And Then There Were Three

Chapter 20

Snape cleared his throat, and though he spoke to the room, his eyes were on Harry. "We're getting married."

The room was silent while Snape watched with bated breath for Harry's reaction.

Draco's eyes widened in surprise, while Brielle gasped, putting a hand to her mouth.

But Harry sat. He sat with eyes boring into Snape's for what felt like an eternity but was really only a few seconds.

And then he stood. Pushing himself off the couch and toward the doorway. "So much for that heads up," he muttered as he passed Snape. "I'm going to bed."

"Harry—" Snape started, reaching his hand out toward him as he passed but Harry shook him off.

Evelyn placed her own hand on top of his and frowned. "Let him go," she whispered.

With that, Draco also stood. "Me, too," he said before moving to follow Harry.

However before Snape could even register the hurt he felt at both of his boys leaving, Draco stopped and turned back.

"It's not that I'm not happy for you, Uncle Sev," he said sincerely. "It's just that..." Draco looked back in the direction Harry had gone. "He's well... you know."

Snape did know. Suddenly it dawned on him that Draco was making an effort to be on Harry's side. A rather new and welcome occurrence.

Snape nodded. "Go on. I'll be in to check on you in a bit."

Draco gave a soft smile before turning to head upstairs.

"I think it's wonderful," Brielle said from behind him.

Snape and Evelyn both turned to look at her.

"You do?" Evelyn asked.

Brielle nodded. "You deserve someone who loves you, Aunt Evie." She glanced at Snape as if to size him up. "Promise you won't hurt her," she demanded.

Snape inclined his head. "You have my word."

In the very next instant, Brielle had stood and wrapped her arms tightly around Snape, letting her head lean against his chest.

Snape froze, raising wide eyes to Evelyn, who only smirked.

It took him a few seconds get his mind working again. After all, Snape was still getting used to hugs from Harry and Draco; he'd never imagined he'd be getting one from a teenage girl. Eventually, though, Snape relaxed and let his arms drape loosely around her, patting her back awkwardly until she let go.

Brielle stepped back, blushing. "Sorry. I forgot you don't like hugs."

Snape cleared his throat. "It's quite alright."

Evelyn stepped in then and put her hands on Brielle's shoulders. "I think it's time we went home. It's late." She frowned. "Or early. Either way, I'm exhausted," she added with a laugh.

Snape walked them to the floo. "You're sure you're alright?" he asked, gesturing to the bandage on her arm.

Evelyn nodded. "A scratch, honestly. I'll see you later."

She reached up and kissed him lightly before stepping into the floo with Brielle, and in a rush of green flames, they were gone.

***

 Snape raised his hand to knock on Draco's door, and after hearing a quiet, "Come in," he opened it to find Draco laying on his bed.

Draco watched Snape as he pulled out the desk chair and sat down.