Chapter Sixteen: Thanks
Chapter 16 of 17
MMADfanHarry gets another letter. Draco plans for the future.
Reviewed
Chapter Sixteen: Thanks
12 May 1999
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Harry,
I hope you read this and don't destroy it as soon as you see it's from me. That would probably be what I'd want to do if I were in your position.
I've been thinking about a lot of things lately, including my debt to you. I know that you had your own reasons for doing what you did when you got in front of Riddle's Avada Kedavra and saved my father, but the fact remains, you did save him.
I may not be on good terms with my father right now, and I don't agree with what he did when he joined the Death Eaters, and I think that a lot of his ideas, which he taught me for years, weren't right ones, but he is my father, and on behalf of my family, I want to thank you for saving him, and thank you for telling him that my mother and I were well and safe. I know it was a relief to him, and if he had died then, he would have died at peace knowing that. So thank you, Harry.
I will be surprised if we are ever friends of any sort, but I don't want to be your enemy. I'm sure that learning that Ginny and I are seeing each other must have been hard. It's not something I'd want to hear. However you feel, I can't change that, I suppose, but I want to tell you that I know that Ginny is special. If I were a Gryffindor, I might try to be noble and tell her to go back to you, since my family owes you a debt of sorts. But I can't do that, and it probably would be wrong for her, too, to try to tell her what to do. She's got a lot of spirit, and I don't think that would go over very well with her.
If you've read this far, you're probably wondering what ulterior motives I have in writing this to you. I don't know what they are, myself. I just know that I have been thinking about you, and I thought I owed you at least my thanks, and maybe some explanation. The thing is, I don't have an explanation. Not for why Ginny and I are seeing each other. I can't think why she'd want to be with me, of all people. I do know that I don't want to date anyone else but her. Every other witch pales in comparison. She's like a living rose, blooming brightly in the cold, dead of winter. She's so intense and alive. But you know that, I'm sure.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I know I was an ass when we were in school together. Worse than that...I'm sure you could think of a lot of descriptions that would fit. I don't want to be that kind of person again, and I don't want to be the kind of man my father was, either.
I wish you the best of luck in your future. I hope we can get along when we see each other, as we probably will.
Sincerely,
Draco M. Newman
Harry snorted and shook his head. The Slytherin couldn't even manage a decent apology for his past behaviour, let alone one for taking Ginny. How Malfoy thought it was appropriate to even be writing him a letter after everything, Harry couldn't imagine.
If he took Malfoy at his word, it seemed to Harry that at least Malfoy recognised he didn't deserve Ginny. If he took him at his word. The wizard was still a Slytherin, and although there were certainly honourable Slytherins, Harry didn't think he could ever take any at their face value...not even Snape, as much as he might admire the older wizard now. And a Malfoy was a Malfoy, whatever he decided to call himself. Still . . . he could be a man and give Draco a chance. After all, as he'd told Ginny, if all that dying meant that some people could change, that would be good. It wouldn't be a bad thing if Draco grew up to be a different man from the one his father had been grooming him to become. And Ginny could be a good influence on him.
If Draco genuinely cared about Ginny...though Harry doubted that Draco could ever love her the way he himself did...that at least said something positive about his judgment, Harry thought. Dumbledore had always said it was a person's choices that determined their worth, not their abilities. He'd wait and see where Draco's choices led him. He just hoped they wouldn't lead Ginny into a life of pain.
Yeah, Newman. He'd see what kind of new man Draco turned out to be.
Harry stood and Summoned his new deep blue cloak. Time to get ready to meet his boss in Diagon Alley. Mad-Eye Moody had become no more patient with the end of the war, and Harry didn't want to be late for his first day of work. Tracking down the vigilante with Moody was now sounding far more appealing than stocking packets of crisps and cans of Coke at a Muggle grocery. Harry was ready to face his new life.
"You wrote Harry a letter?" Ginny asked incredulously. They were sitting together on a single large red cushion set against the far wall of the classroom, a few small green and silver pillows between them and the wall. Ginny was leaning against them, and Draco was lounging against her.
Draco nodded. "I couldn't get it off my mind. You. Him. My father. That day. Then here I am, or there I was, miles away, sleeping soundly . . . I just kept thinking about it. So I thought if I wrote him a letter, it would help."
"Did it?" She touched his hair, turning his head slightly so she could see his face.
"A little. But I think it was a stupid thing to do now," Draco admitted. "At least to have written it and sent it. He couldn't possibly understand why I would want to write him a letter. He probably thought it was some ploy, though I don't know what he'd think I'd have to gain from it. Or maybe he thought that I just wanted to rub it in that I was with you now."
