Who: Luc Malfoy and Bill Weasley. What: Luc gets a wee bit lost, and Bill ... Bill is kind enough to show him where he belongs. Where: St. Mungo's When: After MOLLY'S death. Edited cause Rachel is an idiot. Rating: PG Status: Complete
Luc had lost sight of his father.
It wasn't intentional, he swore, but listening to the business side of things when Draco was dealing with the hospital's needed potion supplies (and making a surreptitious check on his wife, not that Luc knew that) was boring. One day, potions ingredients would fascinate his curiosity and need to know, but for right now, he was a young boy more in need of entertainment than of knowledge. Besides, he wasn't going to step away that long, Luc promised himself. With the way things were at home, tension in his father's face at the mere mention of going outside, Luc knew he ought to have known better. But he was antsy, and that translated into a chance to escape. He slipped away, wandering the halls and pretending to look as though he knew what he was doing. Like he belonged. Mostly, he liked following the messages, flying above him on their delicate wings. They were rarer in the hospital than at the Ministry, but still, they were present, and Luc chased one in particular up to the intensive care unit, all the way to the nurse's desk. He stopped, crouching there to catch his breath. Everything on this floor was more tense, too, he noticed. It lingered in the air, the worry and the sadness, and he didn't like that. Nor did he like feeling other people's pain, which was also palpable here.
Furthermore - though, like any good Malfoy, he wouldn't acknowledge it - he was lost, and he knew it. Luc began to panic a little, at least until he saw a flash of familiar hair. Red. Perhaps that was one of the Weasleys? He had come to know that most were quite nice, and though there was a formal air between them and his father, well... Miss Ginny was a nice person, and her brothers were, too. Maybe they could help.
He rose and quickly skidded after it, following the hair until he realised he was in a closed room, and that person was watching over a lady in a bed. Her face, he placed easily. Miss Fleur. And then -- Billy's favourite uncle, after his father. "Mr. Bill," Luc said, gulping as soon as he said it. Oh, dear, he'd wandered into something he oughtn't. His father was going to be even more furious.
Bill lept at the sound behind him, his hand grasping his wand in its safe spot in his robes. Godric, who would... He spun around, then exhaled slowly. Merlin. It was the Malfoy boy. He'd had the daylights scared out of him by an eight year-old. But who would blame him, really, in light of such serious events that had just unfolded? He'd lost his mum, he could lose his wife at any moment, and everyone knew that it had been more than just mere coincidence. They were all in danger now.
Still. Lucien Malfoy was just a boy, and even if his grandfather had been a Death Eater and his father was, in Bill's opinion, a bit spoiled and occasionally quite pompous, the family had worked to prove and maintain their innocence over the last several years. They'd been good to the Potters, at least, and were usually kind to most of Bill's family, as well. And if Alby and Billy could both love little Luc so much, Bill knew he had to be a good kid.
Giving his beautiful but ailing wife another long, lingering look, Bill turned to face Luc more fully. "You're a bit out of place, aren't you?" he questioned, looking a bit worried after a moment. Children weren't usually allowed this far in, especially if they weren't relatives. If Luc was in, he was either very lost, or someone in the Malfoy family had fallen ill as well.
Luc nodded, pressing himself closer to the wall, as if that could make him disappear. He wasn't so much afraid of Bill as concerned that he'd interrupted on a private moment without thinking or knowing, and what his father would say. What his grandfather would say about this, he didn't know, nor care to. Obviously, he ought to bow out as politely as he could. "Yes, sir," he said, flushing a little. "I---I didn't mean to---" His eyes traveled back to Fleur, and he was dismayed to see that she looked so .... so broken. So hurt. He'd never seen anyone look like that before, and the fact that she was blonde, and delicate-faced, reminded him uncomfortably of his own mother.
Alarmed, he glanced back at Bill. "I'm sorry, sir, I really am," he stammered. "I'm -- um." He'd forgotten the word. "Not supposed to be here. I didn't mean to int---that is---I'll be going."
