I took a sharp breath in as I opened Draco's tall, wooden door. He was on the other side, and pulled up the cloak's hood for me as I positioned myself beside him.

We left his room and headed to where Narcissa told us to meet her. Much to Draco's pleasure, the location was empty. He lowered his wand a little and we stepped into the shadows.

"Narcissa, I will not ask you again."

His voice was loud and bellowed through the manor. I felt myself shiver at the sound, missing every inch of him just a little bit more than I already did.

"Is she okay?"

The way his speech broke stabbed at my heart.

I could almost hear the smile in Narcissa's voice as she told him, "She's been better, certainly."

Her voice lowered and she added, "She's outside with Draco. You are going to go outside and apparate away with her, okay? She's going to cause a commotion and-"

"There's no one out there!" Severus argued, "There is absolutely no need to put Verita in more danger than she already is just standing out there!"

And within seconds, he was in front of me.

My eyes met him and tears welled up in my eyes. I flung myself at him as he apparated.

I found myself in his house, and I began to panic.

"Won't they come here, Severus?" I questioned, frantically moving to the window and staring outside.

"They could," he told me, following me and placing his arms around my waist, "It will be charmed in a few minutes."

There was a bang at the door and Draco appeared in the doorway just as I gripped into Severus' sleeve in fright.

"God, Draco!" I exclaimed, "You scared me, idiot!"

His mother followed him and gave Severus a respectful nod as Draco chucked at my words.

"The charm is complete," Narcissa informed us, "If anyone comes in, they are likely not to see us."

"Likely?" I repeated, an expression of unamusement covering my features.

Narcissa gave me a small smile, "They won't. They're far too..."

She stopped herself, and conversation ended there.

"I assume you have spare rooms?" Narcissa asked, eyeing Severus.

"Of course," he replied, leading her into another room. He came back and stared at Draco.

"I'll be staying at... a friend's," he said quietly, leaving the room.

"What was that about?" I said aloud, although it was more of a thought to myself.

Before I could speak again, Severus' lips were pressed to mine and I felt him quiver slightly.

"You do not understand how worried I was," he stated, coal eyes gazing into mine.

"I'm sorry!" I blurted out, "For my foolish actions, you..."

"No, Verita. Do you honestly think I would let him tear us apart?"

I grinned, and answered, "No, I suppose not."