Work Text:
Harry sat on the floor next to his four year old son. Scorpius’ blonde hair was pulled back into a small messy ponytail that matched Harry’s, as he examined the large puzzle pieces spread out in front of him. Recently Scorpius has been obsessed with puzzles. Whether it be random muggle cartoon characters of simplified dragons in the muggle eye and more realistic ones made by wizards, Scorpius wanted to solve them all.
Though he was only four, Scorpius was quite smart and he was able to solve quite complex puzzles with little to no help. Hence why Harry was just quietly observing Scorpius. Harry snickered quietly. The blonde looked so serious and so much like his father it was a bit scary.
A small sneeze made Harry direct his attention towards his daughter who was laying next to Harry’s thigh. Lilian’s little head bobbed from the force of her own sneeze, her eyes squeezed shut for a second before they flew back open. A look of confusion crossed her face for a moment that made Harry snort.
Lilian was propped on her elbows, she was shifting her legs around to try and push herself up onto her hands and knees. Recently Lilian has been attempting to crawl around but the most she’s gotten to so far was shuffling on her belly.
Harry shook his head with another quiet laugh and pressed his hand under her belly, gently lifting her up. He carefully tucked her legs under her before slowly lowering her weight onto her legs and arms.
As expected, Lilian wobbled for a second before slowly lowering herself with a loud huff. She moved her head, looking at her father with big greenish brown eyes.
When she was first born her eyes were a bright green, but as she got older they started to darken. Harry was sure she would end up with hazel eyes like his father’s.
“You’re such a lazy baby.” Harry giggled, lifting Lilian off her belly and setting her in his lap, lifting his knees up so she could lean against them. Lilian reached out, examining her own hands before giggling softly.
Harry beamed, slipping his thumbs into the palm of Lilian’s hands. He kissed her forehead, making her lean back with a loud giggle.
“Daddy!” Scorpius huffed, blinking up at Harry. Leaning away from his daughter to look at his son.
“Yes?” Harry asked, he kept Lilian’s hands in his own but trained his eyes on his son.
“Where’s papa at? He was s’pose to be home.” Scorpius whined, leaning against Harry’s side. Scorpius abandoned the puzzle he was working on to instead push one of Harry’s hands away from Lilian’s and replace it with his own.
Lilian pulled his hand to her mouth, making Scorpius’ face scrunch up and he pulled his and her hand away from her mouth.
Harry’s eyebrows furrowed and with his newly freed hand he pulled his wand from his back pocket. He cast a quick tempus and he frowned.
Scorpius was right, Draco was late. Not really normal behavior for the well kept blonde. Harry hadn’t even noticed how late it had gotten. Normally Draco got off at nine-thirty but it was almost eleven o’clock.
That also meant both of his children were up way past their bedtime. Harry bit his lip, looking at both of his kids with masked worry.
Harry knew he shouldn’t worry, Draco was probably just caught up with a new patient or a lot of paperwork or something. Recently Draco had been doing all of his paperwork at the office. Lilian threw up on very important documents and Scorpius drew on an old patient’s death report that Draco had to review for inconsistencies. After that Draco never used his office again, not for work at least. He still uses it for reading and very minor assignments on occasion.
“Come on buddy, papa’s just working late. It’s past your bedtime, let's get ready, yeah?” Harry hummed, placing Lilian back down so he could stand up. He really had no idea how Draco could stand up with either one of their children in his arms without falling or at least stumbling.
Scorpius whined, rolling over onto his back in a terribly dramatic way. “Put daddy! I wanna see papa!” The small blonde cried, poking his bottom lip out and crossing his little arms.
Harry sighed, bending down to pick Lilian back up. “I know bud but your papa’s gonna blow a fuse if he comes home and you’re still up.”
Scorpius’ frown deepened and he shook his head hard. The little blonde pushed himself up onto his feet. His pale cheeks were gradually turning a light red and his eyes began to gloss over.
“Scorpius don’t you dare-” Harry started, bracing himself for the tantrum he knew was coming. Scorpius didn’t take Harry nearly as seriously as he did Draco. Mainly because Draco had a stern look that could stop a raging hippogriff in its tracks.
Before either one of them could make a move however, the sound of the floo caught both of their attention.
“Papa!” Scorpius yelled as he rushed from the room. Harry rolled his eyes at how quickly his son’s act changed up.
“A snake for sure.” Harry muttered as he followed behind the small male.
Both Harry and Scorpius were surprised when Draco simply walked past them. He didn’t say anything, his head was down and his fist were clutched tight.
Scorpius tried to follow after the older blonde but was stopped with a sharp glare from the man. Harry’s eyebrows furrowed and his lips pursed.
Scorpius’ eyes were shining with unshed tears once more and his lip was once again poking out. He stamped his little foot, crossing his arms across his chest.
“Papa is so mean! I going to bed!” Scorpius declared, stomping off to his room. He even slammed the door, much to Harry’s amusement.
The black haired male looked down at his daughter with a frown. “What do you think is going on Lily?”