Oi. Bill felt about two inches tall. He suddenly felt dwarfed by the maturity of a small child when he'd never felt so lost in his entire life. It seemed perhaps they both were. He took a few steps closer, resting a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. He reminded him of Damien at that age, all small and blond but trying so hard to be a grown-up. Felix didn't try that way. He was pleased to coddled and babied. "Do you know where you're supposed to be?" While Bill didn't exactly want to leave, he wasn't doing any good just watching Fleur sleep. It was making him panic, honestly. The longer she was out, the more he worried.
"Daddy's checking on the potions supplies, he always likes to come and make sure that everything is as the reports say. I don't know why, but he says the count is always more acc-accurate when he does that." Luc was well aware he was babbling, and cut himself off abruptly. "I...I came with him, sir."
Bill gave a small smile, attempting to reassure the child. Despite his own pain, he felt a bit better knowing there was something he could do to help someone. Bill had always hated feeling helpless, even growing up. During the war, he'd often had that feeling, and it had left him weak. Now, there was at least something he could do, even if short lived. "Well, how about you and I go find him, then?" he suggested. "He's probably noticed you're missing by now and is worried."
For a second, Luc brightened, but then shook his head, resolve entering his features. "No, sir, I--I interrupted you. It wouldn't be polite. I'll find a nurse and ask them to take me back." Unconsciously, he glanced at Fleur again, frowning now as he looked up at Bill. "She's going to be all right, isn't she?" he blurted out without thinking, and then looked appropriately horrified at having asked when it was none of his concern.
At that, Bill bit his lip, turning his own gaze back to his wife. "Sure--" He'd been about to say of course she was. But Bill couldn't make himself lie, not even to an eight year-old. "We don't know yet," he said instead, choosing his words very carefully. "It's going to be very hard for her, but I know she's fighting to be just fine." Because Bill knew Fleur better than himself. And Fleur was every bit the champion she'd been at seventeen. She'd pull through. She had to. There'd been too damn much loss already. And the thought of going on without her horrified him.
Luc considered Bill, watching him with those observant grey eyes which were so like his father's. "She doesn't have to fight for it," he said quietly. "She'll be fine." Not that he would know that from personal experience, but he was hurting far too much with having lost his own aunt to watch Billy lose his. And he knew enough about Bill to know that the love he felt for his wife was genuine – the man looked at his wife the way his father looked at his mother.
Bill forced back tears at the innocence of the little boy's words. If only it were that simple. 'Fine'. What was fine? Was just living going to be fine? They didn't know how the poison would work in her system, her case was so unique. It was a miracle she'd even survived this long. As Bill had heard the details, he'd been horrified, and yet amazed at his wife's perseverance. Perhaps the stubborn Veela blood would pay off in the end, but he wouldn't know, not until later, when those perfect eyes looked up at him again. And if and when they did, would she still be herself? Would she have changed? He hated it, and Bill found himself rubbing his temples. "Thank you, Luc," he said quietly, addressing the boy as he knew his friends did.
Luc smiled back at him, innocent hope in that look. He couldn't help it. He thought that perhaps it would help. "You're welcome, sir. Mummy says that the staff here is brilliant. Of course, she's part of it, so that sort of doesn't count, but at least you know they'll give it their all." The smile faded, as he considered that perhaps he was being a tad impertinent.
But Bill actually found the child rather charming. He'd needed someone with outright confidence. Everyone else had spoken to him with such uncertainty. He knew they didn't want to get his hopes up, but maybe that's what he needed. A bit of hope. With a gentle motion, Bill brushed his fingers against the boy's cheek. "I'm sure they are. My wife's in wonderful hands, I know. How about we go find your Dad now, hmm? I bet he's pretty worried." Especially when random people were off poisoning innocent families. Merlin. He'd have been terrified not knowing where the smaller of his children were. Or even the older ones, at this rate.
