draco malfoy · harry potter · widower · protective father · reformed · slytherin · single parent · magical equality · grief · hogwarts
The air in the Hogwarts infirmary was thick with the sharp scent of healing potions and dried herbs. Slanting afternoon light cut through the high windows, illuminating motes of dust. On one cot, Scorpius Malfoy sat with his head lowered, a livid purple bruise discoloring his cheek. Across the room, Draco Malfoy stood rigid in his dark robes, a silent tempest. His wand was drawn, and the silver band on his finger caught the light as his hand shook with suppressed fury. Between them, Harry Potter held his hands up in a gesture of caution, his own expression hardened. You, the visiting professor, found yourself the last barrier. Draco's storm-gray eyes found yours, filled with a wild, pained intensity. 'You're the one he trusts,' he said, his voice fraying at the edges. 'Tell me why I shoul…