Chapter Twenty
I added a list of thank yous *shrug* to the bottom. I have a huge doctor's appointment tomorrow... I'm nervous. Driver's test is on Thursday... Thank God for Mid-Winter break!
Aimée
November 1st
Much had happened in the month before; Draco had reluctantly accepted the fact I loved him more than life itself, but I couldn't be with him. He knew how much I craved my father's approval, how I'd do anything to make Dad see how much his opinion mattered to me – and exactly how devastated I'd be if I was disowned for simply loving another human being.
I hated to say it, but Dad was extremely prejudiced.
Our wedding was planned for November 2nd – the next day. Draco and I spent the entire night together under the pretense of being at a bachelor party. Ron didn't like it, but he covered for both of us – bless his misguided heart. Cassandra was off with her friends, enjoying her last night of freedom, while the rest of my family was scattered to the four corners of the Earth, half not even bothering to come. Mum and Dad, however, held many lengthy discussions about Cassandra and I; I was sure of it. I knew Mum objected wholly to my union with Cassandra, but nothing she said could ever make Dad back down.
It was a pleasant night, the first of November, as Lily sat on one of the luxurious sofas situated in the Master Bedroom, deeply engrossed in a book, the title of which Severus couldn't read. He lay on the bed, scribbling his own notes for a new experiment of his, something he refused to tell her about – something that would eventually be known as the Cure.
"Sev…" Lily sighed, setting down the book she was reading, "I'm going to ask you this for the last and final time, and please… tell me everything you're thinking. Do you honestly believe Harry loves Cassandra?"
He paused briefly, looking up at his wife with dark eyes, "Harry loves every human he comes in contact with in some way or another, you know that just as well as I do, love."
Lily sighed, shoulders slumping, "Sev, you know exactly what I mean."
He leaned back onto the satin pillows, staring out the window for a moment before responding, "I don't know, Lil, but I'm sure he wouldn't marry her if he didn't have a good reason."
Lily's eyes widened, "You don't think Cassandra's pregnant, do you?"
Severus smirked, "They're only twenty-one, love, I highly doubt it."
She raised an eyebrow, "Sev, think about what you just said."
He smiled lightly, "Harry's got a sensible head on his shoulders – I highly doubt he'd ever do anything that stupid."
"What's the difference between sleeping with Draco and sleeping with Cassandra?" Lily challenged, allowing the book she was holding to flap shut.
"One can produce babies and the other is wrong."
"Severus!" Lily scolded, eyes narrowing, "This is our son you're talking about."
He sighed, leaning back into the pillows supporting him and closing his eyes, "I know, love… It's just… I don't see what Draco gives him that Cassandra – or any girl for that matter – can't."
Lily stood up and walked over to her husband, climbing up onto their bed and straddling him, a wicked grin on her face.
"I can name one particular thing…"
He smirked, leaning forward to kiss her.
Why are you so against Harry marrying Cassandra, love?
Why are you so for it?
She seems to make Harry happy.
She may seem to make him happy, Sev, but Draco makes him drunk – haven't you ever listened to them when they're together?
No, you know how I feel about violating other's rights.
He's your son, Severus – I'm pretty sure you listening to him doesn't violate any rights, especially if it's for the greater good. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if doing so made you see exactly how he feels about Draco.
So how does he feel about Draco, love?
They love each other as much as we do – even more, if that's truly possible.
You're joking.
Listen to them, Severus… Even now… You'll see.
Severus' mind was quiet for a moment, but when his thoughts came back to her, they were of the utmost surprise.
He's… God fuck it, Lily! He's…
They're in love, Sev, don't you see that now?
God… our son is… fucking in love with… a man!
And he's going to marry that bitch, Cassandra, tomorrow at one. Getting déjà vu yet?
You… James… Me… fuck.
He's making the worst mistake of his life, Sev, and you're the only one who can stop it.
He won't listen to me, Lil, you know that. Never in his life has he ever truly listened to me, hearing my words – he's obeyed me, yes, but never taken my advice to heart.
He's always listened… Always. Your approval means more to him than anyone else's… Even in a situation like this, when everyone's saying no and you're saying yes, he'll agree with you.
There's nothing I can do, love. It's tomorrow… He's going to need to realize this mistake by himself, you know that.
Are you sure there's absolutely nothing, Sev? You've never let me down before.
I'm sorry, love… There's nothing.
On the floor, lying discarded, was the book Lily had been reading; opened to a random page, one particular paragraph shone much more brightly than the others.
To Draco; Words can't even explain how much you mean to me. I love you so much it hurts… I'm sure you know that. I couldn't imagine being separated from you, even for a moment. You were my hope when I was so close to giving up… Look at me, turning into a sap. You do that to me. You make me want to crawl into our bed with you and never come out… To be with you every single day of every single year for all eternity, basking in your love. God, I love you.
