Don't Save Me

The two of you are going to face many challenges in life. Her words rang in my ears as Severus held my body to his, trying to slow my fast heart and heavy breathing. His lips brushed my ear as he whispered soothing words to me. Minerva sat beside us, unsure of what to say, simply allowing Severus to comfort me. I could see a thousand thoughts running behind her mind though I couldn't make out what they were and I wouldn't invade her mind by trying to discover what she was thinking. I simply allowed Severus to hold me and hoped that whatever Minerva was thinking, she would tell me in time. Worry lines creased her forehead as she stared out at the creek in deep thought, her hand on her chin and her eyes flicking back and forth. Severus's hand ran slowly up and down my back as the sound of the water rushing over the rocks filled my ears. His fingers traced circles into my back and warmth spread through my body despite the slight chill in the air. We pulled away slightly, though his hands never left my body. They moved along my back before reaching my shoulders, leaving goosebumps in their path.

"Are you alright?" he asked me, as he reached one hand toward my face, softly caressing my cheek. I nodded softly.

"Let's get out of here," I said, turning to Minerva. She nodded and Severus gently placed his hand on my back, grabbing the duffel bag, before we followed the path toward the house. When we reached the front I turned to face the house that I had lived my whole life in. I felt Severus's eyes on me, waiting for me to say something, though I didn't know what to say. I looked around at the house that held so much pain and I felt tears forming in my eyes as I looked at the front porch. The place where I was forced to put on a smile, never letting the neighbors see the pain I felt. Vines had begun to spread over the porch, curling over the steps. I chuckled to myself as I thought about how perfect my aunt had always kept this place. She would be rolling in her grave if she could see the house now. My uncle had begun to let it go and now that he was gone, the weeds had taken over.

Severus's POV

As we walked along the overgrown path I couldn't help but keep one hand on Y/n's back, afraid if I let go she would disappear. When we reached the front of the house she turned to face it, standing still as I faced her, not knowing what to say. Her eyes flicked back and forth between the windows and the door before finally settling on the front porch. I watched as tears formed in her eyes, years worth of memories flashing in them as she tried to hold back her tears. I pulled her closer to me, though I'm not sure she even noticed, as a small chuckle left her lips, her eyes still focused on the porch. She turned her body toward me and I could see a look of malice crossing her features.

"What happens if I blow it up?"