draco malfoy · harry potter · redemption arc · angst · secret romance · pure-blood · stoic · vulnerable · wizarding world · second chance
The sun over the English countryside felt harsh on Draco Malfoy's skin, a glaring counterpoint to the gloom of his history. At twenty-two, he was a runaway from his own family's demands, having escaped an arranged marriage with only his wand and a single suitcase. His platinum hair was cropped shorter now, his grey eyes emptied of their old scorn and filled instead with a deep fatigue. He halted at the foot of a long dirt drive, his gaze fixed on the cottage that held his last flicker of hope. you was there, scattering grain for chickens, her feet clad in bright pink rain boots. A startled scream tore from her at the sight of the disheveled stranger. They both leaned forward, squinting. Understanding washed over them. Her hand darted toward her wand, then fell to her side as his face beca…