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Chapter Text

Harry Potter found himself becoming more like Severus Snape by the day. The actions he had once despised his professor for, were becoming his habits. He consciously tried to stop himself, but Merlin, kids could be so annoying sometimes!

It had been a year since he'd quit the Auror Department and accepted the role as the new defence against the dark arts professor at Hogwarts. He'd only become an auror in hopes to improve the system that had failed him so much as a child, only to realise the Wizarding world did not like too much change, and the ministry's strict frame was impossible to budge. 

Being on the verge of dying from either a heart attack caused by his anger or high blood pressure, he was advised by all his friends to not bother anymore. Harry had decided he'd rather quit than do that, and handed in his resignation the next day.

Since then, he'd allowed himself to have the freedom he'd denied himself since the end of the war, for a few months - travelling the continents and indulging in fleeting international lovers.

After arriving back in England, he was alerted of an open position at Hogwarts. Initially, he rejected the offer, unsure of how he'd be with children. However, this had resulted in a meeting with headmistress McGonogal insisting that she didn't desire anyone else to take up the job and how he'd be perfect.

So with a pit of anxiety in his stomach, he'd arrived in Hogwarts and somehow survived his first year of teaching. 

It was a struggle to get used to, especially with each year having their own downsides to teach. Younger years (first and second) just simply seemed to not understand a word he was saying sometimes, always housing a confused expression on their faces, older years (fifth to seventh) constantly had an atmosphere of stress as Harry tried to get them prepared for exams to the best of his ability. But the third and fourth years were the absolute worst, they seemed to know that those were the final years they'd have it easy, and so made the most of it, with their appalling behaviour. Harry had forgotten the amount of detentions he'd felt compelled to give, simply because there was no other option, despite hating having to sit through detentions, where he'd feel sorry for both himself and the student.

Surprisingly, he'd ended the year with much praise from the other professors, and been promoted to head of Gryffindor House by the head mistress. 

So now, here he was at the first feast of the new year, sitting at the professor table, talking with Neville next to him (who taught herbology) and Luna (assistant to Hagrid, who was too old to teach care for magical creatures by himself). They were waiting for the arrival of the new first years, who'd go through the sorting process. Harry wanted to get a good look at who his new students would be, so immediately quietened down when they arrived.

They'd gone through around half of the students, and Harry was satisfied with a few of the figures that were assigned to Gryffindor. He squinted to try and get a good look at who was next.

"Next up, Scorpius Malfoy."

A Malfoy? Harry's forehead creased in confusion. Beside him he heard Neville whisper about not knowing that Malfoy had a kid.

'Yeah, neither did I' Harry thought to himself. How was this possible? The last time he'd seen Malfoy, Malfoy had definitely not been straight. However, one look at this blonde haired, pointy faced child would be enough to ensure he was biologically Draco's.

How Harry knew that Draco was bent was a whole other story...

Following the war, Harry had found his life laid out for him. Joining auror training with Ron, dating Ginny etc. Except now that the war was over, he and Ginny had had time to actually engage in couple activities . That had gone embarrassingly wrong , and Ginny informed him that she suspected he was gay. 

This had been quite hard to wrap his head around, and Harry denied it for a long time. It had taken a 'family meeting' by the Weasley's, reassuring him that it was ok and they would accept him.

Instead of helping Harry, it had the unintended consequence of angering him, and he still remembered the immense anger he felt as he apparated to knock turn alley in search of a brothel.

'They think I'm gay, I'll bloody show them gay.'

Harry now knew the rashness of his actions, but back then, anger issues and ptsd clouded his mind. The number of funerals he'd attended wasn't fair, he felt as if he should have died along with everyone else. So this current attention on him was unwelcome, there were issues much more important than his sexuality or happiness at hand, and he just wanted to forget everything for the night. 

Pulling his hood over his face, he had walked into the first place he saw and asked for a whole bottle of fire whiskey. Downing half the bottle in one, he walked to the back of the establishment with a new found warmth and courage interlacing with his anger.

Out back was where the prostitutes were, and Harry had free choice. There were some already chatting up clients, caressing the thick arms covered in coiled hairs of burly men. He was repulsed at the ugliness of these old men compared to the pretty boys with them.

Disgusted at the fact that he's stooped as low as these men he was judging, he decided to turn back round and get out of there. As he was leaving, his eyes caught a familiar head of blonde hair, and his feet stopped abruptly. 

Malfoy also looked up at that moment, causing grey to crash into green. Just like a few seconds ago, his feet were acting on their own accord, and he found himself moving closer to Draco.

"Why hello there, Potter," Draco smirked, "Didn't think this would be the saviour's scene."

Oh, how Harry wanted to wipe that smirk of his face. Gripping Dracos wrist, he said through gritted teeth, "I could say the same to you, Malfoy, didn't think my favourite death eater would fall so low."

Malfoy smirks twitched a little but didn't falter, " Since I couldn't  find employment anywhere else, I haven't got a choice. But don't worry, I enjoy my job and I'm pretty good at it."

He winked when saying the last sentence, and this only added fuel to Harry's fire. "You deserve so much worse."

"Whatever, Potter. Let me go so I can find someone worthy of my time, since your wasting it, and time is money in my field."

Harry's grip tightened, "I'll make it worthy alright. I'd love to truly see you in action, so I can rest knowing that you're somewhat paying for your crimes."

This time Draco frowned, mouth set in a hard line, "If you truly thought of me as a criminal, why did you bother testifying at my trial? I would have been in Azkaban without you."

Smug that he'd finally gotten Draco to undo his smirk, Harry replied, " I don't know, maybe because I just wanted to see you suffer outside instead. You can't imagine the number of funerals I've attended this month alone, people died because of you, I've truly realised that now.  "

Draco gasped. 

Harry's brain wasn't truly processing what was coming out of his mouth, he was too drunk and angry to care and had just wanted to draw out a reaction from Draco. He knew about Draco not having much of a choice in the war, that was why he insisted Draco didn't deserve Azkaban at the Wizengamot, but it still felt good to be able to blame someone other than himself.

"So, are we continuing this somewhere else or do the whores fuck clients out in the open."

Draco glared at him, "Nothing is happening between us, I suggest you go."

Harry got close up into Draco's face, " Are you refusing me service, Malfoy. I didn't know you had that luxury, your boss can hear about this, since you're fathers can't as he's no longer with us." 

Draco blanched and pulled away, "Shut up and follow me upstairs you git."

He really needed this job, and couldn't afford being thrown onto the streets for refusing a client. Especially with the influence Harry had over the whole Wizarding community, ministers and crooks alike, he wouldn't be accepted into another brothel either. Deciding he might as well get it over with quickly, he led Potter to one of the dingy rooms upstairs with a small bed in the middle. They were one of the cheaper places in the area, and Draco cursed at Harry's choice of location. It's not like Potter didn't have the vault for a luxury escort service, why had he needed to come in here!

"Well," Draco started, " I hope you know you're even more pathetic than I am."

Harry frowned in confusion, "What do you mean? Shut up, Malfoy."

Draco began stripping, "You're the one hiding in the closet, stooping low enough to fuck a death eater whore, who as you mentioned, caused the death of many. I on the other hand, leave here knowing the mighty chosen one would pay to shag me."

Probing at both the war and his sexuality was the worst things Draco could have said in that moment, for Harry's gaze turned hungry and animalistic.

Draco noticed this dark shift, and began regretting his words, "Wait, I didn't mea-"

He was cut off with Harry literally pouncing on him.

His back hit the uncomfortable bed with a hard crash. He didn't have much time to register the pain, as Harry's lips collided into his. He knew he should have pushed him away, told him he was being too aggressive, but he'd come across worse clients and, well it was Harry Potter. The golden boy of the Wizarding world, someone whose status was above everybody else's. People all around the world knew of his feat! Surely Draco could handle a bit of roughness, he told himself as he watched Harry pull his flyer down and take off his trousers and pants.

Harry still looked mad at him, Draco hoped he wouldn't leave with too many bruises. Opening his mouth, he let Harry slip his tongue in, and couldn't help moaning. They were encouraged to be loud with clients anyway, but these were genuine as he felt Harry's erection  rubbing on his. 

Harry pulled away, and Draco had time to study his eyes. They were strong, the blazing green that seemed to burn what it looked at. This was the boy who defeated the dark lord, not the scrawny idiot at school. He couldn't help admire the way Harry had filled out as well since the end of school, maybe he could actually let himself enjoy this.

"Are you prepared?" Harry asked, at least he didn't truly want to hurt him. Draco nodded, it was procedural to be. Not waiting a moment longer, Harry lined his cock wth Draco hole and entered with a swift thrust.

'That was bloody quick!' Draco thought, and then blanched, remembering he'd forgotten a very important step while admiring Harry's handsome face (top bachelor of Wizarding society according to witch weekly). 

Harry on the other hand, felt as if Draco was a fire he needed to extinguish, and this could only be done with the absolute pounding he was giving the boys arse.  He was angry, ok. Draco was the last person he needed jibing at the war or his sexuality. Why did everyone care so much? Did he have to admit that he liked men's holes more than women? His family and friends assured him that it would be fine, but they don't truly know how others would react? He was society's symbol of hope after the war, he didn't need to be disappointing them with the fact he was gay as well. He was so lost in his thoughts that he simply did not hear Draco weakly pestering him about using a condom in between moans, until he felt himself spilling deep into him.

He pulled out, but his whole load had already been deposited into Draco's arse, and was now leaking out the whole. He felt disgusted with himself, there was no care or respect or anything in what they had done, just maybe a bit of passion. He'd be lying if he said it hadn't cleared his head. And Draco seemed to have enjoyed it well enough, if he purring and begging was anything to go by. Dumping a bunch of galleons on to the bed, he put his trousers back on and said, "Don't worry, I haven't got any STDs or anything. In fact, I should probably be the one concerned."

He turned back round and didn't get a chance to hear Draco mutter weakly how the condom wasn't needed because of that.

Transported back to the present, he shook his head, Draco definitely hadn't been straight. Besides if the child's age was anything to go by, he must have been born not too long after their encounter. Draco seemed to be at quite a low point back then, when had he also had a child? With all the thoughts swirling in his mind, he looked back up. The sorting hat was taking its time, students were starting to whisper to each other about who his father was etc. Harry was just wondering what was causing the delay. A few moments later, the hat shouted 'GRYFFINDOR' and this time everyone was stunned into silence. 

A Malfoy in Gryffindor? How was that going to work out? Merlin, he'd probably be a nightmare. He groaned as the Gryffindor table started clapping cautiously, as if not sure on how to react. Scorpius looked absolutely terrified with everyone looking, Harry couldn't help but gape at him like everyone else. Sitting down on the edge of the Gryffindor table, he looked up and met Harry's eyes for a moment.

Green, the same shade as his in fact. Malfoy's son timidly looked away. They were quite shy at the moment, but he could identify faint traces of fierceness within those eyes .

It was going to be quite a year wasn't  it.

Chapter Text

For the rest of the feast, Harry had struggled to concentrate on Neville and Luna's conversation. Something about the Malfoy drew his eyes on him. The boy wasn't  engaging in much conversation, not that anybody around him was making an effort to include him either. Everyone was too stunned with him being sorted into Gryffindor, and honestly, most probably didn't really want him in their house, Harry included.

If he was anything like his father, they could say goodbye to the House Cup. Harry decided he'd have to be outright with the boy, and he'd speak with him later in private to make clear that no rudeness would be tolerated. 

He watched as the prefects led to first years to their house dorms. Harry had to give a speech in the Gryffindor common room, and introduce himself properly, so he followed.

"Hey, Prof P!" A fifth year called out from the crowd that was walking to the dorm.

Harry cringed, was it actually cool to say that? Not that he minded, it just sounded odd. "Hello to you too,Crawley. Ready for those OWLs this year."

Other fifth years started complaining on how they all didn't want to do it, "hey, hey. It only gets worse you know, imagine us with our NEWTs!" a seventh year shouted over them.

"Professor Potter didn't have to do his NEWTs!"

"Yes because I was defeating the bloody dark lord, wanna swap positions mate?"

That got a few laughs (making Harry smile) and soon enough they had reached the common room.

"Right everyone, settle down!" The prefect, his best student from last year, shouted.

"Thank you, Nathan," he said to the prefect before turning round and looking at all the students, "As some of you know already, I am your new housemaster. This year it'll be me you'll be plaguing with your problems, unfortunately." A few giggles came from the corner. "I'd like to emphasise our current streak for winning the House cup, but also remind you all how close Ravenclaw were to beating us last year. I'm asking us to put our best efforts into quidditch, lessons and behaviour. That means no flooding the girls bathrooms, Michael!"

That got the whole crowd laughing, and Harry couldn't help but join them. This wasn't so bad, he could surely survive till summer, he told himself. As he was studying the faces, he landed on the same green eyes from earlier.

The Malfoy kid definitely didn't like him. The traces of anger from earlier had become more prominent, the colour already spooked Harry enough, he didn't need to be intimidated by an eleven year old as well. Slowly turning away, he announced that everyone should go to their new dorms to unpack, and if anyone had any questions, to ask him later.

After an hour, he made his way to the the first year dorms. He wanted to have a friendly chat with Scorpius, it would be a difficult year if they started on bad terms. 

As he neared the door, he could voices from inside. "Is it true your father is a death eater?" a voice asked.

"Leave me alone," another voice replied, he guessed this belonged to Scorpius.

"Is he in Azkaban?"

"He said to leave him alone!" A fierce voice replied. Harry was relieved, one person not being prejudiced towards Scorpius was better than none. Maybe they could even be friends.

"No, he isn't ," another joined, different from the first, "But my mother said he's just as guilty as all the others and that he belongs in Azkaban."

Deciding that he'd heard enough, and afraid of things escalating, Harry opened the door to face an angry Scorpius being held back by, he assumed, the boy that was standing up for him earlier.

"That's enough!" Harry warned, "I will not have pointless arguing from day one, you are all in the same house and need to learn to get along. Look at each other and note that these are the faces you'll be seeing everyday in the morning, before bed etc. this is my first and final warning, we do not judge anybody by their family, we do not judge anybody, period. If I hear of such stupidity again, there will be consequences. "

Towards the end of his speech, his voice had gotten quite stern, and all the boys seemed affected, going by their silence. 

Taking a deep breath, he turned to Scorpius, "Mr Malfoy, may I please have a word with you in my study."

With a face impossibly cool, the boy nodded and followed him. Could he have been more of a carbon copy Draco? Even his mannerisms were identical , the only thing setting them apart were his eyes.

In his study, he sat down and faced Scorpius. Just as he was about to speak, the little boy started before him, "Is it possible to switch houses?"

Harry frowned, he hadn't expected such a question, "Umm... I don't think so, I've never heard of such an instance, and besides would be bad house spirit."

"I don't care about house spirit, I don't want to be here!"

" I'm afraid that's not possible, Mr Malfoy."

The boys stomped his feet in annoyance, "That stupid hat didn't listen to me."

Harry had just been about to ask this, since the hat considered ones preference, "What did the hat say, Mr Malfoy, if you don't mind me asking?"

"It said I was too different to those in Slytherin and how I wouldn't fit in. But that's just stupid, my dad is a literal death eater and everybody here will hate me for it!"

Harry's face softened, and he couldn't help but chastise himself for his earlier thoughts about Scorpius. The little boy in front of him clearly didn't have it easy, and it was his responsibility as house master to help him through his struggles (which he now understood would be many.)

He rubbed his eyes and looked directly at Scorpius, green met green. "I actually begged the hat to put me into Gryffindor, it was convinced Slytherin was a better option. So I understand you not wanting to be here."

"But you were lucky enough to get the option you wanted!" Scorpius butted in.

"Yes, I suppose I had a mix of both house's qualities," Harry was annoyed at the boys interruption, "But frankly, I think you need to snap out of this attitude as soon as possible. This could be the perfect opportunity to disprove the opinions people associate with you. There is a world beyond Hogwarts as an adult, and all your peers will end up being your colleagues, or your customers, or serving you. You'll have a much easier time if you're liked, I can tell you that."

Scorpius seemed to finally be listening. This encouraged Harry, he supposed he must of said something right.

"I wanted to tell you now that I will not tolerate any aggression towards your housemates. You will not get violent, verbally or physically, I don't have the patience for chances, and you're already on my watch list because of earlier, your reaction needs to be calmer, you seems as if you were about to hit another student."

Satisfied that he'd made himself clear, he waited for Scorpius's nod of confirmation that he'd understood. Instead, Scorpius huffed with... disappointment? "I blame myself for thinking you'd be different, don't worry I won't be casting any unforgivables on anyone anytime soon."

Before Harry could even process the boy's words, Scorpius was at the door, he turned around to say, "I'd be more than happy to be silent and invisible for the rest of the year, as I'm sure everybody prefers me to be, all I want is for people to leave me alone. Those boys were the ones who started it."

With that, Harry was alone with his confusion.

He couldn't sleep that night, thoughts plagued by the blonde from earlier. A weird anxiety was heavy in his stomach. How had things played out after the boy reached his dorm? Did the others carry on tantalising him? Scorpius wouldn't be the only bullying case he'd seen, he'd had to deal with a few last year. He wondered if Karma was real, and Scorpius was suffering for his fathers past.

His father... Draco Malfoy... Harry grimaced at the last memory he had of him. Two weeks after the incident, he finally given into his guilty conscience and gone to the same place to find the boy. He was aware of how appalling his behaviour had been, and had sought out Draco to apologise. After calming down, he was embarrassed at how he'd mistreated him so much. Draco didn't deserve that or the life he's been forced to live due to employers refusing him due to his status. He still remember the bouquet of peonies he had bought. He seems to remember from somewhere that chocolate frogs were Draco's favourite, and had a huge box of them in his other hand. 

However, he was faced with disappointment when he had arrived. Apparently, Draco had recently been too ill to attract customers, and so was fired the day before. No one knew of his address, some one doubted he had one, that had been the most terrifying for Harry.

Unfortunately he didn't have the time to ponder too long on the subject, with the all funerals he was attending, the reparations projects he was helping with and all the speeches he was making at events, he soon forgot about the boy.

All until now. Perhaps this was his karma, that day came back to bite him in arse in the form of a difficult eleven year old student.

He'd regret not sleeping tomorrow, but tonight all he could think about was wether Draco Malfoy was doing alright. He must have been, surely, if he had his own family. Harry hoped he was living an easy life, but the troubled child he met tonight seemed to suggest otherwise.

Chapter Text

The next day started off smoothly, with the whole school enjoying their first breakfast of the year. Luna was talking about how the number of nargles at the school had increased this year. Harry was just nodding along, but he couldn’t help but observe Neville listening intently, hanging onto every word, and occasionally smiling shyly.

Ok Neville, I see you . Harry mentally chuckled at Neville’s little crush. Wasn’t it silly to still crush at their big age? At least Neville still had that innocence, so did Luna, they’d make a good couple.

Harry had lost his innocence very early on, technically, you could argue that it was from the day his parents were killed. However, his endeavours after the war probably didn’t help either. Amidst auror training at ages 19-20, Harry Potter had an alter ego that he let loose every night, at a different gay bar/club each time.  Sex was welcomed in many forms: quickies in the toilet, on a bed (if they were lucky) and once or twice he’d found himself in the middle of an orgy(character building he called it). Potter was Mr world wide, scoping out to international clubs after going through ones in England. It was an unmaintainable life style, and he crashed and burned soon enough, collapsing on a side road in the middle of Texas, almost getting kidnapped by some organ mafias.

‘You can’t carry on like this’ drilled the Weasley’s into his brain during another intervention.

Harry reluctantly agreed, and decided the time had come to move onto actual dating. By this time, it had long been leaked to the Profit that their chosen one liked cock. Surprising for Harry, it seemed no one cared and were willing to accept whatever he was, considering the fact that he’d saved all their lives a few years back. Besides, Harry had carried on his charity work, helping set up orphanages, shelters etc, generously funding with the Black fortune. Who were they to judge?

This meant Harry was free to date wizards. This ended up being an impossible task, everyone struggled to overlook his hero complex. Dating muggles was out of the picture, since he couldn’t imagine a life without magic. So he had to put up with the constant praise he’s receive during dates, both older and younger men fanned over him. He’d had enough after a couple of years of trying, and had given up. Not going back to his old ways either, he accepted a life of work with the occasional person he met at the pub he took back home.

Thinking about it, Harry hadn’t had a good shag in years, who was he to laugh at Neville? They’d realise soon enough they were perfect for each other, the only reason they hadn’t realised sooner was because Luna had only just come back from her world tour of studying magical creatures this year.

Slipping back into reality, he had a quick peek over to the Gryffindor table. There was only one face he was searching for really, and he spotted the head of blonde at the far end of the table, looking quite lonely.

Oh dear, Harry had hoped the boy from last night, who seemed to be standing up for him, would have been his friend. That boy was brunette, brown eyed and rather sweet looking. He sat a few seats away from Scorpius, in a group that seemed to be talking about something the boy wasn’t interested in, since it didn’t look like he was listening or engaging with the others.

Maybe they’ll get to know each other later on in the year, Harry prayed. He didn’t know why, but the possibility of Scorpius being alone bothered him. He thought back to his friends, Ron and Hermione, Merlin knows he wouldn’t have survived school without them. Everyone needed at least one friend, surely! One person they could confide in when things got tough.

He didn’t teach the first year joint class of Gryffindor and Slytherin on a Monday, so he didn’t see Scorpius in lesson. That treat was saved for tomorrow.

However, after the day of lessons, he was currently in the quidditch pitch to observe the first year Gryffindor students’ quidditch lesson- secluded in a corner, hidden by a Notice Me Not charm. This was for a new idea he’d thought of implementing, where he’d watch  and take note of talented students, offering them training to get them prepared for next year where they’d be allowed to trial for the team.

All the boy stood in a line on one side, and the girls faced opposite in their own line, each with a broom laid down in front of then. As they all shouted, “Up”, some students successfully managed to summon the broom into their hand. Harry noticed that Scorpius was one of them, and smiled at the happiness in the boys eyes.

All was going well, and he already had an idea of a few possible students he could select to be trained, as they were all whizzing in laps in the air. All had been  going well, until a frail girl dropped from her broom and painfully crashed onto the floor. Everyone stopped and rushed over to where she had fallen. Mr Walsh, the quidditch instructor, announced that he was taking the student to the infirmary, and that the lesson was ending early, so everyone should leave their brooms and start making their way back.

As he walked off, the students all sighed in disappointment. Quidditch was the only fun lesson, Harry felt for them.

Suddenly, a chubby boy, specifically the one that had said how Draco had deserved Azkaban yesterday, pulled out a mystery item and started flaunting it out to everyone.

“Look what I found this morning by Scorpius’ bed! It’s a little teddy bear, and guess what it says on it: Papa’s little dragon!”

A few students started laughing, but thankfully just as many seemed unamused. The brown haired boy from yesterday, Harry now knew was called Albus, held an expression mirroring Harry’s annoyance. What a little shit, he doesn’t belong in Gryffindor.

Scorpius on the other hand, looked about ready to explode, as he muttered through gritted teeth, “Give it back here, Taggart”.

“Hmm,” Taggart thought for a moment, before grinning wickedly, “ looks like you’ll have to come and get it.” Immediately, he shot up into the air. Scorpius looked worried for a second, and also with his earlier hesitance to get on the broom, Harry realised this was Scorpius’ first time flying. As he thought back to his first quidditch lesson, he wondered why Draco Malfoy, of all people, hadn’t taught his son how to fly, placing Scorpius in the same position of inexperience as Harry had been in.

“What, are you scared Malfoy?,” the bully sneered, “ Another thing my mother said was how your father had buggered off since he was too scared to show his face to wizards ever again. Do tell, since you definitely haven’t flown before, did you even know what a wand looked like before yesterday!”

Scorpius took a deep breath, and grabbed a broom off the floor, “Your mother hasn’t got half a brain, just like you.”

With that, they were off. Harry had been too shocked by the whole interaction, glued to every word, that he only suddenly realised the danger of the situation. Taggart, the annoying brat, seemed quite confident on the broom, and was bordering on the edge of danger, twirling and swerving sharply and  frequently in attempt to throw Scorpius off.

Scorpius’ brows were furrowed in concentration as he wizzed just behind Taggart constantly. Merlin, this kid was good, and for it being his first time, he was amazing. The crowd of first years below were watching with their breaths held. Harry was very impressed when Scorpius decide to change tactic, and instead of following Taggart by the tail, he predicted Taggart’s next move, and swerved the corner so that he ended up in front of Taggart, swiftly pulling the teddy bear out of pudgy fingers.

Cheers could be heard from the students below, as Scorpius landed, Harry expected some smugness, but the boy mainly seems to just be relieved that he was reunited with his toy. The bully watched with a furious expression as a few boys clapped Scorpius on the back.

Albus pushed his way among the crowd, and stared Scorpius down, “What were you thinking rushing up like that? You could have been seriously injured, or worse, expelled for not listening to the teacher’s instructions.”

Harry was finally thawed from his surprise at the tune of events at the mention of a teacher, and removed his charm before making his way towards them.

Students started looking  at each other in worry, Taggart seemed to be slightly guilty, but Scorpius’ fierce expression seemed as if he regretted nothing.

“Mr Dolan is right Mr Malfoy, you should never allow others to affect you enough to break school rules. I want you in my office tonight after supper. Mr Taggart’s parents will be receiving a rather annoyed letter from me, I’m afraid. And we can all explain to the rest of the house why we have started the first day off with 50 points from Gryffindor, with Mr Taggart’s foolishness to blame.”

Groaning at the loss of points, the first years trudged back to the changing rooms. Supper was in an hour and they wanted to get back inside quickly.

During Supper, Harry was sat in his office. He didn’t have much of an appetite, and was currently reflecting on the past hour. It had mirrored his first quidditch lesson, and he smiled at the memory of Scorpius gaining confidence on the broom. He now had an outside viewpoint of his first time flying, since it had felt so similar to Scorpius’. Harry had been very happy with Scorpius’ skills, and wanted to talk to him about training this year. With hard work and dedication, he believed Scorpius had the potential to be one of Hogwarts best quidditch players, even better than him!

Folding his arms, he told the person to “Come in” as he heard a knock on the door. Timidly, Scorpius tiptoed into the room.

“Don’t be shy, please take a seat.”

Still standing, Scorpius looks at Harry, “Am I in trouble?”

“Do you think you should be?”

Scorpius shook his head without hesitation, “No, I just took back what was mine.”

Harry nodded, “I agree. I actually found myself in a similar position to you in my first ever quidditch lesson, but I was retrieving what was taken from my friend instead.” He didn’t mention that the person who had stolen it was the boy’s father, “ I remember worrying that I was going to be given a detention, but instead, I was scouted for the Gryffindor teams seeker!”

Scorpius cautiously sat down, but otherwise stayed silent.

“Watching you today was exhilarating, you obviously have a lot to improve. Have you ever played flown before?”

Scorpius shook his head, looking at the floor.

Harry still couldn’t understand how this was possible, but still continued “I thought as such. I’m here to talk about how we could help you tone your skills, since you obviously have the talent, and get you out onto the field next year. What do you say?”

Scorpius’ eyes became glassy, and the boy seems to be tearing up. Not the reaction Harry was expecting.

Slowly, the boy choked an, “I can’t.”

Harry was confused, anyone else would be jumping in joy at the opportunity, “Why?”

Scorpius bowed his head down lower, “Because I can’t afford a broom, and no one would let me onto a team with the beginner brooms they provide at school.”

Harry was left speechless. A pang of pain struck his heart. This poor boy, what was he going through in life. Harry was reminded of the Dursley’s and life in poverty. He also hadn’t had a broom. Thinking about it now, Scorpius’ robes looked quite tattered, as if they had been worn before. Hand me down robes, you must be a Weasley. Echoed in Harry’s brain, he didn’t want Scorpius to be punished for his fathers actions, the boy was completely innocent. His initial speculation of karma was beginning to solidify.

Harry sighed and rubbed his eyes, “I understand, well we’ll see if we can figure something out. Until then, good night Mr Malfoy, see you tomorrow in lesson.”

Scorpius blinked a few times before leaving, he had been very obviously trying to hold back tears since his confession of poverty, and Harry had gotten a weird need to comfort him, hug him. Before he found himself submitting to the impulse, he’d decided to send the boy out quickly, but now regretted it since it had seemed quite a cold response.

He’d have to send a letter calling Draco in sometime, but for now, he went back to planning his lessons for the next day.

Chapter Text

After another rough night of troubled sleeping, Harry thought it’d be best to get some things off his chest. During breakfast that day, he re accounted yesterdays events to  Neville and Luna. Both were equally surprised, it was difficult to imagine Draco as poor, not being able to afford the finest robes or latest broom for his son.

“That’s quite sad, Harry.” Luna stated.

Yeah, no shit, Luna. Harry had come for advice, not a statement of the obvious.

Neville seemed to still be thinking, “I think you should discuss the issue with someone.”

“I was thinking to ask Draco to come to school,” Harry replied.

Neville nodded, “Yes, that seems quite reasonable as well. I was thinking more of the quidditch instructor, Mr Walsh, but I think both would be best. You can discuss your options then.”

Harry didn’t know much about the new quidditch teacher, Mr Walsh. Last year, they hadn’t had much of a chance to speak, since their subjects had little similarity. He was quite fit and relatively handsome, if Harry was going by looks. And definitely the type of person he’d take home after a night out. He’d heard rumours of the man swinging for the other team, but no credible sources. Besides, Harry wasn’t going to hook up with a colleague, now!

“Harry? Are you there?”

Blinking out of his indecent thoughts, Harry turned to the others, “I mean, the kid is great, and I don’t want talent like that to go to waste. I suppose having Mr Walsh there too will help convince Malfoy to let me buy the boy a broom.”

“You’re going to buy him a broom?”

“Yep, the only reason I haven’t already is because I’d need parents permission. I highly doubt Malfoy’s going to accept help from me, but I still want to convince him.”

The bell rung, indicating end of breakfast. Harry cringed as he remembered his first class of the day, Slytherin and Gryffindor first years, Merlin help him.

“Quickly enter and sit down, in silence, please.” Harry already had a head ache due to his sleepless night, he couldn’t handle a noisy class right now.

Gryffindors sat on one half of the classroom, and Slytherin on the other. House rivalry was much more friendly now, compared to what it had been back when he was a student, but things could sometimes get tense still. As an adult, he realised how pointless it all was.

Albus Dolan sat down and laid his books on a desk at the front. He seemed like quite a sensible child, from what Harry understood while watching him tell Scorpius off yesterday. And he wondered is he was also intelligent, since only nerds willingly sat at a front row desk.

A girl with glasses moved closer, with the motion of sitting next to him, when Albus stopped her. “Sorry,” he smiled sympathetically, “I’m saving this space for Scorpius.”

Where was Scorpius, the lesson needed to commence, so Harry told the class to open Chapter 1 from the textbooks: How to identify danger.

Fifteen minutes into the lesson, there was still no sign of Scorpius. Harry told the class to think of a time they had been in a dangerous situation, and that they’d share later. He edged closer to Albus’ desk and whispered, “Mr Dolan, do you happen to know where Mr Malfoy is?”

The brunette shook his head, “I last saw him after breakfast, we’d all gone back to our rooms to get our books from our trunks, when he suddenly ran off. I shouted after him of course, but he didn’t even turn back. I thought he’d at least go to lesson!” The boy seemed quite exasperated as he rambled.

As he was about to continue, there was a knock on the door, and it slowly creaked open to reveal a puffy eyed, red face Scorpius. Oh Circe, had the boy been crying? Well obviously he’d been crying, you idiot. The real question was, why?

Clearing his throat, he looked the boy up and down, “You’re late, Mr Malfoy.”

They had the whole class’ attention now. “I’m sorry, Professor Potter.”

He waited for the boy to continue, maybe give a reason for his lateness but when he realised he wasn’t going to get one, he told the boy to take a seat.

Albus smiled at him as he pointed at the empty seat next to him. Scorpius seemed to lo upset to smile, but Harry could sense the appreciation in his eyes.

On the Slytherin side of the classroom, somebody groaned, “That’s not fair, I got ten points taken off yesterday for being late, and that was only five minutes, here almost half the lesson has gone.”

A few other of his house members nodded in agreement, arguing that it was unfair.

“Silence! Did I give you permission to speak, Mr Nott? I’m sure Mr Malfoy has a reason. Next lesson there will be punishments, but today I will overlook it. However, I will not forgive you speaking out of place again!”

Nott muttered something about ‘Scorpius’ father being an embarrassment to Slytherin.’

It was low enough for the teacher to miss, but Scorpius heard him, just like all the other students.

Harry on the other hand, noticed Taggart smirking in the corner of the class. What had the little shit done again? He was certain Scorpius’ bad mood was his doing, and again, the strange urge to comfort and protect Scorpius overwhelmed him. Maybe he’d keep the boy behind for a few minutes after the class, just to ask if he was ok.

Turning back to the class, he started speaking, “Right everybody, now that we’ve read on the different levels of dangers, let’s hear the different dangerous situations you’ve been in, and find a suitable level of dangerousness to them. Ms White, please begin.”

“A danger I was in was when my brother and his friends chased me around the garden, trying to steal my ice cream.”

Harry chuckled along with the class, “Well, I’d say that’s quite harmless, shall we go level 1 danger? We’ll be learning appropriate mild hexes for such a circumstance later this year, so you’ll be able to protect yourself by summer.”

And so they carried on, going around the class, Albus mentioned his books being trashed by his old school bully, he definitely seemed academic, another Hermione in the making? Harry wondered. Finally, it was Scorpius’ turned. Shifting uncomfortably on his chair, Scorpius mumbled something.

“I’m sorry, Mr Malfoy, I didn’t quite catch that, could you repeat it a bit louder please.”

Avoiding eye contact, Scorpius spoke again, only slightly louder, “Once a group of people attacked my Papa on the street while I was a baby.”

There was silence, Harry was too stunned to speak. A picture of a helpless Draco, trying to protect both himself and a tiny Scorpius came into his mind.

“He deserved it, Malfoy!” Taggart shouted.

Harry and this boy were definitely not going to like each other by the end of the year. As Scorpius was standing up, possibly to walk over to the other boy, Albus pulled him back down to his chair and mouthed ‘Don’t’. Scorpius started taking deep breaths to try and calm down.

“That is unacceptable behaviour, Mr Taggart. Twenty points from Gryffindor, I am questioning your knowledge of our house values, for such crudeness is not welcome!”

“Honestly, you should have been a Slytherin!” Nott piped up.

“Twenty points from Slytherin, I said I wouldn’t be forgiving if you spoke out of turn again, Mr Nott.”

The remaining twenty minutes of the lesson consisted of Harry explaining how they needed to know what spells to use in what circumstances, so that they didn’t cause too much damage for the situation they were , and possibly end up committing a crime.

As the bell rang to signal the end of the lesson, Harry approached Scorpius, “Mr Malf-“

“Just leave me alone!” The boy said as he rushed out of the class.

During lunch, he slipped into the first year dorm rooms, and went to Scorpius’ bedside. Albus had mentioned him running away after looking in his trunk. Harry was reminding himself that it was his duty as housemaster to ensure his students were happy, and that was the reasons why he was snooping amongst Scorpius’ belongings. Deep down, Harry knew he would have still done so even if he wasn’t the housemaster, something about the boy attracted Harry to him.

Rummaging around, Harry soon found himself holding the head of a toy, something from a plushie. It seems vaguely familiar. A second later, his other hand was holding a body, until he realised that the teddy from yesterday had been broken into many pieces, each limb torn off. The words Papa’s little Dragon were in two pieces.

