Yours,

Malfoy, 

I am so incredibly sorry. First and foremost, I am sorry for your loss, I don’t know much about your relationship with Lucius but he was your father, I’m sure he loved you in his own way. If I may offer you some unsolicited advice? Hold onto that, hold onto the love and the memories and the good lessons he left you; not only is it unbecoming to speak ill of the dead, but clinging to the ‘what ifs’ and the negatives will only leave you feeling emptier. Again, I don’t know much about your relationship, but my condolences are sincere. Secondly, I need to apologize for how you found out, and that you must hear the details from me. 

I am looking into his file right now, as the cause of his passing is still not public knowledge, but I figured I would provide what I could, and maybe offer you some peace of mind. Lucius was killed in Azkaban 2 weeks and four days ago, it is labeled as some sort of accident on his record, meaning it was either an unsanctioned dementor’s kiss or guard killing or something along those lines. Your father is confirmed dead, and I am confident in saying that it was murder. Since the ‘accident’ happened so suddenly and it happened in Azkaban his body was cremated and the remains have been sent to your mother at your Manor. 

Your solicitor mentioned that he wrote you about your father’s death and therefore your new position as Lord Malfoy, however I’m sure the mail situation in Azkaban is less than ideal, (maybe it’s something for me to work on reforming) so if you have any additional questions, I’m more than happy to help find you answers. On that note, I am fighting (along with the Malfoy solicitors and estate) to get justice for your father. I did not like him, your father committed more atrocities than I care to think about- but he was a person, a person actively serving out a sentence for his crimes. He did not deserve to be murdered in his cell, and even if he did deserve it, the courts decided otherwise, so you and your mother deserve damages. While the powers that be are still arguing about it, I am confident that they will pay and the gold should be waiting for you in your vaults. 

With sincerest apologies, 

H.J. Granger 

…

Granger, 

I admire your kindness, truly. I’ll miss my father, but Lucius hasn’t acted like my father in a long long time. He put both you and I through hell, come on Granger, let’s not ignore it. Still, I appreciate the condolences. I am, however, worried about my mother, my father was many things but Malfoy men love their wives, and my mother was well loved for 26 years and now she’s alone. I guess I should take your advice, and hold onto the good, I’m holding onto the fact my mother is at least safe and comfortable. It’s actually been quite helpful, how did you get so wise with what I’m only assuming is a very happy and loving family? 

And I do have a question actually, do you know how the money situation works? All the Malfoy gold? I assume a lot of it was seized by the ministry for reparations, and I know they seized two of the smaller residences, but what about everything else? And who has access to it? I know the wards we have setup only allow the Lord of the Manor to have complete access, but the Lord of the Manor is in Azkaban for another 10 years. I just want to make sure my mother is well taken care of. She wrote, and I can only assume based on the contents of her letter she’s going to be redecorating. 

I apologize for the questions, honestly, I’m sure my solicitor answered them in a letter, but it’s like this place drains the life out of you. The pile of mail in the corner of my cell is growing more daunting each day. 

Thank you, 

DM 

…

Malfoy, 

I understand to a certain extent, and I’m both humbled and flattered that you’ve chosen me for your pen pal (only half sarcastic, you twit). I imagine it’s like watching the work pile up on my desk and I have no idea where to start so I just go home early and indulge in a bottle of wine instead. 

And don’t you worry about the Malfoy vaults, you are still ridiculously wealthy. The ministry seized 10 million in assets, including 3 properties (the townhouse near Diagon Alley, the cottage in Bath, and a manor in Spain), leaving you with what 300 million Galleons leftover? I understand that you were also left a gross majority of the Lestrange fortune, because Bellatrix and Rudolphus had no heirs, though I’m not sure about the logistics with their gold. After your house arrest probationary period, you will have full access to the estate. Your mother has access to most everything, except for one vault that the goblins and elves are insisting is for the Lord only. The ministry is terribly afraid that you’re hiding some heinous, dark magic in there, but I am more curious than scared. Do tell Lord Malfoy? 

Also, in case you haven’t read anything your solicitor has sent you, the petition to reevaluate your sentence has been approved, so you’ll have to stand before another court soon. It won’t be as large or as much of a spectacle as your first trial, but the Wizengamot will have to hear your case again. The petition is for 5 years in Azkaban, 3 years on house arrest, and then a 2 year probation- 10 years total, as opposed to a 10 year Azkaban sentence. I am cautiously optimistic, especially after our success with your mother. I will do my best to attend, but I’ve gotten very busy with other work so I’ve submitted a written testimony for your solicitor to review, as has Harry. 

I hope that notion, and these letters make your life slightly less dreary. 

P.S. Your mother has sent me three invitations for tea at the manor to thank me for my help with her case, any advice? I don’t want her to think I’m harboring a grudge, I just don’t think I’m ready for that yet, but take some comfort that she’s doing well. 

