Least Likely Of All

Chapter Nineteen, Parts 90 - 95

Chapter Nineteen, Part One: Leave It To Draco

Draco opened the letter cautiously, his eyes on the tawny owl standing in front of him expectantly, clicking her beak.

"Hold on." He muttered, his eyes scanning the letter. Sighing, he set it down on his desk and smoothed out a spare piece of parchment. Dipping his quill into an ink bottle, he began to write.

Harry,

Dad and your Mum had a falling out, as far as I can tell. He spilled it to me last night -- apparently the tension was getting to them. He kept on going on about how she was the most important thing to him and all that, and how he loved her. It surprised me, actually. He admitted if he had to choose between my Mum and yours, he'd choose yours. I suppose since they're known each other so much longer and they know each other like the back of their hands. He was crying... I hate seeing grown men cry. He's a wreck, and he's not telling Mum what's wrong.

Anything else you want to know?

Love,

D.

Folding the piece of parchment up, he tied it skillfully onto the leg of the owl on the windowsill. Taking a step back, he watched the owl take flight to deliver the reply to her master.

"Bloody hell..." Draco shook his head, opening the door to his room and walking down to the sitting room, where his mother and Remus were sitting in completely silence.

"Good afternoon, Mum, Dad." Draco nodded towards both of them, taking a seat across from the couple.

"Hello, Draco." Narcissa smiled at the sight of her son. Draco turned his eyes towards Remus briefly, noting to himself that he looked a lot better than he had the previous night.

"When's dinner going to be served?" Draco asked, trying to make conversation. Narcissa turned nervously towards Remus, who was now starring off into space.

"In about an hour." Narcissa answered, shrugging slightly. Draco nodded, then turned towards Remus. Figuring he would have told Narcissa, Draco did the most idiotic thing he had done in a while.

"I see you're getting along a bit better. Did you talk to her about it?" he asked, realizing his mistake almost at once.

Remus' head shot up, a frantic look in his eyes. His panic ceased, however, after a moment, and he shook his head.

"No reason to."

Narcissa turned to her son, then her husband. "Talk to whom about what?"

"Nothing, Mother." Draco said suddenly, "Forget I said anything."

"No, tell me." Narcissa insisted, turning towards Draco once more. "Did I miss something?"

"Lily Snape and I got into a slight disagreement, that's all." Remus said quietly, before Draco could say anything else.

Narcissa's eyes widened slightly. "Oh! When did this happen?"

"Last night." Remus answered. "It really isn't that big of a deal... really, Cissa."

"What happened?" she asked gently, setting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"We got into a fight -- I guess -- and we agreed not to see each other again."

"No, she insisted." Draco shot Remus a look that told him, quite plainly, he wasn't going to allow him to lie to his mother.

"Yes, she insisted." Remus said softer, not meeting Narcissa's gaze.

"Are you ok?" she asked, squeezing his shoulder slightly. He nodded, his brown hair falling into his amber eyes. The Full Moon was in less than a week; now was not the time to get stressed out.

"What was the argument about?" Narcissa asked curiously, trying her best to be gentle.

"Err --" Remus glanced over at Draco, who nodded slightly. Sighing, he continued. "Well, before I even knew you, Cissa, we had a -- err, accident. She can read and control minds, did you know that?"

Narcissa looked mildly surprised. "I knew Severus could, but not Lily."

"I guess he passed it to her." Remus shrugged slightly, not really caring at the moment. "Anyway... Two days after Christmas, a year and a half ago, we, err --"

Remus flashed Draco a helpless look, his hands trembling slightly. Draco nodded, taking a breath.

"They slept together, Mum."

Narcissa turned towards Draco, surprised. "Pardon?"

"Once. It was a one time thing... A total mistake." Remus insisted, his eyes focused on the wall behind Draco. "One would go as far to say that she forced me to."

Narcissa raised her eyebrow slightly, "How?"

"As I said earlier, Cissa, she can control minds." Remus shook his head, "I wouldn't have in any other situation, believe me."

"And she wanted to break things off almost two years later because...?" Narcissa asked, the color returning to her pale cheeks slightly.

"Because she has two reminders at home, and she thought ignoring it completely would help her get over the pain." Remus said sourly, not bothering to register the look of shock on Narcissa's face.

"The twins... Yours... You mean...?" Narcissa gasped, looking at Remus to Draco and back again.

"It's a possibility." Remus said, "One of the children has blue eyes. None of Severus' offspring has blue eyes."

"Oh my God." Narcissa shook her head, then turned towards Draco. "You knew about this?"

"Someone told me." Draco muttered, "And I saw Dad last night coming home... he woke me up, and we talked for a while."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Narcissa asked, this time turning back towards Remus. "Something as big as that..."

"Because I was afraid of your reaction." Remus looked up at his wife for the first time in five minutes. "Like you're doing now."

Narcissa looked down at her hands, which were gripped so tightly that when she released the pressure, there were eight moon-shaped indents on the palms of her hands. Shaking her head once more, she sighed.

