Minutes felt as if they were days. Everything ran as if they were all consumed in molasses. It was all execrating slow. As if time hated him and instead of moving one minute forward it would in fact move two backwards.
In that tiny room, hidden from the world, he sat with her. Work no longer was a priority. He had only been there so it would help pass the time. It took his mind away from the subject before him. Besides, owning the business and having others under him meant that it wasn't a necessity to be present religiously. Along with that was food and sleep.
Never in his twenty four years of existence has he ever been so frightened to sleep. All those occasions when he was sure his father would kill in his sleep didn't compare with this. If he dozed off and missed her opening his eyes he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. What if she moved, and he didn't see it? They say she won't and hasn't but have they had a constant vigil over her?
No, she's been in this compact room by herself. They've left her all alone. Didn't they know she needed others? She grew up in a house with a large family. The constant noise is stability. She needs to know that she hasn't been abandoned. She needs to know she's needed.
Day by day week by week…everything all seemed to blur together. He was so tired he couldn't differenate Monday from Saturday or April from July. How long has he been sitting in that room holding her icy hands whispering to her? Forever doesn't seem like an adequate description.
"How long do you plan on sitting there Mr. Malfoy?" The voice was easily recognizable yet he didn't move his eyes from her face.
"What is it Snape?"
"I simply asked you a question. Do you always snap back?"
He didn't feel like dealing with this right now? Snape has done a lot for him and especially Ginny. He's tried everything to get her out of this comatose state. Still he doesn't want the company. He's had enough people standing over his shoulder telling him what they think he should do. He should stay right where he is.
"I'm not planning on going anywhere," he mumbled to the potion's master.
Snape shook his head and leaned against the door frame. He shouldn't feel so lost for words. This was exactly what he knew would happen. Everyone knew it would be like this. Yet, he hates to see the young man stewing away not eating nor sleeping while holding her hand is not going to bring her back.
"Malfoy."
"What?"
"Wanna do something for me?" The blonde raised his eyes away from her to gaze tiredly at him.
"What professor? I'm not leaving," he added quickly.
"I didn't suspect you would." He pushed himself up and walked towards the couple. "What do you know about her condition?"
He felt like actually growling. How many times has he been through this? Questions, looks, and sympathy has all been thrown at him. It's been enough to last a lifetime. Enough of it already! Stop the nagging questions and just let him be. If she's meant to waste away then he's meant to join her. He's the reason she's here and he'll be damned if he leaves her alone again.
"Let me get to the point then," the potion master said not missing the animalistic noise coming from the young man. "You can save her."
A bit too direct. Draco's eyes stared up at him blank. He thought this was all he was able to have. Just to be here with her, even if she's in a comatose state. Suddenly, to hear that he could have more. That he could hear her voice again was like a jet engine falling right on top of him.
"She's in her mind Mr. Malfoy. All she needs is someone to go in there and bring her back out."
"I don't think it's that easy," he croaked when he finally found his voice.
"No," he said with a heavy sigh. "Of course not but then again would that stop you?"
No answer was needed. It had already been decided. Draco was going to do this. He was going to do this and was going to succeed. No one else was compatible for the job. Her family would have volunteered but they didn't have the hold over her as he does. It's different and complex. Love…he's never known it until he fell for her, and she returned it.
"When can we get it started?"
"Whenever you're ready." Draco kissed her hand before placing it at her side and standing. Taking a deep breath he exhaled it and looked straight at his old professor.
"You should have came and got me four years ago."
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All that was needed was contact. Making the spell work it was only necessary to hold hands. Yet after the spell had been muttered and the atrocious tasting potion downed he laid on the bed and pulled her into his arms. Her closed eyelids were the last thing he saw, and her shallow breath was the last thing he felt.
It was a familiar tug but not one that came with a port key. He felt an eerie déjà vu as all those around him disappeared. They were no longer there, and he was moving into unknown territory. He was suddenly very uncomfortable leaving all that behind.
He was also very aware of the little red head girl staring up at him.