Aliah Snape (BOOK 4) - Fight or Flight

Chapter 47 - Cold

Aliah didn't know how long she was in the cellar for but she didn't care. Some of her strength had returned but not enough to fight. Ollivander and the goblin, who had she had learnt was named Griphook, kept their distance from the tiger.

Aliah lifted her head at the creaking sound of the cellar door. Draco walked in with tray of bread, fruit and bowl of water. He went to Aliah as he shot evil glances at the other prisoners. He placed the tray on the floor and hugged Aliah who remained in her animagus form.

"You still can't change back?" Draco asked. Aliah shook her head but licked the side of Draco's face. He wiped the slobber from his cheek and wiped it back on Aliah's fur, which was slowly returning to white. Aliah took that as her back was healing thanks to Narcissa's potion she made.

Draco picked up some bread and tore it in half. He fed it to Aliah who gulped it down and he fed the other piece to her. Aliah nudged her snout into his hand so that he would pat her. She closed her eyes as Draco stroked her head and fed her pieces of apple.

"I can't stay long," Draco kissed the top of her head. Aliah let out little growl of annoyance. Draco slid his hand down her face and under her chin and raised it to his face, "I miss you. I can't sleep without you,"

Aliah rubbed her head against his chest.

"Draco!" A voice called. Draco sighed.

"I must go. I'll try to come again but Mother has a tight leash on me,"

Aliah nodded her head and stepped back. Draco took the tray and left the bowl of water on the floor. Aliah watch Draco climb the few steps and locked the gate. Aliah turned her head and laid down. She closed her eyes and felt a few tears streak down her face.

"Excuse me?" a voice interrupted her thoughts. Aliah growled and turned her head. Ollivander flinched but hesitantly continued to talk, "Do you mind if we umm...?" Aliah followed his line of sight to the bowl of water. Aliah turned her head away from Ollivander and buried her snout in her paws. She didn't want anything. She struggled to eat or drink. Aliah felt the emptiness inside her but did not dare to push her emotions aside like she used to do. Aliah was afraid that if she pushed her emotions aside she may allow the High Priestess her freedom like she had nearly down with Narcissa.

"Thank you," Ollivander mumbled and took the bowl and drank it greedily.

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Draco looked back in the cellar as he locked the gate. Aliah had turned around. He felt guilt build up in his gut. He shook his head and returned to the drawing room where is Mother sat in her chair by the fire. Narcissa closed her book and looked up at her son who seemed as is his heart was broken. She watched as he sat down on the couch and stared into the fire.

"How is she?" Narcissa broke the silence,

"still weak. She has even strength to move but not to fight,"

"At least she is improving,"

"This is all my fault," Draco mumbled

"No Draco, no," Narcissa left her couch and sat next to her son. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "This is not your fault,"

"It is Mother! I fell in love with her. I should have just made a snarky comment when I bumped into her that day when I first met her, not complemented her,"

"You cannot control the heart Draco trust me. Aliah loves you for you and I highly doubt she would change her situation for not meeting you. She agreed to marry you hasn't she? She surrendered her life for you so you wouldn't be hurt. You were not the one who placed the price on her head,"

"What do I do Mother? I know that Aliah won't let out the High Priestess and we both know the Dark Lord will kill her if she does not,"

"We must keep hope Draco, no matter how hard it is," Narcissa hugged her son and rested her chin on the top of his head.

"I don't know how much longer I can go on Mother,"

"You and your Father are the only things that are keeping me going through all this,"

"Aliah is keeping me going. I feel so guilty, knowing she is down there, not knowing what day he will come for her,"

"I know Honey. We must keep strong though for each other and you must be strong for Aliah."