Fathers, Godfathers, and Godsons...Oh My

Chapter 10

Albus sat next to Harry in chairs next to Draco’s bed. Even with healing he still looked dreadful. No longer a bloody bruised mess, merely pale and still. His forehead was wrapped, bandage covering the large bruise near his temple where someone had thoughtfully kicked him. His left hand was wrapped up tightly, as were his ribs, a few of his larger cuts taped up and a bone mend potion running through his system. Hermione sat on the opposite side on a bed, watching over the blond as the other two were. He hadn’t moved in hours and Poppy wasn’t sure when he would. It was a definite that he would, his concussion not severe and already healed, it just left for Draco to wake up.

“He looks so small...” Eyes swivelled to Hermione who’d wrapped her arms around her waist, “Even when we were first years and we were all smaller, he still looks smaller than that...”

She bit her lip while Harry studied Draco for a moment, “I think he looks smaller because we’re worried about him...” Harry grinned, “That and the oversized beds...they always make you look smaller.”

Running a hand through her hair before tugging sharply, “Ugh! I’m going to kill him for lying there and taking it!”

Frowning, “I think you’re missing the point, ‘Mione...”

Shaking her head, positive in her conclusion, “No. I’m really not. His violin doesn’t have a scratch. Why? Because he just took the blows and didn’t fight back. If he fought even a little in the beginning there should be some damage.”

Harry rolled his eyes, “Well...he really loves it...”

Glaring hotly, “Not that much-...”

“...quit....shouting...”

Albus leaned forward, “Draco?”

Draco peeked his eyes open a crack, wincing from the light, “...head...hurts...”

Harry leaned back with a relieved sigh while Albus smiled brightly, eyes twinkling, “I’d imagine so. Let me fetch Poppy for you.”

“Kay.”

As soon as Albus had moved to the office Hermione leaned down with a feral look that made Harry cringe and Draco melt into the covers, wanting to hide. Her voice was laced with honey, a sure trap, “Would you like to tell me why you decided it would be a more productive day to roll over and let those assholes kick the shit out of you?”

His eyes widened a little, never hearing her use vulgar profanity, “Hermione?”

“Do not play innocent with me Draco Black Dumbledore.” Harry’s eyes widened now and Draco cringed this time, “You know how to fight, with your mouth if nothing else. More importantly you know how to run. Most importantly the Draco that I know can out curse anyone. So, I will change my question...you will tell me why you decided to curl up and take a beating.”

Trembling just a little, “I, uh...” His gaze shot to Albus who was coming back in with Pomfrey, “Don’t I need...rest or something?”

Poppy didn’t move and Albus shook his head, his expression still relieved but now firm with parental
authority, “You need to answer the question, Draco.”

He turned a pleading gaze to Harry but the brunette said nothing, just silently stared back at him, wanting to know if it was true. Closing his eyes, knowing he wasn’t going to get out of this from that tone, “I do...”

Hermione sat on his bed next to his hip, “You do...what?”

Swallowing, “...deserve it...I do deserve it.”

Harry jumped to his feet, “WHAT?!”

Shaking his head just a little, “Every insult I’ve ever hurled at you...” Looking at Hermione, “Every name I’ve ever called you...we’re no different now. We’re both ‘disgraces’ by their standards...I was one of them. I’m Nott. Now I’m you and I deserve everything...I get for starting this mess...”

Hermione cupped his face, looking into his eyes, “You didn’t start this mess. Your father did. Your parents did. Their parents did. It doesn’t matter now. You’re me, and I didn’t take that crap from you and you’re certainly not going to take that crap from them.” Stroking his uninjured temple gently, “I’m a mudblood and you were disinherited for however short a time. So what? It doesn’t make us inferior to them, just different.” Shrugging and resting her hands on his shoulders with confidence, “ Besides, we’re Professors. We’ve beaten all of them. Now do people like us proud and show those snobs what we’re made of.”

Harry half heartedly grinned, “Besides, you have a family now. Albus and me. And nobody can take that away from you.”

Albus moved aside and Poppy passed, performing a few diagnostic charms while Hermione moved back to her seat. Draco closed his eyes and thought, ignoring Albus and Poppy talking about him before opening his eyes again, “Alright. I understand.”