Said girl looked up at her daddy with a wide, toothless, grin. Harry snorted and carried her to her room. He placed her in her cot, making sure to leave the door open wide so he could hear any noises she made just in case she started to cry, or choke, or whatever the hell babies manage to do when they’re left alone.
He then quickly moved towards his son’s room. He knocked twice before pushing the door open. Scorpius was standing by his dresser, it was thrown open haphazardly and the clothes were shifted around messily. Scorpius had managed to pull off his jeans and his t-shirt from earlier today, but now he was struggling to put on his pajamas.
Harry smiled as he silently watched his son struggle to pull a shirt over his head. The shirt, and pants, were on backwards and Scorpius was trying to force his head through one of the armholes instead of the neck hole.
“You’ve got that on backwards Scorp. And your big head can’t fit in there bud.” Harry snickered. Scorpius huffed, taking the shirt out and offering it to Harry with pleading, but still narrowed, eyes.
The black haired man grinned and helped his son get dressed, flipping his clothes around to the proper spot and making sure they were buttoned correctly before dropping him into his bed. Scorpius giggled loudly as he bounced against the mattress, blonde hair finally falling from the half assed ponytail Harry had put it in an hour or so ago.
Harry helped Scorpius under his blankets before he pushed the boy’s messy hair from his face and kissed his forehead. Scorpius leaned into the touch with a soft smile that fell soon after.
“Daddy…is papa mad at us?” Scorpius asked quietly, looking at his father with big grey eyes. The look on his face was a mix of sadness and nervousness, like Scorpius thought this wasn’t a question he should be asking but decided to ask anyway.
Harry felt his heart squeeze and he shook his head softly. “No buddy, papa’s just had a rough day.” Harry explained with the little information he had. Scorpius nodded, a frown still on his face.
“Okay…g’night daddy.” Scorpius mumbled, tucking himself into his blankets. Harry kissed his son’s forehead once more before standing up and leaving the room. He cracked Scorpius’ door before moving towards his and his husband’s bedroom.
Harry pushed the door open quietly. He was greeted by utter darkness, which wasn’t surprising. Throughout all these years of living in the muggle world, Draco still couldn’t stand lamps, and many other muggle things. He called lamps unnatural, as if being a wizard was exactly natural.
Harry smiled softly at the memory of his husband whining about lamps and slipped inside the pitch black room. Harry shuffled through the dark room, silently cursing himself for leaving his wand on the floor of their children’s(mainly Scorpius’ at the moment)playroom.
Harry tactfully avoided the bed and moved to the bedside table. He took note of the soft sniffling coming from the bed as he moved. Harry flicked on the bedside lamp and looked towards where the noises were coming from. He felt his heart sink when his eyes landed on his husband curled onto the bed.
Draco’s face had fallen into his face and his work robes were still on his body. Usually Draco refused to even sit down without showering and changing his clothes after he got home from a long night shift.
“Draco? Honey?” Harry muttered, slipping onto the bed next to his husband.
Draco let out a quiet sob, clutching his arms close to his body. Harry pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and he gently reached out to rub his hand along Draco’s exposed side.
Harry laid himself down next to the curled up male and brushed Draco’s hair from his face. Since Lilian was born, which was six months ago, Draco hadn’t bothered to cut his hair and now it was quite long and fell into his face whenever he so much as tilted his head.
Harry began quietly coaxing his husband out of his curled position. He whispered softly and sweetly, gently rubbing up and down Draco’s sides. It took multiple quiet “ It’s okay love ”s and “ Take your time ”s before Draco’s tears dried and he uncurled himself.
Draco finally willed himself to make eye contact with Harry. Harry smiled softly, happy to see those beautiful grey eyes. “Hello lover” Harry whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Draco’s temple.
Draco sighed, pressing himself against Harry’s warm body. That was one thing Draco absolutely adored about Harry. Draco was a naturally cold person, no matter what he did he could never warm himself up to a comfortable level. It wasn’t until he started dating Harry did he realize the man was basically a human space heater. Harry radiated so much heat some days that Draco could feel it without actually touching the male.
Draco pushed his face into Harry’s neck, he inhaled the man’s woodsy scent for a moment. Draco truly wanted to let himself relax against his husband. He felt exhausted, all he really wanted to do was go to sleep.
He let his eyes close and stopped fighting the urge to relax against Harry’s body.
“I know you’re tired love,” Harry stared, pulling away from Draco’s near vice grip, “but you still have your robes on.” Harry muttered softly, releasing his hold on Draco’s waist.
The blonde was suddenly hyper aware of his robes pressing against his skin. He shot up, the need to remove the items of clothing was immediate. His skin prickled and he quickly rushed into their bathroom, not bothering to grab a change of clothes despite needing them.
“Harry can you uhm..grab a shirt or something for me?” Draco called as he removed his robes from his body.
Harry didn’t reply, instead he hopped up and grabbed one of his own shirts, a black one with a random band’s logo printed on the front of the fabric. Harry had no idea who they were, he just got it because he wanted to. He also grabbed a dark blue pair of Draco’s sweatpants.
