Searching

The battlefield was littered with bodies. Both the Light and the Dark had lost many today. Voldemort had been defeated. None of that mattered to me right now. As I moved around and around the battlefield in ever smaller circles; my worst fears were beginning to come true. I had found my mother on the outskirts of the battle, I remembered with a sigh. But as much as that loss pained me, I desperately hoped that she hadn't fallen as well. I slowly searched every body, looking (and hoping) that I wouldn't find her there. Maybe she had been one f the survivors whisked away to safety. Dare I hope? But with the stench of blood, singed and burnt flesh assaulted me, it sapped my hope. Every once in a while I would happen upon a survivor. I called for a healer and moved on. Each person still living boosted my hope that if she was here that she could still be alive. I continued my search, growing ever closer to the center of the field. It was in the blackened circle of ground that Voldemort had been defeated just hours ago. When I reached this part of the field, part of me gave up. But another part of me cried out that she had promised to come back safely to me. She had never given up hope for me so I wouldn't give up hope for her. I held on to the memory of her promise as I continued searching. She would have fought like a wildcat to live, that much I knew.

My mind went blank as I came upon many bodies huddled together as if they had been protecting someone. By the looks of it, they had been taken out as a desperate attempt to distract Potter from his battle with Voldemort.

Gods, her mum, dad and all but two of her brothers were here, I thought with a shudder. I carefully, respectively moved them out of the way. I hoped against all odds that I wouldn't find that she had been the one they were protecting. My heart was in my throat as I uncovered her. She felt so cold, I thought desperately as I rushed to wrap her in my cloak.

"Open your eyes," I said to her.

The healers came quickly to my side. But I wouldn't let her out of my arms. Through my shock and pain I felt her shallow breaths. I held her in my lap as the healers checked her over. I was sobbing, whispering to her that she had to live. The healers took both of us to the nearest tent. I finally relinquished my hold on her. I did continue to hold her hand and whisper to her. It was all a blur...healers running around... people trying to run me off. But I refused to leave her side. I paid no one but her any attention. I continued to talk quietly. I reminded her that we had to get married. If she left who would I have all those beautiful babies with? How would I survive without her? I was trying to be strong...to keep her alive with my strength of will. I wouldn't lose her!

Just when all hope seemed lost, she opened her eyes.

"Gin, stay with me," I said desperately.

She attempted to smile as she whispered, "Always Draco," as she slipped back into sleep.

I sat, holding her hand while she slept. I knew now that we would survive this...together.