This must have been why Scorpius was so upset, and according to the smirks from Taggart, he was responsible.

“ He said he did it because he blamed me for his parents taking away his pocket money this week.”

Harry jumped in surprise and dropped the limbs of the teddy bear onto the floor. At the door stood Scorpius, “ Apparently, they were very angry at him for annoying Mr Potter from the first day of school.”

Harry looked at the floor, guiltily, “Umm…”

Scorpius walked up to him now, “Although I’d appreciate my stuff not being searched without my knowledge.” His brows were crossed, and Harry could tell he was quite annoyed.

Harry didn’t blame him for being angry, “Umm…”, he ran his fingers through his hair, a habit of his when he was nervous, “I’m sorry Scorpius, I just wanted to know what has caused you to come into my lesson so upset.”

Scorpius picked up the tatters from the floor, “Well now you know, so you can leave.”

Instead of making for the door, Harry sat on the boys bed. They had fifteen minutes until next lesson, he might as well make the most out of it. “Is this a gift from your father?”

Scorpius cringed at the mention of his father, Harry guessed it was a sensitive topic. “Just leave me alone.”

Again with the closed offness. Harry sighed, “Look, Scorpius. I mean this in the best way possible, but you’re stuck with both me and the rest of the people in this room for the next seven years. I suggest you accept help when offered.”

Scorpius seemed to be having an internal conflict, before he sighed as well and nodded, seeming to give in, “Yes, it’s the only thing I have from him, the only thing to remind me of home, so I’m just a bit protective about it. I know it stupid to own a teddy at eleven.”

Harry smiled, even this little bit of information from Scorpius seemed like such an advancement from before, he pondered what Draco’s home would be like. Did they live in a cute cottage by the sea? Maybe a farm?

“Well, I don’t think it’s silly. I’d have done anything to have a teddy from my parents when I was your age.”

Scorpius sniffled, “Well, it’s not like I have one anymore either, it’s all ruined.”

Harry swatted his hand, “That’s easy enough of a fix, Scorpius.” Raising his wand, he quickly weaved the pieces back together with magic. Scorpius watched with bright eyes, staring intently in awe. Once the teddy was as good as new, he looked up at Harry and smiled. The boy had a gorgeous smile. Harry hoped he’d be able to see that small smile, and even bigger ones, many times over the next seven years. The green in the boys eyes twinkled when he smiled, warming something deep within Harry. Possibly his heart?

“Well then, we’d both better get going back to our classes. What do you have next?”

“Care for Magical Creatures.”

“Ahh, I’ll walk you there. What do you think of Ms Lovegood? My friends and I sometimes used to ‘Loony’ Lovegood by accident.”

Scorpius scrunched his nose, he wasn’t amused amused - like how Harry had expected he’d to be. “That’s mean, Papa says we mustn’t be mean to anyone, even if they’re mean to us.”

Merlin, who was this boy’s father and what had he done with the Draco Malfoy, Harry knew from before ? He definitely needed to contact Draco asap, it wasn’t even about Scorpius anymore. Harry was curious, and wouldn’t believe it unless he saw with his own eyes, just how much Draco Malfoy had really changed.

Sitting at his desk that night, he realised he was drawn to Scorpius because Scorpius reminded Harry of himself in many ways. That was why he constantly wanted to make sure the boy was ok, right?

Opening his book of student information, he flipped through until he landed on Malfoy, Scorpius. He was doing it look up the address to send the owl, to ask for a meeting to discuss quidditch options for Scorpius tomorrow evening. After noting down the address, his curiosity won, as his eyes moved to the parental information section. Harry wanted to know who Scorpius’ mother was, who had been the woman to steal Draco Malfoy’s heart, win him over to be straight.

What in Merlin’s name? Harry rubbed his eyes, he must be seeing something wrong. Maybe the two nights without sleep was getting to him. He was sober, so it couldn’t be because he was drunk. Maybe a trick of the light? Harry moved to a different position, but it still showed the same thing. Draco Malfoy was the mother of Scorpius? And the father section was blank. Why was nothing about this boy normal? He’d disturbed Harry’s peace and routine the moment he’d stepped into school.

Knowing that it would be another night of tossing and turning, Harry attached the letter to his owls leg and posted it to Draco’s address. What in the world was going on?

Chapter Text

That morning, Harry chose one his more expensive trousers and a dark green cashmere jumper that got him many compliments whenever he wore it. Looking himself up and down in the mirror, he smiled at his figure, muscles defined with his snug clothes. You clean up well, Mr Potter.

Harry reminded himself that he was wearing these clothes because he felt like it. Not because of the lunch he was having with Mr Walsh later, or the meeting with Draco in the evening. It just so happened to be a coincidence that he felt like looking his best today.

Struggling through three round of classes, it was finally lunch time. They’d decided to meet at a restaurant in Hogsmeade, and so he apparated, after looking in the mirror, satisfied with his appearance. 

Harry had wanted to discuss Scorpius , and that’s what they were doing, as they sat, eating their meal. Harry told Walsh of the story of Scorpius chasing Taggart. Walsh was horrified at the health and safety hazards in the situation.

“Merlin, I’m thankful the boy was good at flying, imagine an injury without the supervised adult present. I’d have lost my job!”

Harry laughed, “Oh no, I would have intervened if I thought that was the case. We can’t have you leaving Mr Walsh, at least, I definitely want you here.” 

He was trying to flirt, ok? And Walsh seemed to understand, because he blushed and looked down at his food, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now either. In fact, I’ve become quite happy at my job since last year, I wonder why. “

Harry smirked, “I wonder why as well, I hope we’ll find out.”

“Well, Mr Potter, this has been lovely, and I agree wholeheartedly that Scorpius should be provided with a broom. Gryffindor will appreciate him in a few years, maybe sooner. I’ll be present at the meeting tonight, and think it’s very generous of you to offer to buy Scorpius a broom. Anyone would agree. “

Harry sighed, “That’s just the thing, his father isn’t anybody . And I’m worried he’ll say no.”

“I’ll try my best to convince them as well, Mr Potter.”

“Please, call me Harry.”

After lunch, Harry received a letter on his desk from an owl he didn’t recognise. It was a basic brown barn owl, one of those rental ones, and it held a letter addressed to him. Once he’d opened the note, he immediately recognised the handwriting. Draco Malfoy’s regal scrawl read out how he’d be there at 8 in the afternoon, and apologised in advance for any inconvenience that Scorpius may have caused.

Harry had to stop himself from jumping up in joy, he was going to see Malfoy, woo. It was a little disheartening to read that Draco had immediately thought he was being called in because of Scorpius doing something bad. He didn’t know why he was happy, but the curiosity in him had been eating away the past few days. He couldn’t wait until 8.

The rest of the day carried on as normal, even his first years behaved! Harry now knew to be careful with questions he asked students, to avoid drama. He should have considered it to be a sensitive topic from the beginning, but he was still only learning the way of teaching!

After supper, he sat at his desk, twiddling his thumbs nervously. Deciding to look in the mirror one last time, he ensured that he looked presentable. He just wanted to look formal in front of a parent, so they knew their child wasn’t under the responsibility of some one careless, or so he told himself. Besides, Draco Malfoy of all people, would be looking his best at all times, Harry didn’t want to look too bad next to him.

A knock sounded at the door, and for a second Harry thought it was Draco. He then realised how stupid this was, since Draco would use the floo. “Come in, Mr Walsh.”

Harry had wanted Walsh to be here with him when Draco first came, so they could explain the situation together. Harry was afraid Draco wouldn’t even hear him out, but hopefully he’d be forced to be more civil next to someone else.

“Oh wow, you’re looking very handsome, Mr Potter.”

This made Harry happy, not because Walsh had found him good looking, but more so the fact that this meant Draco wouldn’t outshine him too, fingers crossed.

Suddenly, the floo whirled and flashed green, indicating somebody wanted to enter the address, Harry gave permission and soon enough, a figure stepped through the entrance.

Who was Harry kidding. A universe where Harry wasn’t outshined by Draco didn’t exist.

Draco looked around the room, eyes landing on Harry. He was breath taking, Harry literally held his breath as he studied him up and down. 

Oh Merlin, Draco Malfoy wearing muggle clothing that accentuated his skinny (but somehow curvy at the same time??) figure., had not been on his bingo card for the year. This was not the lost boy Harry had last seen 12 years ago. He wore black jeans that hugged his arse and…hips? When had Draco’s hips widened, giving him a slightly feminine and filled out stance?

You’re being such a pervert, Harry chastised himself as he forced his eyes to stop roaming his body and to look at his face instead. His face was just as beautiful, if not more. I mean, everybody knew Draco had always been a pretty boy, but his features had matured, aging him like fine wine, fitting perfectly onto the puzzle of his face. High cheek bones, pink lips and mid length blonde hair framing his face, Draco was a sight belonging to a muggle magazine cover. However, the dark shadows underneath his silver eyes didn’t go unnoticed by Harry.

“Erm, Harry…”

Walsh’s word barged him out of his trance, and he realised he’d been caught staring.

Blushing profusely, he cleared his throat, “Welcome, Mr Malfoy. Please take a seat.”

Draco’s face housed the constant cool stance he saw in Scorpius as well, like father like son of course. 

Gracefully, Draco perched on a seat in front of Harry’s desk, taking off his leather jacket and folding one leg over the other. The leather was faded in colour and thinned in places, seemed quite worn, confirming that Draco wasn’t in the most comfortable of financial positions. Harry was certain he’d pull off a trash bag as a top though , so it didn’t matter.

“I beg your pardon for my early arrival, I hope I didn’t cause any inconvenience, I’ve simply been on edge since receiving the letter, and want to apologise for any trouble my son has caused in advance.” Draco said while switching between looking at Harry and Walsh. He seemed rather stressed, with his knee bouncing up and down. It was obvious he was bracing himself for the worst of news. 

Harry didn’t approve of this doubting of Scorpius’ behaviour, “Mr Malfoy, I’d like to reassure you that Scorpius is a lovely student, and I’m proud to have him in my house.”

Draco raised an eye brow in surprise, “Oh…” he trailed off, it seemed this wasn’t what he had expected to hear, and so he sighed in relief, “May I ask for the reason I am here then?”

“Of course, Mr Walsh and I have started implementing a foundation training programme for first years who show great potential in quidditch.”

Harry looked at Draco for his reaction, but Draco had his poker face on. He must be happy, Harry would have been over the moon to have a child who was being praised by their teacher. He nodded at Mr Walsh to continue.

“Yes, and initially Mr Potter discovered Scorpius’ talent, after an incident amongst his classmates, and after informing me, I’ve watched and noticed that Scorpius is improving immensely per lesson. With the right amou-“

“I’m very sorry to cut you off,” Draco interjected, “But I see no point in wasting your time, Scorpius can not participate in this programme.”

“But he’s perf-“

“I said no, Mr Walsh.” Draco seemed upset now.

“He could play for the team next ye-“

This time Harry decided to interrupt Mr Walsh before Draco would, “I want to provide him with a broom, Draco.”

Draco leaned back, hand held to his chest, “What? How?”

Harry smirked, it felt nice to leave Malfoy speechless, “Scorpius told me, we know the whole ‘he can’t afford a broom’ situation. I was in a similar position to him many years ago, he’s great for a first time ever flyer, and we saw how great I did when Dumbledore gave me a broom, if we count the amount of times I beat you.” He smiled with humour, it wouldn’t be a true reunion without some good old teasing.

Draco seemed to have chosen to ignore his comment, “Why are you doing this? I’m sure there’s another student you could replace him with?”

Walsh replied, Harry was happy to have brought him here, since Draco seems suspicious of Harry, as if thinking he wasn’t being serious, “He has a lot to improve on, of course. But I seriously think he’ll be a valuable team member next year. Each house master is prepared to do anything for that cup, you’d know as former seeker.”

Draco looked between them both, Harry expected some other form of rejection or speculation, but Draco simply sighed and said, “I’m grateful for your generosity, Professor Potter. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”

Harry released the breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding, “Wow, that’s it? You’re not rejecting my help? … Well, thank you, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised.”

Draco thinned his lips, seeming to filter his words, “As much as our differences, my pride will never win over my desire for my son’s happiness. This is what is best for him, I’m sure he’ll love playing quidditch.”

Walsh stood up and said he’d be going if that was all, he apparently had to organise when the next school match would be. 

With that, it was just Harry and Draco in the room. Harry didn’t want to let him go straight away. Besides he had so much he wanted to ask. All in all, the whole child situation was so bizarre, he doubted he’d ever get his head round it even if Draco told him - not that that would happen anytime soon.

Drumming his fingers on the desk, he forced some word or the other to break the ever growing awkwardness of their silence, “Well Draco, How are you?”

“I’m very well, Professor Potter.”  Harry winced at the emphasis on the Potter, looks like they wouldn’t be on first name basis anytime soon.

“Umm, I don’t know how to say this, but I think we have some information wrong on Scorpius’ records.”

“Oh?” Draco raised his eyebrows. He seemed to that an awful lot.

“Yes, it shows Scorpius’ mother to be missing. I wanted to ask for you to tell us so that I could update, since it currently shows you as the mother instead.”

Draco’s tensed up and shifted in his chair, “Well, Scorpius’ mother wanted to keep her identity confidential when he was born.” He paused, appearing to be thinking very carefully with this words, “However, I can tell you the name just this once, so you can drop the matter once and for all, I’d hate for you to go snooping, since I remember you never being able to mind your own business.”

Harry didn’t correct Draco that Harry was only interested in other people’s business when the other person was Draco. He doubted he’d have been as obsessed in sixth year if the task had been given to Goyle instead. 

Draco leaned closer towards him, and Harry mirrored. “It’s Astoria Greengrass.” He whispered.

Harry moved away. He didn’t know who that was, although the last name seemed familiar. Of course, there had been a Daphne Greengrass in Slytherin in their year. Daphne had been quite pretty, he supposed, Astoria probably wasn’t any less.

He knew he should have just accepted and moved on, but Harry wasn’t completely brain-dead, there was a certain fact about Draco that didn’t tie up well with his confession.

Straightening his posture, Harry began, “ Malfoy, I don’t know how to phrase this, but I seem to remember you not exactly being in the correct predicament to get someone pregnant eleven years ago.”

Draco bristled, “I don’t under-“

“You were a gay prostitute!”

Draco stood up in anger, “You have no right to impose on me like this.”

Harry didn’t want Draco to leave so soon, he started panicking, why couldn’t he just keep his mouth quiet, why did Scorpius’ other parent matter so much to him, anyway? “Malfoy, please take a seat, I’m so sorry. In fact, I have many things to apologise for. Please, let me ensure we leave on friendly terms - for Scorpius’ sake.”

Draco slowly blinked a few times, before sighing and slowly sitting back down. Harry exhaled in relief, “I owe you an apology for now, and one that was due 12 years ago.”

Draco raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“I remember how out of line I was on that night, you know, you didn’t deserve to be treated like that.”

“It’s all in the past, Potter. Trust me, I had experienced worse,” Draco reassured him. He was twiddling with his thumbs and his tone didn’t seem sincere, as if he just wanted Harry to think he’d accepted the apology so that they could stop talking about the matter.

However sensitive of a topic it was, Harry felt the need to continue, maybe this would help his conscience, that had resurfaced since meeting Scorpius, and he’d actually be able to rest at night. His reasons for the apology were quite selfish. “I actually visited a few weeks later, looking for you to apologise, but you weren’t there. Bought some flowers and all.” He laughed uneasily at the last sentence and scratched the back of his neck.

Draco’s eye widened in surprise, “Oh, well, that’s rather thoughtful of you, I guess…”

Draco took another deep breath, he almost seemed dazed from Harry’s last words, “ You’re right, Potter. There was nothing between me and Astoria. She was just one of the few female clients I had, Scorpius doesn’t know about her, please do not mention it to him. The only reason I raised Scorpius was because she died from childbirth.”

This time is was Harry’s turn to be surprised. He realised the weight of those words, he knew how much responsibility came with a child, he’d seen how much Ron and Hermione’s life had changed after Hermione’s pregnancy, and Rose wasn’t even born yet. Even his life had changed now with all the preparation for the birth of his goddaughter. And Draco had basically given up his life at the age of nineteen to raise the son of a woman that had paid to have sex with him… Draco Malfoy really had changed, anybody willing to make such a sacrifice wasn’t a bad person.

Realising he’d left Draco hanging, he steadied himself, “Wow, Mr Malfoy, best believe my respect for you has doubled since you’ve sat down on the chair. You have my word, I won’t mention the topic to Scorpius, but it’s good to know all the same.”

Draco nodded, “I don’t particularly care how much you respect me, Potter, I gave  up on trying to be in the wizarding world’s good graces a long time ago. Just ensure Scorpius is somewhat happy in this school.” He finished coolly, another thing that had changed about Draco. His voice lacked emotion, he no longer was dramatic with his words, you couldn’t tell what he was feeling. Back in the day, Draco Malfoy made it obvious how he felt about whoever he was talking to, with Harry it would be way he spat ‘Pottah’. Even his pronunciation had changed.

“I’ll make sure he’s more than somewhat happy, Malfoy. Your son is under my best care, would you like me to call him in?”

Draco’s eye lit up slightly at the mention of his son, finally some emotion.  “Yes, please,” he nodded eagerly. Harry stood up and left.

Harry went over the common room. Everyone seemed to be doing their own thing, some older students studying the corner,  others playing wizarding chess. He searched for Scorpius, and smiled when he saw him listening to something Albus was passionately talking to him about. They seem to really get along, that’s good. Harry really hadn’t wanted Scorpius to be alone. 

He walked over to them, after greeting a few students who had said, “Hey, sir” . 

“Sorry, to interrupt your important discussion boys. But could I borrow Mr Malfoy for a few minutes please, Mr Dolan.”

Albus blushed and nodded, indicating for Scorpius to stand up. Scorpius did so, and followed Harry out of the common room.

“You’ve got a surprise visitor…” Harry grinned as he opened the door. He was excited at the opportunity to make the boy happy.

“Papa!” Scorpius exclaimed as he rushed to Draco, launching himself at the man before his father had gotten the chance to stand up properly, toppling them both back onto the chair. Draco laughed and stroked Scorpius’s blonde, wavy locks that contrasted his straight ones, “Hello, how’s my Little Dragon been?”

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much, “ Scorpius spoke into Malfoy’s chest, so that his voice was slightly muffled.

“I bet you did, but I missed you more.”

“Impossible!”

Harry was in the corner of the room, watching this interaction with a huge smile and glassy eyes. There was definitely something in his eye. He felt as though he should be grateful for having the privilege to witness such a precious moment. This was pure love, the sort he craved, and he felt happy that the two blondes in front of him had it. Harry had thought Draco would keep up the cold persona when his child was around too, like Lucius had done so with him, but Draco seemed not shy away from publicly displaying his affection.

He cleared his throat, internally cringing that he’d have to ruin the mood. The father-son due pulled apart. “Mr Malfoy, would you like to tell Scorpius the reason for your visit.”

Draco straightened his shirt, and smiled brightly at his son, “Gladly. Scorpius, we have a surprise for you, you can be in the first year quidditch training programme.”

Scorpius opened his mouth wide in shock, “But how, Papa. I don’t have a broom?”

Draco’s smile only widened, Harry wondered how often he had the chance to spoil his child with luxuries, this was probably quite a rare moment, and Draco was revelling in it. “Well, Scorp. Professor Potter has very kindly offered to provide you with a broom. What do we say?”

Scorpius turned to him, and Harry felt a warmth in his chest with the knowledge that he had caused the joy on the boy’s face, “Thank you so much, Professor Potter.”

“It was nothing, I couldn’t let a broom get in the way of you winning us the Quidditch Cup next year, could I?”

Scorpius cocked his head, looking him up and down as if seeing him in a new light. Hopefully, the boy wouldn’t think of him as a complete monster anymore.

“Anyway, my love, “ Draco spoke from next to Scorpius, “ I best let you go, make sure to write me letters often, I get worried.”

Scorpius rolled his eyes, but nodded, before leaving.

It was just Harry and Draco again. 

“Thank you, Professor. I’ll never be able to repay for the happiness you caused my son, but I’ll do my best to make up for the price of the broom as soon as I can.”

“It was nothing, Mr Malfoy. I genuinely did it for the house, Scorpius will be very beneficial.”

Draco stood up and walked to the front of the floo.

“Wait…”

Draco turned around, looking at Harry questioningly. He definitely didn’t want to carry on talking, if his impatient foot tapping meant anything.

“I just want to say… you’re a really good father, Malfoy. Anyone would be able to tell.”

Dracos foot stilled, and he had this perplexed look on his face as he looked down at the floor, avoiding Harry’s eyes. He seemed of unsure what to do, so after a few seconds of hesitation, walked into the floo and left.

Well that was bizarre, it had been a compliment, however Draco had seemed quite upset for some reason. Great way to kill to mood, well done Harry.

Seeing Malfoy had actually raised more questions in Harry, adding petrol to the fire of his curiosity, rather than water to douse it. He found himself wondering when he’d next see him - Christmas maybe?

Chapter Text

Harry smiled as two owls flew in with a large parcel attached to their talons. Dropping it onto his desk, the owls waited expectantly. Harry attached the delivery fee to their legs and gave them a treat each before they left. It had been a week since he’d placed the order, and Scorpius’ broom had finally arrived.

He wasn’t sure who was more excited, himself or the eleven year old. Harry rubbed his hands together in glee before looking at the tag, Nimbus 5000 , gleamed in holographic. He’d been counting down the day for its arrival, wanting to surprise Scorpius. It was the latest and most expensive model on the market, and much too advanced for a beginner, but Harry didn’t care. He’d accepted the fact that he wouldn’t be having any children, lacking the maturity and the interest in woman, which left him with vaults of money that would collect dust if he didn’t spoil those around him. Teddy and unborn Rose were both quite accustomed to that . Oh dear, I suppose I’ve got to buy Teddy one as well now. Teddy was a second year Hufflepuff, and Harry was encouraging him to play more quidditch. They had a very close relationship, and Teddy always felt able to tell how he felt and ask for advice from Harry. They’d tried the whole ‘Uncle Harry’ thing - but it hadn’t felt right, if anything Harry saw Teddy as more of a son than a nephew.

Perhaps he could invite Teddy to do the training one week as well. Teddy didn’t show any particular any interest in quidditch, but Harry had this vision of playing quidditch with his son one day, it was one of those day dreams he had in the tent during the horcrux hunt that still came to his mind to this day. Since he’d never have a son, he imagined it with Teddy, maybe inviting him to the training might get the boy to play with him at least, even if he wasn’t to try out for the team.

Anyways, the current focus was Scorpius, not Teddy, and Harry was restless to go and give him the news. Walking out of his office, he headed to the common room with a skip in his step.

“Scorpius, could I borrow you for a moment, please?”

Scorpius looked up from his parchment paper, he must have been completing an assignment. Albus was next to him, and seemed have almost finished while Scorpius was about halfway.

Scorpius nodded and stood up, Taggart muttered something like, “It’s always Scorpius for some reason…” but Harry didn’t hear nor care.

“Right Scorpius, a certain parcel came for you today, can you guess what it is?”

Scorpius seemed to still for a moment in thought, before widening his eyes and exclaiming, “Is it my broom!?”

Harry nodded animatedly, before standing behind his desk, hand clutching the fabric he’d laid over the broom before fetching Scorpius.

“Yep, and it’s right under here, just for you.”

Scorpius was watching with held breath, Harry was grinning like a mad man, he was just as excited to reveal to the boy that he’d bought him the most expensive broom on the market.

“I’ll open in three, two, one…”

Harry knew he was drawing it out, but he couldn’t help himself, he wanted to extend his time with the boy, and just wanted to enjoy the joy of being able to make a child happy for as long as possible. Not being able to wait any longer, he lifted the cover and the new broom gleamed on his desk.

Scorpius gasped, and his hand flew over his mouth. He was unmoving as he gaped at the broom.

“Tadah!”

Slowly, the boy’s hand hovered over the broom, but never dared to touch it, in case it’s turn out to be an illusion or something.

After a few more seconds of silence, Harry began, “Well… what do you think?”

Scorpius stuttered over his words, eyes wide and struggling to process the sight before them, “I-I’ve heard of this model, some others mentioned it as the best broom out there. I-I don’t know w-what to say-y.”

Harry was high off the boys joy, it wasn’t the same when he gifted Teddy, for he’d made sure Teddy had whatever he could imagine since day one, constantly feeling guilty and trying to make up for the boy’s lack of parents. Teddy was always grateful too, but Harry was a selfish man, and the boy in front of him wasn’t grateful, he was in heaven, and Harry had caused that, so of course he revelled in the affects of his good deed.

“How about you don’t say anything, and take it out to try instead.”

Scorpius nodded eagerly before finally touching the broom, “Thank you so much, Professor Potter.”

Then he was out, running to the quidditch pitch, with Harry laughing behind him as he struggled to keep up.

“Three, two, one…” And Scorpius was off.

“Wooo!”

“Wheeee!”

Harry clapped with vigour as Scorpius raced around the quidditch track. The sounds of joy were music to his ears, he couldn’t remember the last time something had truly made him feel pure happiness. Even defeating Voldemort hadn’t felt this rewarding, in fact, during the aftermath of Voldemorts death, Harry had felt anything but happy.

Although, those days seemed well in the past, as Harry watched Scorpius. “Look, here’s a new trick I learnt!,” came from the air as he looped.

“Well done!” Harry cheered, technically they weren’t supposed to be here, but how could he have denied this moment from Scorpius, or himself to be frank.

“Alright, Mr Malfoy, it’s time to go. Let’s get you back in house!”

Scorpius pout before reluctantly slowing down. As they walked back, Harry could only think of how identical his expressions were to Malfoy, at least when Malfoy had been something more than the cold slab he’d met last week.

“I’m writing to Papa immediately, Professor. Thank you so much!” And with that Scorpius dashed to his room.

Harry secretly wished that Scorpius would disclose the model of the broom as well, he wanted to Malfoy to know that Harry had splashed out. Proving he wasn’t the git Malfoy had last interacted with nearly twelve years ago. Besides, a gentleman like Malfoy would reach out to thank Harry for the purchase of such an elite broom, via letter, or he hoped, in person.

As he was trying to think of the reason why he even wanted to see Malfoy so much again, he sighed and realised he needed to wake up early tomorrow, so headed to bed.

Since the beginning of the school year, he’d gotten his first half decent night of sleep. It contained a dream he couldn’t properly remember, apart from the fact that he’d been smiling brightly, and it seemed as if in the distance he could hear Scorpius’ cheers from the day before.

This meant he was energised enough to focus on lessons and still have energy for the first year quidditch training programme lesson. Since it was the first one, he wanted to be present for Scorpius. Also, strategically speaking, he’d look out for possible threats next year and warn the current Gryffindor quidditch captain, a talented sixth year, about them.

Making his way to the quidditch pitch, he couldn’t help but smile at Scorpius in his training attire. The boy looked too cute, nervously biting his nails as he listened to the instructor, Mr Walsh. Harry noted that there was a redhead girl from Hufflepuff, an Asian boy from Ravenclaw and Nott from Slytherin there as first years among side Scorpius.  Each student had their head of house next to them, apart from Scorpius.

He winked as Scorpius noticed him approaching, who seemed to slightly lessen the frown he was housing on his face, “I was worried you weren’t going to come,” he laughed nervously.

“Awfully sorry I’m late,” he announced to everyone, then leaned towards Scorpius, “No chance I was going to miss it.”

Scorpius still wasn’t smiling, most likely due to how stressed he was, and turned to listen to Mr Walsh.

“Alright, Welcome everybody. I hope you’ve enjoyed your first few weeks at Hogwarts. Congratulations for being here, you have all been selected by myself and your heads of house, so I’m aware of how promising you guys are. We initially want to master your flying skills on the broom, and today we’ll have a few practise laps, however, since this’ll be one of the only sessions you’re head of house are present with you, I thought I’d throw you all in the deep end and introduce bludgers !”

Scorpius’s cuticles had started bleeding from his fierce biting, Harry wanted to console him but it didn’t seem like any other heads of house were as friendly with their student as he was.

As the four started lapping round the pitch, he pondered further on this. It was true that he wasn’t the best figure of authority, but he really did care about his job and liked to think he tried his best. He just didn’t have the heart to be stern with anybody, especially since he knew all too well how annoying it was for teachers to be unnecessarily strict - Snape’s lessons still haunted him.

However, then there’d be cases like Scorpius’ where he’d find that he doesn’t know what to do. Even currently, he knows he should maybe warn the Slytherin boy flying dangerously close to Scorpius and saying something unintelligible from the ground. He knew the boy gave most a rough time at school - he was certain Scorpius was also one of the victims, judging from the deepening frown on his face. But what could he do? He couldn’t give an eleven year old child detention for suspecting he’s a bully from just the way he carries himself, besides Harry hated giving detentions, and almost never to first years, his reasoning was that they’d only just starting school and should be allowed to make mistakes.

Harry hoped he wasn’t a horrible teacher, but the fear gnawed at his insides sometimes. He probably had a completely wrong outlook on teaching, but he hoped he’d improve over the years.

The four students landed on the ground, and Harry couldn’t help but notice that Scorpius lips were also bleeding, alongside his nails, as if he’d been chewing on them and bitten especially hard on his bottom lip at one point. Harry was reminded on how he’d made a habit of that as well while working in the auror department, careful not to say what he was truly thinking in the manner he wanted to while having his ear chewed off by Robards’ lecture on one thing or the other.

“Right, now we’ll go off into pairs with heads of houses, who will practise throwing bludgers at you and your aim will be to dodge.”

Scorpius walked up to him, but his mood was definitely sour now, and not just from nerves, obviously whatever Nott had said wasn’t pleasant. Not wanting the boys first quidditch training to be a bad memory, especially when he remembered how exhilarating his first one nearly twenty years ago had been, Harry flashed the biggest smile on his face and cheered at Scorpius, “Look at you on the broom! That’s definitely not the same boy I saw chasing after his teddy a few weeks ago!”

Scorpius didn’t smile, smiling seemed quite a rare thing for him anyway, but Harry liked to hope that he’d seen the ghost of a slight twitch on the lips - and that was enough. “Come on now, we’ve got to show the other houses who’s boss, and trust me, I’m not planning on going easy on you,” he winked.

In the air, each house was busy with their own variation of bludger practice. Ravenclaw seemed to be struggling the most, with Flitwick complaining that he was an academic, and not made to be on a broomstick. The competition was definitely between Slytherin and Gryffindor, with Nott already knowing a few tricks on the broom, and overall having the confidence of probably being born with a training broom handed to him, something Scorpius lacked.

However, the blonde boy made up for his eleven years of lack of experience with eleven times more enthusiasm and determination. Harry could see the way his brows were furrowed as he tried to predict which direction Harry would throw the bludger next. Nott was far too arrogant, and Harry knew this would be the boys downfall in the future, when he was on the house team.

Harry clapped, whooped, and high fived Scorpius no matter how the boy was doing - not that he wasn’t absolutely brilliant. In fact, Harry wished Draco could see just how talented his little boy was, it would definitely crack a smile from Scorpius, who Harry had only ever seen so elated when he greeted his father.

However, the stony demeanour that the boy seemed to try’s be copy from his father was wavering, and eventually slipped off, so that Scorpius was now laughing in surprise at his success.

“You’re a natural, Scorp!”

Scorp? Where had that come from?   He may not be an experienced teacher, but he doubted he was meant to reach that level of friendliness with students.

But the joy on Scorpius’ face was enough for him to decide to sod it. Looking into Scorpius’s green eye, crinkled from his smile, he saw a glimpse of his younger self, riding for the first time. There were flecks of all too familiar nerves, alongside wonder. Scorpius was at a similar position to him, having to adjust to lots of new wizarding concepts. Even this was enough for him to form a bond with him. The boy had somehow become much more significant than the other first years in the few weeks he’d been here. He hoped that he’d also have some sort of positive impact on the boy in the seven years to come.

With everybody thoroughly tired out, Walsh announced the end of the session. They all slowly landed on the floor and headed to the changing rooms to take their gear off.

“What a performance, am I right?” Harry clapped him on the back.

Scorpius shrugged, feigning nonchalance, “It was alright, I guess.”

Harry grinned at the obvious attempt to hide nervousness. Despite a very small side of him wanting to entertain it a little, he decided the boy needed to hear the praise he deserved.

“Well, I think you were brilliant! My, it’s been ages since I’ve rode a broom, and it was definitely with a worthy opponent. I only knew how to seek, you see, there is absolutely no way I would have been able to dodge those bludgers like that!”

He was out of breath by the end of his speech, but he’d truly meant every single word of it.

However, Scorpius was staring at him with eyebrows furrowed in what seemed like… confusion?

“But how?”

Now, it was Harry’s turn to be confused, “What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just that you’re Harry Potter, “ Scorpius stuttered, “Papa always said that you could do anything, that you even saved the world.”

Harry stilled. That was the last thing he’d expected to hear. He hadn’t thought Draco Malfoy would have ever wasted any of his breath to talk about him, let alone to his son. And even if he had, surely it would have been negative.

“Yo-You’re father spoke of me?”

Scorpius nodded his head, “Of course he did. He used to say that if I ever have a goal I should believe in myself, like you had, and I’d be able to achieve anything, again like you had - no matter how big the challenge.”

Gulping, he slowly began walking again. He was feeling quite emotional. Harry knew he was seen as a role model by all ages, no matter how big or small. However, thinking about a small Scorpius, in a similar embrace with his papa that Harry had witnessed recently, being motivated by Draco Malfoy to look up to Harry, twisted something in him.

They’d finished packing up their gear, and were slowly going to head back indoors with the other houses. “Hey, Scorp. I think we’ve both worked extremely hard and deserve a little treat today. How about some pre-supper dessert in my office?”

Scorpius face lit up, it seemed the boy also had a sweet tooth. Harry ignored the scowling Slytherin head of house in the corner, sneakily listening in with Nott, who had his eyes narrowed, watching them, and continued, “What’s you favourite dessert? I’ll have it ordered from this amazing bakery in Hogsmeade.” He purposely turned his back at the Slytherins, it wasn’t his fault he appreciated his students more, if you don’t like kids, maybe don’t become a teacher. And if you don’t like to be disregarded by your teachers, don’t be In Slytherin. Not that he thinks he’d have particularly like Nott even if he had been sorted into Gryffindor.

“Could we have treacle tart, please!” Scorpius said in a slightly higher pitch, he seemed to be suppressing a squeal.

Harry exaggerated a surprised expression, playing into the boys excitement, “What a coincidence! That’s my favourite too!”

Scorpius seemed happy to have something in common with Harry Potter, who Harry now knew he’d been told to idolise as a child. He clapped his hands together, very un-Scorpius like, Harry hoped this meant he was now more comfortable around him, Harry definitely felt like they had bonded. “I had it for the time a few weeks ago, at the feast, and I’ve had it everyday since.”

Harry’s smile slightly faltered, his brain seemed to forget that Scorpius didn’t come from the same luxurious background Malfoy had come from. It just seemed too unbelievable of a fact for him to comprehend, but it was true. In fact, Scorpius’s upbringing was much more similar to his than to Malfoy’s. He had also tried treacle tart for the first time at Hogwarts, and had eaten it everyday for the first year, somehow not becoming tired of it.

As they got closer to the entrance, Harry turned back and caught the eye of Walsh. “You go ahead, Scorpius. Wait for me in the common room, I’ll be in my office in a few minutes.”

Scorpius nodded and headed inside with the others.

“Hey,” Walsh scratched the back of his neck.

“Hey.”

“Soo, “ Walsh started, looking at the floor, “How do you think it went?”

