"Cries echoed through the dormitory and I groaned once more as my mind tried to focus. I knew Scorpius couldn't help it but this boy had some persistent lungs. I now felt like I knew what my mother meant when she said I used to scream the house down. Pulling myself out of bed once more I hurried down the steps to see Malfoy panicking slightly as he rocked Scorpius.
"Come on, please, I've tried everything" Malfoy muttered. He was gently bouncing Scorpius from side to side and looking slightly panicked. There was a tiredness in his eyes that I had never seen before, I guess this was one of the not so fun moments of parenthood. Little Scorpius was bright red as he screamed and screamed./p
"I'm doing my best" Malfoy added somewhat sounding a little downtrodden. Slipping down the final steps Malfoy glanced up as I came into his view.
"I'm sorry, he's having a rough night." He said quickly and again I found myself shocked at the panic in his typically calm and still voice.
"Here, let me hold him for a second, give yourself a break." I said stepping forward and taking Scorpius carefully out of his arms. Slowly I rocked Scorpius who seemed slightly confused at his change of view but continued to cry. I balanced Scorpius and reached into my wand pocket and flicked my wand muttering a quick spell. Bubbles started to form and float around Scorpius' head and finally his crying seemed to slow down and he was mesmerised. Finally he even managed a giggle.
Malfoy flopped down onto the sofa and put his head into his hands looking defeated./p
"Is there anything you're not perfect at doing?" He spoke through his hand a sweet bitterness clear in his tone. I watched his shaking hand as he sighed and I couldn't help but think how disappointed he looked. He was so different this year, he was missing that glint in his eye, that charming smile, almost like his spark had gone out.
"There's a lot I'm terrible at, Flying, making friends, dating, holding my tongue…" I trailed off as a soft smile appeared on Malfoy's face as he processed my statement and I blushed at my own words. Finally silence had fallen in the common room and I looked down at Scorpius' little face. His tiny mouth just barely open as he'd drifted off to sleep at last. He really was a gorgeous little boy it was hard not to smile looking at his face. I felt bad for him that he'd never know his mother's touch but Malfoy clearly wanted what was best for him.
"Somehow I think you could end up being great at all those things too Granger." Malfoy muttered almost absent-mindedly. I smirked softly being careful not to move Scorpius too much.
"Go to bed Malfoy. I've got this." I smiled nodding my head towards his room as he looked at me shocked.
"I… I can't ask you to do that" He stammered slowly raising himself from the sofa.
"You're not asking, I'm offering. You need a good night sleep for him as much as for yourself." I replied with a tone of finality. He stood for a minute before nodding and muttering a thank you before disappearing up the stairs. Conjuring a crib next to the sofa I gently placed Scorpius in it and whipped my wand watching as Scorp cuddled into the little lion I'd given him. After watching him for what felt like an eternity I carefully sat on the sofa. Before long I had drifted off knowing that he was safe and fast asleep.
******Next Morning*
My neck ached as I blinked a few times, the glorious smell of bacon filling my nostrils. I groaned as I pulled myself up a little bit and sat up against the cushions./p
"Oh good you're up." I jumped slightly looking at Malfoy who was cooking with Scorpius happily sat on his hip. You could really see the resemblance between the two of them.
"You look happy." I replied simply resting my chin on the edge of the sofa as I yawned.
"I'm making you breakfast Granger. A thanks… for last night. I didn't know how much I needed that sleep." I smiled at how relaxed he looked, this was the calmest I'd seen him since we'd come back here. A few seconds later he carefully carried a plate over to me still smiling.
"Thank you. I'm starving" I smirked feeling a little nervous not to ruin the moment.
"Enjoy, I've eaten I'm just going to get ready with my little man." He replied quickly disappearing up the stairs to his room before I could say anything else. The breakfast was delicious and I couldn't help being a little shocked at how good he was at cooking.
