With his eyes closed Draco laid in the garden, trying not to think of the worst. The thoughts going through is head were not pleasant. He knew that the last thing he deserved was forgiveness.

He heard someone walking towards him. Thinking it was one of his staff he remained still.

"Mind if I sit with you?" a feminine voice asked. One that he hadn't heard in years. But one that he would know forever.

"Mum?" Draco eyes popped open and saw his mum smirking at him. Everyone thought he got his smirk from his dad. Truth was he got it from his mother.

She was a true Slytherin. Cunning, and resourceful. How else did she survive with Lucius and the Dark Lord living in their home.

"What are you doing here?" He asked as he stood up to hug his mother.

"I received a memo." They walked towards his back porch, refreshments already waiting.

"Oh." Was all Draco could say. His head down in shame and embarrassment.

"Don't you dare young man." Narcissia snapped.

Draco's neck cracked as his head whipped up quickly. It had been a long time sense his mother used that tone with him.

"Yes mother." Was all he could say.

The mother and son sat at the white porch table. Each grabbing a water, and a sugar bisket. After a moment of silence, Draco's mum looked at her son and smiled.

"I am so proud of you." She started "You have built yourself from the bottom up."

Draco just sat there, knowing that if she was interrupted he would get the look.

"What Lucius did to me was never your fault. He made the choice to be a bastard, and to be abusive. If anything I should apologize to you." These words Draco never thought they needed to be said. She protected him.

"I should have ran the moment I knew nothing good would come. But I was scared, and didn't know how to survive on my own so I stayed." Tears falling down her face as she spoke.

Draco moved to sit next to his mother and placed his hand on hers. No words were needed, they were ok, they had each other.

They sat there in silence. Both forgiving each other. After a bit they made small talk and caught up. Once again mother and son.

Time was not important as they sat there and visited. Draco pushing the letters to the back of the brain. It was something he needed to do, but he would be ok if only his mother forgave him. Well his mother and Harry.

A shadow fell over the two. In the sky two owls were heading towards them. His doubts and fears rushed back to him. He would soon find out how well his apologies were received.

The first letter was from Neville, the second from George. He quickly released the letters from the owls and gave them a small treat then sent them on their way.

Draco Malfoy,

You can imagine my suprise when your face and voice appeared in that frame. I almost tossed it out. Really not wanting to hear what you had to say. Then the word sorry came out of your mouth and my hand stopped. Starting it over I gave it a listen. Your right, you made my life miserable and hard. Your also wrong. This one apology made a dent. It will take time, but this is a descent start.

Neville Longbottom

Draco smiled "Neville hasn't forgiven me but he said it was a descent start."

"Oh Draco, I am so happy for you." Her smile reaching her silver eyes. "How many letters did you send out?"

"Nine." Draco was staring at the second letter. "This one is from George Weasley."

"Oh Draco." She could feel the fear radiating off of him. She grabbed his hand and nodded to let him know she was here for him.

Malfoy,

Your a right git. My brothers death was not your fault. He was killed by Augustus Rookwood with an explosion. You my blonde ferret had nothing to do with it.  I wish you could bring him back too. Though I do not wish for you to take his place. I think your mother would be devastated. Really don't care about your father much though. He can stay where he is. Lost in his insanity. You made a choice. A really bad one, but I know what you did for Harry, Hermione, and my brother at Malfoy Manor. You saved him, and them and I am ever so greatful. When I found that out, you were forgiven.

George

PS, The swamp was my favorite too. Such a brilliant piece of magic if I do say so myself.

Tears were streaming down Draco's face. He forgave him. The one he never thought would, but here he was, forgiving him.

"He is right you know." A voice said from the sliding door behind them. Harry had caught Draco reading the letter out loud to his mother. "The war, their deaths. None of them were by your hand. They are not your fault."

"I can't help but feel they are Harry." Draco had his head down, not wanting to look at him. Scared at what he would see.

