Redemption (Draco Malfoy)

A Scoop of Hope

If anyone knew what it was like be an outcast in the Wizarding World it was Draco Malfoy. The Boy who had no choice but to stay in the shadows. After the second wizard war, his family was not exactly anyone's favorite.  Matter of fact, all the wealth his family held was no longer intimidating either. These days you could catch the young man walking the streets of Hogsmeade every Saturday to feel some type of normalcy.

Draco wore long black pants and a dark red overcoat with a grey shirt underneath. He decided green wasn't his color anymore.

On one of his many Saturday trips to Hogsmeade he went into Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream parlor. He walked over to the counter and ordered his favorite.

"I'll take a strawberry double cone with chocolate sauce" He smiled at the girl behind the counter getting out the amount he needed. She got to work straight away. He stood there and drummed silently with his fingers. This girl was new. He had never seen her before. She fumbled scooping up the ice cream.

"You're the first customer of the day, and you're my first sale on the job, pretty cool huh?" she smiled at him as she rang him up. Draco was not used to being talked to nicely at the ice cream shop. He usually came in, got his order, talked only when spoken to and would leave as soon as he was done paying. Draco cracked a smile back and handed her an extra five galleon as a tip. "Keep the change, I hope the rest of your shift is great'. Draco walked over to an empty table and sat down. He let out a sigh as he dug into his ice cream.

"Do you mind if I sit?" the girl behind the counter was now in front of Draco pulling out a chair. "If I said no, Would It make any difference?" he winced not understanding why this girl was choosing to come make conversation with him. She giggled at him. "it's a slow Saturday so far, I'm in need of some entertainment or I'm afraid I might just die waiting for a new customer "she put her hands on her face pouting. She then jumped, "OH, I forgot to introduce myself, Im Aurora Ravius, Its nice to meet you" she held out her hand. Draco winced as he put his hand out.

"I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy" he shifted uncomfortably. She didn't look horrified, She continued sitting.

"I know. I know who you are. I thought you could use a friend. I used to read about your dad on the muggle internet. I just moved closer to Hogsmeade to get a job for the summer so I could go back to Hogwarts after it was rebuilt" All he could do was sit there and take a deep breath.

"She knows who I am and isn't running the opposite way?Nice" He thought to himself.

Another customer came in so she got up fast and told him she'd see him again at Hogwarts. He didn't know how to reply and tell her he wasn't going back.

So, he didn't.

He gathered up his belongings and quickly left. He drove back to the manor with shaky hands. Should he go back for his last year?

"No" he thought to himself. He couldn't return after everything he put everyone through.

He took a short nap and woke up to his mum banging on his door for dinner.

"Draco, Darling its time to eat" he heard the footsteps slowly walk away and he got up to follow.

Draco's Mother Narcissa has been doing amazing since Lucius went to Azkaban, Its almost like his father was never apart their lives. . His mother is now allowed to be her true self. She even is president of a book club! Draco is very proud of her.

Draco made his way down to the dinning table.  It was the usual steak and vegetables his house elf cooked.

Draco broke the silence as he picked up his fork. "Mum, I think I'm returning to Hogwarts."

Narcissa dropped her fork out of her hand and stared across the table at Draco.

"If you think that's what right, I'll support whatever you decide Draco. You're Allowed to have a choice now"

That is what Draco loved about his mother. She was always supportive with anything he did. Even if it did cause trouble.

Draco spent the night packing for Hogwarts. All his robes, his school books and such were packed by the next morning.  He still had weeks to go until it was time to leave but he was anxious.

What if Potter turned everyone against him again? What if Granger doesn't accept his apology for the years of mistreatment? He decided that no matter what happens he would make sure people knew he was sorry for what he caused.

He would get his redemption.