Work Text:
In Another World
Maybe if he hadn’t been born into a pureblood family with Death Eater ties. Maybe if he hadn’t been brain-washed to believe muggleborns were the scourge of the earth. Maybe if he’d had the courage to defy his parents earlier. Maybe if he hadn’t called her that word in second year.
Maybe if she wasn’t a person who continuously needed to prove she deserved to be in the magical world. Maybe if she had reached out to someone that she saw hurting instead of constantly feeling the need to be right.
Maybe if he had stood up to his aunt – he might have been able to stop the pain. Maybe he could have stopped his face from masking his hurt.
Maybe if she had reached out to him when she saw he was not doing well. Maybe she could have shown more resilience. If only she’d reached out…
Maybe if he’d shown more fight than flight. Maybe if he’d said “thank you” after her testimony. Maybe if he’d be less of a coward.
Maybe if she could look him in the eye as she spoke up for him.
Maybe if he could look her in the eye…
Maybe…
In another world, five years later…
“Hey, Granger,” he said with trepidation, but a sweet sort of confidence.
“Hi, Malfoy,” she genuinely smiled.