He approached the door and knocked softly. He waited a moment before Draco’s head poked out. Harry handed the neatly folded items of clothing to his husband with a careful smile.
“Thank you. Can you grab me a headband? Not a scrunchie potter, I would like a headband.” Draco asked as he pushed the door closed. The shower started up a moment later before Draco called, “Leave it next to my towel will you?”
Harry snickered, glad to know that Draco knew he was going to grab one of his own multi-colored scrunchies. Harry’s hair wasn’t terribly long, just around brushing his shoulders, he often tied it up with a series of colorful ties and even a few bows that his little niece Rose loved to put in his hair, though recently she’s taken a liking to Draco’s hair. It was easier to work with and much longer so Harry understood.
Harry waltzed over to their vanity, pulling open one of the drawers on the left hand side that Draco had designated as his own. Harry grabbed a plain black headband before going back towards the bathroom door.
Harry entered quietly, placing the headband where his husband asked him to before leaving. He exited the room soon after, heading to the kitchen to heat up the kettle before quickly stopping by his children’s rooms to check on them.
Scorpius was still awake, sitting up and playing quietly with some toys he must have gotten up to get. His head was bobbing heavily, but when Harry asked if Scorpius was ready for bed for real this time, he received a firm no.
Lilian was also still awake. She was laying on her back in her cot, gnawing on her fist. Harry replaced her hand with a binkie that she spat out immediately and once again began gnawing on her hand. Harry smiled and shook his head, leaving her to her own devices and headed back towards their bedroom.
Draco was out now, sitting on the edge of their bed. His hair was pulled into a high ponytail, though it was still long, brushing against his upper back. Draco’s hair grew quite fast, Harry was surprised the male never bothered to just let it grow out when he was younger.
When Draco noticed Harry’s presence he looked up at the male with doey grey eyes. They were wide and puffy, terribly red rimmed and his nose and cheeks were a light pink. Whether that was from the heat of the shower or his own tears, Harry did not know.
Harry hated not knowing what was wrong with his husband. But being with the blonde for so long, Harry knew better than to pry. If he pushed for answers, instead Draco would completely shut off and probably wouldn’t speak to Harry for a day or two. Harry learnt the hard way.
Now he just gently comforts the man until he feels comfortable enough to share his grievances. Still, Harry hates seeing his husband so down and being utterly powerless to help until Draco wanted him to.
Harry could only recall seeing Draco this frazzled four times. And he could recall each event with painstaking detail. When they first began dating, Draco broke down one night and told Harry he didn’t believe the man actually loved him. Then there was the time the press found out about their relationship and they basically doubled Draco’s doubt about their relationship stability. Then the first two months after Lilian was born all too early and terribly sickly. And of course only a month or two after that when Lucius was released and caused havoc on Draco’s fragile mindset at the time.
“Is Scorpius still awake?” Draco asked, snapping Harry out of his daze. Harry stared at his husband for a second before nodding.
With that, Draco stood up and disappeared down the hallway. Harry followed after him, when he approached Scorpius’ now opened door, he leant against the doorframe. A small smile graced his lips as he watched his two blondes interact.
“Hello guppy, it’s late, why’re you still up?” Draco asked quietly, gently removing Scorpius’ toys from his lap. The boy whined, leaning towards Draco with a frown. Draco was on his knees, leveled with his son’s face, they were talking quietly and Harry couldn’t quite make out what they were saying.
“I wan’ed to see you. But you was ignorin’ me.” Scorpius huffed, reaching out for Draco with a pout. The older blonde frowned and picked his son up, holding him close.
“I’m sorry, papa’s had a long day.” Draco sighed, rocking back and forth on his knees. He scooped Scorpius up and raised him closer to his face, pressing a kiss onto the boy’s chubby cheek.
Scorpius giggled loudly, reaching up to wrap his arms around Draco’s neck. The smaller blonde pressed small kisses against his face.
“That’s what daddy said, so I wan’ed to wait for you to feel better.” Scorpius said matter-of-factly.
Draco sighed sadly and gave his son another kiss on the cheek before he stood up, still cradling his Scorpius close. Draco looked at his husband, an eyebrow raised.
Harry grinned, tilting his head. “Is Lily still up?” Draco asked. Harry simply nodded and Draco slipped past his husband, stopping for a brief moment to press a soft kiss onto Harry’s lips.
Draco made his way to his daughter’s room, shifting Scorpius so that he was situated against one of Draco’s arms instead of both of them. He was resting his head on Draco’s shoulder, mumbling tiredly about his day. Scorpius reached up to fiddle with the lobe of Draco’s ear, something he always did when he was tired.
Draco hummed quietly, nuzzling Scorpius’ face before looking down at his daughter who was now peering up at him through narrowed eyes. She was clearly half asleep, but Draco’s sudden appearance was now more interesting than sleep.
