everything."
Draco's expression softened as he tilted her chin up gently and kissed her deeply. "And I'm proud of us," he whispered against her lips. "We're going to get through this—together."
They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's warmth, feeling the weight of the world lift slightly off their shoulders.