Drab half darkness. She had landed under an archway, staring into a small side passage of Knockturn Alley. Deserted. Not even in this dark part of London, the darkest people dared to come out at twilight. Slowly stepping past grey old bricks, she approached the dark windows of Borgin and Burkes. No one was there either. The shop was so shrouded in darkness she couldn’t see a yard far through the dusty window. Stifling silence. Not a move, neither up, nor down the curved lane. A lonely crow she hadn’t seen, rose from a broken roof, making her startle a little. Breathing heavily through the slits of the mask, her fingers clutched the thick oaken wand, her heart pounding. They have Felix, she thought. They have Felix. They will be fine. I have – Severus. She closed her eyes. The thought of him calmed her down. He would be killing Dumbledore tonight. Almost half a year she had lived with the knowledge of this moment to come. Now, she was prepared. It wasn’t killing him. It was delivering him. He had made Severus Headmaster. Hogwarts was safe. It was alright.
Her feet already hurt, while she still tried to calm herself with those thoughts. The lights of London around the alleys lightened the sky so much it wasn’t actually dark and the longer she looked up, the more stars would appear in front of her eyes, the sight slightly managing to distract her from her fear. She had no idea for how long she stood at that door, taking only some steps here and there and around, just to prevent her knees from collapsing. She wasn’t used to stand still for long times.
Sitting, lying, walking, running, swimming and now even climbing – all of that was okay for her feet, but standing in one place, waiting, was horror, no matter what actual horrors she was waiting for to come. Though she was sure it must have been at least one our. Perhaps two – two and a half? She admitted, she had lost track. This was far worse than battling. Waiting for something bad to happen was more cruel than watching something bad happen. At least for her, especially since she was the only being outside. Even the few windows were dark. So dark, she had difficulties seeing her own reflection in the nearest. But it was her fault. He had warned her, still she had insisted.
Dreamily he gazed up, lips ajar, his face at the chandelier as he dwelled in a surprisingly remarkable afterglow.
“Damn – ”, he aspirated, his eyes fixating the lit candles, blurred by his current condition and therefore glistening like sunlight through the surface of a clear lake.
“Save yer breath, Remus.”, Severus moaned, lying almost equally straight, only his knees tucked up and his feet flat on the other man’s shirt, trying to not lose the regained control to the urge to strangle the man beside him.
“Damn – ”, Remus repeated, fiddling at a specific area and pulled off an object which he then held up above his own face, marvelling at it like he had at the chandelier until then. “Now I know why you wanted to use that! That’s a real lot! I never thought – ”
“I said, shu’ up!”, snarled Severus and rolled over, looking at the door with his arms wrapped around his chest.
“Are you sure, you don’t want to go for a reversal?”, Remus stroked down Severus’ scars, but the hand ended up buried under his waist when Severus turned again, his look representing no less than the willingly desired urge he fought now.
“Tha’ is no’ why I turned me back on ye.”, he hissed. “Be ’appy wit’ tha one time, ye loon.”
“Are you sure, you are happy with one time?”, Remus ignored the pressure on his hand and gave Severus stomach a short wink. “Nice mess.”
“Ye truly are suicidal.”
“Oh come on. You cannot lie to me anymore.”, whispered Remus and gave him a little, tender kiss that remained lonely. “You screamed my name, if you haven’t noticed and you didn’t even touch yourself. No need to lie, Severus, no need.”
“Ge’ ou’.”
“No.”
“Return ter yer pos’ an’ try ter survive yer watch.”
“Tz. Those constant threats of yours don’t impress me. They don’t fit the moaning you just presented me with.”
“Leave.”
“You don’t throw me out, Severus Snape. Not tonight.”
But he was wrong. Severus was on his feet and pulled Remus up faster than he could catch what was going on. The slack condom still sandwiched between his left index finger and thumb, he could hardly hold the heap of clothes that was pressed against his chest. Severus shoved him to the office door which opened automatically as if it was scared to be crushed otherwise and he thrust him face forward into the instantly lighting up corridor.
“Fillin’ drops wit’ an undetectable Love Potion an’ rapin’ me – piss off!”
“What?”, murmured Remus.
“Even though I couldn’ figh’ it, I know tha effec’, ye crank!”
“Love Potion? What?”, Remus moaned seriously. “But Albus gave me those – I – I had no idea – ”
There was a short silence in which Severus only panted at him like a mad dragon, digging his fingers into the doorframe so the wouldn’t rush off at the Werewolf’s throat. Remus stared back, as miserable looking as the other felt.