Merlin, the poor guy seemed so nervous. “Harry, you were amazing. Anyone can tell your passion for the sport, you got through to the children so well.”

“That’s good, I think I just needed to make sure.”

“Mr Walsh, you don’t need anybody approval, the increased uptake in quidditch should be enough proof.”

Walsh now looked up, directly into his eyes.“It’s not others approval I was making sure of, I was looking for yours.”

Harry inhaled sharply, the man had dull brown eyes, that suited his face. Overall, he was quite pretty, and very obviously flirting with him. He knew from past experiences that what he’d say or do next would be very important, and affect their relationship forever.

Taking a deep breath, he spoke, “ Well, Alex,” this was the first Tim he hadn’t used Walsh’s last name, “How about I tell you just how much I approve over dinner, tomorrow?”

Alex smiled. “That’ll be perfect.”

“See you then,” Harry waved.

“See you.”

Inside, Scorpius and Harry was waiting for their treacle tart to be delivered from Hogsmeade, while Harry was digesting the fact he had a date with Walsh tomorrow. Did he really want to this? Harry didn’t necessarily date, but he doubted a friends with benefits would have worked with your colleague. As if dating will!

He dispelled all thoughts regarding the matter when he heard an owl at a window. It was a rental one again, maybe the ones used by the bakery were ill?

Going over, he saw that it was a note attached to the owl, not a parcel. Opening the note, he recognised the posh scrawl of Malfoy.

Dear Professor Potter,

There is a matter I would like to discuss, regarding Scorpius’s new broom. I was hoping that you would take sometime out of your Sunday afternoon to speak with me.

Thank you,

D. L. Malfoy

Harry quickly replied that that was fine, and smirked inwardly. So Malfoy had decided to thank him in person, he pictured a grateful Malfoy, smiling at him and Harry found himself already excited to have him in his office. Sunday, he had to wait four days to see him…

Chapter Text

"And then I told him that we'd be very good friends..."

Hermione and Ron looked at each other. It was Saturday evening, and Harry had decided to visit for dinner, since it had been few weeks since he'd seen his best friends. He was now recounting his date from the previous night. It had been sweet, and he'd be lying if he said he hadn't enjoyed Walsh's company. But there was no reason to waste the kind man's time by lying to himself that he might ever want something more. There was no point delving into it in detail either, neither had done anything that they couldn't turn back from, a first for Harry.

"Well, I'm not very surprised it didn't work out," Hermione stated. Harry didn't want to delve into why, since Hermione constantly had an opinion on his life nowadays- even more than she did when they were younger, and he never really seemed to be able to do anything right , apparently, in her eyes.

"No, mate. Good on you for giving it a go. We know it's been tough at Hogwarts, not having many people your age around." Ron, ever the voice of encouragement, added.

Harry nodded, it was true. Most of the older teachers didn't really acknowledge him, and when they did, he felt like he was being treated like one of the students!

Suddenly, Hermione smiled and reached for Harry's hand, "Feel, Rose is greeting her uncle."

Hermione was five months pregnant, and he'd been told by Ron that the baby had slowly started to kick, but he hadn't had the opportunity to feel it before, until now. He couldn't stop the smile of awe spreading across his face, "Wow, Mione. That's brilliant."

"All the nausea's died down now, so my amazing wife can finally start enjoying her pregnancy and embrace her cravings - which I'm very willing to provide by the way, baby."

Hermione laughed, "I think it's only going to get harder from here, Ron. I can't imagine myself any bigger than this and I'm only five months!"

All this talk about pregnancy reminded Harry of the issue that had been nagging his mind,  especially with the fact that Draco would be visiting tomorrow, it had resurfaced.

Clearing his throat, he decided to discuss it with his friends, Hermione would know something about it, she always did. 

"Mione, when Rose is born, will you fill in a birth certificate to state that you're the mother?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, ministry documents update automatically for the mother, I'd only be informing them of Ron being the father."

Oh, but that didn't make sense with what he'd seen on Scorpius's records, and they'd been copied from the ministry.

" Well, is it possible the father to be listed as the mother of a child?"

Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, "No, Harry. The mother term in legal Wizarding documents refers to whoever gave birth, nobody else. In fact, this an issue I've been wanting to submit to have discussed at the Wizengamot, since it makes things like surrogacy difficult for, wait, why are you asking me this?"

Now it was Harry's turn to be confused. It wasn't like Draco had given birth to Scorpius. Again, he decided to be frank with his friends, he hadn't kept anything from them to this day, and he wasn't going to from now.

"Well, I'm asking because, you see, I have a student named Scorpius, and on his school records it states his mother is who his father actually is, and the section for his father is blank."

Hermione narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "What are you up to Harry. It should be no concern of yours what a students background is."

Harry was getting flustered, he knew Hermione was right , but he just didn't know why he cared so much. He turned to Ron, hoping he'd say something to resolve the tension.

"Ummm," Ron seemed to be searching through his mind in what to say, "Who is this mother/father person, Harry."

Hermione smacked her husband's shoulder, "That is the last thing you should be asking, Ronald Weasley. Harry I hope you haven't been going round telling any of this to people!"

"I swear I haven't, Mione. I'd never to anyone but you two. Please, just discuss this with me, Scorpius is a student who's struggling to fit in and I just want what's best for him."

Hermione gestured for him to continue, besides, since they had been young, even if she knew something was wrong, her curiosity had always gotten the better of her too in the end - if all their sneaking around the castle was saying something.

"He's Malfoy's son, the fucking Draco Malfoy's son."

Hermione and Ron stared at him, mouths agape. 

Ron was the first to recover and speak, "Merlin, I didn't even know he was still alive."

"Yep, he is. His son is in, get this, Gryffindor."

"No way!" Ron was really getting in to the gossip now, "Malfoy must be appalled, I surprised he's not disowning the boy. In fact, are you sure he isn't?"

Harry shook his head, "No, no. I called him for a meeting the other day, he's definitely changed Ron. You should have seen him with his son, I don't think I've seen a parent that gentle before."

 Ron paused to digest this comment, not seeming to truly believe it. Hermione had been thinking in silence until now, and only began speaking, "Well, that must mean Malfoy's somehow given birth to the child. Not that this should be any of our business."

Harry scoffed, "Surely that's impossible, he told me that Greengrass was the mother. Not Daphne in our year, but her younger sister. Called Astoria apparently. I thought maybe he'd altered the records or something to hide her identity." He didn't tell them that he thought this because Malfoy had been a sex worker and that the child was an accident.

"That's not possible Harry, records are updated magically. Nobody can alter them."

"Yeah well, I don't see how a bloke can get pregnant or give birth, babe." Ron chimed in.

"I mean there has to be some explanation, I've recently been reading books on pregnancy and can think of a few possibilities."

"Don't worry, I'll ask him tomorrow." Harry reassured, he'd gotten what he wanted from the conversation. Despite not wanting to believe it, since it seemed ridiculous and impossible, Draco had somehow given birth to Scorpius. There's still so much he didn't know about magic and the Wizarding world, there was no point questioning it.

Hermione on the other hand, looks anything but reassured and was frowning at him in horror. "You will do no such thing! What are you talking about!"

Harry was confused, "Huh."

"Harry! You have no right to go poking your nose into other people's business! Are you actually serious? What is it to you? People have a right to privacy, even if you were saviour of the bloody universe you wouldn't have the right to breach it."

"Mione, i didn't have any bad intentio-,"

"What difference does it make!" She shrieked, truly furious. She turned to Ron, "This is why I wanted you to be the one to tell him!"

Ron gulped, "Dear, I didn't want to intervene."

Harry butted in now, "What do you mean?"

Hermione looked at him with determination, "Harry, you're going to go and actually be committed to a mind healer. You seriously need to work on yourself."

This was not the direction he had expected things to turn. He abruptly stood up, "What in the world! How did me asking about Malfoy come to this again?"

Hermione stood up to face him, five month belly protruding before her. "They are very much linked, Harry Potter, you need to grow up. You're not a teenager, so that you can still get away with such things."

Harry rubbed his face with his hands and held them up in defeat, "Fine, Mione. I'll leave Malfoy alone, it's not worth us arguing."

Hermione did not seem placated, "It's not just that, Harry.I couldn't care less about Malfoy, I haven't seen him in years and, frankly, haven't thought of him once. The message I'm trying to get across is that you are still ridiculously immatur-"

"Not this agai-" Harry huffed.

"Yes this again!" Hermione interrupted Harry like he had done so to her, "Everything you've told us today is just evidence of how much of a man child you are. First of all, you shouldn't be getting this intimate with students, to the point you feel like you possess the right to investigate their parentage or buy them lavish brooms."

Dammit, he's never telling Neville anything again.

"I just wanted to make him happ-"

"How unprofessional," Hermione clearly wasn't going to let him get a full sentence in until she finished her rant, "You haven't even considered how a parent would react to such a gift, if they truly are in the position to not be able to afford a broom."

Harry housed the expression of a guilty child now, as he looked at the floor, Hermione's gaze too fierce to maintain eye contact with. He hadn't even acknowledged that Malfoy might not particularly be happy with the amount of money he'd spent, especially considering his son being over the moon. Oh no, what if the visit tomorrow would contain a Draco similar to Hermione right now. He no longer had the same excitement about seeing the man. 

"It's not just that either," bloody hell, Harry thought as Hermione continued, how much more could he have messed up in Hermione's eyes . "You know you don't do dating and relationships Harry, this again goes to you lacking the emotional maturity to, of course. So why would you risk the peace in your job environment by violating basic codes of conduct in a workplace by asking out your colleague. I'm surprised you didn't sleep with him like you do with every other person, only to never speak to them again!"

Hermione had been the least accepting of his previous party animal and hook up culture lifestyle, and had signed him up to the Aurors herself saying she wouldn't speak to him if he didn't attend. He was reminded of the helplessness he had felt as she'd scolded him then and was doing so now.

Ron, who'd been watching in a silence similar to Harry's, seemed to remember that he was also present, and reached for his wife's arm, trying to get her to sit down, "Ok, honey, I think we understand."

"I wasn't finished, Ron." Hermione herself knew the pregnancy hormones weren't helping with her anger, but she'd tried to be as encouraging as possible to her best friend since his new job, but needed to have a cathartic moment of releasing her thoughts on his new lifestyle. As much as everybody else around him were happy that he was no longer constantly drunk or high in god knows where, but that didn't mean she should accept his current attitude and behaviour towards life either.

She sighed, and sat down next to her husband. The sorry sight of Harry had calmed her down a bit, and maybe the weight of what she wanted to say next also - but she just had to get it off her chest. "Harry, you can't carry on teaching."

Harry looked up from the floor, wondering if he'd heard right, "What?"

"You can't possibly think you're fit to be a teacher."

"Mione, you might be going too far." Ron was concerned now, people from too opposite ends of the spectrum of life were currently arguing with each other. Hermione was the ultimate control freak, desiring everything to be perfect, and Harry, on the other hand, had a life of chaos - no structure with decisions made carelessly, without a thought on their impact on himself or others. He didn't want Hermione's lecture to transform into a full blown argument, where'd he'd be in between his pregnant wife and best friend.

"No, Ron, please let her finish." Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew he wasn't the best teacher ever, but he didn't have to hear his doubts thrown at him like this!

"You can't help yourself, how would you help the children. I'm not trying to hurt you, Harry, but you act like a child yourself. I'm sure you're loved by many in that school, but you act on your emotions, and that is NOT what a child who is looking at you to teach them life needs. I heard a few parents who work in the ministry complaining last year, specifically after that unbelievably dangerous trip you'd organised"

"Well what do you suppose I do then, since you seem to know it all." He knew exactly what school trip she was talking about. To celebrate the end of the school year, he'd decided to take classes to the edge of the forbidden forest, just to give students a chance to explore. It had been the most fun he'd had as a teacher, answering all the students passionate questions. Everyone had come back unharmed, and he was planning on doing it again this year, why did people have to be against fun.

With a straight face, Hermione said without thinking twice, as if she'd been waiting for is moment, "You should join the aurors again."

Harry scoffed. He was angry, but he noticed his vision getting blurry as well, he prayed that he wouldn't cry, "You both know how much I wanted to leave, what the hell Mione."

"Well, at least you were good at it!"

"Well I hated it. Does my happiness not mean anything?"

"Life isn't just about being happy! You have to be sensible! You wouldn't have even joined the Aurors if it hadn't been for me, maybe you wouldn't have even had a job, so listen to me again and go back before everything backfires on you, since you'll come to me for help then as well!"

"Fuck you!"

Both of their shoulders were heaving from the shouting. Ron just looked at them with his eyes wide, not knowing what to do. The stress was definitely not good for the baby.

Harry wiped his eyes, he had to get out of there, "It was because of people like you I left the Aurors anyway. They just cared about efficiency, not people. Don't worry, I won't bother you with my problems anymore, I'm sure you've had enough of me to last a lifetime."

"Mate, please, wait a sec..." 

He shook his head at Ron, "I bought Rose a teddy bear that I saw in Hogsmeade yesterday, it's got a rose in its mouth, thought it looked cute. I've left it by the door..."

With that, he ignored Hermione's face softening into regret, and flooed into his office and kicked his chair across the room. Looks like sleep was out of the question tonight as well.

Chapter Text

Even Harry knew what he was doing now was wrong; he was taking it too far.

Last night, he hadn't had a wink of sleep, like he'd assumed. However, the thoughts that had kept him up hadn't mainly been about the row he'd had with Hermione, but rather what she'd said about Malfoy. Despite knowing that Hermione wasn't easily wrong, he still couldn't help but be reluctant about accepting the fact that Malfoy himself had given birth to Scorpius. He just wanted to put his mind at ease by confirming.

This was the reason he found himself sneaking around the mostly remote Ministry at 6 am on a Sunday. 

He avoided the front entrance of the DMLE, where aurors on shift for calls were, and entered via the back, where the desk work would take place.

Most aurors didn't work on Sundays, and the ones that did, usually to finish off some paperwork, would sleep in and come in the afternoon. This meant it was empty and Harry was free to move. Holding his breath, he gripped his wand tightly in his hand, and entered his (old) auror ID code to the currently locked door in front of him.

Sighing in relief, he watches the door swing open as he slipped inside. Robards had insisted to not deactivate his access the department, to show that he was always welcome to come back, but he hadn’t been sure if they'd continued to still keep it active. It was funny how the only time Harry had felt appreciated by the man was as he was resigning, where the man had promised to take Harry's ideas for the department into consideration and even implement them.

Anyways, those days were in the past, and no matter what Hermione said, he had no intention to join back, and had known Robards didn’t mean any of his empty promises.

Shifting his eyes, he studied the filing room he was in. 

It was vast and lined with shelves, all lined respectively with boxes, bigger than a warehouse. It contained records on every witch and wizard to have lived in the past millennium, and was accessible to aurors to use when working on cases. He definitely wasn't allowed to be there though, which was more the reason to be swift.

Harry charmed a box down seven aisles to the left and peeks under the lid. It is filled with documents, all belonging to the Greengrass family. This is the box. He rummaged through some files before coming across what he was looking for, the records on Astoria Greengrass. It was merely a few pages, containing her birth certificate, school records, medical history and death certificate . He quickly skimmed over the first few, learning that she had been three years younger than him, which would make her 15/16 when she got pregnant! He didn't know anything about Astoria, but he highly doubted many aristocratic pure blood teenage girls would step foot into the ghastly brothel Draco had been working at, especially at such an age. She had been in hufflepuff, he noted in surprise, and had a rather long medical record, that contained many visits to St. Mungos. 

It seemed that Miss Greengrass had suffered from a blood curse throughout her childhood, resulting in a premature death 15, with no record of pregnancy whatsoever. When calculating the dates of her death with the birth of Scorpius, Harry concluded that it wasn't possibly for her to be the mother, as Draco proposed, for she would have died at around four months pregnant, meaning the child would have died with her. Thankfully, Scorpius was very much alive and thriving, Harry thought.

His mind trying to ravel around the fact that Draco really had given birth to Scorpius seemed to flood all his senses with shock, for he didn't realise that someone else had entered the room until he was startled out of his thoughts with a "Harry?"

Jumping at the sound, he turned to find Hermione frowning at him. 

Nervously stuttering, Harry managed to squeak out a, "Heyyy, Mione. What are you doing here?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "I should be the one asking you that, I have a reason to be here via my job, but I can't seem to think of any for you."

Hermione was an unspeakable, and her department used the filing room alongside the MLE. 

Seeing the file Harry was holding in his hand, Hermione sighed and shook her head, "You couldn't just listen to me and let it go, could you?"

Harry avoided her eye, "Mione, I really don't want to argue agai-..."

"No, Harry you've misunderstood me, that's the last thing I want to do right now as well," Hermione said, reaching out to hug him , "I think I went a bit overboard last night, especially after having been the one inviting you over. Ron and I barely slept last night."

"Same," Harry nodded, "But you weren't all wrong, I know I'm becoming a little obsessed with Malfoy."

Hermione laughed, still holding onto him, "You've always been more than a little obsessed with Malfoy, Harry. It's nothing new."

"Ha,ha, very funny," he let go of her tight embrace, "Besides, I wasn't all wrong, as I'm sure you've quickly read and deferred in the few seconds you distracted me with that hug," Harry smirked at Hermione's half hearted scoff, "But Draco has lied about her being the mother, you were right him giving birth . Now the question is, how?"

"I mean, firstly, I'd like to reiterate that it really isn't our business. And secondly, I'd like to remind you that you need authorised access to be here and I should be reporting this encounter."

Harry's smile  that had bloomed from making up with his friend, quickly wilted. He'd have some explaining to do if she truly did. "I'm... I'm sorry, Mione. I swear I don't know why it bothers me so much, maybe because I really like the boy and, I don't know, doesn’t every child deserve both parents unless their truly is no other way, I guess I'm trying to convince myself I'm helping Scorpius, but I swear I don't mean any harm."

Hermione sighed again, she seemed to do an awful lot of that around him. Harry couldn't help wonder if anybody else in her life disappointed her as much he did. "I know you don't, Harry. In fact you are genuinely the last person I can think of that would wish harm upon anybody, however it's not good enough of a reason is it, especially not one people would expect if you got caught."

Harry guiltily looked down at the floor, their interaction had started in a similar way yesterday, with a lecture, he hoped they wouldn't argue again, he didn't want to be shouted at again. Even the thought of last night was enough to get his eyes watery, his best friend's words had truly hurt.

Unable to form any words, being too busy trying not to cry and look even more pathetic, Harry let Hermione continue.

"I don't really know why I've even decided to carry this around with me, I guess I must have subconsciously been hoping to run into you," she had taken out a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket, "In fact, giving it to you goes to prove how much of a hypocrite I am, but Harry, please promise me something."

Harry nodded, he didn't plan on arguing with Hermione whatever she said - another worry he'd had last night when reliving the argument in his head, was the stress that must have been placed on the baby, which surely wasn't healthy at all. 

"Yesterday, you mentioned something about Malfoy visiting today. Promise me you won't be bringing up this matter with him, if you're going to be this inappropriate, at least keep the other side out of it. I'm just putting myself in his shoes, and believe me, I'd be mad if someone thought they had the right to delve into my privacy as so," with this, she gave a long look at the file in his hand.

Harry quickly put the file back in the box and the box away on the shelf. Hermione was right, he had been silly enough to think of confronting Malfoy about the fact he'd lied, but now cringed at how unthoughtful that was.

"You're right, as always. I promise. I don't know what he wants to exactly talk about , but it surely won't contain anything to do with his personal life," he assured her, "Besides, after getting through whatever he says today, I doubt I'll even see him again until the end of the year, and even that's a uncertain, depending on if he picks Scorpius up from the station."

This last sentence caused a weird feeling somewhere in his ribs, and he was confused. Maybe it was relief he felt, or something similar, since he'd think of Malfoy less if he didn't see him. Although, Scorpius looking almost identical to him didn't help, apart from his green eyes of course. Scorpius had beautiful eyes. Not that his hair wasn't beautiful, or his small nose or...

Hermione relented and shoved the paper into his hand. It seems to have been a page, recently ripped out of a book. Hermione rarely damaged books, so it must have truly irked her to give it to him.

She held his chin and forced him to look into her eyes, "Remember Harry, neither Ron or I heard anything about Malfoy, he still might be dead to us, and to you he is simply the single parent of one of your students, and this paper is something you randomly stumbled upon that has no relevance to you at all, and your going to cast a nice incendio to it as you walk out of this room, which you shouldn't have been in at all, and only - again - accidentally walked into."

Harry nodded again before pulling Hermione in the tightest hug he could manage, he would have fallen apart on his path of self destruction , found dead at some random side road after the war, if it hadn't been for his amazing support system, consisting of his friend and family. 

As they parted, he laughed, "It's getting harder to hug you, you know. Soon little Rose will be too big for us."

"I know...I can't wait!," she said warmly, before shaking her head, remembering where they were, "But Harry, I've only given you that to show you that I don't care enough for anybody to argue over them with you. My words yesterday still stand, they just weren't about Malfoy or Walsh or whoever else, I really do think you need to pull yourself together some time soon."

Harry nodded, yet again. He wasn't someone very well with their words in the first place, getting awkward or flustered or nervous easily, and Hermione Granger was never one to not leave him unable to say much back to her piercing words. 

"Remember to pop into the Burrow some time, Molly has definitely missed you."

"Soon as I can, and you, please take it easy." He said as he quickly apparated away, leaving Hermione to do whatever she was doing at 6 in the morning at the ministry. Honestly, she was pregnant, did she never rest.

Back in his office, he sat down in his office to relish the last hour or two of quiet he'd have before students started waking up. Sunday's usually allowed students to have freedom, free from lessons, unless there was a school event. Since there was none, the grounds would be filled with ruckus, not that he'd have it any other way.

That was what pained him the most about Hermione's words, he really did love his job. He loved speaking to students and helping them out as much as he could, they were all away from their parents, so he tried to be their when any had worries. Students had warmed up to him quickly over the last year, and he now had a reputation as the teacher you could go to with problems you were having at school; a sort of mentor. He didn't want to give this up, especially when he finally felt like he was possibly making a difference, unlike in the Auror office where he'd either listen to orders be barked at him or be told to bark them at others, neither which he enjoyed. 

Deciding that he didn't have to listen to everything Hermione said, he'd keep his job, and maybe, later in the year when he was less busy, sign up to a mind healer again. Hopefully not one that would very ineffectively tell him to just 'forget and forgive', from a previous experience, as if it were that easy. 

Flattening out the paper in his hand, he started reading. It was obviously from a pregnancy book, one of the hundreds Hermione had read by now, and a small paragraph on the page, highlighted by Hermione, had the subtitle 'Veela Pregnancies'.

Veela's are creatures that have roamed the earth centuries before humans, and have many characteristics that remain unknown to humans due to their secretive nature, meaning limited research has been done . It seems, from distant observations, male and female veelas both have the ability to carry offspring, a feature assumed to have been evolved into, to prevent extinction, once humans began hunting them, in ancient civilisations. In theses ancient civilisations, veelas were violent and only used their beauty to lure humans in before killing and sometimes feeding on them. However, in more modern times, after the human's desire to hunt them died down, there was a dangerously low Veela population left. Due to this, a very small number of veelas seemed to decide that the best form of survival was to learn to live with wizards, and very rarely lured them into a sexual interaction. This was a very rare case, and researchers do not understand the thought process of the veelas behind these action, but assume it was the thought that if they carried a wizards offspring they'd be protected. There a few recorded evidence of such relationships between veelas and wizards, having happened many centuries ago, and the only confirmed ones being the french Delacour and Malfoy families. It was noted that despite the Delacour family accepting a veela into the family, the Malfoy's killed the veela after the birth of the heir.

It is unknown whether the male carrier gene passed down and carried on in the human generations, however rumours of Malfoy man in the eightteenth century, disowned due to being pregnant to a 'bastard' child, has kept speculations alive. 

Veela appearances tend to include some of the following: Distinct Platinum blond hair,  very pale skin (sometimes described to be glowing), light coloured eyes (varying between grey, purple), petite and feminine frame (it is noted that male veelas hips may sometimes grow even wider after giving birth, in order to make following pregnancies easier).

Harry had to read the passage around five times before he could even begin to try and wrap the words around his head. For Circe's sake, Malfoy definitely ticked all those boxes, forget some!

Out of all the things, of course Malfoy had had to be a veela. Harry was shocked, but not surprised, in a weird way, since the man had always been breathtakingly beautiful, far too gorgeous much for a mere human. 

He wondered if Scorpius also had veela genes, who was he kidding, the boy wasn't any less handsome than his father had been at that age, and also had many of the listed features. However, Harry remind himself with... he didn't even know what to name the warm feeling in his chest, that the boy had green eyes. Scorpius must have got that from somewhere else in Malfoy's family tree, or even possibly from the boy's other father. Oh, Harry didn't want to think about the boys other father. It brought that uncomfortable feeling behind his rib again, one he didn't want to question. 

Was Scorpius considered a 'bastard' as well? According to the book, around three hundred years ago, that would have been enough to get a Malfoy disowned. Urgh, even the thought of it was horrible, and he wondered if that was what had happened to Malfoy. Last he'd heard of the Malfoy's had been when he'd spoken at each of their trials, with Lucius going into Azkaban and Narcissa and Draco being released on the condition of all their wealth being given to war reparations. At the time, alongside the whole Wizarding community, Harry had seen this as fair. However, an arguably wiser Harry knew that from the humongous wealth the Malfoy's had had, society had mostly likely benefited from a fraction of it, and the rest would have disappeared with the Wizengamot Lords and their corrupt ways.

This was why he'd decided to supervise his own charity where he'd been able to make sure the money was being spent honestly, and all his friend and family had helped him. A portion of the Black fortune had been shaped into many to new orphanages and wards in St Mungos. They (aka mainly just him and Hermione) were currently organising this years charity gala, which was why he'd be too busy to see a mind healer anytime soon, he told himself. 

Skimming over the page a few times, he tried to memorise as much of the passage as he could before casting the promised incendio. As the page dissolved into ashes, he thought of a pregnant Draco, and couldn't imagine the man, no the boy, who he'd last seen working in the brothel, being able to deal with such a responsibility. Where would he have gone, after he left the brothel for being too ill? Hopefully his mother and friends had helped him, not conforming to the archaic beliefs Malfoy's in the past seemed to have - according to the book. The very vague memory he had of the unfortunate night twelve years ago filled him with guilt. He couldn't remember much, but he definitely remembered his roughness, and the possibility that Malfoy may have been pregnant with Scorpius when Harry had manhandled him repulsed him further.

Dizzy from the reality of it all, he laid his forehead on the table, not wanting to think anymore. Some times he wanted to forget that anything had happened, the war, the deaths, the Dursleys, the wizarding world. 'Forgive and forget' his past mind healer had said. Forgive who? Forget what? There was far too much to even begin. So many lives impacted in irreparable ways, and he was finding out that Malfoy's had also been one of them.

He must have passed out from exhaustion without even realising it, for the next thing he remembered was being woken by knocking sound the floo made when someone was waiting to enter.

Jumping upright, he quickly rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock. Merlin! He'd slept for five hours. Eyes widening, he realised that the person at the floo was more than likely Malfoy, and Harry had kept him waiting for Merlin knows how long.

Letting him in, Harry have a few futile attempts to flatten down his awfully messy hair.

Malfoy stepping into his office with his ever present grace. It still surprised him to see Malfoy in muggle clothes, used to the elegant robes he used to model. The baggy jeans he wore today hid his long legs, but hung slightly off his hips, the hips that Harry now knew had widened after giving birth. It was still mental to think about. The black tight T-shirt he wore, juxtaposing the baggy jeans, completed the look - one that was much more casual than their previous meeting's. It made Draco seem more human, and Harry felt that weird warm feeling that sometimes tickled his chest when he thought of the current Malfoy's.

Despite all this, he carried the look like royalty and left Harry perplexed on how such a basic outfit could be so good on someone. Especially someone who hadn’t even worn muggle clothing for more than half their life. Meanwhile, Harry stood in front of him looking like a mess. 

While Harry had been attempting to nonchalantly check out Draco, Draco had also been looking Harry up and down, but with a frown instead of awe. The wrinkled shirt, red puffy eyes and haphazard hair screamed 'just woken up'. His face softened for a millisecond when he took in the signature Potter hair, but quickly steeled himself again, so that it went unnoticed by Harry.

"Good afternoon, Professor Potter. It seems I have come at an inconvenient time, although I had sent a letter beforehand."

Harry straightened his glasses and felt rather embarrassed. He could feel the burn of the Malfoy's judgement, not that his face or voice gave anything, but he was no doubt questioning Harry as a teacher. Well, he'd just be another, since there was apparently a few already, according to Hermione. 

"No, no Mr Malfoy. I had trouble sleeping last night, and I must have passed out, I'm sorry. Please take a seat."

Malfoy sat down gingerly, before further deepening his frown. He does not look happy with me at all, Harry though nervously as he started speaking, "Well, Mr Malfoy, pleasure to see you, as always. Umm... What did you want to speak about today?"

Leaning forward and looking him right in the eye, the blonde man spat out, "What do think you're doing, Potter?"

Harry couldn't even manage to form any words, looks like Draco Malfoy left him even more nervous than Hermione, he couldn't even move or look away, tranced by the anger woven into the grey orbs.

"When I agreed to you buying Scorpius a broom, best believe I didn't expect my son to send me a letter telling me he's riding the latest Nimbus model! What were you thinking!"

"I'm sorry," Harry squeaked.

"Well that's just not good enough!" Harry regretted complaining about Malfoy being emotionless and cool around him, he did not like angry Draco Malfoy at all, in fact, it scared him.

"How do you expect I'm going to feel when I have to tell Scorpius he has to give back the broom he described over three whole pages on his letter. Do you think I would ever want to upset my child on purpose!"

Harry nervously adjusted his collar, it felt like something was choking him, "You-You don't have to Malfoy. I bought that broom because I wanted Scorpius to have it, and... and I never expected you to pay  me back."

His words seemed to only add fuel to Draco's anger, "Of course I was going to pay you back, I don't expect anything from you! But you've had to ruin that as well, Scorpius would have long graduated and I'll still be in debt!"

Harry really didn't know how to make the situation better, maybe he should use Scorpius to ease the tension? "Malfoy, you've said yourself that Scorpius will be upset if we were to take the broom awa-,"

"Don't use my son against me! As if I don't know Scorpius could use the extra happiness right now! I know how much he's probably struggling to fit in, despite him constantly reassuring me that he's fine! Scorpius is the reason why I'm thinking of how much of a loan I'm going to have take just so I can deal with the damage you've caused by refusing to think!"

Harry decided he'd be completely honest with Malfoy, no matter how harsh it came out, he already had a bunch of bottled up emotions from last night with Hermione, and Malfoy wasn't pregnant so he could take it, " You're the one not thinking right now! You grew up rich, surely you know the fortune a noble Wizarding family has. Think of the size of fortune the Malfoy's had stashed away at Gringotts - and double it. Because that's how much I've got under my name! Nobody in my family would have to work a day for the next thousand years, do you really think a simple broom has even been felt by my vault? Would you have cared about the price of a broom fifteen years ago? So why are you making things difficult?"

Draco chuckled out of anger, "Don't talk to me about difficult, I know how attentive you've been towards Scorpius. You're all he bloody talks about in his letters! I doubt you spend this much time with every single one of you're students, so stay away from my son!"

Harry would later question the happiness he was feeling at finding out that Scorpius spoke highly of him to Malfoy, but right now he was being burnt by the questions he was confining in his mind - the ones he'd promised Hermione he wouldn't ask. Like how maybe Scorpius would need to turn to teachers less if he had two stable parents present, but Malfoy insisted on keeping it a secret. However, even Harry wasn't dense enough to not know that it want the time or place for such a discussion. Besides, he kept his promises. 

Instead, he put on a gentler voice, one he'd use with students, and attempted to propose a compromise, "Look Malfoy, what's been done is done. I'll apologise for the inconvenience I've caused you, I now realise it's a much bigger problem than I'd thought, actually you're right, I hadn't thought, I'm obviously not good at thinking." Malfoy was silent, so Harry shook that as an indication to continue, " But I truly do appreciate Scorpius, and am delighted to have him in Gryffindor, which I'm sure was a shock to digest when you first heard. But he houses all the qualities I had when I was younger, which might be why I feel inclined to support him," at this part Malfoy looked a little pained, "Since we both don't want to see him upset, I'd like to remind you that it really isn't a big price for me, but if you're certain on paying me back, there is absolutely no rush, and I could be all old and wrinkly and you could still be sending me money, no matter how little the instalments. See it as if you're taking a loan from me, interest free of course." He attempted a weak smile at the last bit, but Malfoy unsurprisingly didn't reciprocate.

Malfoy seemed deep in thought, battling some inner conflict before sighing and nodding at Harry. "Fine, but I do promise to pay you back. I spent the last twelve years not relying on others, I'm not going to change that for anybody, no matter how rich they are or how many times they've saved the world."

"I mean, I've only done it once. But who's counting?" Harry said with a laugh, on edge. Malfoy had such stronger way of holding himself, no longer the weak boy who'd cower away, his aura screamed independent, and Harry felt slightly pathetic next to him.

"Yes, yes," Malfoy muttered, but the tension seemed to have eased. Harry was grateful, for a moment it had seemed like Malfoy was going to eat Harry alive, knowledge of his veela heritage didn't help his fear. "Also, for your information, I had suspected Scorpius of being a Gryffindor at quite a young age, so it wasn't hard to digest at all , However, for my sanity, do not compare him to Saint Potter ever again, my heart won't handle it."

Harry gave a smile in disbelief, too surprised to actually laugh. He hadn't expected Malfoy to slightly crack the defence to let out the slightest slither of his old personality. It was nice, to be discussing Scorpius like this with him, and so he decided to joke back, "Don't worry Malfoy, he hasn't gotten any of your snobby personality. If anything, he's more like me than his own father."

He wasn't sure exactly which part of what he'd said had done it,  but he had definitely ruined the mood. Way to go! And Malfoy was now looking at him with his old impassiveness. "Well, that's probably for the best. I'd much rather he takes after anyone other than me, if we're looking at how I've ended up," clearing his throat he stood, "Thank you for sparing your time for me, Professor. Do not hesitate to contact me if it does so happen that Scorpius acts like a Malfoy, I will not tolerate misbehaviour, which might be hard for many to believe. Have a good rest of the day, Thank you." And with that he rushed out, quick but elegantly, via the floo.

Harry wanted to hit his head on something, he'd had to ruin everything. Malfoy had left more reserved and polite than when he'd come in. He usually got on with parents, but he doubted he'd make any progress with Malfoy over the year, more like over the seven years. 

He was tired, his neck ached from the uncomfortable position he'd slept in, he'd absolutely fumbled his meeting with Malfoy and given the impression of an unorganised teacher you didn't know when to say the right thing (he wasn't sure what he'd exactly said wrong, but e guessed Malfoy had taken what he'd said as an insult) and he had patrol duty tonight. Merlin give him strength, he needed it. 

Oh, and if Merlin was listening, alongside strength, could he also help him when dealing with Malfoy men? They’d recently been occupying quite a bit of his time, and for some reason, he didn't seem to have the heart to complain...

Chapter Text

Scotland was easing into winter, so a crisp chill now hung in the air. It was the first of December, days left for the grounds he'd called his home for years to be coated in a thick white - he couldn't wait. Soon, he'd have to stop being lazy and start looking for a tree and get the decorations in Grimauld Place out. It had become a habit, in the chance that Teddy would want to visit over the winter holidays, which started in three weeks. He hoped the boy would, Teddy usually came after the Yule dinner at the burrow and stayed for a while, although the time he did stay had shortened the older the boy got , and Harry found himself missing his godson more and more. He was almost a teenager and far too popular in the school to spare much time for his old man, and Harry couldn't blame him,  he wasn't the boys actual father. However, he still wished for a young presence in his life.