Don't wanna hear about why you've been weepin' now
Don't tell me 'bout why you ain't sleepin' well
Don't tell me that now you feel bad
You got a heading from the news this morning
And we all know, it ain't right
And we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Now please don't ask me why, 'cause then I'll be forced to lie
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight yeah, yeah
I can leave it, and I can give it
Well, I cannot go on, I don't know what to do
You can fake it, and try to make it
The more you justify, the more I see right through
Well there's been a change in the weather now
You'll find the law and find a way to weasel out
Ohhh
Just talked to you; you told me to turn on the news this morning
And we all know, it ain't right
And we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Now please don't ask me why, 'cause then I'll be forced to lie
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight yeah, yeah
I can leave it, and I can give it
Well, I cannot go on, I don't know what to do
You can fake it, and try to make it
The more you justify, the more I see right through
Just talked to you, you told me to turn on the news this morning
And we all know, it ain't right
And we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Now please don't ask me why, 'cause then I'll be forced to lie
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight yeah, yeah
Yeah, and we all know it ain't right
But we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Can you really look me in the eye with a love that's hope to die
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
And we all know it ain't right
But we all think love is blind
We all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight, yeah*
*We All Know, Hanson
Apocalypse: *blinks* Thank you tons... but... FDTMA ain't very good... it's not worth killing the author over... !! Thank you a lot though, I'm... flattered?... to know the prospect of getting the next chapter out is blood-spilling worthy. :o)
Cat Samwise: Here's some more... I do hope you liked it! I really love your writing, I have to say. Great job with all your stories :o) This chapter isn't too great at all... but... *shrug* It'll make more sense later.
eiknlng : Thank you! I rather liked the last chapter myself... *G*
gwendolyn-flight: Cassandra IS a bitch, isn't she? *grins happily* Anyway... Draco does seem to deserve Harry, eh?
Joycelene: You have the same name as one of my best friends. I do hope you're feeling better... Yes, they're back together, for now, but... well... the wedding's gonna hinder that just a smudge. :o)
Klee: *hands over a pillow for your jaw* I'm glad you liked it... *smirk*
Morien Alexander: I'm sorry! I hate making people cry... *hugz*
-Nagini- : Here's more! I hope you liked it.
I added a list of thank yous *shrug* to the bottom. I have a huge doctor's appointment tomorrow... I'm nervous. Driver's test is on Thursday... Thank God for Mid-Winter break!
Aimée
November 1st
Much had happened in the month before; Draco had reluctantly accepted the fact I loved him more than life itself, but I couldn't be with him. He knew how much I craved my father's approval, how I'd do anything to make Dad see how much his opinion mattered to me – and exactly how devastated I'd be if I was disowned for simply loving another human being.
I hated to say it, but Dad was extremely prejudiced.
Our wedding was planned for November 2nd – the next day. Draco and I spent the entire night together under the pretense of being at a bachelor party. Ron didn't like it, but he covered for both of us – bless his misguided heart. Cassandra was off with her friends, enjoying her last night of freedom, while the rest of my family was scattered to the four corners of the Earth, half not even bothering to come. Mum and Dad, however, held many lengthy discussions about Cassandra and I; I was sure of it. I knew Mum objected wholly to my union with Cassandra, but nothing she said could ever make Dad back down.
It was a pleasant night, the first of November, as Lily sat on one of the luxurious sofas situated in the Master Bedroom, deeply engrossed in a book, the title of which Severus couldn't read. He lay on the bed, scribbling his own notes for a new experiment of his, something he refused to tell her about – something that would eventually be known as the Cure.
"Sev…" Lily sighed, setting down the book she was reading, "I'm going to ask you this for the last and final time, and please… tell me everything you're thinking. Do you honestly believe Harry loves Cassandra?"
He paused briefly, looking up at his wife with dark eyes, "Harry loves every human he comes in contact with in some way or another, you know that just as well as I do, love."
Lily sighed, shoulders slumping, "Sev, you know exactly what I mean."
He leaned back onto the satin pillows, staring out the window for a moment before responding, "I don't know, Lil, but I'm sure he wouldn't marry her if he didn't have a good reason."
Lily's eyes widened, "You don't think Cassandra's pregnant, do you?"
Severus smirked, "They're only twenty-one, love, I highly doubt it."
She raised an eyebrow, "Sev, think about what you just said."
He smiled lightly, "Harry's got a sensible head on his shoulders – I highly doubt he'd ever do anything that stupid."
"What's the difference between sleeping with Draco and sleeping with Cassandra?" Lily challenged, allowing the book she was holding to flap shut.
"One can produce babies and the other is wrong."