“Albus.”, Severus aspirated with disbelief, scanning Remus’ mind, unfortunately finding the truth.
“Yes.”
“Lemon – tha’ man’s dead. ’E’s so dead, I swear.”, snorted Severus, turned and slammed the door shut.
Dumbfounded, Remus stared at the door, behind which Severus leaned against the wood, clawing his long black hair. Severus closed his eyes and a quiet chuckle escaped him. He wasn’t even sure whether it was a cry or a laugh. Maybe both.
~~#~~
Thoughts spun round in her mind. Memories jumping, from one to another. The last six years rolled down before her eyes. So much time. So many things had happened. What would it be like when Dumbledore was gone? Severus was Headmaster. But still he would have to act like a Death Eater, just to keep the illusion intact. How would he protect the students without letting slip through that he was the good one? How would it be like, being on the search for the remaining Horcruxes? How would –
Popping noises. She rushed from her thoughts. Finally – the terror struck her with full force. People dressed in black, walking towards her. She knew the names of some: the older Carrow twins, a grim man with tied back blond hair called Yaxley who was working at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in the Ministry, another tall blond she had seen when Malfoy had examined the cabinet, a masked one and to coronate her horror, Bellatrix Lestrange and the most feared Werewolf Fenrir Greyback.
“Ahaha!”, Bellatrix’s high pitched laughter echoed through the abandoned alley, ringing in Hermione’s ears. “Look who we have here! As early as usual when it’s time for a little fun! Long time no see, Isabel!”, Hermione gave her a single slow nod, hoping she was doing the right. “And as quiet as always! Ha! Some things will never change, is it?”
Hermione gently stepped aside and pointed Mullbridge’s wand at the lock, glad that it clicked immediately. A faint wave and the door slowly swung open.
“Thank you, sweetie!”, Bellatrix grinned, baring teeth that could easily make the worst nightmare of Hermione’s parents – or the best paid job, if they would survive it. “Why don’t you come in with us and lionise Draco’s masterpiece?”
With a flick of her wand, Bellatrix lit the chandelier. Hermione checked the alley once more and entered the shop, while Greyback had already opened the doors of the high dark cabinet in the middle. She didn’t dare to look around. Some of the objects in her sight were sufficient for another ten nightmares. The cabinet was big enough for all of them to fit in. Bellatrix went in last, giving her a complacent sneer. If it wasn’t for what this woman was capable of, she would have sounded like the most cheerful best comrade.
“Bye-bye!” she cackled and pulled the doors shut from inside.
There was a noise as though the recorded sound of a mug being pushed over a table was played backwards. Then, silence. Hesitantly, Hermione stepped towards the large furniture. She pressed down the old silver handle and carefully opened the door. The cabinet was empty. For some seconds she just stared inside, not believing that it had worked out so smoothly and quick, but considering the goal, she now would have fancied a little delay to keep her busy and the ultimate event further in future.
But as there was no possible way back, she composed herself, swiftly went for the front door, casting one and the same spell three times, through the lanes and over the roofs. No one was out. She hurried back in, dropped Mullbridge’s wand, gave the candles a wave with her own and changed clothes in darkness. Carefully, she put down the crystal inside the cabinet. In the dark surrounding, it looked like it glowed. But only a wee bit. Now she laid the bone on the floor, pointed her own wand at it and fully dressed the corpse, sticking the Death Eater’s wand into the limp hand, ignoring her disgust.
Another safety glance through the window front and open door. Taking a deep breath, she directed her wand at the small orange crystal in the cabinet. A tiny spark. Instantly, it glowed like a bright lantern. Hermione rushed outside, slammed the door shut behind and Disapparated in the second a heavy, fiery explosion burst away the windows, walls and roofs around the Vanishing Cabinet, bewitched objects flying all around as they were set on fire and a speeding, spinning silver handle disappeared in the night.
Panting, she leant against the back wall of Honeydukes with her thoughts still rotating. Another deep breath and she snuck around the shop, gladly finding the village deserted. The only lights in the dark were those in the Three Broomsticks further away. She unlocked the door of the sweetshop, scurried inside and locked again. As fast as possible she tiptoed down to the entrance of the passageway in the cellar.
