While You Were Sleeping

After hitting a few shops we decided to lunch at the Three Broomsticks. It was bustling with patrons, some of whom had been classmates of ours. They greeted us with shocked expressions.

“The snake and the lioness, lunching together. Oh, there is never a reporter from the Prophet when you need one”, Draco whispered close to my ear.

Once we had settled into a table in the far corner I decided I needed some questions answered and seeing as he had been pretty decent to me as of late I thought perhaps he might be forthcoming with the answers.

“Malfoy, who convinced Severus to marry me? I can’t imagine him being very amicable about the whole deal.”

He was taking a sip of his coffee and the question must have caught him off guard because he choked. I handed him a napkin and gave him a moment to regain himself.

“Sorry about that. You definitely have a way with words Granger”, he scoffed.

“What do you mean?”

He waved me off. “Don’t mind me. As to your question, I’m not sure I would be the best one to answer that. You should really speak with Sev. You might want to have a talk with Dumbledore as well.”

“Dumbledore? What does he have to do with all of this?” What did that meddlesome old fool do?

“Well I know he somehow convinced Shacklebolt to allow Sev to marry you. I know Sev had several visits with him throughout the whole thing.” He looked uncomfortable with the subject and that raised my alarms. I would definitely be paying a visit to Dumbledore.

“Well, I need to make an appointment with the Minister soon. This marriage needs to be dissolved as soon as possible.”

Draco became still then. He studied me for a few moments. “Granger, I now consider you a friend. Do you feel the same?”

What was he getting at? “I suppose. If you continue with this new leaf you seemed to have turned over then yes, I believe I could consider you a friend.”

“Very good. I’m glad to hear it. That being said, here comes the part in the friendship where I ask you for a favor. A very important favor. Do you think you could do this for me?” Draco had grown very serious. That made me nervous.

“Depends on what it is.”, I hesitated.

“I need you to wait a week, at least, before contacting Shacklebolt.”

“Draco, I want this marriage ended so that I can move on with my life. There is no reason for us to continue this farce. Why in the name of Merlin would you want me to wait a week?”

“Hermione, you have moved on with your life. It just happened while you were unaware. Without your consent. But it happened none the less. For the past six months I have watched my uncle care for you. When he thought everyone was sleeping he would sit by your bed till the wee hours of morning, holding you hand. Talking to you…”

“Talking to me? About what?” This was surprising. Severus was not the type of person to engage in such sentimentalities.

“That’s not the point Granger. The point is that those ten months changed him. Something inside of him is different now. I love Uncle Sev very much. In my eyes he is my father. Always has been. I owe him my life. So please Granger, give him a week at least. Spend some time with him. Talk with him. I’m sure you’ll begin to see what I mean. Please give him a chance.”

Draco’s pleading eyes tugged at my heart. “What are you saying Draco?”

“What I’m saying Granger is that I think my uncle has fallen in love with you. And I think you owe it to him and to yourself to give this a chance.”

I was floored. I opened and closed my mouth several times. What? WHAT! Severus Snape was in love with me? How? It couldn’t be true. It just wasn’t possible. Was it? Draco reached out and took hold of my hand from across the table. He gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Please Granger.”

I took a deep breath. I had no idea why I was doing this. But Severus had taken me in and carried for me. I figured I owed him atleast this much. “Alright. I can do that.”

I couldn't recall ever seeing Malfoy smile so big.

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Once we had finished lunch we decided to aparate directly to Godric’s Hollow. I was not prepared for what awaited us.

We appeared right outside the cemetery gate. I looked up to see many witches and wizards scattered about, visiting deceased friends and loved ones. I looked up at Draco to see that his face had harden some and his eyes contained an emotion I had never seen in all our years at Hogwart’s. Sorrow. I grabbed his hand and held it tight. I wasn’t ready for this. Death. Sorrow. But I needed to see the graves of my parents. I needed to touch the headstones. I needed to cry, let it out. I needed the closure.

Draco squeezed my hand back and looked down at me. He gave me a small smile. “Come on Granger.”

He opened the gate and allowed me to step through. Once inside he took my hand again and led me to the far end of the cemetery. He brought me to a beautiful Dogwood tree. The fragrant blooms waved softly in the breeze. Under the tree was a rose colored headstone with my parents names etched into the surface. It was like a punch to the gut. The truth of this stone drove it home for me. I collapsed to my knees and cried. I cried for them and for me. I cried because I really couldn’t remember the details of my last visit with them. I cried for the pain I felt. It hurt more than anything I have ever endured.

I cried for all those who had suffered because of the retched war. Mothers, fathers, husbands and wives. Brothers, sisters, children. And all those left to mourn their loss. It wasn’t fair. In my heart our world had been reduced to nothing but a splintered existence. The first time since awakening I felt lost. Broken.

I don’t know how long I knelt there, caught up in my pain, when suddenly I felt strong arms lift me up and wrap around me. I buried my face into a strong chest. I let the warmth of it seep into me. It was the smell that brought me back to myself. Draco smelled like expensive cologne. If you got within two feet of him you could smell it’s spicy scent. This person smelled of frankincense and sage. There were hints of other potions ingredients too. I lifted me head and was met with the black eyes I was growing to know as well as my own. Eyes that were now filled with concern for me.

A warmth invaded my chest then. I felt safe, wrap within his strong arms. It felt right and I didn’t want him to let me go.

I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my check over his heart.

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Note:
Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Work had been insanely busy. Sorry so short, long letter later. LOL