"Be careful up there, Harry! Remember your health is more important than a silly game and---"
"MUM!" Harry jumped up and down in exasperation. "It's not a silly game, it isn't! And sometimes you just get hurt and…tell her, Dad!"
James cast his son a sympathetic smile. "Mums worry, tiger. It's what they do." He ruffled Harry's messy dark hair while hugging Narcissa to his side. "Though I've told her you've practiced hard so you won't go falling off the broom."
"It's still such a violent sport." Narcissa sighed, but relaxed into her husband. "Just make sure to play a clean game, Angel."
"Why? The Slytherins won't!" Harry looked at his mother like she had grown a second head. "It's all about being smart anyway and most of them are big hulking---"
"Enough, Harry James," Narcissa warned. "Unless you are saying that about myself and your brother as well?"
Guiltily, Harry shook his head. "No, Mum, I'm sorry. Didn't mean it like that."
James bit back his own thoughts about Slytherin as he scooped Harry up and flung him around. "Give the kid a break, love! You remember how the old rivalries go. It's just part of the experience."
Anything Narcissa might have said was drowned out by Harry's squeals so she simply pursed her lips in silent disapproval.
"Hey, Potter! Come on now! It's time to warm up!" Oliver Wood stood in the doorway of Gryffindor's Common Room, gesturing impatiently for Harry to join him.
"Go on, go on," James urged. "We'll be rooting for you!"
Ch. 10.1
"What? I can't! Mum! Dad!" Draco stomped his foot in eleven year old indignation.
"Draco, why are you flipping, little one?" James regarded his young son disapprovingly. "It's your brother's first match. Don't you want to root him on?"
"Against Slytherin!" Draco shrieked. "Mummy! Please don't make me! I can't! I just can't!"
"Young man, you are acting---"
"James," Narcissa cut in, "He has a right to choose where he sits. He's been without us for nearly two months now. He can manage."
A betrayed expression crossed James' face as he turned to look at his pretty wife. "I believe Draco should be supporting his brother, love. Is there really harm in that?"
"Daddy, please," Draco begged. "I can't. They don't like me as is and if I sit in the Gryffindor stands…" He looked up at James mournfully.
"What do you mean they don't like you, baby?" Narcissa ran gentle fingers through Draco's locks.
"They say we're traitors because…" He glanced at James nervously. "You know."
"Because she married me?" James supplied, scowling. "Well then what do you care what those brats think?" He gripped Draco's arm and began leading him toward the stands, indicating he felt the matter settled.
"No!" Draco dug his heels into the soft mud.
"Sweetheart, please, we'll be together after the match. Let him sit with his friends." Narcissa laid a hand at the nape of James' neck.
"Friends? He just said they're horrible to him!" Fatherly instincts running high, he wasn't even aware he shot a scathing look toward the Slytherin side.
"But it's my House, Dad!" Draco pulled at his father's waist. "Please, if they see me there, they'll never let me hear the end of it and…and…just please!"
"You don't belong with those sorts." James reached down and picked up the boy. It made him sad to realize Draco would soon be too tall for that. "You are too good for that lot. Don't you want to sit with us and all of Harry's mates? You said Fred Weasley was nice, yeah? Well, his family is up there already."
Shoulders hunched, Draco simply shook his head no.
"James…" Narcissa started again.
Teeth clenched, James placed Draco back down on the ground. "Go then."
Uncertain, Draco looked back at his mother.
"Go on, darling, we'll collect you and Harry after the match." She smiled and kissed one pale cheek.
"Daddy?" Draco asked sadly.
Never able to bear his children hurting, James forced a smile and bent to give Draco a kiss on his forehead. "We're going to have a nice dinner, yeah?"
Draco despised letting his parents down and he knew James really wanted him to sit with them, but he just couldn't. Nonetheless, he felt better when James kissed him goodbye even if he was a big grown-up eleven year old. "Yeah, Dad! Thanks!" He smiled before darting off.
Seeing her husband's wistful expression, Narcissa took his arm and squeezed. "He's going to be just fine, you know."
"He's in a den of snakes," James declared. "Telling him they hope I didn't ruin you two…" He scowled just recalling all the tales Harry recounted to them both.
"And you happen to love two of those snakes," Narcissa gently reminded. "James, don't tell me you honestly believe all the evil comes from Slytherin? At your age?"
"After Peter? Of course not." James squeezed the hand Narcissa had dangling against his arm. "My annoyance this time around is all about my little boy being abused for no good reason."
"I don't like it any more than you do, sweetheart, but Draco was placed there for a reason." Finally reaching their seats, she settled in before turning to make eye contact. "He's not going to stop being your son over a few taunts, James. That's what this is really about, isn't it?"
James' mouth dropped. "No, 'course not. I…" He stopped and shrugged sheepishly. His wife knew him all too well. "He could. He stands to inherit the Malfoy fortune and all that entails when he's of age."
"Darling, he worships you, you know this." She took James' handsome face into her hands. "And it's because of you that he stands a chance to be his own man."
