A/N: I love, love, love this one! Definately one of my favourites. I adore writing post-war!Draco, and the beautiful mixture of cowardice and defiance, and post-war!Narcissa, as in, the one who has her priorities straight, and has to take charge, what with Lucius being completely broken by the war, is an absolute joy to write.

That, plus the ending, makes me very proud of how this one turned out.

Word count: 475

Malfoy Manor was a very different place to the place Draco had known as a child. Not only did it feel much smaller than it once had, it had lost some of its grandeur, and a lot of its security in his eyes. The atmosphere, too, had changed. No longer were his parents arrogant and self-assured, but broken and beaten. His father more than his mother, Draco had to acknowledge. Narcissa was stronger than her husband in that respect; able to endure where he faltered.

The breakfast table was a subdued place. Lucius barely spoke anymore, and Narcissa maintained a frosty aura. Draco had to wonder how they would react to his news. "Mother? Father?" He spoke up suddenly, shattering the awkward silence. His parents looked at him in surprise, then curiosity. "I've got a scholarship to study at Gringotts." He said as bluntly as he could. "And I'm going to take it." He added before his parents could say anything.

"Why Gringotts?" Narcissa asked, eyes wide.

"I want to be a Curse Breaker." Draco stated firmly.

Lucius opened his mouth, and Draco met his eyes. Something he wouldn't have dared to do only three months ago. Funny how loosing a war you never really wanted to be a part of could change you. After a long moment, Lucius shut his mouth, then ever so slowly, he nodded. "How- How did you get a scholarship? The goblins are extremely picky about that sort of thing." He asked instead, his voice a little unsteady as he felt a bit off-balance due to this conversation.

"I got a good recommendation from another Curse Breaker." Draco said honestly.

Now his parents looked stunned. "Who?" Narcissa asked.

Ah, now they were getting into dangerous territory. Draco looked down at his plate. "Bill Weasley." He said to his French toast.

"How on earth did you manage that?" Lucius asked. Draco was surprised, but pleased, to hear that Lucius sounded impressed.

"I met him while I was doing my Dragon Keeping apprenticeship." Draco answered. "He came to visit his brother, and we got talking. We stayed in touch." He shrugged.

"You've been in touch with a Weasley for three years?" Lucius asked in surprise.

"Oh, don't be naïve, Lucius." Narcissa snapped mildly. "Draco's been more than 'in touch' with a Weasley for years." She said, shooting a small smile down the table at Draco, who looked stunned. "Although…" She said slowly, looking a little puzzled. "I was so sure it was the other one… Charles?"

"Charlie." Draco corrected, blushing brightest pink.

"Ah, so I was right." Narcissa announced smugly. "So, when will you invite the young man round for dinner?" She asked, and when Draco just stared at her, she went on. "We really must meet him, Draco, if you're so serious about him. I do hope he's good looking-"

"MOTHER!"