The Saviour

Unexpected responsibilities

It felt like emotional blackmail to Harry. What if his old enemy is using some Slytherin manipulation on him? He didn't trust him too much, but on the other hand, he found it impossible to leave Draco alone in this situation.

"So, Draco, what do you expect from me?"

"Take me to Saint Mungo's hospital and let Scorpius live with you for a few days. Potter, I really don't have anyone."

"I'll only do it for the boy," Harry promised. "Can you get up?" He gave Draco a hand.

He tried to move, but he couldn't stand the pain. Harry felt a small flash of empathy as he saw little Scorpius cling unhappily to Draco. He shone his wand at the scene in front of him. Even though Draco was injured and unable to move, he retained a certain nobility. He looks damn good, Harry thought.

He knelt next to them and slowly pulled them both into a tight hug, which was necessary for Side-Along-Apparition. He tried to move slowly and carefully not to cause his former rival any more pain. It was strange to see Malfoy completely defenceless. He was dependent on him. He still couldn't understand why Draco trusted him, why he asked for his help. Does he really have no one? Harry squeezed him tighter. He was almost touching Draco's pain-drawn face with his. He could smell his hair, and the contours of his body blended with Draco's as he tried to steady him. He held Scorpius tightly with his free hand.

"Ok, let's go!"

Travelling with the injured man and child was dangerous, and Harry had to concentrate very hard to ensure everything went without further injury. He was surprised to experience a feeling of absolute emptiness as he released his fellow travellers from the grip. The connection was strangely fascinating to him, and in the end, he was glad that he was allowed to bring home at least a little boy with him.

He left Draco at the hospital. "Do you want us to visit you?"

Draco shook his head. "You can't. It's dangerous. You have to hide Scorpius well. Never let him out of your sight for a minute," he told him.

"I promise," Harry whispered.

Scorpius couldn't tear himself away from his dad at all. Harry was a bit taken aback by the touching scene. Somehow he couldn't imagine that someone genuinely loved Draco like that.

The image of Malfoy as a loving father was in direct contrast to all his own experiences with him. But he had to admit that he was impressed. At the moment, he was very well aware of how difficult it is to take care of a child. Scorpius was tired and screaming hysterically as he tried to get him out of the hospital. Harry didn't know how to deal with him at all. He was running out of patience.

"You bloody little Malfoy, shut up! You are a spoiled brat like your dad. What the fuck have I done to deserve this?"

Scorpius looked at him in surprise. "You are swearing? Can I swear too?"

Harry felt slightly embarrassed but finally decided to take advantage of the situation.

"You know what, Scorpius? If you stop yelling, you can swear. At least I'll learn what swear words noble Malfoys use."

"Daddy doesn't swear, and I'm not allowed to swear at home either."

"Of course, your dad is just perfect. And what else are you not allowed to do?"

"I'm not allowed to leave the house alone, and I'm not allowed to talk to anyone," Scorpius said sadly. "And that's annoying because I'm already bored at home."

"Yeah, now we're going to get bored together for a while," Harry sighed. He had no idea what he would do with him for days. He also had to take time off work, which would be extremely suspicious now as he was deployed to investigate attacks on former Death Eaters. He will have to fake an illness because otherwise, he would definitely not get time off.

And what should he prepare for dinner, for Merlin's sake? What if the kid is allergic to something?

Harry poured himself a full glass of firewhisky as soon as they got home.

"Are you sad?" the boy asked.

"No, why?"

"Daddy drinks this when he's sad," the little one naively replied.

"I see. And is he often sad?"

"Not very often. Most of the time, it's enough to play cards with him."

Harry felt numb. In fact, he didn't even think about how he would entertain the little one.

"It doesn't matter, we'll draw some playing cards. Can you draw?"

Harry sighed. "I'll try tomorrow."