A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything

Chapter 31

Draco ran through Hogwarts like the devil himself was fast on his heels. His hands were cupped in front of him, skidding to a stop in front of the gargoyle and dancing from foot to foot until the staircase appeared. He rode it up to the top and burst through the door, “Albus! Look! Look!”

Albus had jumped to his feet, eyes widening in alarm as Draco ran to him, his heart racing. Draco was grinning radiantly, cupped hands parting to reveal a tiny dragon nestled into his palm. Sitting down as his legs gave out, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, “Draco, as young as I my act I am an old man; don’t do that to me.”

The blond froze for a moment with a thoughtful frown, “Oh...” But he was soon jumping in excitement and smiling, “But look...she’s here!”

Chuckling, relaxing in his chair, “So I see.” She was a beautiful little dragon. At the moment she looked little more than a tiny dark green lizard. But soon her wings would unfurl and she would turn her true color. Draco was absently fingering her long ridged neck, the tiny creature purring and curving into his caresses, “And whatever shall you name her?”

“Viola.”

Albus frowned, about to ask why when her eyes opened and he no longer needed to. Her eyes were the most startling shade of violet he had ever seen. Quite remarkable even for her species. Looking into her owner’s own remarkable eye coloring, absently trying to decide how best to approach the subject since his young charge happened to be here, “I see. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”

Draco frowned and took a step back, “There was a hesitation in that statement.” He sighed, “What did you want to talk about?”

Once again reminded not to beat around the bush with his charge, “Draco, there were two things that I wanted to discuss and one doesn’t necessarily hinder the other.”

Nodding, “Alright.”

Settling into the discussion, wanting Draco to feel secure in his place here, “You are my charge and always will be, so that needn’t be a concern. At the moment I am your legal guardian.”

Head tilting, realizing this was one of those kind of discussion. Where the adults warm up to the conversation while taking their sweet time doing it, “Which means what, precisely?”

“It means that I am fully responsible for you. Everything from any mischief that you get into, to providing a home and schooling...”

Shrugging, “Like a parent.”

“Yes, a lot like a parent. But, there is a difference. As a ward, for legalities sake, you are not considered a part of my family...but as an adopted son you would be. Your name would be recorded in the Ministry as a descendant of the Dumbledore line...” Draco didn’t blink once, completely stunned and listening attentively. He had never imagined Albus would want to do this. Dreamed of it, yes, but never expected it. To belong to a family. To be chosen and accepted, “Now I want you to understand, you don’t have to decide today. You don’t have to do anything but...it is my wish, and only with your approval, that I will adopt you.”

Draco felt his heart speed up. Albus wanted him? He, he wanted to make him part of the family? Would he still be a Malfoy, although he wasn’t exactly proud of being one right now. Would that mean he’d become Draco Dumbledore? He mentally wrinkled his nose for a moment. It just didn’t flow right. Dray Dumbledore then- nay. That was worse.

Albus sat back, watched the wheels in Draco’s mind turn as he thought through the possibilities. In the back of his mind he was a little sad it was taking the boy so long to decide but he knew his charge never rushed into anything, “Albus, will my last name be Dumbledore or can I choose my own?”

Blinking, realizing that’s what the boy had been pondering. So there had been no hesitation on Draco’s part and it lifted his spirits tremendously, “You may choose, you may even keep it the same if that is your wish. There is no law stating you must change your name just because you are being adopted.”

Shaking his head, “I don’t want to be a Malfoy. They didn’t love me and...I wasn’t a son...I was a possession to them.” Thinking out loud, “You’re adopting me, so you’ll be my father...” Nodding once, his decision made quite easily, “Dumbledore. Draco Black Dumbledore. I’m keeping my middle name but please don’t use it unless I’m in trouble.” He grinned a little, “It doesn’t exactly flow right but I bet I won’t be made fun of for my name this year.”

Albus raised his eyebrow, “I’d imagine not.”

Absently petting Viola, “So, what was the other thing you wished to discuss with me?”

Nodding, feeling much more at peace and hoping this next topic went as well as the first, “You are aware Harry’s birthday is in a few days?”

Nodding excitedly before a devilish look crossed his face, “Of course. We’re going to ambush him on the Quidich field.”

Carefully pulling a parchment he’d hidden in a box, “I was hoping to give him this, with your signature next to mine.”

Draco scanned over the document, realizing it was definitely official and most definitely signed by the
Wizarding Minor Council. He skimmed through it quickly, figuring out what it was, what it would mean to Harry. Looking up slowly, “You want to adopt Harry, too?”

Shaking his head, “It doesn’t work that way. At the moment, I wish to make him my ward, so that we can protect him from his relatives and the Council can ensure that he adjusts to me favorably.”

Placing a hand on Albus’ wrist, “But in the end, you want two sons, not just one.”

Smiling, “Yes, in the end...and you are not just anything, my boy. I will be more than joyous with one son.”

Shaking his head, grinning, “So Harry could be my brother?”

Stroking his beard thoughtfully and nodding slowly, “I never thought about it but yes, he would be.”

Reaching over excitedly for a quill, “Then of course I’ll sign.” His mind turned over Harry’s possible reactions, knowing the Gryffindor better than the boy would like him to. Harry didn’t want to be forced to do anything. He wanted choice and he hated having a lack of them, “But we shouldn’t give it to him at the party. He might think we’re trapping him. Best to give him normal presents and ask him to join the family before his birthday.” Signing with a flourish, rolling his eyes at himself, “I almost forgot. Here.”

Draco carefully fished a vial out of his sleeve and handed it to Albus, “What’s this?”

Sitting on his...father’s desk, legs swinging as he pet Viola, “Your potion for Professor Lupin.”

Albus’ eyes danced, “You did it?”

Sighing, “It’s not a cure-...”

“Draco. We talked about this. As a matter of fact I believe I, Severus, and Hermione have talked with
you about this.”

Grumbling, “I know, I know.”

Pressing a finger into his legs to stop them swinging, Draco froze as that finger moved up till it was
under his chin, tilting his head up gently until he was meeting his father’s eyes before the hand fell away, “Draco. I want you to listen to me, and this time I want you to really listen. What you’ve done for Remus, he won’t even be able to express his gratitude to you. You’ve made a potion never made before, and you did it by yourself, for someone else. It was a selfless act and I’m very proud of you.”

Eyes widening, “You are??” His head ducked down as tears sprang to his eyes. He was becoming such a... what was Cassie’s word? Wuss. But his father was proud of him. Him, “No one’s...” He tried to calm his breathing a little, “No one’s ever been proud of me.”

Albus silently opened his arms and Draco did a good job of leaping into them without hurting the old wizard, Viola, or himself. Eleven years without praise...were it within his power, he would turn back the clock and restart his first meeting with Draco, saving the boy years of heartache. Resting his chin lightly on Draco’s head, beard tickling the boy’s ear, “I’m very proud of you, Draco, I truly am. Every day you’ve done something to make me proud of you.” Draco closed his eyes with a contented sigh, never realizing how much he’d needed a father like this until now.

Only a little bit longer and it's all over...aww. I would like to thank all of you for your reviews and your support.