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He stepped through the magical barrier that split the Dementors from the Wizengamot. The Patroni patrolled along the magical drawn line, shimmering bright. He blinked, trying to clear his vision. The hopelessness he had felt before, lifted from his heart.
“Mr. Malfoy. You are a free man.” Minister Shacklebolt announced, gesturing to the door. With slightly swaying steps, Draco walked over. He couldn’t believe what had happened.
Like all the months before, he had been deep in the darkness, barely aware of what was happening around him until he found himself chained up on the chair. He had recognised some faces through the blurry barrier, but the Dementors had tightened their grip on his heart, smothering any glimmer of hope.
Swaying slightly on his feet, he walked to the door. His wrists felt lighter than they ever were before as he pushed the door handle down. He took a deep breath and stepped through. The moment he saw the person who waited behind the door made him stop at the threshold.
Hermione Granger smiled at him. Her hair was bushy as always and the light behind her back made it look like a halo.
“Draco,” she said, stepping closer. She cupped his cheek with a trembling hand. “I promised you to get you out.” Draco let out a shuddering breath he didn’t know he was holding. He rested his forehead against hers, tears ran down his face.
After a long minute, she grabbed his hand.
“Come. It’s time to go home.”