This is a really engaging take on Millicent. You bring out her pain but also her toughness -- it seems like she's strong but also wishes she didn't have to use that strength so much in self-protection. Is that maybe the key to her behavior in the carriage -- not that she's weak as she thinks, but that she wishes everything weren't such a trap, and is willing to take chances? And the way the Nott episode threatens that remaining openness, messes with her ability to trust people, is very sad.

I love what you do with Draco and Millicent. You keep it away from being a Cinderella story, in that Draco's interest doesn't seem romantic, it seems like he has his own issues and troubles and is reaching out for authentic friendship without a pose. So, M can see that vulnerability comes in many forms, can see the way that authentic connections put everything else into perspective. I don't know what your plans are, but it would be wonderful to see more of this Millicent, and more of this friendship.