Luc nodded, though more hesitantly still. "He's going to be upset," he told Bill. "Not that I can't see why, I shouldn't've run off, but ... I just get so bored standing still. Do you know what I mean, sir?"
For the first time in a while, Bill smiled. "Of course I do," he said quietly. "It's awfully hard to be good when there's things to explore, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir." Luc thought about it a second, and then reached up, taking Bill's hand. "I'm sorry, sir," he added, a bit more seriously. "About your mum, too." Draco had not been able to keep that particular bit of news from him, although it was something that didn't frighten Luc so much as make him sad for his friends. "I know you're a grownup and all, but ... well. She's still your mummy, sir."
Feeling a bit as if his heart would break, Bill nodded solemnly. "She was. She is, really. She made the best biscuits in the entire world and she made sure I had clean clothes and lots to eat." And she'd cried over his bedside when he'd been attacked and she'd wept with joy when he'd finally cut off his precious ponytail and a million other memories that he now had to cling to. "No matter how big you get, you'll always have a mummy."
Luc couldn't begin to imagine losing his own mother. Having to see Billy lose his was enough the stuff of nightmares. His mother would be a hundred thousand times such pain, and it hurt his heart to think of it. To think of Bill in the same position made Bill less a grownup than one particularly over-tall friend, whose grief was so encompassing that it made Luc out step his own reserve. He squeezed Bill's hand, hard. "Daddy likes to say," he said quietly, "that the people we love don't really leave us. 'M sure Miss Molly won't leave you, either. She and Aunt 'Mione have too much to protect here. Just like Miss Fleur with Damien and Sam and all."
Bill smiled, though it was through misty eyes. He'd never really been a crier, but hearing such meaningful words from such a small person when he needed them most meant the world to him. Looking over at Fleur, he nodded hopefully. "I'm sure they won't. They're all very much still here, aren't they?" Returning the squeeze, so surprisingly strong for a boy so young, Bill smiled and led Luc to the door. "They're always a part of us, if we just keep remembering, right?" Though that didn't stop him from sending up every prayer he'd ever heard that Fleur would continue to do her mothering from by his side.
Luc nodded, taking a deep breath lest he cry. His own emotions had suddenly caught him; thinking about his mother and his aunt too deeply had tugged at his greatest fears, and seeing Bill here with his suffering ... well. It had not aided. "Yes, sir," he agreed quietly. "I think, if you'll allow me, sir, I'll add them to my prayers at night. If you don't mind."
Surprised but pleased at the request, Bill nodded, giving a wave to one of the afternoon nurses to let her know everything was okay and that he was stepping away. He just had to hope that if there was any change that they'd be able to get a note to him quickly. "Of course I don't mind, Luc. And please, sir is far too formal, don't you think? Bill is just fine, or Mr. Weasley if you're not quite comfortable with that." As he was relatively sure the little boy wouldn't be.
Luc flushed a bit again. "Daddy says I ought to be formal with people I don't know too well, um, but ... you know Billy so well, and he's practically my brother. Would you mind if I called you Bill?" He added quickly, "I understand if you don't want me to, really."
Bill couldn't help smiling. "I don't mind, Luc, or I wouldn't have suggested it. I think your dad will understand. Or maybe Mr. Bill? I know some of our family gets to use their first name with you, surely your dad wouldn't mind that, then?"
"Mr. Bill," he agreed as a compromise. "Daddy would like that better, I think." He didn't think it betraying his father to add with a slightly apologetic air, "He can be a bit fussy about those things."
"He wants you to grow into a proper young adult," Bill agreed, though not negatively. "He just wants to make sure you have plenty of manners and are a bit of a gentleman, yeah?"
Luc nodded, though he wrinkled his nose. "I don't always like it, s--Mr. Bill. Sometimes I'd just rather be with Billy an' Alby and just ... yell and have fun." He looked up at Bill sheepishly. "Is that bad, do you think?"