"Did you?"
Draco shook his head. "The opposite, actually. I feel . . . so happy with you. I don't know how Potter felt about you, but it must have hurt him . . . I just . . . I wouldn't want to be him." He shrugged. "Mostly, though, I felt I should thank him for what he did that day. Telling my father that we were alive, and then saving his life. Maybe saving my father was just . . . I don't know . . . an unintended consequence, but he still did it. And after everything else, too . . . we were enemies, maybe we still are, but Potter did our family a service. The Malfoys may never have had the . . . the generosity of spirit that you Weasleys have, but when we recognise a debt . . ." Draco shrugged again. "I do regret things that I said and did, even though I don't think I could have done anything differently, not who I was back then. And so I owe him more thanks for it because of that, because he did it despite our personal enmity."
"I guess I see. I never thanked your father for saving us. I never even saw him again after the battle."
"If he ever returns, you can thank him then, if you feel the need."
Ginny caressed his cheek. "I'd rather thank his son, instead." She leaned forward and kissed him. "I love you, Drake," she whispered before kissing him again.
"I love you, too, and I am going to do all I can to deserve you and to make you happy and proud of me. I want you to be able to hold up your head when you're with me. I am going to work hard and be someone for you, someone you can be proud of."
"We'll do that together. I hope that your interview with Mr MacAirt goes as well as you hope."
"So do I. He seems willing to give me an opportunity, and I'm not sure whether there are many who would."
"I'm sure there are more than you think, Drake. You will have your NEWTs, and I bet your references from the teachers will all be very good."
Draco shrugged. "Maybe." He stroked her cheek absent-mindedly and ran his fingers through her hair. "You are still meeting him with me, aren't you? Mr MacAirt, I mean."
"Sure. It does sound better than some other things I've thought of...or that my Dad has. He thought I'd like to work at the Ministry in Games and Sports, and I can't think of anything more dull right now than working at the Ministry."
"You should do whatever you want, Gin. You'll be great whatever you do, I'm sure."
"I'd still be floundering if it weren't for you, though. I'd never have even thought of talking to Mr MacAirt. Now the more I think about it, the more it sounds like a good idea."
"I'm glad." Draco sighed and looked at his watch. "I can't stay much longer. I wish I could."
"You have to go?"
"I have to meet with Professor Dumbledore."
"Oh, about your NEWT in Defence? I thought he already approved your sitting the exam."
"He did . . . Professor Snape thought I should meet with him." Draco shrugged.
"I guess he might be able to answer some questions about what we've been reviewing."
Draco shook his head, not looking at her. "I don't think we're going to talk about NEWTs, Gin."
"What, then?"
"I . . . about . . . the time my mother and I spent in Sweden."
"Oh." Ginny looked puzzled. "You disappeared right after we all thought Dumbledore died. Did he take you away or something?"
Draco shook his head again. "I don't want to talk about it, Gin. But the day he died, the Headmistress met with me and offered me a choice. I chose to . . . run away, I suppose some people might say. I decided to go away with my mother."
"What was your other choice?"
"To stay. To join him. The Dark Lord. Tom Riddle."
"Then you chose right," Ginny said vehemently.
"I don't want to talk about it." Draco shoved to his feet.
"Will you tell me more someday? I'd listen."
Draco looked at the floor. "I know you would, but I don't know if I ever will. I don't even want to see Dumbledore now, but Snape said . . . he thought it best."
"I'm sure it will be all right, whatever it is you have to talk to him about," Ginny said.
Draco twitched one shoulder. "I'll see you later, Gin." He picked up his book bag.
"Drake, wait...I just want to say that I understand that it can be hard to talk about certain things, things we've done or thought or wished, but it can be really good afterward. And whatever you decide to do, to tell me about it or not, it's okay. I still love you."
Draco's grey eyes gazed at her unblinkingly for a moment, then he nodded. "I love you, too." Whether he deserved her or not, Draco didn't care. He wanted her, he needed her, and he loved her. And he'd keep her as long as he could.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Draco's Heart
59 Reviews | 8.51/10 Average
love he scenes between severus, draco & former headmaster, in last couple of chapies!!! wish there more story on draco & how he returned to hogwart to finisheing his school.. love the relationship develop between draco & ginny! update real soon..
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thanks! I'm very glad you are enjoying it! I have a few more chapters up my sleeves, so to speak, and although the last couple will have to wait until A Long Vernal Season catches up to the point (to avoid spoilers for LVS for those reading both fics), I hope to post the next chapter within the week.I'm glad you enjoyed seeing Draco's interactions with Snape & with Dumbledore, as well as the relationship with Ginny. :-)Thanks very much!