"I'm sorry for not telling you, Cissa... I just thought it'd be for the best." Remus said quietly, "Not knowing and all."

"Will you ever find out if they're yours?" Narcissa asked, her voice barely audible.

Remus shook his head. "No one knows for sure."

Suddenly, a loud cry rang throughout the Manor. Both Narcissa and Remus sprang up at the same time, but with a look from Narcissa, Remus sat back down, head in his hands. Narcissa quickly left the room to attend to Micah, leaving time for Draco to apologize.

"I'm sorry, really --" he started, his blue eyes focused frantically on Remus' face.

"It's ok." Remus said quietly, "I should I have told her sooner. You were just giving me a push in the right direction."

"She's not very mad," Draco said quietly, "I suppose this'll blow over soon enough."

"Yes, for the four of us." Remus nodded his head in the direction of the hall. "But for Lily and I... I'm terrified she'll actually go through with this."

"She won't." Draco said firmly, "Give her a few days and she'll realize how stupid she's being and she'll come back to you."

"I hope so," Remus shook his head once more, "But... I don't think he did, but if Severus made her --"

"Harry's Dad?" Draco asked, shaking his head, "No, he wouldn't do that. They seem far too much in love. He'd know how much that would hurt her, and I really don't think he'd do that."

"I hope not." Remus sighed, "Else I'd have some major arse kicking to do."

Silence passed between the two for a few moments before Draco sighed, leaning back into his chair.

"You really love her, don't you?"

Remus nodded, "Yes, I do."

"Why'd you marry Mum, then?"

Remus looked up at the sixteen year old, surprised. "I love your Mum, just in a different way than Lily."

"Different as in how?" Draco knew he was prying, but at the moment he was too curious to care.

"Your mother and I are married... I wouldn't have married her if I didn't love her deeply." Remus said, "With Lily, it's more of a best friend love... Not completely platonic, not in the least, but she's my best friend and I love her as such."

"So you love my Mum in such a way that you'd sleep with her and you love Lily in such a way that you'd tell her anything and occasionally share a bed?"

Leave it to Draco to shed some light on the situation. Chuckling, Remus nodded slightly.

"If you want to put it that way, yes. However, Lily and I... Only once."

"Never again, even if she begged you?" Draco tilted his head to one side slightly.

"I have your mother." Remus smiled, "I wouldn't dream of betraying her and the marriage we have. As the old saying goes, 'till death do us part'."

"So, while you're married, you'll never betray her?"

"Not in a million years."

Loving you like I never have before

I'm needing you to open up the door
If begging you might somehow turn the tides
Then tell me to I've got to get this off my mind

I never thought I'd be speaking these words

I never thought I'd need to say
Another day alone is more than I can take

Won't you save me 'cause saving is what I need

I just want to be by your side
Won't you save me I don't want to be
Just drifting through the sea of life

Won't you

Listen please baby don't walk out that door
I'm on my knees you're all I'm living for

I never thought I'd be speaking these words

Heaven thought I'd find a way
Another day alone is more than I can take

Won't you save me 'cause saving is what I need

I just want to be by your side
Won't you save me I don't want to be
Just drifting through the sea of life

Suddenly the sky is falling

Could it be it's too late for me
If I never said I'm sorry, then I'm wrong, yes I'm wrong
Then I hear my spirit calling
Wondering if she's longing for me
And then I know that I can't live without her

Won't you save me 'cause saving is what I need

I just want to be by your side
Won't you save me I don't want to be
Just drifting through this sea of life

Won't you save me

Won't you save me
Won't you save me*

*Hanson, Save Me

*

Chapter Nineteen, Part Two: Graduation (Friends Forever)

June 27th, 1998.

It had been seven years since Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, and numerous other Seventh Years had first set their eyes on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. September 1st, 1991, was a day forever emblazoned in the minds, a representation of their past, present, and future.

A private ceremony set aside for the Seventh Years and their family and friends was held that day; set for three o'clock in the afternoon, each student in turn was as nervous and excited as they ever had been.

Up in the Gryffindor Dorms, Harry and Draco were sitting side by side, and every now and then, Draco would shoot malicious glances in the direction of the small First Years, including Drake. He was a Slytherin and generally didn't belong in the Gryffindor common room, but using the power of Head Boy, he had easily gotten Professor McGonagall to agree -- or at least not say anything.

"We're graduating today." Harry murmured for the third time in the past fifteen minutes. Draco simply nodded, his eyes focused on the fire.

"What are you planning on doing afterwards?" Harry asked, his eyes flickering to the side of Draco's face.

He shrugged, his blue eyes, glancing over to meet Harry's green ones. "I'm not sure. Possibly the Ministry... you?"

"Quidditch, I think." Harry said lightly, a smile dancing on his face. "England, Ireland, France, and Bulgaria have offered."

"Bulgaria and France?" Draco scoffed, "You don't even speak Bulgarian or French!"

"True." Harry grinned, "But you have to admit, it'd be fun."