Arriving breathless at the other side, she peered out. No one in sight. Relieved, she stepped out and – startled with a shriek she could only just muffle by clapping her hand on her mouth. While the statue moved over the hole, she stared at Luna’s bright grin, her fair hair and pale face shining like a ghost in the dim light.
“What are you doing here?”, Hermione whispered.
“Patrolling. Ron has called us with the coins and I thought I might watch that specific entrance since it is most common for the few of us to use.”
“Great.”, aspirated Hermione.
“Are there actually Death Eaters coming?”
“Yes. Luna – please swear to me – no one must know this.”
“Okay. I’m as silent as a dead Snorkack.”
“Thank you.”, a sigh left Hermione, though in regard of Luna’s absent smile, it was, as usual, hard to tell whether she understood the importance.
“Any time.”
“The Death Eaters arrived through a Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement. Severus had just sent me to its twin in Borgin and Burkes to destroy it so the passage won’t exist anymore. Something will happen tonight, Luna. Dumbledore will die.”
“Oh that’s sad,”, it seriously bothered Hermione now that Luna seemed so untouched by this.
“Now listen closely. Severus will kill him. It is actually Draco Malfoy’s job to do it. That’s why the Death Eaters are here. They are here to help him. But it must be Severus to kill Dumbledore. Dumbledore is already dying from a curse he’d caught himself. By killing him, Severus will not only spare him from a horrible death, but also prevent Malfoy from becoming a killer. You understand?”
“Sounds logical.”
“Listen, Luna. That will be our secret. Harry, Ron and I will leave Hogwarts and go on a journey to obtain objects that will be our only chance to kill Voldemort. Luna. Ginny knows that Severus is innocent. I told her that, whatever happens, it’s all part of Dumbledore’s plan. You may tell her what I just told you now, but you must keep it secret by all means. You must act like you have no knowledge of this.”
“Who else knows?”
“Only Ginny.”
“Alright.”, Luna smiled.
“Thank you. We should – ”
“Go down to Professor Snape’s office?”
“That – ”, Hermione pondered for a second, “That’s a great idea. Yes. Come on.”
Shortcuts were the most profitable invention in situations like theirs. So they found themselves, unsighted, in the Entrance Hall in no time. As though some higher power wanted it, right in that moment Flitwick sent his choir to bed and engaged the Aurors at the doors in an exhausted conversation. They used the distraction to slip around the main stairs and to the spiral staircase. Halfway down, they increased speed and ran through the corridor, even faster than the blue torches could light up. Slowing down, they reached Severus’ office and came to halt right in front of the door.
“Has anyone told you about the Felix Felicis?”, Hermione remembered.
“The lucky potion? Ron has given it to Ginny so she could drink it when they would come. He thought, she would be a little cleverer to do the right things to save us all.”
“That’s wonderful.”
Indeed, she thought and wondered for a second if it had already affected Flitwick or the Aurors. She just raised her fist for knocking when –
“DEATH EATERS! DEATH EATERS IN THE CASTLE!”
A small figure hurried down the blue lit corridor. Flitwick, running as fast as his small legs could carry him, almost collided with them when he waved his wand for opening the not locked door.
“SEVERUS! HELP! HELP US! YOU KNOW BEST HOW TO – ”
There was only a red flash and Flitwick collapsed, his head hitting the stone floor heavily. In the doorframe, Luna peeking past her, she looked over to where he stood, fully dressed, the long black wand in his right hand. Bewildered for a moment, he though composed himself then.
“Severus – you – have packed?”, Hermione frowned, her gaze wandering around in the empty office, only the furniture left and the fixed fake-book in the shelf-door.
“I don’t think I will be needing this place any longer. I assume, you succeeded?”
“Yes.”, his eyes flung on Luna. “She knows the basics of the plan now. Ginny’s got Felix Felicis.”, nodding, he looked at her again.
“Get in, please.”, the girls stepped a little inside. “Stay here. Watch him. Make sure, he doesn’t wake up until the castle is safe.”, he went towards Hermione, stopping only a foot away from her. “Stay here. No matter what happens. I will send you a Patronus when – it’s done and over. Don’t go looking for me.”
“Alright. Um, Severus?”
He only looked at her for another couple of seconds. Then he took her in his arms, holding her gently, just like a father would do. Stroking her back a little, he let go though after only a few seconds.
“Go home. Try to be careful. Both of you. Luna, if Hogwarts still stands then, return for the next term. I need people like you around. Hermione, you will hear from me. I promise.”, a smile, tired, but confident.
