High (A Harry Potter Fanfiction--Dramione)

Better to Have Loved and Lost

"You're getting better, I see."

When Draco first began studying Occlumency with Snape, he had been nervous knowing he would be unable to hide Granger from his godfather. But although Snape had most certainly seen her in Draco's mind, he hadn't brought the subject up once. They had settled into an unspoken agreement not to talk about her. This lesson, Draco had successfully hidden all things Granger-related behind a dense fog. Snape was able to penetrate the fog within a couple of tries, but it was progress nonetheless.

"I feel we've been avoiding a certain topic." Snape narrowed his eyes at Draco.

"Can we not—?"

"No, we must." Snape motioned for his godson to sit. When they were both seated, Snape started, "Draco. You have begun a relationship with a Muggleborn girl. And not just any Muggleborn. Hermione Granger. I assume you understand the implications. But are you aware of the dangers?"

"I know what I'm doing."

"I'm not certain you do. She's the reason you're here is she not? You need to learn Occlumency so you can hide her from the Dark Lord."

"Yes." Draco gritted.

"For how long do you think you will be able to do so?"

"Depends on how good of a teacher you are." Draco didn't enjoy being spoken to like a child, even though he knew his godfather could have easily done so much worse. He could have taken this information to Draco's father, for example.

"Don't be cheeky. I'm only trying to make certain you understand how dangerous your involvement with the girl is. For the both of you."

"You think I should end it." It was not a question.

"I will not suggest that. I've been inside your mind enough to know that you will not."

Draco raised a cool eyebrow. He had not been expecting that.

"Believe it or not, Draco, I am not completely inexperienced in the matters of holding a torch for a Muggleborn girl."

Had Draco not been trained as a Slytherin since birth, he would have been unable to hide the shock he felt at hearing such an admission.

"I merely am suggesting that you be careful. You are my godson, and I do not wish to see you harmed."

"Have I not been careful enough?"

"The mere fact that anything ever transpired between the two of you at all is evidence of your carelessness."

"Yes, well. Nothing I can do about that now, is there?"

"Do not speak to me as if I were one of your imbecilic friends. It is not my intention to berate you or suggest that you do anything differently. I merely speak as an adult who is concerned for your well-being. I want you to be aware. Your father would do the same."

Draco bristled at the mention of Lucius. "My father would disown me as a blood traitor and have her killed while I watch. Don't speak to me about him as if you know what he's become."

"Perhaps not. But you are not an incapable wizard, Draco. You have made much progress in Occlumency. If you keep it up, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to protect her."

Draco relaxed. "Do you really think so?"

"I do. But do not get comfortable. You still have work to do if you want to withstand the Dark Lord."

Draco nodded. "Thank you" he whispered.

"Don't thank me just yet. I still think you're being very foolish. But I understand."