Dear Potter

A/N: This was written for Round 3 of AlwaysPadfoot's 'Stretch Your Limits' Competition, I chose hard which was to write a letter between Draco and Harry.

Draco hesitated, his quill hovering an inch over the parchment. He had never before tried to put this particular feeling into words, and he was finding it more difficult than he imagined. He thought back to that morning, watching his wife read to their son, Scorpius, his little arms clinging to her as she held him in her lap. Smiling at the memory, he began writing with determination.

Dear Potter,

I never would have thought I would be sitting here, me, Draco Malfoy, on the desk of my manor, penning a letter to you of all people. See, for a long time, I've wanted – no, needed - to tell you something, but I was always too afraid. A good friend advised I put my feelings into words instead, so here I am.

Essentially, what I am writing to say is…I'm sorry. I was wrong, my father was wrong, our whole ideals were wrong. The Dark Lord was wrong, I knew this once I joined his ranks when I was a teenager… killing other wizards and even muggles is definitely not the way to make your voice heard.

Watching the changes taking place now, after the war, I must say I am amazed. I wish I had the courage to look around me and realise my family's views were far out-dated; I wish that once I did realise this, that I had the courage to change. But I did not; I let my prejudice blind me. The rebuilding of the wizarding world and the consequent changes of views and culture show how far we've come as a society, and outlined how much the previous domination of pure-blooded families held us back. Almost every week the papers report of new discoveries, using muggle methods we never would have dreamed of employing before.

I am grateful that my son is able to grow up in this world that is so very different to the one I experienced. I am hoping it will allow him to become a better person than I ever was.

So, not only am I apologising for my past actions, I also want to thank you. For all those times you stood up to me, for saving me in the final battle, for forcing me to open my eyes to the world.

Draco Malfoy.

He signs his name at the bottom without the usual flourish, slumping back in the chair. After a moment's thought he lunges forward and throws the letter in the fire, watching it crumble and disappear into the flames.