“Hi Lilian.” Draco whispered, reaching down to brush his hand against her tummy. Lilian caught Draco’s hand and dragged it towards her mouth.
The blonde shook his head and removed his hand from her grip, smiling as she angrily flailed her arms and kicked out her feet.
“Harry!” Draco called as softly as he could. He attempted to not disturb the still mumbling Scorpius but it didn’t work as the toddler shot up, blinking at his papa with a frown that very quickly morphed into a smile.
Scorpius pressed a kiss onto Draco’s cheek before pushing his head back into the crook of the man’s neck.
Draco smiled softly before quietly calling for his husband again.
Harry appeared, looking at his husband with raised eyebrows.
“I can’t pick Lily up with Scorpius in my arms, can you get her for me?” Draco asked, vaguely gesturing to the little girl still reaching for his hand.
Harry smiled and nodded, gently scooping his daughter into his arms. Lilian frowned and pushed against Harry’s chest. The black hair male frowned, talking in an overly babyish voice to their daughter.
“You always act so mean to me when papa’s home Lily.” Harry whined, rolling his eyes as Draco snickered.
“Let’s go to bed.” Draco suggested quietly, exiting the room almost immediately after the words left his mouth. Harry continued to try and get his daughter to look at him as the four made their way to Harry and Draco’s bedroom.
Draco got onto their bed, pulling himself up. He crossed his legs and leant against the headboard with Scorpius tucked into his lap. Scorpius whined quietly at all of the movement before pressing his face into Draco’s belly.
Draco hummed quietly, running his hands through Scorpius’ curly hair. When Harry sat down next to the two, Draco gestured for Harry to hand him his daughter.
Harry placed Lilian in Draco’s arms, smiling as the male pressed a soft kiss to Lilian’s temple. She let out a high cooing sound, raising her hands to cup Draco’s cheeks.
Draco looked down at the two kids in his lap and his eyes glossed over. His heart began to hammer in his chest as he looked at his son and his daughter.
He hugged the two of them close. Pressing occasional kisses to both of their heads. Scorpius was now focused on Lilian, who kept putting her foot against his chest.
“Lily, stop it!” Scorpius huffed, folding his arms protectively across his chest. Lilian looked at him, then once again pressed her foot against him.
Draco felt his heart swell. The tears building in his eyes finally spilling over. His body shook but he never lightened his grip on either one of the small bodies in his arms.
He felt so overwhelmed. Draco absolutely hated crying, it sounded ugly when he cried and he was sure he looked like a hideous mess. Since he got the news he was itching to come home and just hold his children. He was hoping he wouldn’t have cried again but the sight of the three people he loves more than life itself broke the dam once again.
Harry slid closer to his husband and dragged him into his arms, ignoring the shout of protest from Scorpius. Harry gently rubbed circles into Draco’s hip and carefully massaged his lower back.
Draco pressed his face into Harry’s chest as another sob wracked his body. The stress from today was finally bubbling over. Everything was crashing down and Draco was so grateful he had his family here to help support him. Even if his kids didn’t exactly understand that they were one of Draco’s anchors.
“Today was terrible Harry..” Draco sobbed warily, squeezing his eyes shut.
“I know Dray, I know, take your time. It’s gonna be okay.” Harry whispered, removing one of his hands from Draco’s body to gently cup Scorpius’ cheek as said male moved to try and see why his papa was crying.
“But it won’t be! It isn’t okay Harry!” Draco blubbered, his voice rising in pitch and volume. Lilian began to push against Draco’s chest, tears of confusion and frustration starting to fill her eyes.
She cried out and both men looked down at her. More tears started to rush down Draco’s cheeks as he began apologizing.
“I’m so sorry baby, don’t cry okay? I’m sorry.” Draco muttered, his voice shaking. Lilian’s tears didn’t stop flowing and neither did Draco’s.
Harry removed Scorpius from Draco’s lap, placing his son in between the two of them before trying to grab Lilian from his still sobbing husband. Draco glared at Harry before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
He looked back down at his daughter, gently rocking her back and forth. “I’m sorry Lily.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to her cheek. She stopped wriggling, though a frown was still present on her face.
Draco looked up at his son with a soft smile. “I’m sorry guppy..” He whispered. Scorpius smiled tiredly and pushed himself against Draco’s thigh.
“S okay papa jus’ no more cryin’ okay? S gunna be all okay.” Scorpius whispered, blinking owlishly at the blonde.
Draco felt his heart leap into his throat once more but he swallowed it down and nodded instead. The four sat in silence for a moment. Harry watched as Draco silently composed himself before the blonde turned back to their son.
“Hey Scorpius,” Draco started. Scorpius looked up at him, eyes drooping. “I love you.”
Scorpius gave him a sleepy grin. “Love you too papa.” Scorpius then placed his head onto the side of Draco’s belly. The small blonde let sleep overcome him as he nuzzled as close as he could to his papa.
