It's OK To Not Be Ok...Right? **Complete**

125. Numb

Sloane was looking between her great uncle Euan, not exactly sure what to think. They were talking, making exchanges like they were having bloody tea. She had seen her uncle work before. She had been to see him of various expeditions. And yet every time she was in awe of him and how he worked. Even now, although she was terrified for Draco and Newts safety she couldn't help but be a little mesmerised.

"So you know who I am?" Newt asked actually impressed.

Euan threw his head back, his actions now a little stiffer as it was daytime. He was still faster than the other gargoyle. "Of course," he chuckled. "Who hasn't heard of the amazing magizoologist and fantastic work he has done with mystical and magical beasts and creatures. The man who helped Albus Dumbledore defeat Grindlewald and gives a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves?" Euan sighed. "You are famous."

Newt shook his head. "I am but a wizard who has a love for all creatures, animals, beasts and beings."

"So humble," Euan mocked.

Newt however wasn't fazed. "And I have heard quite a bit about you. How your soulmate was horrifically stolen from you, subjected to horrific abuse and her life stolen." He sighed. "It's disgusting what happened to you both. Neither deserved it. No one deserves it."

Sloane could feel Euan's reaction to this. Draco too. It still crushed him, still tormented him when someone mentioned his soulmate Nina. His heart ached. Draco gripped tighter to Sloane as they spoke.

"Humans don't deserve to feel love. It's a wasted trait. They do not appreciate it for what it is," Euan growled. "If there was no love, no soulmates, then we would all be better off."

Sloane couldn't help but speak up. "You don't believe that," she cried out. "I know you don't. After all this time, after everything you have been through and the years you've spent on this earth, you still love her...Nina -"

"DON'T SAY HER NAME!"

"Nina!" Sloane said with a bravery she didn't know she was capable of. "You loved her just as she loved you. It was awful what happened to her but she loved you. And she knew you loved her. Do you really believe you would have been better off if you had never met her? That she would have been better off?"

"She wouldn't have DIED!" Euan growled.

"Sloane.." Draco warned, terrified.

"But she wouldn't have known true love. She wouldn't have been able to feel your love for her or feel those moments of true happiness," she almost shouted. She knew on some level she was reaching him. That he was listening. Maybe, possibly even understanding. "Did you ever consider that maybe love is worth dying for?" Euan snapped his head up at her. "I would rather have a few special moments with Draco...moments of true happiness and bliss feeling his love for me than to go on for a lifetime without ever feeling that way. And I believe Nina probably felt the same."

Euan growled. "Don't ever presume you knew how my love felt!"

"I can," Sloane snapped. "Because we are the same me and her. Both finding love in the most unlikely of places. Both knowing that there would be many who would judge us or disagree with the love we chose but not having any regrets. Not caring. Knowing that the love we have is the most important thing and it was worth the risk, worth the sacrifice. If given the choice, I know that Nina, like me would choose love...every...single...time!"

Draco felt his heart burst with pride at Sloane's words. He never doubted that he loved her. It was obvious and he could feel it. But it still took him by surprise every time. That someone like him was deserving of a love like this.

Newt took a step forward, redirecting everyone's attention back to him. "Euan, it's not too late. There is still time to stop this and move on with your life. Your Nina would not want to see you through everything away like this. Let Sloane and Draco go and put this plan of yours to rest. Nina wouldn't want -"