. ⁎﹡*✧ plotted starter for @booksmarting
He’s kept his head down since the end of the war. Tried his hardest to stay out of the Prophet. That led to years being cooped up in the manor, usually sticking to his own rooms.
It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Draco had a lot to think about, after all, and aside from that he’d been able to delve more deeply into his own interests. He doesn’t pay too much attention to the news-- by now, articles in the Prophet about rumored Death Eater activities make him scoff. He hopes that they’re as unbelievable to the public as they are untrue. Usually, he just skims the paper, never even bothering to read through it fully. But the headline and the picture accompanying it catches his eye.
Hermione Granger Elected as the New Minister for Magic
He’s quiet for a moment, grey eyes gazing down upon familiar features. She’s grown up now. They both have. Draco has grown beyond the taunts he used to throw her way-- how unpleasant he had been, really, how naïve. The article leaves him with an unsettled sense of loose ends. It’s been years since he’s seen Granger, or any of his classmates. To be quite honest, he’s been avoiding them all. Up until now, the strategy has mainly worked. But now he can’t help but feel as though things have been left unresolved. He really had been an awful prat to her, and for no good reason.
A few weeks later, Draco Malfoy found himself at the Ministry for the first time since his family’s trial. He was, of course, subjected to the usual scrutiny and suspicion that was only to be expected, especially considering his track record. The package he’d brought was swiftly confiscated-- of course, why had he not expected that?-- but, fortunately, after what seemed almost like an interrogation, and having to surrender his wand at the desk (not that he really needed it, so that was fine), he’s permitted to meet with her.
You should have at least figured out what to say before, he scolds himself lightly, finding himself quite speechless at first-- what is there to say, really?-- before settling on a simple ❝ Congratulations. On your being elected and all. ❞
He wants to slap himself; this is so awkward. ❝ I had brought a few books from my family’s library, as a sort of congratulatory gift... but they took them up at the desk. Seemed to suspect I was trying to curse you. Or something. ❞
