Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OCs

A/N:: Do not worry people they aren't falling in love, but I've snuggled with my best friend (yes he's a guy) several times and since she's so young she wouldn't even think of it being romantic. He's also to much of a gentleman to get 'urges' and since i do NOT write lemons that will never be an issue. As for Natalie , She belong to my bestfriend/magicsister. PLEASE no flames. If you have an issue with this story, stop reading.

Chapter four:A wedding, A heart beat, A song: part two

The day of the wedding came, the Manor was packed to the brim with guests and servants. He couldn't get a moments rest! His head was throbbing now , and his only sovern was the fact that tonight he'd once again be able to have his time with Meghan. It wasn't a romantic gesture of any sort, that they met in the library each night to sleep. It was comfort. Nothing happen, they talked of their day and how stupid the others were being. But she'd always fall asleep first, he'd follow and somehow in the morning a blanket would be over them both. He thought it to be her, but never spoke of it. Infact they never spoke at all of their nights adventures, they'd been in silent argreement that this was their escape from the world around them. He wondered if he'd ever sleep right again once she left, he sighed and ran a hand over his face. He had grown attached to her, her sweet way of making him feel at peace. It set his heart to a slow tempo and his life at ease. But soon that heaven would be over. One more year and then...what? Would she still be his friend? He was in his room now, pacing , trying to discover a way to bringing up this subject to her, when a knock pulled him from his thoughts

"Severus? We're ready when you are."

The ceremony had been a grand one, doves, peacocks, winged horses, all white of course. Lucius had spared no expence to make sure his bride was happy. She was now dancing with her new husband and giggling at something he whispered in her ear. A blush stained her cheeks and Severus could only imagine what his brother had said. He jumped as a small hand touched his arm. Meghan came to stand beside him and he smiled. His black suit had been tailor just for him. A white under shirt peaked out from beneath it. She own the other hand, wore a green satin gown. It came to just her ankles and had straps over her delicate shoulders. She looked far older than she was. But she was a vision. He smiled and put an arm around her shoulder, his adorable little princess was something else. "Having fun?" she had asked to which he chuckled "Well no seeing as i'm surrounded by hundreds of people and bump into them almost everytime i move."

"You always hated crowds, Its no wonder you're so uptight. Come on.." she pulled his arm and he placed his glass of juice down to follow. He chuckled as she moved outside and into the back yard where the ceremony had taken place. From here they could hear the music but the crowd was no where to be seen "Ah peace at last."

She giggled , her childishness coming back as he smiled down at her. She was so small. The dress did wonders for the imagination of others, but for him it was merely a costume that hid his best friend. He tilted his head, watching her for a moment. She was swaying to the music and then it hit him like a ton of bricks. IDIOT! he rolled his eyes at his own stupidness and stepped away from her. He bowed low and held out his hand "My dear lady, would you do me the honor of this dance?"

She giggled again and took his hand, slowly curtsied to him "You may good sir."

The slow song began but he did not take liberties. He hand was placed delicately at her waiste, his other hand held hers as her own hand rested on his shoulder and the other in his. He smiled and watched her eyes glitter with happiness. He could tell she had never learned to dance properly, but it didn't bother him. What were a few sore toes for the happiness of his best friend?

(A/N this song inspired this scene and I know it's not even close to being in the same year/timeline/genre but go with me on this.)

You're in my arms, and all the world is music playing on for only close, together.

And when I'm with you So close, to feeling alive.A life goes by,Romantic dreams must die.

So I bid my goodbye And never close, was waiting,Waiting here with you.

And now, forever, I know All that I wanted to hold you so close to reaching

That famous happy end. Almost believing This one's not now you're beside me,

And look how far we've far we are. So close...

Oh how could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now?

We're so close to reaching that famous happy end,And almost believing, this one's not pretend.

Let's go on dreaming for we know we are...

so close, so close

and still so far..

The song ended , and for the first time in his life, Severus Snape felt pure bliss. How could he face those days without her? What if he did lose her? This thought perhaps , was the reason he brought her to his chest in a tight embrace. He was shaking.

"S..Severus?" the whisper came with concern.

He said nothing, as his eyes closed, his head lay atop her own.

"Are you ok?" she whispered.

He smiled and nodded against her hair.

"What's wrong?" she asked pulling back and looking up at him. She could see hints of tears in his eyes.

"Meg I..." He furrowed his brow and pulled away throwing up his hand with frustraction.

"Severus Tobias Snape you stop this and tell me what's wrong!" she said with her fisted hands atop her hips.

