Healing // d.m.

| 65 |

  He took his time to enjoy the comfort of their embrace and when he pulled back, his mother placed a loving hand on his cheek.

  "This is too real."

  Narcissa laughed, "My dear, it's not a dream. You're here now."

  What is this place?

  It was then he realised that her mother's eye was the shade of the ocean. Bluest of blue. The lines on her face were still present but there was no longer any torment in her smile. She was free and happy.

  "She's been waiting for you for a long, long time."

  Draco's eyes were on fire, and for a split second, he let his heart wander to the possibility of the the most blissful reunion in history. It's a longing that stretches beyond life.

  "She's in the ballroom. Go to her. You deserve it."

  Draco gave his mother one last hug and flew out of the room. He caught a glimpse of himself in the hallway mirror. He was wearing an all black suit with a black tie. The golden touches of the pin and his buttons gleamed. It was the tux he wore to the ball.

  He sprinted down the stairs at the speed of light, until finally he stood right outside the velvet double doors.

  There was music playing inside.

  'Hold me close and hold me fast, this magic spell you cast'

  His heart was beating wildly. His head dizzy from all the expectations.

  'This is La Vie en Rose.'

  Life has been far from beautiful since she passed away, not even rose coloured glasses could fix it. But if she was really behind that door, then he wouldn't need any.

  The knob was cold to the touch, and Draco finally pushed open.

  And the universe realigned.

  Her dark brown hair was now up to her hips. Draco remembered exactly how soft the delicate waves were. She was in a simpler rendition of her iridescent golden ball gown. The dress hugged her body and reached just below her knees. Her soft white skin, glowing as the sunlight basked the room.

  When she turned around, Draco had to fight the urge to break down and cry.

  Those magnificent deep brown eyes and her smile. God how he loved that smile.

  His legs moved on it's own accord. Just a few long strides and stopped right in front of her. Her scent was real, the concoction of cherries now true to his senses and not from a silly love potion. She blinked a few times and leaned forward, inching closer. The disbelief evident in both of their faces.

  Tears began to pool in her eyes and Draco had to place a hand on her cheek. She leaned her head almost instantly. Her other hand circled his wrist.

  A single touch from her and now he was finally warm again.

  "Dear God, if this is a dream I don't want to wake up." He whispered, afraid that if he was too loud, she would disappear. Surely God or whoever was in charge wouldn't be this cruel. To give him salvation only to have him wake up on his own.

  Catherine chuckled, "It's not."

  His lungs forgot how to take in air. Her voice, her laugh, the movement of her lips.

 "But in case you're still wondering."

  She leaned in and Draco thought she was going to kiss him, but instead he felt a sharp sting on his left cheek as it made contact with her hand.