His Wife | Severus Snape x OC

seventy

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‹ MiraaChe ‹ has posted a new chapter!- ͙۪۪̥˚

┊❛ welcome to chapter seventy❜┊˚ ͙۪۪̥◌

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Rosabelle arrived at Malfoy Manor just as dusk was settling in. The grand estate loomed ahead, its dark, elegant architecture casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. Alaric was nestled comfortably in her arms, sound asleep, as she made her way to the entrance.

The large doors of the manor swung open, and standing in the foyer was Narcissa Malfoy, her poise as perfect as ever. She stepped forward with a graceful smile, her eyes softening at the sight of her dear friend.

"Rosie," Narcissa greeted her with a small smile, her voice calm yet filled with affection, using the nickname she only reserved for her closest friend.

"Cissy," Rosabelle smiled back warmly, rising to meet her. "It's been too long."

Narcissa's gaze drifted to the small bundle in Rosabelle's arms, and a rare warmth flickered across her face. "Is that Alaric?" she asked, her tone softening as she reached out to brush a delicate finger across his chubby cheek. "He's grown since I last saw him. He's growing fast."

Rosabelle chuckled softly, "Too fast sometimes. He's a handful already. I wouldn't be surprised if he takes after Severus."

Narcissa raised an elegant eyebrow, her lips curving into an amused smirk. "Severus? Well, Merlin help us all then."

She motioned for Rosabelle to follow her into the drawing room, where the fire crackled gently in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room.

Once seated, Rosabelle carefully laid Alaric down in a nearby bassinet that Narcissa had prepared. The two women sat across from each other, the firelight dancing in their eyes as they shared a comfortable silence. But Rosabelle could sense something was weighing on Narcissa's mind.

"You seem troubled," Rosabelle said softly, her tone laced with concern. "What is it?"

Narcissa hesitated for a brief moment before replying, her voice barely above a whisper. "Things are changing, Rosie. The Dark Lord is growing more... insistent and Lucius is becoming more entangled in his web. I fear for Draco's safety."

Rosabelle's expression grew serious, her eyes narrowing. "We'll protect Draco, You know that Severus and I will do everything in our power to keep him safe."

Narcissa nodded, though her gaze remained distant. "I know, but sometimes I wonder if even our efforts will be enough. The pressure on him... it's too much. There are moments when I wonder... if we are truly safe. If even this home is still ours, or if it belongs to... him now."

Rosabelle reached across the small table and took Narcissa's hand in hers. "You're not alone. I promise you that. Draco is strong, and he has you, and he has us. We'll find a way to keep him safe."

Narcissa let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Rosie," she whispered, her usually strong demeanor faltering for just a moment. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Rosabelle smiled back, her tone light as she playfully added, "Well, you'd be lost without me, obviously."

Narcissa chuckled softly, her composure returning as she gave Rosabelle a gentle nod. "I'd be dreadfully lost," she agreed, a touch of warmth creeping back into her voice.

Narcissa's gaze shifted, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the delicate teacup on the table. "Draco is... trying to prove himself. To his father, to the Dark Lord, but I fear what it's doing to him. He's just a boy, Rosie. Sometimes, I look at him and wonder where my little boy went."

Rosabelle's heart tightened. She had seen the weight of expectation harden Draco's features over the years, much like she had seen in Harry's eyes. Though they walked different paths, they were both bound by fate's invisible strings. "He's still there, Cissy. Draco hasn't lost who he is, not yet."

Narcissa's gaze flicked back to Rosabelle, her expression unreadable for a moment. "I hope you're right," she murmured softly.

Before Rosabelle could respond, a faint sound came from the bassinet. Alaric stirred, his tiny hands waving in the air as he let out a soft whimper. Rosabelle smiled gently, standing to scoop him up, rocking him in her arms with practiced ease.

Narcissa stepped closer to Rosabelle, her gaze softening as she looked down at Alaric. "May I?" she asked, her voice gentle but full of affection.

Rosabelle chuckled softly, "Of course. Be my guest."

With ease, Narcissa took Alaric into her arms, her fingertips delicately tracing the contours of his tiny face. "He has your features," she murmured, a rare warmth flickering in her eyes.

As if sensing the calm in her touch, Alaric quieted, his little body relaxing as Narcissa gently rocked him back and forth.

Rosabelle watched the scene with a tender smile. "Cissy..."

Narcissa hummed in response, her attention still on Alaric.

Taking a deep breath, Rosabelle's voice softened with emotion. "If anything happens to me or Severus... anything at all, please... keep him safe. Promise me that."

Narcissa's brow furrowed as she shook her head, disbelief and frustration flashing across her usually composed features. "Don't talk like that, Rosabelle. Nothing's going to happen to you or Severus. I won't hear it."

Rosabelle sighed softly, her eyes brimming with a quiet determination. "Cissy, you know the world we're living in. Voldemort... he's not going to stop, and Severus is constantly walking a dangerous line. If the worst should happen—"

Narcissa cut her off, her voice firm but laced with emotion. "No, Rosie. You're not going anywhere, and neither is Severus. I refuse to believe that you'll be taken from us." She glanced down at Alaric, who was still resting peacefully in her arms. "He needs you both. We all need you."

Rosabelle smiled softly, touched by her friend's unwavering loyalty, but there was a depth to her gaze that spoke of the realities she had faced. "You're right, we're not going anywhere... if we can help it. But promise me, Cissy. If anything ever happens, you'll protect Alaric."

Narcissa's eyes glistened as she looked back up at Rosabelle. There was a long pause, the weight of the request settling heavily between them. Finally, she nodded, her voice quiet but resolute. "I promise, Rosie. Always. I will protect him as if he were my own."

Rosabelle reached out and placed a hand on Narcissa's arm, the silent exchange of gratitude passing between them. Narcissa's fingers tightened slightly around Alaric, a silent vow solidifying in her heart.

For a few moments, the two women sat quietly by the fire, the warmth of the flames reflecting in their eyes. Narcissa gently rocked Alaric in her arms, his soft breaths the only sound breaking the stillness of the room. 

After a few moments, Rosabelle broke the silence with a small, teasing smile. "Besides, you'll be spoiling him, won't you?"

Narcissa smiled back, her composure returning. "Of course. That's what godmothers are for, aren't they?" She brushed a delicate finger across Alaric's cheek. "He'll be quite the pampered little prince with me around."