He turned and chuckled "It's silly..and insecurity of mine."

"To which is?" she asked arching a brow.

"When we leave next year..we may never seen each other again.." he whispered.

She blinked then sighed and came up to hug him tightly "Oh you're so stupid."

"And that is suppose to comfort me?" he asked arching a brow of his own.

"It means that you worry to much. I can write you know, and during the summer we can visit each other. Yes it may be hard after we've been around each other for so long, but once i'm out of school i say we buy a house, get loads of books and do nothing but read and research!"she said nodding.

He chuckled softly at this then leaned down and tapped her nose "Young lady you promised you'd marry me one day remember?"

She giggled and shook her head "Ive changed my mind!"

He felt a pang of something in his heart then tilted his head waiting for her to contiue,

"I've decided you'll have to ask me." she said nodding.

"Is that not how marriage is suppose to begin? With the man asking the woman?" he asked blinking.

"well yes,, but see i had planned on making you promise me this next year you'd never let anyone take you from me and you'd be waiting for me with books and chocolate cake at the graduation!" she said nodding again.

The easiness he had felt before crept back in and his laughter bubbled out "You my dear are something else." he said hugging her close.

"I know , but you love me." she said , the impact of those words, caused his brows to clench together. Love her? Well yes, he did. As a friend. he relaxed and smiled, yes their friendship was full of love, not demands or hateful words, but pure bliss and acceptance. "Indeed princess..and I always will."

So close..yet so far...

Meghan strolled down the hallway toward the kitchen, it was now she realized she had only two days left at the manor. Lucious and Cissy were leaving today for their honeymoon and Severus had already said he would be fine alone here. But Eli shook his head and demanded he stay with his new friend. Though Meghan was sure it was the fact that Natalie had also said she was going to stay so that she could catch the train to Hogwarts with Severus in September. She didn't understand why but she felt that perhaps..no Natalie didn't want to stay just because of Severus did she? She frowned, why had she thought that? was she jealous? of course not. It didn't bother her..but what if Natalie and Severus got together? What if he didn't want to spend time with her anymore? She was slowly becoming depressed.

"Kitten? Are you alright?"

The voice made her jump and she sighed as Lucious came into view "Yes i'm sorry my minds..well a million miles away."

He smiled and extended his hand "Come walk with me, there's something I want to discuss with you."

She took his hand and once again felt like a child. He was much taller than her and much larger than severus. But she felt safe. They walked to the parlor then out into the garden, where he waved a hand and a bench appeared. He instructed her to sit, and she did.

"I hope you do not mind, but I wrote to your Aunt and Uncle about ..arrangements."

She tilted her head up at him.

He smiled and ruffled her hair, unlike when Severus did it, she felt it was that of a older brothers affection and not a best friend "You know, if you repeat what i'm about to tell you i'll never speak to you again."

She frowned and he chuckled "Now kitten nothing that bad. I..I love Severus. He indeed is like a younger brother to me. I know the pains he went through as a child and can only imagine what his life was like. I was pampered you see. As soul heir i was given everything I wanted. Severus never got that pleasure. I felt bad, even hated myself while I showed up in new clothes at school and he had to use his older ones. I began sending my house elves to buy him things, but he never accepted them. He would never accept anything out of charity. So I asked him to help me with potions for money in return. Of course I didn't need help, but as my tutor he could gain enough money to buy new robes at least. I felt bad, after I left because he no longer had the income. this is where you come in."

She was still confused, and he smiled "As i said I spoke to your Aunt and Uncle and asked them to let me be your guardian while you're here . I know your family lives in Scotland and it's rather hard for them to get to Diagon alley for your school things. I have impressed upon them the need for you to return to Hogwarts as it would interrupt your lessons and would there for hender your education. They have agreed that during the holidays, and summer months, you may retain yourself here. That isn't to say they do not want you to come home. They have asked that over Christmas holidays you and Eli come home."

"Eli? But he's not staying to is he? He's D.." he held up a hand.

"I've also convinced your cousin to go to Hogwarts, though at the acknowledment that miss Natalie will also be there, he did not think twice about agreeing." he said chuckling.

"So I can stay here with Severus?" she asked happily. Lucious smiled "That brings me to my request of you. Since I have graduated I've pondered how I could somehow get Severus to accept money from me. So as we spent this month together, a thought struck me. If I became your guardian I would have to let you access some form of money. Seeing as you are still rather young and Gringotts wouldn't allow a child to go into my vault alone, I will tender a document stating that Severus is to buy your school things as well as his for doing the deed. Thus he gets his school things and you do as well. Even though your Aunt and Uncle both tried offer me the galleons for your school things i refused. You see you're not only helping me, but my brother. I also want you both to have a month allowence. Since me and Cissy will be gone until after Christmas, I want you both to be able to have whatever you want without worry. All i ask is you keep the manor clean, which won't be an issue since the elves clean. I was hoping though, that you and Severus could help me stock the library? A project for you both."