"But being housed with all the children of…"
"I know, I know. Believe me, I worry about it too. But you have to admit Harry stands an awful chance of falling into those crowds too. What, with his legacy and all…" Narcissa dropped her hands, sighing. "But we are raising those two boys and what is it you tell me when I start fretting so?"
"Turning it back on me like that. Tsk." James laughed. "But I tell you, we have to trust we're doing a good job teaching them right from wrong."
"And it seems you are." Molly Weasley smiled as she placed a hand on Narcissa's shoulder and looked over at James. "Lily would be proud." Her face twisted between amusement and uncertainty, but she was never one to stay quiet. "And Malfoy wouldn't be which is proof enough, hm?"
"We really ought to keep private matters private," Narcissa responded in an even voice. "I apologize for babbling on about them where you could hear, Mrs. Weasley."
"Love," James said softly before grinning at Molly and holding his hand out to Arthur. "Nice to see you again. It's been too long!"
"Oh, much, dear, but with Ron and Harry getting on so well, we'll have to set up some time for the families over hols, yeah? Doesn't that sound nice, Arthur?" She kicked Arthur lightly in the foot where no one else could see.
"What di---? Oh, yes, Mol, of course. Ron goes on about Harry. He should definitely come spend a few days with us."
"Brilliant. I'm sure the boys would love that." James glanced toward the field, looking for signs that the game was starting.
"Right then. Harry will love it at the Burrow, I reckon. There's room outside to run and play and---"
"Draco's not invited, is that it, Mr. Weasley?" Narcissa cut Arthur's irritating babble off.
"Excuse me? Mrs. Potter, of course he is. Arthur was only saying Harry would appreciate the scenery --- Ginny! Don't dare go any further down! Right there! Where I can see you!" Molly turned back to Narcissa. "Sorry, dear."
Narcissa ignored Molly, choosing to stare Arthur down. "You don't want him at your house, do you, Mr. Weasley?"
Arthur cleared his throat nervously. "Draco doesn't seem to be friendly with Ron so why should either be forced to play together?"
"And you blame Draco for that?" James' attention was focused fully on the red-haired couple then. "He's a little boy, for Merlin's sake! My boy." James' nostrils flared in the way they only did when he was furious.
"James, calm down! If you really want Draco to come, it's fine." Arthur tried to ignore the fact that Molly was glowering at him, a sure sign he'd be on the couch that night.
"Draco is welcomed, James." Molly tried to take the other man's hand, but James recoiled. Uncomfortable, she placed it back atop her skirt. "Nice going, Arthur," she hissed.
Rubbing at his temples, Arthur addressed James again. "I'm sorry, mate. I didn't mean to insult you. I know you've done your best by the child and I'm sure he's brilliant."
"Yeah, he is." James' scowl slowly vanished as he started listing off the one million things he thought made Draco special. "He's smart and he loves to read. He can beat me at crosswords, he is smashing at Quidditch…he's so affectionate and most of the time I can get him to behave with only a look and…"
"James, love, I think they get the point." Narcissa chuckled some despite her own annoyance with the couple sitting near them. Tugging his ear lovingly, Narcissa whispered, "And that's reason two million and one that I love you."
Ch. 10.2
"I did it!" Harry kicked under the table like an out of control swing.
"Oooph! Watch it!" Draco shoved Harry away.
"Draco." Narcissa frowned. "He's just excited. We don't shove on purpose."
"That's right, tiger. Apologize." James ruffled Harry's hair. "Not every day a first year wins the Quidditch match!"
Well, of course they were all taking his side. Sulking, Draco crossed his arms over his chest. "I want to go back already," he announced before turning to stalk toward the Leaky's bathroom. "Hey!" He coughed as James grabbed the back of his shirt, pulling him backward into his chair again. "What is your problem? You have been sour all evening. This is a big day for your brother."
"Big day, I know! But now it's OVER!" Draco's voice raised several octaves.
Narcissa's cheeks colored as several customers shook their heads and whispered about them. "Draco, you are not ruining Harry's time. We've still des---"
"I don't want stupid dessert!" Draco's face went purple as he balled his fists.
"Draco," Harry piped up, "Please…" He shrunk against the wall, looking at his brother.
"Harry, I am sorry. It seems your brother and I need to chat." Fixing his blond son with a stern look, he grabbed his hand, yanking him up. "Do not make any further scenes, young man." James knew his boy could still throw a tantrum, but he had hoped Hogwarts would take the edge off. Yet, if anything, it was making it worse!
Draco fairly had to trot to keep up with his father's large strides. He wasn't often scared of his parents, but, in that moment, he really was. He knew he had pushed buttons; it was all the worse doing it in public though. "Dad?" He asked hesitantly as James sealed a bathroom stall with a silencing charm.
"Give me one good reason to not spank you for acting so selfishly." James sat on the toilet seat, looking over at his little boy.
Draco shook his head, tears glittering in his eyes. He wouldn't understand. "Just do it.'