Busy, curious, and hopeful, 

H.J. Granger 

…

Granger, 

You should be incredibly flattered I’m choosing to respond to your letters. Theo is distraught that I’m ignoring him, but responding to him is just terrifying. I am so grateful to you, Granger, for what you’ve done for me and for helping to reduce my sentence, for ensuring my mother is doing well, and for keeping me company with our correspondences. Thank you. 

And while I’m expressing my feelings, I owe you an apology. And by gods Granger, I am so sorry. I am so so sorry for all of it. I wish I could take back every slur in school, every time I sought you guys out just to torment you. I am sorry for ever making you feel lesser because of your blood, which is such bollocks really. I wanted to believe what I was taught, I wanted to feel worthy, and there you were defying every stereotype I had ever been taught. 

I’m sorry for not doing more to help you during the war, I’m sorry for not stopping Bellatrix. I will never forgive myself for just standing there and watching her, I can’t forget it. I don’t deserve to forget it. I am sorry for not being more grateful for your kindness, though I will strive to become a man worthy of it. 

Granger, don’t apologize for not being ready, hell even with all my fond memories of the Manor, I don’t even know if I am ready to go back there. I suppose anywhere is better than where I am now, but I am dreading it. In terms of dealing with my mother -which you are under no obligation to do- approach her plainly, she is a master at high society, at talking around issues to save face. If you interact with her, be (kindly) blunt and she’ll do the same for you. 

Honestly, Granger, I am as curious as you about the Malfoy vaults. Of course, I had one just for myself, and the Lady of the Manor has her vault, but the Lord’s vault remains a mystery to me. I imagine it’s where the most priceless of the family heirlooms are, certain family relics, and such, it was all quite mysterious and alluring when I was a child. I’m not sure what’ll remain now, what with all the dark magic scrubbed out, but you’ll be the first to know. 

Finally, you said you were extremely busy with work, and I can only imagine the amount the ministry is putting on your plate with that brilliant brain of yours, but what exactly is that work? I regret not paying more attention before my trial, but you mentioned that the legal work is a sort of side project for you, so what exactly is your full-time job?

Thank you for your correspondence Granger, it truly does help. 

PS- I can’t possibly imagine you leaving work early, better yet for a bottle of wine. Red or white? 

Eternally grateful and apologetic, 

DM

…

To whom it may concern, from the desk of Hermione Granger. 

Honorable members of the Wizengamot, I regret that I am unable to attend today’s hearing, but my absence does not reflect my feelings regarding Mr. Malfoy’s sentencing. I’ll admit that while Mr. Malfoy and I were in the same year at Hogwarts, we were not close. Mr. Malfoy was a bully and a blood purist, and we often found ourselves at odds. However, we do have things in common, we both were deprived of a childhood because of adults who should have known better. Mr. Malfoy’s father harmed him, physically and mentally to further his own goals. Mr. Malfoy was exposed to darkness, through no fault of his own, and it affected him deeply. Mr. Malfoy was tortured for years in his own home, with no sense of safety. And yet, when the time came to make a choice, an impossibly hard choice, Mr. Malfoy still found it within himself to choose the light. Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and I were all taken to the Malfoy family, so they could turn us over to Voldemort, Mr. Malfoy stalled, saying he could not identify us with certainty, even though I know in my heart he could’ve. Mr. Draco Malfoy’s small act of bravery changed the tide of the war. I have been in correspondence with him, and I feel confident in stating Mr. Draco Malfoy is not a blood purist, he is not a threat to the magical world, and he is remorseful for his actions. I understand Mr. Malfoy’s name and status and wealth are threatening, however, a ten year sentence is far too long for a man to serve simply because his presence is not in line with your morals. I agree that Mr. Malfoy should spend time away to truly comprehend the magnitude of his actions during the war, however, I believe the Wizengamot should consider his acts of heroism as well. I believe the Wizengamot should take into account the man Mr. Malfoy has the potential to become, not just who he was forced to be. A reduced sentence would allow time for Mr. Malfoy to understand and repent for his crimes, while also allowing him a chance at the life he deserves to live. Thank you for your consideration. 

… 

Dear Malfoy, 

Wow. I am almost at a loss for words. Thank you for the apologies, though they were entirely unnecessary, I forgave you a while ago, but it is still so genuinely nice to hear. While your apologies were kind, I need you to know that I don’t blame you for any of your actions during the war. You were a child forced into incredibly dark magic, you were acting under duress. If you had tried to stop Bellatrix, you would’ve been killed, or at the very least tortured. If you want my forgiveness, it’s yours, though in my mind there was nothing to forgive - outside of the years of bullying and harassment. 

