Yours,

Dear Draco Malfoy (yes, I caught that), 

I am so terribly sorry for worrying you and making you feel neglected; never fear, I’ll make this letter extra long and personal to make up for it. Yes, yes my career is wonderfully impressive, but it is also the reason I haven’t had a moment to write you. And Draco Malfoy, I know how smart you were in school- too smart to sit in your massive manor and drink fancy alcohol (I imagine you’re a bourbon man?) and waste your life away. I know it’s not worth much, but I think you’d be an excellent potions master. 

And wow, I would’ve never imagined you’d mar your Lordly Malfoy skin with so many tattoos, but they all sound wonderful, and so deeply thoughtful too. The ingredients for Felix Felicis right? I have a story there, but perhaps I’ll save that for another letter. As for the soulmark, I’m intimately familiar with them, I have one too! You can’t even imagine how much research I’ve done on them, but I’d appreciate your thoughts nonetheless. On that note, you asked about Ron… 

He, Harry, and I are all still friends, but not as much of a package as we used to be. We were together directly after the war, but it only took a few months of dating to realize we just weren’t compatible. But, on a deeper level, I think it finally sunk in for him that we weren’t soulmates. I think it hit him that he wasn’t mine and he wasn’t willing to take that away from me. Is it nice to think that I have a person who is perfect for me that magic itself assigned, yes of course; but I doubt I’ll find him. So I’ve sort of resigned myself. All in all, we had an amicable breakup, or so I thought, but now he’s gone on his twentieth date with the twentieth witch of the month and making sure the whole world knows he’s the most eligible bachelor in wizarding Europe. So anyway I’m taking it personally. 

And Draco, how many times do I have to tell you that you’re forgiven? I know you don’t believe or actively participate in Pureblood discrimination. I trust you when you say that you’ve changed, and believe that you are trying to be better. And I am proud to see it, truly. 

I don’t want you to feel guilty, but it hasn’t just been work and Ron taking up my time, you asked about my loving parents. I spent much of the past month in Australia. Before seventh year and we disappeared, I obliviated my parents, gave them new lives and memories, and sent them off the continent. I know it is a morally ambiguous decision, but I made my choice and stand by it. However, now that things have settled, I’m trying to restore some of their memories, but it’s not going well. I was too good with my original spellwork, and the healers thought trying anything more extensive would do more harm than good. 

Sorry this letter has been very disheartening, so I’ll tell you about my tattoo experience! Harry and I decided to get them done the muggle way (though your charmed tattoos sound quite the sight) because we were both raised in that world. The pain wasn’t terrible and I am pretty pleased with it! I feel like I want more already. I always felt like my mark stood out so starkly against my skin, I think my tattoo makes it look more at home. 

Hopefully, the picture doesn’t get confiscated (it’s muggle just to be safe)

P.S. I missed you too

Looking forward to talking soon, 

HermioneH.J. Granger

…

Dear H.J. Granger, 

I am so glad to hear from you, Hermione. Firstly, you have just sent me the most beautiful thing in all of Azkaban and I am grateful. Seriously Hermione, you look beautiful and your tattoo suits you wonderfully, and yes they are addicting once you get one you’ll think of a dozen more. You got a Phoenix tattoo, how Gryffindor of you, but is that Slytherin green? Beautiful, Hermione. 

I am so incredibly sorry about your parents. Perhaps it’s my turn to offer you some comfort but believe me when I tell you that you did the right thing. You saved your parents, they are safe and alive because of you, and maybe that’s enough. For now, lean on your friends and prioritize yourself. 

Finally, the weasel is an idiot and entirely undeserving of you. Do I believe that you have a soulmate out there, waiting for you- absolutely, how could you not? However, I believe that nobody is worthy of you, so you deserve whoever you choose. But, you deserve better than that, Granger. When did he ever buy you flowers? Jewelry? Romance you and take you out? 

PS- can I call you Hermione? I quite like you calling me Draco.