James sighed. "No. Come here." James gathered the child into his arms. "I don't want to spank you, Draco. This isn't like you and I want to know what's bothering you." He felt his son's body begin to shake and hugged him tighter. "Daddy's here," he soothed. "I know the first year can be rough, little one. And I know what some of the students are saying about Lucius is difficult too." He breathed in relief as Draco crawled into his lap. "Those are not excuses to be mean to your family though."
Draco sniffled. "B-but you keep getting mad at me! And I didn't even want to go out at night and it was all Harry's fault and you sent that AWFUL howler and it was EMBARASSING!" He started crying all over.
"What?" James absently patted the child's back, trying to make sense of the jumbled words. "How was it Harry's fault?"
"Not suppose to be a tattle-tale," Draco moaned, burying his face into James' shoulder.
"When it comes to safety, you certainly are to tell me about your brother. Or when you get into trouble because of him. Draco, tell me what happened that night." James gently pried the boy's face so that they could lock eyes.
Draco hesitated only a moment longer before the whole story came tumbling out between hiccups and sobs.
James closed his eyes. Wonderful. He'd have to have a long talk with his other son later, but for then Draco needed him. "You still shouldn't have left without an adult, Draco. I understand you were worried about Harry and I am proud of you for that, but I don't want either one of you getting hurt." He pressed a kiss to Draco's forehead. "That Howler was harsh, Draco, but only because I know what animals and dangers lurk around Hogwarts. I love you too much to see anything bad happen to you." He watched Draco's expressions carefully, noting how they flipped between hope and sorrow. What else was going on? "I should have asked why you went out, Draco. I am sorry I didn't get the whole story, but you were still wrong to leave, you understand that, yeah?"
Draco nodded slowly before wiping at his nose. "I am sorry," he whispered.
Not knowing what else to do, James hugged Draco close again, simply holding him for a few moments. He could seem so much younger sometimes and that worried James.
"You are a good boy," he told Draco. "I am very proud of you."
That was what broke Draco completely. "No!" He screamed, pushing away and throwing himself off James' lap. "Owww!"
"Merlin, Draco!" James crouched next to him, rubbing Draco's head. "You can't explode every time you get upset. See what happens?" James shook his head, tsking as he massaged.
"I don't care," Draco whined. "I hate you."
James paused. Draco hadn't said that to him in years. Not since…
"Oh, really? And what brought this on?" James fought to control his temper.
Draco stared at his father. He didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't that.
"Good reason." James smiled a bit. "I love you, kiddo, and I don't really believe you hate me. So…"
Draco's lips trembled. "I do," he insisted even as he let James pick him up again.
"Hmmm." James tickled the boy's side. "I don't believe youuuu."
Despite himself, Draco giggled.
"Hmmmm, what was that? A laugh?" James wiped at Draco's face with some toilet paper.
Draco's heart pounded. He could ask him then. He could ask why he was still straddled with the Malfoy name…but he lost his nerve. "I'm sorry," he repeated instead.
James didn't want the subject to drop, but it didn't seem he had a choice. "I forgive you your bad manners, Draco. I want you to apologize to your mother and Harry before dessert though." He rested a hand at the boy's back, guiding him out of the stall.
When they returned to the table, Draco tried very hard to be brave. "I'm sorry, Mum. Harry." His face burned as his gaze dropped.
Narcissa cupped her child's chin, smiling. "We forgive you, don't we, Harry?"
Harry's head bobbed up and down. "We got your favorite for dessert even!"
Ch. 10.3
"You didn't spank him?" Narcissa said in surprise. "I assumed…"
James smiled sheepishly. "I think I intended to, but…it was so unlike him, love." He lathered soap into his hands, looking at his wife through their bathroom mirror.
Narcissa pointed her wand toward her hair, drying it carefully. "I know. I'm glad you didn't. I just wish…why is it so much harder for him than Harry?"
Finishing at the sink, James placed the soap back and joined his wife at her vanity. "You know what the Healer says, darling. He's…sensitive about what Lucius was." It was hard for James to speak that man's name. Not only did it remind him of war and the night the Dark Lord stole Lily's life, but of the fact that his precious little boy had another father. It literally made James' blood boil when he was reminded that Draco's emotional issues traced back to the bastard.
Seeing the fury written into James' face, Narcissa rose, hugging him to her chest as he sat. "Draco will adjust, sweetheart. He has us and he has Harry and Severus there. And don't go giving me that look either, James. Severus has been taking very good care of him."
James bit back the nasty remark that assaulted his tongue. "I know," he begrudgingly confessed. "Though I do wish he could have gotten a different house. All of Malfoy's old buddies…"
"Theodore Nott certainly seems to have taken a shine to Draco," Narcissa cut in, pressing a finger to James' lips to stop his diatribe. "Come, darling, we talked about this at the match…you are his father now."
James' gaze flickered toward the portrait of their family. "Right you are." And if anyone said differently, James would personally set them straight.