Gosh, Harry, you know it's getting bad when you start thinking about kids again. He knew he'd be possibly the most inexperienced and worst father out there, without a clue on how to raise an actual child. If Andromeda hadn't been around, Teddy would have only suffered with Harry during his mental crisis, and they'd have spiralled together. Despite knowing all this, he still couldn't help but wonder how having a mini him would be, someone you'd have with you for life, a tiny human who needed you in the most pure and innocent way. The opposite of the way Harry had been needed his whole life.

While sulking through his episode of baby fever, which thankfully didn't happen too often. He heard a  loud BANG and sprung out of his chair, dashing out of his office into corridor, just outside the Gryffindor common room entrance, where the concerning sound had come from.

The scene in front of him definitely was something to be concerned about. Lying on the ground against the wall, was a red faced Taggart who was staring daggers at a bewildered looking Scorpius and Albus. In fact, all the students circled around them looking quite astonished. 

Before he could open his mouth to speak, McGonogall had appeared from somewhere and had a stern look. She quickly took in the scene and asked the question on Harry's mind, "What is going on here, boys?"

Scorpius was still speechless, looking at his hands with his mouth agape. Taggart held his shoulder and looked on the verge of tears, he was obviously injured. Albus seeming the first to recover, eyes wide began speaking, "Taggart was being mean an-,"

"Don't lie," Taggart piped up, "Malfoy just slammed me against the wall for no reason!"

A few new coming students gasped, someone muttered monster, and Taggart heard, shouting louder in agreement, "Yes! He is a monster! What did we expect?"

"Mr Taggart..." Harry warned.

"You started it, you're the monster! Scorpius didn't even mean it!" Albus, sticking up for his friend, shouted back.

"That is enough!" McGonogall interjected, sensing that things were only going to increase in intensity if the boys remained in each other's company, "Mr Malfoy, come with me to my office, and Professor Potter can take Mr Taggart to the infirmary, we will get to the bottom of things eventually."

Both boys didn't argue. As he knelt down next to Taggart, ready to help the boy up, he observed that Scorpius was rather shaken, still holding his hands towards his face and muttering with astonishment, "I don't know what happened..." while walking behind McGonogall to her office. 

"Come on, Mr Taggart. Up you get." Harry said with a gentle voice, he knew the boy was quite annoying, and he didn't doubt that he'd played a part in whatever had just happened, but right now he needed a helping hand, and it was Harry's duty to be one.

As they limped out together, Taggart leaning on Harry, the brave face the boy had been wearing crumpled once he was sure there were none of his classmates in sight. This meant he was crying quite heavily by the time they reached the infirmary and took a seat, waiting for Madame Abott, who was busy with another student at the moment. 

"Does it hurt very badly?" Harry asked, since the boys reaction suggested so.

Taggart managed a nod as he slowly calmed down, Harry rubbed his hand softly on his arm, asking, "Would you like to tell me what happened?"

"He's out of control, Professor, he just slammed me against the wall for no reason!"

Harry struggled to believe this for a few reason. The major one being that Scorpius was quite a bit smaller than the bulky boy in front of him. There was no way Scorpius would be able to manage such a feat, especially with the strength the extent of the injury seemed to suggest - unless of course Taggart was lying about how hurt he was, but for some reason, it didn't look like it.

"Are you sure, Mr Taggart? Did Scorpius really push you with such force, was nothing else involved?"

"He didn't push me, he didn't even touch me. His magic did, sir. He... he looked at me really angrily because of something and suddenly I found my self against the wall with my arm in pain. But I'm sure it was because of him, everyone saw his magic... I-I swear I'm not lying!"

Wow. Harry didn't know what to say. The boy must be quite powerful to be able to deliver raw magic wandless. He wasn't sure what had caused this outburst, not doubting that it had been provoked, but Taggart seemed to entirely blame Scorpius.

As Taggart tried to move his arm, hand reaching for the wand he'd dropped on the floor, he winced and held out his shoulder in pain. 

"Alright, alright, I'll get it, don't move."

As Harry picked up the wand and held it out for him, he noticed the wobbling lips, watery eyes and before he could stop himself, gave the boy a hug. It looked like he needed it, and so when Madame Abott walked up to them, she found them in this position. A loose embrace, with Taggart crying as Harry rubbed his shoulder, murmuring 'It's okay'

After the check up, Taggart shoulder was popped back into place and he was prescribed pain relief potions for the rest of the week. Thanking the young Nurse, Harry walked Taggart out. 

"How are you feeling now?"

"I'm alright," Taggart replied, muttering something else under his breath.

"What was that? I didn't catch it."

Taggart looked up at him, before looking back down again, "It's not fair."

Harry frowned, what wasn't exactly fair? Yes the boys injury wasn't fair at all, but they hadn't heard Scorpius' side of the story, he didn't see Scorpius as the type to use his magic violently on purpose.

"I don't understand..."

"It's not fair how Scorpius gets treated! Most teachers like him because he's smart, and he's even selected for quidditch training. It's not fair because he hadn't even held a broom until he came here but I've been practising since I was five!"

Harry was stunned, he didn't know what to say. Was this how Taggart truly felt? It was very brave of the boy to open up to him like this, and he was worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. He wanted to approach the situation in the best way for both Scorpius and Taggart.

"Well, Dustin," he felt it more appropriate to use the boys first name, realising he'd already gotten used to referring to Scorpius via his first name in his thoughts. Maybe he had been giving Scorpius more attention than others in his year, not that he'd done it on purpose, the boy had needed more help adjusting. "Neither I, nor any other teacher, have any favourites. I'd like to make that clear. Another thing you must understand, is that Scorpius earned his place in the quidditch foundation program. His talent is evident and he has been excelling. However, this does not mean you might not also be at a similar level to him, and if it's going to put you at ease - since you obviously have some sort of problem - I wouldn't mind giving you a chance as well."

He hoped he'd worded it correctly in the way that would get the message across. The last bit had been on impulse, and he wasn't even sure if he'd be able to get the boy in, each house had agreed on selecting only one student for first years quidditch training.

However, the change in Taggart's expression, from angry to hopeful, meant his promise was set in stone now. Great, something else to worry about, as if the list wasn't long enough.

"Really?" The boy's mouth quirked up in something in between a smirk and a smile. "Are you sure it'll be allowed?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't it? I'll do the persuading, you just get your broom ready for next week." 

This time the boy really was smirking, and his "Thank you, Professor." definitely had an undertone of victory in it, as if the boy had achieved what he'd been aiming for. Harry gulped, for he didn't really know what to expect during the 'persuading' part. He tried to console himself like he did to Taggart, there wasn't a reason to not let two people in from one house. But he knew he wasn't really worried about that, it was more the part of who he'd be 'persuading'.

Looks like a talk with the man he'd recently been doing his best to avoid was on the agenda...

Trying to put the thought of having to speak to Walsh sometime soon on the back of his mind, he turned the handle for the door of his office, after dropping off Taggart to the common room. He'd observed that Albus was sitting in the corner by himself, so he assumed that Scorpius was still with the headmistress. He hoped the wise woman wouldn't be too harsh on the boy, but you could never be too sure with McGonogall. She didn't have the same calmness as Dumbledore. He'd have to remember to ask the boy later on on how it went.

What he didn't expect was to find Scorpius, Malfoy and McGonogall all sitting in his office, in silence. The moment the door opened, they all looked up at him simultaneously, each housing a different expression. Scorpius looking quite upset and shaken, Malfoy, who looked as immaculate as always, if Harry did say so himself, was frowning at Scorpius in disappointment, and McGonogall was neutral. 

"Oh," momentarily stunned, he looked at everybody for a few more seconds, "Sorry, um, I wasn't expecting this."

McGonogall raised an eyebrow, no doubt judging his lack of professional articulation as a teacher, "Welcome, Professor. I thought it best to have the last part of our discussion with the housemaster present."

Harry nodded as he took his seat, looks like he wouldn't need to seek out Scorpius later.

"Mr Malfoy has kindly attended on short notice.  From what we've both managed to deduce from the tidbits of information Scorpius here has told us, it wasn't his intention to cause that severity of harm. However, he refuses to tell us why he may have wanted Mr Taggart to be hurt, leading me to have to accept it was for no real reason. Which would unfortunately mean he'll have to be punished accordingly."

Scorpius's lip drooped into a sulk as his fathers eye brows furrowed further. Next to each other they looked almost identical. Realising that this wasn't what he should be focusing on at the moment, he digested the strangeness of McGonogall's words. Why wasn't Scorpius saying anything? Surely Taggart's claim that he'd been hurt for no reason wasn't true?

"You're confusion is evident on your face, Mr Potter. This is why I wanted to speak to as well, in case you'll add anything else to the story. What did Mr Taggart say?"

"Well, Headmistress," Harry reluctantly began, he want Scorpius to get into trouble, he knew the boy wouldn't have done it for no reason -surely-, "Mr Taggart also said that there hadn't been a reason. Although is Scorpius certain about this? Did Mr Taggart not say anything to him beforehand."

They all looked at Scorpius expectantly, who all the more adamantly shook his head, before going back to focusing on an undistinguished spot on the floor. 

"It seems that Scorpius momentarily forgot how to behave," Draco muttered through pursed lips, "I assure you that we will have a thorough discussion at home. For now all I can do is apologise for his behaviour. What have you got to say, Scorpius?"

Scorpius looked up at his fathers angry expression with glassy eyes, lips wobbling as he managed, "I'm sorry, I will not do it again..." without crying.

Harry's heart broke. He knew somewhere deep down inside of him that the boy hadn't meant it, and had most likely been provoked. He hoped both Draco and McGonogall thought so too, but he couldn't be too sure. Scorpius not telling them anything also didn't help his case either.

McGonogall sighed, accepting the situation, "I will leave your punishment to be decided by Professor Potter, trusting him to be fair. Let us all hope that this is a one time only incident. You may go back, now."

And with that, both her and Scorpius stood up to leave, Malfoy and Harry watching them go. Still looking quite angry, Malfoy fidgeted in his seat, muttering something about leaving too, when Harry told him to stay.

"Pardon me, did you tell me to stay?"

Harry had. The tight line that Malfoy had squeezed his lips into, along with his cross eyebrows, had worried him. Harry didn't want Malfoy to leave angry with Scorpius, and wanted to tell him so.

"I just thought we could have a little discussion about what happened."

Malfoy scoffed, "There is nothing to discus, please let me carry on with my day."

"Malfoy, I don't want you leaving blaming Scorpius entirely. I don't think it's his faul—"

Malfoy didn't seem particularly happy about being kept behind, and spat out, "You're not telling me anything new, I know it wasn't all his fault."

That didn't match up with the way he'd been scolding Scorpius with his eyes, "Then why did you look so angry?"

"Oh for goodness sake! I wasn't angry at him, I was angry because I can guess what someone may have said to him to get him so upset that his magic lashed out. I was angry because I have caused my son to be the victim of those words. I was angry because he shouldn't be having such a hard time fitting in, and that I can't just shelter him while he's here, like I was doing so before. I am angry because I have no idea how he's getting on because he tells me vague sentences about how he's fine, but it obvious that he's not fine because shit like this happens and he's too ashamed to even speak the words others probably say about me and... and..."

Malfoy's chest was heaving from his small monologue that he'd spoken without pausing for a break. Harry knew what it was like to need to get things off your chest, he'd bottled up his emotions, his fear, anger, misery throughout the  first seventeen years of his life, and this may have been the reason for his spiral the first few years after the war. So he knew best to let Malfoy empty his heart out to someone, and waited for him to finish.

Malfoy was on the brink of tears, and kept taking deep breaths to suppress the sobs, "...and I am so, so angry at myself that it is because of my mistakes and my stupid actions that my baby is suffering like this. I am so angry that he can't be seen as his own individual and I am so scared that..."

The last few words caused him to grimace in pain, and he cut his sentence off short, looking as if thinking of the words caused him immense agony, forget speaking them into existence. There was no point trying to get him to finish his sentence, Merlin knows what keeps each of us last up at night. Harry caught his eyes with a soft smile, forcing him to look away.

"You have raised a wonderful son, Malfoy. Nobody could deny that, they're just children right now. I love seeing Scorpius everyday, he has such a passion for life that is rare even in children. You should have seen him flying for the first time."

When Draco stopped sniffling, Harry hoped that his attempt to change the topic had been successful, "I bet he was so happy," he looked wistfully into his hands, "I'd do anything to have been able to witness it."

Harry took a deep breath before plucking up the courage to say his next words, "I could show you via a pensieve one day, if you wanted to."

"Thank you, that could be a possibility."

Harry was relieved that his proposal hadn't been embarrassingly turned down, it wasn't inappropriate he told himself, to have suggested it in the first place. Any parent would want to witness such an important first for their child, even if it came from a teacher. 

Malfoy looked like he was ready to leave again, when he murmured a rushed apology about his outburst. However, Harry wasn't ready to let him go, so he said the first thing that came to his mind.

"I know you have veela genes, Malfoy."

What the fuck was he thinking putting it out in the open like that! He hadn't even bloody led up to it or anything.

Malfoy was no longer looking at the floor, and didn't hold the previous apologetic air. His back was tensed up and straight, with his grey eyes brewing up a storm while looking straight into Harry's.

"You couldn't just stay out of my fucking business for once in your life, could you, Potter?"

Harry physically withdrew backwards in his chair. He didn't know what made him flinch more, the way Malfoy had actually swore, or the way he'd said Potter. But he definitely meant business.

In for a penny, in for pound. He'd already said it, so he now had to carry on the conversation, hopefully getting the answers that were bugging him so much so that he could actually let this weird obsession go.

"You see, after you mentioned Astoria Greengrass. I may have stumbled across some documents that stated she had," Harry cleared his throat, "died before Scorpius was born."

Malfoy paled at that, and whispered to himself. Harry wasn't sure, but it his ear may have picked up a surprised, 'Astoria's dead?'.

"I also found out," Harry nervously grabbed his shirt's collar, unsure on how to accuse Malfoy of having given birth to Scorpius, despite knowing it was true, without setting the man off on him, "that whoever gives birth to a child is recorded as their mother in ministry documents, and this can't be changed. So the only way you'd have been able to give birth to Scorpius is if you were a Veela, which matches up with what some books state about Malfoy's having possible Veela genes that have passed onto generations."

Malfoy huffed in disbelief before bowing his head onto his hands, running fingers through his platinum locks in stress. "Merlin's sake, Potter. How long have you been looking at this stuff for. Can I at least ask why? Surely, there has to be some reason for you to be so determined on going to such extents for someone you haven't seen in twelve years."

Harry was happy to still be unharmed at this point, he couldn't help but worry that Malfoy was building up to the part where he hexes him on the spot. "I just thought it'd be easier for a student to enjoy school if they have both parents they can turn to."

"Are you saying I'm not enough for my child, Potter?" Draco asked with a monotone voice, he seemed to be covering up his hurt.

"No, no," Circe, Harry hasn't meant it in that way and he definitely didn't need to give Malfoy anymore reasons to hate him, "I just meant that he should have support from both parents. I didn't have any so I know the frustration that comes with it. I'm sorry, Malfoy. I think I may have taken it too far though."

Malfoy laughed, "Yes, I definitely agree that you've gone above and beyond what you should have. But it's happened hasn't it. Yes, Potter. I gave birth to Scorpius, and frankly I know I'm not a good parent at all. I try my best but I'm certain it's not enough."

Harry hated the sincerity in Malfoy's voice when he spoke of his insecurity about being a parent. He was an amazing parent, the way Scorpius's eyes lit up when he mentioned him, was enough for Harry to be sure of it. "I didn't mean it in that way, Malfoy."

" I don't really care how you meant it, Potter. Just tell me what I need to do, what else I've got to say to ensure you leave me and my son be."

Harry scratched the back of his neck, and voiced the final thing that had been tickling his mind since he'd found out about the whole Veela stuff. "Who is it? Who is Scorpius's father?"

Malfoy leaned forward so that he was inches away from his face. He was visibly shaking, and it was predominantly in anger. "I actually can not believe this. Do you think he's the dark lords heir, huh? Out of everyone, I'd have thought you wouldn't have bought into such bullshit! This is why I bloody disappeared, out of fear people would think of such stupidity, and it's still come back to bite me. Answer me!"

Shocked wasn't enough to describe what Harry felt. How could Malfoy even speculate such a thing? That sweet, wonderful boy that asked questions with such energy in his lessons, wrote flawless essays, said good morning to him everyday. That angel had nothing to do with the monster Malfoy referred to. Even if he had been, Harry wouldn't have judged Scorpius for it, of course—but he obviously wasn't! 

"What on earth! Malfoy, how could you even suggest such a thing!? I just... I don't know, I wanted to know because, well..."

Malfoy was still flaring his nostrils, waiting for Harry to remember how to speak full sentences.

Best to be honest and get it all out, Harry. And telling himself this, he sighed and started again. "If you told me who this git who's left you alone with a child was. I want you to know I'd make sure they were present for both you and Scorpius."

Malfoy slowly leaned back, bewildered and definitely unsure of what to say, staring at him with wide eyes. At least he didn't look like he wanted to choke Harry with his bare hands anymore.

"I shouldn't care but, come on. Unless they've died, doesn't each child deserve their parents. Whoever this idiot is, they could've at least had the decency for child support or something. I know you might not feel confident enough to pursue such things, but we'd have used my name to get you lawyers, aurors anything."

Malfoy started biting his nails, one legs shaking up and down. His whole body language had become a nervous mess. Harry may not be good with words, he might be immature, he might make poor decisions, but he could tell when someone's was unusually flustered. 

Hermione had been right when she said he'd been a good Auror , because he had. An essential skill Harry had, which helped closed many of his cases, was his ability to pick up on cues to tell when a person was lying. And right now, all his alarms were flaring. 

As his leg carried on shaking, Malfoy thought for a while longer, before slowly speaking, seeming to think carefully on and still be unsure about each word he said, "That is very thoughtful of you, Potter. But I can not give you a name, because I do not know. There are many candidates, due to my previous profession, which you know of."

Harry could have pretended to buy it, but he carried on the literal interrogation, "Are you telling me that you didn't use protection with any of the hundreds of clients you had."

Draco bristled, "What is it to you? I may have or I may not have. There were some times where the customer or I forgot, usually when they were the especially vicious or callous type."

Malfoy didn't need to say such as yourself. Harry already knew he had been an absolute dick. If only be could remember if he'd used a condom or not that night! 

"You don't have a choice when you're in such a desperate need for money, you allow anything," this didn't seem like a lie, "Anyways, if I may be honest, I do not wish to be in your presence any longer, Professor. Please take my words about leaving me and my son alone seriously. Goodbye."

Malfoy was out the floo in seconds, but Harry wasn't happy with how their interaction had gone.

Damn it, Merlin. I'd told you to help me out!

Chapter Text

Harry cautiously made his way down to the quidditch pitch, his only light source the lumos of his wand. With the sun having long retired for the year, the Scottish highlands had minimal daylight hours and were bathed fully in darkness by the end of supper. 

He hadn't spotted the quidditch instructor at supper, and not wanting to prolong the inevitable confrontation, he'd decided to find him. Surprised to hear that he was still at the quidditch pitches at this time, he made his way, nervous to see what their current attitude/situation towards each other was. 

A figure ahead was bent over a broom, frowning in concentration as they smoothed out splinters in the wood. 

"Hey!"

The figure looked up, eyes illuminated by the lumos, before looking back down again.

Damn, looks like silent treatment it is.

Clearing his throat, he tried again, "Hey? How are you "

The man continued with working on the broom, "Hmm."

How was he meant to respond to that? 

"Mr Walsh, I asked how you were, not sure if you heard me..."

This time, he had the decency to look up, reasoning his eyebrow, "I did hear you, Professor. I guess I must have thought I'd misheard, since I see no reason for you to care how 'I am', " he emphasised the 'I am' by making quotation marks with his fingers, "when you have clearly been avoiding me for the past however many weeks."

Harry floundered, not knowing what to say. People never held back with him, did they? Personally, he thought Walsh was being a bit dramatic, since he clearly seemed upset or annoyed or something, and Harry hadn't even done anything other than two months of flirting and one date. He might have voiced this, if he wasn't at the mercy of the man at the moment, so needed to move from his bad to good graces immediately.

"Ummm," scratching his nape, he thought of the best way to approach this, "I-I don't really know what to say. It's my fault, I guess I thought giving you some space initially would be best. I mean you're a great person—,"

"Then why did you end the date early after I invited you to my place? If I'm so 'great'." Again with the quotation mark fingers.

Harry wanted to say 'because you're boring, and far too nice, and the first thirty minutes of our date you just spoke about my saviour role in a war I still have nightmares about, and I don't think about you outside of our conversations, not that there's much space for you in my mind recently anyway - those spaces have been taken up by other things, and I could never see myself loving you'. 

Instead, he goes, "I shouldn't have led you on when I knew I wasn't ready to date, I'm sorry."

Walsh didn't  seem placated with the answer at all, "It doesn't make sense. Since last year you've been dropping hints and when the time comes, when I finally let myself believe that the Harry Potter might be interested in me, you gave me that bullshit. We didn't have to date, I remember the news from years ago, you were with anything that moved, I don't really understand why I'm the exception."

Harry took a deep breath, he was starting to get slightly irritated, and remembered the words of his mind healer from years ago on how to stay calm. He got enough judgment from friends and family about those times, he doesn't need this man calling him a whore and feeling obligated that Harry sleep with him.

Jaw tightening, " I don't think it's the right time to have such discussions, I'd been avoiding you in the fear our professional relationship would be affected, and it seems like it has. I've come here for a reason."

Walsh scoffed, "Of course you have, otherwise I'd still be ignored. Whatever, I'm not risking my job for you. I can definitely be professional, say what it is."

Harry doubted he was going to get the answer he wanted but he still asked, "Is it possible for me to apply another first year for foundation training?"

Walsh's eyes narrowed, "We'd agreed to have only one student from each house, you know this."

Harry straightened. He did know this, but he also had a student back in house he'd promised. "Yes, but I believe I've got two equally good students on my hand."

Walsh smirked, "Oo, is that so? And who is this other student, may I ask?"

Allowing himself not be disheartened by Walsh's mocking manner, he replied, "Dustin Taggart."

"Pfft, he's no where near Scorpius's ability . Case closed," and he waved his hand is dismissal, signalling Harry to leave.

Harry couldn't give up, "Yes but that's not the point. I believe there are serious disputes between the two because of Scorpius's place."

"Oh yeah, I heard about Malfoy attacking him. Was it really over quidditch? Hmm, I don't really tolerate such behaviour, might have to make him give his place up then."

What! That was the last thing Harry wanted. He couldn't even deny it anymore, Scorpius held a special place for him and he would genuinely do anything to ensure he was happy. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he ended up being the cause of the boy being kicked off. 

Swallowing thickly, Harry recalibrates, "No! That's definitely not what should happen...," he pled, "What do I need to do to make you say yes? Please."

Walsh seemed amused by his pathetic begging, "You are awfully close with the Malfoy boy, you do know that, right? I'd noticed before, at the first training session, but I hadn't dwelled upon it. Now I realise it's quite serious, enough for you to basically beg for a child. I'd ask why, but I fear I know the answer, if that meeting with his father is anything to go by."

He'd said the last part with a disgusted sneer, and Harry wanted to ask for him to continue with the answer. He didn't know himself why he felt so drawn to Scorpius, all he knew was that he couldn't stand the boy, or the boy's father ,really, to be upset like they had the day before. What was the reason behind his protectiveness and interest over the Malfoy's, the one he was too scared to want to further contemplate. Too afraid of admitting whatever he was feeling - yet Walsh claimed to know, and was weirdly irritated by. 

Since he didn't have anything to reply back with, he let the quidditch instructor continue, "Anyways, if it gets you off of my back, I can give Taggart a trial run, how long he'll stay I can't promise, since I don't see him making the team next year. However..."

Harry butted in, just to emphasise how ready he was to get the other man to agree, "Anything you want, anything."

Walsh raised an eyebrow, "As tempting as it is to abuse your definition of 'anything', I am not as irresponsible as you. We'll make a deal, you see all these brooms," he pointed to the pile of brooms beside him, "All these brooms need to checked for and smoothed from splinters for the next match, just before winter holidays. I'm making things fair by having all players ride the same broom, but I'm busy organising the match, so I really don't have time."

Ok, this seemed fine. Harry could sort out these brooms if it meant things would be sorted out on the Scorpius and Taggart end. Although, the pile did look quite large, he didn't know where he'd find the time amongst his already busy schedule as head of house.

"And since I'm a fair teacher, Scorpius needs to be punished in some way for his actions, especially since he's keeping his place in the training. You can have his detention be sorting these brooms out."

Oh, spoke to soon. His heart ached at the thought of having Scorpius deal with all these brooms, his tiny hands raw from rubbing. Harry knew he had to give Scorpius a detention still, but had thought he'd make it something easy like writing lines, not this amount of labour.

Gulping, as much as it pained him, he nodded his head, and turned around, unable to look at the smug expression of his colleague any longer. Walsh obviously thought he was a better teacher than him, and he probably was. Harry didn't doubt anyone as much he doubted himself anyway, he had little control over anything, even as an adult. Let it be a colleague, friend, student, Professor, head master, he was always easily manipulated or led to act in a way. Even defeating Voldemort hadn't been a choice, let alone the detention he now had to give Scorpius. Yet, not much changed, he was just weak enough to let it continued this way.

Head hurting from his daily overthinking, he walked to the Gryffindor common room. He didn't want to face any of his students, let alone be the deliverer of bad news to Scorpius. At least Taggart had something to be happy about. 

Not feeling up to calling them into his office for individual conversations, he first went up to Taggart, who was milking how much his shoulder had hurt to anybody who was willing to listen. 

Just as he was about to tell them how close his arm had been to being 'cut off', Harry interrupted him to say he could start foundation quidditch training. He cheered and thanked him, announcing aloud the news proudly to his friends. 

Then he turned to the corner he knew Albus and Scorpius liked to sit, usually to study. However, it looked like neither of them could really focus on the books in their laps, and Scorpius eyes had a wet gleam over them.

Lips wobbling, he looked up from his book, "Has my space been given to Taggart, Professor?"

And Harry felt like crying with him. His lack of sleep didn't help him not be emotional. He hated himself for even making the boy worry as such, and knew he'd do anything to ensure Scorpius never cried. "No, Scorpius. I'd never let that happen. He'll just be joining you."

Scorpius and Albus both let go of the breaths they had been holding.

"You're detention is to smooth the quidditch brooms in time for the match. You'll continue until they're finished."

Scorpius nodded, too relieved to even be disappointed with the harshness of his punishment. Besides he knew it was bound to come.

Too upset at how pitiful he was recently at being a teacher, he decided to not sit with the students in the common room, as he normally would. He knew Scorpius had needed a detention, but he hadn't wanted someone else to decide it. The boy not being upset at how much time such a task would take, unexplainably hurt him more. 

Perhaps he really did need to distance himself from the Malfoy child. His dad definitely wanted him to do so, and tonight showed that Harry only caused inconvenience. He might have just ruined  Scorpius's last two weeks before his first ever Yule holidays, by plaguing him with a long detention, AND partnered him up with his school bully for quidditch.

For circe's sake, he could even use the excuse of wanting to help the boy 'settle in' anymore, since he was only making things harder. 

Not wanting to think about such things anymore, he reached for the bottle of secret fire whiskey stashed in a draw, hoping a glass or two would help him get some sleep tonight.

Two days had passed, and each evening Harry would observe Scorpius walking to the quidditch grounds from his office window. Usually around ten minutes later, his one and only friend Albus, would also make his way out, but he'd be more nervous and on lookout to not get caught.

First to third years weren't allowed out of the common room after supper without a valid reason, which Albus did not have, so Harry was aware that he really shouldn't be letting the boy leave. However, he could guess where he was heading and with what intention, and so allowed him to help his friend out with his detention. This was mainly because Harry felt guilty about the vigorousness of the detention, one that'd be especially difficult for a small framed child like Scorpius.

He'd considered tagging along and also aiding with the task, but ultimately decided against it, despite truly wanting to. Too many had pointed out his closeness with the boy for even him to ignore it. He wasn't aware of when or why he'd crossed the boundary with Scorpius, but something about the child drew Harry towards him, like a moth to a flame, but this flame he'd never encountered before. It wasn't like the flame of the Weasleys, that made him feel loved and protected, or the flame of Malfoy, who he'd always weirdly been drawn to with a mix of obsession and infatuation since school. No, the flame of Scorpius was a precious one that somehow felt natural to want to protect, so the delicate innocence of the boy was never burnt out. It was obvious Malfoy had done a commendable job of keeping his son's faith in the world alight, despite the challenging circumstances Harry now suspected they lived in. Harry had gotten too close to this flame, further than he had the right to, so he'd decided to actually respect Malfoy's wishes and stay away from his son. 

He was currently grading his first years essays, when he smiled to himself. Scorpius's one was in front of him. For a first year, his paper was exceptionally articulate and always scored the highest, with his friend close behind at second. It was obvious he'd done extra reading, evident from the frequent studying Harry'd witnessed Scorpius and Albus doing. He'd heard other professors speak highly of them as well, but many said that Albus was slightly ahead. It seemed Scorpius had the knack for Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Harry assumed the natural alert at Potions came from Draco, who was the only person who beat Hermione at the subject, but wondered where he got his finesse at Defence from - since Scorpius had easily mastered the basic hexes they'd learnt at first attempt. 

As he was drawing a big A+ and a smiley face (which he gave every student, no matter how low their grade) on the top of the paper, he was disrupted by a knock on the door,. Before Harry could even tell the person to come in, the door was flung open and in barged a student in Hufflepuff robes. 

He was greeted by a toothy grin, which he mirrored as he exclaimed, "Teddy!"

"Hey, Uncle Harry!" Teddy all but shouted before lunging himself at his godfather, who was more than happy to reciprocate the bear hug. 

"What are you doing here, bud? You know you're not supposed to be out of common room at this time without a reason, right?"

Teddy's pulled away, "I have a very important reason, actually."

Harry could guess, but he played along with a, "Oo, is that so? As long as you didn't get caught by anyone, I suppose I could listen to this very important reason."

Teddy raised an eyebrow, "Of course I didn't, honestly Uncle Harry, I'm not a first year anymore."

Harry tried to hold back his laugh, "Yes, you're so big now."

Teddy pointed his chin outward, "It's not funny, just for that I'm add something else to my list."

Aha, now they were cutting to the chase. "List? What list?"

"You know what list!" Teddy waved a long piece of parchment, "My Yule list!"

"Oh, I have to buy you a present, do I?" Despite saying this, Harry was the person who Teddy received the most gifts from each year.

Teddy nodded, handing the list to him, "It's a bit long, but you only need to pick a few things." 

Harry scanned the list, they were all reasonably sized requests. This was why Harry like to indulge Teddy, he knew the boy was sensible and humble, knowing the value of everything he received. 

"Well, I suppose something can be arranged," Harry winked and Teddy smiled, eyes sparkling.

"How's school?," Harry asked, "Will you staying over at your old man's any time in the holidays?"

Teddy nodded, "School's fine, although remember Freya that I mentioned last year, I think she's got a crush on me." He puffed his chest out proudly.

"Who wouldn't, maybe you'll teach me some tips another time."

Teddy laughed, "You're too ugly, I think. I'll try to help you over the holidays, I'm going to visit a few friends but I'll are sure to at least sleepover for a weekend at that huge mansion of yours."

Teddy was talking about Grimmauld Place, who he'd most likely inherit after Harry passed away, since he didn't and wouldn't have any children or family of his own. It stung to know this but at least it'd be going over to a rightful owner, since Teddy actually had Black blood in him, while Harry was an imposter in the house, only living there due to Sirius. 

Speaking of Black family blood, Scorpius had it just as much as Teddy, and Harry remembered that he was currently out in the cold, working on broomsticks with his friend.

Harry weighed the pros and cons of what he was about to ask Teddy to do, but decided that worst case scenario Teddy would decline, which Harry would respect, or best case Scorpius would get to meet and (hopefully) befriend his only living blood related cousin.

"Teddy, champ," he began, "It's totally fine if you say no, but what do you know about Scorpius Malfoy."

Teddy thought for a sec, "The first year? I've heard a few people say rather nasty things about him, his dad's a death eater as far as I know."

Harry sighed, it pained him to know that Scorpius was facing such prejudice at such a young age. "Well, he's your cousin, your great aunt Narcissa Malfoy's grandson."

Teddy's eyes widened, "Really!? Grandma doesn't rally talk much about them but I know her youngest sister was called Narcissa."

Harry continued, " He was recently in a fight with another student, I don't know if you've heard." Teddy nodded to indicate he had. "And he's currently at his detention, which is to fix up all the brooms to be used in the end of term quidditch match."

"Oof, that's torture."

"Yes, I know," Harry mumbled guiltily, he blamed himself for it, " Again, it’s fine if you say no, but what do you think of going to help him out a bit? He awfully small, and I just don't see him finishing it in time."

Teddy seemed to be considering it, and Harry was starting to think he'd say no, but Teddy looked up into his eyes and said, "Alright, I'll go there now, it'll be different to meet related family for once."

Harry let go of the breath he wasn't even aware of holding. "Thank you so much, superstar. He needs all the friends he can get right now. Besides, he's lovely, the sweetest thing. If he wasn't I wouldn't have asked."

Teddy smirked, "He's surely not as sweet as me, he's still a Gryffindor at the end of the day. "

And Harry chuckled as he waved Teddy off. Merlin, he loved his godson with all his heart. Quite a few of those presents on the list were definitely being bought.

The next day, Harry decided to observe the quidditch training sessions with the new addition of Taggart. He could have asked Scorpius or Taggart, but wanted to see for himself, since he didn't trust either child to tell the truth. Both would brush it off as fine, but for separate reasons. Besides, the wide grin Scorpius used to have when he'd come back from training had recently been replaced with a frown, and Harry wanted to find out if his suspicions on Taggart being to blame were true. 

With this, he cast a sleek Notice-Me not charm, having long decided his invisibility cloak deserved retirement and would only be pulled out in emergencies. 

Everybody seemed to be engaging in the quaffle exercise, and he could see in the corner that Scorpius and Taggart were a pair. While Scorpius scored the quaffles through the hoop Taggart was guarding with ease, Taggart was struggling when the roles were reversed. He noticed Walsh frowning at the sight, but keeping quiet at the the boys lack of skill. 

The more Taggart missed, the more frustrated he got, and the more his snarl grew. A student cried out in pain on the other side of the pitch, and Walsh quickly rushed up to the scene on his broom, focusing his attention completely on them.

While he was there, Harry inched closer to Scorpius and Taggart, setting up an ear-extension charm to hear what they're were saying, since it looked awfully like Taggart was aiming for Scorpius's head on purpose while spitting out some remarks.

"You think you're so much better than you, don't you?"

"I'm tired of you saying this, I do not! We're both here to learn, for goodness sake!" Scorpius's voice sounded quite exasperated, suggesting this wasn't anything new.

"Shut up, I can see it from your smirk. Apparently, you're father used to think like he was the king of the school as well, look where that got him. You're all nothing, really,but pompous scum!"

Deciding he'd heard enough, Harry removed the charm and shouted out Taggart's name  before Scorpius could retort with the anger that was evident on his face. More trouble between the two were not needed right now, when Scorpius's first detention wasn't even over.

