Author's Note: I'm sorry that it took me so long to update, I have just been so busy. I hope that you enjoy this chapter, and please don't forget to review! I really appreciate all of the people who reviewed the last few chapters, I have really enjoyed hearing all of your opinions!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Twilight or Harry Potter!
BPOV
Over the next few weeks I continued to get better and to move on. All of my friends were extremely supportive, and I could not thank them enough for that. Ron always cracked a joke when I started thinking too much and my expression would cloud over with sadness. Hermione would patiently comfort me when I would wake up in the night, screaming. Harry was always there to cheer me up and to listen to my problems. And Draco was always spectacular. It always amazed me how he would drop everything he was doing just to comfort me. His mere presence instantly calmed me and for the past few days it was necessary that he spent as much time with me as possible, and I was exceptionally grateful for all he had done for me.
I spent hours at night trying to imagine how I could thank him for all he had done to help me. one night an idea finally came to me and I grinned, reviewing all of the plans in my head.
The following Saturday I woke up, smiling. When lunch time rolled around I grabbed Draco and dragged him outside.
"Where are you taking me?" He asked curiously.
"Be patient," I scolded, grinning.
I led him around the lake and showed him the picnic that I had set up for us.
Draco smiled when he saw it and then turned toward me. "It's beautiful Bella, but what's the occasion?"
I shrugged. "I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate everything that you have done to help me."
Draco's smile widened. "It's no trouble helping you. I actually enjoy helping you get better."
"Whatever," I said. "We're still having the picnic."
We quickly ate our way through everything that I had gotten from the kitchens. The house elves had been more than willing to help me out. Draco and I laughed and talked with each other all day, enjoying each other's company and just the peace that we brought each other.
When the sun went down Draco and I laid down together on the blanket that I had put out. He had his arm around me and I was nestled into his side. We looked up at the sky and silently gazed at the stars.
"It's beautiful," I murmured.
Draco turned his head to look at me. "Yeah, but it's not as beautiful as you."
I blushed, looking into his eyes. "Thank you," I said, glancing away.
Draco gently lifted my chin up so that my face was on the same level as his. "Don't be embarrassed. You truly are an amazing person and I know I don't deserve you. I am extremely fortunate to have you, and I love you so much."
Smiling, I whispered, "I love you too."
Draco brought his face closer to mine and pulled me in for a passionate kiss which I quickly responded to. And that was how spent the rest of our perfect evening.
The day of Snape's funeral finally arrived. I dressed in a black dress that reached mid-thigh, paired with black heels. Hermione gave me a hug when she saw my expression once I finished changing. Hermione was also invited to the funeral and was wearing a black blouse and skirt.
We made our way down to the Great Hall in silence. Mostly people stared at us, but a few came up and told me they were sorry for what happened. I smiled politely and thanked them even though I would rather not say anything. Hermione could sense that I wanted to be alone so she quietly said, "I'll see you later, I'm going to go find Ron."
Harry, Ron, and Draco were also attending the funeral and they were all supposed to wear black suits. I laughed as I saw Harry struggling with his tie.
"Having trouble there bro?" I asked, smirking.
"Yes, could you please help me?" He asked, exasperated.
I laughed and unknotted his tie and quickly fixed it.
"Thanks," he said, sitting down and piling food onto his plate. I smiled at him. He was supposed to give a speech at the funeral today, and he tended to eat when he was nervous. I on the other hand usually didn't eat anything when I was nervous. But I wasn't nervous about speaking in front of a large crowd like Harry was. I was worried about facing everyone. Undoubtedly they would all ask me if I was all right and try uselessly to cheer me up. I didn't want to hear all of their sympathy. I didn't like people to see my pain. It was something that I wanted to keep private and I didn't want an audience for.
Just then Draco entered the Great Hall wearing a crisp black suit that contrasted nicely with his pale skin. He smiled tentatively at me, obviously afraid that the funeral would bring me back into my depression.
I smiled back reassuringly and he made his way over to us.
"Good morning," he greeted when he reached us, giving me a quick kiss on the lips.
Draco grabbed a piece of toast and looked over at Harry who had finished his breakfast and was now gazing intently at a piece of paper.
"What are you doing?" Draco asked him.
"I'm trying to memorize my speech for the funeral. I don't want to mess up," Harry replied absently and then looked up at me. "That reminds me Bella. Can I see your speech? I want to make sure my speech isn't totally terrible."
I smiled. "Sorry, I don't have one."
Harry gazed at me, looking slightly worried. "You are speaking aren't you?"
"Of course I am," I said. "I just don't write a speech out."
"Why not?" Harry asked.
I sighed. "Because Snape didn't write out a speech for my mom's funeral. He said that it is better for your words to be spontaneous and to come from your heart rather than just reading off a piece of paper."
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think you made up your own speech that day too," Harry said, smirking.
"Don't make fun of me. I was too young to understand what everything meant."
"What did you say?" Draco asked curiously.
I looked down. "I said something like 'I'll miss you mommy, and I'll see you soon.'"
Harry smiled. "I remember that day perfectly," he said. "That was the day your dad introduced me to you. You pushed me down into the mud and ran away crying."
