CATHERINE heard a scream. It was a shrill, piercing scream that sliced her heart in two. She did not know such a deafening scream could exist. That someone's pain could be translated into a sound so horrid she never wanted to hear it again.
And the scream was her own.
She was standing in a destroyed building. Rubbles of stones and granite burnt to ash all around her. Cracks lined the concrete floor and surrounding her were the sounds of people in pain or in battle. She hated the smell of death that hung in the air.
But what she hated more was the vision that lay in front of her. The reason for her uproar.
Draco was on the ground, facing downward, surrounded by the pool of his own blood. His face tilted towards her direction. His stare empty, his cheeks void of colour.
She tried to move but there was an invisible barrier in front of her. Like a wall placed between her and the person she called her home, who was dying right by her very eyes. Her love was drained of life and she couldn't even get to him. She banged her fist on the cruel magic that separated her from him, the skin on her hand scraped raw.
Her screams only grew louder and louder.
Finally the invisible wall cracked and exploded with such force, her body was pushed back, flying up in the air. Then she fell.... Down and down into a bottomless pit of darkness.
------
Catherine jolted awake with the scream still on her lips. She clutched the blanket with her trembling hands as she sat on the bed. Her whole body was still shaking from the horrors of her nightmare. Her cream coloured cotton tank top was damp and pressed into her body. She covered her mouth, willing her to stop screaming, but it wasn't just her own.
She turned to look at Draco. He was thrashing around the bed, shaking the frame. His arms were in the air trying to fight an invisible enemy. His screams were blood curling and filled with anguish, similar to hers. His eyes closed shut, scrunched up in pain. The sweat glistened on his forehead, mirroring hers.
"Draco!" She took both of his strong arms, pinning them down on the bed. His enormous strength nearly made it impossible for her to hold him still. His screams now turned into pained whimpers and he called out her name. Repeated it like a spell over and over.
"Draco I'm here!" She shook his shoulder and tapped his cheek. "Wake up and look at me! I'm here!"
His bright silver eyes opened instantly. He sat up straight on the bed so fast it nearly threw her to the floor, but his hands held onto her upper arm. He was heaving and so was she. Breathing hard and raged as he looked around the room, looking for the threat that was only living in his mind. They were in his bedroom at the Manor, after having dinner with Cissy and some of her friends.
When he focused on her, he sighed, still struggling to take in air. He scanned her body making sure she was alright. Then his hands went to her cheeks and Catherine placed both hands over his.
"It's not real." She reminded him, but mostly she wanted to remind herself too. "You're here and I'm here."
Draco nodded slightly, swallowing the lump in his throat. Catherine straddled his lap and leaned over to softly planted kisses over his face. She started on his forehead, his cheeks, his nose then softly giving a peck on his lips.
His hands went around her middle, holding her tighter than usual. He slowly moved to lay them both back on the bed and tucked their body close together. With a hand behind her head, she nuzzled into the crook on his neck, breathing in his scent of mint and bergamot.
When he slowly stroked her back, finding her body drenched in sweat, he pulled away just an inch further to look at her.
"You had a nightmare too." It wasn't a question, he knew her too well and there was no point in lying. He would read right through her. Catherine nuzzled back into his warmth, her hands sliding from his back to grip his shoulders.
They did not have to ask each other what the dreams were about.
Their greatest fear was losing each other.
"Don't leave me." Draco whispered in her ear, before they both drifted back to sleep.
------
Draco woke up the next morning with his head pounding and his whole body ached. It felt like he had just been trampled by a centaur. It usually happens after a nightmare, so no doubt Catherine must have one too. Not to mention the raid he went on the other day which he spent the whole day drained from fighting.
He turned to face her side of the bed, his hands skimming to touch her. He frowned when he felt the silky sheets empty from her warmth.
He opened his eyes slowly, hissing at the sunlight. Catherine's grumpy morning personality is starting to rub off on him it seems. He looked at the big standing clock at the corner of his room. Of course, she's gone. It was already two hours past her shift.
