Prologue

I must say that she never wanted me to do this…she only ever wanted for me to know my history. When she told me the first story back when I was barely old enough to understand a fairytale it made me want to hear more and more of a life that was far richer than anything that began with "Once upon a time." Before she knew it, years went by and I knew almost all of their lives. Grandmama was a hero, but she would never let you say that to her. Grandpapa would smile when she walked out of the room and say that she was the one who kept him going, and for that she was the greatest of heroines. He as well would add to my store of stories about their lives.

It was only after both of them were gone and I was old enough to attempt it that I began to write it down. Their story.

The story of a girl and a boy. A time of war. A time when all eyes were locked on the Boy Who Lived and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Their struggles tipped the balance in favorable ways that would not be seen unless told. I have to tell their story. If that's selfish, then so be it.

She was more different than you could imagine. Her courage, her strength, her optimism, and her magic led her through challenges under which the average person would crumple. Her methods were difficult to decipher at first, but as you will see, everything eventually fell into place. Their lives intertwined and their efforts were not in vain.

Grandmama is my hero and I want for you to know her as I did. I want you to know Astoria Greengrass as she was and the real story behind her life. But we have to go back before the War. Back before Harry Potter defeated the Dark Lord, back before my family was good, back when the world was in turmoil and the Chosen One was on the run. Her name was Aeridia Matthews then, though you will never find that name anywhere but here. He was Draco Malfoy, a more troubled soul never found. Their lives were not easy, nor was anyone's during the War.

So, Reader, will you immerse yourself in the trials and tribulations of an unknown heroine and her love? I can promise you, the ride is not smooth. Though it may begin simply, you will see two children grow up in front of your eyes to see horrors that we, the generations of peace, can only imagine or read in history books. This is your history as much as mine, for if she had not saved him, if she had not come back, then…well, I will let you determine that on your own. For now, let me share with you the story of my family and the cause of their redemption.

Vela Aeridia Venatici (nee Malfoy)