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Draco Malfoy's Journey Post-Hogwarts: Love, Loyalty, and Change

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Who would have thought that Draco Malfoy, who once stood as the symbolic figure of pureblood supremacy, would find himself redefining his stance and even his marriage choices? The saga of Draco Malfoy is one of transition, from bitter enmity towards half-bloods and muggle-borns to a more complex understanding of love, loyalty, and the choices he makes. In this article, we delve into the intriguing journey of Draco Malfoy post-Hogwarts, exploring the depth of his transformation, his marriage to Astoria Greengrass, and the nuances of his relationship with his father, Lucius.

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Draco's Return to Hogwarts

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Contrary to common belief, Draco Malfoy did not discontinue his education at Hogwarts. He returned to Hogwarts during his seventh year and remained until May 2, 1998, the day Lord Voldemort was defeated. This fact dispels any notion that Draco foresaw the downfall of the Dark Lord and decided to abandon his studies early. In essence, he completed his education, underpinned by his moral journey and decision to stay until the end of the war.

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A Quest for Personal Truth

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Draco's return to Hogwarts signalled a profound shift within him. By Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6), we see Draco beginning to question everything he had been taught and brought up with. This shift in mindset extends even further in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7), where Draco’s heart remains detached from the Death Eater cause. His actions, such as not turning Harry Potter over to the Death Eaters and attempting to persuade Crabbe not to harm the trio, reflect his evolving moral stance. By the end of Book 7, it is evident that Draco no longer seeks his father’s approval. This marks a significant phase change, as his desire for his father's love shaped his life until he was 16. Now, he marries out of love, not as a loyalty to his father’s expectations.

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The Marriage to Astoria Greengrass: Love or Duty?

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The marriage of Draco and Astoria Greengrass poses another compelling question: was it driven by love or duty? Initially, Astoria Greengrass was considered a disappointment in her husband’s eyes, and her parents were against the match. However, Draco stood his ground, declaring his love for her. While he was initially content with the thought of Dying with the Malfoy lineage, his love for Astoria overrode his previous intentions. During her pregnancy, he feared the stress could worsen her condition and insisted on having a child to avoid the loneliness he would face after her death. Astoria, not wanting her husband to be alone, convinced him to reconsider, leading to the birth of their son, Scorpius.

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Draco's marriage to Astoria was indeed a loving one, albeit not the romantic soulmates some readers might dream of. Both shared a common background of being from families that disdained non-purebloods. This mutual understanding was a key factor in their marriage, despite their parents’ disapproval. Pottermore and other sources describe how Draco's parents openly expressed disappointment in their son's choice, making family reunions tense experiences. This tension extended to Scorpius, who was not allowed to visit his grandparents for extended periods due to his mother's family's inflexible stance.

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Draco’s Final Chapter: Pardoned and a New Life

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In the aftermath of the war, Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa were pardoned due to several factors. Narcissa’s heroic act of saving Harry Potter’s life played a crucial role, as did Lucius’ collaboration with the Aurors by revealing details about escaped Death Eaters and their crimes. The Malfoy family’s wealth and resources also contributed to their pardon. This leniency allowed Draco to start a new chapter in his life, culminating in his marriage to Astoria Greengrass and the birth of Scorpius.

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Conclusion

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Draco Malfoy's journey post-Hogwarts is a testament to personal growth and the power of love. From a young age, he was indoctrinated with supremacist ideals, but over the years, he evolved, questioning his beliefs and making choices that align with his heart. His marriage to Astoria Greengrass, though not the ideal romantic match, was a testament to his love and his decision to break away from the expectations of his father and his family’s pureblood ideology. The story of Draco Malfoy is not just a tale of a dark wizard's son, but a narrative of transformation and the triumph of love over prejudice.

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