Draco smiled softly before he looked back down at the now sleeping Lilian. The poor thing must have been so tired and Draco felt guilty for keeping her up for so long. Lilian tucked herself against Draco’s chest, rubbing her cheek against the soft fabric of his(Harry’s) shirt.
“I love you Lilian.” He mumbled, smiling softly as she shifted in his arms.
“What about me huh? You don’t love me?” Harry teased, leaning over to kiss Draco’s neck.
The blonde rolled his eyes before giving his husband a blank stare. Now normally one might think they offended the male. But not Harry. After dating for three years and being married for four, he has learned how to tactfully break down the typical Malfoy mask.
Harry could see the way Draco’s eyes shine or how the corner of his lips twitched. To the prying eye it could look like Draco was upset, but that wasn’t the case at all.
After a moment, the smile finally spread across Draco’s face and he shook his head. “I love you too, you dork.”
Harry made an overly dramatic sound before placing his hand over his chest. “Oh you wound me.”
“I’m going to wound you if you don’t shut up and take Scorpius back to his room.” Draco snapped, waiting for his husband to remove their son from his side.
Harry did so, muttering quietly when the boy whined and tried to sit back up. Draco stood up soon after, carefully carrying his daughter to her nursery.
He placed her into her cot, pulling the light blue blanket Molly was so kind to make for Lilian, up to her chin. He looked down at her for a moment longer before exiting the room.
Draco slipped back into their bedroom where Harry was waiting. The black haired male lay against their headboard, glasses in hand. He was using the edge of his shirt to wipe the glass off as Draco slid next to the man.
Harry looked over to him with a smile. “Did you know even though you’re a literal blur you’re still the most beautiful man in the world?”
Draco sputtered before bursting into a fit of quiet snorts and giggles. Harry’s grin widened. He absolutely adored when Draco laughed. The blonde always held himself up high and well put together. The only time he ever really laughed, like laugh laughed, was around Harry and much to everyone’s surprise, Dean Thomas.(Harry pretends that doesn’t annoy him sometimes.)
The first time Draco had actually laughed around Harry was on their first date. Harry said something ridiculous, like now, and completely unexpected, also like now, and it caught Draco off guard. Draco had snorted so loud it startled Harry. But the look of pure joyous confusion on Draco’s face was enough to make Harry’s heart swell. That was also the day Harry decided he was entirely and fully in love with none other than Draco Malfoy.
“How flattering Potter.” Draco chuckled, rolling onto his side to look up at the man. Harry placed his glasses on their bedside table before sliding down and laying down next to his husband.
Draco wrapped his arms around Harry’s waist and buried his face into Harry’s neck. He pulled the male close and closed his eyes.
“Dray…you know you don’t have to tell me but..” Harry muttered, reaching down to wrap his arms around Draco’s lithe waist.
“I know Harry, it’s just…today was hard.” Draco whispered. Though Harry knew it was more than that. If anything on hard days Draco would do nothing but sleep. But he’s never just come home and cried as much as he did today.
After another moment of silence Draco whispered, “I saw my father today.” Harry’s body tensed and his jaw went rigid. A frown etched onto his face but he said nothing.
“He’s dying, Harry. Probably already dead.” Draco whispered, squeezing his eyes shut.
“Oh…Draco I’m so sorry.” Harry whispered, hugging his husband closer to his body. “Do you want to talk about it? If not, I understand, we could just go to sleep, love.”
Draco felt tears fill his eyes once more and he sighed. He opened his mouth to speak.
::::
Draco was rushing down the hallway, a stack of parchments in his arms along with a few books Hermione requested he drop off to one of the Healers in another ward.
Hermione was five months pregnant but now that she was carrying twins she was having a much harder time then she usually would when it came to work. Throughout her pregnancy with Rose and Hugo, she was able to stay at work up until a week before her due date. But now it was harder to rip and run like she used too.
Of course, Draco willingly took the task on himself seeing as he was right under her in the line of command in their department.
Draco rounded a corner, apologizing quickly to the healer in training that he almost ran into, Celicisty, he believed her name was.
“Ah! Hello Healer Malfoy! What’s the hurry?” She asked as he attempted to move around her. He sighed, willing himself not to roll his eyes as slowed down and looked at her.
“I have paperwork I would like to have done before my shift ends Celicisity. And it’s Healer Potter, you should know this by now.” Draco sighed, looking past the entirely too giggly woman.
His eyes went wide as he caught a glimpse of a familiar face. The woman was leaning heavily against the wall. She held herself with such elegance you could barely tell she was crying, sobbing maybe. Her body was still, her hair was pulled back neatly and she looked scarily composed. Not at all how you expect someone to look when there were tears quite literally pouring from their eyes.
Draco felt panic rise in his chest and he suddenly became hyper aware of which ward he was in.
The woman looked up, dark brown met grey and the woman’s calm fatigue faded. She clutched her stomach and threw her hand over her mouth, a loud sob erupting from her throat.
Whatever Celicisity had been saying died on her tongue, not that Draco was listening anyway, and she turned towards the now openly sobbing woman.
