The Beautifully Tragic Life of Kassandra Snape

chapter 72- beyond the grave

(Play Lovely- Billie Eilish)

Kingsley had left shortly after that and Draco and I had the chance to look at the gifts for Arabelle. There is one for each of her birthdays up until she turns 21, but more for many other occasions. Marriage, first born, first home etc. All wrapped in luxurious wrapping and numbered for each birthday. The first approaching in a few weeks time.

"You're going to have to open that letter soon you know. I know you're procrastinating. " Draco reminds me and I look to him. He can read me like a book.

"Yeah I know, I think I'm going to take a trip to his grave, make sure that he has fresh flowers." I say.

"Want me to come with you?" He offers but I shake my head.

"Think I ought to go alone this time." I start. "Could you look after Arabelle?"

He nods. "Take all the time in the world kass." He tells me honestly as he leaves the room.

I apparate to his graveside, where his headstone now sits, holding a small picture of him, the same as the large portrait that was up during his funeral.

Here lies Lorenzo Berkshire,

A loving friend, brother and father.

Gone, but never forgotten.

22nd January 1980- 2nd May 1999.

I remove any wilted flowers and replace them with extravagant new ones. I pick up a bunch that I don't recognise, two dozen black roses, wrapped in red parchment. I read the attached label.

I'm sorry- C.B

I haven't a clue who they could be from but I don't like how they darken his graveside, so I remove them along with the old ones. I do the same for my father, showering his grave in bright coloured flowers.

I sit down cross legged on the ground between my Father's and Lorenzo's graveside and take a deep breath before opening Lorenzo's letter.

Hello love,

If you are reading this, then I am no longer here, but that's okay because it means that you are.

At the time I'm writing this you have just escaped the Manor. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever done but I have faith that you will keep our daughter safe and that we may find eachother again, whether it is in this life, or the next.

Looking back on my life I think about my best moments, each of them revolving around meeting you, love. You were the best thing that had ever happened to me.

You once said that I had a weakness for beautiful girls, but you were wrong. I only ever had a weakness for you  and you are the most beautiful of them all. Do not mourn for me, Do not cry for me. Live a happy life, and full life for us both.

Remember how much I adore you, how much I love you and our daughter.

Do not be scared to love again, Draco loves you just as I. Be kind to eachother, be there for eachother. Love eachother. I do not trust many in this world with my family, only him. He'll look after you in my absence. Do not let my death stop you from living.

I will see you in another lifetime, love. Take care of our daughter.

And remember- KS, LB & AB: Always.

I love you, till the end.

-Lorenzo xx

Tears form in my eyes just as a familiar breeze hits my face. I like to think that, it's him who sends the breeze when I come here.

"Till the end, love." I say.

I stand and place a kiss on top of his stone, as I do for my father before I leave once again.