The rest of the summer was spent in various ways. Hogwarts needed to be rebuilt, and there were many volunteers required in doing so. Along with that, burials were of the upmost importance and all of the ceremonies honoring those who had passed during the war and celebrating those who had survived.

Draco found himself spending most of his time out and about that summer. If he wasn't rebuilding Hogwarts with many other wizards and witches from his year, he was helping at the hospital, or throwing dirt on a casket.

This summer turned out to be his quietest. And although the certain sadness of the entire situation should have weighed upon him, Draco found that it was helping to free him more than anything.

-

When Draco turned up at Kings Cross Station, he was not expecting to be hugged the second he walked onto the platform. But it seemed that both Luna and Ginny were waiting for him.

And with Luna and Ginny there, that meant that Harry and Ron were there. And with Luna, Ginny, Harry, and Ron there, that meant Hermione and Neville were also there. Basically, they were all there. Waiting for Draco.

And he felt his heart swell.

Before Draco could even manage a questioning greeting, his mother had swooped in, chatting amiably with all of the girls. And to surprise Draco even more, his mother actually hugged them. She looked younger then, than Draco had ever seen her.

Neville saved him from any further surprise by beginning a conversation about summer. And Draco fell easily into the motions.

But not much long after, the final whistle blew, letting everyone know the train would be taking off soon. Draco's mother frowned slightly, "you should all be heading off now, the train will be leaving without you lot if you don't hurry." She gave Draco a quick kiss on the cheek and a hug before saying her goodbyes to the others.

And with that, Draco was whisked off by Luna and Ginny.

-

Without being allowed to say a word on the matter, Draco was shoved in the compartment with the golden trio and their companions. Meaning one extra body was to be fit in the ideal six person cart.

Draco was sat on the bench with Neville and Luna. With Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione squished together on the opposite bench.

The chatter started almost immediately, everyone speaking over one another and laughter quickly sounding. Draco could feel a headache coming on, and without noticing, his hand flew up to his hair, running his fingers through his blonde locks a few times.

He only noticed when Luna gripped his arm. To which he blushed slightly and reached for the cork around his neck, clutching that instead of messing with his hair.

Luna gave a small nod with a blinding smile and continued to chatter away with Hermione.

-

Draco should not have been surprised. He knew exactly what was to be planned for the handful of eighth years that had decided to return. He had helped build the common room and dorms.

But regardless, when it was announced at the feast, his hand clamped hard around his cork necklace. Draco, from where he sat at the very end of the Slytherin table, looked up and met the kind blue eyes of Luna Lovegood. She smiled one of her soft airy smiles and Draco felt his heart rate slow.

The Lovegood girl was becoming a fast friend of Draco's, though he'd never admit aloud. And it was because of her generosity and kindness that he had even considered returning for an eight year, unlike most of his previous house mates.

In fact, half of his year declined coming back for a repeat of seventh year even though many of them missed it the first time. And of the Slytherin house, only three showed up, himself included.

Which was exactly why the new headmistress, Professor McGonagall, had decided to create an eighth year common room and set of dorms in one of the new towers.

And Draco knew of these plans, he had helped design the common room; banners from each house hanging, plenty of tables and chairs and couches, a large fireplace on one wall, book selves stocked with plenty of reading material both for school and personal needs, and a window as big as a chalkboard that overlooked the forbidden forest. So why was he so taken aback when it was announced at the feast?

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Hope you've all enjoyed this chapter. Much love xx