"Till now, I always got by on my own,
I never really cared until I met you.
And now it chills me to the bone,
How do I get you alone?"
- Alone Again (Alyssa Reid)
PROLOGUE
Magical animated photos of us surrounded me in what used to be called 'our' room. I am much too old to swoon over from his grins or his smiles. But there is this one picture that has never failed to remind me of our love. My courage falters when he looks at the camera as his smirks turns into a genuine smile in his wedding suit, unaware of what his stare does to the one who loves him, who truly knows him.
Oh, it was so long ago when we stood before the altar to proclaim to the world that our love was true. Before I can defend myself, that certain piece of memory grabs me by the hand and forces me to travel upon the road that has been trodden on so many times…
"Where's your Gryffindor courage?" He whispered and smirked at me when he lifted up my veil. I was a nervous wreck before the spectators, but when I reminded myself of the reason why I was doing this and who I will be with from today and forever… I smiled at him through the tears.
"I am ready for your kiss now, my little bouncy ferret." Before my smirk can reach its pinnacle, he dived down to kiss me.
"Grandma, you ready yet?" The knock on the door made me drop the photo on the bed. I do wonder where my courage is sometimes or maybe old age does make one meek.
"Yes honey, I will be with you in just a minute."
Liar, my mind mocks my words.
In truth, I will never be ready for his departure from this world, let alone participate in his funeral. And just like any other day, tears well up in my eyes for the umpteenth time as our photos become blurred shadows.
Fifty years of marriage has been written off with the death of a beloved partner and husband.
The memory of a wedding that seems to have only happened yesterday is eternally marred by death—a force more evil than Voldemort himself.
All the tears that were shed in our battle against all the insults and jeers that the world has thrown against us amounted to nothing against the last moments of his life.
Adjusting my funeral apparel, I slowly open the door and take my granddaughter's small hand.
"I'll be right beside you dear…" I know it is only a product of my heart's imagination, but even for just one minute, the remembrance of Draco Malfoy's whisper has comforted my sorrowful soul.
This voyage upon my age-old memories will be a requiem for my childhood enemy, my best friend, my husband, and my love… my Draco.