Chapter 6
It was six in the morning when the Ministry owl arrived tapping on his window. Severus stared at the divorce papers as he held a cup of tea on his right hand. The response for his petition for a divorce was surprisingly quicker than what he had hoped for. Normally, it would take at least a fortnight for the ministry to approve such a request since divorce is supposedly a big deal in the Wizarding World. Instead of the common two weeks, his letter was approved within 48 hours and was enclosed with the divorce papers. He gingerly placed down his cup before picking up the document for him to skim.
It had been two days since he was released from St. Mungo’s. He and Jamie are currently staying in Malfoy Manor much to the dismay of the Weasleys. Severus had explained that he cannot bear to stay in Grimmauld Place anymore because of all the bad memories while staying in the Burrow would mean taking the risk of encountering Harry again. Their last meeting at St. Mungo’s had proven that Harry wasn’t willing to let him go and that he will prove his love for them even if it takes forever.
Draco had entered his room while his husband was pleading him to withdraw his request for a divorce. The young Malfoy immediately went towards the Gryffindor before clutching his collar before punching him straight in the face.
“What did you do, Scar Head?!” he yelled as he punched Harry again.
"Draco, stop! That's enough!" Severus said as he watched the scene in front of him.
The blonde shoved the Gryffindor to the ground before sitting at the edge of the bed, glaring. His eyes softened as saw his godfather's tears. He told Severus that he wants to replace Hermione as his medical guardian.
"No, you're not. Hermione will be a great guardian for Sev." Harry wiped the blood dripping out of his mouth.
"Oh, really, Potter? I'm more eligible to be Uncle Severus' guardian since that know-it-all friend of yours is too soft. She'll crumble under your pathetic excuses and will let you come close to my godfather again. And then what? You'll hurt him again? I don't think so, Pot Head." Draco sneered.
"I love my husband. I will never hurt him!" he huffed indignantly, his hands clenching.
Draco laughed at his statement and blatantly told him that he already had hurt his godfather. He'll be damned if he let that continue on especially now that Severus is pregnant.
Both of them were about to fight again but luckily the head healer entered. He escorted Harry out of the room, stating that he is causing distress to his pregnant husband. Harry in turn pleaded, telling Severus that he'll change for them. All he needs is a chance to prove himself once again to his family.
Severus declined, telling him to expect the divorce papers soon. He told Harry that he's tired, and he can't bear to let his children and himself be hurt anymore. He looked away as Harry was being dragged away, his hands covering his face as he cried.
He honestly doesn’t believe that Harry could change that quickly for them. He’d long accepted the fact that his young husband’s passion was truly being an Auror. Accepting his proposal that quickly had been a foolish choice. He should’ve been more rational about it. But then again, he had accepted because he had believed that following his heart will lead to them being happy just this once. Or maybe it was because he was so starved for affection to the point that he didn’t want to let the only thing that showed romantic interest in him go.
Harry had…changed to say the least. It’s almost as if the Harry that he came to know and love never existed. Gone were the blissful moments of them bonding as a couple and as a family. He misses the days when his husband would just be there and hold him while whispering sweet nothings into his ear, telling him that everything’s gonna be alright. He misses their heated kisses and passionate lovemaking. But most of all, he misses the adoring husband and father that sees his family as his priority.
His normally composed façade started to dwindle as his quill hovered over the signature line. He knows that signing will officially end their relationship for good. A small part of him wanted to forgive Harry and to just continue upon loving him blindly. Though, it would mean risking his heart and children from suffering. He couldn’t afford making the same mistake as his mother did. He loves his children and he knows that leaving would be much better for them.
With an aching heart, his slightly shaking hands signed the papers. Severus covered the ink pot before resting his hands on his head, crying out his frustration and pain. He actually did it. He can’t believe that he had signed their divorce papers. Their seven years together is now nothing.
The ink blotted a bit as some of his tears landed on the document. He wiped his eyes before taking the papers in his hands once again. There’s no going back now. All he needs to do now is to give the papers to Harry and then it will hopefully be over.
Severus folded the papers and placed it inside the envelope before stamping it with a seal. He called Kreacher and told him to bring Harry the letter. He also told him that he won't be waiting for a response. The house elf popped away with a nod, leaving him alone again.
Severus stood up from his chair with an extreme urge of losing himself to the comfort of drinking firewhisky. He wants to forget, even just for a little while. It would've been a great idea except for the fact that he's pregnant. He let out a sigh and made his way to his room. It wouldn't do for Jamie to see him crying. He had a promise to live up to, afterall.