"So you're going to leave me?" Draco sniffed sarcastically, pouting. "Damn. And here I was thinking my best friend and I were going to share a flat in some big city -- maybe London -- and pick up chicks together."

Harry threw his head back and laughed, "You would think that, wouldn't you?"

Draco grinned, "Ok, ok... Scratch the picking up chicks together part. When do you want to move in?"

"Gotta pick a place first." Harry said, a smile still lingering on his face. "London, then?"

"Sure, but I'm open to suggestions." Draco nodded just as Ron and Hermione stepped into view.

"Today's the day." Ron grinned, his arm around his fiancee. "Are your parents coming?"

Draco and Harry exchanged looks; they hadn't thought about that. Both Lily and Remus were coming... They hadn't seen each other in almost two years.

"Yeah, they are." Harry said in a distant voice, his mind spinning slightly. "Yours?"

"Yes, along with all of my brothers." Ron stuck his tongue out. "Mum and Dad insisted."

"My parents are coming," Hermione grinned, "And I'm so excited! They're going to be thrilled with Hogwarts. The only magical place they've ever been was Diagon Ally."

Both Draco and Harry smiled politely, Harry checking his watch in the process. "We're due in the Great Hall in fifteen minutes."

"Do you want to do down early?" Ron suggest, playing with Hermione's hair. "It's not like we have anything better to do."

"Our parents should be here by now." Draco said, "And I don't know about you, but I want to see..."

Harry nodded vigorously, "So do I. Ten Galleons to say they're about to jump one another."

"You're on." Draco grinned, "But I say they already have."

The four made their way down to the Great Hall after a few minutes of getting their wands and such in order. It was their last day at Hogwarts; after Graduation and a Feast, they would be leaving the school.

The Great Hall was decorated in all the House colors -- a minor change from the night before's scarlet and gold hangings, in celebration of Gryffindor winning the House Cup for the seventh year in a row, save their Fourth Year for the Triwizard Tournament. All of the Weasleys were sitting in the second row, chatting happily among themselves and the Grangers, who were sitting in the row ahead -- the first row. Harry could see his father talking with Professor McGonagall, who was now the Headmistress of the school. Squinting down the aisle, he noticed his redheaded mother sitting with all seven Snapes, including Castor and Pollux, who were now three years of age.

"There!" After a sharp elbow to Harry's ribs, Draco nodded towards the back of the room, where Remus and Narcissa were sitting with Micah, now two years of age.

Both Harry and Draco noticed Narcissa shoot a wondrous look over towards Lily and the twins. Remus' arm was wrapped around her shoulders with Micah in his lap, and he was trying his best to avoid looking at Lily. He was fighting a losing battle, however, as Draco pointed out a few minutes later. Remus had looked at the short redhead five times, but then had immediately focused his gaze up ahead.

The ceremony started a few minutes later, with the seventy-five or so students sitting on a makeshift platform, eyes glued either to each other, McGonagall, or straight ahead at their family. Draco and Hermione were seated slightly to the right of the stand where Professor McGonagall was standing, her voice droning on and on throughout the Hall.

Soon, it was Hermione's turn to speak. She had been made Head Girl the summer before, much to her delight. She stood in front of the audience, her hands trembling slightly. Clearing her throat, she began.

"When I first stepped through the front doors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on September 1st, 1991, I didn't know what to expect. I was ecstatic to learn I was a witch, as I come from Muggle Family. Devouring the textbooks didn't even begin to prepare me for what lay ahead, enclosed in the grounds of the castle.

"Throughout these seven years, I have been amazed, surprised, and delighted countless times. My experiences will stay with me forever, as each one of yours will. I am forever grateful to my classmates and teachers, as each one of them has enriched my experiences greatly.

"Leaving the school it one of the worst -- and best -- things I've ever had to do. Leaving the place where so many of my best memories were formed, with my best friends -- " Hermione shot a look at Harry, Ron, and Draco in turn. " -- is going to be tough. However, I'm looking forward to going out on my own. The world's an exciting place. Dangerous and scary at times, yes, but exciting. And I, for one, can't wait to prove myself."

Hermione grinned once more, "Congratulations to the class of '98!"

Taking a step down as applause filled the room, it was now Draco's turn. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes before starting.

"I come from a very old and proud wizarding family, so I was not surprised in the least when I got my letter saying I was accepted. I was made a Slytherin, and for years lived up to the reputation. I threw myself into my studies mostly, never having any time for real friends. My mother was pleased, and so was I.

"In my fifth year, I realized what I had been missing out on -- having real friends at school, the ones where you can talk to and divulge your greatest secrets in to. A few months and unexpected twists of fate later, I had a real, true friend -- from the opposite house."

Draco smirked, looking over at Harry. "Despite our differences, we soon realized we had much in common. Both had our biological fathers taken from us at a young age from the same person; Lord Voldemort."

A few people gasped and looked rather scandalized at the name. Draco, however, continued, a slight smile on his face.

