Chapter Text
"I'm sorry."
Draco’s grip tightened around the brass doorknob as he held the front door open while the doctor slowly shuffled out of the foyer and stepped into the cold night. He watched as the man walked across the cobbled street toward a parked black cab and put his Gladstone bag into the back seat. The moon was out that night, casting a pearlescent glow on the shallow puddles. No stars were visible in the clear sky.
A shaky sigh escaped him as he brought his sleeve up to wipe the snot running from his nose toward his lips. He glanced at the mirror, and a pathetic, tear-stained face looked back at him. Draco rubbed his face, desperately trying to iron out the grief that had settled into the folds of his skin. She couldn’t see him like this, not again. Draco heaved himself across the foyer and, with great effort, put his foot onto the steps and climbed upstairs.
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Warm sunlight tickled his skin as Draco’s eyes opened. He adjusted his numb arm gently, trying his best not to wake Astoria from where her head rested on his chest. A soft glow bloomed between his ribs as he witnessed the light caressing her face. Her eyes were still puffy, her lips parted, and a soft red blush had spread across the planes of her cheeks.
His fingers brushed her golden hair, stroking carefully as if his touch could shatter her.
A hushed prayer formed his lips. He knew it would go unanswered. He had made peace with destiny a long time ago.
"I love you."