The voices from downstairs grew louder deeper into the night. Narcissa sighed. Most of them were probably dead drunk by now. Her eyes narrowed. Lucius was having a few 'friends' over. She wasn't stupid. She knew they were Death Eaters.

She wasn't told much about the Dark Lord or the Death Eaters, but there was one thing she did know. Never interrupt their meetings. So she sat in her room, sipping her wine and gazing out the window at the rain. The stars were dim that night, but she could still make out her favorite constellation- Draco.

At least he's off at Hogwarts. At least he's safe. Draco was the most important thing in her life. She would have long ago divorced her uncaring husband if it weren't for the fear that he could get Draco. And she would never allow that. She didn't want her son to be a Death Eater. She wanted him to have a normal life.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in,"came the cool voice that she used in front of others. The voice Lucius preferred. The door opened and in stepped Severus Snape.

Narcissa gave a small smile, standing up to greet the man whom she'd known for years. But Severus only remained frowning.

"Narcissa, he wants him."

She let out a gasp, dropping the wine glass. It shattered as the ruby liquid stained the white carpet. Letting her facade fall, her eyes grew misty.

"Not my baby. He's too young. The Dark Lord can have anyone, why my precious baby?"

Severus embraced the sobbing Narcissa, trying to provide comfort.

"He is of age." Both were silent for a moment, then the Potions Master spoke again. "I've spoken with Draco."

She looked up. "You have?"

"Yes. He doesn't want that life 'Cissa. He doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps. I've spoken with Dumbledore. Everything we've planned, everything we been waiting for. It's time."

The blonde woman stepped away from him to gaze out the window.

"I don't love him, you know."

Silence fell between the two, as the storm raged outside.

"I never loved him. I was practically forced to marry him. Our families thought it was the perfect match, that we'd be so very happy. But I've never been happy." She turned to look at him. "I love you. I've loved you since we were in Hogwarts. I thought it was just a silly school girl crush, but then I realized it was love."

Severus stood still, his face still masked, not speaking.

"Don't you have anything to say? Why are you helping me? Why are you so good to Draco? Why a-"

Both looked toward the door as Lucius strode in. He took in the scene. Narcissa was by the window, teary. Severus looked as he usually did. And their was a huge stain on his carpet. He glared at Narcissa. Then looked to Severus.

"What are you doing up here? Shouldn't you be downstairs?"

"I'm just catching up with an old friend, Lucius. You don't mind, do you?"

Lucius gave a cold smile to Severus as they both walked toward the door. Lucius glanced back toward Narcissa, giving her a cold look before shutting the door.

She sat by the window. It was time. Time to take action. Tomorrow she would pack her things and head off to Hogwarts. After the divorce was complete she wasn't sure what she'd do. But she knew one thing. Severus loved her. He may not have said it, but she knew he did. Why else would he try so hard to help her? Why else would he want her to be happy?

Narcissa smiled for the first time in ages. Yes things were looking up. Draco would not go to the Dark Lord, he would stay with her. She would soon never have to see Lucius again. And eventually, Severus Snape, the cold, yet calm, Potions Master, would tell her that he returned her feelings. And perhaps they would start anew.

Yes, it may take time, but someday, things would be alright again.

I don't own Harry Potter or any of the marvelous characters.