Trying to ignore the blood rushing to his ears, he maintained his cool as he stared young bully down. Everyone, including Walsh and the other students, were looking at him. 

"Mr Taggart! Please make your way down here now!"

Taggart gulped, expression fading from malice to nervous. Looking between Scorpius, who was startled from the unexpected intrusion, and Harry, who was maintaining a face, he slowly descended. 

"Mr Walsh, I apologise for having to disrupt the lesson and escort Mr Taggart out early, but it seems a few words need to be discussed if he wants to maintain his place here."

Mr Walsh nodded, most likely glad to be rid of the boy who was slowing the progress of the group down, before calling the group in to explain the next activity. Scorpius was still looking behind them, as Harry led his student towards his study.

While they walked through the corridors, Harry remained silent, which grew Taggart's unease further, so by the time they had reached where they were meant to be, he was quite restless - constantly fidgeting and stealing glances at his professor. 

"Would you take a seat, Mr Taggart?" Harry asked his rhetorical question, summoning parchment and quill informs of the boy.

"I could have you write lines, something along not saying ghastly things to your peers, or I could have you write an essay on why not to bully others, or I could make you write an apology letter to Scoprius, which he definitely deserves after your appalling treatment towards him."

Taggart's lip was wobbling, and he looked on the verge of tears. 

Harry sighed, "I could force you to all of those things. I could give you physical detention, I'm sure you know Scorpius is still pushing through his. But none of those would really put an end to anything, would it? I think I'd rather make you discuss the reason for your obvious dislike toward your peer from the beginning of the year.... Why do you do it , Dustin? What causes this hatred within you to a boy who is the same age as you, too innocent to have earned such treatment?"

Taggart looked at the floor, too upset for eye contact. He seemed to be struggling to keep a large knot down in his throat. 

Shrugging, he managed to croak out a, "His family's a death eater, they helped Voldemort destroy so many families...", without bursting into tears.

The tiny bit of anger still left in Harry from before melted as his heart felt for the boy. He'd suspected it was something like this, but had wanted the boy to bring it up, before they delved on it. 

Harry was not a stranger to the anger people felt towards the war, since the fire had turned the first few years of his life after the war into a personal hell. He'd struggled to accept the amount of loss and grief, unable to live with the fact he'd allowed so much to happen. Where ever he'd turned in wizarding society, he'd discovered more damage, and didn't allow himself to escape it. He'd wound himself up until he could bare it anymore, and before unravelling in an ultimate crash out that had led to inpatient hospitalisation out of doctor's fear of self harm. He still remembered the stress his family had gone through to ensure the public and press did not find out about how weak the strong leader they were all relying on to help them reform and motivate society was.

He still thought he'd deserved his mental decline, but in no way should anybody else suffer in the slightest when they had nothing to do with the evil of war, especially those not as young as his students. 

"I understand your anger towards a war more than anyone, but this wouldn't suffice you hurting somebody who, like you, was not born at the time. You both had nothing to to do with those dark times, which I am thankful for. The war rooted from discrimination, Dustin, we can not repeat disastrous mistakes. Scorpius can not control who his family was and whatever they may have done in the past, like how muggleborns couldn't control who their parents were."

He'd had to give many speeches in the previous years, a few had been on a similar topic about breaking stigma and judgment around those from families that may have been neutral or stood by Voldemort. He still remembered needing to be drugged up enough to be able to look at the eyes of people that held such pain without breaking down.

Taggart looked up at him, "But it's not fair, how we should ignore the impact of his family just because he wasn't involved. I wasn't born during the war either but I still felt the damage it had on my family. My uncle was killed during the ministry raid, causing my grandma to go all weird. I remember visiting her in the the crazy people until she died last year!"

Harry took a deep breath in attempts to hold his composure. The Janus Thickey ward was one he was familiar with, and he knew how busy it was in there. After his stay, he'd realised the lack of funding they had, and had vowed to help change that. He'd realised so many areas required help, and that wa sweat had inspired him to set up the charity that was now heading towards being the largest wizarding charity in the world, with Hermione. Their next gala, planned to be held in late summer, was to raise money for the Janus Thickey ward.

"We have all suffered terribly from the war, I am so sorry to hear about your uncle and grandma. Everybody has scars, I hope you're not fooling yourself into believing Scorpius is immune from the damage."

Taggart chewed his lip, and was starting to look slightly guilty, "I mean, everybody knows he doesn't have a mother. And the way he was just gawking at every tiny thing on the first day was so annoying, so it's obvious he lives like a muggle. But I just can't help but think he deserves it all, including the tattered, handed down possessions he has."

Harry coughed, indication that Taggart had said enough, "I'll emphasise the fact that I myself lived in worse conditions and my only family were the Weasleys, who were from a home that made up for their poverty with their love. But aside from that, Dustin, you will not be able to enjoy school or life if you allow for your anger to eat you up inside like this. I made the same mistake and regret it terribly, since even after recovering, it shapes your life in way you can not come back from. You are young enough to turn back from the horrible path your heading."

A few tears were escaping the child's eyes, and his throat constricted in his attempt to not cry, "It's hard to forget, Professor."

To forget. Harry knew one never forgot, but "You have to accept. You won't forget, and you shouldn't really, it is not something to be swept under the carpet. But you need to wrap your head round accepting that all the suffering has happened to everybody, I can assure you not a single would from either side left the war untouched, but we must accept that evil existed to allow it to happen, so we must try to ensure it doesn't again. First step would be to stop hurt others, since you only also hurt yourself more."

Merlin, this was far too heavy of a talk to have with anyone, especially an eleven year old, but Taggart seemed to have got the message, looking rather overwhelmed with everything Harry had said the past half an hour. He still appeared to be trying to put on a brave face that was moment away from crumbling, so Harry held out his arms and allowed the boy to move into his embrace and cry into them.

It was a touching moment, and reminded Harry why he put up with his job. He wasn't super in love with dealing with children, especially since he never knew if he was doing the right thing with them, but in moments like these, he prayed even more that he was. The only thing he wanted in life was to make a difference, help as many as he could, and teaching had been his only option to achieving that, after his traumatic years in aurors, where he'd only been used. 

After a few long minutes, Taggart pulled away. "Are you going to take me off the quidditch training?"

"Not if you really don't want to. Everybody has a chance to demonstrate if they've learnt from mistakes."

Taggart thought for a few seconds, "I think I'd like to attend for the last week of term, before the holidays. But I'm not really that good and feel like I'm putting everyone behind, so I don't really want to continue after the holidays. I'll try and improve by myself at home."

Harry smiled softly, before ruffling the boys brown hair. His chubby, cherub cheeks had gone rosy from crying but he looked adorable now that he was more at peace. As a teacher, he was very proud of him in that moment.

"Wow, Dustin. It takes an awful lot of maturity to recognise that, I'm both proud and humbled. Well done."

As the boy walked out, Harry shifted his eyes towards the window, and was met with a sight that only added to his happiness. 

Teddy had been waiting impatiently outside of the Gryffindor House door, checking his watch and frowning, until Scorpius walked out and he greeted his younger cousin with a smile. Harry could see the contrast in confidence between the two, with Scorpius quite shy and surprised at Teddy's warm welcome. This must have been the third or fourth day Teddy was helping him out, and Teddy rubbed his hands together before dramatically explaining something to Scorpius, who listened with wide eyes. Teddy was popular throughout the school, and so was louder than Scorpius in public, he'd also probably warmed up to Scorpius quickly as well, which explained the timid smile on Scorpius's face. Overall, they looked happy to see each other and Harry was glad. 

Things were coming together, he just hoped they stayed that way.

Chapter Text

The next quidditch lesson he observed had started off much more peaceful. Dustin and Scorpius had come to a mutual agreement to not bother eachother, and Harry could see the care Taggart was taking to completely ignore Scorpius. Harry hadn't intended for this either, but knew people had to take baby steps to ease into new territory. Scorpius seemed quite surprised and would constantly sneak a glance to the other boy when he thought no one was looking, as if anticipating a comment, but none came.

As they were dodging the incoming bludgers scattered around the pitch, Harry watched the next few moments as if they were happening in slow motion, but too fast for him to be able to react in time.

Taggart's grip on his broom slipped as he took a sharp turn without preparing himself, so that he was falling with his hand in the air. Before Harry or Walsh had the chance to mount on a broom and go to his help, Scorpius rushed to his side and held tightly onto his hand inches before his classmate would have thudded onto the ground. 

They both hung in mid air as everyone who'd been watching with bated breath, relaxed in relief. 

"Mr Taggart, are you okay?!" Walsh shouted.

Taggart was too stunned to speak, so could only nod while looking at Scorpius with wide eyes - who was panting from the adrenaline rush. 

Slowly, they landed on the ground, where Harry rushed next to them. 

"How do you feel? Would you like to carry on? I can take you back with me if you want."

Again, Taggart was still too shocked to speak, looking at Scorpius, but viewing him in a different light. Scorpius smiled and asked if he was alright as well, and Taggart replied with a grateful nod.

"I-I think I'd like to go..."

Feeling sympathy for the shaken boy, Harry motioned for him to follow. What he didn't expect was Scorpius to come as well.

"Scorpius, do you not want to go back either?"

"Yes, Professor. Besides I want to walk Dustin back aswell, he should go to the hospital wing just in case, I gripped his hand quite hard."

Satisfied with the proposal, Harry allowed the two boys to walk without him, heading to Madame Abott. If he wasn't wrong, he thought he heard Taggart mumble 'Thank you' before saying something else, that Scorpius was happy to answer. Basically, they seemed to be having a conversation. 

Harry would later find Scorpius, Albus and Taggart all working on their recent potions assignment, with Scorpius helping both of them , and Taggart seeming to have left his initial group of friends. He'd also find the three boys chatting away non stop at every given opportunity from then on, even causing him to have to take (some) points off during lessons, but he didn't have the heart to truly be annoyed, because the trio would end up being tightly knit until the end of their Hogwarts journey. 

It was two days before the winter holidays, and all the students were hyped up for Yule and/or Christmas, reciting what presents they'd asked for. Teachers were counting down the days until they'd receive some temporary peace.

Harry, on the other hand, had managed to slip away from the castle at early very morning, and was now rushing around Diagon alley, buying presents for everyone who'd be at the Burrow for dinner. 

He hadn't slept much last night, and had had to wake up very early to avoid the afternoon rush. This meant he was quite exhausted, as he left the sweet shop with a huge box of chocolates he'd place in the common room for students to eat from, and so had to look for a few seconds to make sure he wasn't hallucinating the figure in front of him, and that the dark haired woman in a green coat was actually Pansy Parkinson.

She seemed to have just spotted him too, for she raised the collar of her coat to cover her face, and began walking away hastily. 

Despite not having done all of his shopping yet, a voice within him told him to hurry and catch up. He hadn't seen or heard much of the slytherin crew Pansy was apart of, and after finding out recently how much Draco's life had changed, he couldn't help wonder: how others had been affected, if they'd kept in contact with each other. 

He also wanted to ask about Draco, he may have convinced himself to try and distance with Scorpius, the older Malfoy was much harder to shake out of his system, as always. He caught up soon enough, being much faster than the woman, and called out her name.

"What is it?" She spat out, realising Potter didn't intend to leave her alone.

"Parkinson, how are you doing?"

Pansy scoffed, looking him up and down, "Why would you care, Potter?"

Harry sighed, were slytherins ever not difficult? "Nothing, Pansy. I just haven't seen you since the war, I wanted to ask."

Pansy took a step back, ready to move when needed, "Look, Potter. I don't know what hidden meaning this has but my husband, Blaise Zabini, and I have been in France for the past twelve years. We've been keeping our heads low, the only reason I'm here is because Blaise had a little money inherited from his mother's ex lover, that he wasn't available to get. Nothing that'll cause trouble."

Harry noted that Pansy genuinely seemed anxious and slightly scared.  He knew many families who'd even slightly been affiliated with Voldemort had not taken any chances and fled, which back in the day had caused most of Harry's anger and hatred, thinking of how unfair it was. The Malfoy's had been one of the only families to receive such a severity of a punishment involving their assets, imprisonment etc. However, now looking at Parkinson, who moved around in her own country with fear, he realised they may have been punished in one way or the other.

"Don't worry, Pansy. I've left the aurors a while ago for teaching, I just wanted to see how you were, since I've recently come in contact with Draco aga—,"

Pansy gasped, "Draco? Merlin, how is he? I haven't heard from him since..."

"Since when?" It seemed Parkinson hadn't kept in contact with Draco either. Merlin, had he had anybody to help him when raising a child? Harry could only hope his mother, who had been pardoned with Harry's testimony, had overlooked archaic beliefs and been there for him and not turned her back for having a child out of wedlock. Although, it didn't seem to be like she was in the picture either, with Scorpius never having mentioned her.

Parkinson, or should he say Zabini, chewed on her lip guiltily. Harry wondered if Malfoy having a child acted like a deterrent, if so, Malfoy's friends were worse than he thought.

"It was too soon after the war, everything too fresh, reporters and ministry were everywhere, when he wrote to us, about the funeral. I'd have wanted to attend his mother's funeral, but..."

Narcissa Malfoy had died? Merlin, had anything gone right in Malfoy's life since the end of the war, because it it didn't look like it from every new thing Harry found out about him. While Harry was worried that Narcissa may have disowned Malfoy because of Scorpius, she'd never even had the chance to meet her grandson.

No family, mother dead and father imprisoned, no friends, all too much of a coward to show their face in the country, no money, even if he had wanted to run away like the rest of them, and no member of Wizarding society who would have wanted to help a death eater, especially back then. For goodness sake, how had Malfoy survived? How had he managed to raise such a wonderful child amongst all this. 

It was funny, how Harry wanted to tell Parkinson off.  Judge her for abandoning her close friend, one she'd shared many traumas with, but he didn't really have the right to, did he? Harry had only done the same, using Draco no longer working at the brothel as an excuse to forget about him. He could have easily tried to looked/asked further, how far would Malfoy have even gone in his predicament? 

It seemed that everyone had failed Draco Lucius Malfoy, and Harry felt crushed by this fact. He didn't want to carry on talking to Parkinson, he didn't feel like carrying on with his shopping either, thankfully having completed most of it. 

He wondered if he should say something as the woman walked off, for example, would Draco have wanted his childhood friends to know of his son? No, Harry doubted it, those who had all abandoned him did not deserve to even know of the existence of someone so precious. Besides, he'd already meddled in the man's life enough.

Heading back to hogwarts, he listed other friends Malfoy had had. Daphne Greengrass came to mind, but Malfoy hadn't even been aware of her younger sisters death, so they definitely weren't in contact. There was Theodore Nott, but he also had a son in Scorpius's year, who seemed a prickly bully that had a particular dislike to Scorpius, mentioning his father constantly, but tormented everyone. This meant Nott wasn't in good terms with Malfoy either.

Malfoy was truly alone, Harry could only pray fate had been good to him where ever he went from that brothel. Looking at Scorpius in the common room, laughing at something Taggart had said, he smiled and wondered how everybody's christmas was going to go. He truly did wish for the happiness of all his students, but couldn't help wondering about Scorpius more. How would his Christmas go? Who would they celebrate it with? Maybe, with the detention being over now, if Teddy and Scorpius carry on being friends, he might invite Scorpius and his father over one day, like a play date. Oh, one could only dream.

————

Christmas at the Burrow was not any less busy than usual, except each year a new addition of tiny feet would be entered. One was currently in the making, as Hermione sat across him at the dinner table, rubbing her bigger than ever bump.

"Wow, Mione, not long left, right?!" He asked, amazed to physically be able to see the kicks of the baby now.

Hermione huffed, "Don't remind me, a month till my due date, although she'd be fully functional if she was born any day. Fastest eight months ever."

"I still can't believe Ron's going to be a dad," Bill said, trying to get little Louis to sit still while waiting for the food, "Soon I'll be old."

"You are old, dad," Victoire said, making everyone laugh.

"That's not the worst of it," Ginny huffed in a joking manner, "With you both of you becoming parents as well, it's just Harry and I without kids! More the pressure from mum on us!"

Harry smiled, despite deep down it hurting that he'd never share the joys he'd witnessed all those around him have. Ginny didn't want children, and was more than happy with her very successful Quidditch career, touring the world. Harry wanted children, but couldn't have them. Firstly, he was gay, and secondly, he doubted he wouldn't mess up a family if he did have one. Probably give his children his trauma or something, he didn't trust himself.

Still it would have been nice to have someone calling him 'dad'. Someone who came to him when they were happy, sad, angry, or even just bored. Someone who relied on him for the innocent reason that they had to, he wouldn't be obliged into looking after his child, it would come from his love for them. And they'd love him back in the purest form, between a father and child.

Mrs Weasley shouted something from the kitchen, "That she only wanted the best for them." Which Ginny stuck her tongue out at. Then Mrs Weasley walked in and looked around, "Right the food is ready to bring to the table, who is missing?"

There was a spare chair next to Andromeda, so Teddy must have gone off somewhere. After calling for him, he came and sat down, and the food was set on the table.

"Where were you, bud?" George asked while cutting his son Fred's turkey into bite sized chunks for him.

"I was sending off an owl, Uncle George."

"Oh, to who?" Harry asked.

"Scorpius, when I told him I'd write he was convinced I'd forget all about him after the holidays, so I'm proving him wrong."

Of course Scorpius would only think the worst of people when it came to being about himself. He hoped befriending both Teddy and Taggart would boost his low self-esteem. He was so proud of his godson for being so caring. He may not have his own children, but Teddy and unborn Rose, who he already loved so much, were treasures he was grateful for.

Andromeda's raised her eyebrows, "Scorpius? Who is he, I don't know of your new friend."

"He's in first year, Scorpius Malfoy. Harry said he's my cousin."

The whole table had fallen silent, Andromeda's eyes widened in surprised. He could see Hermione giving him an annoyed look from the corner of his eye, as if to say that she'd already told him to mind his own business. He didn't care, it was not like he'd done a bad thing, although maybe he should have discussed it with Andromeda before.

"Oh yeah," George replied, "Small blonde boy, right? Copy of his father."

"Oh, do you know him?"

George nodded, "Yeah, saw him this summer at Diagon. Ran into the shop and told me he didn't have long before his father caught up with him. Of course, I didn't know his father was Draco Malfoy at that point, in fact he seemed more like a muggle born, marvelling at all the magic as if he'd seen it for the first time."

"Oh," Mr Weasley sounded intrigued, in fact, the whole table was listening to George, "That's strange, I'd have thought a Malfoy, of all people, would have been unimpressed by the tricks in the shop."

"No, he was all nice and polite, asking a bunch of questions, never missing a please or a thank you. Fred was there for the day too, who took quite a liking to him, if I'm being honest. Anyways, I'm used to kids running into the shop before their parents, so I didn't think much of it, but bloody hell, was Malfoy stressed when he ran into the store. I can still picture how distraught he looked before the relief from seeing Scorpius, who was playing with some sparkler toy with Fred. Went on about how scared he'd been that someone had done something to him, before saying they had to leave. When the kid asked to stay a little longer, Malfoy immediately said they couldn't buy something so there wasn't any point of looking."

Harry could imagine Malfoy hugging Scorpius tighter than he had when they'd first seen each other in his office, he'd probably been out of his mind about people harming Scorpius. The horrible thing was that it was a valid fear, and Harry blood boiled at the thought of it. 

Hermione had a look of discomfort on her face, but before she could speak or Harry could ask about it, Teddy spoke, "Yeahh, maybe I should buy him something from your shop for his birthday. I don't think he gets many presents."

"Well, Harry teaches Malfoy's son actually. You seemed quite fond of him, right?" Ron asked.

Harry wasn't sure when the designated topic of conversation had become the Malfoy's, but everyone seemed to be rather interested. He supposed he couldn't blame them, since he'd also gone above and beyond what a normal person should to answer his questions about them. 

"Yes, he's lovely. Malfoy's done an amazing job raising him, he seems like an amazing father and overall more humble. Thank you, Teddy, for being so considerate with him, he needs all the friends he can get." 

Teddy sighed, "I know, he's told me little bits but I think he's had a hard time till now. Especially this boy in slytherin, Nott, I think, bothers him a lot."

A few hummed in surprise before Charlie changed the topic to how good the turkey was this year, which Harry was thankful for. He internally wished that Scorpius would feel confident enough to tell him these things as well, since he hadn't been sure and had only suspected it, but knew they only shared a mere teacher-student bond. As everyone was hungrily tucking in, he couldn't help but mouth 'are you ok?' to Hermione, who seemed far from it. She shook her head, and whispered to him and Ron, 'I think I'm having contractions'.

"What!" Ron leapt up from his chair, "Oh my! Mione, are you ok? Is it the baby? Is my daughter coming?"

With this, everyone started talking at once, some surprised, some excited, some nervous(Ron and Harry) but overall everybody was happy. Hermione glared at Ron, angry at him for announcing it without thinking.

"Well, she's a keen one!" Molly cried with joy.

"Yes, the pain isn't bad right now, I'll wait a few hours before going Mungos I'd say, let's please enjoy the day."

They did, after supper it was a delicious pudding, before presents. Harry received a few books, a jumper and other things he would cherish. The children were all overjoyed by their gifts, and all especially impressed by Uncle Harry's. "He hasn't got any children to rinse out his pockets," George had said, "Let him spoil his nieces and nephews." And Harry couldn't agree more.

Even as they were all talking, he couldn't help the excited fluttering in his stomach at the thought that soon he'd meet his goddaughter, Merlin was he excited. Ron and him made sure to stand by Hermione in turns, despite how ever many times she assured that she was fine. 

Soon after, it was children's bed time, and families decided to start going home. They all  made the trio promise to tell them when the little one was born, since they'd decided to stay at the burrow until it was time to go St Mungos.

Soon enough, Hermione was crying in pain in a medical room, with doctors prodding her. Harry had been allowed into the room, but stepped out towards the end, not being able to stand seeing his best friend in so much pain, and realising this was an intimate moment for parents only.

However, he'd never forget the moment Rose's shrill cry fill his ears from outside the room, and Ron calling him inside with a face covered in tears. He also never forget the sight of his goddaughter on Hermione's chest, who was too shocked to cry, so Harry burst into tears instead, hugging Ron as tightly as he could. Life had taken so much from him, but it had also blessed him with moments as such, which he'd take with him to his last breath.

Rose Granger-Weasley was born on the 26th December: a chubby, squirmy baby with a red face and red hair, but gorgeous brown eyes from her mother. Harry had now met many Weasley babies, but in his opinion, she was the cutest. He may be biased, but she had taken the best features of his best friends. Despite being born a month early, she was surprising heavy, and had been let out of the hospital in less than a week.

 By that time, everyone who had been there for Christmas, and more, including their friends, had come to visit the Burrow. It was a happy time, the happiest he'd been for very long, yet he couldn't help the slight twinge of loneliness pricking his heart. This may have been why he'd needed a minute outside, away from the commotion inside.

Thirty years old, he was. He'd had such big dreams for when he was an adult, ones he'd made to make time go faster up in the cupboard he'd called home for half his life. Time had run from him and he hadn't noticed, hadn't realised everyone around him moved on quicker than he had. He'd been standing still while everyone else grew up. 

He hadn't understood, how much he'd only harmed himself by not listening to others, until he saw his friends holding their daughter. Harry was over the moon himself, and knew Rose already had the strongest hold on his heart, but the joy on his friends face would be one he'd never get to experience in life. He regretted his bad decisions and horrible lifestyle in his early adulthood more than ever now. Maybe if he had been as determined as Hermione, as hardworking as Ron, he'd also have a stable career and a family. Hermione was a brilliant unspeakable and Ron somehow had been able to put up with Robards enough to earn the deputy auror position. Now that they also had such a perfect child, their life was complete. Harry's on the other hand, had never been more scattered. Who was Harry Potter, without Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger at his side? Thirty years old, and Harry was terrified that he was back to being the same boy under the stairs. 

He hadn't realised when, but Ginny must have sat down next to him at some point, and now rested her head on his shoulder. 

"I'm glad you're here."

Hardy tilted his head towards hers, both of their movements comfortable, "Same goes to you."

They were friends, and close ones at that, the little relationship they had long become water under the bridge. They regularly met up and complained about life to each other. If Harry had not been gay, he would have felt honoured to have Ginny as a partner, and sometimes couldn't help wishing he was straight. It would have made his life easier, he'd have maybe had a wife and some children by now.

Oh, who was he kidding. Nobody would have put up with him, and he'd never be worthy of a child. 

"Looks like it's just you and me, Harry."

Harry smiled, and despite having Ginny by his side, and the rest of his family in the house behind him, he couldn't stop his mind from wandering about what a certain blonde haired man might be doing right now. Was he feeling as lonely as Harry was in that moment? He doubted it, nobody would truly feel lonely with the bundle of joy that was Scorpius as their son , even if they had no one else. Although, Harry hoped he did have someone else. A jealous voice in him wished for the someone else to only be a friend, but Harry now knew Draco Malfoy deserved happiness, lots of it.

————

Time passed in a whirlwind after that.

Everybody carried on with their lives. Harry went back to Hogwarts, and was busier than ever, with preparing students for their OWLs and NEWTs in the summer. Before he knew it, six months had passed, and they were now in the final, summer term of the school year. He'd also been preparing for their biggest charity gala yet, with an uncertified date, and Hermione was meant to visit to discuss venue ideas.

A knock on the door sounded, and in walked his two favourite women. Rose and Hermione Granger-Weasley.

"My, my," he gasped, immediately holding out his arms like a reflex, eager to hold Rose. Hermione didn't hesitate to give her up, and now Harry was able to give her curly, ginger hair a bunch of kisses, "Who is this beautiful girl? Your dress looks adorable."

Hermione smile, "Yes, her Uncle Harry has good taste when it's not for himself."

Harry rolled his eyes, "This is why I only complimented you, Rose. Mummy doesn't deserve it."

They both laughed light heartedly, before sitting down. Since being on maternity leave, Hermione had been eager to keep herself busy with something, and so focused on Harry's charity, despite him insisting for her to rest. This meant she had a large list of venue options, and went through the pros and cons of each place. By the end, they had decided for a grand hotel that was tied to the ministry, used mainly for political guests/events. This meant all the more publicity, reporters and big names from all over the world would attend, and it's be able over the media.

While they were still discussing, a knocking sound came from the floo. Harry frowned while checking to see who it was, and smiled when he realises it was Ron. He must have wanted to join them. Allowing him in, he watched his friend enter and sit besides Hermione.

Rose started babbling happily in Harry's lap, at the sight of her father. 

"Look," Ron exclaimed, "See how she's talking to me, most babies her age don't do anything like that. She's a genius, just like her mother."

Hermione snorted. "She's just finding her voice. But that doesn't mean she isn't a tiny, perfect genius," her tone turned to baby talk as she looked back at Rose, "Aren't you? Aren't you a clever girl, baby?"

Harry turned Rose so she was facing him, matching Hermione's voice, "Of course she is, she's clever and pretty. Thankfully took after her mother."

Ron laughed, and so did Rose, her laughs getting louder as Harry pulled faces at her.

"You're so good with her, Harry." Hermione said fondly.

"Yeah, mate. In a few months we'll definitely be calling you to babysit for us. I love her, but we need a break."

Harry couldn't think of a better way to spend his day, "I'd love to, over the summer. It's not like I've got anything better to do, you have a forever child free and boyfriend free babysitter that'll always be available, for life."

Harry may have been smiling while saying this, but the sting was there, within him.

As Ron and Hermione were getting ready to leave, someone knocked on the door, and Harry told them to enter.

In came Scorpius, Albus and Dustin, who were never not together anymore. Harry was so happy everything had worked out in the end, having enemies in other houses was one thing, but you couldn't be on bad terms with someone you'd sleep in the same dorms with for seven years. They each held a piece of parchment in their hand, and looked nervously at Ron and Hermione.

"Yes, boys. How may I help you?"

"Don't mind us." Hermione smiled.

All three looking at eachother, Dustin nudged Scorpius to speak. "Professor, sorry for the interruption, we would like to give you our permission forms from our parents, for the trip. Thank you."

"Ahh, thank you boys. Leave it on my desk."

The trio did, and quickly shuffled out. Once they left, Ron and Hermione were looking behind them in wonder. 

"I'm not even questioning if that was Malfoy's son, he's an exact copy of him, it's scary. Although the green eyes make him look sweeter." Ron said.

"He seemed very polite, and cute. I'd love it for Rose to speak so proper in the future."

Harry always felt proud when he heard people praise Scorpius. It was often from other teachers, speaking highly of his behaviour and grades, but hearing it from his best friends caused a different glow in his chest.

Harry had kept his promise to Malfoy and not breached the distance anymore, speaking to Scorpius as much as any other student. It was for the best, and Harry still wasn't sure what had caused such a strong initial attachment to the boy, but he'd managed to tone it down. He’d tried his luck with the boy’s father once though, writing to ask if he wanted to take up the offer of watching Harry’s memory of Scorpius flying for the first time. Malfoy hadn’t replied, and Harry had actually taken the hint, leaving both Malfoy men alone.

"What trip were they on about, Harry?" Hermione asked, despite already guessing the answer. 

"The same trip as last year, Hermione. I'm starting off with first years and will take a different year group to the edge of the forbidden forest each day."

Hermione frowned, "Harry, that trip was dangerous last year, I can't believe you're repeating it."

Harry sighed, he didn't want to have this conversation again, "Hermione, please. We already had this argument, everyone has had a long year and the kids deserve to unwind, no other teacher gives them that option."

Hermione sighed, knowing that arguing was futile, "Alright Harry, but be careful. The three that walked in looked so tiny, especially Scorpius, you have to watch out for a whole class of those."

Harry smiled, "Thank you, Mione."

It was reaching Rose's nap time, so they left, and Harry started preparing himself for his first trip tomorrow, with the Gryffindor and slytherin first years.

It was a sunny day, with a gentle breeze that made it perfect for walking around. Harry was constantly head counting, trying to ensure everyone stayed put while also trying to answer as many questions as he could.

"What do you need to do to be able to see a thestral, Professor?" A student asked.

"You need to have seen death, so I hope that none of you will ever be able to see a thestral, despite their beauty."

Dustin, Albus and Scorpius were trailing at the back, as Scorpius and Albus were the most eager to look at all the different plants around them in depth. Dustin was no where near as interested, but entertained his friends. 

As Scorpius and Albus were studying a certain plant that was coiled around a branch , and looked like a scaly vine with flowers attached to it, Dustin called for them to hurry up and catch up with the group, who were walking away.

Albus immediately turned and ran up to them, but Scorpius paused for a moment longer. 

It seemed the dark green, almost black vine, with embroidered patterns on it back, was moving. Soon enough, it opened its eyes, revealing two slits of red. The vine with flowers on it was actually a snake! Scorpius wanted to look away, but it's beauty was too mesmerising as it moved it's flowers along the bark of the tree it was on, closer to Scorpius.

Hello, little one.

Scorpius gasped. This was the first time he'd been this close to a snake, and had never been told before that they could talk to humans. He was sure muggle snakes weren't like that, no one had mentioned it to him before. 

You can talk? Scorpius asked in wonder

Not to all, but you understand me, oh sweet one. You are special.

I am?

Yesssss it hissed Very special, no one else has ever understood me before. Come closer boy.

Scorpius didn't even pause for a second to think before stepping forward. It seemed he no longer had any thoughts, as if the red eyes were hypnotising him. His friends telling him to hurry up and catch up with them seemed very far away.

What a beauty you are, it will be a shame, but still, you must touch me. Touch me and feel true power.

Scorpius did, licking his lips as he watched the snake open it jaws wide and didn't even have time to shout for help as it's sharp fangs sunk into his smooth skin. Drops of red tainting the snowy colour of it. 

Something didn't feel right, he wanted to asked the snake that he felt very weak, instead of powerful, but all to soon, the world lost its colour and all was black...

Chapter Text

He'd been doing his headcount, repeated every five minutes. There should have been twenty two, but he'd counted twenty one, causing him to tense.

Calm down, Harry, someone's probably a little behind. Maybe they've gotten tired.

"We're missing someone, who are we missing!?" He shouted over the chatter of the group.

The Nott boy muttered something about it 'not really being a loss if it was Malfoy' but it was too quiet for Harry to catch.

"It's Scorpius, Sir, he's still looking at a plant." Albus replied, and Harry relaxed when saw Scorpius a few steps behind. The boy was standing in front of a tree, and seemed to be talking to himself. Harry raised his eyebrow slightly at the peculiar sight, but didn't think too much of it as he called Scorpius to catch up with them.

However, Scorpius ignored him. Now, Harry really was confused and called out again, still with no response. As he was about to approach the boy and scold him on how he'd be left behind if he didn't keep up with them, was when it happened...

The sight of Scorpius's legs buckling and him collapsing to the ground, eyes scrunched up in pain, would haunt him for the rest of his life. He'd replay this moment in his nightmares, and never truly overcome the guilt or forgive himself for letting it happen.

But in that moment, his brain was blank of thoughts, and all he could do was rush to Scorpius. The screams of students around him went unheard, drumming in his ears drowning it all out. He could feel his breaths quickening, body wanting to shut down next to the boy he'd seen grow the last year, seen him smile at him every morning, green eyes always twinkling with the innocent happiness of a child, that always made him feel better too.

But those eyes were shut off to the world now, and Harry couldn't let himself panic, he had to act swiftly if he wanted to see them looking at him with the wonder they always did. He immediately sent a Patronus to the school, asking for a teacher to come and take the rest of the students back to the school grounds. They hadn't ventured too far out at all, ensuring the school was always at maximum a ten minute walk away, but it had all been futile. A student had still gotten injured under his care and he couldn't bear for another to as well. As soon as he saw Neville appear, stating that he'd seen the Patronus, Harry immediately apparated to the hospital wing, with Scorpius in his arms, who had begun convulsing in a very alarming way. He didn't even have time to register Neville's shocked expression.

He didn't need too, for both the old Madame Pomfrey and young Madame Abott, had the same face as he immediately began explaining what had happened to them, not pausing to take a breath. He couldn't really register what he was doing, it was all mechanical, with the only objective being to ensure Scorpius would be okay. His logic was that if he spoke really quickly and loudly, less time would be wasted and the sooner Scorpius would be okay, because he was going to be okay... right!?

He must have said the last part out loud, because Madame Pomfrey was leading him towards a hospital bed, instructing him to lay Scorpius down and that they'd do all they could. Harry reluctantly laid the boy's lax body on the bed, a silly part of him not wanting to risk letting go. Merlin, he was so small and light. The nurses repeated their promise on doing all they could, as they held onto Harry's arms walking him out, before rushing back to Scorpius. Would all they could do be enough? It had to be, Harry didn't even want to think about the scenario where it wasn't.

The clicking of heels peeled him up, and he saw McGonogall hurrying to Madame Pomfrey, all the wrinkles on her face more prominent than ever, etching her concern.

"How is the boy doing, Poppy?"

Harry couldn't see them from behind the curtain, but knew Pomfrey's shaky voice it wasn't good news.

"His vitals are dropping rapidly, I've called for a St Mungo's team immediately, since he's in no shape to be moved."

And all the panic came rushing in at full speed. Oh Merlin, if anything happened to Scorpius, Harry would not be able to live a second longer with himself. The tightrope of mental health he'd teetered on previously, would snap and he'd either fall into insanity or not give himself the chance to...

What the fuck were you thinking, why couldn't you just listen to other people for once? When has Hermione ever been wrong, why couldn't you have some sense? Why did you think you'd be able to manage with a class of first years, and to think that you were planning on taking the rest of your classes as well. Wonder how many would have been injured then!

His oncoming panic attack was interrupted by McGonogall, who looked the angriest she'd ever seen him. "I am so disappointed in both you and myself for allowing such a dangerous risk to be taken. How could this happen, Harry!"