Having said all that was necessary, he ran out of the room, leaving the two alone with Flitwick still lying unconscious on the floor. Hermione closed the door, staring down on the motionless body. They would be fine. They had Felix Felicis. They would be alright.
“Hermione?”, she startled. “Do you know why he left this book?”
“It’s fake. The private rooms are behind the shelf.”, there was no need to hide it from her.
“Do you think I may take a look inside?”
“It’s probably as empty as the office now. But yeah – if you feel like it – ”, Hermione sighed, watching Luna walking over and pulling out the book.
There was a familiar quiet rattling and the door swung open, revealing a dark room. Hermione followed her, giving the chandelier a lighting flick. The chamber was as empty as expected. Only the furniture – and white sheets on the bed were still there. Her stomach crumpled. Tender hands gliding over her skin. A warm breath against her face. Soft lips kissing hers.
“Where does this door lead?”, Luna called into her thoughts.
“The bathroom.”, she didn’t take her weary eyes off the bed when Luna went for the wooden door, opening it. “Now that’s interesting. You think he put that here purposely?”
That finally tore Hermione from her memories. Luna had given the little lamp in the bathroom a snap of her own wand and pointed on something on the otherwise empty shelf next to the basin. Slowly she walked to her and stared at the small flat object. He had written across the wrapping. Her hand trembling, Hermione picked it up and read.
For those in need..
“That is chocolate, right?”
“Dark chocolate with spearmint filling.”, Hermione whispered, curling her lips, not able to hold back tears. “Against fear.”
“He expects us to meet Dementors?”
Hermione didn’t answer that. The bar of chocolate in her left hand, her arms fell to her sides. Her eyes not seeing the basin they were on, she broke into tears. Luna took her right hand, which could barely hold the wand.
“He’ll be fine, Hermione.”, she said softly. “He’s a powerful wizard.”
Looking over to the shower, Hermione felt her own fingers enclosing parts of Luna’s unintentionally, her view blurred with tears and shaking in front of her due to her weeping. The noises of the battle far away upstairs, didn’t reach them. The silence in the bathroom was only broken by Hermione’s wordless crying. The memory connected with the shower was too much for her. She wanted to lock it out, shove it away by not looking at that corner, but it filled her entire body. Trying not to think of his touch, she gazed at the white tiles around the basin for some minutes.
There was the blustering sound of huge masses of glass breaking, followed by a not less loud high pitched laugh that echoed all through the part of the castle. Whatever Bellatrix Lestrange had done, there was no possibility it could look pleasant. But it felt just like what was going on inside her. It felt as if her heart was imploding. Staring into the mirror, she expected blood running from her eyes instead of tears. Not willing to see it if it should really happen, she searched for a point to look at, finding it to be her shoes.
She didn’t notice the blue and white shimmering light floating towards them through the bedroom. Like swimming in water, the otter drifted over Hermione’s shoulder, making her startle. Looking at her with those shiny eyes of light, it stayed in front of her face for some seconds. Then it shortly nuzzled her and collapsed to glowing fog as it vanished into thin air.
Pulling Luna with her, Hermione fell to her knees, crying louder than ever before in her life. The other girl put her arms around her, a single tear running over the right cheek of her empty face.
~~#~~
Hot and bright, the summer sun burnt on their heads as they stood together, tears dried and looked over the lake. Harry was still clutching the fake locket in his white hand. In the distance, an even whiter tomb. Everything felt so untrue – like a dream – or rather, a nightmare. Like the tomb was only existing in their heads. But it was there. Hagrid and Grawp were still sitting on their huge chairs. Almost everyone else was gone. The train would leave in half an hour. All trunks were packed and now brought down to Hogsmeade. Gazing into distance made the hole burnt in their hearts grow bigger.
For a moment, Hermione could have sworn to hear his voice whispering three words. Instinctively, she rushed around, only to find Luna standing six feet behind them, still in her dress robes as well. In her hand, a wrapped bar of chocolate. Alarmed, Harry and Ron turned as well.
“You forgot that.”, she had said, holding the chocolate towards Hermione. “It would be too bad, wouldn’t it?”
“Oh my god – ”, Hermione aspirated and dropped the bar in her bag. “Thank you so much. How could I – ”
“It’s alright. I would have taken care of it until we met again.”
“Was that chocolate?”, Ron chuckled, sniffing a little.