"He taught me what friendship really was, and he showed me how to have fun. For once in my life, I was happy. He's my best friend, and things will hopefully stay that way for a long time. Even though we were completely different on the outside, we found a common bond inside of us to hang on to a we made a friendship from that.

"Look around you. These people went through the same experiences as you, for the most part. They have gone through seven years of wizarding training, seven years of happiness, tears, heartache, and joys we will never experience the same way again. We are all so different, as the Houses show us, but yet so much alike. After we graduate tonight, I want to be able to see any one of you on the streets of London and I want to be able to say hello to you, to know who you are.

"Eventually, the memories will start to fade, you will forget names, and the spells you think are so hard now you will take for granite. But look around; remember the faces you see. You have lived possibly the seven best years of your life with these people. Never forget them, and never forget the experiences you shared. No matter what happens in our lives to come, we'll always share the common bond of being the Class of '98. Congratulations, and always remember these seven years. Never forget."

Thunderous applause shook the Great Hall as Draco stepped down. His face was expressionless until he caught Harry's eye, and a small smile suddenly appeared.

The ceremony continued as Professor McGonagall started calling names. The list went on until it reached Hermione Granger -- who stepped up proudly to accept her scroll.

Draco Malfoy was the next of the four to accept his. Smiling down proudly as his parents stood up and clapped as loud as any of the others, he shook his head slightly, then proceeded to stick his tongue out at Harry, who was sitting about twenty seats down from him.

Harry Snape was next; as he walked up to McGonagall, he caught his father's eye. He was smiling proudly, his eyes locked on Harry's own. He also noticed his mother brushing her cheek quickly, applauding with the rest.

Ron Weasley was second to last in the class, before Blaise Zambini. He gave Harry, Draco, and Hermione a high-five as he passed them, walking back to his seat with a hand pumped over his head in an excited manner.

The closing comments were quickly said, and soon enough the crowd was departing with their graduate in tow, walking back up to their common rooms to wait for the Feast.

Harry's family, save his mother, had never been in Gryffindor dorms before. Amazed at the difference from the cold and often damp stone Slytherin common room, both Ethan and Kaylee muttered something about it all being rather unfair. Harry just smiled and shook his head, walking over to join Hermione and Ron.

"We're done it!" Ron exclaimed, grinning. "We've graduated!"

"Amazing, eh?" Harry laughed, putting his arms around the two. "We're definitely going to terrorize the wizarding world together though."

"Definitely." Hermione grinned just as Draco, Narcissa, and Remus walked through the portrait hole. Harry grinned and rushed over to Draco, not noticing the expression on Remus' face as he caught sight of Lily.

"It's over." Harry grinned as Draco slithered out of his mother's grip. "We're officially adults now."

"Scary, isn't it?" Draco laughed, glancing over at the Snapes. "Good Lord, the twins have grown."

Harry turned around and nodded, "Tell me about it. I can barely pick both of them up as it is."

"Wimp." Draco taunted, poking Harry in the side. "I bet I can."

Harry eyed Draco's scrawny body. "I highly doubt it. You're as wimpy as I am, Mr. Draco Malfoy."

"Point being?" Draco eyed Harry back. Rolling his eyes, Harry grabbed Draco's hand and dragged him over to his parents.

"Mum, Dad, you remember Draco Malfoy, right?"

Draco had only been over once during the previous summer, for a few days. Remus made sure Draco came in as little contact with Lily as possible.

Severus smiled and nodded. "Yes, I do believe I remember young Mr. Malfoy. Congratulations."

Draco smiled, "Thanks, Professor."

"I'm not a professor anymore, Draco."

"And I'm not quite as young as I used to be." Draco grinned. Severus chuckled, then nodded.

"Yes, I have to agree with you on that."

He's here.

Say hello.

I can't.

It's been two years, love.

I know... but I can't.

Severus sighed and shook his head, giving a pointed look to his wife.

"I can't believe it's over." Ron had come up behind Draco and Harry, slapping the two on the back rather harshly.

"Believe it, Weasley." Draco grinned, his tone friendly. "I'm rather glad it is."

"Tell me about it." Hermione had come up from behind Ron. "No more homework!"

All three guys gave her a shocked look.

"We thought you liked doing homework?" Harry exclaimed slightly, his mouth agape.

"After seven years of doing it constantly, it got rather --"

"Hard?" Ron put in, smiling and squeezing Hermione's shoulder.

"Aggravating." Hermione gave Ron a look, which soon led to a small kiss between the two.

"For the next fifty years, those two are never going to stop." Harry shook his head, slinging an arm around Draco's shoulders.

"It's going to get quite annoying, I'll tell you that."

"Oh, shut it Malfoy." Ron groaned, looking up over the top of Hermione's head.

"Why don't you, Weasley?" Draco grinned. Ron snorted and held up his pointer and middle finger, palm facing in his direction, then leaned down to kiss Hermione once more.

Draco and Harry dissolved in to fits of laughter, as Mrs. Weasley was giving her youngest son a stern look.

"He'll never learn." Harry grinned.

