1992 Spinner's End
August 16th, 1992
"Severus, my old friend." Narcissa beamed as she embraced Severus Snape in his home on Spinner's End. "How are you?"
"I am well, Cissy; sit down; you know the routine," Severus chided, motioning towards the sitting area. "Where is my Godson? Absent again, I see."
"Oh yes, well, he sends his best. However, we gifted him a Nimbus 2001 for his birthday. So, to say he is preoccupied wouldn't begin to cover it." Narcissa chuckled.
"Is it his intention to try out for the Slytherin team this year?"
"Oh yes, he has been practicing night and day at the Manor. I know Lucius has put a great deal of pressure on him, but I think he is a natural."
"We shall see…How are his Occlumency lessons going?" Severus continued.
"He's a great student, as I'm sure you've learned; however, his mind is filled with a certain girl. Tell me about her, Severus..."
He measured his words carefully before opening his mouth.
"Yes. I would imagine so… Miss. Granger." He paused for a long time. "She's Muggleborn, Gryffindor, annoyingly swotty, impulsive, friends with the Potter boy, and as far as I can tell, she is the brightest witch in her year."
"It seems history would repeat itself…." Narcissa muttered to herself.
"And what may I ask, do you mean by that?"
"You can't deny the similarities, Severus. She's just like her. And he, in his way, is very much like you…."
Severus took a slow deep breath in and out as he thought out his response.
"I know where you are going with this, and please do not speak her name…."
"If you know where I am going with this, tell me what you think we should do!" Narcissa burst out. "Look what happened to you!"
"It's not that simple! He's not me, and she's not her!"
"Well, of course, it's not simple. My only child has chosen the epitome of everything his Father hates to be his best friend. And I have quite literally never seen my Draco happier than when I've seen him with her, inside his memories. As a Mother, how can I possibly take that away from him?!" She exclaimed, exposing her feelings across her porcelain face.
"There are other factors involved! What if Lucius found out? There is no telling what he would do. How long do you think you could hide this from him?!" Severus threw his hands in the air, defeated.
"I know my husband is not perfect by any means, nor is he an exemplary Father to Draco, but he is my husband. I loved him the day I married him and will love him until he dies. But… "She stopped her words for a moment, gazing out the window distantly. "I choose to be a Mother first, and I think what Lucius doesn't know won't hurt him…."
"So you expect me to… to encourage their friendship when you see how well it went for me. They are from entirely different worlds! How can you expect this to work out in either of their favor!? Think logically, Cissy; this never has and will never work!"
"Logic holds no ground in a mother's love for her son!" She exhaled before digressing. "For the time being, Severus, we will have to keep a cautious eye over them…."
"Obviously, but...I can't control everything...even Dumbledore is aware of-"
"WHAT!?" She was yelling now, her mind ablaze. "Merlin, what has Draco gotten himself into..."
"Dumbledore can be trusted...you know this, Cissy." He reassured her.
"Only because you say so...I have no other reason to..."
"And do you trust me?" he asked.
"Always Severus, always."
"I'll watch over Draco and the girl...Dumbledore won't be an issue. I promise."
"Thank you, Severus, my dear old friend."