Oh, you! You made me cry! 
Your talent for description is seen here, dear. And I loved that Draco lost his composure a bit when he was trying to ask Madam Pomfrey for the potion. lol! It did look like Poppy expected a totally different conversation with our young wizard here. Also, the fact that Draco said he loved Ginny was a surprise, even to him. I mean, we know and he knows, but I also didn't think he would say it. I suppose it was the moment as he thought.Lovely chapter. Thank you!Stef 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Aw, thanks! (Not that I wanted to make you cry, but . . .)Yes, he wasn't the cool guy when he had to ask Poppy for that sort of potion, was he? ;-)Thanks very much for the review! Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Okay, so I couldn't find Chapter 14 in my reserves so I came here to find it. And I must say, I quite enjoyed it.Ginny's response to Draco's story was very funny. I sort of felt bad for him. I do like how his character is evolving though.I apologize for being a very bad friend lately.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Oh, you haven't been a bad friend! Just a busy one! Life gets that way sometimes! (I didn't want to overload you!)I'm glad that you enjoyed the chapter! Yeah, Ginny's response was embarrassing for Draco!Thanks muchly! 
<<<<---a dragon for you! 
My lucky day for updates! lolI have to say that I'm surprised Harry didn't destroy the letter but I'm glad he didn't. I think it's important for him to read what Draco had to say and to maybe come to understand what Ginny sees in him.I hope, in time, Draco will come to open up to Ginny about what happened but at least he was open and honest with her about his reluctance. I'm so glad to see that your Muse is happier and being cooperative again. I'll look forward to more updates!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. As you say, it is significant that at least Draco indicated to Ginny that there was more to discuss than NEWTs, and that there's something that he finds too difficult to talk about, at least at that point.We can keep our fingers crossed for my Muse! I hope she'll stick around! LOL!Thanks for the review!
yay! an update!! I think it was very good of Draco to write to Harry, I hope Harry will understand that Ginny wasn't meant for him and be able to move on. Draco needs more time to cope with his choices before he can talk to Ginny I believe, but it's very nice that she's willing to wait and that he knows that. I can't wait to read more!!Will you update LVS and CSG soon? yes? pleeeaaaseeeeeSam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
I wish I could say I am updating LVS and CSG, but unfortunately, I can't. I am, however, making some headway on the short fic I've been working on, so that will be here soon -- I hope!I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter -- thanks for the review!
Man, haven't we all had days like Ginny's? I can totally relate to her view on the world some days. But, I'm glad Draco was there to take care of her. That's truly a new side of him and one that is a definite improvement over the ones from JKR's books.I love that he had to go to Poppy and she was super concerned, too. I wonder if she and Severus had a little chat about the Ginny/Draco situation? tee hee.Thanks for the update and I'm still eagerly awaiting an update on the Poppy/Severus story as well as the Johannes/Siofre one!!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Oh, yeah, Ginny's day was familiar to many, I assume! LOL!I figured that if Draco had a way out, plus the time and space -- and distance from his peers & pureblood society -- he might grow up to be a bit different than he was able to be. Being whisked away in March of his sixth year did him a world of good.I know that Poppy & Severus had had a couple chats about the two -- don't ask me how I know! It's just one of those mysterious things! LOL! (Yeah, I'm a nut! haha!)I'd love to write more of the Johannes/Siofre chappie that I started way back in October. I'm beginning to go into withdrawal, myself! So maybe we'll both be lucky, and I'll have the time & energy to do some writing this week.Thanks much for the review! Glad you enjoyed it!
yay!!! an update!!! I was so worried you had given up on this!! I hope this means that updates for LVS and CSG are coming soon, yes? lol. I loved, loved, loved this chapter! Draco was just wonderful!! it's funny because always run for the hills when that time comes! LOL, I loved it that he was ready and willing to help, it was just so cute! I can't wait for the next chapter! Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
I've been really busy lately, so I haven't written anything in weeks, but I had this chapter sitting in reserve, and I decided there was no point leaving it there!If things settle down some in the next week or so, I might be able to get a little writing done. We'll see! I have more of LVS written, but I've decided to wait to post until I have most or all of the story written. If I can get the next chapter of CSG written & polished, though, I'll post that as soon as I can. :-)I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter -- I think Draco was glad that the potion worked, that's for sure! lol!Thanks very much for your review!
