Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 47

Morning comes early, far too early, as a dull ache pulses through your head, the remnants of last night's emotional strain weighing heavily on you. You're the first to stir, the quiet room still blanketed in the soft light of dawn.

Carefully, you extricate yourself from between Lucius and Severus, who had both migrated toward you in the middle of the night. Despite the tension that lingered the night before, they had, as always, instinctively sought out your warmth.

Slipping out of bed, you pad quietly across the floor, leaving the room to attend to the day's responsibilities. You make your way to the twins' room first, where Stevie and Charlie are just beginning to stir.

After getting them up and dressed, you turn to wake Baron, who greets you with his usual cheerful, sleepy grin. You change him quickly, his wild bedhead mirroring your own as you carry him into the kitchen.

The sunlight streams through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room as you set Baron down in his high chair and head toward the potions cabinet. Your head is pounding, the aftermath of a long and emotionally draining night.

You rummage through the cabinet, fingers skimming over bottles until you find the one you need—an elixir that promises relief. With a quick sip, the tension in your head begins to ease, and you let out a small sigh of relief.

Feeling somewhat better, you move to the coffee pot, setting it to brew as the comforting smell of freshly ground beans fills the air. The kitchen feels like a sanctuary this morning, the quiet hum of the coffee maker soothing in the early light. Baron watches you, his eyes wide and curious as you move about turning the radio on.

As the familiar opening notes of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations fill the kitchen, a grin spreads across your face. The rhythm is infectious, and as you turn to Baron sitting in his high chair, his wide eyes sparkling with curiosity, you can't help but let the music take over. The morning sun shines through the windows, casting a golden hue over both of you, creating a perfect moment.

You scoop Baron up into your arms, holding him close as you begin to sway and move to the beat, your bare feet shuffling across the kitchen floor.

"I know you wanna leave me," you sing softly, your voice warm as you cradle Baron. "But I refuse to let you go..."

He giggles, his small hands reaching up to touch your face as you spin slowly, making exaggerated movements with each step.

"If I have to beg and plead for your sympathy," you continue, bouncing him gently, "I don't mind, 'cause you mean that much to me..."

Baron's laughter bubbles up as you twirl with him in your arms, dancing your way around the kitchen, your feet light on the floor. The coffee pot gurgles behind you, filling the room with its comforting aroma, but for now, all that matters is the sound of the music and the little boy in your arms.

"Ain't too proud to beg," you sing, louder now, as you lift Baron up high into the air, his bedhead sticking up in all directions. His infectious giggles make you laugh, the joy of the moment banishing the remnants of last night's tension.

You pull him back down, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek as you sing, "Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)."

Baron claps his hands in rhythm with the beat, his tiny feet kicking excitedly as you continue to dance and sing, your voice mingling with the lyrics. You twirl again, letting the music guide you as you make your way across the kitchen, the warmth of the song wrapping around you both.

"If I have to sleep on your doorstep, all night and day, just to keep you from walking away..." you belt out, spinning faster now, the lyrics filling the space with energy. Baron squeals, his joy contagious as you dip him low before pulling him back up, his arms wrapped tightly around your neck.