I was just grabbing my bag when Malfoy and Scorpius reappeared, Draco in his robes and Scorpius in a little snitch t-shirt that said 'catch me if you can'
"He looks so cute in his little shirt." I said watching as Scorpius giggled when I tickled his stomach lightly.
"It's only hints at the little devil he really is. Anyway I'm off to drop him with Pomfrey, sure I'll see you in class." He nodded slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Hey Malfoy…" I said quickly causing him to slow his step as I clambered out of the portrait hole behind him. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow as if asking me to go on.
"I… well I just wanted to say that if you ever need… I don't want to replace his mum or anything but … basically I'll be there to help you with him if you need. You don't have to do this alone. We can do it together if you need." I stumbled through my statement unsure of how to make it clear. After last night it was clear to me that he was struggling to handle everything on his own and I wanted to help, despite our past he clearly was trying to be better. His face was one of utter shock as somehow he paled further than he already was.
"Urgh thanks Granger." He said quickly before spinning on his heel and hurrying off. I stood there in shock. That was a bit of an odd reaction from him, maybe I'd been too forward, clearly it had freaked him out.
The rest of the day went by in a blur. I ignored the constant concerned glances from Ron and Harry and the questions from Ginny. I couldn't stop thinking about this morning. I just had to hope that it didn't make things awkward. Malfoy didn't show up in any of our lessons and that only made my thoughts worse. I'd have to find him later and clear things up, I really just meant that I'd help him if he needed it.
At dinner, after pushing my food around my plate for nearly half an hour before Ginny's voice finally broke through my thoughts.
"Hermione! What is going on with you?" She blurted. What was going on with me? Why was all of this bothering me so much? I didn't owe Malfoy anything and I shouldn't care if he didn't want my help.
"Uh sorry Gin. Just tired is all." I replied quickly taking a sip of my drink. Ginny gave me an odd glance as she continued with her dinner.
"Has this got anything to do with Malfoy? Harry said something about having an urgent meeting with Malfoy and McGonagall tonight." My head snapped up giving her a confused look.
"What meeting?" I said quickly glaring straight at her. I couldn't help but wonder whether this had anything to do with me.
"Oh yeah… that's why he's not here. They're in her office." Ginny replied carefully. I stood up quickly and hurried off ignoring Ginny's confused calls behind me. I ran straight for McGonagall's office through the silent corridors that echoed my steps as I ran. I was about to push the door opened when McGonagall's voice boom through the door.
"This is ridiculous" There was a moment of silence before Malfoy's voice hit my ears.
"I can't do this anymore! It's all too much." My heart fluttered slightly at his words. I knew it was about me it had to be after this morning.
"We had a deal Malfoy. Just keep it together, you've been doing well so far. You agreed this was for the best." Harry's words confused me. Since when did they ever speak enough to make some sort of deal? What the hell were they all going on about?
"Easy for you to say perfect Potter with his perfect life! You don't know what it's like. I can't change! What if it feels like this forever? I can't do this anymore, raising Scrop, living with Granger, being here, it's too much!" Malfoy exploded causing my blood to boil. Every time we made any progress he ran back to his old ways.
"Pull yourself together! You knew all of this when you moved in with her!" My jaw dropped. Harry was so calm and Malfoy was just showing off because of my blood status? After all we'd fought against. I pushed the door open and was met with three shocked faces all staring wide-eyed at me.
"You're unbelievable" I growled at Malfoy before turning to Harry. "…And you're meant to be my best friend!" I snapped feeling my eyes begin to burn. I couldn't take this anymore I had to get out of here away from every bit of hatred I'd lived with for so long, the hatred I thought we'd finally got away from. I turned around and ran out hurrying away from the office.
"Mione!"
"Granger!"
The calls followed me down the hallway but were quickly drowned out by the beating of my heart against my chest. How had this all turned around in just one day?
*****3****
Hey guys thanks for reading! I'm sorry it's been so long a lot has been going on and lots of work to handle but hope you liked the chapter! It was written quickly but more coming soon!