Chapter Text
Draco,
I never wanted you to think that I believe that one side is black, and one side is white, that one side is inherently good, and one is inherently evil. I don’t know if you understand how much I understand that everyone has the capacity for both inside of them, and that the things that happen in their lives shape the way they grow and their influence their perspectives on the world. But we all make choices in the end, and some people make and stick to choices that are selfish and cruel.
I was raised in a cupboard by Muggles who locked me up, starved and neglected me, and literally tried to BEAT the magic out of me. I think that makes me a prime candidate to believe that Muggle torture is just, and that Muggles are the enemy. But I didn’t. You were raised believing that the war was just, that Voldemort was your saviour, and yet, you still couldn’t murder an unarmed man.
If werewolf oppression is a justification for Greybacks cruelty I wish you could have gotten to know and spoken with Remus Lupin before he died defending Hogwarts and the side that didn’t believe that rage and destruction were going to solve the problem. If being raised by a strictly pureblooded family with a pedigree who believes in preserving their way of life is an excuse for violent torture, I wish you could have met Regulus Black, a proud Death Eater who died painfully to see Voldemort destroyed. And if being tormented and teased by people on the opposing side was an excuse for not seeing that torture and murder to seek power were wrong then you didn’t know Severus Snape as well as you thought. His life was riddled with pain, a lot of it caused by people who I grew up revering as heroes. Severus was far from perfect, but in the end he died for what was right.
I know exactly how true it is that people can change, and that not every person on the ”side of the light” is good. I know what my father did, he was a horrible, spiteful, bully when he was young, as was my godfather, and I am ashamed of the things they did then.
I know what I DID Draco. I cut you, and panicked as you bled out on a bathroom floor. I am not confused about grey areas. But I do believe that, in the end, there is right and wrong.
Right is Hermione sitting up late at night, researching werewolf rights to improve the laws without killing people. Right is telling the Minister of Magic that you will not be his pawn, because even though he opposes Voldemort he is a power hungry opportunist. Right is YOU not killing someone, even though you and your family would be in danger, because you knew it was wrong.
People are right and wrong on both sides. But there is still a difference between right and wrong. Some people find it later in life. But what matters in the end is what you CHOOSE. The pain people experience is complicated and difficult. Wrong is when you choose to give in to it, and let your anger and pain rule you. When you care more about yourself and your anger over the needs of humanity, and frankly, some people are so angry they want to watch the world burn.
And this idea that one side is right and one is wrong is the EXACT POINT of this quidditch league. It is unity. It is getting over the past. It is about getting to know each other as more than houses. I’m actually quite proud that there was no fighting or throwing things at tryouts.
As promised, here is the official team roster.
Team 1
Seeker - Harry Potter G
Keeper - Susan Bones H
Beater 1 - Gregory Goyle S
Beater 2 - Hermione Granger G
Chaser 1 - Michael Corner R
Chaser 2 - Theodore Nott S
Chaser 3 - Hanna Abbott H
Team 2
Seeker - Draco Malfoy S
Keeper - Ronald Weasley G
Beater 1 -Pansy Parkinson S
Beater 2 - Terry Boot R
Chaser 1 -Dean Thomas G
Chaser 2 - Justin Finch-Fletchley H
Chaser 3 -Blaise Zabini S
Alternates
Ernie MacMillan H
Anthony Goldstein R
Susan could barely get her broom off the ground at first but I was actually very impressed by her reflexes at the hoops. I think I can train her. It will be challenging but, she’s got skill. The thing with Ron is that his skill level coincides with his confidence. If you make him nervous he overthinks, and his coordination suffers, so try not to go all “Weasley is our King” on him. Or actually, I take it back, do. Because I want my team to win. ;)
I found it interesting that Hermione and Pansy showed such an aptitude for beating, once off the ground. I mean I can’t say I’m surprised, those girls have a lot of pent up rage. I can’t wait to see what happens when ‘Mione throws a bludger at Ron. I have a feeling Pansy will show no mercy when aiming at Greg or Theo.
Thank you for taking Fletchley. I realize this whole endeavour is about friendship, but I can’t stand that guy. And frankly, I’m upset that I had to give you Blaise to do it. Why did he never try out before? He’s fast, and his hand eye coordination is fantastic.
I think overall the teams are well balanced. Did you feel the buzz in the common room tonight? People are excited! The feeling of unity for their team is already superseding old house loyalties. I saw Hermione sitting with Greg to work on his homework. She’s scary sometimes and a taskmaster about studying, but she does have a way with people. I think she’s taken him on as a special project to help him feel more confident in his classes. Merlin save Greg… But the look on his face, that wonder of being doted on made me feel like this crazy idea of mine might just pay off. Also was it just me, or was Dean chatting up Pansy? And she didn’t punch him? This is insane Draco.
I was watching you out of the corner of my eye when we met with our teams. You’ve always been a natural leader. The way you seemed to get them all together with your smile and that charm you have when you choose to use it reminded me why I could possibly love you. I know that in these letters we have had differences of opinion. Maybe it’s semantics, maybe it’s just leftover ideology from the people that raised us. I’m trying to listen. I think we are saying the same thing. People aren’t born good or evil. Your house and your family do not define you. What defines you is your actions. I want this league to be a way to break down stereotypes and old prejudices and be a source of joy.
I just looked up. As I write this you are looking at me. Your smile, Merlin... I love it that you are looking at me like that. And in a public place. And nobody is noticing or thinks it’s odd or wrong. I think I’m going to put this quill down, fold up this letter and walk over to you now. I think I might just skip the owl and put it directly in your pocket. I wonder what will happen if I kiss you right here, in the middle of the common room when I do? The sorting hat may have thought I’d be a good choice for Slytherin, I think that may be true, but I’m not a Gryffindor for nothing. Here I go…