“Poor thing, I would hate to be her.” Celicisity murmured with a shake of her head. Draco felt dread flush his body and he looked back at the short black haired woman in front of him.
You were only in the cancer ward for two reasons, you’re there for yourself or you’re there for someone else. Draco dreaded which reason his mother was there for.
“Celicisity, can you do me a favor?” Draco asked quietly. The woman perked up, smiling cheerily at him.
“Of course Healer Potter.” She hummed.
“Can you take these to Healer Ashurst? As well as inform Healer Granger of my whereabouts?” Draco asked, transferring the items in his arms into Celicisity’s.
The woman nodded once more before making her way towards Draco’s original destination. Draco once again looked at the woman who hadn’t taken her eyes off him yet.
He slowly approached her. The closer he got the more he noticed. She looked so frazzled, dark circles under her eyes, she wasn’t wearing makeup, which was something she normally wouldn’t so much as leave her bedroom without.
“Mother…” He whispered. He hadn’t seen her since he last visited his childhood home, which was nearly three months ago.
“Draco…” She whispered, her fingers flexing. She wanted to hold her son close. But she didn’t want to push the fragile line that was left after what she did.
“What..why're you?” Draco started, not quite sure what question to ask.
Narcissa sighed, willing herself to stop her tears and look her son in his eyes. “Your father he…well…he was diagnosed with leukemia. That’s why…that’s why he was released early. They saw no point in holding a man good for dead.
Draco felt his throat tightened. His mind swirled and suddenly his mother’s words registered in his mind.
“Draco..I can explain, just please listen to reason-”
Was this the reason? It has to be. This has to be the reason his mother risked breaking the trust she had with her son. She wanted, or more likely, his father wanted to tell him in person.
Draco was suddenly overcome with guilt. It twisted in his stomach and made him feel sick. He went over the events of that day. He cringed, suddenly his actions seemed unreasonable. His hormones were terribly high back then, as well has the stress of having a new baby who was ever so sickly.
::::
“Wait wait wait wait” Harry interrupted, looking at his husband with a bewildered frown.
“It’s quite rude to interrupt you know.” Draco said with a smile, rolling his eyes.
Harry sat up and looked at his husband. Despite the lack of proper eyesight, Harry’s eyes were still focused. Serious shone in those beautiful eyes and Draco’s smile fell and he drew his lip in between his teeth.
Draco sat up and looked at his husband. “What?” Draco asked dumbly.
“You don’t really think it’s your fault do you? What happened that day?” Harry asked, leaning over to grab his glasses from their place on the table. Harry situated them on his face before looking at his husband.
“I don’t, I don’t know Harry. It’s not my fault I don’t think. I just, don’t think I should’ve-” Draco tried to explain he was a bit confused on why Harry was confused.
“Your reaction was completely valid Draco. For fucks sake they locked you and our children in that fucking house!” Harry felt his anger rise at the mere thought of that day and he bit his tongue. No matter how much he resented Lucius Malfoy he wouldn’t speak bad about the man. Harry would never curse a man on his deathbed.
Draco nodded slowly. “Now, are you going to keep interrupting me Potter?” Draco teased with a smirk, pressing himself close to Harry’s body.
Harry smiled sheepishly, wrapping his arms around Draco’s waist. “No promises, but I’ll try not to.” Harry hummed, pressing a light kiss to Draco’s forehead.
“Alright…well”
::::
Narcissa looked at her son quietly, she wished she could see what her son was thinking. Her hands twitched once more, the urge to take her child into her arms was damn near overwhelming but instead she wrapped her arms tightly around herself.
“Mother, is he..? Will he die?” Draco finally asked, a lump forming in his throat. That lump only doubled when his mother’s face went cold. She nodded solemnly. She let out a breathy sigh and wiped her eyes, looking at her son.
“My son, may I hold you? Just for a moment…please I-I miss you I just-” Draco once again felt guilt overcome him. Never in his life had he heard his mother, Narcissa Black-Malfoy, splutter.
Without another word he wrapped his arms around her smaller frame. She froze for a moment before sinking into his embrace, small sobs falling from her lips every so often.
Draco felt horrible. Every letter his mother sent was ignored without a second thought. He had no idea how long she’s been sitting there, watching her husband deteriorate without a shoulder to cry on.
Why hadn’t he ran into her sooner? Why were they even here? The last time Draco checked, his mother and father still had their own private healer. He could only assume it was because his father’s condition was so terrible that the healer couldn’t help on his own.
Draco’s stomach churned. He squeezed his mother tight, quietly asking, begging , her not to cry. He hated when she cried. Over his entire twenty seven years of life, he only ever saw his mother cry a handful of times.
Not even when she was striked did she cry. She always held herself high, kept her composure under copious amounts of stress. Draco hated when she was reduced to tears.
“Mother I…I’m sorry for not visiting I just..I couldn’t.” Draco whispered. It was the truth, he couldn’t return to that house while actively knowing his father was in that house.