Then it hit him that today was a special day. Catherine had been like a hot potato for the whole week waiting for today. She said something about how the future rests on a piece of paper posted on the hospital bulletin board at exactly 5 p.m.
But Draco knew that today meant something else to her and he made special plans, which was supposed to start with calming her down with breakfast in bed but then went out the window. He cursed, silently hating himself for not waking up earlier.
It was a day where she did not need to be alone. He better nor screw up the rest of it.
He slowly got out of bed and stretched his hands above his head when something caught his eye. The table in the middle of his large bedroom was filled with food. He walked over not only to find a tonic for his headache, but some coffee as well. There was a cup that was already empty next to his freshly brewed one. Next to it was a note was written behind a used parchment filled with her old Healer notes.
'Drink the tonic before breakfast. It tastes like rotten eggs but it will calm your muscles and help with the soreness. You were finally sleeping peacefully and I didn't want to wake you up. Don't worry I kissed you before I left. Twice.
Wish me luck for today, yeah?
I love you'
"Good luck, love." He whispered softly towards her words. Not that she really needed it. He was sure she would pass. She had a terrible night of sleep and must be anxious to the bone all morning. Yet this beautiful woman cooked him breakfast before her morning rounds and made sure he was taken care of before she left.
He doesn't deserve her.
———
The tonic smelled like rotten eggs but it tasted more like vomit. Draco chugged it down real quick and downed the coffee trying to get the flavour out of his mouth. But she was right, his body felt no pain a mere minutes after.
Dressed in his usual white button down and black pants left his room when it was time to pick up Catherine. He passed the gardens to see his mother was having tea in the garden with Mrs. Zabini. He gave his greetings to them both and his mother pulled him aside for a while.
"Day off today?" His mother asked.
"Yes, only until tomorrow." The Ministry always gives them some rest time after a raid.
"I'm glad I was able to have you at dinner last night. Haven't seen much of you lately." Narcissa commented. She links her arms around his as they walk towards the front gates. Draco gave her a sheepish grin, feeling guilty for not being around her often enough.
"I'm sorry mother."
"Oh don't be. I'm fine and well. I have friends coming over keeping me company. How's Catherine this morning?"
"I didn't get to see her actually. But I bet she was a nervous puffball."
Narcissa chuckled, "She was barely coherent for dinner. So much anxiety in that small body."
Her mother softly brushed her hands over some of the plants lining the pavement. "Despite being in the Ministry and all... You seem happy, Draco, and that is all I wanted for you."
Draco nodded.
"She makes you happy." She looked up at him. "I owe her a lot for saving my life but I owe her much more for putting life back into your eyes. For bringing you home."
"She's my home." His heart did that warm flutter again.
"As she should be." Her mother smiled. "You deserve to be happy Draco. Please always remember that."
A long time ago, he would have disagreed immediately. He would retort back with a snarl of how life was unjust. How he believed that his cruel actions must be justified by a life of doom. It all changed the moment she healed her wound in the emergency ward that cold winter day.
"After the battle, after we win." His mother emphasised. "Sell this house. Give it away or destroy it, I do not care. Use the money to have yourself a new start, a new house for your home. Then buy me one from the countryside where I can live in peace."
"Mother..."
She continued, "This house is filled with the past. We can't erase them but we can leave them behind and move forward. So let's do that. You and Catherine deserve it."
"You deserve it too. You deserve happiness just like everyone else does."
"I know." She squeezed his hands gently. They walked slowly until they reached the iron gates.
"Did you get the flowers?"
"Of course." He smirked.
"Well then off you go. Make my future daughter in law happy."
———
He sat by the new steel benches of St. Mungo's rose gardens. It was now freshly designed with a working water fountain, newly carved limestone statues and a vintage-looking pavement. He forgot how beautiful the garden truly was.
Draco looked at the trainees that started piling out of the back door. Some we're jumping around with happiness, some more with tears and devastation across their faces.