She squeled and hugged him tightly "THANK YOU SO MUCH!"

He cringed and chuckled softly "Kitten it's my pleasure. You've no idea how happy you make that boy."

"He does me to. I love him so much, he's the best friend any one could have!" she said smiling.

A shadow passed in his eyes then "Be careful of that phrase kitten."

She tilted her head , a silent question as to why.

He smiled "Severus is older, and like myself he has the heart of a man. You are still rather young and innocent. You understand loving someone and being in love with someone is different yes?"

She nodded "I..think so."

He smiled "Being in love kitten, is something to treasure. Take for example my love for Cissy, it's pure love. Your love of Severus is innocent friendship. Don't get them confused." he smiled and hugged her to him.

"But..what if ..do you think if he falls in love...he'll forget about me?" she whispered.

Smiling the older boy looked up, he smirked as he saw his brother watching them from the entry way "That, kitten, will never happen."

The rest of the summer was bliss, where as he figured he'd be alone with the annoying brats who seemed to fuss and fight about immune things, he was delighted to be told Meghan would join them. They read, they researched, they even kept their routine of staying on the couch in the library. He grew fonder and fonder of the girl, what would he do without her next year? He sighed and grumbled as they made their way down Diagon alley. School was quickly approaching and they needed to gather their things. Lucious had made him promise to watch over the 'annoying brat' but Severus knew that the man had indeed done this all for him. It made him smile and he'd have to remember to thank him later.

"I want a pet.." Eli said as he looked at the large assorment of cages "You can have a cat a owl or a toad." Severus said.

"All of them are stupid. I want a tiger!"

Natalie rolled her eyes "Are you daft? You can't have a tiger roaming around Hogwarts you prat!"

"Good point...maybe a lizard?" he wondered off into the store and the three stopped to have an ice cream while they waited for the boy. Severus noticed that Meghan wasn't eating, it caused a frown to appear and he nudged her "What's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh..nothing really it's just that...well this is our last year together." she said shrugging.

He took her hand and smiled "Listen, we'll stay in contact. You'll be at the Malfoy Manor during all of the holidays but Christmas. You'll get tired of seeing me."

She shook her head then, she just didn't think that would happen. But it pulled at his heart strings, and he sighed dropping her hand "Excuse me a moment will you?"

He moved toward his target, ok so Knockturn alley wasn't exactly somewhere he wanted to be again, but the book shop he needed to get to WAS there. He inquired about the books, the owner spoke of knowing such books, but they weren't cheap. He didn't care. He had enough saved up from Lucious that he could afford this, and even if he couldn't he'd figure out a way to get them. The owner wrapped the books and explained how to activate them. He nodded and thanked the man. He wouldn't outright give this to her, no it needed time, he needed the perfect moment to send this to her. He shrunk them, and placed them in his pocket, then returned to the table where upon arriving came to a stop "What the bloody hell is that Jones?"

"It's a baby water horse!" Eli said happily

"That is NOT allowed in the school you bafoon! Don't you have any sence in that pea brain of yours? Water horses need what Jones?" Severus spat crossing his arms.

"Um..food?" Meg slapped a hand over her face "Oi you're an idiot..." she whispered. then stood "Water horses can only be out of water for a short period of time Eli. This baby will die if you keep it in the castle.."

"Oh.." he frowned and looked down at his pet "Sorry Pudge..I guess you can't stay with me.."

(A/N Yes Pudge from Lilo and Stitch, remember this creature he comes back in a later story)

"Pudge?" Natalie cocked a brow

"yeah, see i read a book once, about a creature that could control the weather, it was a pudgniation. So i called him Pudge cause when it storms i won't have to see it. I hate lightening.." he said, looking all the while like a little boy who had no one to turn to. Severus had felt this way once, and Lucious had stepped in, now it was his turn. He placed a hand on Eli's shoulder "Lucious has a lake on his grounds, it connects to the black lake at Hogwarts, He can swim between there and the Manor."

Eli looked up happily and for the first time, Meg realized he wasn't but a kid himself. She giggled and hugged her cousin "you're an idiot."

Severus chuckled and patted the boys head "Come on you three , let's get this trip over with."