Sorry it took me so long to review. Real life happened and it detained me! I can't decide if it's funnier when Snape was actually having the conversation with Draco or if it's funnier when he retells the story for Ginny. Either way, I had a huge grin on my face. tee hee.I think it's really sweet how Draco's feelings for Ginny are developing and he's slowing starting to see his future with her by his side. awww.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Ah, yes, RL! that thing that's always interfering with fanfic! LOL!I'm glad you enjoyed the chappie and found it amusing. :-) Yep, Draco's really gotten serious about her!Thanks for the review!
aaawwwww, this chapter was soo sweet! I'm liking Draco more and more, he's great! I love it that he likes thinking of marriage now that he's with Ginny, I hope they do get married sometime in the future! I can't wait for that dinner with Arthur, that's going to be fun! thanks for the updateSam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed this little chapter. Draco's definitely serious about her.Thank you for your review!
oh this was so sweet
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thank you,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-)
Great chapter title!!!I could love to have been a fly on the wall when Severus had that chat with Draco. I bet that was one for the books! tee hee. And I bet Snape had to have a little chat with Poppy about how to proceed with that conversation, or at least to obtain the little blue book. Draco calling Snape "Dad" was priceless!!!!Loved this chapter!!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Yeah, I have a feeling that Poppy had a little input there, too! haha! We'll have to see if they have that conversation in LVS. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks!
yay! thank you for updating! this chapter was great and a bit funny, I never imagined Severus having this chat with anyone! though I do think he'd make a wonderful father, he has the drive to be better than his dad ever was at least. I love Draco in this chapter, he's really uncomfortable! lol poor thing! I can't wait to read more.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thanks, I'm glad it was amusing. I think neither of them was particularly comfortable. haha! But Severus also had a bit of a behind-the-scenes nudge, as you might imagine. Thank you for reviewing!
a good chapter as allways. I loved the scene with Draco and Severus, it was very sweet and funny
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thank you! I'm glad you found it funny -- I hoped it might be! :-)
And I guess this is where the spoilers start. I'm only about three quarters of the way through Resolving a Misunderstanding, so I have a ways to go. *pout* And with my nephew in the hospital with pneumonia, I won't be able to read much of the older stories for a while. *darn* At least Arthur's taking the news better than Ron did. ^_^
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
You can always skip over the rest of Resolving a Misunderstanding for the time being and read A Long Vernal Season -- you did say you'd read DD, right? -- then you might have some hope of catching up with the spoilerish stuff in this fic. Actually, there's still not been the BIG spoiler, which if you want to enjoy it in LVS, you might wish to wait for. (It hasn't come up yet in LVS.)I do hope that your nephew gets well soon! Pneumonia can be quite nasty. I hope you're enjoying RaM. :-) And that you enjoy the other fics, however you choose to read them! Yep, Arthur is definitely taking the news better than Ron -- he has a few more years of maturity on him, so that helped!Thanks for the review!
I hope I'm wrong but it looks like Arthur has a bit of crush on Hermione! lol, that could be interesting. I'm so happy it was Hermione giving him the news and not someone else, she was great at making him see that Ginny is happy and can decide for herself. I can't wait to see what's next and I'm curious about all that blushing! lolThanks for updating!Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Hermione's good at sweeping in and taking care of things, isn't she? I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. The next one is "Letter from Home," and you'll see Ginny again! :-)Thanks for the review!
It's a good thing Hermione went to see Arthur, not only for his stomach's sake but for his daughter's as well. lolI can easily see Arthur reacting just as you have him reacting to the news that Ginny is dating Draco. Given the history between those two families, it's sort of like an odd Romeo and Juliet version. I'm glad Hermione was there to talk to Arthur before he went charging up to the castle. eeep. I bet that would make Ginny an unhappy camper! I think it's great that they're going to work in the shop together, haha.Looking forward to another update!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.It is probably for the best that Arthur found out from Hermione and not in some other way -- he probably would have done something a bit rashl And ya know that Ginny & Draco are trying to avoid big drama! lol!Thanks for the review!
Gareth and Snape were really kind to go check on Draco and I agree: sometimes it's not your actions that cause problems but those of others that draw you into their path. Hopefully, when he thinks back on it, Draco will realize it was a nice gesture on both their parts.Loved the conversation about Albus and Minerva. You know they're my favorites so it's always nice to see or hear about them in a chappie. I think the kids are right in their estimation of Minerva. I think she would be approachable to them simply because they knew here in a different role. Still, I think she and Albus are both wonderful leaders!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Thanks! Gareth felt it important as Snape's friend to let him know that there might be an impending problem, and he also felt a bit of sympathy for Draco, who has, in Gareth's view, quite a few roadblocks in his path as it is without having him get in an altercation in the middle of the Three Broomsticks after being provoked by Ron. Fortunately, Ron's better nature came forward, and no intervention was necessary. Glad you enjoyed the conversation about the two. I thought it was a natural topic to come up among them.Thank you for the review!
