Bound

Chapter Thirty One

It's been a month since the deaths. The ministry of magic came that evening to handle all the affairs, including the will. My father left Severus and I the manor, including almost all the millions my father had. He left Draco three million, and left Severus three million as well.
Draco and I were given two weeks off from school to grieve and take care of the funerals and to be there for each other. Draco and I came to an agreement on having one funeral for all three of them. What was left of my father and Bellatrix were placed into beautiful, hand crafted urns while Barty was buried along side them and his father.
All of our closest friends have been such a great help in keeping us distracted, in and outside of school. Luna, Blaise, Astoria, Draco, and I have been going out every Saturday to HogsMeade, staying there from sun up to sun down. On Sunday's, Severus takes me on walks, picnics, or staying home and having a movie or study day. There are some days we'll just sleep all day, wrapped in each other's arms.
When we finally came back to school, it's been most of the Slytherin and Gryffindor students who gave their condolences, other houses tend to drift since they don't entirely know how to comfort us, let alone have any compassion towards the ones we lost. The first day back was hollow.
***
Draco and I walked through the front door of Hogwarts, a place that's been our home away from home for many years. The few students who were passing through stared at us, who were arm in arm. The first people to greet us was Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape. They pulled us away to the Headmasters office.
Professor McGonagall:
"I'm so sorry for the losses you two have gone through and we want you to know that if you need more time, we are happy to grant you that."
Professor Dumbledore:
"Help will always be found here. Even though your family and I were at war among each other for a long time, I will miss them. I watched all three of them grow up and they were so bright and resilient."
Professor Snape:
"I've known them all since I was a student here, apart from being my dearest friends, they were my family. It hurts a lot, but I couldn't imagine what it truly feels like for you two."
Severus gave both me and Draco a deeper talk outside of school. Since no one knows about us, apart from the boys, he didn't want to say something that might give anything away. It still meant a lot to us.
The bags under his eyes get more and more visible each day. There's been times I've woken in the night to find him crying. Seeing Severus go through not one but three hearts breaks, shatters my soul little by little.
He told me how they all met each other and how close their relationships were. Now that we're back at school, he hides it well but I know in between classes, he still cries.
Professor McGonagall:
"I'm so proud of the both of you for getting all your assignments in despite going through this. You can go to todays last two classes or start fresh tomorrow."
Draco:
"Thank you Professor's."
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Draco glance in my direction. Waiting for an answer.
Lilith:
"We've decided to start fresh tomorrow Professor's. I think it's best for the both of us to call it an early night today."
Professor Dumbledore:
"If you need anyone to talk to, you know where to find us. Have a good evening."
They all smile at us before we turn to leave.
***
Tonight is the same as any other. Draco and I studying alone in the common room while the rest of our friends are in the Great Hall for dinner. Blaise always brings us back a plate so we don't starve. Most of the time we just pick at the food and only have a few bites. Between the two of us, we've lost about 15 pounds.
When Blaise returns, he joins us for an hour of studies before we all head to our rooms. Astoria doesn't come around much anymore even though she's in the same House. If you haven't known Draco for a long time like we have, it's very difficult to comfort him. She tries her best and is here for him when he wants to talk but she's leaving it up to us most of the time.
Back in my room, I'm tossing and turning since my body is restless. No matter how I lay or what I do, I can never get comfortable enough to fall asleep peacefully. The only reason I get any sleep is when my body is so worn out from the tossing that it just, gives up.
As I wish every night as I lay in bed,
"I hope tomorrow is different. Even if it's something as small as sneezing. Just something..."