"Boys will be boys." Draco interjected.

"Thank God we're guys. We have that excuse."

"Oh, is THAT what's so good about being a guy?" Draco asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Yes, I would have thought you would have figured that out by now." Harry grinned.

"Of course I had, I was just testing you."

"Sure Draco, what ever you say."

"I was!"

"If you say so."

And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives

Where we're gonna be when we turn 25
I keep thinking times will never change
Keep on thinking things will always be the same

But when we leave this year we won't be coming back

No more hanging out cause we're on a different track
And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now cause you don't have another day

Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down

These memories are playing like a film without sound
And I keep thinking of that night in June
I didn't know much of love
But it came too soon

And there was me and you

And then we got real cool
Stay at home talking on the telephone with me
We'd get so excited, we'd get so scared
Laughing at ourselves thinking life's not fair
And this is how it feels

As we go on

We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends Forever

So if we get the big jobs

And we make the big money
When we look back now
Will our jokes still be funny?
Will we still remember everything we learned in school?
Still be trying to break every single rule

Will little brainy Bobby be the stockbroker man?

Can we ever find a job that won't interfere with a tan?
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
And this is how it feels

As we go on

We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends Forever

We will still be friends forever

Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now?

Can we survive it out there?
Can we make it somehow?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're women and men
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us 'round?
Will these memories fade when I leave this town
I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly

As we go on

We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
Come whatever
We will still be
Friends Forever*

*Vitamin C, Graduation

*

Chapter Nineteen, Part Three: What Dreams May Come

We were finally all home, the day after Harry's graduation. Severus and I had Apparated home, leaving the children to take the Hogwarts Express. We met them later than evening at King's Cross, waiting for nearly an hour as Harry said goodbye to his former classmates.

That evening, Harry mentioned his plans to get a flat in London -- with Draco Malfoy. My surprise must have shown on my face, for both Severus and Harry gave me a strange look.

"Harry -- dear," I started, "Draco? Are you sure?"

Harry nodded, "Mum, Hermione and Ron are getting married -- Draco's one of my best friends."

"Four years ago, you would have loved to see his head on a stake." Severus put in, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"That was then," Harry interjected, "This is now."

"But -- Harry, Draco? Why?" I asked.

"Mum, I know the reason you don't want me to -- you have to get over it." Harry gave me a pointed glance. I sighed, shaking my head.

"And how do you know?"

He smirked slightly, "He's not a Lupin, Mum. He's a Malfoy."

I cringed slightly at the sound of Remus' name. It had been an unspoken rule in the house not to mention it for the past two years. "I'm perfectly fine with that."

"No, you're not." Harry said gently, as if he was the parent and I was the child. "You're afraid that your son having his step-son for a roommate will force you two to acknowledge each other's presence."

I shook my head, but before I could say a word, he spoke once more.

"Mum, please. It's been two years... You have to get over it." Harry gave me a pleading look. He looked so much like James... Too much...

"I'll get over it when I'm ready." Perhaps I spoke a bit too sharply, but at that point and time, I really didn't care.

"He's right, love." Severus put in quietly, looking at his hands. "We're not asking you to see each other on a daily basis, even a monthly one. Just to tolerate being in the same room and not look like you're both about to break down."

"I can't!" I suddenly exclaimed, straightening up sharply. "Far too much has happened... you both know that."

"Lil, you're throwing one of the best friendships you've ever had out the window. I hate to see you do that to yourself." Severus said, looking past me at the doorway. "Yes, Cass?"

I whipped around, my frown dissolving into a smile as Castor came running into the room. "Hi Mummy, hi Daddy, hi Harry!" he exclaimed, his three year old arms latching around my knees. I smiled and picked him up into my lap.

"Hey Cass... What are you up to? Where's your elf?" I asked, smoothing his hair back.

He grinned, showing off his slightly crooked front teeth. "In my closet."

My eyes widened as Harry and Severus started laughing.

"Castor... You didn't." I warned, suppressing a smile.

"I did!" he grinned, climbing off of me and into Severus' lap.

I started laughing along with Harry and Severus as Severus sat the boy down in his lap and wrapped his arms around him. "You're going to let her out, aren't you?"

Castor's eyes widened innocently. "But Pollux said she'd like it in there!"

I smirked, "And where is your brother?"

"What one?" Castor asked, looking over at Harry. "Harry's right there."

"Pollux, dear." Severus answered for me.

"In the room."

'The room' was the bedroom the twins slept in -- they had refused to sleep in their own rooms, and when we tried, they would always meet in one of the two rooms and curl up together.

Harry went and unlocked the house elf, then brought Pollux into the room. Castor immediately ran to his twin's side, grinning like mad.

"Pollux..." I said in a warning voice. "You know better than to lock your house elf in your closet."

He grinned sheepishly, his blue eyes gazing up into my amber ones. I immediately felt a stabbing pain of guilt -- the same one I had been experiencing for the past four years. It washed over me, the familiar sensation taking over my senses. I closed my eyes briefly, screaming inside.

