This story has become much longer than the three shot I had planned. Merlin help us. Thank you for your patience and continuing to read it.
Contrary to popular opinion Draco Malfoy had never enjoyed being coddled and that is exactly what had happened the moment he had arrived at St. Mungo's, his colleagues had insisted he be treated when the squib they had been questioning broke a bottle of unknown potion over his head resulting in minor cuts to the side of his face which said potion had seeped into. The nurses fawned over him which he tried to ignore as politely as possible, it wouldn't do to be rude and tarnish his name further or be caught flirting with his betrothed's best friend sitting outside the door. He cringed when he heard his mother's voice outside in the hall consorting with both Potter and his doctor. They had ruled out any sort of harmful or dark potion, they were simply keeping him for observation until they could release him to the care of a loved one. Stupid procedure, stupid ministry rules. He was fine and now he'd be home for at least the next day under the watchful eye of his mother and that nqosey elf of her's Quince.
"You may see him, I'll have the paperwork drawn up then and you can bring him home when you are ready. Just 24 hour observation to ensure no adverse reaction from what we can tell it was a mild calming draught, I hear the kids are using them as sedatives and selling them as muggle "downers". He should be fine." The doctor said after opening the door.
" Draco," his mother smiled walking through. " Theo caught me during tea, how are you darling."
"I'm fine really mum, please tell me you didn't drag Hermione down for a few cuts I told those fools I'd be fine." He grumbled annoyed that anyone had to be called at all.
"I could go," the voice from the doorway said looking slightly more dissapointed than she had hoped for. "Harry sent a patronus, I had thought you'd asked for me."
"No, I just..." He started as she began to retreat.
"It's best she's here anyway, I have my ladies auxillery tonight for the school board and plans in the morning with Andy. Perhaps it's best Miss Prince takes you home. I'm sure the ministry can give her leave for the day to care for you. If not I can always send Quince over. " Narcissa interrupted. "I'm glad to see you are well dear but as such I will have to take my leave so I'm not late."
"Thank you for coming mother." Draco said.
"Tea was lovely dear. Thank you for the gifts and let me know when you are ready for your plans." And with that the woman was gone not leaving Hermione any room to argue. It seemed the two had been left completely alone as the hallway which had been full of the Auror team was now bare.
"I meant that it was foolish to drag you down for such a small incident, not that I was unhappy to see you." Draco explained. "Though I am embarrassed that you're seeing me like this."
"It's okay. The cuts aren't that bad Harry said you just weren't paying attention to the guy, that you were trying to distinguish the potion in the bottles. " she said carefully sitting on the foot of his bed.
"You also don't have to watch for me I can have that menace Quince come once I get home." He stated.
"I don't mind. I owe you at least three nights after this weekend." She pushed a smile.
"Yes, I wondered if perhaps I'd scared you off." He said playing with the edge of his fingernails not meeting her eyes.
"I was trying to give you space. I thought it seemed sort of rushed no?" She asked.
"Perhaps but an owl wouldn't have hurt, I was trying to do the same. Maybe when my observation is over I can take you out to a proper dinner Friday?" He ventured cautiously.
"That would be nice. " she smiled genuinely at him, pushing her fingers over the scrapes on his head. "I have dittany salve at home I'll grab before I bring you home those will be gone before you head to bed."
"There is some in the medicine chest at my apartment as well." He smirked, "so tell me about your plans with my mother."
"Actually they are your plans." She answered before the doctor came in giving Hermione strick instructions that Draco was not to be left alone for fear of the calming draught adversely reacting as they didn't know how well the potion was brewed and its proximity to his brain in such direct absorption. She helped him gather his things and held his hand while they walked to the floo network room off the lobby.
"My place or yours?" She asked before they stepped through.
"Your's everyone will be trying to get into my flat." He said grabbing the powder and tossing it in.
Hermione had set Draco up in her sitting room and told him to rest much to his protest.
"Just browse," she chuckled motioning to the books and photos strewn about the homey room before heading to collect some things and start dinner.
He brushed passed some photos scoffing at the shear number that included Potter and his flaming sidekick.
"Jealousy doesn't suit you godson." The potions master startled Draco to the point he had to juggle the book he had in his hand to ensure it didn't hit the floor.
"But spying seems to be something that embodies you godfather. I'm not jealous of them." He lied placing the book back on the mantle.
"Mmhmm not at all jealous that while you pined privately for the girl they were able to share in her adolescence. Not jealous that had things been different you would have grown and discovered magic together. I am, I missed all the amazing firsts she had while growing and Potter of all people shared in many, so why shouldn't you be. She is your intended, you have held a flame for her for ages, you are allowed to feel these things."
"Do you take joy in making me miserable? Is it my penance for my mother trapping you into an unbreakable vow and preventing you from taking your daughter and fleeing." Draco snarled becoming frustrated with his godfather airing his innermost thoughts.
"Perhaps, maybe it's your guilty conscious." The oil canvas taunted.
"Father are you torturing my guest?" Hermione asked.
"He is," Draco shot. "I see you moved him."
"Yes it's been nice to have some company. It's much better than over seeing Minerva and her gossipy staff." Severus smiled at his daughter.
"What are you planning to do with Spinners end?" Draco asked.
"Ah this brings me back to your plan," she smiled forcing him to sit down and having him gripe about being coddled. "Wait you said it was a calming draught that spilled on you?"
"Yes, the little punk was selling it as a down to unsuspecting muffles looking for a high." He ground out irritated that she was bringing up the incident again and in front of her father no less.
"And the boy was a squib," he nodded rolling his eyes. "Oh Draco, I know why you are so cranky. It was ill prepared. He must have stirred clockwise instead of counter clockwise, it becomes and irritant. Don't drink all your tea yet." She took off to the bathroom before returning with what looked to be an essence bottle from what he could tell.
"What are you feeding me?" He asked as she dropped the liquid in the remainder of his beverage.
"Essence of beazor," she said encouraging him to drink. "It will flush your system and get rid of the remained of the not so calming draught. I'll owl Harry he will need to know for the case." She hurried off in search of some parchment.
"I think it's safe to say you two are getting on well then." Severus commented a small smirk on his face. His godson however glowered at the painting on the wall as he finished the tea.