The world was going blurrier by the second as tears built up in Harry's eyes, threatening to spill, "I-I don't k-know, I-I'm so so sorry."

Between the ragged breaths, began the tears, Harry felt like he was suffocating, "I d-don't know w-what I'll do, if, if anything happens t-to him."

McGonogall took a deep breath, "Let us all pray, it will not come to that, for I am afraid of how I'll react as well." Her voice was cold and sharp, and only reminded harry of the braveness of the situation, "I can not trust you with anymore students, Mr Potter. You will have to leave the job post immediately. Parents will hear about it soon enough, and will not want you to still be working with their children, not that they can be blamed."

Of course they're can’t , the only person to blamed here is Harry himself. He doesn't think he'd trust himself with children ever again, anyway. Again, he should have listened to Hermione. Why had he thought he'd be a good teacher? No, he always knew he lacked the maturity and emotional stability a teacher should have, but he was selfish and wanted to keep the job because he enjoyed it more than the aurors. Look where that has taken him! Hermione was right, as always, and because he'd been so careless with his life, he now harmed the life of an innocent child’s.

"I understand, Headmistress. I would never want to risk another student's life again."

McGonogall may have wanted to say something else, probably along the lines of him leaving the hospital wing, when rushing footsteps thudded down the corridors, bursting the doors of the infirmary open.

"WHERE IS MY SON!?"

Malfoy ran inside,  his eyes wide, scanning the room frantically for Scorpius. His face was already glistening from tears, the pale perfectness of his face splattered with red blotches, concentrated in the nose, eyes and cheeks. All in all, he looked a mess, far from the cool composure he'd held himself with before.

Locking eyes with McGonogall, he rushed up to her, "Where is he? Is he okay!? Show me my son, please!"

Harry has witnessed such desperation once before, when Molly had been told about Fred and was looking for him all over the school grounds, and it brought back painful memories. Harry had caused the pain this time, he was the evil monster, not Voldemort.

McGonogall placed both hands on Malfoy's shoulders, "Mr Malfoy, take a deep breath, please."

And Malfoy tried, but a painful wheeze spluttered out of his lungs before he started crying again, "Please tell me he's okay, I'm not asking for anything else." Harry held his breath as well, despite knowing that Scorpius was not okay, but still hoped for a contradiction from the women.

McGonogall sighed before solemnly looking Malfoy in the eyes, as much as both of her ex students needed her to reassure them, she couldn't lie, "Healers from St Mungos have been called in, we’re doing all we can to see what is wrong."

"I want to see him! Show me my son!"

Malfoy did not seem like he would be calmed down, Harry was watching this all from the corner, feeling the heaviness of his responsibility and guilt with the situation.

Another intrusion, in came a man and a woman, recognisable from their lime green robes to be healers. Both nurses rushed to explain the situation to them, they both listened with neutral faces, and told them they'd run a thorough diagnostic spell.

Malfoy was being held back by McGonogall, while begging for her to let him move, but even her authority didn't have enough power to stop Malfoy once the curtains were pulled apart for the healers to look at Scorpius.

Both Harry and Malfoy froze at the sight, while Malfoy's face crumpled into another set of tears. Scorpius looked so delicate and small, face a more deathly pale now, not the dewy white Harry had become accustomed to. The boy's frail body tugged at a crevice in his heart that had never been truly reached, maybe only with Teddy, and he had to remind himself that he was the reason why Scorpius needed to be saved anyway, and these protective instincts had no right to be in his heart, but he couldn't control them.

As the healers moved their wands over Scorpius, Malfoy was whispering 'my poor baby' over and over, hand moving back and forth across his chest, making a sort of massage over his heaving heart through his sobs. Harry wondered how much he knew about what had happened to Scorpius, and if he'd even noticed that Harry was in the room, but Malfoy didn't take his eyes off of Scorpius and the healers for a second, and it worked out for Harry because he was dreading facing Malfoy. 

After the longest two minutes of his life, the healers lowered their wands, and turned towards them, "It appears he has been bitten by an unidentifiable snake species, but we suspect from the venom that it was of a similitude descent to boomslangs."

Malfoy gasped, "Boomslang... but they're fatal..."

The healer nodded, "Yes, but there seems to be some component within the patient's DNA that is slowing down the destruction of the magical core, slowing down the instant death we'd normally expect from the victim of such a species. We will run more refined tests to identify why this is, but it can be used to our advantage, and we suspect with a sufficient magic transfusion a recovery could be made."

The two nurses looked at each other uneasily, "We only have Mr Malfoy available who'd be a match."

The healers nodded, "We see, this makes things slightly more difficult. We need some time alone with the patient first anyway, and we'll then prepare for the transfusion towards the evening."

Harry was trying to gauge the healers expressions and tone, but couldn't decide if he should be relieved or concerned, as they did not give away anything. There was too much of a lack of information for him to not feel scared for the little body lying on the bed.

Malfoy seemed to feel the same way, as he looked in disbelief at the situation, "I-I just don't understand. How could this happen? Where would he have even come across a snake that an antidote hasn't been founded for? Surely you'd have given it to him if there was one."

One of the healers grimly replies, "You're right, it's an undiscovered species most likely, there are hundreds of animals and plants wizards have not come across yet in such busy wildlife habitats such as the forbidden forest."

Malfoy frowned, "The Forest? What was he..." and he locked eyes onto Harry, only now realising the person who was at fault of all this was in the room, "You..." he spat out at he marched over the Harry.

There was a slight height difference between them, and Malfoy had to look up at him, but this didn't make his wrath any less intimidating, "You idiot! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING..."

Before Harry could even think about apologising and begging for forgiveness, Malfoy was shaking him by the shoulders . Harry was sure the weak smacks to his chest were with the intention to hurt, but Malfoy had begun sobbing again, and barely had the strength to stand. "I shouldn't have listened to him, so what if the whole class is going? I knew you couldn't be trusted. Why did I give permission!? It's all my fault, you idiot, it's all your fault!!"

He slowly sunk to the floor as his knees gave away, head in his hands, shoulders heaving from the sobs echoing off the hospital ward. Everyone looked at him in pity, the healers turning to work on Scorpius with the nurses by their side. Harry wanted nothing more than to sit down next to Malfoy and burst into tears with him. He also wanted to apologise, he also wanted to comfort, he just wanted everything to be a horrible nightmare he'd wake up from, really. But all he could do was watch Malfoy fall apart, as he stayed frozen standing over him. McGonogall knelt down and suggested they should go to her office, Malfoy didn't even have the strength to lift his head up, so allowed her to help him up and lead him away. As they were leaving, McGonogall looked over her shoulder, "Mr Potter, I think it'll be best if you begin packing your belongings from your office."

Harry gulped, nodding.

He struggled to carry his legs, that now felt like they were made of lead, to the Gryffindor tower, knowing it'd be one if the last few times he'd make this walk. Thankfully the common room was empty, as it was still lesson time. He didn't know where the first years were, but they were being supervised by Neville. As long as they were far away from him, they'd be safe. 

He didn't expect to hear sniffling, and see Albus crying in the arms of Dustin, trying to comfort him. They both stood up when they noticed him, Albus wiping tears from his face. "How is Scorpius, Professor. He's going to be fine, right?"

With both children looking up at him, breaths bated in hope, he couldn't bring himself to lie, "I-I don't know. I'm so sorry." And with that he quickly rushed to his room, seconds before he crumpled onto the floor, not wanting the boys to see the tears he'd been holding cascade in a flood. His lungs hurt physically, but his heart ached as the image of Scorpius on the forest floor kept reappearing in his mind.

I'll never forgive you. He thought. If anything happens to Scorpius, it's over, Harry Potter. 

He wouldn't hesitate handing himself in to the the aurors, he'd deserve to rot in a cell for the rest of his life, not that it'd bring Scorpius back. Even the possibility of the boy dying made it even harder to breathe.

Be optimistic, he's alive, he's going to be okay. 

But he'd already lost so many people, he knew the reality of death more than anyone, it had taken so many innocent people away, why would it stop at Scorpius?

Deep breaths, you were sent here to pack and get the fuck out. So get to it!

Digging his palms into his eyes, he tried to physically stop the tears as he tried to pack some boxes. It was all in vain, though, and he had to keep on pausing for deep breaths. He was going insane in here, he knew he should stay away, but he needed to know how Scorpius was, if there were any developments in his condition, before he jumped out the  office window or something.

Silently, he slipped onto the corridors, grateful that they were empty. He wasn't even aware of how much time had passed. The students could still be in lesson or having their supper for all he knew. In front of the infirmary, he took a deep breath, wiped the few stray tears from his eyes and braved himself for the worst.

"No! No! It-it can't be! Please try again! There-There has to be another way!"

The shrill voice of Malfoy pricked up his ears. It did not sound good, from the way Malfoy seems to be begging the healers.

"We're sorry Mr Malfoy, your core is too weak to be suitable for the transfusion."

Malfoy noticed he'd entered the room, and shot him a murderous glare, "What are you doing here!?"

He was sat down next to Scorpius, and there was some contraption attached to both Malfoy's chests, linking them together, there was a very faint glow  between them.

Harry knew Malfoy had every right to kick him out, but was ready to do anything if it meant he'd be updated. "Please, I'm sorry... Scorpius means a great deal to me, I‘d appreciate knowing how he's doing."

"Not great, thanks to you!" But there was no malice in his voice, he seemed tired and anxious, now with the only solution the healers had offered having not worked.

"What's happening?" Harry asked quietly, not sure if Malfoy would share.

Malfoy didn't look like he wanted to, but after weighing out something in his mind, sighed in defeat, "My core was too weak, not having used magic for a long time... I can't save my baby..."

His voice cracked in the last word, and he was now crying again, but quieter than before. The healer quietly said something about joining his partner in the laboratory to study the results from Scorpius's test, and how he'd be back soon. He removed the device from Malfoy's chest before he left.

It was just both of them in the room, and Harry watched puffy eyed, sniffling Malfoy stroking his son's soft hair, identical to his own. He knew magical core transfusion could only be done by immediate family, he'd had to call many emergency contacts of injured victims in his days as an auror. This meant parents, siblings and only sometimes did grandparents or cousins match. From what he knew, Narcissa was dead, Draco didn't have any siblings and Teddy was too distant of a family member to work. There was Lucius, and Harry would not have hesitated to break him out of Azkaban, legalities be damned, if he didn't know that Lucius's core would also be far too weak, due to being locked up in Azkaban for over a decade. 

"It was bound to happen," Draco spoke into the silence. Harry wasn't sure if he was speaking to himself or to Harry, so he kept quiet.

"After someone has a part in all the destruction and harm that was caused, they do not get blessed with such innocence and preciousness in their life. I should have known that'd he'd only be punished for my actions..."

"Draco..." Harry began, for he didn't feel like Malfoy anymore. Malfoy had been the snob that had terrorised him in his his childhood. Draco was the terrified boy in the astronomy tower the day Voldemort has died, Draco was the boy that hadn't identified him despite looking right into his eyes, and Draco was the boy he'd saved from the Fiendfyre. Draco was the boy who'd grown into the strong man he was, raising a wonderful child amidst the struggles he'd gone through since the war, that had Harry most likely couldn't begin to imagine. Draco was also the boy he'd been an absolute prick to that night in the brothel, almost thirteen years ago now, not Malfoy, he only wish he'd realised it sooner.

"Be quiet! I'm never going to forgive myself, I only sent him to Hogwarts because I didn't want to bind his magic. I wish I'd been selfish, we were happy in the muggle world. None of this would have happened if he'd been born to someone else."

"Draco," Harry began again, since Malfoy was was being unfairly harsh to himself, and he wanted to say what he'd been thinking since he'd met Scorpius, but hadn't brought himself to, "Draco, I will never forgive myself, because I am the person responsible for all of this." He paused, trying to blink the tears always, "Scorpius is such an amazing boy, nobody would have done a better job than you at raising him. I'm so surprised you were both in the muggle world, he's top of his class, and a pleasure to have in the classroom. You should see him, Draco. He's always asking and answering questions. I would look forward to his cheerful 'good morning' every day before he left the common room for his lesson..." Harry choked as he remembered the way his green eyes crinkled as he smiled, and begged the gods to let the boy's father and friends see that smile again, even if Harry never did. 

"Did you like him, then?" Draco asked wistfully, fingers still in his son’s hair. He was trying to smooth it down, as Scorpius's hair was messier and curlier than the sleek, straight Malfoy look, and it seemed a familiar, comforting action for the older Malfoy.

Harry nodded, needing a few moments to compose himself, "I did, you have such a nice, polite child. Everybody agrees, teachers, staff and even those who have only seen him for a few seconds in my office."

"I'm guessing that‘s Granger and Weasley."

Harry gave a trembling smiled, "Yeah... i couldn't help but think if I ever had a child, I'd have wanted them to be like Scorpius, not that I'd ever deserve such a chi—."

Malfoy whipped his head round, "Stop it! Don't, don't say such things! Especially when he's in this state because of you!"

"I know, I'll never forget that. But I'm not giving up on Scorpius, he's, he's going to be okay. Once I make sure of that, I swear you will never see me again, I’ll even take an unbreakable vow! We'll wait for the healers and I will do anything I need to help!"

Malfoy's nostrils were flaring, "YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE ENOUGH! Do you actually have no understanding of boundaries? You know what, get out! GET OUT!"

Before Harry could get the chance to leave, and hope that Draco would let him help if he did so, both healers from earlier apparated into the room, faces never giving anything away. 

"Mr Malfoy, we have our test results."

"What do they say!? Please tell me there's something you can do!" Draco asked pleadingly, forgetting about Harry in an instant.

"Well we've reached a few conclusions. Firstly, we're relying on the other parent for a transfusion to save your son."

Draco froze, glancing at Harry before turning back to the healers, "Is there really no other way..."

The healers shook their heads, no doubt pitying the man they'd seen crying all day by his child's side, "We know you mentioned the parent not being in the picture, but we're relying on them."

Draco's face crumpled again, "What am I going to do!" He murmured to himself as he sobbed into his hands.

Harry couldn't help but interfere, "Draco! Draco, I know you said before that you don't know who it is, but I swear to Merlin I will go through every wizard out there if I have to. You tell me a list and I'll go get them, but even without a list, we, we'll sort this out. Please let me."

Draco looked up, brows furrowed, chewing his lip. He looked distressed as he truly studied Harry, he obviously wanted to say something, but it looked like he physically wasn't able to speak.

The healers continued, trying to not react to anything being said. Harry didn't know if they were internally judging Draco for not knowing the father of his own child, but they didn't show it, and Harry was grateful for Madame Pomfrey for picking healers she knew wouldn't mind Draco for being an ex death eater either.

"Another important point we've picked up from the tests, is that Scorpius being a parselmouth is what has given him the immunity that slowed...."

But Harry didn't hear the rest of what was being said. He was too far deep into his thoughts, the clogs of the auror brain of his whirring. He'd never admitted wishing Scorpius was his child until today, but he'd thought it many times. That may have been why he'd found it so hard to initially let the matter of the mystery parentage go, but the month of Scorpius's birthday and the month he'd gone to the brothel were only around seven months apart, so he'd had to accept it wasn't so. But this knowledge changed everything, there must be another explanation to the seven month difference.

He thought back to hours before, in the forest. He'd initially suspected Scorpius was speaking to himself, but it made sense now, Scorpius had been speaking to the snake. Scorpius was a parselmouth, with the green eyes the certain shade of emerald he'd only seen in one person before. Apart from the mirror, those eyes had been in the photographs of his mother. It was all making sense now, and as the puzzle pieces clicked into place, his chest tingled from his core's excitement. Now was not the time to let loose, he pulled himself back to the present. 

Draco was looking at him with wide eyes, biting his lip until it bled. "Po-Potter.."

Harry didn't want to seem intimidating, but also wanted to get to the bottom of this, "Malfoy, who is Scorpius's father?" 

Draco's whole body was trembling, and he was avoiding Harry's eyes, "I-I don't—."

"Yes you do!," he paused, lowering his voice, Malfoy was already in a terrible state and didn't need to get more agitated, "Tell me who the father is!"

"Mr Potter, please calm down," the female healer interjected, but Harry could only feel his breath quickening. He wasn't angry, but he wasn't calm either, he didn't know how to feel, but the reality of his revelation was causing his magic to lash out, and he was struggling to reign it in.

Draco looked terrified, but Harry just needed to him to say it. To say what Harry was even more sure was true now. "Draco, Draco, please."

But Draco couldn't speak, mouth opening and closing but not making any sounds, silent tears streamed his face. Harry took a deep breath, his magic felt too big for his body, and wanted out, he stood up and walked over to the bed, "WHO IS THE FATHER!!"

And Draco's continued silence was enough for his magic to tip over the edge, soaring out of him in a wave, surging towards Scorpius. The lights in the infirmary went out, windows rattled with the strength of it, but most of his energy was channelling to Scorpius, who seemed to be breathing in the waves soaring out of Harry's chest. A healer was screaming at him to stop, shouting that the transfusion should be done in a controlled environment, otherwise it was dangerous for him, yet all this seemed so far away. He sunk to the floor, feeling drained, but his magic kept on ebbing out of him. A healer rushed to his side, but all he could think about was that the boy lying on the bed was his. The child he'd grown so fond of over the year and loved was of his blood. He looked up at Malfoy, no, Draco, who was shaking his head, looking scared, bewildered, relieved and everything in between, and Harry managed the words "He's my son, isn't he?" before passing out.

Chapter Text

Harry was in a void, before him stood a younger Draco, no older than the day he'd seen him at the brothel. He was crouched on the floor, crying, coiled snake next to him, and the snake lunged with its fangs bared and Harry squeezed his eyes shut and grabbed it by its neck, strangling it with all his might. When he opened his eyes, Draco was lying on a bed, now a child. Harry walked closer, only to see wide, blank green eyes staring at him, it wasn’t Draco. He screamed, but Scorpius wouldn't get up, he was too late... 

"Potter! Potter, wake up!"

He opened his eyes and leapt to sit up, only to have a pair of hands push him back down, trying to get him lay still. Stood over him was an anxious Malfoy, looking around him and calling for a Nurse.

"What happened, Mr Malfoy?!"

"I don't know, I was with Scorpius when I heard screaming and rushed here."

Harry just then realised he was gasping for air, as if all the amount stored in his lungs had been dispelled into the room via what he was now assuming, a scream.

"Alright, Let us have a look," Madame Pomfrey fussed over him as he tied to gain his breath back, "Much better than earlier, Mr Potter, though your heart rate needs to come down, but that's it. I'll leave this calming draught here for you."

She placed a potion vial onto his bedside and left, so that it was just him and Draco Malfoy, looking at him with one eyebrow raised.

"Good thing you didn't bring the place crashing down this time. It's only just been restored. " Malfoy muttered, unamused. Harry did not have the energy to say anything back.

Before Scorpius ... or before Draco ... Harry's untethered mind would dig up a lake of bodies, carved up stags, and the graveyards of all those he'd lost, when he slept. But the freak show of a nightmare with Scorpius had spooked him the most, he could still see the lifeless body of the boy, and needed to make sure it wasn't real.

"How is Scorpius?" He croaked, he throat was sore from the screaming.

Draco sighed and sat down on the chair by his bed. Dark circles had painted themselves under his eyes swollen from crying, it was obvious he hadn't slept at all.

"He's stable now, thanks to the feat you pulled last night. The healers are coming back to check up on him but are confident on his recovery."

Harry relaxed, letting out a long breath. He'd forever owe the universe for saving his son.

Merlin! His bloody son! 

He didn't know what to say to the man. The Mr Malfoy that had been in his office the few times this year, had felt like a complete stranger: closed off, mature and always thinking carefully of what he said. Was that the same person next to him now? Or was it the Draco Malfoy he'd grown up with? 

Clearing his throat, he thought to keep it safe and start with, "We have a lot to talk about."

Malfoy scoffed, "Hm, you might think we do."

Malfoy was not being helpful, and if he was going to resort to his old way of hiding behind his wall of snark, then Harry might as well start of with the one question that caused him to break down like that yesterday.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Malfoy looked affronted , as if those were the last things he'd expected to hear from Harry, "Excuse me?"

"You know how invested I was trying to figure out Scorpius's father, I'd have been there for him if I'd known, he’s been struggling ."

"Of course he has, what with only my horrible parenting in his life, he was doomed from the start." Draco said sarcastically.

Harry huffed, running just hand through his hair, "You know that's not what I mean."

"Because what you really do mean is even worse," Draco raised his voice ever so slightly, "Forgive me for not announcing to the world that I gave birth to the saviour's child, when I wasn't certain myself."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't been angry about Draco not telling Scorpius about him earlier, as he wouldn't blame anyone for not wanting the mess he was twelve years ago as a parent figure in their child's life. He'd only been hurt that Draco had hid it despite Harry asking him throughout the year about Scorpius's parentage. He hadn't realised that even that might be being unfair to Draco, as he may have not been aware either.

"So, are you saying you didn't know?"

Malfoy averted his gaze from Harry's eyes, "Well, I think I always did suspect it, but I was scared for what it would mean for me and him. I was never sure and nor did I want to believe it and place that attention on us, but call it mother's intuition or what, I think I knew that Scorpius was a Potter." 

Harry massaged his temples, a headache was approaching as he thought of all the horrible articles the Prophet would have spurred out had it been released at the time, especially that soon after the war! Nobody would have been ready for the fact that their Golden Boy and an ex death eater had been involved with eachother, let alone have a child together! Even him being gay had been spoken about for a good year, and that had been revealed much later on. 

"Malfoy, no, Draco. Draco, I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry for not making you feel like you could reach out for me. I-I'm so sorry for not being there for you, it must have been so hard."

Draco but his trembling lip as his eyes watered, "Yeah, those are memories I don't want to ever revisit. It was hard, but I've survived them, haven't I? I mean, I'll never know how much damage I've caused Scorpius, but we're here I guess."

Harry was dying to go and see the child's current state, but thought to ask one last question before he did so, "Where do we go from here, Draco?"

Malfoy's current air of weakness fled off his face, and he steeled up, "We are not going anywhere, I am not letting you ruin the peace and order I worked so hard to achieve. You, you can act like none of this happened. I can forget that you nearly caused the death of my son even, just, just please leave us alone."

They'd reached what Harry had feared most, Draco not wanting him in their lives. Maybe he should listen, especially looking at the current situation they were in. But even the thought of Harry returning back to the large, cold and lonely Grimmauld, jobless and being expected to be able to carry on like normal with the knowledge that he had a perfect child, caused him to shiver. Call him selfish, but he couldn't think of a worse hell and did not want to be chained to it.

"Draco," Harry said softly, "You can't mean that, you can't expect me to just forget you both exist."

"No," Draco started shaking his head, knee bobbing up and down, " This is another reason why I never dared to entertain the idea that he was yours out loud. I can not have you take him away from me, no, I can not!"

The volume of Draco's voice was increasing along with his anxiety, "No, no, please. I will not allow it, you cannot just show up and take him away! I raised him, he's, he's my son!"

Harry couldn't blame Draco for his distress, if Harry really wanted to take this to court, the Wizengamot wouldn't blink before handing over total custody to him. It was the Harry Potter vs the son of the notorious Malfoys, who housed Voldemort in their home.  

But Harry wasn't a monster, it pained him that Malfoy could be scared of him doing such a thing. He supposed the reference Draco had of him at the brothel didn't help, but he had changed since then, surely? 

"Draco," he interrupted him, "Draco, look at me."

Draco was still freaking out, but stopped talking. "I'm aware of the toils you've gone to raise Scorpius to this day, I, I won't just come in now that you've pained through the hard parts while he was a baby and a child."

From the amount of times he'd had to calm down a screaming Rose because her parents were too tired, he had gotten an idea about how hard it was to raise a child, and anybody who had done it on their own deserves all the credit they can get. He wondered if he would have been as sympathetic towards Draco if he hadn't been helping Ron and Hermione so much with their baby. He hoped he would have, but did also doubt himself. She had matured the whole of the golden trio by coming early, then being plagued with colic and a fever scare at only two months. 

Draco was studying him intently, assessing whether he was telling the truth. 

"I promise, Draco Malfoy. I'll take an unbreakable vow if I have to."

Malfoy didn't look like he truly believed him, but wanting to hope, nodded, "How will it work then?"

Harry huffed, "I don't know, but all I'm sure of is that I'm not planning on whisking him away. I just want to be there for him, you know?"

In that moment, the female healer from before walked into the infirmary and over to them. "Morning, it's good to see you awake, Mr Potter. You gave us all quite the scare last night, but Mr Malfoy explained why it wasn't intentional."

Harry couldn't imagine Draco explaining to the healers and nurses that Harry was the other parent but that he hadn't known, but it seems he had, for the Healer kept on glancing between them.

"Yes," Draco coughed, "But we'd agreed on healer patient confidentiality of course."

"Yes, Mr Malfoy, I've sworn an oath. Do not worry."

"Have I sleep through the night?" Harry asked, he only just realised that it was currently early morning, the sun rising outside.

"Yes," the healer nodded, "My partner and I had agreed to wake you up, if you hadn't been already, for Scorpius will need a another round or two of transfusions."

Madame Abott came up to them, "Scorpius is ready for another transfusion, if you wanted to do one now."

They all got up, and went round to Scorpius's bed. He was still sound asleep, but looked much less closer to death than last night, the glow in his skin and the rose in his lips and cheeks were back. I can't believe I helped make that, he couldn't help but think, smiling at the beauty of his boy.

The healer, whose name he still rudely hadn't asked for, helped him remove his shirt as he sat next to Scorpius. While she was arranging the metal onto his chest, he noticed the blush rising up her cheeks, as she looked at his toned abdomen. He looked up, to see if Malfoy was in a similar state, but he seemed unfazed, all but from the roll of his eyes when he also saw the women, who looked late thirties/early forties, blushing.

Harry wasn't sure why he was slightly disappointed, but he was. Maybe it was because he never really had a hard time wooing people, so it had just hurt his ego. Yes, that must be it.

Soon enough, the link between Harry and his son (he still couldn't believe it, but yes his son!) lit up, and his magic coursed in a controlled way to Scorpius. 

"This is how we would have liked to have done it, yesterday," the healer chuckled.

But Harry wasn't listening, he was watching his child absorb his magic.

His whole body ached, his magic was being drawn out of him flowing into his son. He couldn't remember feeling pain last night, but it must have been what had caused him to pass out. Scorpius was still in his sleep and couldn't feel a thing,  but this didn't stop Harry watching in anticipation, wishing that he'd move or talk, anything to show he was alive.

It was impossible, but it had happened. He had created a life with Draco Malfoy, former childhood nemesis, current coparent (he wasn't sure what to call their new relationship, but best believe they weren't teacher-parent anymore). He never thought he'd have a child, and was too scared to adopt, in case he'd be a horrible parent. It had probably been good that Scorpius hadn't grown up with Harry, he would have not raised him into the wonder he was today. Malfoy had done a stellar job, there was no denying this.

He thought over to Malfoy not wanting him in their lives. And then he remembered the emerald of Scorpius's eyes. They were his mother's eyes, the eyes he was so sure would die out with him. His whole life, he'd been complimented for his eyes. His parent's friends, Sirius and Remus, had remembered his mother through them. It had even annoyed him at times, always being compared to his parents, but he now understood that it had only made them happy to know their loved ones breathed through Harry. Of course, it was unfortunate that Scorpius wasn't the result of a relationship of love, but one rather of hate, but he'd still risen amidst the dirt of Harry's actions, and bloomed thanks to Malfoy. No matter what, his mother's eyes would live, they'd live with Scorpius, and Harry was not ready to let them go. 

Draco was sitting next to them, not touching him, and the Healer monitoring the two watched them both carefully before drawing her wand and cutting the connection. "That's enough for today. He has responded well to the treatment, I expect him to awake in a day or two."

Both Harry and Draco mirrored each others relief, even Madame Pomfrey looked like she was going to cry. The near death experience of a student must be horrible for all, since she'd already seen so many of her ex pupils die in the war, and did not want anymore lost under her watch. 

"Mr Malfoy, I have spoken to the Headmistress, and we have decided that it will be best for Scorpius to rest at home, once he awakes. He doesn't not need to come back to school until next school year, as we are close to the summer holidays anyway."

Draco looked slightly overwhelmed, from the relief and also from the news, "Of course, thank you for everything. I'll leave later on to get his room ready for him."

With that the nurse and healer parted, Draco began fussing over Scorpius, and Harry was left standing alone.

Alone. He was alone. He was a spectator in the room, not part of the bond the father son duo had. Malfoy didn't seem to eager to allow him to be either, he wondered if they'd ever be a family, but quickly shut the idea down. At this point, he'll be grateful if Draco let's him see the boy from time to time. 

"Maybe you should go back to your office, Potter... I know you've just found out about a long lost child, but I do not think I can manage anymore talking, I'm sorry." Draco said, taking pity on Harry's awkwardness and him not knowing what to do.

Harry was reminded that he no longer had a office or a job, and had packing to do. As much as he didn't want to leave Scorpius's side, Malfoy obviously wanted to be alone, and he needed to go anyway.

As he stepped out onto the corridor, he stumbled into Walsh, who was holding an empty first aid kit, most likely coming to fill up on supplies.

The quidditch instructor was full on staring at him, and Harry guessed that he was dying to mention how the whole school was talking about him being fired, but he did not have the energy, so shoved past him to leave.

When he opened the door to his office, he was not expecting to see all his belongings packed neatly in boxes already, with McGonogall sitting on a chair. She also looked like she hadn't slept at all last night, but the anger from yesterday had calmed down to a sort of sympathy.

"Harry, I thought I'd help you. Merlin knows I was awake all night."

"Oh, Thank you, headmistress."

He sat down opposite her, but was ashamed to look her in the eye. 

"I'm very sorry."

"I know, Mr Potter. I was angry yesterday because of the shock of it all, I know you would never want a student harmed, especially Scorpius."

The way she said the last part revealed to Harry she also knew, and he didn't really know what to say, so kept quiet.

"You must be quite overwhelmed."

Harry almost laughed, "A big understatement, Headmistress. I feel like I've aged."

McGonogall did chuckle, "You'll get used to it, Potters tend to do that to a person."

And Harry smiled, he could not wrap his head around the fact that somebody else was referring to Scorpius as a 'Potter'. He didn't feel like one, but at the same time he did, and he was. 

"It is a big change, one that'll permanently shape your life, I hope you're aware of this, Harry."

Harry nodded, already he felt like his world had tilted on it axis, and he hadn't even had time to truly digest the truth. 

"I was quite happy when Scorpius was sorted into Gryffindor, I don't think I would have trusted any other housemaster as much you to ensure he would feel equal and included. I know a little of the Malfoy's home life, yet still enough to know that it was not easy. They only deserve a stable, permanent figure, even as a child, you listened to your heart before your brain. This is admirable at times, but at the moment, please think carefully and let your actions reflect the commitment needed. Especially with Mr Malfoy not wanting you to be present and public, know that you should not dive head first, but go at a slow pace, and let time mature you into who the two deserve before taking a big step."

Harry repeated the words over in his head, McGonogall was basically telling him to listen to Malfoy, and do as he says. Malfoy deserved no less, but Harry was terrified he would be completely blocked out. He was okay with a slow pace, he should definitely let Malfoy know, since Malfoy was jumping to his own conclusions in his head.

"I understand, I'm willing to do what's best for them, no matter what I think."

McGonogall smiled, "Well done, Harry."

Harry scratched their back of his neck, "I hope you're not being blamed for the trip, I'd hate to cause inconvenience."

McGonogall sighed, "A few parents in the class expressed their dissatisfaction, but nobody complained further after hearing that you were fired. Do not worry about me, you have enough on your plate right now."

"Who is replacing me?"

"I am, until the end of the year. We only have two weeks left anyway. I'm not sure about head of house though."

Harry remembered Neville rushing to his Patronus yesterday in the forest, and knew there was not anybody more suitable for the job, "I think Professor Longbottom is perfect, Headmistress, but of course, you'd know best."

McGonogall considered it, "I think you may be right."

After a few moments of silence, she spoke again, "I do not want you leaving thinking you were a complete failure, Harry. Overall, you were a decent teacher. Students were always praising you, and I know how happy all the Gryffindor students were. They're all distraught that you're leaving, I don't think a house has ever been so unified, they're definitely winning the house cup."

Harry felt himself tearing up, he knew the headmistress was only telling him this because he was leaving, and doubted how true her words were, but it was still nice to hear.

Nethertheless, it still caused his heart to ache as he walked through the common room for the last time, and saw all the Gryffindor students he'd lived with for the year sitting beneath a banner that read 'Thank you for everything, Mr Potter! " and some were wearing Potter Rules! badges. He wasn't sure if he'd caused any meaningful impact on the students, but they'd definitely changed him for the better, and he'd never forget his two years here.

——

Gimmauld place was more depressive than ever as he placed the boxes in his study. He was not bothered with unpacking them, and instead kept on looking at the parchment in his hand.

He'd gone to the hospital wing, only to see that Malfoy had left. He'd noted his address on a piece of parchment, using his access to student documents for the last time, and was now trying to build up the courage to go and face Malfoy in his new home.

Malfoy had asked for space, but at the same time, this was not a discussion they could shove under the rug. They had a child together, for circes sake. The true reality of the situation hadn't sunk in with Harry yet, for he was avoiding the inevitable time he'd be alone with only his thoughts by keeping himself busy. He couldn't remember the last time he'd tidied Grimmauld before today, and now he was going to go to Malfoy's.

Come on Harry, you can do it.

He apparated to an alleyway near the address, and walked until he found the building.

A sign read 'Crisis Hostel: Helping the homeless'.

He burrowed his brows in confusion, but decided to step in and seek out an explanation rather than jumping to conclusions. 

What is Draco Malfoy doing in a shelter?

There was a reception at the front, with a young girl talking on the phone. From the posters laid around the walls, it seemed the hostel focused on young people, and parents and children. 

"We have a lgbtq+ staff member who would especially make sure to welcome you, please tell us if you need help making your way here, but otherwise, we do have an available room. Thank you, goodbye."

Ending the phone call, she smiled at him, "Hello, how may I help you?"

Harry cleared his throat, "Umm, there's a small possibility that I may be at the wrong address, but do you happen to know of a Draco Malfoy?"

She looked surprised, "Oh wow, Draco doesn't get many visitors, would you like me to call him out?"

"Yes please, say it's Harry Potter."

She presses a button and speaks into an intercom, and soon enough Draco Malfoy is walking into the reception to greet him. Harry happy to note that he looks more alive and freshened up compared to earlier, and wishes he'd looked in the mirror at least before coming, since he's sure he looks a mess in contrast.

Malfoy's crossed his arms, "I'm guessing you want to come in?"

Harry nodded shyly, and the girl at reception was smirking at the two of them, "Be nice, Draco. He's so nervous already."

Malfoy tsked but seemed amused, "You mind your own business, I know what you're thinking."

She rolled her eyes, "Right, right. Anyways, we have a seventeen year old who's been kicked out of home coming in tomorrow, you'll sort them out?"

“Yes, send me the file. Also, Scorpius is coming back, so you definitely can not cancel movie night, he loves you.”

Harry was shocked throughout the conversation , Malfoy was so relaxed and a completely different person. He wasn't the Malfoy from their teenage years or the Malfoy who'd visited Hogwarts as a parent. This Malfoy has relaxed body posture, actually smiled (not just smirking) and Harry was envious of those who got to see him like this, and also hopeful that he'd also get to know this Draco.

