Severus Snape's Sister

VIII. Time Ticks

Natasha Prince

Natasha read Draco's transfiguration book to entertain herself. It was quite boring without music in the background. She was brought lunch by Mrs. Malfoy. Natasha thanked her, but she swept away without another word. Later, she heard the doorknob being turned clumsily. The door opened, and Draco nearly fell. Natasha jumped up and supported him. She helped him to the bed and let him lie down. She could tell he had cast and received the Cruciatus curse by his horror and pain.

She took out her wand and placed it to his chest. She channeled something inside her she couldn't quite remember into him. She knew it had to do with the memories Severus had taken. As she worked, Draco relaxed and exhaled slowly. There was a pop behind them, and she turned to see the house elf Kreacher. "The filthy Mudblood," he began.

"Please, Kreacher, quieter or not now," she said softly. "It's difficult to concentrate," she explained further. Although he didn't have to, he lowered his voice to a mumble.

"Enough of that," Draco snapped at the elf.

"Manners, Draco," Natasha whispered as she continued to ease his pain and horror.

"Please," he muttered. Natasha could tell he was irritated by her but desperately needed her. She finished and put a hand to his cheek. "Thank you," he whispered gratefully. She nodded and smiled sympathetically. She began to slip to the floor when he said, "Stay. Please, I need you." His face showed emotional pain she knew he'd never admit.

"Okay. Scoot." He moved carefully to the other side of the bed. She sat next to him and leaned back against the wall. He gripped her hand tightly as he looked up at the ceiling. Natasha wondered what he could be thinking. After a little bit, she realized Draco had fallen asleep. His hand was limp in hers. She yawned and got comfortable.

After a few hours, she was almost asleep. Draco's grip on her hand suddenly turned to steel. He screamed in his sleep. Natasha was awake in an instant. "Hush, hush, hush," she whispered soothingly. She rubbed his shoulder as he woke up completely.

"S-sorry," he sputtered. He sat up shakily and pulled the blankets up over his legs. Natasha pulled them over herself.

"It's okay. I'll be right here," she said comfortingly. He didn't respond verbally but put his arm around her shoulders.

"I had a nightmare that you...that you tried to run away, and...and Bellatrix caught you," he stuttered. His eyes showed fear as he looked at her.

"Don't worry. I'm right here." She laid against him and closed her eyes. She put her hand on his knee and squeezed it. "Try and get some sleep." He nodded and put his hand over the one she had on his knee. They fell asleep like that. The morning was like the previous.

These days looped for weeks. Weeks turned to months. Draco's skin started turning to a grey tinge due to his lack of sunlight. The two made the best of their situation and laughed together.

One night, Draco came to her in a bad mood. "We're going away for tonight. Put on some nice robes, and we can have a fun time," he told her.

"Okay, but why?"

"Do you want away from here or not?" he asked grumpily.

"Yes. May I say your attitude is lovely." She leaned forward and put a hand in his hair. He seemed to relax a little just by her touch. She slipped her hand down to his chin. He smiled mischievously, and she batted her eyelashes at him. She let her hand fall and backed away. He stared after her with a certain look in his eyes.

She picked out the nicest robes that had been left for her: wine red with black. She let her hair down and brushed it. When she came out, Draco was waiting for her. "Lovely," he observed. He held out his hand, and she took it.

"I'm glad we can get out together." She drummed a finger against his hand. He pulled her to him and apparated them away. When they were steady, she inhaled in his arms and caught the smell of his cologne; he smelled nice. She pulled away and smiled at him. "What now?"

"We wander Hogsmeade together. We can call this Christmas."

"Happy Christmas, Draco," she said.

"And to you," he replied. He pulled her to the Three Broomsticks. He took her up to the bar and ordered two butterbeers. Madam Rosmerta looked at them fretfully and avoided eye contact. Draco seemed to notice and looked intently at the floor. "I'm gonna go get a table," he whispered.

Madam Rosmerta came back with the drinks and whispered, "Be careful 'round him. Watch his wand and your drink," she advised.

"He's being a good boy now. If he tries anything on anyone, I'll kill him. Don't be afraid, Madam Rosmerta," she replied. Madam Rosmerta didn't seem to be comforted but exchanged the drinks for the money.

"I suppose you know what I did to her," he whispered in an embarrassed undertone.

"Yes, I do. It wasn't right. It wasn't your choice though," she counseled. "Drink," she told him as she handed his to him. They drank in silence. Some other people were in the tavern. A song played around them about Christmas and love. A few people danced with their lovers on the open part of the floor. Draco seemed to be agitated.

He sighed and stood up. He offered his hand to her. She took it, and he led her to the dance floor and into a dance. They laughed, and Draco pulled her close at the end of the song. As Natasha looked up at him, something caught her eye. Right above them hung mistletoe. Draco looked up and saw it. He looked back down with a slight blush. She laughed and rolled her eyes. She stood on her toes and pecked his nose. They put their noses together and ran their fingers through each other's hair.

Natasha led him out to the street. They ran to Honeydukes and were glad to get in the warm shop. Natasha knew what she wanted. She went up to the clerk and asked if they had any cherries for Severus. The clerk nodded and pulled out the box. "Tell him it's on the house, courtesy of Critt."

"Absolutely." She grabbed Draco's hand, and they left. "Severus has me get these for him all the time. He's told the staff to sell them to me to give to him. They're chocolate cherries and have firewhiskey. So if I want a bit of kick, I can get it. For free if it's Critt." She smiled. "Have you had them before?"

"No," he replied looking at the package curiously.

"They're awesome."

"Wonderful. We should probably get back." She nodded and took his hand. He pulled her close again, and they went weightless. Draco immediately checked to see if anyone had noticed his absence. It was clear so he came back. He seemed awkward for a second but got over it quickly. He wrapped his arms around her and swayed.

"So about that kiss," he whispered in her ear. "I want more." He slipped his hands down her back.

She wasn't sure what to do and just muttered, "Kiss me, you jackass." He obliged. He broke away and gasped slightly. "I love you," she told him and pecked his nose again.

"Oh fuck. I love too you. Fuck, I said that wrong."

"You did. It was adorable." She pulled him onto the bed and snuggled against him. "Goodnight, my love."

"I like you calling me 'my love' and need you to do it more often." He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her temple.

"Okay, my love," she whispered. She took a deep breath and took one moment to feel happy.