Challenged Love

Chapter 22

Where do I even begin?

Summer was already ending as quickly as it came. Of course, much has happened since Christmas last year. For starters, Kasper officially graduated from Hogwarts in June. I am beyond proud of him, even though it means attending school without him for the next two years.

Hey, you're not going to lose me.

I somehow remembered him saying those words almost a year ago. I had dismissed his statement at the time, but maybe I really was afraid of learning what it would be like without him at school. However, despite my disappointment, I knew greater things were in his future.

Ever since Lucius was arrested and thrown into Azkaban, Kasper was appointed to replace his position at the Ministry of Magic. He was warned that it may place some stress and pressure on him to take such a high position at eighteen years old, but I encouraged him to accept the promotion. He was more than qualified for the job. After all, I had enough confidence in Kasper to know that he could probably become the Minister if he wanted to.

Oh yeah- let's go back. Yes, Lucius is being held prisoner in Azkaban currently. I should have known he never abandoned his ways as a Death Eater. Just a month or so ago, Lucius and several other Death Eaters broke into the Ministry of Magic to steal some sort of prophecy for You-Know-Who. Then, with Potter and his absurd hero complex, he and his friends decided to try to stop the Death Eaters. They must have all been drinking Liquid Luck, because they all miraculously survived. Although, I believe their real luck came when the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore showed up and ultimately sent You-Know-Who and his followers away. Now that everyone finally knows of the return of You-Know-Who, everyone is planning to vote Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, out of office since he lied and convinced the majority of people that You-Know-Who was not back to overthrow the Wizarding World. Fudge better be voted out. I never liked him anyways.

Going off of this subject, I would like to report that me and my parents have a much stronger relationship now. They have visited me frequently over the summer and even came with me, Kasper, Draco, and Narcissa on our one week holiday (vacation) in Greece. They still dwell in the hospital, but the other day I suspected that Narcissa was hinting that they may be released very soon. Of course, I know it is no rush, but I am so excited for my parents to restart their life. It is what is best for them, and I am so proud of them and their recovery.

Draco and I are still in a healthy and stable relationship. Some days I wake up and forget Draco is my boyfriend. He has been absolutely amazing to me and I could not be more grateful for him.

Kasper and I lounged in the Malfoy Manor Library, the same place we were just before we started our 5th and 7th year at Hogwarts. I remember how worried I had been for him when he was isolating himself, fearing he was picking up his old habits. However, I later discovered he was merely sitting on the roof of Malfoy Manor to escape reality all those days last summer meanwhile I thought he was locking himself up in his room. I also recalled how shocked I was when he revealed his biggest secret: the hidden stairwell behind his bookcase which led up to the rooftop. I have actually been up there a few times and it truly does have a wonderful view, but Kasper tends to stay away from there now.

As we shared a couch, Kasper and I were discussing future plans. If my parents did get discharged from the hospital, they would probably stay here at Malfoy Manor until they could sustain themselves, but Kasper promised to use his savings to help them get a fresh start. He was worked for two summers and even during some holidays when we were supposed to be on school break. Now with being out of school, he is able to work full time in Lucius's current job position and make triple the amount of money. I asked him about his original plan to buy a house, but he claimed that there was no need for him to move out so soon. He also claimed he still wanted to have a home in the future of course, but that he desired to use his earnings for a greater purpose: to help my parents get back on their feet before they have enough resources to take care of themselves.