My body still throbbed as I sat up, realising I was splayed across Draco's satin sheets. My legs were free and dangling off the edge of his bed.

I knew it was the best sleep I'd had in a while. After all, who gets good shut-eye on a stone floor?

Not me, anyway.

I rose, feeling satisfied at the intense click that my muscles made when I stretched my arms and back. I planted my feet on the floor and stood up.

I couldn't leave, so I decided to hang around for a while. I picked up a book and realised that it was about potions.

My heart ached for Severus just to be okay. If he didn't want to see me anymore, I was fine with it. I just wanted him to be alive.

A world without Severus was one I didn't want to be a part of.

I heard the door click and I shoved myself to the ground behind Draco's bed, rolling underneath it swiftly.

"Verita, it's just me."

My whole body filled with relief as I slid out from my hiding place and saw Draco stood there with worried eyes.

"What happened?" I demanded instantly.

"I found him. He's not dead," the blonde-haired boy joked, earning a disappointed glance from me.

Draco covered for himself quickly, "He's actually in good condition. He's just under the eyes of the Dark Lord-"

"I knew you'd be here somewhere."

My eyes snapped up to meet someone I just about recognised.

"We can't afford to hide her, Draco," the woman pleaded, making me realise that this was his mother, Narcissa, "The Dark Lord is frustrated enough at your father."

"What he did and what I do are separate," Draco argued. "Verita is my-"

"Your mum is right, Draco," I nodded, "Please, don't mind me. I will sort this out myself without getting either of you in any more danger than you may be at this very moment."

"I was going to add that if you do mean a lot to my son then by all means, I shall help protect you," Narcissa added.

"Thank you," I told her, "But please, I don't want to get anyone-"

"Severus protected my son when I couldn't," Narcissa remarked, "I owe him the favour to protect you when he can't."

I smiled at her gratefully, "Thank you. Both of you."

"We need a plan," Draco interrupted.

"Perhaps Narcissa could request speaking to Severus. I could cause a commotion and at the last minute, Severus and I could apparate whilst you two either stay or apparate too," I suggested.

"I don't believe it would be safe to stay here after that, but it is a fair plan," Narcissa said, "Draco and I have somewhere to go in these emergencies. Perhaps you and Severus could join us."

"We can sort that later," I grinned.