𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝒀 𝑬𝑵𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺 | D. Malfoy

chapter nine

We are given the same sheet of paper Smith and I discussed in our first Life Class, and phantom dread envelopes me, realizing this is where it all started. When he dragged my through the castle and hit me when I told him I wouldn't be his pretty little housewife, popping out four children on demand. 

"How many children do you want?" Draco reads up from the sheet. I wait for him to answer first, but his eyes flick to mine instead, and wait expectanly.

"Oh, erm..." I hesistate, suddenly uncertain. "I- I don't know." I say, hating the feeling of keeping my opinions in, but also knowing this is what made Smith attack me in the first place. "What do you think?" I mumble.

He gives me a considerate look. "I'd say it hardly matters what I think, considering you're the one pushing them out." A slight weight lifts of my shoulders at his words, and I unconsciously nod in agreement.

"Maybe one or two then. My - my brother and I had loads of fun growing up together. Two could be nice." I glance at him, gauging his reaction.

"I didn't know you had a brother. Does he attend Hogwarts?" Draco asks surprised. I nod.

"His name's Cassian. He's two years older than me, so he graduated just before the war. He's training to be an Auror now." I say, always proud to speak of his accomplishments. 

"Really? Believe it or not, I've always wanted to be an Auror." His gaze grows sad. "Of course, that can never happen now, but young Draco did have very high ambitions. No wonder the Hat put me in Slytherin." He chuckles, no humor in his eyes. 

"Surely they can't deny you a place in Auror training if you meet their requirements. The war is in the past. People are trying to move on."

"A name like mine still carries a bit of unfortunate baggage, I'm afraid. I'm sorry to be unloading that on you as well." He swallows.

"I'll manage." I say, determined to show him things are different now. I decide to ask Cassian, and maybe even Harry about Draco doing Auror training. It would be wrong to deny him simply because of his name. His court ruling after the war was mild compared to many other Death Eaters.

"Where do you want to live?" I read up from the sheet. 

"I own Malfoy Manor now, put personally, I would rather live anywhere else. Altought it must be said, I am quite partial to the country." I can't hide the smile at his phrasing. It was so posh.

"What?" He chuckles.

"You're partial to the country?" I repeat, putting on my most posh accent. 

Draco laughs. He actually laughs and I'm blown away by the way it changes his features. 

"I deserved that, I suppose." He chuckles and I nod, biting my lower lip as I smile. "But it is true, its so peaceful." 

"It is. I'd love to live in the country." I say, forgetting my earlier hesitation at being careful with my words.

"Good, that's that sorted."

"What form of occupation would you like to persue?" He reads up. "Now this I'm intrested to hear about. What does Nova Jones want to do with her life?" His gaze meets mine, filled with intrest. I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face, or the excitement that bubbles in my chest, knowing he's genuinly interested to hear about what I want and enjoy in life.

"My dream is to become an Archeologist." I beam. "When I was younger I found an ammonite fossil in the quarry close to my house, and after learning that it is the impression of a once-living, ancient organism, I decided at the ripe age of seven, that I was going to work with those one day." Draco listens intently and nods when I'm done.

"And is there any particular time period you're more interested in?" He rests his chin in his hand, eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, after realizing there are different types of archeology," I continue, heart fluttering at the fact he asked me a follow up questions. "I figured that, while fossils are cool, ancient human civilizations are even cooler."

"I couldn't agree more." I smiles.

"I- I was hoping to maybe get a degree from a m- muggle university..." I trail, heart suddenly beating twice as fast as I await his reaction. The moment the words leave my mouth, I curse my sudden bravery. Why would I ask that? He's a Pureblood. Smith would have spat at me for asking that.

"D'you know what-" He says, folding both his hands and leaning his chin on top, facing me full on as my heart stops in dreaded anticipation. "I've actually been thinking the exact same thing." 

I blink in surprise.

"What?" I whisper, the shock catching up to me. 

Draco grins. "I know, rather far fetched, but say I do want to be an Auror, it would back my claim that I'm a changed man if I have a degree from a muggle university, wouldn't you say?"  

"That - that actually sounds like a really good idea." I manage to get out. "What kind of degree?" I ask, suddenly very interested in this new Malfoy wanting to go to muggle university.

"Something relevant for Auror training. Say, Criminology, or Muggle Law Enforcement, or even Muggle Law if I'm feeling brave."

"Draco, that sounds great. We - we could go together?" I half ask, smiling uncertainly. 

"Exactly what I was thinking. You can show me the ropes, keep me in check so I don't disrupt the Statute of Secrecy every five minuets with my Pureblood ignorance. Perfect." He claps his hands and I laugh lightly at his comments, hope filling my chest the more the conversation progresses.

"I like the sound of that. But lets be fair, It'll be every two minuets." Making fun of him, always feels like a bit of a gamble, and I can't help but half regret it after the words leave my mouth, but Draco just laughs. 

"You're a cheeky one, aren't you." He grins. My face blushes red, but I find myself not minding. Draco was being kind to me and nothing had made me happier.