They walked down corridors lined with doors, resembling a hotel. Behind some doors, voices could be heard, one had a baby crying, making him shudder at the reminder of Rose's colic. As they carried on walking, Draco paused to knock on the door of a room, and the door was opened by two teenage girls in worn down pyjamas. One was crying, and the other had her arms wrapped around her, trying to console her.

"Aww, I'm guessing it didn't go well," Draco said, holding his arms out, "I have been so busy wthat I couldn't check up on you until now."

When Harry thought Draco Malfoy couldn't shock him more, he gave the snotty, drooling girl a crushing hug, which she returned.

"He's such a dick, Dray. It turns out he was cheating on me!"

Draco gasped, "If I see this foolish boy on the street, he will be met with the Draco Malfoy wrath. I need to give him a piece of my mind!"

Her friend, who was sitting on the bottom bunk of the tiny room they were in, spoke from behind them, "You need to! You can be insanely scaryy at times," then she reached for a bag on the floor, and picked up two cds, "Look what I've got."

Draco and the crying girl broke apart, Draco scoffed, "What has the cat dragged in, today?"

"I stole them—,"

"I did not doubt it." Draco interrupted her and both girls smiled.

"Well, it's a Charli xcx album," Draco scrunched up his face in disgust, "I know, I know, it's not for your old posh man music taste. But I've got you a gift too."

"Ooo," Draco brought a hand to his chest, "I feel honoured, you thought of me while stealing."

Harry couldn't help but laugh, genuinely and out of disbelief. Who was this man in front of him? The girls had called him Dray for circes sake! Harry could only imagine what would have happened if anybody had called him that back in school!

"Here, take it and leave us alone!"

Harry moved closer to see what album it was, and would never have guessed in a million years that Draco Malfoy would be smiling over a Lady Gaga album.

"I knew you'd like it," the girl smirked.

Draco wiped the smile off of his face, and shrugged, "It is satisfactory I suppose, though your ego does not need to boosted any further."

Both girls smiled at each other knowingly, and only then did they notice Harry.

"Who's this Dracooo?" One asked in a sing-song voice.

"I think Draco has a boyfriendddd. He's handsome aswelll." The other mimicked.

Harry knew he was blushing, and looked from the corner of his eye to see if Draco was as well, but yet again, Draco seemed unfazed to anything to do with Harry. 

"I think it's time for us to leave."

"Dray, omg you so have a type. I swear they all look so similiar: green eyes, curly hair and tanned. But he's defo the best looking one yet. Hold onto h—."

Draco shut the door mid sentence.

"Hey, I wanted to hear the rest of that."

Draco rolled his eyes, "Just follow me, Potter."

As they reached a new corridor that had the sign 'Resident Staff', Harry contemplated how he should feel with Draco dating men that looked like him. He ought to feel flattered, but a smaller, uglier side of him couldn't help but be unhappy with the idea of Draco dating others. He decided to maybe bring it up another time, since he assumed they'd be seeing each other a whole lot more than before.

Draco took out keys from his pocket, and opened the door that let to a very time flat within the building. He guessed that Draco had a flat because he worked here? Merlin, there was so much he wanted to know, like how Draco had ended up with this job. His brain felt like it was going to explode with all the new information of the past few days. 

The flat was very small, with an open plan kitchen that was connected to a living room. Harry could guess the bedroom and bathroom was not any bigger.

It looked cosy though, with minimal furniture and decorations, but the small space had been worked with to feel comfortable to live in. It was also meticulously clean, as if the smallness of the space had motivated the inhabitants to attack every speck of dust. 

It had a fresh smell of linen and vanilla (Malfoy seemed to have baked something that was cooling on the table) which Harry breathed in deeply, the smell reminded him of a mix of Draco and Scorpius. 

"Tea or coffee?" Draco asked.

"Coffee please, strong."

"Don't plan on sleeping tonight I guess, I can relate."

As Draco made their coffees, Harry observed that everything in the house accommodated two people. Two chairs at the table, two seater couch, two book shelves (each filled with book of the owners liking), etc. Everything emphasised the life Draco and Scorpius had, and Harry began to understand how he'd never fit in it.

Draco handed him his coffee, "Well, what do I owe the pleasure of having Harry Potter in my humble abode?"

Harry sipped his coffee, he was surprised at how good it was, easily one of the best cups of coffee he'd ever had. "I guess I wanted to know where we're going from here."

Draco nodded, and looked Harry in the eyes, "I do not feel ready to tell Scorpius anything."

"Wh-what?" Harry had expected not telling the public or something, he didn't want to hide such a thing from his own son!

"Did I stutter?" Malfoy was dead serious, "I can not have you parade into our lives after all these years, I worked so hard to build what we have right now. You will only cause us harm."

Harry couldn't argue with that. He had a habit of damaging whatever he touched, and could not blame Draco for worrying. However, he was not ready to give up on his son yet.

"Draco, you can't keep a child's parent away from them."

Dracos face twitched "Oh yes I can, we have done just fine without you. If you had not been so careless and my son had not almost died, we would have been none the wiser. I'm the one who went through the struggles, Potter, while you lived your life. I can not allow you to whisk him away with your name and your wealth and your charm and..."

Draco took a shaky breath, "My life has no meaning without him, I can not lose him to you because I know how much he already idolises you, and after finding out you are the other parent that has been missing from his life all this time, I will stand no chance."

The last part was difficult for Draco to confess, he sniffled before cutting up the warm cake on the counter. Harry understood that the man just wanted something to keep his hands busy and distract himself from thinking further about what he truly believed was going to happen if Harry came into their lives.

"Carrot cake? It is fresh out of the oven." Harry held onto the offered plate before it fell out of the other man's trembling hands.

"Draco, I am not going to take Scorpius away. I wouldn't be able to even if it was what I truly desired, Scorpius speaks of you as if you are his whole world. The two times I've seen you two together have only supported that, I wish you would understand. I'd have to be most selfish man in the world to damage your bond, I want you to understand I am not so cruel that I'll disregard your effort. You raised Scorpius, I came here to tell you that you are entitled to decide the speed we take actions in the future."

Draco was looking at him with disbelief alongside a sprinkle of hope, "I want to believe you..."

"You can Draco, the only thing I'll ask for is to not shut me out completely. Let me be here for you both, you can decide in what way I am, but I don't think I can be without Scorpius either, and I've only known him since last September."

Draco sipped his cup in deep thought. Harry would have emptied his whole vault if it meant he'd know what Draco was thinking in the moment. McGonogall was right in the fact that this was a big commitment, and he knew he needed to go slowly if he didn't want to mess things up and lose both Draco and Scorpius without ever having truly gained them. It only upset him that Draco was this insecure about his parenting and trusted Harry so little in not taking advantage of the situation.

While waiting for Draco to say something, he dug his fork into the slice of cake and tasted it. "Mmm, this is really good." He wasn't lying, it really was. He only ever had home baked goods time to time at the burrow, and always cherished them, but this was lovely and honestly unexpected from Malfoy. It overwhelmed him how little he knew about the person Draco Malfoy had become, from his baking skills to his music taste to his compassion with others, he was so excited to learn about everything else. The only issue was for Draco to allow him to do so.

"I suppose you can visit here, stay in touch with Scorpius while he recovers and all, since you won't be seeing him in school anymore after summer. I just want to wait some more before telling him," he sighed and raised his head to look up at towards the ceiling, "Merlin, please be letting me make the right decision."

Harry almost laughed, "I'm the the pro at making the worst decisions at times. They're never intentional, it's not like I want to mess things up. When does anyone know if they're doing the right thing until it's too late? I doubt me saying this will make you feel better, but, oh, I don't know, taking things slow doesn't sound ridiculously unreasonable to me. Especially if that's what your comfortable with right now, I can only be grateful you're letting me be here."

"I do not care what you or anybody else thinks, I just want Scorpius to be affected as little as possible. And I don't want him to hate me." Draco added the last sentence in quietly.

"That's not possible, Draco. I don't know how much of school Scorpius tell you about, but there has been many moment where his love for you has been so obvious."

"He does not mention too much, and if it's not about lessons it's usually about you."

Harry couldn't stop the smile on his face, did his son actually think so highly of him? He couldn't believe his luck, what had he done to deserve Scorpius? 

He wanted to make Draco smile back, so mentioned the time at the beginning of the year when Scorpius had been so distraught when his teddy bear was torn up, only because it had been a gift from Draco.

It seemed to do the trick, but Draco also frowned as he was sad to hear how his son had been bullied and not told him. Thinking of such moments hurt Harry as well now, as it was a piece of him who was being hurt by others, and Harry he’d do anything to make sure Scorpius was never hurt again.

"I always wanted to thank you for the whole Dustin Taggart situation. It was surprising to read that the boy he'd received detention for was no one of his best friends. Of course, Professor Potter was responsible and earned a large paragraph of praise, but Scorpius was elated nonetheless. I was delighted to hear he sticks up for Scorpius and their other friend, Albus, as well now."

"Honestly, I just wanted the best for him from the beginning. Now I wonder if something inside me knew or if I felt it, but I was genuinely drawn to him. This weird protectiveness filled me when it came to Scorpius, and you know how obsessed I was with knowing who his dad wass anyway."

Draco scoffed, "Yes, you gave me quite the stress, sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, as always. I never knew what to say, and tried to go with the tactic of answering you're questions so you would  leave it alone. I'm surprised you did not suspect that it was you."

This was a good time to mention one of the things that had been in Harry's mind, "I did, but I was thrown off after calculating that you'd given birth to him around seven months after we were, you know, together."

Draco took a deep breath, and his eyes glasses over as if his mind was replaying unpleasant memories, “Yes, he was born premature, at 25 weeks...”

Merlin, Rose had been less than four weeks early and it had stressed everybody out, he couldn’t imagine how tiny Scorpius must have been, it was a wonder he’d survived. The doctors had warned Hermione about stress and work causing premature birth and how she’d have to be careful, so Harry did not want to think about what had caused Draco to give birth so early.

“That must have been scary... How did the birth go?” He doubted the answer would be a good one, but he wanted to know every detail (good and bad) of the times he’d missed with his son, even of those before he was born.

Draco raised an eyebrow, “Do you really want to know?”

Harry nodded, swallowing.

“Well, I gave birth in an alleyway around five minutes away from here.”

Harry froze, his mouth felt very dry, as the cake he’d been chewing lost all its flavour and turned to sand. He suddenly felt pure anger and hatred towards himself for not being there for Draco. He only had himself to blame, he could have looked harder. He was Harry bloody Potter and had had all the connections needed to find a pregnant man, but instead decided to forget about the man after hearing he’d been too ill to work. 

“I’m so sorry...”

Draco shuddered, closing his eyes, “I don’t think I can talk any longer tonight.”

“Yeah,” Harry didn’t think he could either, “I’ll just... go. I’ll come tomorrow to help with bringing Scorpius over.”

Draco didn’t say anything and Harry took it as his cue to leave. 

Walking out of he building, he paused at every nearby alleyway he passed, his son had been born in one of them, and it hurt so much to know this. He didn’t even want to go into one and apparate home, and decided to walk home, despite the late hour and the distance. It wasn’t like he was going to sleep tonight anyway.

Chapter Text

At Grimmauld Place, Harry let himself sit down on the worn out couch in the sitting room, and actually let everything sink in. Bloody hell, he had a son. Not only did he have a son, he had a son with the Draco Malfoy. Draco Malfoy, who had every reason to not want to see his face ever again, and had gone through Merlin Knows what over the years he'd been raising their child on his own. The weight of it all physically hurt his head.

He’d racked his brain all night on how to approach the situation, but he doesn't even know where to start. How will Scorpius react? Well, first he has to actually get Draco to trust him enough for them to reveal it, anyway. Harry doesn't want to pressure Draco in anyway, as much as he wants Scorpius to start calling him Dad, because it is the least he could do, even he knows that. It isn't like they can hide it forever, so until then, Harry needs to ensure he gives Draco all the reasons why he should trust that Harry will not disappoint him again. Harry currently thinks the best way to do that is to show that he'll be present and help in anyway needed, but not make anything too obvious. Essentially, to help both Draco and Scorpius adjust to having him in their lives slowly, since it has obviously only been the two of them until then.

It soon becomes morning and Harry hasn't managed a second of sleep. As he's trying to make his appearance seem less zombie-like, the sound of apparition startles him.

"What is Master Potter doing here at this hour? Is Master not due at work?"

The voice is familiar, and currently unwelcome, if Harry is being honest.

"Good morning to you too, Kreacher. I got fired, if you wanted to know. We'll be seeing eachother often again, unless you take up my offer of full retirement and go and enjoy the rest of your life."

Kreacher tuts, shaking his head in disappointment, "Master Potter was ever the incompetent, he does not understand the loyalty one should have to their work, resulting in him constantly changing careers. Where are you going, to look for other employment?"

"Pfft, not for a while. I'm actually visiting Draco Malfoy, you'll be happy to know, I'll have breakfast there, so don't bother making anything."

Kreacher looks stunned for a moment, "Young Master Malfoy? The only living member of the Black family? Of course, there is the orphan boy you bring over, but his grandmother was disowned. What an honour, Master Potter! You are finally socialising with those worthy, I didn't think I'd see the day."

Harry rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes. I'll be seeing him a lot more."

As he was about to leave, Kreacher rushed up to him, tugging at his hand, "Master Potter must make a good impression! Young Draco always loved eclairs as a child, he'd ask me to make him them for breakfast, all a secret of course. His mother never approved of such sugary delicacies. Take him some! Be a mannered guest!"

Harry blinked. That was very valuable advice actually, he needed to impress Draco as much as possible, and every little gesture counted. He'd have to ask Kreacher more details about Malfoy another time, but for now, eclairs were a decent start!

Popping into the most expensive bakery in the area, he bought a box of eclairs and a few other pastries, before apparating near the shelter.

The girl at the reception smirked when she saw him, "Back so soon, huh. I can’t blame you, Draco is irresistible."

Harry frowned, he remembers the teenagers mentioning Draco's lovers always looking the same yesterday. Did Draco have lots of attention from men? Not that Harry could say anything, of course, given his track record. But as his own rendezvous were known publicly, it wouldn't hurt to have a little more idea about the enigma Draco Malfoy had become.

"Ummm," he gulped, "Is Draco currently seeing someone, that you'd know of? Or, I don't know, has he brought anybody over recently?"

The girls smirk grew wider, "Hmm, I don't see it being anyyy of your business. Oo, are those eclairs!"

Just as she was about to reach into the box, Harry moved it out of her reach, "Answer my questions and you can have as many as you want."

The girl laughed, "Alright, alright. No Draco does not have a boyfriend, but that does not mean he doesn't get everybody's attention! He's gorgeous!"

Didn't Harry already know...

He sighed in relief, letting the woman take an eclair. A boyfriend would have put a massive barrier between them, and made Harry's plan on staying close to Scorpius uncomfortable. That was the only reason Harry had asked, of course.

As he walked towards Draco's quarters, the receptionist shouted from behind him, "I'm Lara, by the way!"

Knocking on the door, he held his breath as he waited for Draco to open it.

"Oh, quite early, well done, Potter," A blonde head peeked through the door, "Come in, I was getting ready to leave."

Harry walked into the kitchen,  setting the bakery box down on the table.

Draco raised an eyebrow, "What's that?"

"I doubted you'd be able to manage breakfast today, I know I couldn't, so I thought I'd get us a little treat?" Harry shrugged.

"It doesn't look very little to me," Draco said as his elegant fingers opened the large box, "Oh, wow..."

Harry watched with satisfaction as Draco's eyes lit up in surprise, and some joy. It was uncannily similar to Scorpius’s reaction to the broom, but much more toned down of course. The corner of Draco's mouth twitched, as he reached for an eclair.

"Eclairs... they're my favourite." He looked up at Harry, "Thank you."

Harry moved behind the counter, "I'll make us a quick cup of tea?"

As he was trying to find the tea bags, Draco walked up to him, "Wait, I'll do it, since you brought the pastries."

Harry ignored him, so they both ended up reaching for the tea simultaneously, causing their hands to touch eachother.

Harry wondered if Draco had felt the same buzzing energy he had, if the warmth of their touch was what had caused Draco to pull his hand away, as if he'd been burnt. All he knew was that Draco avoided his gaze, as he told Harry that they should probably just get going.

Walking out together, they stopped in an alleyway, so that Harry could apparate them to the Grimmauld Place, where they'd floo to Hogwarts.

Harry couldn't help address one of the main issues that had been wracking his brain last night.

"Draco... if you don't mind me askin—."

Draco scoffed, cutting him off, "Has it ever mattered when I have? You'll end up asking it anyway or go scavenge for the answer yourself."

Harry cleared his throat, he couldn't argue with that. He had a track record for obsessing over Malfoy's secrets.

"You're right, but you really don't have to tell me this time. I just, I just want to know more about what you said... when you gave birth to Scorpius."

Draco took a deep breath, "I mean, what is there to say, he's alive, isn't he?"

"Yes, but," Harry paused, "You said you gave birth in an alleyway, Draco. And at less seven months."

"Hmm, yes, it should be the alley after this one. You can count the whole day as both a blessing, and a nightmare, really. There I was, walking around muggle London, with no specific destination on where to go. I'd had cramps for a few days, but unsurprisingly, I'm scared, because even I know muggle men do not have children. As I'm starting to feel I have no option but to break the statute and plead for a hospital to take me in without any ID or anything to state my origins, I suddenly feel pain that is much more intense than before..."

Draco paused, looking up to the sky, blinking away tears. Harry was starting to regret even bringing up the topic, but he could not let his growing guilt convince him to dismiss the hardships of Draco's life. He needed to know everything, if he ever wanted to even consider making up to Draco in the slightest way.

Draco continued, after composing himself, "I've collapsed onto the floor, and I can't help myself from moaning in pain. This causes people to hear me, specifically those from the hostel. I'll never forget the old lady that helped me first, I was convinced that she was angel. She passed away recently, may she rest in peace, but she told me that I'd begged for her to save the baby before losing consciousness."

Draco looked at Harry, waiting for him to say something. Harry cleared his throat, "Um... how did they end up reacting to you being a pregnant man?"

Draco laughed lightly, "For all the love I have grown to have for muggles, their obliviousness still does marvel me. I'd gone through certain bodily changes to accommodate for my condition, so when I'd woken up at the hospital, I was labelled intersex with no further questions asked. I went along with it, and was supported by the shelter while waiting for Scorpius's recovery."

Harry frowned, "Recovery?"

"Babies are not meant to be born at 25 weeks, Potter. The doctors were convinced he wouldn't survive, especially considering the conditions he was born into. We were both severely malnourished, and I'd been told to say my goodbyes..."

Draco sniffled, wiping a few stray tears from his eyes, "He was so tiny. All red, wrinkly and frankly, rather ugly. I was convinced he'd end up looking like you. I remember praying day and night to every god I’d heard of, for him to make it, it seems silly but I’d seen enough religious posters walking in the streets, and I was willing to try anything. I didn’t even know what was for us once we would leave the hospital , but call me selfish, I couldn’t imagine him not being by my side. Just as the doctors were going to give up his space in nicu, he suddenly gained strength. I'd never said it aloud, but I was convinced it was his magic coming into play. Babies normally have a negligible magical core, but I suppose when your father is the vanquisher of dark lords, things are a bit different."

"Surprisingly, it actually worked to my benefit. For all the magic he'd used to recover, he had to then restore it over the years, which meant no accidental magic happening. Otherwise, That would have been difficult to explain..."

He'd tried to make the last bit lighthearted, adding a little chuckle, but his heart was not in it and Harry felt like his whole energy had been drained from processing the anecdote.

"I'm so sorr—."

"You've already apologised."

"I don't think it'll ever be enough. That's the truth. I'll never make up for what you've gone through, but I won't stop trying either. My only hope is that you'll let me, even if I don't deserve it."

Draco resolve weakens for a moment, before he straightens up and holds onto Harry's arm, "Let's start moving."

Harry apparates them to Grimmauld, where the floo is open to Hogwarts. He pauses in case Draco wants to look at his home, which was the tidiest it had ever been, but Draco does not move his head, making a beeline to the floo, announcing for "Hogwarts, Hospital Wing."

Harry rushes after him, and soon enough he’s brushing the spot off of his clothes, while Draco looks elegant as ever.

“Morning, Mr Malfoy, Mr Potter.”

They both nodded politely. Draco speaks first.

“Is Scorpius ready to go?”

“Yes,” Madame Pomfrey cheerfully said, “He’s doing very well, his potions are causing him to sleep now, and he’ll need bed rest for some days until his strength is back, but other than that, he’s good, Draco.”

Draco shakily exhales, “I could not thank you enough, I am forever in your debt.”

“We’re forever in your debt,” Harry added, “Especially me, since this disaster was all my fault.”

Pomfrey looked between them, assessing, “There’s always some good in everything.”

She led them over to Scorpius’s bed. Harry could have cried, when he saw that Scorpius had gained back all his colour, and someone who didn’t know about the past few gruelling days, would have thought the boy was merely sleeping. Draco seemed to also be on the verge of tears, and Harry vowed to do everything within his power to ensure harm never came to the two Malfoy’s ever again.

While Draco went over to fuss over Scorpius, Harry started shrinking trunks full of his son’s stuff. That was why he had come anyway, to help with the move, so he’d better stay useful.

Once he’d finished, he walked over to the two blonds. Draco had brushed Scorpius’s hair, but the waves were still visible. The Teddy Bear that read ‘Papa’s Little Dragon’, which Harry recognised from the beginning of the year, was held tightly in Scorpius’s hand.

Would there ever be a ‘Daddy’s Little Dragon’ toy?

Would he even call Scorpius a dragon? Had he grown out of the term? Or was it something strictly between Draco and Scorpius? Maybe harry and him  would come up with something else for the two of them, other than dragon…

Hold your horses, Harry, the boy doesn’t even know about you yet, he reminded himself.

Dreams were dangerous, war had taught him this, especially when you didn’t know if you’d ever see them come true. This had never stopped him from dreaming though, until he’d found his life in a place where there was no longer anything to dream about.

However, with the introduction of the two Malfoy’s in his life, he had light again. He’d let himself have the dream or two, it was impossible not to.

“Alright, that’s the stuff done. Are you ready to go?” Harry asked.

“Yes, we just have to figure out how to take Scorpius…” Draco bit his lip in thought.

“I’ll carry him,” Harry immediately replied, without needing to give it a second thought. He didn’t like the idea of levitating the already fragile body, and it was that neither did Draco, for he but his lip further, making it bleed, before deciding, moving to give Harry space.

It was no struggle, and Harry felt upset, more than anything, at how light Scorpius was. Draco was watching him very carefully, and Harry knew he had to be careful with his actions. Walking steadily, he slowly stepped into the floo - Draco tailing behind. They said a final goodbye, and were off.

“You are both free to use here however and whenever you want, please be aware of that…”

They were in Grimmauld. Draco didn’t say anything back, Harry did not know what he had to do for the ice between them to begin thawing. He’d rather have snarky Draco’s retorts than this silent one. It felt like speaking to an impostor. He could see it in Draco’s eyes sometimes, as if he was holding himself back.

Tell me what I need to do for you to let go…

“Draco, are you not talking to me?”

Draco frowned, “Am I child? Why would I not be talking to you?”

“I don’t know! You’ve been so reserved and quiet, I-I don’t like it.”

Draco feigned surprise, “Oh! I’m ever so sorry! Mr Potter is unhappy with me! Has Mr Potter considered that it may not be easy for me at all, seeing the son, that I’d long accepted would never unite with his other father, currently in your arms?!”

You idiot! You’re supposed to be building bridges, not breaking them further apart!

“I’m apologise, Draco. I just wanted you to know that whatever, and I mean, whatever I have is now both of yours as well. Besides, this house and the huge vault that came with it is more your right than mine, since you’ve got the blood.”

Draco scowled, “I don’t want to hear of blood, valuing it so much is what led me into the mess anyway. We’re fine as is, Potter, thank you.”

Harry sighed before apparating them both into Draco’s small living room.

“Follow me to his bedroom.”

Draco started walking down the short corridor inside of the place, and soon Harry was inside a very small bedroom. It wasn’t much bigger than the cupboard he’d been stuffed in as a child, but there was something different about it.

Was it the small, soft bed, that Harry gently laid Scorpius down on? Or the fuzzy grey blanket with small dragons on it, that looked like a cloud as Draco now wrapped sleeping Scorpius in it? Maybe it was the decorations that hung on the walls, past craft projects, cartoon posters, a picture of Draco and Scorpius at the beach…

Despite the size, it was different because Harry could sense the feeling of home and love radiating out of the room. It was cramped, but it felt like the biggest room had been stepped foot in, contrasting his master bedroom in Grimmauld that he couldn’t face sleeping in, as it suffocated him at night, squeezing out the worst of his nightmares.

He felt happy, he felt happy to know that the child he’d had no input in whatsoever grew up in the love he’d always craved. Now he could only wonder if he’d ever have the opportunity to discuss the different interests it was obvious his wonderful child had, looking at the variety of figurines in one corner and violin in another.

“I’ll get started on supper, “ Draco announced, fidgeting to leave the room.

Harry was grateful to be left alone, allowed to take in the situation. An innocence he had no right to claim having anything to do with, had been presented to him. This innocence was sleeping peacefully in the bed while the parent that had seen him grow, had woken up every night, hugged out evet nightmare, kissed every bruise from a fall away, was preparing dinner. What was Harry even doing here?

He gazed down at Scorpius, and his hand slowly moved on its own accord. Only when it hovered above the blond curls did it stop. He’d seen Draco do it so many times, it obviously comforted him. He longed to also feel the softness of the strands, the shape of the waves, but he whipped his hand back. He had to first know his current place, if he ever wanted to improve it.

And the eyes, oh, how he longed to see the emeralds that were hidden. Now that he knew where they came from, from his own flesh and blood, he wanted to have a long look at them  and engrave them into his memory, so that he’d take them everywhere with him.

It was a funny thought, but he thought it anyway, if he’d died in that moment, Harry Potter would have died a happy man, knowing his mother’s eyes would look at the world with the joy and passion Scorpius possessed.

“You are so loved. Everything I have, and everything I am, is yours. Forever,” he kissed the crown of his son’s head.

He watched Scorpius sleep for a few more seconds. During that time, he didn’t see the figure listening in behind the door, wiping a tear from their grey eyes. Draco was about to go back to the kitchen to continue making supper, when he heard the voice he’d been dying to hear again over the past few days.

“Proffesor Potter? What happened…. Where am I?”

Chapter Text

“Scorpius? Thank Merlin, you’re awake!” Harry’s elation pricked Draco’s ears, and he ran into the room, immediately holding the , once again warm, hands of his son.

Scorpius looked startled to see him, “Papa? Why am I not at school?”

Draco could not hold himself from wrapping his arms tightly around the boy, “I am so, so grateful that you are ok, dragon.”

So the term is still relevant, Harry noted.

“Papa,” Scorpius said, voice muffled from Draco’s chest, “What happened?”

“What do you last remember?” Harry asked from the side, as Draco pulled away to let Scorpius breathe.

“Umm,” Scorpius’s muttered, chewing on his lip, similarly to Draco when he was also in thought or anxious, “I remember the forest… Then it is blank, I’m sorry.”

Draco grabbed the boys cheeks in his hands, “There is nothing to be sorry for, you were bitten by a snake, and you became quite ill, but those days are over! Look! My dragon is going to recover stronger than ever!”

He seemed to be trying to convince himself more than Scorpius, but the boy still gave a small smile.

Harry cleared his throat, “In fact, I should be the one apologising, I didn’t fulfil my responsibility of ensuring your safety.”

Scorpius gave a wider smile to Harry, “It’s okay, proffesor. I didn’t mind anyway, but if it makes you fell better, I forgive you.”

Harry did not reciprocate the smile, the naivety of a child was a precious thing. He’d felt the same towards Dumbledore, never understanding the true dangers he had been placed in, until much later. In his eyes, Dumbledore had been a legend who plucked him out of his unhappy life with the Dursley’s and into a whole new world of magic. Scorpius most likely saw him in a similar light, having also been brought up in a muggle world, but Harry did not want his son to grow up with the same filter that had covered his eyes as a child. He wanted to ensure Scorpius would never be taken advantage of, and thought best to plant the understanding of this now.

“Scorpius, I want you to understand one very important thing: you could have died. It was a possibility that arose because of my carelessness, and I never want you to dismiss somebody putting you in danger, no matter the trust you have for them. You do not owe anybody anything, Scorpius, that be forgiveness, loyalty or anything else. You may still choose to forgive me, but I don’t want you to dismiss what happened either.”

Both Draco and Scorpius were silent. Scorpius then nodded solemnly while Draco gazed at Harry with a certain wonder in his eyes, as if seeing him in a slightly different light. Harry didn’t care what either thought, he stood by his words and would stand against anybody, including himself, to protect the two men.

Draco blinked back into the moment, turning towards Scorpius, “How are you feeling? Do you want anything? Are you hungry, uncomfortable, in pain? Let papa help you.”

Scorpius rolled his eyes, “I’m fine, Papa. Don’t fuss, I’m not a baby.”

Draco rolled his eyes back, “It’s my job to fuss on you. Besides, you should understand by now that you will always be my baby, even when you are taller than me!”

“Will I be as tall as Professor Potter?!” Scorpius marvelled as he craned his neck exaggeratedly, looking into Harry’s eyes.

Harry took a moment to study the green that mirrored his own, in every way from colour to the way it twinkled. He never wanted to see those yes lose their shine again. How could he not have noticed before? They were identical to his, and to his mother’s. He pictured showing Scorpius a picture of his mother, and Scorpius’s grandmother. Maybe as he got to know the boy better, he’d notice more things that were inherited from him. It all still felt too good to be true, he was too used to things going wrong.

Draco spluttered, “Well, yes, maybe… But even then you will still be my teeny, tiny dragon to me!”

Harry smiled, then remembered something else he needed to mention, “Scorpius, it’s just Harry now. Not Professor, I no longer work at Hogwarts, which is for the best.”

A smoky smell started seeping into the room, causing all three pairs of nostrils to twitch. As they were looking around the room in befuddlement, Draco gasped, “The bread! I put it in the over just to toast, now it’s going to be burnt!”

He stomped out, huffing in annoyance at the two of them. A few seconds later, a shout echoed from the kitchen, “It is inedible! This is your faults for making me forget!”

Harry and Scorpius both looked at each other for a moment, before breaking into a fit of laughter.

“I can hear you from here, you know! You can both eat the burnt bread, then!”

This only made them laugh harder, and Harry noted, with joy and the smallest bit of pride, that Scorpius’s chuckles matched his, but in the higher tone of a child’s. They would probably sound identical, as the boy got older.

Harry sat down at the end of Scorpius’s bed, where Draco had been sitting previously. He peered around at the posters on the walls, “Hey, that’s BatMan!” He exclaimed, pointing at one of the bigger posters.

Scorpius slowly sat up, “Yeah! Do you know about him?”

Harry pretended to be offended, “Of course I do, he’s only the best!”

Dudley had a phase of being addicted to superheroes, and while he watched cartoons in his room, Harry used to sneak peeks through the keyhole. He’d especially been fascinated by BatMan, and Bruce Wayne, an orphan like him who was secretly a hero that kept Gotham safe.

It was funny how he’d ended up leading a life more similar to BatMan than he’d anticipated, saving the wizarding world from their joker. This meant he still cherished BatMan dearly, amongst his love for wizarding culture. He had not read a comic in years, but seeing the poster reminded him of the special place that the superhero still held in his heart.

“I know right!” Scorpius grinned widely, “That’s so cool, Professor! I can’t believe we have the same favourite superhero!”

Harry couldn’t help the smile further spreading across his face, “I can, Scorp. We both have refined taste. “

Scorpius wrinkled his nose, “Scorp? Only Albus  and Teddy calls me that.”

“Well, that’s because they are your friends. I’d like to hope that we’re friends, so I can call you Scorp and you can call me Harry?” Harry asked hopefully. Friends were a start. It’d make the transition to father and son smoother, he prayed.

Harry didn’t need to be concerned, Scorpius was more than happy to jump at the idea of being friends with his favourite Professor. “Okay! I’ll show you the comic I got for Christmas! You can borrow it if you want, since I’m getting a new one for my birthday anyway!”

Harry was currently on cloud nine. He had already found a shared interest with his son! The kindest boy he’d ever met, had ended up being his very own son! Best believe that there would be a spring and a skip in his step as he made his way home today.

“Thank you, I’ll make sure to look, “ he paused,  “ You knowww, I have a whole shelf of comics at home that I do not read anymore. They’re mostly Batman and Joker, but I have a few other really good ones. I wouldn’t mind you reading them.”

Scorpius eyes widened in glee, “Really!? Thank you so much, Harry! I promise I’ll give them back the same way I received them!”

Harry inched closer, the boys happiness was radiating onto him, warming up the depths of his soul. “How about you don’t give them back? You can keep them, I don’t need them anymore.”

Scorpius’s mouth momentarily hung agape, before he quickly closed it, smiling so hard his dimples flashed out and his greens eyes were almost completely hidden from crinkling. “Thank you so, so much! I have to tell Papa! You are the best, Harry!”

Just then, Draco walked in, carrying a lingering scent of fresh herbs and spices with him. Whatever he was cooking smelt delicious.

“What is this you have to tell me?”

Scorpius clapped his hands together, “Did you know that Prof—, I mean Harry, likes BatMan as well, Papa?”

Draco raised an eyebrow, “No, no I did not.”

“Yes, well he does and he said he’d give me the comics he had at home!” Scorpius practically squealed.

“It’s only because I don’t need them anymore, I thought it’d be better than them collecting dust.” Harry explained himself, hoping he hadn’t crossed any boundaries that Draco was not comfortable with.

“Well, that is lovely, “ Draco said neutrally, “Thank you, that is very kind. Did you thank Mr Potter, Scorpius?”

Scorpius nodded his head, before yawning. He suddenly looked rather tired, most likely from the excitement.

“You need to rest, baby. I’ll leave you supper in case you wake up, but for now this is enough.” Draco said, signalling at Harry with his eyes that they needed to leave.

Scorpius nodded again with drooping eyelids, before succumbing to sleep, embracing his tiredness.

Tiptoeing out of the room, Draco led Harry to the kitchen, where a homemade soup was bubbling on the stove.

“He definitely loves you, there is no doubt about that.” Draco murmured while stirring the pan.

“I’m just trying to get to know him, Draco. Please don’t have a problem with that.”

Draco sighed, setting the spoon aside. “Potter, look at me.”

Harry looked up, as his eyes clashed with a fierce grey, one with a storm brewing, threatening thunder on anybody crossing its path.

Draco looked like he meant business, as he slowly pronounced every. single. word.

“Listen to me, Potter. I will say this once, and once only. I am not blind, so that I do not see my son’s happiness when he is with you, and I am not selfish enough to want to stop it either. But. If you ever cause even a single tear drop to fall from Scorpius’s eyes, if you ever break his precious heart, I will come for you. I will whip out the wand I have not laid hands on in years, and I will finish the job the dark lord couldn’t. I may not seem like it anymore, but do not underestimate me. I was damned from society for a reason, I have seen dark magic that small mind of yours cannot even begin to even fathom, and I will earn my place in Azkaban if it calls for it. Do I make myself clear?”

Harry gulped, nodding. Merlin forbid he ever crossed the path of a parents wrath, especially that of Draco’s. Besides, Harry would do the job himself if he ever harmed Scorpius again, physically or emotionally.

“Alright then, “ Draco continued, satisfied, “Would you like to join me for supper? The menu is chicken broth soup with potatoes and salad on the side.”

“Yes please, that’s sounds good.”