“Yes.”, was all Hermione could say.
“I have had a chat with the teachers.”, Luna carried on. “They won’t close Hogwarts.”
“That’s a little relief.”, Harry meant, though a bit absentminded, naturally.
“Great.”, Hermione added, sighing hollow. “So you know what to do.”, the guys looked at her. “You and Ginny.”
“Yes. We will stand guard. Unfortunately Neville’s gone down already. But I think he will return as well.”, Hermione nodded confirming. “You know, Scrimgeour looks dreadful. A little scared, I think.”
“Who wouldn’t.”, smirked Hermione.
“Yes. I hope he can hold the Ministry. It would be awful. All those people working there – if the Ministry wasn’t a safe place anymore – just imagine. Everyone would have to hide at Hogwarts. I mean, the castle is big, but still.”, that gave the other three an unexpected laugh.
“Great one, Luna.”, Harry calmed with a limp chuckle.
“It’s true, isn’t it?”, Luna smiled. “I will be going too, then. Try not to miss the train. What would people say if you landed outside Kings Cross Station on Thestrals, you know?”
“The Obliviator Headquarters will have a lot of work in that case.”, Hermione smiled. “See you. And – remember the rules, Luna.”
“Of course. See you!”, she beamed and hopped away, her blond hair and blue robe popping up and down, shimmering fairylike in the sun.
“What was that?”, murmured Ron. “You think the DA – ”
“Might be more necessary than ever. I – just – have a feeling.”
~~#~~
Dim light fell through the tall, dirty windows. No one had meant to clean them. Dust all around. On the floor, the tables, even the chairs. Fire was crackling in the chimney of the huge old hall, supported by elegant marble pillars. But the flames couldn’t give the cold house any warmth, even though it was summer and the sunlight falling in issued from a bright, cloudless midday.
Her eyes empty, a woman with blond hair sat artificially straight in a black leather armchair in front of the fireplace, her pale face lit orange. She was as neat as the house. As lonely as the house. In another armchair, to her right, her seventeen year old tall boy, dressed in black like her, his hair uncombed. Leant forward, his face was buried in his hands. There was a third armchair. In this one, his long, equally blond hair cut carelessly like never before, rested a tall man: the boy’s father. Grey eyes staring into the fire like his wife’s blue gems. Stubbles had grown on his chin and his black robe was the only thing that reminded of his former pride. A black walking stick with a silver snake head laid on the carpet under the armchairs. He had dropped it there, unwilling to hold it or lean it to anything.
Family idyll.
This was war. This was the silence away from the battlefields. Away from the disappearing people. Away from the murders, so far. But not away from fear. Just days ago, Lucius Malfoy had returned from Azkaban. Freed along with some other Death Eaters. But besides being with his family again, the cold empty manor made no difference to the tight cell in the prison, guarded by the happiness- and warmth-sucking Dementors.
A noise.
Narcissa startled. Draco raised his head, revealing his pale skin glistening with tears. Lucius though, just slightly moved his head, gazing at the wall’s wood panelling now, pricking up his ears. Quiet footsteps.
His long black cloak curling over the broad dusty stairs, a man climbed up to the hall, his expression not differing much from the Malfoys’. Only when he turned around the corner and through the high door into the hall, the emptiness stepped aside a little, but for nothing than sadness as he saw them sitting there. He stopped for a moment before he approached Lucius who tried to stand up. Weak-kneed, he shuffled around the armchair, holding to its backrest. The moment he let go of it, his legs gave in. But Severus was fast enough. With a few quick steps, he reached under Lucius’ arms, catching the emaciated man. Something like gratitude on his face, he hung himself onto Severus’ shoulders, comforted by a brotherly embrace and tears falling from his swollen eyes.
Still sitting straight, Narcissa escaped a relieved sigh when Severus shortly closed his own dark eyes, leaning his left cheek against Lucius’ head.
“S-Severus – ”, Lucius whined quietly, his whole body trembling.
“Sh.”, the other man whispered, trying to calm him by pulling him a little closer. “It’s all right. You are safe.”, his left hand now rested on the back of Lucius’ head. “You are safe, my friend. I am here.”
A faint, shaky nod from Lucius. Narcissa had gotten up and walked over to them, very slow, almost gliding.
“Are the rumours true?”, she said calmly and quiet, her hand laid on Severus right shoulder. “That he is dead?”