“And you’re going to fight back, next time?”

He gave Hermione a shocked glance, though grimaced from whatever Poppy had just given him, “Next time? Oh no, there will not be a next time.” Smirking at Harry, thoughts of revenge against Nott quickly occupying his mind, “I’m taking care of it this time.”

“Albus-oh, Draco, I’m so glad to see you awake!”

Draco gave Minerva a small smile, “Hi Professor McGonagall.”

She gave him a smile in return before focusing on Albus, “Yes, Professor?”

“The Gryffindors have volunteered to assist in protecting our student Professors, should they wish to return.”

“And you believe this is a good idea?”

Wringing her hands a bit, “I know I was unsure about these programs Albus but I am more confident about them now. I really do think they are marvelous additions.”

Draco frowned, “Why wouldn’t we return?”

Hermione studied her lap, “The Headmaster pulled all the programs because of your...accident.”

“Oh, no. No! Father don’t you dare keep me from teaching!”

Albus turned in shock at Draco’s reaction, “Draco, I merely trying to make sure everyone will be safe-...“

Glaring, “This had nothing to do with the program, Headmaster, you know that.”

“Draco, calm down.”

Draco tried to scramble out of bed, no where nearly strong enough, “No! I won’t let you do-...”

“DRACO!” The blond seethed but stilled, glaring at his sheets and every muscle as rigid as marble.
Albus frowned to himself, “Could everyone leave the room?” Not exactly a request. Everyone silently filed out, Poppy going to her office and the hospital doors closed with a click. Albus walked calmly to his chair and sat down, now within easy eye contact of the boy, though he was studiously avoiding such contact. The bed, his fingers, the far windows, anything but the Headmaster, “Draco, look at me, son.”

Grey eyes slowly met his, his lower lip sticking out just a bit in a pout now, “I want to teach.”

“I never forbade it, did I?” Draco’s mouth opened, words about to escape but then his train of thought cut off and he just sat there, looking puzzled, “Now, I first want reassurance that, Merlin forbid, should the necessity ever arise you will defend yourself.”

Looking down, murmuring, “Yes, sir.”

Nodding, “Secondly, we will have to suspend your lectures until you are recovered anyway, so it will give the students time to realize how blessed they are to have you.” Draco blushed a bit in embarrassment, “And as Miss Granger has refused to teach as long as you were unable, it will also punish those guilty.”

Draco looked evilly satisfied for a moment before frowning, “But it’s not fair to the other students.”

Resting a gentle hand on his shoulder, “I’m sure they will take it out on your attackers.” Draco giggled and Albus smiled, his tactic working, “Oh, I almost forgot.” The Headmaster reached over and carefully moved a pillow on the floor with a sleeping dragon on top.

“Viola!”

“She’ll be alright, Draco.” His little pet had one paw bandaged and her wing strapped to her back, “Just a bit of rest and within a few days perfectly fine.” Draco frowned and took her, setting her down on top of the covers near his hip, “And you’re in definite need of it, as well.” He sighed softly and lay back down, wincing as his bruised ribs rubbed together.

He shifted a little, his wince more pronounced, “Oww...” A small wiggle, rubbing with one hand at his eyes in frustration to realize everything hurt.

Albus leaned forward, gentle hand on his head as Draco sniffed miserably, his mood changing rapidly, “It’s alright Draco. Shh...Poppy?”

Madam Pomfrey came bustling out of her office, a pain potion in hand. Albus smiled slightly, always amazed at how she seemed to read everyone’s mind, “Not too long, Albus. That’ll knock him out soon enough but he needs his rest.”

Draco pouted but took his medicine, swallowing with a grimace and grey eyes moving to Albus, “I promise, not too long.”

Feeling panicked, reaching for his hand, “You’re staying? Right?”

Nodding slowly, gently but firmly putting Draco’s hands on the bed before laying his on top, “I’m not leaving, Draco. I’ll be right here, that’s a promise.” The blond boy calmed, comforted to know he wouldn’t be all alone, “Now, I would like to ask one question.” Draco yawned but listened, “Why were you outside to begin with... didn’t you have a violin lesson?”