What exactly is my job? Honestly, even I barely know at this point. I originally entered the ministry working with the magical creatures department, working to gain more rights for sentient magical creatures. I was also given an additional stipend for working as a consultant with the Department of Mysteries; they brought me in for my ‘expertise and experience’ with curse breaking and arthimacy and just about anything else. I ended up working as an expert curse breaker for the DoM more than with magical creatures, so eventually I transferred. Then, just as I applied for a curse-breaking mastery with Saint Mungo’s, Shacklebolt decided to petition for a new muggle integration department. So now, many have claimed I am like a second undersecretary to the minister, with a hand in every department; and while I enjoy every second of it, and am paid extremely well it is a lot of work. So yes, you are right (God that was painful to write) that I rarely leave work early (or even on time) but I do enjoy a good bottle of wine. To answer your question, I like it all just in different ways. I hate dry white wine and prefer something sweeter like a riesling, but if I’m drinking red I’d like it to be deep and oaky, perhaps a Zin or Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Since you asked me a question, I’ll ask one of you- what are your career plans? Or dream jobs? You only have, what 4 years left, back to the real world, Malfoy. Well on top of that, I do have a real question. I requested your forms while writing my testimony, and though a lot of it was redacted, it did say you have tattoos?! And additional markings? I only ask because I’m joining the tattoo club, Harry and I are both getting our first on Tuesday! Anyway, consider my curiosity piqued.

P.S. Your mother and I have arranged to have tea in her gardens, once my schedule allows. 

Kindly forgiving, 

H.J. Granger

… 

Dearest Granger, 

Sorry if that was wrong, but I felt the need to one-up you. Though given your career I’m sure that doesn’t happen very often, because gods you couldn’t be more impressive. A mastery in curse-breaking? Rights for magical creatures? Getting reformed death eaters out of Azkaban? You’re always remembered as the top of our class, but since you disappeared in seventh year, I was the one with the highest grades. When we were younger I was always so angry that you, that a muggleborn was somehow smarter than me, but looking at you now- gods Granger, it’s not even close. With all you do, please take breaks, take time for yourself, drink your sweet white wine, and enjoy yourself ok?

To answer the first question, I never really had career plans, most Malfoy heirs simply maintain the family name and Manor. Obviously, various Malfoy Lords have had jobs, several politicians of course, authors, and whatnot; when I was really little I wanted to be a professional quidditch player. And maybe I was good enough but now, with my current fitness and age I just don’t think it’s possible. So I will probably just follow in my ancestors' footsteps and be ‘ridiculously wealthy’ as you called it. Though if I had to pick a career now, after everything, I think I’d like to be a potions master. I was always good at it, and somehow it all just clicked in my head, the ingredients and methodology form a stunning puzzle that I loved putting together.  

This leads me to your second question, yes I have tattoos, a lot of them. I have a series of potion ingredients on my left thigh, they’re all charmed to sort of swirl together: ashwinder egg, horseradish, a vial of squill bulb juice, murtlap growths, thyme, occamy eggshell, and powdered common rue. I have ancient runes across my shoulders, for peace, growth, protection, love, loyalty, and safety. A daffodil on my forearm, directly opposite to the dark mark for my mother. I have the Draco constellation on my lower left stomach, almost over my hip bone- call me conceited, but the Malfoy name is responsible for some truly evil acts, but Draco, that’s all mine. I never imagined I would get any, but during the war, I just needed to feel something, and I figured I needed all the help I could get, so I got the runes across my back. After that, I was hooked. I feel like they also helped me process the Dark Mark, at least then I had other, more meaningful images on my skin too. The other mark on the forms isn’t the dark mark, or at least I don’t think that’s what it’s referring to. I have a soulmark, over my right hip bone (opposite Draco). They’re increasingly rare, ancient magic, especially among purebloods. It’s the old myth, man was originally born with 4 arms and 4 legs, but they were too powerful that way, so they were separated. Honestly, I’ve never paid my mark much mind, although I do think it’s beautiful, because I was always supposed to marry according to my status. Pureblood logic doesn’t care about my perfect match, my other half, only that I am Lord Malfoy and must marry a proper lady. I try not to think about her, my soulmate, that is, it makes me wonder and that’s a dangerous pastime in Azkaban. 

Do tell me about your new tattoo. Also, forgive me if this is overstepping, but just you and Harry? No Weasley? I figured you were all a package deal. 

Enamored Impressed by you, 

Draco Malfoy

…

Granger, 

I know you are rightfully busy, saving the world from dark curses gaining rights for centaurs, and getting me and all the other Slytherins out of our terrible sentences, but this is the longest I’ve gone without a letter. Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I am worried about you. 

I can’t help but think I’ve offended you in some way. If I have, I am sorry, please just write me back and yell at me for it. I promise you that I don’t believe in or actively support any of the pureblood values I mentioned in my last letter, and I haven’t in a long time. Being Lord Malfoy is just the situation I was born into, but that doesn’t make me any better than you. Your blood is beautiful and magical and perfect, and Granger I am so sorry if I made you feel otherwise. Or maybe I shouldn’t have asked about the weasel but my curiosity got the better of me I suppose. 

All this to say, I miss you, your letters are the only thing keeping me sane. I can’t bring myself to write anyone else. Granger, fuck. You know my faults, my misdeeds, my evils, and you know them intimately and you still want to talk to me. Nobody else can say that. If you’re too busy or want me to dial it back, I understand, but gods please don’t leave. 

Please, 

DM