"Severus!" Lily scolded, eyes narrowing, "This is our son you're talking about."
He sighed, leaning back into the pillows supporting him and closing his eyes, "I know, love… It's just… I don't see what Draco gives him that Cassandra – or any girl for that matter – can't."
Lily stood up and walked over to her husband, climbing up onto their bed and straddling him, a wicked grin on her face.
"I can name one particular thing…"
He smirked, leaning forward to kiss her.
Why are you so against Harry marrying Cassandra, love?
Why are you so for it?
She seems to make Harry happy.
She may seem to make him happy, Sev, but Draco makes him drunk – haven't you ever listened to them when they're together?
No, you know how I feel about violating other's rights.
He's your son, Severus – I'm pretty sure you listening to him doesn't violate any rights, especially if it's for the greater good. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if doing so made you see exactly how he feels about Draco.
So how does he feel about Draco, love?
They love each other as much as we do – even more, if that's truly possible.
You're joking.
Listen to them, Severus… Even now… You'll see.
Severus' mind was quiet for a moment, but when his thoughts came back to her, they were of the utmost surprise.
He's… God fuck it, Lily! He's…
They're in love, Sev, don't you see that now?
God… our son is… fucking in love with… a man!
And he's going to marry that bitch, Cassandra, tomorrow at one. Getting déjà vu yet?
You… James… Me… fuck.
He's making the worst mistake of his life, Sev, and you're the only one who can stop it.
He won't listen to me, Lil, you know that. Never in his life has he ever truly listened to me, hearing my words – he's obeyed me, yes, but never taken my advice to heart.
He's always listened… Always. Your approval means more to him than anyone else's… Even in a situation like this, when everyone's saying no and you're saying yes, he'll agree with you.
There's nothing I can do, love. It's tomorrow… He's going to need to realize this mistake by himself, you know that.
Are you sure there's absolutely nothing, Sev? You've never let me down before.
I'm sorry, love… There's nothing.
On the floor, lying discarded, was the book Lily had been reading; opened to a random page, one particular paragraph shone much more brightly than the others.
To Draco; Words can't even explain how much you mean to me. I love you so much it hurts… I'm sure you know that. I couldn't imagine being separated from you, even for a moment. You were my hope when I was so close to giving up… Look at me, turning into a sap. You do that to me. You make me want to crawl into our bed with you and never come out… To be with you every single day of every single year for all eternity, basking in your love. God, I love you.
Don't wanna hear about why you've been weepin' now
Don't tell me 'bout why you ain't sleepin' well
Don't tell me that now you feel bad
You got a heading from the news this morning
And we all know, it ain't right
And we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Now please don't ask me why, 'cause then I'll be forced to lie
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight yeah, yeah
I can leave it, and I can give it
Well, I cannot go on, I don't know what to do
You can fake it, and try to make it
The more you justify, the more I see right through
Well there's been a change in the weather now
You'll find the law and find a way to weasel out
Ohhh
Just talked to you; you told me to turn on the news this morning
And we all know, it ain't right
And we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Now please don't ask me why, 'cause then I'll be forced to lie
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight yeah, yeah
I can leave it, and I can give it
Well, I cannot go on, I don't know what to do
You can fake it, and try to make it
The more you justify, the more I see right through
Just talked to you, you told me to turn on the news this morning
And we all know, it ain't right
And we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Now please don't ask me why, 'cause then I'll be forced to lie
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight yeah, yeah
Yeah, and we all know it ain't right
But we all think love is blind
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
Can you really look me in the eye with a love that's hope to die
And we all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
And we all know it ain't right
But we all think love is blind
We all know that we won't be sleeping tonight
We won't be sleeping tonight, yeah*
*We All Know, Hanson
Apocalypse: *blinks* Thank you tons... but... FDTMA ain't very good... it's not worth killing the author over... !! Thank you a lot though, I'm... flattered?... to know the prospect of getting the next chapter out is blood-spilling worthy. :o)
Cat Samwise: Here's some more... I do hope you liked it! I really love your writing, I have to say. Great job with all your stories :o) This chapter isn't too great at all... but... *shrug* It'll make more sense later.
eiknlng : Thank you! I rather liked the last chapter myself... *G*
gwendolyn-flight: Cassandra IS a bitch, isn't she? *grins happily* Anyway... Draco does seem to deserve Harry, eh?
Joycelene: You have the same name as one of my best friends. I do hope you're feeling better... Yes, they're back together, for now, but... well... the wedding's gonna hinder that just a smudge. :o)
Klee: *hands over a pillow for your jaw* I'm glad you liked it... *smirk*
Morien Alexander: I'm sorry! I hate making people cry... *hugz*
-Nagini- : Here's more! I hope you liked it.