What Should Be

I should be watching him.

As he ascends the steps to the stage.

As he takes the diploma he should have earned.

As the Headmaster smiles warmly at him--

Congratulating him on his should-be success.

I should be watching him.

As he bows back--

A real smile of should-be pride and accomplishment on his lips.

As he calmly extends his hand to Granger--

Offering a truce after seven years that should have been well spent.

I should be watching him.

As he shakes her hand and finally confesses that the competition kept him going.

Should have kept him going.

Instead, I am watching him.

As the mistake of one night ruins his life forever.

As he lies on the floor--

Writhing in pain from the consequences of failure.

Instead, I am watching him.

Knowing that there is no diploma ahead.

No Graduation, no Headmaster, no Competition--

No Future for one so young.

But still I think--

I should be watching him.


A/N: Just a poem I wrote. It's from Snape to Draco thinking about what his seventh year should have been like. I imagine it after the end of Book Six... Whatever. Let me know!

PS Sorry about that Dramione reference, but you know me!