There were many people waiting outside too, sitting on similar steel benches spread across the area. Lots of tearful reunions. One guy was so pale he passed out the minute he saw his family waiting for him. Well there was no doubt about his results.
He paced the area a little. She knew Catherine would do just fine but he couldn't help but get a little anxious himself waiting for her. Each time a flash maroon robe passed through the door his head would snap in that direction.
She has worked too hard for this and she deserved all the success in the world.
Finally he saw Flick. His maroon robes were in his hands and he was laughing as he helped open the door for her.
And there she was.
One look at him and the smile on her face blinded him brighter than the sun, though it did not really met her eyes.
Flick gave him a wave and Draco replied with a nod. Catherine bid him goodbye but her eyes never left his. Draco slowly opened his arms wide and stepped forward. It was the invitation she needed.
Catherine ran so fast and jumped, crashing into him with enough force almost knocking him down. But he was always ready to catch her. Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up, twirling her around. The sound of her laughter in his ears nearly brought him to his knees.
"I passed." Her voice filled with pride.
He kissed the side of her head and let her down. Still holding on to her tight but breaking apart to look at her. He kissed her cheeks in a fury just because he knew it would make her laugh. He needed her to laugh, he needed to ease her ache of today.
"I knew you would." He told her. There was a shift in her eyes and she placed a hand on his cheek.
"Thank you for waiting for me here."
"You really think I wouldn't?" He leaned down this time to kiss her on the lips. "Your tonic was did wonders by the way."
"Ah my secret mix. Still can't find a way to get rid of the horrid taste though. But do you feel better, really?" Her face was trying to relax but Draco knew her heart was elsewhere.
"Better now that I'm with you." Draco grinned at her and she jokingly punched his chest.
He finally stepped back pulling apart from their embrace. "Close your eyes and put your hand out" He instructed her.
Her eyes went wide immediately, filled with fear. "Why? What are you doing? How did you-"
"Catherine. Just close your eyes and trust me."
She looked at him skeptically before sighing and doing as she was told. Draco flicked his wand around her hand then placed his wand back in his pocket. "Alright you can open your eyes."
The sun was already starting to set and Draco did not want her to miss this moment. The sky now in a pale tint of red and the sun just starting to descend. He will never forget the time he watched her break down in tears right here in this spot. The first night he was here and she took care of him despite the grief she was harbouring.
Catherine looked at her hands and tears began to fill her eyes.
———
"Sunflowers.." she whispered. Her fingers skimmed the bright yellow petals. The bouquet was tied with a pretty orange bow in the middle and some gold accented leaves around the edges.
Sunflowers were her Mama's favourite.
"Now come watch the sunset with me." He guided her with a hand by her back towards the edges of the garden. They were now away from the people and the crowd, standing at the far back looking at the view.
If you still miss me, look at the sunset
Her mothers words softly rang in her ears and she no longer could hold the tears piling under her eyes.
Don't forget to smile back my cherry
Today was her day. The day she was taken away from her forever. The day she thought that her soul left her body. It was the only day of the year she allowed herself to break while watching the sun rise and set.
Catherine did not want anyone to know really. She never really thought about telling Draco about it, but he would have sensed the change in her mood the past few days leading up to today. Not to mention that the anticipated announcement of her test happens to be on the exact same date. Yeah, she was not easy to live with for the past week.
Gabby and Greg were the only people who knew and remembered. She always pushed them away, because she was afraid they would not get how she felt. She always tried her best to cry all by herself. With no witnesses.
She didn't have to do it alone now.
"Don't get mad. I pestered and Gabby told me." He went and hugged her from behind. He settled his head above hers. "Your mother is so proud of you, Catherine. Just as proud as I am for how much you have achieved. For the woman you've become."
Then it happened. The sun dips into the trees. The sky was roaring with a kaleidoscope of colours in a mixture of yellow, pink and purple.