Fuck it... This is impossible.

What is, love?

This.

This would be what, precisely?

Pollux... his eyes.

You need to get over it, Lil. I have.

I know, I know Sev... But it's so hard. Imagine sleeping with your best friend in the world, then having to face them.

I already have.

Have what?

Slept with my best friend.

Smart ass.

I know.

That night, I fell asleep wrapped up in Severus' arms, perfectly content for the first time in months. Listening to the sound of Severus' heart beat, I kissed him softly, snuggling closer to his warm body.

Heat... immense heat. There was another body... He was there, on top of me, kissing me... I was ecstatic, confused, and angry all at the same time, but try as I might, I couldn't stop my body from reacting to his soft touches.

Colours were swirling all around me, even as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. His lips still covered mine, suffocating me, yet breathing life into my lungs at the same time.

He was all over me; I had no means of escape. I slowly sank in to his embrace, savoring the taste of his mouth. I opened my eyes once more as he lifted his lips from mine, and starred into his blue eyes.

Wait -- blue? I was confused for a moment, then finally realized what was happening. The man wasn't Severus -- it was Remus. I started to squirm violently, but I knew it was futile. Almost immediately, his beautiful face turned into a face I hadn't seen nor dreamt about in years.

His blue eyes turned red and snake -- like, his tanned skin turned ghastly white. His broad features turned long and delicate. I was starring into the face of Lord Voldemort.

I woke up with a start, my body still surrounded and held tightly by Severus' arms. He was running his fingers through my hair, his warm breath tickling my face.

"Oh God..." I muttered, torn between screaming and crying.

"It was only a dream, love." He whispered, kissing my forehead lightly.

"You saw?" I asked quietly, burying my face into his chest.

"Yes," he murmured, "You were squirming and moaning in your sleep. I figured it was worth listening to."

"Sorry." I sighed, "My subconscious has a mind of it's own."

He smiled slightly, "Yes, I figured that. I'm rather glad you thought it was me, however."

"Tells you something, doesn't it?" I dug my fingers into his back, gripping tightly. "If this goes on any longer, it's going to kill me."

"What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger." Severus said whispered, "Talk to him, love."

"I can't." I whispered. "It hurts too much."

"You're killing yourself." He sighed, "Please, baby... for me?"

I sighed, "I've tried... I tried yesterday, but I just couldn't. There were far too many painful memories."

"I'll be with you the whole time, you know that." Severus said.

I breathed in his scent for a moment, then sighed once more. "I can't. At least not right now... I will thought, eventually. I promise."

Severus nodded, then kissed me once more. "And when you do, I promise I'll be there for you."

"Thank you, Sev." I smiled slightly, "I love you."

"I love you too, Lil, and you're welcome."

*

Chapter Nineteen, Part Four: A Toast To Death

It had been two years since Harry and Draco graduated... two years since the two moved into a London flat, leaving their families and many siblings behind for the bustle of city life. For two years, there had only been one child in the Malfoy/Lupin household, seven in the Snape mansion. With each passing day, the children grew older, gained more knowledge, and came closer and closer to the freedom that surrounded their oldest siblings.

It was May 17th that everything happened; two families, driven apart by one night of indulgences, brought back together by an act of sin and an act of love.

"Sev?"

It was early morning that day; the sun had yet to rise, and Lily was lying wrapped up in Severus' arms, curled up under the blankets.

"Yes, love?"

It didn't matter what time she asked his assistance, asked him to listen, ask him to love. He always responded without haste, doing her bidding as she pleased.

"It happened again."

She could see the lines form on his forehead as the words turned over in his mind.

"What happened again?"

She smiled. "This."

Taking his hand, she set it over her stomach, pressing gently. Almost immediately, Severus sensed a second heartbeat coming from her womb.

Smiling, he kissed her. "Another, love?"

"Yes." Sighing once more, she looked up at him, her eyes slightly unfocused in the moonlight. "Are you happy?"

"Ecstatic." He smiled again, pulling her tighter. "Will this help you?"

She thought for a moment, finally nodding. "Yes, I think so."

"Maybe...?"

Lily shook her head, "I can't. You know that."

"Four years, love."

"Six since it's happened, and I still haven't been able to shake it."

"Talking to him will help you put it all behind you."

"I know." She sighed, closing her eyes once more. "I'm tired, can we go back to sleep?"

He chuckled slightly, then nodded. "Of course. Good night, love."

"Night?" Lily smiled, "It's morning."

Five years of marriage wasn't enough. A child together wasn't enough. It was all pointless anyway -- they would live their lives, then die. There was no reason, no mean or worth behind it all. Perhaps, for the bigger pictures, yes, but in the general life -- nothing.

She sighed, closing her eyes and reflecting back on the past four. The first year was wonderful -- she couldn't have asked for a better marriage. She had her daughter... she would be old enough to remember her, but not feel the full sting of what she was about to do.

