Love on borrowed time (Dramione Story ) English /Eng

Chapter 1: Returning to Hogwarts

The final battle against Voldemort had been over for several months, but the scars left by the war remained, invisible but deep, in the hearts of every witch and wizard who had participated in the conflict. Hogwarts, although still standing, bore the marks of the battle. The students had returned to finish their final year, in a collective effort to regain a semblance of normalcy.

Calm had returned to the halls of Hogwarts—well, almost.

Draco Malfoy, in particular, was a constant topic of conversation among the students. His reserved behavior and attempts to fade into the background had not yet managed to dispel the mixed feelings he aroused.

Once the arrogant heir of the Malfoy family, he now walked through the halls of Hogwarts with a newfound discretion, his head slightly lowered. The students watched him with suspicion—some with hatred, others with a mixture of curiosity. But gradually, something was changing. The truth about his role in Voldemort's defeat was spreading. His help to Harry Potter at the crucial moment, surprising to many, was undeniable. It was he who, at the last second, disarmed Bellatrix Lestrange, allowing Harry to deliver the final blow to Voldemort.

Hermione Granger, after the battle, had observed Draco from afar. She, who had always seen him as an adversary, even an enemy, could not deny the strange feeling of respect mingled with pity that she now felt. She knew how difficult it must have been for Draco to stand against everything he had known, everything he had been raised to believe.

A quietude seemed to have settled, although persistent murmurs still echoed through the school.

The invisible scars left by the war were visible in every look, every conversation. The students had returned to finish their final year, their minds torn between the desire to find a semblance of normalcy and the reality of the scars left by the conflict.

In the Great Hall, discussions were in full swing during lunch:

The tables were lively, and groups of students were engaged in conversations on topics as varied as new lessons and summer vacation plans. However, one topic kept coming up: Draco Malfoy.

At the Gryffindor table:

Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley were deep in conversation, although Ron's attention was drawn to the Slytherin table.

"Look at them, they're all talking about him," Ron said exasperatedly. "It's like the whole school is obsessed with Draco Malfoy."

Hermione, her eyes fixed on Draco, replied calmly, "It's understandable. He played a significant role in the battle. Some people are still trying to figure out how he ended up switching sides."

Harry, still preoccupied, added, "And he's trying so hard to stay out of sight. He doesn't talk to anyone, and he keeps to himself."

At the Slytherin Table:

The Slytherin table, on the other hand, was engaged in animated but discreet discussions. The students in this house murmured among themselves, their conversation marked by a series of skeptical expressions and shadows of distrust.

Pansy Parkinson, in particular, voiced her indignation loudly. "Have you seen Draco lately? He acts like he wants to disappear. It's like he's a ghost among us."

Blaise Zabini, arms crossed, replied dryly, "Maybe he's just trying to disappear because he realizes he's a pariah now."

Millicent Bulstrode nodded. "Or maybe he's trying to make amends. Some say he's responsible for the death of his own relatives. That must be hard to live with."

In the Hallway Near the Stairs:

In a deserted corridor, a few students were quietly discussing, their eyes darting around to make sure no one else was listening. The conversation focused on the ongoing repairs at Hogwarts.

"Rumor has it the work will last all summer," murmured Terry Boot, his eyes fixed on the notes in his hands. "The damage was much worse than we thought. There are areas of the castle that are completely off-limits to students right now."

Lisa Turpin, standing beside him, added with concern, "And next year? They say they might need to close some sections of the school, at least for the first few months. They're even considering temporary solutions for classes."

Anthony Goldstein, listening to the conversation, chimed in, "I've heard that younger students might be sent to temporary buildings outside the castle. That sounds really complicated."

The Great Library:

In the library, groups of students were seated with open books, their whispers echoing lightly in the silence. At one table, Susan Bones and Ernie Macmillan were discussing the war's impact on their future education.

"Hogwarts is going to have to change a lot of things for next year," Susan said with a sigh. "And there's still so much uncertainty about what the future holds."

Ernie nodded, buried in his books. "Yes, but they also say they're going to set up support programs for students. There are plans for catch-up courses and counseling sessions to help overcome the traumas of the war."

In the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts:

The entrance hall of Hogwarts was bustling with students moving to their classes. A few groups were discussing the castle's reconstruction and the impact of recent events on their daily lives.

Luna Lovegood, her eyes dreamy, spoke to Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley:

"I read that the castle fairies were very disturbed by the battle. They've even decided to help with the reconstruction, with a bit of magic, of course."

Ginny, smiling despite the tension, replied:

"That's so typical of Luna, finding interesting stories in the darkest moments. But at least it shows that even the little things can have a positive impact."

Neville, always pragmatic, added, "What's important is that we stay focused on our studies and support the reconstruction projects. We need to rebuild more than just the walls of Hogwarts, but also our community."

Hermione, Harry, and Ron returned to the Gryffindor Common Room:

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were gathered around the fireplace, their conversation repeatedly returning to Draco and his behavior.

"Do you think Draco will manage to be accepted again?" Ron asked, his eyes fixed on the dancing flames. "He seems so distant."

Hermione, pondering, replied, "I think he's rebuilding himself. People change, and sometimes it takes time for others to see those changes. We have to give him the chance to prove he's really changed."

Harry added with a sigh, "Yes, but the road will be long. There's still a lot of resentment, and I'm not sure everyone is ready to forgive so easily."

Hermione's gaze occasionally followed Draco as he passed through the hallway. Her thoughts were interrupted by the whispers and looks of other students. She knew that the path to redemption was fraught with obstacles, but she was determined to try to understand the real Draco, beyond appearances and prejudices.

And so, Hogwarts continued to resonate with the rhythm of its new realities, where every stone, every smile, every sigh was imbued with the echo of a war that had forever changed the face of magic.

The students of Hogwarts were striving to create a better future, despite the shadows of the past. The repairs to the castle and the efforts to rebuild relationships intertwined, forming the fragile but promising fabric of their shared future.

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#First story on Wattpad

Story by: J.K. Rowling

Rewritten by: TheNovel_Writer