I laughed, "Then you came running after me so you could make it even. You were much stronger than I was, so you dragged me away and dropped me into a pile of mud. We ended up wrestling in there until your mom came and found us."
Harry and I laughed together and Draco smiled at us. "She blamed me for everything even though you were the one who started it."
I laughed again. "Maybe we'll get to do that again."
I sure hoped we would, I would need something to distract me from all the pain and sadness.
Just then Dumbledore came up to our table. "Once you finish your breakfast, come up to my office and we will all leave together."
I nodded. "Thanks professor."
Dumbledore walked out of the Great Hall, and I laughed when I saw Ron and Hermione. They both had these huge grins on their faces and Ron's hair was a mess.
"What have you two been doing?" I asked slyly when they reached the table. Hermione blushed and Ron mumbled a quiet, 'shut up.'
I laughed softly and then stood up. "I'll be right back, and Ron you might want to fix your hair."
Harry laughed and Ron glared at him. "I'll meet you in Dumbledore's office," I said quickly and walked away before Ron got really mad.
I ran up to my dormitory and got out the picture that Snape had given me on Christmas. I gazed at his face and saw all the love and happiness he had when he was in my mother's presence. He seemed so much happier back then and I supposed that I should be happy for him, because he was back with her now. Happy, and both watching over their daughter. I smiled and carefully put the picture away, suddenly filled with the confidence that I would need to face the day.
Quickly, I made my way up to Dumbledore's office, and saw everyone waiting for me.
"Sorry," I apologized, taking a seat next to Draco who shifted so he could put his arm around me.
"It's alright," Dumbledore said. "Are you ready to go?"
I nodded. "I guess."
We all stepped up to the fireplace and one by one stepped in and transported to the place where the funeral was being held.
Harry and I sat at the front with all of the other's who were giving speeches. Hermione, Ron, and Draco went with Dumbledore to sit somewhere in the back.
The audience contained Snape's friends, fellow teachers, and a few of his and my mom's relatives.
"Are you ready for this?" Harry asked, staring at my face searchingly.
"Not really, but I'm going to try my best not to cry."
"I could always call Draco if you start sobbing. I know he can calm you down and make you feel better," Harry teased.
I rolled my eyes at Harry, cringing slightly. I knew that Harry would never stop teasing me about that.
Once everyone was finally seated the service began. Two men brought in a coffin where my dead father laid. Harry grabbed my hand when he saw my expression and I glanced at him gratefully.
One by one Snape's closest friends went up onstage and said their goodbyes to Snape. Some shared memories about great times they had had together, and some told the audience what a great person he was.
When all those who were supposed to give a speech finished, I stood up and walked over to the podium.
"Hello everyone," I said. "Thank you so much for coming today. I know you're probably tired of listening to all of these speeches, but I ask you to bear with one more." I took a deep breath and then began again. "My dad always went above and beyond to teach me valuable life lessons, and that one that stands out to me right now is to be happy and don't let anything let you down. Even though your life seems miserable, you need to focus on the bright side. Even though I feel empty right now I can still look on the bright side and see a happier outcome, thanks to him. And I can never thank him enough for that, because if he hadn't taught me that I probably wouldn't have shown up today. My dad and I weren't all that close when I was growing up, but I know that he still loved me, because he showed that to me when he dove in front of me and took Voldemort's hit."
A few people gasped as I said that and I noticed a few people were hastily wiping tears away from their eyes. "My dad was a spectacular person, and I am sure he is proud of how he died," I continued. "He made me who I am today and I am very proud to be his daughter."
I stepped off of the podium and the audience broke out into applause, but I barely noticed. I walked over to where my father was laying and gazed into the coffin. I swore to myself before that I would not cry at all today, but seeing his dead body wiped away all of my control and brought back memories of that fateful night.
"I love you daddy," I whispered, kissing his forehead. I gazed at his face one last time before I shut the lid with a resounding click. I turned back toward the crowd, tears still pouring down my face, and took me seat next to Harry. He wrapped his arms around me comfortingly and rubbed my back soothingly.
Once the service officially ended I rushed over to Draco and threw my arms around him.
"Oh Bella. I'm so sorry."
I laughed shakily. "I told myself I wouldn't cry."
"Bella, this is your father's funeral. It would be abnormal if you acted like everything was fine," Draco said sternly.
"You're right," I amended, desperately trying to wipe the tears away.
"Of course I am," he said lightly, kissing the tip of my nose, and I chuckled, despite my current state.
Lily and James came over to us and they each gave me a hug. "I can't even imagine what you're going through," Lily said. "You're a strong young woman and your parents would have been proud."
"Thank you," I replied sincerely. Lily was just like a mother to me and it really did mean a lot to me that she thought that highly of me.
"You're welcome dear," Lily said, wiping her tears away with a tissue. James came up to me next and put his arm around me. "Bella, you know that you are a part of our family? We would be delighted if you will come back to live with us, just as you always have?"
"Thank you so much," I replied, touched. "You are family to me too."
Dumbledore walked over to us. "I am sorry to break this up, but we really must be getting to the burial site."
I nodded. "Let's just get this over with."