“Yes.”
“Is it true, what Draco says? That you did it?”
“Yes.”, only then, her tension fell off.
“Thank you.”
“T-thank you – S-Sev-verus.”, Lucius aspirated. “T-thank you f-for s-saving – our son.”
“It was the least I could do. Listen.”, he lightly pushed Lucius off, still holding him. “You need to rest. You need to gain strength. All three of you. If you want, I can give you some Sleeping Potion. The hard times are still ahead.”, Lucius nodded, shedding more tears. “Have you eaten something?”
“Not much.”, Narcissa said. “I endeavour myself to cook, but almost everything I touch goes terribly wrong these days. So mostly, it is just snacks.”
“All right. Bring Lucius to the kitchen. I’d like to have a word with Draco. No worries, it won’t take long. Then I cook you something.”
“You.”, Lucius chuckled flabbily. “Can cook.”
“How else would you expect me to survive summer breaks?”, Severus smiled. “Now go. I will be there in a minute.”
He passed Lucius to Narcissa, who supported him out. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to their son and sat down on Narcissa’s armchair, leaning onto his thighs, only looking at the crooked figure for some moments.
“Draco – ”
“I’m fine.”, the boy just moaned.
“No.”
“I said I’m – ”
“I want you to listen to me. I do not intend asking you questions concerning your state, mood or feelings, because I know all that.”
“You don’t know anything.”
“Oh believe me, I do know what you feel like.”
“You don’t.”, he remained consistent.
“I – can see everything in your eyes, Draco.”, Severus sighed. “Though if you want to talk about anything – and if it is just Quidditch – ”
“Tz. Why should I want to talk about Quidditch with you, Sir.”, he murmured turning to the fire.
“I don’t know – maybe – for distraction? After all, I played Quidditch myself and I remember you used to be quite fond of it as well.”, Severus noted. “And there is no need for calling me `Sir´, unless we are back at Hogwarts.”
“What makes you think I’d want to go back?”
“Then there is no need at all to address me like this. I understand if you would like to stay with your parents. I’d spend time with my mother as well, if she was still alive.”, Draco’s head soared back to him.
“You played Quidditch? At Hogwarts?”
“Yes. For five years.”
“What was your position?”
“Seeker.”
“Really?”, Draco sat up, obviously convinced of the topic. “Did you like it?”
“I loved it.”, he leant back and crossed his legs. “Despite the Quaffle-Canon number one.”
“A Chaser attacked you with the Quaffle?”
“Constantly.”
“I suppose, he was from Gryffindor?”, Draco chuckled.
“Exactly. A nasty beast.”
“Yeah. They can be horror. Have you ever won the cup?”
“Thanks to him – and probably because I used to be a gallant – ah – sycophant – only once.”, Severus sighed, blinking at the memory of how many times he had just let Lily have the Snitch and how many of those times she had yelled at him, not only during the chase over the loud pitch, but long afterwards and he had not only once defended himself with the excuse that there had been no need for her to catch it on the offer. “He had a talent for hitting me in ways it was not illegal at all. Because, of course, it were only accidents.”
“That’s the worst sort.”, a very haunting look from Severus hit the boy and he tried a miserable attempt to lighten up the weight of his harsh words. “Okay – there were such people in my team too. But it’s different when it’s against others.”, he smirked desperately.
“Much different, yes.”
“And you – er – still – loved it?”
“Strangely, yes.”, and that was not only due to having shared the activity with Lily.
“You mentioned your mother – how was she?”
“A wonderful woman. One of the most talented witches I ever got to know. She taught me everything I needed to survive, both physically and emotionally.”
“Yeah. That’s what mothers do.”, Draco chuckled again, his eyes drifting over to the fire once more. “I couldn’t imagine what – what it would be like – if my parents were – ”
“Naturally. No one knows until the moment comes. And it takes a long time to accept the fact. But the best cure for loss is to think of the good things you shared.”, Draco nodded.
“What will you cook?”
“Ready for a surprise?”
“Father and I eat everything, but Mother’s vegetarian.”
“I know,”
“Of course.”
“And neither is a problem for me. Come, Draco. We shouldn’t let them alone. If you wish, I can stay overnight. I know your parents will be fine with it, so it is on you.”
“That – ”, he considered for a moment, his eyes still on the fire. “That would be great. One more person makes that house less empty, right?”
“Far less empty.”, Severus smiled.
~~#~~
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