What had it all turned out like this? Her life would have been perfect if it hadn't been for Voldemort. Voldemort had taken her first husband -- the father of her son -- away from her. He had taken the man many women referred to as "Luscious Lucius" away, leaving her alone.

It's been far too long... Why can't I let this go? It's over, they aren't speaking anymore and haven't for years. He's all mine... Yet he's so far away. Each Full Moon, you know what he's thinking... he's thinking of her and how's she handling it. She has the Wolfsbane potion, however. He doesn't. For a glorious seven years, as he taught, he did. He kept his mind... He didn't with her, however. He wasn't himself. She made him. She raped him.

Rape... Rape is far too strong a word. Forced, perhaps. Controlled. My husband was forced by his best friend to f-ck her... He didn't want it. He couldn't have. He's my husband... he loves me... he could never have done that.

He didn't know me then. What am I thinking? He didn't love me like that then... he loved her. He still loves her. They have two children together, we only have Micah.

No -- the twins, they aren't his. If they are, we don't know and perhaps we never will. If Lily holds no self-respect towards herself, then Severus will give the children the ounce of dignity they deserve. They don't deserve anymore -- they're byproducts of a night veiled in sin.

My life never really meant anything... How could it? I was a trophy wife for one of the most powerful men in the English wizarding world, I bore his heir -- then nothing. A man came and tried to love me, but once again I was pushed aside, this time for someone he'll never have.

I'm sick and tired of having to battle life on my own. Draco's gone now -- turned into the pouf Lucius would have disowned in a moment's time. He gets along all right, even though his roommate's as straight as a nail. He'll have a good life... Remus will look over him for me.

Taking a goblet full of wine, Narcissa opened a tiny glass vile, dumping the contents inside. Slowly yet surely, she raised the goblet, a benign smile upon her face.

A toast...

she laughed, To death.

Putting the goblet up against her lips, she didn't even have time to savor the taste of the wine. As the liquid poured down her throat, the poison spreading rapidly through her veins, the goblet clattered to the floor, a limp body falling next to it.

Here's to you, love.

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful

Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth

Tell me that we belong together

Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

Rain falls angry on the tin roof

As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive not dead

Tell me that we belong together

Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
And stand at the gallows of heartache, that hang from above

I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

I've been dropped out, burned up, fought my way back from the dead

Tuned in, turned on, Remembered the things that you said

I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life*

*Edwin McCain, I'll Be

*

Chapter Nineteen, Part Five: Dragons

Light cascaded into the room, through the blinds covering the window. Draco rubbed his eyes, squinting slightly. Hearing a tapping noise, he quickly sat up and looked over at the bright window. Standing on the sill, ruffling its feathers, was an eagle owl he recognized as one of his own.

Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, he stood up and walked over to the window, opening it and smiling slightly as the breeze hit his face. The owl hopped inside, dropping the letter on the small table on Draco's left. He pet the owl once, then grabbed the letter.

Opening the parchment with clumsy hands, he sighed, reading the black ink with a certain weariness.

Draco,

Come home, now. Please... Something's happened. As soon as you can (NOW), come. It's incredibly important.

Remus

Shaking his head, Draco set the letter down on the table and turned back towards the bed. Walking towards it, he sat down on the edge, falling over onto it's length.

"Harry... Get up."

He felt movement under his neck and heard a slight grumbling sound coming from under one of the many pillows adoring the king sized bed. "Why?"

He turned over, laying correctly on the bed. "Because we have to go see Remus and Mum. He says it's important."

Harry sat up, his black hair all over the place. "What time is it?"

"Don't know." Draco answered, peering over at the bright red letters of the alarm clock on the table next to Harry's side. "Eight sixteen."

"Fuck." Harry sighed, falling back down. "You keep me at that god forsaken club all night, then expect me to get up before the crack of dawn?"

"Harry," Draco smirked, "It's well past dawn."

"Bloody hell." Harry murmured, shoving a pillow back down on his face. Draco grinned slightly and edged towards the figure, his blue eyes dancing slightly.

"Harry James Potter Snape, get your ass up right now or I swear to God, I'll tell your Mum that you're --"

"You wouldn't." Harry sat up once more before Draco could finish his sentence, eyebrow raised. "I know you wouldn't."

"Want to try me?" Draco raised an eyebrow, matching Harry's expression. Sighing, Harry rolled over off the bed, hitting the floor with much more force than he intended. After a muffled curse, he stood up and waddled his way towards the bathroom, pulling off his white undershirt.

"I hate you." Harry glared at his blonde counterpart, just before slamming the bathroom door shut.

Laughing, Draco quickly dressed him self, wandering off into their fairly large kitchen and pouring two bowls of cereal just as Harry came plodding out of the bathroom.

"What do you want to drink?" Draco asked, holding up a carton of milk and a quart of orange juice.

"Vodka." Harry mumbled, rubbing his head. "Or an aspirin."

"Aspirin it is." Draco smirked at his friend, then went to grab a plastic bottle out of the medicine cabinet. Struggling with the bottle slightly, he sighed, his face contouring up a look of concentration.

"Damn child-proof caps."