Happily awaiting my next letter, 

Draco Malfoy

…

Dear Draco, 

Thank you for your sweet compliments, flattery will get you everywhere, but I don’t know how to react to them coming from you. I’m thinking about your tattoos now, I’m sure they’re dashing on you, but let’s unpack that later, yeah? And you’re right, I know for certain I want more, maybe one covering my scar? I bet that one would have to be magical, but I’m sure I could come up with a design. And yes, that blouse was Slytherin green. I'm always hearing golden girl this and brightest witch of her age, but I think I should’ve been a Slytherin. I was brewing illegal potions and harassing reporters while you were fussing over your hair. 

Thank you, for your input on my parents, it is helpful. I know I protected them, and I don’t regret it at all, but I can’t help but miss them. I feel as if I have no right to miss them, I caused this, but I know it’s for the better. The whole situation is just a whole complicated mess. 

And Draco, I appreciate that you think so highly of me, and I (begrudgingly) admit you did make some good points, but please no bad-mouthing Ron. Yes, we broke up, but he is still one of my best friends and his family has become my family. But yes, I will admit it has been a while since I’ve gotten flowers and I don’t think I’ve ever been wined and dined like that, though I don’t blame it entirely on Ron. What about you? Much experience romancing witches, Lord Malfoy?

Also, just so you’re aware, I’ve requested complete access to your files. I don’t want to worry you, but I am concerned about your case. There is a small group of resurrectionists and attacks are growing more common and calculated, and some prejudiced people think you are involved. Anyone with a brain knows that’s absolute bollocks, but it's enough for them to try and increase your sentence- as if you could lead a pureblood revolution from Azkaban. I apologize, I don’t like mentioning you’re in there, but come on.

P.S. I quite like you calling me Hermione, Draco.

Thinking about you, 

Hermione Granger

…

Dearest Hermione, 

So you think I’m dashing? And you’re thinking about being romanced by me? Granger, let’s not be coy with each other. I don’t have a ton of experience courting and romancing witches, with the whole expectation to marry Lady Malfoy. But don’t worry, I am more than ready to start, Malfoy men know how to treat their women. Do tell me, what are your favorite flowers, see I want to say something classic but also wild- Hydrangeas maybe, or lilacs? 

I will do my best not to bash Weasley, though I do think he should’ve treated you better. I understand romance is hard during wartime and you were young, but children can still write love letters, and a packed picnic is still possible in between fights. I digress, how is the Weasley clan? Is Potter still dating the youngest one? She was a Pro Quidditch player if I remember correctly, and Ron’s an auror? Wow, I’m weirdly jealous of them, I wish I could be playing Quidditch professionally or even doing fieldwork as an auror. I try not to linger on it, I would hate to upset you Hermione, but Azkaban is awful. The wet cold is in my bones and I can’t ever imagine it leaving. I do nothing all day, and yet I have no energy. I just… it’s taking its toll. 

In all seriousness, Hermione please be safe, don’t worry about me, please focus on yourself and other muggle borns in the face of any violence. You do not need my file, you do not need more (dangerous) responsibilities. Take proper precautions, assess your wards, do what you need to do, and gods please don’t stop fighting to save the world, don’t let them get to you. 

Thinking about (romancing) you always, 

Draco Malfoy 

…

Dear Draco, 

How can you be so maddening? First, you make me blush then make me sad then anger me by ignoring me, the multifaceted nature of man I suppose. Let’s go point by point:

Is that you telling me you know how to treat a witch? Do tell me your plans to treat me better, I’m all ears. 

The Weasley family is doing very well, Charlie works with Dragons in Romania, and he should be publishing his research shortly. Bill and Fleur are doing wonderfully, I believe they’re planning to start a family soon! Percy is working his way up the ministry and back into the good graces of the family. George is coping… but the business is thriving and all the family is getting involved. Ron is gallivanting about Britain with his witches, but he’s getting an award with the ministry so I suppose his work is going well. And yes, Ginny and Harry are still together. 

Finally, Draco, you are a person, a person I am extremely fond of and you are worthy of my help. I want to help you. Let me. Don’t make me ‘golden girl’ my way into gaining access to your files. Draco, I like to think we’ve gotten close, or at the very least we’re getting there, so don’t push me away. The attacks on muggle borns are getting worse, I feel so isolated, don’t isolate me more. 