Narcissa nodded and sniffled quietly. “I understand my dear. I completely overstepped, you are under no obligation to forgive me.”
Draco swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. “How long have you been here mother?”
Narcissa pulled away from her son for a moment with a sad smile on her face. “I’ve been coming everyday for a week…he doesn’t have long. I don’t want to leave him alone.”
Draco stared at her, confusion swirling through his mind. Has he really been that sick? He looked in such good health the last time Draco saw him. Lucius Malfoy never lowered himself enough to use glamours, not that using glamours was a low thing to use.
Draco felt conflicted. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to see his father. He swore he would never see the man again. But under these circumstances he felt as if he needed to.
He slipped his bottom lip between his teeth, a nervous habit he picked up from Harry(as well as picking his nails), and looked at his mother. He hoped that she would understand what he was trying to ask without having to ask it.
Narcissa gave him a weary look but pulled away further and gripped her son’s hand. “Do you wish to see him my dear?”
Draco nodded quietly.
Narcissa gently pulled Draco along, turning down a hallway before stopping in front of a curtained off bed.
Narcissa whimpered at the sight, clutching her son’s hand tighter. Draco turned towards her slightly. She looked so frail.
“Mother go home, I’ll stay with him until visiting hours are over. And I’ll check on you tomorrow, I promise.” Draco whispered. Narcissa looked up at her son, in shock for a moment before she nodded meekly.
She squeezed Draco’s hand before wrapping her arms around him once more. They stood there like that for a moment before she pulled away once more.
“I love you my son.” She whispered before hurrying off, struggling to compose herself.
When she was gone, Draco turned back towards the curtains. He willed himself to push the curtains open and he stepped inside.
He felt his heart drop at the sight of his father. The man looked fragile. He was pale, paler than usual. His cheeks were sunken in and he had dark circles under his eyes. The man’s hair was cut short and it looked terribly unkept and wiry.
Draco quietly walked towards the chair situated next to the bed. The sound of the chair creaking was obnoxiously loud in the quiet area. Draco sucked in a breath at the sound as well as the sight of Lucius stirring.
The man didn’t open his eyes, instead he tilted his head towards the noise.
“Narcissa..?” The man whispered quietly.
“No father, it’s me.” Draco whispered back. His heart felt heavy but despite the man’s poor condition, nervousness still thrummed through Draco’s veins.
Lucius’ eyes shot open and he looked shocked. Draco was worried for a second that the man might faint. He looked damn near horrified for a second before his features relaxed.
Something akin to a smile crossed the man’s face. Now it was Draco’s turn to be shocked. Though it was small, it wasn’t like the cold smiles Draco had barely received his entire life. This one was soft, sad but genuine.
“My boy…I never thought I’d see you again.” Lucius whispered. Draco’s breath hitched.
“I..I uh-” Draco sputtered, not sure what on earth to say to this man.
“I don’t have long I don’t think. Will you listen to the ramblings of a dying old man?” Lucius laughed weakly, looking at his son with somewhat pleading eyes.
Draco stared at his father, eyebrows furrowed. He nodded slowly, blinking down at his father.
“You still look scared of me. Even in this state you look afraid.” Lucius stated. Draco’s nostrils flared and his cheeks began to heat. “That’s terribly sad. Your fear just proves I was a terrible man. I am a terrible man. It’s pathetic isn't it? It took me so long to realize. It took me actually looking in your eyes that day. You looked so faint. You got defensive so quickly at the mere sight of me. I think that’s when it finally clicked.”
“Oh..uhm..” Draco muttered dumbly. His palms felt clammy and his throat felt tight.
Lucius grinned, giving Draco another startle. “You know, I never got to apologize for that day. For laying my hands on your boy. For cursing you and your husband. I have a lot to apologize for don’t I? That’s sad.” Lucius muttered, repeating the last part with such simplicity Draco wasn’t sure if he was sincere or not.
They sat in silence for a moment. Even on his deathbed, Draco refused to lie to this man and say that everything was okay. Because it wasn’t. The years of torment Draco went through under the hands of Lucius Malfoy would not be forgiven so easily. Draco doesn’t care how cold it makes him sound.
“Draco.” Lucius cut in suddenly. Draco looked up from his lap, he hadn’t noticed he looked away from his father.
“Yes father?” Draco asked quietly.
“I’ve never told you how proud I am of you, have I?” Lucius asked, looking at his son with a smile. Draco’s eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open.
“Uhm no? I don’t-I don’t think so?” Draco sputtered, intertwining his hands on his lap. He began fiddling with his wedding ring as his nerves spiked.
“Well…I am. I’m proud of you for becoming everything I’m not. A good husband, a good father, a good man. You’re everything I never was. I always vowed to be better than my father, instead I was worse. You on the other hand…you’re so much better than me. After all the shit I’ve put you through, you’re still an amazing man.” Lucius said in a light tone.
“Father I-” Draco was so confused. Words he never thought he would hear from his father were being said and at this very moment he had no idea how to respond.
