The Man Within the Monster

Sometimes, on the outside, it just appears to people that Draco Malfoy is a monster. And really, for most, that's all there is to say on subject. I mean, why would they say anything else? After the fall of the Dark Lord, Draco Malfoy, one of his most faithful servants, stepped into the Dark Lords shoes. So now, it seemed as though the defeat had been for nothing.

There were those that pitied Draco because of the way he was corrupted by his father during his youth. But then there are those that insist, no matter how you were raised, a decision like that is completely up to you. For most in the wizarding world Draco Malfoy becoming the next Dark Lord was the complete opposite of a shock.

But then there were those few...

Well, there were those people who really did know Draco Malfoy before he became a Death Eater; hungry for power and blood. Although, keep in mind, there were very few. And I was one of them.

Most, as I said, only expected what Draco turned into to be a natural thing. After all, he was the son of the most feared and loyal Death Eater. But there was so much more to Draco than anyone could possibly comprehend; some that I can't even quite grasp.

I know that Draco is not nearly as heartless as his father and You-Know-Who had been. He just never had it in him. I bet, no, I know; that every time he kills his chest clenches in guilt. Because I know that Draco wasn't a murderer, I just do. But he kills, because it's what he believes he was meant to do.

I know that Draco Malfoy, unlike any other Death Eater I have come across, has emotions left in him, a soul; something the rest have long forgotten. After all, I should know; I was probably the only one he showed it to.

I know that Draco doesn't kill, not unless he feels the power he has obtained is slipping through his fingers. Because all Draco wanted was to be someone, to not be pushed aside. I guess he got it, huh? He always got what he wanted, and even some things he didn't. I know that he didn't want me to fall in love with him, because that sure made things more complicated. But I did, and I know, for a fact that he loved me too. Because he told me once, and you don't just fall out of love do you? Believe me, if you could I would know. Because I've tried so hard to stop loving him. Especially since I'm fighting on the side out to rid the world of him.

I know, unlike most, that Draco did have a choice, but that he also didn't. No matter how hard I tried to clean him, Draco Malfoy was already stuck with the dirt his dad had filled him with. And nothing can change what he's known for seventeen years, not even me. But, it's not important who I am. It's important that you know who he is.

Most call him a monster, but I don't think it's true. I think that some times, no matter how hard we try, we are destined to follow some of the path that our parents laid down for us. I bet, if I could get close enough to talk to him, he'd tell me he wanted out. I know that he would want to stop the killing and the hate; at least on his part. Because, no matter how much Draco believes in his beliefs, he wouldn't ruin his life for it. And that's what has happened. Because now, even if he wanted to just 'quit,' he can't. Because if he did he would fall, trampled on by his own faithful servants. I always knew he thirsted for power, I just didn't know how far he would go to get it.

You see, unlike most people who are quick to judge him because of the steps he followed to end up where he is, I know Draco Malfoy. Unlike nearly everyone I know that there are parts of him that want to retrace his footsteps and find out what he did wrong. I know, because I used to know him. I used to, and I still feel I do know, the man within the monster.