With that, they set off, Harry setting the table while Draco served the food. It was peaceful, they worked around each other and the small space they were constricted in. Harry wasn’t sure if the silence was a comfortable or uncomfortable one, but it was much more preferable to being alone. He only wished that one day such moments would include lighthearted conversation, and chipper Scorpius making them laugh.

Once everything was ready, Harry dug his spoon in and lifted it to his mouth. Draco hadn’t started eating yet, and was instead watching Harry with bated breath. Harry realised, and prepared his reaction, not wanting to disappoint in case he didn’t like the taste.

His concerns were unnecessary, for the food was amazing. The hearty richness elicited the happy hum naturally, as he told Draco how wonderful it was. Draco exhaled and began eating as well. Harry was happy to note that Draco cared about his opinion.

“I’ll bring the comics in tomorrow, we can all go through them together, if you want.” Harry spoke into the silence.

Draco shook his head, “I would have wanted to, but I have to work tomorrow, I have already taken a lot of time off, and we currently have new people coming in, who need to be processed. Even if that’s dealt with, the food kitchen will also need as many hands as they can get.”

“Food kitchen?” Harry wanted to know more information about the place the parent of his child worked at.

“If you hadn’t noticed,” Draco motioned his hands in a circle around him, “This is a shelter. We may house parents and youth, but they serve daily meals for the homeless as well. Going into summer, volunteer numbers have dropped, with people on holiday etc. so I’ll also help out there as much as I can.”

“Right…” Harry nodded. It seemed Draco was some sort of social worker who also just helped around with the whole shelter. He wanted to ask more questions, but he wasn’t sure if he’d reached his limit for the day.

“How did you end up working here?” There was no harm in trying his luck, besides, he couldn’t help himself, he wanted to know so much as soon as possible.

Draco wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. No matter the place or the situation, his etiquette and way of moving was still classy and posh to the core. He thought for a few moments before answering, “Well, we were accommodated for around a year. After we both fully recovered, I guess I did not want to leave the safety of this place. It was a guarantee, I could not risk the outside with a baby. The shelter staff knew of my position of being uninformed with the muggle world. Of course, to them, I am simply someone who grew up in an extremely closeted childhood in the countryside,  so they supported me with training etc. You get the gist, I’ve been here for twelve years.”

“I mean,” Harry stuttered, not knowing how to get the words out, “Did you never think of leaving? Forget the muggle world, have you stepped foot into the wizarding world since you’ve come here?”

Draco shook his head, “I think I had seen enough to confirm that I was not missing out on anything. You get used to being here, and even if I had craved change, it was not just me I have to think about, remember. There was not and still is not anything for me to go back to, muggle world or wizarding.”

Despite how ever many times Draco had said it, Harry still could not fathom the idea of giving up on the wizarding world completely. Especially by someone like Draco who had been born into it, Harry had only been introduced by Hagrid at 11, yet even he would never be able to give it up.

“Draco, I may be misremembering, but at your trial, they did not take away your magic… I’m sorry, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around you living with muggles. Have you not done any magic, at all?”

Draco sighed wistfully, “You are correct, my wand is tucked away in a cupboard. I have not performed magic by choice, I just did not want magic to be a part of my life anymore, it felt like too much of a burden. Especially since I was convinced Scorpius was a squib after not showing any signs of magic throughout his childhood, there was no need.”

“You must have been surprised when the Hogwarts owl showed up then.”

Draco couldn’t help the small smile on his lips, “It was definitely a shock, if I am being honest. Mixed feelings, mainly anxiety, but hey, he seems to love it, I can not complain.”

It was getting late, and Harry knew he needed to leave soon. They had finished their supper, and would soon start clearing up the table.

“You are truly an amazing parent, Draco. I have thought this since the day I spoke to Scorpius, he is so lucky to have such a selfless figure like you, in his life. He sees you as if you’ve hung the moon, I hope you know this.”

Draco paused, looking Harry in the eyes, searching for a hint of insincerity. When he couldn’t find any, he averted his gaze to the dishes, clearing his throat, “Um, t-thank you.”

“It’s the truth. Thank you for dinner, it was lovely.”

Draco stood by the door, “I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow, then…”

“Yep,” Harry smiled, “I’d suggest getting used to it.”

Draco but his lip, “Scorpius will start getting suspicious if you’re constantly here, he’s too clever for his own good.”

“Don’t I know, take after you, I suppose.  We’ll figure something out, don’t worry.”

Draco rolled his eyes, “How reassuring, goodnight.”

“Goodnight!” Harry echoed as the door was closed on him. He walked down the corridor, stopping at the reception.

“You’ve been in there for a while.” The girl at the reception smirked.

“Hmm,” Harry spoke nonchalantly, “Just helped with bringing Scorpius over from his school, you’ve most likely heard that he’s feeling poorly.”

The girl, Lara, furrowed her eyebrows, “When? How? I’ve been here almost the whole day and I didn’t see you guys.”

Harry shrugged, “You must have been somewhere else at the time.”

Just as he was about to head out, he turned his heel, back towards the girl.

“Hey, I was wondering if I could apply to volunteer at the kitchen over the summer?”

The girl gave him a knowing look before asking for his details.

He had to start from somewhere if he ever wanted to gain Draco’s trust.

Chapter Text

Sleep had come for only a few hours, but the few were definitely welcomed. Harry had barely slept the past week, and was now frowning at the results of it, in the mirror.

He ran his fingers through his hair a few times — futile. He grabbed an eye serum Merlin knows who had left behind in his house many years ago, in the hopes it would cover the dark under eyes —futile. Next was the spell to shave his beard, with the intention of minimising his scruffiness, again —futile. Nothing could help him, and he only hoped Draco would look past his skittish, nervous demeanour.

Two boxes lay on the counter, one was a box of the comics he’d promised Scorpius and another was of a different assortment of pastries, eclairs included, for breakfast. He’d purchased it imagining them all sitting at a table together, enjoying breakfast. Of course, he knew this was very silly, and that it would never happen in the way he’d pictured it. Even when the day they broke the news to Scorpius comes, Harry and this new Draco would still be strangers to eachother. Yet the dream had still seeped into his mind, however unintentional it may have been.

A world where things had gone differently, where even if they were apart, they’d have more than this cordial relationship. That would have been nice…

Looking into the mirror one last time, he picked up the two boxes and apparated to the Draco’s.

Knocking on the door, Harry was greeted with a newly awoken Draco.

“Oh, it’s a bit early,” Draco yawned, rubbing his eyes, “I thought something had happened to one of the residents.”

Harry checked the time on his wristwatch. Merlin, he’d come at 6.30 am, no wonder Draco wasn’t ready.

“Sorry, I couldn’t sleep, and I guess I didn’t look at the time before leaving the house. I can go back and come later, if you want?” He suggested sheepishly.

Draco smiled tiredly, “No, it’s alright. Come inside, Mr Eager, I’m assuming from the box that you’ve saved me from the hassle of breakfast.”

“Yep.” Harry proudly lay the box on the kitchen table, “I don’t know what anybody likes so I kind of just bought everything.”

“Hmm,” Draco peered into the box, “Scorpius particularly enjoys a salmon and cream cheese bagel. Looks like you will win over both his heart and his stomach this morning,”  gesturing towards the comics.

Salmon and cream cheese bagel was Harry’s favourite aswell, what were the chances? He’d bought it for himself, but he’d gladly substitute it with a croissant. Little bits of  information, as such, were huge catalysts for his heart, and only fuelled the desire to bond with his son, especially as more and more common interests were revealed.

As Draco began boiling water, most likely for tea, Harry sat down on the table, and watched his movements. It was a cosy sight, bed hair (still looking smoother than Harry’s ever had), nose and face tinged pink (having newly woken up), and dressed in pyjamas making a cup of tea. Harry wouldn’t dare to think it, but the sight felt like one that would be reserved to one’s partner .

“What are your plans for the day?”

Draco paused, turning around to look at him. He blinked a few times, “Excuse me?”

Had Harry said something wrong? “Um, I asked what your plans for the day were…”

Draco laughed to himself, shaking his head, “Apologies, I have just never had anybody ask me that before. It feels so homely, if that makes sense… I’m sure I’m confusing you right now.”

But he wasn’t. Harry understood what Draco had meant. He was also too used to loneliness, and the domesticity of the moment was awkward, only because had ever experienced it. He hoped one day things would flow more naturally, one were they were comfortable in eachothers presence.

Before Draco could answer his initial question, They heard a few soft steps before the door creaked open, and Scorpius slowly entered the room, looking similiar to how his father had been when he’d opened the door.

“Scorpius, Good morning? How are you feeling? Did we wake you up?”

Scorpius yawned, (Merlin he looked adorable), and shook his head.

“I’m fine, Papa. I woke up myself.”

He turned to Harry, looking as if wanting to ask what Harry was doing there. That was until he noticed the box in the table, and immediately his attention was fixed on that.

“Woahhh, “ his eyes widened, “Are those the comics?”

Harry nodded, “They’re yours to keep, I thought I’d show you the best ones myself though, would you be up for us going through them together later?”

Scorpius smiled, and Harry swore the room lit up. “That’d be amazing. Papa, will you join us as well?”

Draco looked up from the counter where he was emptying the bakery selection onto a plate. “Sorry, dragon. I have to work today, it’s getting busy again.”

Scorpius’s lower lip drooped slightly, but he didn’t seem surprised. Instead, he walked over and sat next to Harry, reaching out for the bagel from the plate Draco placed in front of him. Harry himself took a croissant, and delightfully snuck glances at Scorpius as the boy enjoyed the bagel. If his obsession over the boy had been bad before, now he didn’t think he could ever get enough of him.

“Papa, can I go into the halls later? I want to see if there are any new people.” Scorpius asked mid bite.

Draco seemed to be considering, before ultimately shaking his head, “No, Scorpius. I want you to rest, you still have potions to take and you need to get your strength back. Mr Potter is here to stay with you, so you do not get bored.”

Scorpius huffed, mocking exasperation, “It’s not Mr Potter, Papa. It’s Harry, he told us yesterday.”

Draco looked taken aback at the unexpected comment, looking at Harry. Harry stared back, grinning. Harry naively hadn’t considered Scorpius, but the boy would be the one that gets him through to Draco the most. The true game changer, and his son seemed just as keen to have his father like his other father, that he didn’t know about.

“Yes, you are correct,” Draco murmured, “I apologise, Harry.”

Scorpius smiled, placated. Everybody soon finished what they were eating, and Scorpius got up to brush his teeth and change - so it was only Harry and Draco left.

“Do you usually work while he’s at home?”

Draco nodded, as they started clearing the table, “Yes, but he has lots of friends nearby, and there’s always a few his age staying in the shelter. He’s never lonely, if that’s what you’re asking, the other staff love him as well, so he’s always being entertained by one or the other. They’ve seen him grow so, they have a sweet spot for him.”

Harry began gaining a little more of an understanding to why Draco had decided to stay here, rather than venture out. It seemed a warm and welcome place, something that, really, he’d lacked since the moment Voldemort rose again. After the darkness of the manor and the roughness of the streets, anybody would be cautious to ever risk the unknown again, especially with a child who only has them to depend on.

Draco stated that he needed to begin getting ready as well, so Harry was left alone. Draco had left the dishes in the sink, most likely to wash them in the evening with the dishes from dinner as well. Harry’s reflexes told him to just set a cleaning charm on them, and it still baffled him how Draco had ditched magic completely. Magic had become the same as breathing, and he’d only known of it at the age of eleven - while Draco had grown up with spells. The blond had mentioned thinking Scorpius was a squib, it could make sense that he did not want to introduce something that he’d thought would never be a part of Scorpius’s life, to the boy.

Harry slowly turned on the tap and grabbed the sponge. He doesn’t remember a time he’d held a sponge since leaving the Dursley household. Lathering up the soap, he began swiping the surface of a plate. Instantly, he could hear his aunt shouting about how he wasn’t doing a good enough of a job, and that the dishes were still dirty. He’d never fitted in, he used to think it was because he was different, but the realisation that it was because he was never enough sunk in. He’d never been enough for the Dursleys, he’d never been enough to save everyone, and he had not even been enough to be present for his own child. Everything was his fault, he had been at fault for everything. Why should Draco even want to put up with him? Here he was, forcing his way into their lives like a parasite, and he still had the audacity to want to try and get Draco to like him. He did not deserve a family , both the Dursleys and the Malfoy duo were proof of it, he’d already caused harm to his own child. The memory of Scorpius collapsing resurfaced, choking him.

The sound of a crash came from somewhere, but it wasn’t enough to pull him from his internal hurricane.

See, things are already breaking apart. What was he doing here? Who did he think he was? Draco should hate him, Draco does hate him. Scorpius should as well, maybe he does. It would not be the first time Harry’s been so oblivious to people’s feelings towards him. Yes, all he’d do was ruin their lives and he should leave and never come back and…

He was not sure how long he had been standing by the sink, gasping for air as he drowned in the sea of panic and anxiety. A warm hand comfortingly touched the small of his back, and soon enough Draco was in his field of vision, saying something.

“Harry? Harry, are you alright?,” he bit his lip, concerned, “Harry, look at me. Take a deep breath in.”

Harry really was trying to focus on what he was saying, but he couldn’t hear through the thoughts screaming into his ears.

When Draco noticed that Harry still was not with him, he began rubbing circles behind his back and instead demonstrated the breathing with actions.

“Take a deep breath in,” he inhaled deeply, counting to four with his fingers, Harry found himself copying him.

“Now breathe out.” Draco exhaled noisily, counting to four again, “That’s it, it’s okay, you’re here in my kitchen, in London. Everybody is safe. Remember to exhale, Harry. Look, four, three, two, one. Now inhale, Scorpius is in his room, waiting for you to spend time with him. He’s happy to see you, he is okay, you are okay. Everything is fine.”

Harry was edging into presence, he looked down and saw that the crash had come from him, as the plate that was now shattered into pieces, must have slipped out of his trembling hands. Looking at his hands only made them shake more, and Draco, noticing this, moved in front of him and clasped his hands.

They were incredibly soft, and warm to touch. It wasn’t like a hand he’d held before, despite being similar to a pillow, they were also grounding. He felt the warmth course through his veins, as his breathing evened out.

“Three things we can see, come on. I’ll start, I can see you, I can see your green eyes - that I have looked into through my son, and grown to love. I can see your curls, which I have never achieved to tame, despite buying every brand of product in a store, defying every brush and causing me to finally give up and let them be.”

Harry thought Draco hated him, but Draco was genuinely looking at him through shiny eyes and a timid but sincere smile. Surely you would not look at someone you hated in that way.

He continued with the deep breaths as he truly observed Malfoy’s face, in a manner he had not so with before. Yes he’d known Malfoy had also grown older, just like them all, but Harry actually had a chance to truly look at him. The way his blond hair shone in the light, silky and smooth, framing his matured face. Grey eyes regarded him with concern, grey eyes that looked ethereal as they reflected Harry, acting like a mirror so that he saw the state his was in. His Snow White face skin, contrasted sharply by his naturally pigmented lips, he looked like he’d jumped straight out of a painting. Eyebrows, that looked drawn on, were carved with lines that deepened as they gazed with sympathy. Merlin, how pathetic, Draco Malfoy should be the last person sympathising with him, he’d braved through the past twelve years without anybody to rely on for help.

“Come on, tell me what you can see. It’s okay.”

This reassurance was the final thing he needed to calm him, “I also see you, I see your blonde hair that makes both you and Scorpius look like angels when the sun shines on it. I see your button nose that scrunches up whenever Scorpius laughs, and I love to make him laugh.“

He takes a deep breath while looking into Draco’s eyes. Now, there’s an ocean he would not mind drowning in, he noted that the coldness he’d always seen of the grey has long melted away, and Draco’s face looks so much softer than it had ever been. His grey eyes now radiate internal comfort, in a way they never had before.

You better not ruin that comfort.

He took a final deep breath as he closed his eyes, “I’m so sorry, Draco. I-I don’t know that came over me.”

Draco let go of  his hands, “It’s understandable, you’ve been overwhelmed with revelations, but not been able to express them to anyone. I’ve put you in a difficult situation, with not allowing you tell anybody, and I’m sorry for that.”

He moved in front of the sink, “Why were you washing the dishes, I’d have done them after work?”

Harry shrugged. He really didn’t know.

Draco looked him up and down, “Are you sure you will be alright? I’m not sure if you should be alone right now.”

Harry shook his head, his mouth seemed to not want to move.

Draco didn’t seem too convinced, but looking at the clock, he realised he needed to start leaving.

“Once you’ve calmed down, Scorpius is in his room. He’s looking forward to being with you. I’ll leave my mobile number on the table, but Scorpius knows how to call me anyway. Please do not hesitate, if you feel the need to as well.”

Saying a final goodbye, Draco left. As he was leaving, Harry reflected upon his earlier observations. Draco looked very… beautiful. How could someone look so… perfect? Harry didn’t know how else to describe it, Draco Malfoy was beautiful and kind and caring enough to forget about everything that had happened during a moment where Harry was vulnerable and needed help. If that did not confuse him enough, Draco Malfoy had also blessed him with a perfect child that was currently waiting to spend time with him.

He steadied himself for a few more minutes in the kitchen, until he felt calm enough to go to Scorpius. He really did now want to mess this up, they had spent time together before, but never in this context: in Scorpius’s bedroom, where Harry secretly knew that the boy was his son.

Knocking on the bedroom door, he prayed to Merlin that Scorpius would not hate him by the end of the day.

Just be yourself.

No! Scrap that! Don’t be yourself, you’ll just mess everything up.

As he was continuing his inner turmoil, a cheery voice called for him to come in, so he was forced to pull himself together and head inside.

“Hey Harry!” Scorpius practically shouted, “I started a comic without waiting for you, sorry, but it’s so cool!”

Harry smiled, “That’s alright, buddy.”

Scorpius paused for a moment, weighing something on his mind before ultimately deciding to shake his head, “I’m not sure buddy suits me, besides that’s what you call Teddy…”

Harry blinked, “Oh, what would you like me to call you?”

Scorpius shrugged, “I don’t know, I’ll tell you when I decide.”

Harry suspected there was something that wasn’t being let on, but he didn’t push the boy to say more.

Instead, they initially started off with Harry going through his all time favourites from the selection. It was a little eerie but very heart warming to see Scorpius mirror the reactions he had had when he was younger: eyes widening at actions scenes, cheering when the superhero eventually saved the day.

Then they moved onto Harry asking about the array of posters on the walls, and Scorpius happily going into detail with each character.

“What’s this,” Harry pointed at a character that seemed to replicate a Lego figurine, but he’d never seen it before.

“That’s Ninjago. They’re like Lego ninjas, and they even have a cartoon. All my muggle friends and I watch it.”

Then Scorpius went into detail explaining the story line, and it really did sound like something that would have interested him as a child.

As he looked around the room, something colourful caught his eye, poking out from under Scorpius’s bed.

“What’s this?” He said, bending down to pick it up.

Out of nowhere, Scorpius rushed to reach it before him, eyes open wide in panic.

Harry stared at his son, rather confused, “Umm, I’m sorry. I didn’t think that it was private.”

A blush sprinkled Scorpius’s cheeks at his looked at the floor in shame, “It’s not private. It’s just a bit, embarrassing.”

Harry frowned, “Well, I mean you do not have to show it to me, but know that I would never ever  judge you, if that is your concern.”

Scorpius looked him up and down, as if trying to measure how truthful his promise was.

“We all have embarrassing things about ourselves. My guilty pleasure was writing fanfiction about this random ship I really liked when I was a teenager! You probably don’t even know what fanfiction is, I might show you when you’re a bit older.”

Scorpius thought for a few more moments before sighing, hands uncovering what Harry now saw was a magazine.

Harry took a few seconds to read the cover, “Hmm, Winx club? Interesting…”

Scorpius began biting his lip, “I know it’s for girls, but I don’t know why, I just like it as well.”

Harry realised the weight of that sentence, and was taken back to the times he did not want to accept who he really was. Of course, this did not mean Scorpius was gay, but it still hurt him to see his son already suffering from not fitting into society’s moulds, at such a young age. If only he had the power to let children stay naive and innocent for as long as possible.

He was not sure how to reply, “That’s, that’s not true at all. Nothing is for only boys or girls.”

Scorpius looked like he didn’t believe him, “That’s what Papa says as well, but…”

He trailed off and didn’t finish, so Harry spoke again, “Your Papa is a smart man. For example, you know how much I loved wearing my pink shirt on the weekends at  Hogwarts. Pink is a colour for everyone, and if someone says otherwise, they’re just jealous inside because it doesn’t look good on them.”

Scorpius giggled before smiling. He seemed happy with Harry’s response, and Harry took that as a win. Feeling more comfortable, the boy opened up the magazine to show the beautiful characters to Harry, explaining each of their names etc.

Harry listened with care, giving his full attention, asking questions and reacting energetically. At some point they snacked on the cakes Harry had brought in the morning. Father and son were enjoying their time with eachother so much, that they didn’t realise the hours flying by until Scorpius’s eyes began drooping.

“Oh my,” Harry jumped up from the bed, “Your potion was due to be taken over half an hour ago, you must be exhausted.”

He quickly rushed to help the nearly sleeping boy drink his potion, before tucking him into bed. Scorpius fell asleep immediately, and Harry smiled from afar.

“Sleep well, Scorpius. I love you.”

And he really did. His heart felt like it was being crushed, too small to hold the weight of the love that he had for someone he’d met less than a year ago.

You are currently the luckiest man alive, Harry. Do not mess this up, please.

He checked the time, it was almost three o’clock, making it perfect timing to make it to his next destination, which was not very far at all.

He walked over to the reception, where the girl told him the directions to where he’d begin his volunteering: the kitchens.

At the kitchens, a warm faced lady, who was head chef, handed him an apron, and told him to wash his hands, so that he could begin peeling the vegetables.

Essentially, Harry had asked to volunteer at the food kitchen in the evenings, where he’d be serving supper to the homeless that queued. Both him and the receptionist girl had known that his sudden humanitarianism was bullshit and he really just wanted to get in Draco’s good books, but Harry told himself that he was going to be here everyday, even if Draco didn’t come in. It was not like he had a job, and he definitely did not want to sit in Grimmauld all day, with only Kreacher as company.

Besides, he’d never participated in muggle charity work before, who knew, maybe it would change his outlook on life or something, make him a better person. He definitely needed to improve his character if he wanted to deserve to stay in Scorpius’s life.

Next he’d been told to chop the vegetables, and he was partnered up with a blonde girl, so that they could finish the task quicker.

“Hey, I haven’t seen you around before, are you new?”

Harry nodded, concentrating more on the task at hand. He was fighting every fibre of his being, to not just whip out his wand and finish the whole dish in seconds.

“That’s cool, “ the girls scooted a few millimetres closer, so small that Harry barely noticed, “My names Sandra, what’s your name?”

He really could not be bothered with a conversation right now.

“I’m Harry.” He replied with a strained smile.

The girl inched a little closer again, and Harry had to stop himself from moving away. He may have possibly enjoyed the ego boost that came with the attention, even if he was gay, if it had been a few months ago. But right now, he really was not interested.

As they continued working with the rest of the team of volunteers to load the ingredients into the large cookers, the girl carried on talking to him. He tried to make it as obvious as possible that he really did not care how her father had forced her to volunteer here for the past two years or so, if she wanted to keep her allowance, or how she was so happy that finally a volunteer who was not retired old person was here, or how she was free on the weekend, and was it not such a coincidence they lived in the same area of London, but she didn’t get the hint.

As he was continuing to tune out her voice, he heard the door to the kitchen open, and in walked Draco, smiling at the head chef. Harry looked up, looking at Draco in the hopes he’d look back. As Draco was discussing something with the chef, he noticed Harry, and frowned.

The girl followed where Harry had suddenly began looking at with such fierceness, when he’d refused to look up at her even once. Once she noticed who the target was, she rolled her eyes, “Of course you would be here for Draco. Why am I even surprised? Any guy that comes here’s below the age of forty is always trying to talk to him.”

This caused Harry to rapidly turn his head to the girl, he must have misheard, “What?”

The girl curled her lip, “Oh, now you’re listening to me. Don’t get your hopes up, you might have had a higher chance before, but this past year, he’s never interested.”

What was the different about the past year, compared to before? Harry was not complaining, but he would have thought that not having Scorpius around would have made Draco feel more free to openly date.

He had to know more, “What do you mean? Do a lot of men come? What do they look like? What do they do? Does Draco know them?”

The girl looked like she was about to burst out laughing, which annoyed him, “I mean there has been a few, and they’ve all usually seen Draco from one place or the other, a pub or, I don’t know, there’s this one parent from Scorpius’s elementary school that still comes from time to time. You’ll see your competition soon enough, haha.“

“I know Draco personally, I’m not here for whatever you’re insinuating.” He told the girl smugly.

“Yeah right, “ she muttered under her breath, as they both watched Draco finish his conversation and begin walking towards them, “Honestly, I’d wonder what everyone saw in him, if I didn’t see it myself. It is not my fault I don’t look like a literal mythical creature.”

Harry nervously began smoothing out his apron, not knowing what to do with his hands, as Draco reached them.

“Hello, Sandra. Hello, Harry- it’s a surprise to see you here.”

“Yeahhh,” Harry laughed nervously, “I suddenly had a bunch of spare time, so I thought, ‘why not give back to the community?’”

Draco raised an eyebrow, “Community? No other reason?”

Harry shook his head, shrugging.

The girl looked between the two of them, and sensing the tension, told them she’d help others who were cutting the bread.

Once she was out of ear reach, Draco stepped closer, and in a lower voice said, “What are you doing here?”

Harry bit his lip, maybe he should have asked Draco before making this decision. But he doubted Draco would have looked at it positively, so he had been stuck at a dead end.

Now he had to convince the man in front of him that seeing Harry both at home and at work was bearable.

“Look,” he sighed, “I will be honest with you, Draco. I appreciate you allowing me to get closer with Scorpius, and we had a wonderful time today, but I also hate the distance between us. I thought this would be a good way to, I don’t know, melt the ice.”

Draco looked him up and down, “Melt the ice?”

“Yeah, I want us to be more than civil. Fuck, I’d much rather have your snarky self than this depressing, restrained person that you are now. And I thought it would be better to do it in your territory, so you can lay the rules while I still have a chance. We have a child together, we need to be friends.”

He wasn’t exactly horrified by his defence, but Draco did not seem to happy about it. “I’m sorry to not be energetic enough for your liking, I will try to entertain from now on, we would not want to bore Mr Potter.”

Oh, he supposed be could see why that might not have been the best way to say it now.

“Uhhh,” Harry stumbled over his words, struggling on how to reply, “I did not mean it like that. Oo I messed that up. No, I-I just meant how I miss your old personality, but of course, all the tragic events would cause anyone to change. Fuck, I’m so sorry, um, can I please just carry on coming here and maybe, maybe justify myself.”

Harry stared at Draco with bated breath. The blond seemed to be able to sense his nervousness, and so dragged out the pause before his reaction. While anticipating another berating, Harry was shocked to see Draco laugh.

“It really is slightly amusing to watch you trip over your words, Potter. I don’t care what you do, come and help here all you want, try to make me warm up to you all you want. You have a while to go and I don’t promise you’ll find the old me back, but that’s probably for the better. However, you may come across an improved version though.”

Harry watched with relief as Draco reached out for an apron aswell, before motioning with his head for Harry to follow him, “Come on, the soup is almost ready, and it’s not going to serve itself.”

Working-Draco was another level of locked in, Harry and everybody else but the homeless he was greeting, were invisible. There were a few regulars, from what Harry could tell, that happily chatted with Draco. The difference between Draco and other volunteers like Sandra, was that, from Harry’s observations, Draco treated everybody who came in as an equal. He did not speak to them with the artificial sweetness others used, that arguably came off as patronising at times. No, Draco had follow up questions from previous conversations he’d remembered, he’d ask them about their past week, listening seriously to any thoughts/opinions they had on the centre, the food, the local area etc. It was captivating to watch, and Harry could not help but admire the way Draco’s outlook on life had changed, taking notes as he also began introducing himself to newcomers.

When Harry ran out paper bowls, he went to the storage room to fetch some, and saw that Draco was already inside, for the same reason.

“Hey, “ he reached to the top shelf, picking up the box that Draco had been struggling to reach, “Here.”

“Thanks.” Draco took the box, “Had Scorpius taken his potion before you left?”

He nodded, “Yep, he fell asleep immediately after, but he was quite lively the few hours before, he’s doing much better.”

Draco hummed, walking towards the door to leave. Hand on the handle, he looked back over his shoulder, “You are doing alright out there.”

You are the one that’s amazing, but I’ll take the compliment.

With a little spring in his step, he went back, and continued his task with a wide smile.

When did you reach the point in your life where being called alright by Draco Malfoy is enough to make your day?

He did not know, but he was happy enough to risk the fleas and pet one of the people’s dog, and engage in a little harmless flirting with an older woman, resulting in him being called such a ‘charming lad’.

Once everybody had been served and then later, left, it was time to tidy up. The remaining soup would be offered to those residing at the shelter. As Harry was sweeping the floor, the head of the team of volunteers came up to him, congratulating him on his first day and praising how helpful he was. Harry was glad to note than Draco was close by during the interaction, and heard all the good things that were said, which should clear any doubts, Harry thought.

Soon enough, it was time for everyone to leave. Harry walked up to Draco for a final goodbye.

“How do you think it went?” He asked hopefully.

“I mean, it doesn’t matter what I think. Ask the people you are helping, next time.”

Harry nodded, he was definitely going to be receiving passive aggressive answers for while to come, but he was ready for it.

“Right, of course. There’ll be many more next times so…”

“Yes, yes. We’ll be happy to have you here. Goodbye, Harry.”

‘You know what,’ Harry thought, as he left to apparate back home, ‘At least he called me Harry, and not Potter.’

The day and days of little sleep had him drained, he could not imagine how Draco did everything he’d done today, alongside have the responsibility of his own child and of all the people that were staying or entering the shelter. The only other person who he could try to compare him to, was Hermione, and she’d been child free until six months ago.

As his eyes were closing by themselves, the sound of the floo jerked him awake. It was a call from Granger-Weasley household.

“Hey Harry,” Hermione’s voice rang through the room, “Ron and I just realised that we have not heard from you in ages, sorry, you know how busy it is with Rose. How are you?”

Harry rubbed his eyes, “I’m fine.  How are you guys?”

“We’re good, Ron is just putting Rose to bed,” her eyes studied his face, “Have you been sleeping?”

There was no point trying to hide anything from Hermione, so he truthfully answered, “Not recently, no. I’m sure you’ve heard about the awful school trip.”

Hermione nodded solemnly, “I have, I was not sure if you would have wanted me to mention it.”

He shrugged, scratching the back of his head, to feign nonchalance, “No reason not to, you were right, I fucked up because I did not listen to you, nothing’s changed.”

Hermione looked saddened, “Harry, don’t say that. You love your students, everybody knows you’re the last person who would want them to be harmed. It was an unfortunate accident, that won’t happen again.”

“Yeah,” he laughed, “Because I’m fired.”

“Harry…”

“It’s fine, Mione. Seriously, it’s for the best.”

She nodded again, “Alright, how is Scorpius doing?”

Great and I love him, because, oh, he is actually my son. Would you believe it?

“He’s fine, I’ve been trying to help him and Malfoy during the recovery process.”

Harry was not sure how his friends and family would react when he’d eventually have to reveal to them that Scorpius was his son, but currently he was grateful that Draco’s wishes to take things slowly postponed the event. He needed a while to mentally prepare for that, to get himself used to good and bad reactions, both inevitable.

Hermione seemed to have something else to say, “Harry, I’m not sure how things are for you right now, but the charity gala is approaching, we need to sort out a meeting with the pr team to market it in the best way possible. Would you be available for that sometime soon?”

The charity gala, shit. It had completely left his mind, but it was happening in months and they needed to get things ready. It needed to be an impactful but effective night, raising as much money as possible for their charity, one of the few that actively opposed the ministry without fear, when they believed policies were wrong etc.

“Ummm,” Harry blinked, “Yeah, possibly. Just send me the date in well in advance, I’ll be helping the Malfoy’s a little longer.”

Hermione carefully looked at him through the floo, Harry knew her enough to recognise that she was contemplating whether she should say what was really on her mind or not. Eventually, she just sighed, and said, “Alright, Harry. Just please be considerate with your actions, they always will have one consequence or the other.”

He nodded, as she continued, “I’ll send you the notes I’ve prepared for the meeting, but with the uncertainty on whether you’ll read them, the main consensus is that we’re lacking support from more controversial families such as Nott, Greengrass, Goyle. It would be best if our whole generation united together, in the eyes of the public, so I want to think/work around that.”

From all the deatheater families, certain ones such as Nott and Greengrass, had maintained their strength best in Britain. Others like Zabini had fled abroad, and the remaining-more involved with war families-, like Crabbe (and Malfoys), had received harsher punishments, weakening their power and status.

However, when they’d first set up the charity, they had greed that everybody would be given the opportunity to show their intentions without judgement. It seemed a good idea initially, and some families accepted to help, until Nott had expressed his disagreement, stating that after all the severe punishment faced, they did not want to be involved.

Despite the Nott family getting away rather easily, especially compared to others, for example the Malfoys(as Harry knew about now in much more detail), their words had influenced others to withdraw support aswell. Harry’s concerns were that while these divisions amongst society continued, it only benefitted the wizengamot.

He had a lot to think about, and it would have been better if his mind was not already cluttered with all the events of the past two weeks.

Whatever, focus on your current issues for now, like your son and your son’s other parent.

Saying goodbye, he dragged his feet up to bed and passed out within seconds. This volunteering life was not easy.

The next two weeks consisted of a routine Harry found himself enjoying more and more each day. First half of the day was spent with Scorpius, as Draco worked in his office.

These hours were the best times in Harry’s life, he could not remember smiling more with anybody else. As Scorpius regained his strength, they experimented with many activities, with Harry bringing something new for them to do each day. They discovered that they did not enjoy monopoly, but they loved wizards chess, they could not sing karaoke (well), but they were decent at baking, and even surprised Draco with cookies once. It was surreal, and Harry had to remind himself that none of this was a dream, he was spending time with his son. He could sense Scorpius getting more comfortable around him as well, and this made him all more encouraged that he’d be accepted as a permanent figure in the boys life, later on.

After a certain time, Harry would go and help out at the food kitchen. He could not say he’d made much, if any, progress with Draco, who still spoke to him with a neutrality that kept Harry at a distance. He did not want to push his luck, and was grateful for the time Draco allowed him to spend with Scorpius, so he would not complain. Besides, he was trying to show his seriousness and commitment by showing up everyday, it was up to Draco to decide on how to interpret it.

He was not sure if Draco ever watched him, but personally, he could not take his eyes off of Draco. Draco was everything the wizarding world had wanted Harry to be, he was a figure everyone came to for help, to cry, complain, get something off of their chest, or to merely just visit. The youth in the are would come for advice, and they’d never leave empty handed. The two girls Harry had seen when he’d first visited, had once come down from their rooms, mid argument, and left stronger friends than before, as Draco wrapped them both in a hug.

It was lovely and all, and Harry was not sure when and how the Draco he had known had discovered having a talent for bringing in people together in a community, but it pained him to see it being restricted to this one place. Especially when he believed Draco could make a much larger impact elsewhere.

With this belief, and the fact that his meeting with Hermione was very soon, he approached Draco one day, once everybody had left, and without letting Draco even speak, he said, “Draco, I’ll explain in as much detail as you want, and I know what your initial answer will be, but… I think you need to be introduced back into the wizarding world.”

And with that, unknowingly, Harry had knocked over the first domino, starting the series of events that would change the trajectory of their lives.