I couldn't breathe.
I was drowning, drowning a thousand times over, and looming above it all…
Them.
Cruel faces, twisted glee, cackling as I struggled in the water, never relenting, always watching pitilessly.
I surface.
I sit bolt upright, the covers flying off. Sweat has plastered my hair to my face. Trembling, I bury my face in my hands, the icy touch soothing me. When I am calm, I look out the window.
Snow.
Snow, as blinding and white as the lights they used to shine in my face, the spells that left me dazed and confused. I shudder and wipe away the sweat that still lingers on my forehead, wishing I could wipe away the memories too.
Ice.
A hand, cold and clammy, just like theirs, rests on my arm. I stifle a scream and jerk away. They are gone, they are locked away, guarded, guarded by hundreds of vile Dementors, I tell myself, wrapping my arms around my torso. And how long before the Dementors leave Azkaban again? a treacherous part of me whispers. I shake it off and turn.
Light.
His eyes are blurred with sleep, but his eyebrows are drawn together in concern. "You're okay, Eve. It's just me."
It's just me…
I shake myself off and paste a small, fake smile on my face. I am good at this. I know it is fake – I always know, but they never do. "Sorry, Teo," I manage to choke out. "I just-"
Warmth.
He wraps his arms around me. "You have nothing to be sorry for," he whispers in my ear. The warm breath of air tickles my ear, and I take a shaky breath. I am fine. I am fine. I am fine…
Never.