11
After watching Ginny and Hermione run off to the castle, Draco turned to Snape, "So, do you think she'll actually keep our secret," he asked.
Snape sighed, "I'll ask the Headmaster to talk to her about it. He understands as much as I do that this is one thing that does not need to get around, especially to certain people," he said.
Draco nodded, then grinned, "So, I take it that you approve of my choice," he said.
Snape looked at him, "You know as well as I do that you could not have made a better one. She's perfect for you," he said.
They began to walk towards the castle, "So, what did you tell her?" Draco asked.
"The truth, Draco, that you were worried about her, that you feared for her safety. I know you didn't want her to know, but this way she can better prepare herself. I told her that she needed to tell someone what might come so they can also be prepared. I told her that she needed to stop working so hard to hide your relationship, and I told her to tell one of the trio, so she could have someone to talk to. It is better that Miss Granger found out before Mr. Potter of Mr. Weasley," Snape said.
Again, Draco nodded, and then turned to subject he least wanted to discuss. "How is Kit?" he asked, fearing the answer.
Snape sighed, wearily, "I wish I knew, Draco, I wish I knew. I'm hoping that it will be a reaction to her injuries, and not the curse, but you never know. We need to pray," he said.
"And Adam," Draco asked, "how did he take the news?"
"Not well," Snape answered, "it took us a while to calm him down. The Headmaster forced him to take a sleeping draught and put him in a bed next to Kit. I hope for his sake alone that she wakes up. That boy has loved my daughter through thick and thin, and I am grateful for it. Kit couldn't have done better, especially since you were always more of a brother than a friend."
"Can I see her?" Draco asked, timidly.
"Not tonight, Draco," Snape answered, handing him a vial, "I want you to take this, all of it. You need rest," he said, as Draco tried to avoid his eyes, "look at me," Snape said. Draco did. "Take it, ok. I already have one child to worry about," he said.
Draco knew he was doing it for his own good, and took the vial that Snape offered, "Yes, Sir," he said, turning to go. Then he turned back, a thought driving him to ask a question, "Do you think we did the right thing, pulling Ginny into this?" he asked.
"I don't know, do you regret it?" Snape answered.
"Do I regret her, no, do I wish this could have happened differently, yes," he sighed in frustration, "Oh, I want things to be different. I know that this is dangerous for her, and most of my mind and some of my heart is telling me to break everything off with her, but the rest of my heart is telling me that I can't live without her. Is that selfish?" he asked.
Snape smiled, "No, Draco, that's not selfish. That's exactly how I felt when I met Liliana. I never worried that much about her, but I did question bringing a child into the world at a time like that, but now, I wouldn't give up Kit for the world. I just take it upon myself to protect her, just as you will protect Miss Weasley," he said.
"I know," Draco said, "but I still feel guilty."
"Never feel guilty for loving someone Draco, never," Snape said, "love's to precious to feel guilty over, trust me. Together, we will make sure that nothing happens to Miss Weasley. I already let Kit down, I will not let you down, also."
"You didn't let Kit down. It's like Professor Dumbledore says, you can't protect us all the time, ok," Draco said.
Snape nodded, "I just don't want to believe it. Now, go to bed," he said, and Draco walked off. Snape made his way back to the Room of Requirement.
