14

Love is probably the only notion that's capable of every emotion despite any contradiction. How is it possible to love and hurt at the same time? To love and feel hate at one moment?

The yellow-haired wizard that stood before the colossal, black gates is one to wonder this very thing. His blue eyes had not left the sight of the dark home. He realized, in all his life living here he hadn't noticed how gloomy it really was. There was something uninviting, uncomfortable and downright depressing about this place, and he knew very well that these were present in the very home. Now as he stood there staring at it, he started hating it.

With one tap of his wand on the enchanted, steel gate, it slowly swung open. A grey sheathe, something like thin smoke, cleared the pathway. Draco was familiar of this protective charm and fearlessly walked the path toward the heavy double doors.

A house elf answered to door, and Draco did not acknowledge him as he walked in and proceeded to the hallway.

The Library was where he found her, as if she knew he would be coming this very moment. She watched as he stopped midway into the room. There wasn't any fear in his eyes. They were cold, yet livid, empty of any spark of joy.

"What is your bidding?" Draco broke the silence first. "What do you want in exchange for her freedom? Tell me,"

"Draco, it doesn't have to be like this." Narcissa began as she stood. Draco didn't move, but threw her a glare that caused her to stop.

"It's done, mother. The only way out of this is through. Tell me what he wants."

Narcissa sighed as she stepped out from behind her armchair. The fire crackled behind her.

"You can not be happy with her, dear."

"How could you know that? How could you know what should become of us when you haven't even met her; haven't even seen her!" Draco's heavy tone made Narcissa step back in fright. He turned away to press his palm against his forehead, hating what he had done. Never in his life had he spoken to her in such a way.

They were both silent for awhile. Pinching his lips, Draco turned to her again.

"Forgive me, mum, but you don't know what this is like for me. You've no idea, no idea at all what she is to me. You might never understand, and I don't expect you will.

I can't just throw it away. I've never been this happy-this decided. I haven't understood life the way I do now, and you can't ask me to just let go. It's too late. I love her. You and father...you don't have this. Nothing the both of you will ever know. Not even with each other.

You've taught me to be brave, to stand up to what I believe in; to what must be. Now, today, that is what I'm doing. And by telling me it can't be, you're asking me to forget all of that. Where is your courage, mother?"

Narcissa's lips quivered he could see. His words had broken her heart. When she looked away to keep him from seeing her tears, Draco hung his head aware of the ache in his heart for her. She had always been the only woman he had loved and always would, but this was the time he believed the love for another woman would battle against that of hers.

"This is how much you love her?" She asked quietly.

"And so much more."

"You would risk your life?"

"I lived the day I had loved."

Narcissa felt a tug in her heart. A feeling that so long ago had died inside her. She was familiar of this kind of love. To long for something so much with a desire that killed the world-if it was possible. A kind of love that she one day decided only existed in old stories. But here he was, speaking about it as if all the while it lived in him when it died in her. And even if she ached for this love, she knew it was too late for her.

Despite the situation, a timid smile formed in her lips which she quickly took back.

"You're throwing everything away," Narcissa breathed out, resolved. "I believe arguing with you will only be pointless. You can have her. You have my permission—your position as my son included. You say she makes you happy then be that as it may, go and be happy with her. But keep this close to your heart, I only beg—that I'm letting you, because I love you."

"That simple? What have you got planned, mother?" Draco kept his eyes on her face, suspicious as he tried to read through the look on her face.

Narcissa scoffed a little and put a hand on her chest. "I am insulted you think of me that way. Your father, he will not let this go. You need to take her far, away from here. Where your father will never find you. It will not be easy, but if you've passed the worst then you're free. Do you understand?"

Draco nodded, listening intently as she continued.

"I will try to talk him out of it though I know it should go in vain. I must try. But you, you and Leah...you run." Narcissa crossed her arms in quiet fear and turned away.

Draco looked down at his hands, sorry he had to leave her. "Thank you for letting me go."

Narcissa approached him fearlessly and cupped his face in her hands to look him in the eyes. Draco looked at her with the love he had for her all his life, and they both managed to smile sorrily.

"You will always be mine, you know that." She said in above a whisper. "Go have the love that I couldn't. For us."

Draco nodded once and she kissed his head before letting him slip from her arms to leave her to her gloom-alone in the room.