“I have many regrets my boy. I regret not being able to get to know you. Not the ‘you’ I so desperately wanted you to be for god knows why. I regret not being able to meet your children and your oaf of a husband.” Draco scoffed, muttering something under his breath. “But the biggest of all is how I treated you and your mother. Speaking…take care of her will you?”
Draco looked up at his father, surprised to see tears rolling down his cheeks. Draco felt his hand twitch, the sudden urge to console the man was confusing and unwanted.
“Healer Potter?” A soft voice called from the right of him. Draco looked up, a man he didn’t know looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.
“Visiting hours are over Healer Potter.” The man mumbled, brushing his blonde hair from his eyes. The man gave Draco and Lucius a quick nod before disappearing.
Had it really been two hours? His shift ended two hours ago. There was no way time flew by so quickly when it felt like it was moving along at a snail's pace. Draco turned back towards his father, opening his mouth to say something but stopped when Lucius raised a shaking hand.
“I’m dying son. I won’t wake up tomorrow, I can feel it. I can see it. When a man sees the dead, his time has come.” Lucius whispered, glancing over to the edge of the bed. Draco made a face, they could see the dead though? He didn’t understand. Draco glanced towards the area as well but didn’t see anything or anyone.
Draco stood, brushing his robes off. “I’ll…come visit tomorrow..” Draco mumbled, silently holding hope that the man wouldn’t actually die that night.
“You may try.” Lucius said with a breathy laugh. Draco nodded stiffly and pulled the curtain open and went to step out.
“Oh, Draco.” Lucius called suddenly. Draco turned. “I love you.”
Draco’s eyes went wide. His chest tightened and his heart jumped into his throat. Draco nodded again and closed the curtains. He felt terrible for not saying it back, but he couldn’t. He just couldn't. Could he?
“Draco?” A woman’s voice asked. Draco turned towards her. Hermione gave him a soft smile and opened her arms.
A soft sob fell from his lips and he wrapped his arms around the much smaller woman. She cooed softly, almost like she was consoling one of her children. Hermione rubbed Draco’s back and ran her hands through his hair.
“Calm down Draco, go home okay?” Draco pulled away from the woman and nodded.
“Why’re you still here anyway?” Draco asked as he and Hermione headed towards the floos.
“Celicisity told me, I decided to stop by when you didn’t come back after an hour.” Hermione explained with a soft smile.
“Your Weasel is probably freaking out.” Draco commented.
“Probably, but he’ll be fine.” Hermione grinned before gripping Draco’s hand. “Take tomorrow off okay?”
Draco simply nodded.
::::
By the time Draco finished recounting the events to his husband, he was sobbing again. Harry squeezed Draco tight, rubbing comforting shapes onto his lower back.
“He said he loved me! I haven’t heard him say that since I was seven, Harry!” Draco sobbed, clutching the front of Harry’s shirt tightly.
“I couldn’t even say it back…” Draco slurred, tucking his face into Harry’s neck.
“And you didn’t have to. That man was a terrible father. He should lay in the bed he made.” Harry bit out, moving so that Draco could look into his eyes.
“But I feel like I should have…I mean he was dying for fucks sake! Of course he decides, on his deathbed, to tell me he loves me. He’s such a fucking coward! Why the fuck can’t I just hate him and move on?” Draco cried, reaching up to brush his hair from his face.
“I think it’s hard for people to actually hate someone. Now, I hate people I do, but I still feel sympathy for those I hate.” Harry said with a sigh. Draco nodded meekly.
“When my uncle died, I really thought I wouldn’t care. But a small part of me did, a very small part. I did cry for a little while. But you know, I didn’t go to the funeral because Merlin if I saw him in a casket I would have laughed my arse off.” Harry giggled.
Draco let out a startled laugh and smacked Harry’s chest. “You’re terrible!”
Draco didn’t mean that though, Harry knew he didn’t. Draco knows what that vile man put Harry through.
“I may be.” Harry hummed, kissing Draco’s nose. The male’s face scrunched, a smile forming on his face. But just as quickly as it appeared it fell.
“I just…I don’t understand why I’m crying. I just want to hate him and move on.” Draco sniffled, squeezing his eyes shut.
Harry rolled over, pulling Draco on top of him. He pressed another kiss to Draco’s face, right on the corner of his lips before throwing his head back.
“The human brain is a complicated thing.” Harry muttered, squeezing Draco’s thighs.
Draco nodded. His heart still felt heavy. He decided that he wouldn’t seek out his father again. He knew the man was dead. He would just allow his mother to confirm the news. He didn’t want to see the healers handling his fathers dead body.
“Dray, I love you.” Harry whispered.
Draco smiled, tilting his head to look at his husband. He pushed his father from his mind for a moment and lost himself in those beautiful green eyes.
“I love you too.” Draco whispered back, leaning forward to press a kiss to his husband’s lips.
Draco wanted everything to be okay. But he knew it wouldn’t be. He would receive a letter from his mother, informing him of his father’s death soon enough. He wasn’t sure he was ready for that.