The next morning Hadrian wakes in his own bed quite early in the morning. He gathers his robe and carefully places a slipper on his unharmed foot before going directly to his father's office.
The Malfoy Patriarch is once again working in the wee hours of the morning to ensure his family has his undivided attention later in the day. Nevertheless he is delighted by the slight clicking sound his youngest's crutches make about the tile floor. Lucius makes sure the door is open and a welcoming fire is put on as Hadrian hobbles into the room.
"C-can I sit in h-here with you?" he asks shyly.
"Of course, Love. Come here." The older man picks up his son and walks the both of them to his chair after grabbing a soft blanket. "Did you sleep alright?"
Haddy nods as he settles into his father's arms. The two sit in silence for a few moments each relishing in the presence of the other. While Lucius wants his youngest to get as much rest as possible, he is quickly becoming use to this quiet one-on-one time the pair shares.
"What are you working on?" Haddy breaks the silence.
"I have a few businesses that I check on every day to make sure they are doing okay," Lucius explains softly. "Are you still tired, Little one?"
"No, sir," Haddy answers but is outed by a wide yawn before he snuggles into his father. The pair sits in comfortable silence as Lucius gets back to his paperwork.
"I'm sorry," Haddy almost whispers but is easier heard over the quiet.
"Sorry? Why is that?"
"For asking for too many stories. I'm sorry for acting like a baby." Haddy's apology causes all of the emotions from last night to bubble up to the surface.
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Once the children are settled into their beds and told good night by each adult, they all retire back to the sitting room for a night cap.
"So what was that all about?" Severus questions Lucius casually.
"Hadrian just needs reassurance that you actually like him and not just pretending for our benefit," Lucius explains why his youngest insisted on both men reading a story each before even humoring the idea of going to his room.
"Not that. I mean how you acted when Narcissa tried to help Hadrian."
"Hadrian is old enough to do things himself. I don't wish to crowd him," Lucius explains.
"He wanted my help, Lucius. You know as well as I do that every time you so much as frown, he jumps to fix his mistake."
"I never said-" Lucius is cut off by Severus.
"You do not need to speak. I have been here for less than 4 hours and I saw how much he wished to please you. He was terrified that I would sway your opinion of him and send him away." The confused look on Lucius's face tells Severus all he needs to know. "Do you not realize that you two are quite possibly the only adults to show Hadrian true parental affection since arriving at his supposed relative's house?" At this, some recognition starts to appear on the blond man's face.
"Hadrian already fears that his place in the family is in jeopardy and you denying him affection is only going to make it worse. Many abused children act younger than what they are, much less someone who was quite literally forced to grow up before they were ready."
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"Hadrian," Luciuis turns the child around to face him. "I am so sorry that I made you feel like you can not come to your mother or I for help. I now realize that you just want the affection of being close and I will never again take that from you."
"B-but I'm not a baby. You and mummy d-don't have to h-help me."
"I know we do not have to but we want to. As our child we want you to be the happiest and healthiest you can be."
Lucius can tell that his son needs time to process everything that he has told him so he puts him back in his comfortable spot to rest for a while longer until breakfast. Unfortunately he still does not allow Narcissa to help him with his meal or potions and even ends of gulping down the glass of milk which was not good for him.
After the disastrous meal, both boys head into the older ones room.
"W-what do you usually d-do during the s-summer?" Haddy asks softly.
"Dad usually makes me finish half my school work before having friends over but he said I can show you around first," Draco explains excitedly. "You're still hurt so we won't go outside but there is plenty to do here."
Draco starts by pulling out his old toys and starts telling Haddy their story. He listens intently on a soft pile of blankets and what he is slowly considering his bean bag as soft toys pile around him. Eventually Narcissa comes to collect her youngest for a snack and another dose of potions but Haddy still is not feeling up to eating.
"Come on, Darling. Just one bite for mummy?" Narcissa tries to coax her child to at least have the fruit tray near him with little luck. "What if I get you some crisp to munch on? Would you like that?" Haddy starts to shake his head but suddenly sits ramrod straight. Before she can ask what's the matter the child is scrambling off his chair and half jumping half running out f the room with one crutch under his arm. The Malfoy matriarch is quick to follow only to have to catch her child from falling backwards as he gets sick in a nearby pot. It's mostly bile and Narcissa can only hurt for her child as he immediately burst into tears apologizing.
It's nothing to banish the mess as she scoops Hadrian into her arms. The raven haired woman whispers reassurances to the boy in between calling for a house elf to have her husband meet the pair in their youngest bedroom.
The arrive after Lucius, who immediately tries to engage his child into telling him what's wrong.
"He just started getting sick and I think he feels a little warm. Does he look flushed?"
"What's going on?" Draco enters the room to watch his mother put his baby brother in bed and he moans and Hines in clear discomfort.
"Hadrian is feeling a bit poorly," Lucius holds a hand out for his oldest to duck into which he obliges. "Look Hadrian, Draco brought you something." Draco carefully sets the bunny he brought from his room next to Haddy.
He slowly curls himself around the soft stuffed animal and lays still knowing that the pain has to pass eventually.
"My tummy hurts."
"I know, baby. Do you want mummy to rub it?" Harry only curls more into himself, not allowing her access while praying that whatever this is passes before he gets sick again.