I gave James and Lily one last hug before apparating to the place where Snape would be buried. I had chosen to bury him in a small cemetery right next to my mother. I knew that that was what he would have wanted.
Once everyone arrived, the coffin was brought in and carefully lowered into the ground. Tears slid down my face as I watched. When it was safely inside the crowd began to disperse and conversation broke out everywhere.
I walked over to the huge hole in the ground and whispered, "I'll miss you daddy."
Draco came over to me and held me close while I sobbed into his shoulder. He rubbed my back soothingly the whole time, never showing any signs of impatience, and that was one of the many things that I loved about him.
Once my eyes dried and I looked alright I pulled Draco in for a passionate kiss. I tangled my fingers through his hair, pulling myself closer to him. He seemed surprised at first but quickly responded to my intensity.
When we broke apart Draco looked dazed. "What was that for?" He asked breathlessly.
"A thank you," I responded. "I truly appreciate all you have done for me. You have been patient with me throughout this whole time and you have always been there when I was having a tough time. Even though I snapped at you, you never stopped caring. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, I will never forget it."
Draco smiled at me. "It is my pleasure to do all of those things. I will always be there for you," Draco murmured softly.
"I love you, " I said smiling.
"I love you too," Draco said, giving me a soft, but loving kiss.
Draco held his hand out for me, which I gladly took. "My parents wanted to talk to you."
"They're here?" I asked, surprised. I hadn't seen them at all.
"Yeah, my dad was good friends with your dad."
Draco led me over to a corner where Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy stood, dressed elegantly in all black.
Draco's mom held her arms open for me and I gratefully hugged her back. "Thank you so much Mrs. Malfoy."
"Oh please call me Narcissa."
I smiled. "Of course."
Draco's dad smiled at me and also gave me a hug. "And please call me Lucius. I am so sorry about Severus, I cannot imagine what is going through your head right now. I hope Draco has been treating you nicely," Lucius said, giving Draco a look.
I laughed. "Don't worry he has been amazing. Throughout this whole thing he has always been ready to help and comfort me. He has helped me a lot, and I think it is because of him that I had the strength to come today," I explained to his parents who both beamed at their blushing son.
"Is that true Draco?" Narcissa inquired of her son.
Draco shrugged. "I guess, but I'm sure I didn't help that much."
I put my hands on his shoulders and stared straight into his eyes. "Yes, you did. You helped me more than anyone. You are the reason why I was finally able to come out of hiding. Don't ever doubt that, okay?" I asked.
Draco grinned. "Okay, I believe you."
"You better," I said and quickly kissed his cheek.
"Aww!" Narcissa and Lucius chorused, watching our every move.
I blushed and Draco pulled me closer to him, which only caused them to start up again.
We were all talking to one another when a piece of mud hit my face with a splat! I turned my face, searching for the culprit.
Draco looked about to laugh, guessing who had done this, but Narcissa looked horrified. "Who would do such a terrible thing to you at your father's funeral?"
I smiled. "Two words. Harry Potter."
"I thought that you two were friends," Narcissa pointed out. "Why would he do that?"
I smiled at her concern. "I think he did it to try to cheer me up. Now if you will please excuse me I have to go and get him back."
I stepped away from the Malfoy's and searched the crowd for my target, and finally spotted him going off on his own. Quickly and silently, I rushed after him, careful not to make any noise and give myself away. While I was following him I grabbed a pile of mud up in my hands and threw it at the back of Harry's head.
Slowly he turned to face me, fighting a grin. "It's on now sister!"
I laughed. "Bring it brother!"
An hour later Harry and I emerged, covered in mud. Draco, Ron, and Hermione had erupted in laughter at the sight of us, but Lily gazed at us disapprovingly.
Tentatively, we walked over to her, waiting for all of the punishments that we would surely get.
"First Bella's moms funeral, now Snape's! What do you two have to say for yourselves?" Lily asked in a tone that had Harry and I cowering back. We didn't dare say anything because we knew it would just end up in Lily yelling at us longer. She continued to tell us how irresponsible we were and that we should be ashamed for another ten minutes.
Once she finished her rant she brought her wand out and sprayed us with water until we were clean.
"You two better not do that ever again," Lily threatened.
The sun was beginning to set and many of the guests were leaving.
Dumbledore came up behind me. "Are you ready to leave?"
I looked over at my father's grave and smiled as I saw all of the flowers on it. I knew I would be coming back again for many more visits. "Yeah," I said to Dumbledore. ""I'm ready."
Draco came up behind me and pulled me into his side. "You okay?" He asked.
I thought for a minute wondering how I should answer. "I guess so," I said.
"I'm glad," he said, gently kissing my forehead.
I waved goodbye to all of my friends and family, resting my head against Draco's chest as we got ready to leave. Even though my dad was gone, I still had a lot of people who cared for me and would do anything for me. I was very lucky to have each and every one of them. I knew that they would do anything for me, and I would gladly do the same for them. We didn't have to be blood related, we were already a family.
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for all of your reviews and for all of your support. I hope that you really liked this chapter. I will try to get the next chapter out as soon as I possibly can, and please don't forget to REVIEW this chapter!