"Ms. Malfoy, it is really good to see you. I never got the chance to thank you, for lying to Voldemort." Sitting down next to her, he grabbed a bisket and smiled.

"Well thank you for saving me at the trials, Mr. Potter." She smiled back.

"Call me Harry." He grinned

"Then call me Narcissa, please." They looked at each other and nodded.

"Draco. I know I said I would forgive you in time, but I lied." Draco's face fell at these words. Expecting the worst. "I have already forgiven you. It takes a brave man to admit that he was wrong, and then to apologize. Thank you."

Draco looked at Harry. He was at a loss for words. How could he be forgiven so quickly.

"Trust on the other hand will take some time." Harry looked at Draco and smiled. "I hope that we can get there."

"I understand Harry." Finally being able to speak. "I hope we can too."

"Do I still have a job?" Laughter rang out from all three people. The tension being released.

"Yes Harry. You still have a job." Narcissa smiled at the two boys before her. Slowly understanding what is going on between the two.

The chatter was light, each one knowing, more letter may be coming. All hoping for the best.

It was getting close to dusk, and the staff had just served dinner. Tonight the cooks made Sosaties which is marinated, cubed lamb meat that is skewered and then barbecued over an open flame, mielie which was served on-the-cob, and a green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. Each having a glass of red wine with dinner. Dessert was melktert a milk, egg, and sugar custard with compacted biscuit crumbs and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The rest of the owls came with dessert. 

The first one opened was from the Weasleys.

Dear Draco,

Oh honey, the war was not your fault you were just a young pawn in a madmans game. No child should be put into that situation. We may have a bit of a road to travel for full forgiveness and trust but we are all willing to try.

Next time you are around, please come for dinner. Bring your mum too, lets just put the past behind us and build an new and stronger bridge.

Love,
The Weasleys

Harry smiled knowing that he will be getting Draco and his mum over there for dinner. Molly's home cooked food sounded so amazing, especially to get people talking. Can't get too mad when you have amazing food to eat.

The next one Draco opened was from Hermione and Ron. It was in the same format as the ones he sent them

Draco,

Ferret,

Ron knock it off!

Now you know Draco I have seen the changes you have made and I forgave you the moment we had that conversation on the back porch. Now I know you have finally told the truth to Harry and I am so proud of you. I can't wait to see you again and catch up.

Ferret well now that I have the whole story. I guess I can forgive you. You do treat Harry well and that is important. If Harry can stand ya I guess I can too. Tell Harry hello.

Hermione I am hungry we got anything.......Finite.

Draco laughed, and Harry just smirked at his best-friends antics. You honestly couldn't have gotten a better answer of forgiveness when it came to Ron.

Putting it away in the back of his head, Harry would need to remember to ask about the back porch conversation, between Draco and Hermione.

The next one was from Severus. Draco knew who it was from the flowing script that was the dark mans handwriting.

Draco,

Thank Merlin I can finally call you by your real name. Please stop this drivel and know that no matter what and where you go I will be there if you need me. Along with your mother. I hope to join you soon, we will talk then. Just know your words were well received.

Your favorite Godfather
Severus Snape
PS Tell Narcissa hello.

The last letter was from Luna. He had been blown away with such positive responses, he hoped the last one would be too.

Dragon,

That name fits you. A beautifully  misunderstood creature, just like you. Of course I forgive you. It is my nature to do so. Especially when one was given such terrible choices. To either watch your loved ones die or to kill. No human, let alone child needs to make those decisions. The war brought out the worst in all of us. It also brought out the hidden hero in many. You included. You could have easily given up Harry but you did not. You could have joined in on my torture but you didn't. You were a lone child in the middle of a war.

Love,
Luna
PS hearing you say my name brought a joyous smile to my face. Thank you.

Draco couldn't stop grinning. Some still needed time, but they were willing to give him a chance.

He was on the right track, a step in the right direction.

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Thank you for reading!! I hope you enjoyed it.

Love
Always_Hufflepuff