Laughing, Harry took the bottle and quickly popped the top off, pouring four aspirins into his hand. Downing the pills with orange juice, he shook his head and watched Draco wolf down his cereal.

After about ten minutes, Draco looked at Harry, face expressionless. "Ready?"

Nodding, Harry smirked just as the two Disapparated with a pop.

As the Malfoy-Lupin living room came into view, both Draco and Harry got a feeling of dread settling at the pit of their stomachs. Standing in front of them was a rather testy looking Severus, and behind him, sitting on the couch, was Remus and Lily.

Remus had his head on her shoulder, tears pouring down his face. Lily was rocking him back and forth slightly, her own eyes red with crying.

Remus sat up almost immediately when they appeared. Severus stepped forward, setting a hand on each Draco and Harry's shoulders. After a moment of realization, Draco let out a strangled cry, backing up from the adults.

"No..." He shook his head furiously, his eyes darting from one person to another. "No... Tell me she's ok."

Remus shook his head, more tears running down his cheek. Harry looked bewildered from his parents to Remus to Draco, not knowing what to do. A moment later, however, Draco turned around and bolted out of the room and down the halls, his footsteps echoing loudly behind him.

After a fleeting look towards his father, Harry took off after Draco, head spinning from the empty corridors surrounding him.

After nearly ten minutes of searching, Harry finally found Draco curled up on a bed in what looked like his old room. There was a desk covered in books and parchment in a corner, along with a wardrobe and a large armchair set in front of a fireplace that, regardless of the obvious disuse of the room, had a roaring fire in it.

"Draco?" Harry asked quietly, moving towards the sobbing figure. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, the twenty year old set his hand on his best friend's shoulder, frowning slightly.

"She can't be..." Draco whispered, his voice hoarse. "It's impossible."

"I'm so, so sorry..." Harry said quietly, gently pulling Draco into a sitting position. "Come on, let's go back to Remus."

Slowly, the two made their way back to their parents, Harry half-carrying Draco in his arms. As they reached the sofa in the living room, the two collapsed, ignoring the looks from their family.

"Dad?" Draco asked quietly, looking up at Remus. "How?"

"She killed herself." Remus said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I found her a little past midnight."

Trembling, Draco set his hand on his step-father's shoulder. "What did she do?"

"Poison." Remus spat slightly, eyes downcast. "Poison and ice wine."

Shaking his head, Draco smirked bitterly. "Just like her. Always the fancy one."

Sighing, Remus pulled Draco into a hug, aware of the three sets of eyes looking at the two of them. The two men cried silently into each other's shoulders while the three eldest Snapes looked on, feeling slightly out of place.

God... how did this happen?

I don't know, Lil.

Narcissa... I thought she was happy.

She certainly seemed so.

Remus is gone.

I know, love.

He's never going to be the same.

That's the second love of his life he's lost.

Sev... Just friends.

He certainly wishes it were more, and don't deny you've thought about it.

Damn this ability... I won't, but you know --

That you love me and couldn't imagine being with any other man. Yes, love, you've told me quite a few times.

I'm sorry.

There's nothing to be sorry about... Look at those two. Could you believe that they hated each other at one point?

Remus and Draco or Harry and Draco?

Harry and Draco.

What on Earth is going on between the two of them?

I'm not sure I want to know, love.

He is... straight, isn't he?

Harry? Yes, as far as I know.

What about Draco?

Bi.

Wonderful.

Don't think you can effect what ever it is that's going on between the two of them... as far as we know, nothing.

I know, Sev... And until Harry tells us, if there's anything to tell, it will remain nothing.

They both need a friend right now..

Thank God they have each other.

What's going to happen to Micah and Remus?

I don't know... I suppose, now that we're talking, we'll be watching her a bit more often than we wanted to... Then again, Remus --

Remus will be getting the Wolfsbane potion from now on.

Thank you, Sev. I know he'll appreciate that. Transforming with it is so bad... without it, I don't even want to imagine.

Yes, I'm sure you don't, love. Nor will you ever have to.

Such a tragedy...

It happens to the best of us, love.

Yes, unfortunately, it does.

I'm watching the dragons as they make another claim

He used to be a friend of mine
I called him by his name
Well there's nothing you can say to nirvana
When it's packed up in a syringe
We'll call up your Mama
And bus in all your friends

Well I'm watching the dragons

Slither out of sight
And I wonder who'll be sleeping alone tonight
Tonight

Beth lost her sister

They came and they took her away
And there ain't enough pills in the world
And nothing I can say
So I tell her I love her
That she's a friend
Each time I leave her
I wonder if I'll see her again

Well I'm watching the dragons

Slither out of sight
And I wonder who'll be sleeping alone tonight
Who'll be sleeping alone tonight

And I looked in the mirror

The dragon has been informed
I wonder if he's coming for me
Cause I have been forwarned

And I'm watching the dragons

Slither out of sight
And I wonder who'll be sleeping alone tonight
Tonight*
*Edwin McCain, Dragons