So the three of us walked down to the dungeons and into my father's quarters. I couldn't help but smile as we entered and I looked around to see the familiar green, black and silver furnishings of my dad's room. Despite my earlier protests I couldn't help being glad to have come back, something about this place almost made me feel as if I was at home again.

Igniting a fire in the fireplace, dad led me into one of the rooms that came off from the living/dining room area where I was shown a spare bedroom with what looked like a king single sized bed. The paint on the walls was a slightly lighter green than the rest of his quarters and I smiled as I saw a teddy bear on the bed wearing a red jumper with a lion on it.

'The bear's a nice touch.' I looked at my father and for a moment I could have sworn I saw him blush slightly, however when I blinked and looked again it was gone.

'I thought you might like it.' He smiled down at me before turning and going to sit on the leather couch. 'Now go and get yourself settled in, I'll be here for awhile until I have a class to teach.'

I nodded then went into the room with Draco right behind me. 'I never knew this was here, then again I haven't been in here often.' He said as he looked around. 'Seems like he knows you pretty well though.'

'We've learned a lot about each other over the last year, but in all honesty I still think you know him a little better than I do.' I replied softly, keeping my voice down so dad didn't hear my admission. I didn't want to make him feel bad about it or anything, but we still had a lot to learn about each other.

'Maybe I do, but that's only because I've known him longer. Don't worry Rose, you two will become closer as you spend more time together. I mean you've known each other, properly, for a year now and look how far you've come. You actually call him dad sometimes now, that's great!' He smiled which of course made me smile back at him.

'You're right.'

'Well of course I am, I'm a Malfoy after all.' The boy smirked while I just rolled my eyes and nudged him playfully.

'Sure, sure. You Malfoy's are always right, or so you guys say.'

'Yep.' He grinned and nodded.

'Speaking of family, I haven't received any letters from Julia or Gavin.'

'School hasn't been back that long, given them some time.'

'How much time? We've been back for a few months and I've heard nothing from them. Then again, I guess they're both busy with things...' I sighed and frowned, running a hand through my hair.

'They'll write to you some time, I know they will... Or maybe you could write to them?'

My eyes widened at his suggestion and I grinned. 'Now why didn't I think of that? Draco you're a genius!'

'Well duh.' He flashed me that cocky smirked I gave him a playful shove. 'Ouch! Big meanie.'

'Oh come on, it wasn't that hard.'

'Says you.'

'Well if it was then I can't be that sick, can I?' I raised a brow.

'Fair point.' He chuckled and we smiled at each other for a moment before I burst into another coughing fit. My throat was tight and sore as I forced out air from my lungs, struggling to suck in back in between the bouts. 'That's it, you get changed into something more comfortable then get into bed. Alright?'

'Fine.' I rasped once I was able to get my breath back. 'Go wait outside. I don't think that dad would appreciate you being in here while I'm changing.'

'Yeah, he'd probably kill me. Besides, I wouldn't want to hang around anyway.' He pulled a face and shook his head, making me laugh.

'Then get out already!' I pushed him towards the door until he got the hint and left.

Once he was outside I shut the door and got changed into a pair of warm snuggly pyjamas, my favourites actually. They were blue with cats on them, and they actually move! I liked to watch them as they run and tumble down my pant legs and sleeves. Just as I was reopening the door I went into another bout of coughs, sounding as though I was going to throw my very lungs out of my chest.

I saw my father rush to get over to me and he quickly helped me get into bed, summoning a glass of water to give to me once the coughs had died down. 'Just sip it.' He instructed as he put the glass into my shaking hand and helped me steady it, while one of his hands rested gently on my back. With his assistance I was able to swallow a little of the water, though the movement of swallowing hurt my throat a little it also eased the itch that had been occurring at the back of my throat.

'Thanks.' I whispered softly and offered him a weak smile.

'It's ok.' He murmured in reply. 'You know, I think I might have the rest of the day off to make sure you're alright.'

'You don't have to-'

'I know, but I want to.' Now it was his turn to smile at me.

'Thank you dad.'

'You're welcome. Now, I'll get you a few extra pillows to prop you up a bit higher and you can try to get some sleep, ok?'

'Ok.' I nodded. 'But dad, what about Draco?'

'He has to go off to class soon anyway, so I'll let him come say goodbye.'

'Oh...' I frowned. I enjoyed having him around, he was fun to hang out with, but I didn't want him to get into trouble because of me. He still had to go to school. 'Alright.'

So my father got up and went outside to talk to Draco. I couldn't hear what they said, but soon the blonde Slytherin walked in and sat down carefully on the side of my bed.

'He said you wanted me to say goodbye before I left.'

'Yeah...'

'You know I'll come back to see you at lunch time, right?'

'You will?'

'Yeah, of course I will!' He beamed. 'And I'll be back after classes finish and I might even bring you back some dessert after dinner!'

'Aw, you're too nice.' I grinned happily, though he shook his head.

'Anything for you.'

For a moment I thought I could see something in his eyes, something that made me feel like he really would do anything for me, but that couldn't be right. Could it?

'Thanks.' I smiled, feeling my face heat up a little.

'Well I think I'd better be going then... Make sure you rest up and try to get better, alright?'

'Yes sir.' We grinned at each other and he chuckled, reaching out to ruffle my hair a little.

'Good, I'll see you at lunch then. Bye!' He got up and went to the door, pausing to wave back at me.

'Bye!' I smiled before he disappeared.

Maybe this day wasn't going to really be so bad afterwards.

Not long after that dad came back in to remind me that I needed to get some sleep so that I could recover faster.

'Is there anything you want before I close your curtains and let you get some rest?' He asked, looking down at me.

'Um... Could I have a hug?'

'Of course you can.' He smiled and bent down to put his arms around me while I reached up to hug him back.

'Will you stay with me?'

'Do you want me to?'

'Yes please.' I whispered.

'Ok then. I will stay. Just let me go get a chair-'

'No. I want you to stay here.' I moved over and patted the bed.

'Oh...Well alright.' He looked at me in surprise, but nodded all the same. He slowly stood back up and closed my curtains so the room was darker before carefully climbing into my bed. Smiling I snuggled into him as he rested his head alongside mine on my pillows.

'Thank you.'

'You're very welcome. Now close your eyes and think good thoughts so you'll have good dreams.' I did as he asked, and smiled softly.

'Love you.'

'I love you more.' He whispered and kissed my forehead before I fell asleep.

My father and I spent a lot of time together that day, with him just taking care of me. We cuddled in my bed and he helped me get to sleep a few times, comforting me and helping keep my calm when I woke up and starting coughing and barking. He also got me tissues for my runny nose and made me warm drinks to help soothe my throat. So we had a lazy day. Or at least I did. Dad was great, he took good care of me and kept reminding me just how much he loves me.

Draco came back to visit several times, just like he promised. Each time bringing new stories of what he had been up to throughout the day and all of the mischief he had caused. So listening to that while I ate the piece of cherry pie he had bought me was entertaining.

All in all it was a good day, despite my sickness. Maybe tomorrow will be even better and with any luck my illness will have passed...or at least I hope so.