The world in slow motion
Astoria and Draco POV
Astoria stood there, staring at Abby and Luna, asleep at last. The room seemed too small to contain all the pain that was accumulating. She couldn’t take her eyes off them, but her mind couldn’t stop thinking about Samuel. Her brother. Everything seemed unreal, like a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. Her heart clenched, and without warning, the tears flowed.
She had to see him. She had to see Samuel, one last time, to make it real, even if part of her refused to believe it. She stopped a nurse who was passing by her.
—Where… where’s Samuel?” she asked, her voice breaking.
—Room 3, but…” replied the nurse, her tone full of compassion.
Astoria didn’t wait for the end of the sentence. She headed for the room, her heart beating painfully in her chest.
—Astoria, it’s not…” began the nurse, trying to stop her.
—I must… see him,” she replied without turning around. Her voice was firm, but her body was trembling.
She reached the front of the room and, as she pushed open the door, her gaze fell immediately on the bed, covered with a sheet. Her vision blurred as tears flooded her eyes. Just then, Draco appeared, holding her back. Astoria broke down. She collapsed in his arms. Her whole body trembled, shaken by sobs.
—The threats… they… they… she sobbed, her words lost in her tears.
—I know,” Draco murmured, his voice deep and calm, but full of sadness. He held her tighter to him, as if to protect her from the crushing pain. His arms were around her, and yet nothing could lessen the loss.
He helped her to a chair, where she sat, her hands clasped in her lap, her gaze lost in emptiness. The world was spinning in slow motion. Draco approached, also crying, taking her hands in his. He said nothing, but his presence, his love was there, constant.
The world around Astoria continued to turn, even if she felt suspended in a bubble of unreality. Life went on, mercilessly, while everything in her heart froze. As she tried to regain control of her emotions, a familiar burst of voice came from the reception area. It was one of Samuel and Abby’s neighbours, obviously bringing something.
Astoria stood up, unsteadily, and made her way to reception, Draco at her heels, ever vigilant. The neighbour, his eyes full of sadness, handed them Luna’s bag, which Astoria took without thinking. This simple yet harmless gesture weighed heavily on her mind.
—I’m really sorry,” murmured the neighbour, his throat tight.
Astoria nodded, unable to answer. She felt her facade of control wavering, ready to crack at any moment.
—They’ll need a bag,” Draco added softly, his gaze resting briefly on Luna’s bag. They’ll come to the house.
Astoria nodded. She had to take care of this. The practical things, the little tasks. She had to take Luna’s things, but she also had to take Abby’s things. Leaving Draco in charge seemed inconceivable. She wanted… no, she needed to do it. It was a way of staying close to Samuel, to this place that had been their refuge.
—I’ll take care of it,” she said, her eyes lingering on the aurors who were still on the scene, chatting quietly amongst themselves. She could do it. She had to go.
Draco took her hand gently, looking worried.
—I can do it, if you prefer,” he offered gently, his gaze searching hers.
Astoria squeezed his fingers in return. She knew that Draco wanted to protect her, to spare her from this extra pain, but she couldn’t stay here, motionless, waiting for everything to collapse further. She had to do something.
—Stay here for Luna and Abby, I’ll be right back,” she said, trying to keep her voice firm.
—Astoria… please… Draco insisted, his tone pleading. He knew her pain. He was going through it too, but he was afraid to see her lose herself in the process.
She turned to him, her gaze determined, but softened by the tenderness she bore him despite all the chaos. She kissed him on the cheek, embracing him briefly.
—I’ll be back soon, Draco. I promise.
He returned her embrace, his heart heavy, and before she left, he whispered in her ear:
—I love you.
These words, spoken in a low voice, resonated within her, offering a brief comfort before she left the hospital. She quickly descended the stairs, Luna’s bag still in her hand, and finally stepped outside. A cold autumn breeze hit her, prickling on her skin already chilled with pain.
Samuel and Abby’s house was close by, but every step seemed heavy. As she reached the door, Astoria paused. The sight of that familiar door, the one she’d passed through so many times to visit her brother, triggered a flood of emotions she couldn’t contain. Her brother was gone, and this house, so full of life a few hours earlier, now seemed empty, devastated by grief.
She entered slowly, the air still and heavy inside, as if the place itself bore the imprint of Samuel’s loss. Every detail, every corner of the house brought her back to him. The sofa where he used to sit and read to Luna, the family photos on the wall… She felt herself wavering, but she couldn’t flinch now. There were things to do.
She went upstairs, heart pounding, and entered Luna’s room. The innocent atmosphere of the room contrasted violently with the reality of what had happened. Astoria tried to remain calm. She grabbed some clothes for Luna, then headed to the bed to pick up her favorite cuddly toy, the one she snuggled up to every night. Her heart sank as she imagined Luna without her father, seeking comfort where there would be none.
Then she went to Samuel and Abby’s room. Her gaze fell on her brother’s clothes, hung neatly in the wardrobe, and the sight crushed her. The bed was unmade, as if he’d left the house in a hurry that morning, not knowing it would be the last time. Tears welled up again. She grabbed a suitcase, taking some things for Abby, her body taking over.