P.S. I do like both Hydrangeas and lilacs, but Tulips are my favorites. 

Wistfully waiting to be romanced, 

Hermione Granger 

… 

Dearest Hermione, 

Is that an offer to romance you? If you’ll let me, well Hermione, I’d be honored. For our first time out, I’m thinking somewhere big, I’d want to take you somewhere where there’s no pressure for you to be the brightest witch of our age and no awkward stares because you’re out with the infamous Draco Malfoy. I’m thinking France, ever been to Paris, Granger? Some of the happiest memories of my life come from the summers my mother and I spent in France. I’m thinking a tour of our manor there, a vase of tulips waiting on your bedside table, let you get ready before we aparate to dinner. I’d take you somewhere small, intimate, maybe sit among some candlelight, and I just know the place Hermione, whispering sweet nothings in French. I’d be a gentleman, and let you pick the bottle of oaky red wine for me to order, dinner would pass, dessert would pass, and we’d still be there talking. Gods, Hermione, I wouldn’t want to leave, I’m sure you’d be a vision in a little black dress, some Malfoy jewels, and twinkly lights. But eventually, we’d have to leave the restaurant. Don’t worry, we’d take a walk through the city, but still, I’m a gentleman, I’ll have you home at a respectable hour. Walk you to your room, linger by the door, and if I’m lucky I’ll get a goodnight kiss. After that, well I can’t promise I’d be a gentleman, but we’ll have to unpack that later, yeah? 

Glad to hear the Weasleys are doing well, what about our other classmates? Can I have more updates? It was weirdly helpful to hear about them, gave me a sense of normalcy. 

Please tell me you’re being safe, Hermione.

Enamored by you, 

Draco Malfoy

…

Lord D. Malfoy, 

I hope this note finds you well and reading all your posts. I will keep this letter short, I am just formally notifying you that Ms. Hermione Granger has been granted full access to your files. I know you’re in regular correspondence with her and she is one of the Ministry’s finest, so they considered it appropriate. 

Again, I’m sure this is nothing extraordinary, I am simply doing my job and ensuring you’re up to date. 

Please remember I am at your service Lord Malfoy. 

Cassius B. McIntyre

Private Solliciter

… 

My Dearest Hermione, 

I know I ignored your questions about my files in my last letter, but still, you found a way. I didn’t want to mention it without being certain and since you’re ignoring me, I assume it is- that our marks match, that you’re my soulmate. 

I am so so sorry for not being more clear, I am so sorry for not communicating, but please hear me out, Granger. We can talk, we can proceed however you want moving forward with this, just please, give me the chance to tell you about, my thoughts and feelings, and emotions. 

Don’t isolate me, Hermione. Please. 

Yours, 

Draco Malfoy 

…
Mr. McIntyre, 

Thank you for your updates, even though it is not notable I do appreciate that you’ve kept me in the loop. If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly is Ms. Granger hoping to accomplish by gaining access to my files- I’m sure you two are in correspondence about the legal aspects of my case and care. I’ve also written to her, but I would like your perspective as well. 

-DM

…

Hermione, 

Please, I understand I’m the last one you want to hear from and I understand you’re cross, more than cross. But if you’re pissed, let me have it, send me a howler, give me your anger and your heartbreak. Damnit Granger, I don’t even care in what capacity it is in, but I need you in these letters. In my life. 

Yours, 

Draco

…

Lord D. Malfoy, 

I hope this note finds you well. I am happy to answer about Ms. Granger, she came to me with concerns about various rebel groups claiming you were leading them in their quest to reinstate pureblood values. We were both looking over old court transcripts to defend you and your current sentence, as there are rumors about the Wizengamont reopening your case. 

I do not want to worry you, Lord Malfoy, both mine and Ms. Granger’s work is flawless, and your defense is tight, but she is nothing if not thorough. I am glad you are maintaining your correspondence with her; though I would not expect to hear from her anytime soon, she was unfortunately involved in an insurrectionist attack and was committed to Saint Mungo’s for undisclosed injuries 9 days ago, and there is still no update on it. 

Please remember I am at your service Lord Malfoy. 

Cassius B. McIntyre

Private Solliciter