Epilogue

Pairing: Draco x reader

Warnings: None

Word count: 1,136

Summary: Draco comes across an art exhibit.

Five years later

"Oh, Draco! An art exhibit. Let's go in." Omulous pleaded of her husband.

He smiled at her, gently but she knew that the smile did not reach all the way to his eyes. She just knew he wasn't the same after what happened with (Y/N).

Draco's heart broke when he saw the sadness in your eyes and how the doctors took you away like you were a ragdoll. You offered no resistance to their pulling.

He didn't keep up with you after walking out of there for the last time. He never wanted to hurt you but he realized afterwards that he didn't want to hurt himself. He had been selfish with you.

He let Omulous take him inside the art exhibit and she paid for the entrance fee since he wasn't really paying attention.

His eyes drifted to the ceiling where the sparkle of light caught his attention. A chandelier hung and winked at him when the light caught the glass. He smiled, just slightly.

He followed Omulous and that took them by the door where the art started and he was surprised to see such talent in the muggle world that didn't use any form of magic at all.

He soon found himself behind Omulous when he looked at every single detail of the paintings, while she gave the picture a few minutes then moved onto the next one.

He remembered the painting that hung over their fireplace in the living room that you had painted for him. No matter how hard he tried, he would never forget first laying eyes on it and marvelling in its perfection and beauty.

"Draco, come."

Omulous was standing beside him and she had a slightly concerned look on her face.

"I'm just taking the time to appreciate the art is all."

She smiled at him and followed her down the rows of paintings until they went into the sculpture area.

He wondered if this was all done by one artist and if it was, they must have had a lot of time on their hands.

Unconsciously, he thought of you and how much time you had. He didn't want you to think of him anymore and the pain he had caused you. He wanted you to be happy and to move on, find someone who was much better for you than him.

"Fawkes." She spoke, softly.

He followed her gaze and saw the sculpture of Fawkes, mid-flight. The detail in the sculpture was incredible as if someone had seen the phoenix and committed it to memory.

Whoever made this, had to be a witch or wizard. Or someone with a great imagination.

"This is all one artist. I wonder who this artist is and how they managed to accomplish all of this in such a short period of time. Wouldn't it be great to have a piece of this art in our home? Narcissa would approve."

Draco spotted an attendant make its way towards them and he unconsciously felt the familiar sense of dread creep up in his bones. He didn't want any trouble. He was here with his wife, enjoying art.

"Are you Mr. Malfoy?" The attendant asked.

"He is. Is there any trouble?" Omulous immediately defended her husband and he was glad for it.

"No. The artist reserved a special piece of art for you two. Come with me."

Draco was a bit hesitant to go but he trusted Omulous and Omulous didn't falter to go. He followed her and immediately took her hand when she offered it, to soothe him.

The attendant took them to the back and he uncovered a canvas that had a beautiful depiction of the lake where he remembered first kissing Omulous.

Draco felt his heart clench up in his chest. He let go of Omulous and took a closer look at the painting. He just knew who this was from.

"(Y/N)." He spoke softly, as if he was afraid of saying it.

"Yes. She left this for you. She knew you would be by sooner or later."

"Is she still alive?"

"Yes. She lives here in London. I can give you her business card, if you wish."

"Yes, please. I have to thank her for this."

The attendant left the room.

"What does this mean?" Omulous asked.

"It means she's forgiven me."

The attendant came back with far and handed it to Draco.

"She should still be up. She tends to work a lot at night."

"Thank you." Omulous thanked the attendant.

She then approached Draco and she gave him his phone. She knew what this would mean to him and all she wanted was for him to be happy.

"Call her. I don't mind. I'll have the painting ready for travel."

Draco took her phone and he was more grateful for Omulous because she understood. She gently kissed his cheek and left the room.

He say down on the floor by the painting and looked at the card in between his fingers. It was menacing, taunting him to not call. He had half a mind not to call because he was afraid of you, in a way.

He dialed the number quickly before he changed his mind and listened to the ringing as it was against his ear.

"(Y/N), speaking."

He didn't know what to say. He thought that you were dead because how could have anyone survived from what he had put you through, time and time again?

"(Y/N)." He spoke your name so gently.

You didn't speak. How could you when there was Draco on the line? He had saved you, put you on a path where you were finally happy, without Draco around.

"Did you get the painting?" You asked.

"Yes. It's wonderful. Thank you."

"Is that all?"

"I.....I'm glad you're out of the asylum and prospering, even if it's in the muggle world."

"Thank you. When you left, I wouldn't stop creating with different mediums. It was like........something magical came over me. I'm glad it did."

He smiled on his end. He was glad to know that you were alive and happy.

"Hey, I'm in town for a while. This muggle world is a bit odd. Omulous and I need a tour."

"I don't know, Draco. Giving tours isn't in my resume."

"If you want, it'll be just me and you. I can give Omulous one later."

You didn't speak for a moment. You wanted to.

"Okay. Friends?"

He smiled again. He still cared for you, no matter what he felt for Omulous.

"Friends, always, until the end."

You smiled and finally you had everything you had always wanted. You didn't have the true love of Draco Malfoy but he cared about you and that was all you ever wanted from him, a friend.