Would not have wanted to be Ron in this situation. Either way ya go, it was going to be awkward and explosive. I think Harry handled it in the manner I would have expected of him. Can't say I blame him for his reaction. Draco was a nasty git during their time at school together. However, if he's truly a "Newman," then he deserves a chance. Besides, Harry shouldn't shoot the messenger!!!Looking forward to more.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Yeah, Harry didn't take the news well at all, but as you say, the Draco he knew was pretty awful. He's already still stinging from Ginny breaking up with him, while trying to hold out hope it's just temporary, then this happens. He's also just not doing well with no structure after the war -- if he didn't have Kreacher coming in to clean the house regularly, it'd be a pigsty. Don't worry tooooo much about Harry. (Some of the Harry backstory will be mentioned in a coming chapter of LVS, so keep your eyes open for that -- blink, and you'll miss it, as they say! haha!)thanks much for the review!
I really don't like Harry here! he's being an idiot, he should understand better than anyone that war changes you. He's a pain! lol, I hope Arthur's reaction will be better, I can't wait to read more. Thanks for updating so soon.Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
He is a pain, but he's also in pain, himself, and this news hurt him even more, so he got angry. He's also been avoiding things and just hanging out with other stockroom guys -- fine for a bit, maybe, but for Harry, it's escapist. Ron escaped by dropping Luna and "boinking blondes," as Hermione put it in LVS, Ginny did her thing, Arthur his, and Harry something else. Doesn't mean he's being particularly kind or mature about it. But he never had a normal family life, either. Yup, Arthur's up next! :-)Thanks for reviewing!
Ya know, I have got to stop reading this before I finish the other fics. *grin* Yeah, right. Like I'm going to do that. ^_^
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
LOL! There haven't been too many really spoilerish spoilers yet. Those don't come until the later chapters, and I'll be posting them after I've caught up to this point in LVS. We're getting close, though!Glad you're enjoying it!
Oh what a nice surprise- some bonus Gareth! I can sort of understand Rons views on Draco but hope he takes the good advice he's been given.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
It's in giving that we receive, they say, and I love giving a little bonus Gareth, 'cause I receive a lot of enjoyment from having him in a chapter, myself! LOL!Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
great chapter! I love Gareth, he's so sweet! well he is Gertrude's son so it's hard not to love him, it's too bad his mother doesn't go out with him more often *hint hint* lol. I miss Gertrude!!!!! lol. Anyway, wonderful chapter, it was very nice of Severus to check up on Draco, I loved loved that they shared the cake that's sooooo sweet and I really doubt that Ginny coos like her parents, she seems a bit more reserved. I can't wait to see Harry's reaction to the news!. Thanks for updating. Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
I'm glad you liked Gareth's appearance here! And the rest -- yep, Severus was concerned. Harry's reaction will be in the next chapter, then we'll get Arthur's in the one after that. Good times! LOL!Thanks for the review! (Oh, and there will be some Gertrude coming up in LVS, so be on the lookout for that! )
Well, that was a fun chapter in an odd sort of way. haha.I think it was wise of Draco to not make waves with Ron and for Ron to try to be an adult about the whole situation. If he pushes Ginny, she may do something drastic and turn away from the family. However, I really don't think that's going to happen. Telling Harry should be another matter entirely. I can't wait for that chapter. haha
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
Yeah, telling Harry -- Ron's a hero to do that! LOL!Ginny doesn't want to turn from her family, and family is really important to her. I think, too, that the Weasleys all felt a greater loss when Percy died since they had had such a rift between them for so long. I don't think any of them would want anything similar to happen. That doesn't mean it'll be easy. But maybe they'll all work on at least tolerating Ginny's choice.Glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
you are no fun, giving all those details at the end, I was just going to say that that was the broom Severus and Helena tested, but it makes no sense now! lol. I really liked this chapter, I'm glad Ron is willing to give Draco a chance and it was very smart of Draco to keep a low profile during lunch, I really think Mr. Weasley won't make a fuss about Draco and Ginny, in LVS he seemed ready to do anything to help her; I'm more worried about Draco's parents to be honest, lol. Thanks for the update!Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Draco's Heart)
LOL! I'll try to moderate the number of tie-in details I give in the future! (It's mainly for people who haven't read LVS or aren't that far in the fic yet, etc. -- and to refresh memories!)Yeah, Draco did keep his head down, speaking up only once to make a joke everyone could appreciate. He has some sense of discretion being the better part of valor on occasion! Thanks for the review!