Runaways (Don't Save Me Book 2)

Chapter 31: I Haven't Failed You Yet

The office door opened as Molly and Arthur quickly stepped inside. Molly's eyes locked on mine and she ran over to me, pulling me into a hug as Severus stepped back, not wanting to be involved in a group hug.

"Y/n!" she sobbed. "W-we just heard that Ginny was taken into the chamber!" She looked around the room, before her eyes locked on Albus. "What about my other children? A-are they safe? A-and Harry? Is he alright?"

Albus looked away, guilt filling his eyes, before launching into the explanation that the two were missing but that her other children were safe. Her hands gripped my arms tightly as she tried to hold herself upright. Her legs shook as Albus finished his explanation and she collapsed in my arms. I held her upright, as I led her to a sofa in the corner of Albus's office. Arthur placed a hand on my arm, trying to remain strong, before taking a seat next to his wife. Severus moved next to me, placing his hands on my shoulders before turning me around to face him.

"Severus... we're not alone," I whispered, knowing he wanted to keep our relationship a secret, but his answer surprised me.

"I don't care. Molly has Arthur... and you need someone right now. I... want to be there for you... in whatever way you need me. I don't care if they know."

I felt a few tears slip down my cheeks as his words warmed my heart. I buried my face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around my body, resting his chin on top of my head. He led me to a small, cushioned chair across from the sofa, and took a seat, before patting his lap. I took a seat on his lap, my legs hanging off the arm of the chair, as I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying face in his chest.

Several minutes passed before Molly spoke. "So... Y/n, when did you and Severus start dating?"

"Oh... uhm..." I looked toward Severus and he nodded, giving me permission to tell them the truth. "It was toward the end of last term."

Molly squealed in delight, whipping her tear-stained cheeks, as she looked at Severus and I.

"So, how did it happen?" she asked. I chuckled as Severus's face went red, remembering our first night together.

"Oohh, So it happened like that, did it?" she chuckled.

"Molly!"

"Oh, come on! Talking about your love life passes the time while we wait for..." She trailed off, not knowing what to say, but I nodded.

"Well... Severus and I got together at the end of last term. It just sort of... happened. Neither one of us was expecting it to happen but it just did. We decided to wait to tell people for the time being."

Molly nodded in understanding, smiling at Severus and I. "Well, as long as you're happy. That's all that matters."

I turned toward Severus, giving him a soft smile before resting my head on his chest. The next few hours were agonizingly long as we waited for any news of the children. Minerva had entered the room somewhere in that time and we continued to wait. I could feel my eyelids growing heavy as I fought to keep them open.

Finally, the door to his office burst open and there stood Harry, Ron, and Ginny. I leapt off Severus's lap and ran toward Harry and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley flung themselves at Ginny and Ron. I held Harry tightly, too afraid to let go. His robes were torn and covered in blood and muck but I didn't care. Fawks came swooping into the office, perching on Albus's shoulder as Mrs. Weasley pulled Harry and I into an embrace. I stepped back, allowing Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to hold Harry as Severus stepped forward, pulling me into his chest, no longer caring if anyone found out our secret. I felt several tears slipping down my face as Severus held me. I could feel several pairs of eyes on us but I didn't care in that moment. Relief washed over me in knowing that my Godson and his friends were safe.

He's okay, Lily, I thought to myself. I haven't failed you as his Godmother yet.