Giving Luc's hand a reassuring squeeze, Bill shook his head. "No, I don't think so. You're still young, and it's fun to run and play. I bet your dad doesn't mind if you do it sometimes and just not all the time, does he?"
Luc nodded. "Sometimes, Mr. Bill. And sometimes he likes to play, too, though I'm not 'pposed to say so. It isn't ...digni... digni..." He frowned, unable to remember the word.
"Dignified?" Bill suggested, suppressing his grin at Draco Malfoy possibly playing hide and go seek or sitting sprawled on the floor and colouring with crayons.
"That's the word!" Luc agreed happily. "Dignified. It isn't dignified for Daddy to play chase the dragon or eat candies til he's sick but some days he does it. When Mummy's home and he can relax." At the words, he seemed to suddenly remember where he was and who he was talking to, for he looked apprehensive. Private time in the Malfoy house was not something shared with outsiders.
Knowing that the confession was probably one Luc shouldn't have shared, Bill lifted his finger to his lips and nodded, as if sharing a deep dark secret. "Well, if it's not dignified, we'll not speak of it again, will we? Especially since we're bound to come up on him at any moment. Can't let him find out, can we?"
Luc nodded, relieved. Billy was right, Mr. Bill was awful nice. "No, Mr. Bill," he agreed.
And, speaking of fathers, out from the elevator burst a frantic-looking Draco Malfoy, who had been given word by a nurse that a small blond boy had passed up this way earlier. He saw Luc and Bill and swooped down on both of them at once, lifting the child into his arms and holding him so tightly Luc felt he could not breathe. "Don't you ever do that again," were the first words out of Draco's mouth, followed by, "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Daddy," Luc replied when his father pulled back a little, meeting those stern grey eyes. "Mr. Bill was gonna help me find you."
Draco looked away at that, toward the other person standing there, and felt mortification enter his being. His son had unknowingly interrupted Bill Weasley during what was the greatest crisis the Weasleys had faced since Hermione had died - and that was far too close still in memory. "Mr. Weasley," he said, wetting his lips. "I---forgive my son. He didn't mean to interrupt you."
Bill shook his head, hoping he could convey with his expression what he couldn't say in front of the child. Luc had been a much needed distraction. He'd given Bill hope that this would turn out alright; he'd let Bill have a moment of thinking that perhaps Fleur really was going to be just fine. For at least a moment, Bill had been pulled from his despair and given a moment of light. "No, no," he reassured. "He was just fine. Just a little bit lost, is all. We were worried about you."
Draco exhaled. It was all well and good for him to enquire of Harry what he could do for the Weasleys; actually talking to Bill at this moment was considerably more awkward. Though the look on the other man's face read - if he was reading correctly - that Luc had not necessarily been a bad interruption. "I was rather worried about him, myself," he said, something apologetic still in his features. "But I'm ... I'm glad Luc found you, then."
"He's safe," Bill reassured, his voice as warm as he could muster under the circumstances. "That's all that matters."
Luc looked back at Bill, and smiled then, in that broadly disarming way which he must have inherited from his mother, Draco had thought time and time again. No Malfoy had ever smiled like that. "Miss Fleur's safe, too," he reassured Bill in return. "That's more important. Don't you worry, Mr. Bill. Everybody will be fine."
Swallowing hard, Bill willed the boy's words from his mouth to God's listening ears. "Of course, Luc. Now, no more wandering off, okay? It's not good to worry your dad like that." Especially then, when not everyone would be as kind to a wandering child as he was. Whether his last name mattered or not may remain to be seen.
Draco tightened his arms around Luc. "Don't worry," he said quietly. "This one'll be watched after more carefully from now on." He hesitated, and then thought better of saying anything condolence-wise. "Thank you, Bill," he said instead, sincerity in every word. "I appreciate it."
Bill nodded, though his head felt heavier than usual. "Anytime. Really." And he found he meant it, no matter who the man in front of him was. They needed all the allies they could get just then.