The last gasp of beauty before the death of day.
She let the dam burst.
Her tears flooded and she tried her best to suppress her hurling sobs.
"Scream. Let it out, Catherine." She remembered the time when it was her telling him to scream into the ocean. "I'm here now."
So she did not hold back. Letting the ripples of grief and eternal longing for the woman that created her and made her who she was. For the universe taking her away far too soon. Her voice cracked as she expressed how much she loved her and missed her.
Once the sun disappeared, she turned to face him. "Thank you for holding me even when I fall apart."
"That is one of the many things you never have to thank me for." Draco kissed her forehead, "Better?"
Catherine nodded with a sad smile, "Better."
"Let's go then. I want to take you somewhere." He held her hand and led the way.
———
Draco held her hand all the way to the columbarium. Catherine had not been here since the incident with the stones, it was too hard. But today was her day, and she never fails to come here each year on the anniversary of her death. The act of Draco being thoughtful enough to bring her here made her heart melt.
After exchanging the information, they led them both to the fifth floor. Catherine held onto his hand tight. Once the door was opened to their designated room, Catherine felt her heart stop.
There was an elaborate and elegant picnic set on the marble floor. The checkered red and white fabric was the base with an empty white porcelain vase in the centre, no doubt to put the sunflowers that were still in her hands. Beautiful purple and pink sticks of lavender scented candles lit the room. There was an array of fruits and snacks placed on silver plates.
Catherine had seen this before, with other families. She had seen other families do picnics together in the columbarium, but she could never do it alone.
"I thought you would want to spend today with them. I just wanted it to be special." He was accessing her reaction.
Her tears were already back in her eyes as she looked up at him.
This beautiful man. What did she do in her past life to deserve someone that loves her beyond her wishes?
When she did not say anything, his eyebrows furrowed, "You don't like it. I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry again. Let's go home-"
Catherine squeezed his hand and stood on her tiptoes, giving a peck on his lips.
"I love you." It was all she could say. She hoped it would encompass the amount of gratitude in her heart. She made a promise at that exact moment, that she would never take him for granted.
———
Catherine rested her head on Draco's lap. She was so full from all the food that she felt her stomach was going to burst. They were both now enjoying the comfortable silence.
She looked at her parent's box. They just finished slowly redecorating the interior. Adding new emerald velvet linings on the walls. Polishing the glass and wooden door. Draco even bought new photo frames for the pictures. There was something so soothing about cleaning their urn, polishing it until the marbles shine. It felt like she was taking care of them even if they were so far away.
"Can I ask you something?" Draco asked her.
"It depends. What am I going to get?"
He chuckled and grabbed a piece of the remaining chocolate covered strawberries that were on the plate.
"You get a treat."
"You're confusing me with Smalls." But he proceeded to feed her anyway. Half chewing she replied, "Ask away."
He hesitated for a moment, "Why do they call you Cherry? It's in one of the photos as well."
Catherine swallowed and stared at the photo. It was taken when she was around 9 years old. Her mother had written in bright red letters Happy Birthday my Cherry on the bottom corner. Her heart swelled at the memory.
"You don't have to answer. I didn't mean to pry." He stroked and smoothed her hair. Catherine sat up and looked at him.
"My middle name is Cerise." Draco raised an eyebrow at her, stunned by the information he was unaware of. "Which means cherries, so Mama calls me her cherry. It was a nickname that only belonged to her and Papa. No one else has ever called me that."
Draco tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, cupping her cheeks.
"Catherine Cerise Ariendra." Her name was beautiful coming from his lips. Now there was someone else, other than her parents and Gabby, that finally knew her fully for who she was. Someone that owns her whole heart and was nor afraid to show it. "Cherry," He repeated before leaning forward and kissed her softly.
"Ma chérie." He whispered against her lips. My darling.
He was her darling too, for now and ever more.
A heart-warming Draco x Cathy for you loves. Hugs and Kisses, Genevieve 🌻