Forever and Always

Changing Sides Pt. 2

I went on to make the meal myself just to have a moment away. I hadn't realized I was crying until I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Come. We must be getting to the manor." I nod and grab his hand and, although callused and cold, its the first hand I've held in years. I hear him clear his throat. "I haven't done dates since.... And that's been over 14 years ago. I'm sorry I had to ask." I wave a hand. "Its fine. I should of known you wouldn't see it as one. Its just been so long since anyone cared enough to have dinner with me."

As we walk the halls we talk a bit more. "I'd have figured loads of men would want you." I stop short of the gates. "I didn't always look this way. I was big as a house and ugly too. I couldn't get anyone to stay longer than maybe a month before they went back to someone else. My longest relationship was 2 months, if that." I motion to my body. "I did this so I could come here and not be bullied or ostracized by someone in a place I called home before I ever came here." I blush. "I'm so sorry. That was terrible of me to say. So depressing." He holds my hand tighter. "Its ok not to be happy all the time. And if you need to be less that sane.... You can come to me. I'll be there for you."

Those words ate a hole right through my heart. I had done it. I'd started to break down his walls. This is where things would get tricky. But before I could think further, we apparated into the Manor. "Severus something is up." He nods. "He never has the wards off unless..." His eyes widen. "He's here." I nod grimly and let go of his hand as we walk in. "You wait here until I call you in." I pace the hallway in a mixture of fear and anticipation. Then it reopens. "Back away Severus. Let me look at her." He steps away swiftly as I enter, a smile on my face.

"My lord." I bow my head slightly, keeping my eyes on him. A weird look crosses his face. "Are you sure about her, Severus? She doesn't look amenable." He nods. "She is more than willing, my lord." I smile at him again. "Very well. I trust you Severus. Give her the mark." I hold out my arm and feel his wand piece my skin as he mummbles some spell. Its agony but I conceal it with a smile. When its over with I bow to him again. "Is there anything you wish for me to do, my Lord?" He seems to consider it. "You are a part of the Hogwarts staff, correct?" I nod. "Not fully but yes. I have access to everything they do." He smiles in a way I know means trouble. "As a matter of fact, I have something for you to do." I gulp. "I want you to kill Igor Karkaroff." I nod. "Of course. Any specific way?" "Just kill hiiim."

I nod my head and walk out. I walk up to the library and fall on the floor. I sit there for a long while before I hear someone calling my name. I look at them in confusion. "Draco? What are you doing here?" He frowns. "I live here. Why are you here?" I look down at myself. "I don't know really. To save you and Noella I suppose." He tries to grab my arm but I back away. "Please just don't touch me right now. When its done, bring me Severus. Please." He nods and disappears. I sit there for a long while before another person enters my sight. I smile stupidly. "Severus. There you are." He looks at me with concern. "I'm taking you home and you'll go right to bed."

I frown at him. "I'm not a child that needs cared for." He rolls his eyes. "I couldn't care less what you are. You will listen to me." He reaches for me but as with Draco, I can't help but want to back away. "Please don't touch me. After that I don't want human contact." I see his eyes harden. "Oh I didn't mean just you. I'm so sorry I just feel like my skin is crawling since I've met that man." They soften again as he grabs my cloak hood instead and apparates us to the gate. "I feel like death. I don't want to kill the man, Severus. He may have done bad things but haven't we all?"

He stays silent as he takes me to my room. Before I close the door he hands me a flask. "For the night terrors. I made it myself." I open my mouth in shock. "You created a potion so that I could sleep well at night?" He looks a bit sheepish. "Yes now take it and sleep." With that he's gone. I close the door and do as told. I sleep the best I have in years. No night terrors.