Watching Something Beautiful Die
Draco felt himself trembling all over. He clasped his shaking hand around Astoria's. She was asleep, and she looked so soft and peaceful. But Draco felt anything but peaceful. His heart felt heavy as it plummeted deeper into his chest. He knew there wasn't much more time.
Draco had let Astoria in, closer than anyone else had ever been to him. A choked sob escaped his throat, and he felt Astoria's hand tighten around his. She awoke with a soft gasp.
"Draco," she said weekly, but she gave him a smile none-the-less. "Be brave."
Tears poured down Draco's cheeks. How can I possibly be brave without you by my side? He put his head closer to Astoria's. Closing his eyes, he tried to make a sound, but what came out didn't sound like it had come from him.
"I'm sorry, Astoria," Draco choked out. "I just don't – want – to – lose – you–"
Astoria put a hand comfortingly on Draco's arm. "Don't be sorry," she said. "Let's just have a nice moment."
Draco felt like he was being torn apart from head to toe. But he knew Astoria was right. She was so close to letting go, so he just closed his eyes and held onto the moment as he held Astoria's hand.
"I really… need you to know – how hard I – how hard I – try."
"Draco, you've done so much for me, especially these past few years."
Draco had blocked out so many of his past memories, but all the time he had spent with Astoria was special. He knew that if he started thinking about everything they'd been through together, he might never leave, but he couldn't help but feel like now, at the end, he was finally realizing just how much all of this truly meant to him.
He leaned over and let his lips meet Astoria's in one final kiss. He felt like he had to drown to stay alive, but he was watching something beautiful die.