Unspoken Love

7: EXCHANGE

"That won't be necessary," Zacharias Smith said, drawing himself up to his fullest height, yet failing to sound composed in response to Draco suggesting that they have a private conversation regarding the situation, man to man. 

 "We don't want anymore trouble than Travis has already caused, right Travis?" He prodded his son who had been staring at Scorpius's bruised body across the Hospital Wing, seemingly frozen with guilt while wearing an expression of disbelief. Scorpius had woken up again at the sound of his father's smug voice and Ginny's shrill tease and was now staring back at Travis with a stony frown. He wished he didn't feel so weak, he would strangle that stringy git right here and now if he could. 

"Right." Travis said as he tore his eyes away from his victim before looking up at Draco. His skinny form was trembling with fear, and so was his father Zacharias' as he eyed Ginny Weasley's wand nervously. He'd been the deserving victim of her infamous bat-bogey hex while at school a number of times and he feared what the older witch was capable of now.

      For once, Scorpius was relieved of his father's presumed and feared ex 'Death Eater' status, as it was probably aiding in their profuse apologies. Scorpius didn't mind it one bit. And to aid with his intimidation, Draco sure had freshened himself up in the bathroom, he'd seemingly conjured up a nice black suit and he'd combed his pure blonde hair, magicked away his dark circles and was looking quite handsome and powerful now as he stood tall before them. 

"An apology isn't going to help my son." Draco snapped, staring beadily down at Travis who seemed to shrink back with fear immediately. 

"I-I didn't want to do it!" Travis spluttered, shifting farther and farther behind his father who was looking reluctant to be his human shield, "It was Elliot! He made me!" 

"Pathetic." Ginny mumbled, crossing her arms as she stared into Zacharias' eyes defiantly. 

"I'm enrolling Travis in Durmstrang," Zach gulped as he noticed Draco weaving his fingers around his sleek wand.

"He won't survive in Durmstrang, he's too tiny." Albus whispered to Scorpius, shaking his head as they watched the conversation by the door. 

"And Elliot? I don't suppose he'll pay a visit?" Ginny asked coldly. 

"There was talk of him going to Ilvermorny in America, the family has wanted to move there for some time...but anyways... Travis just wanted to apologize for causing any trouble." Zacharias said, avoiding Draco and Ginny's gaze as he clapped a hand to Travis's shoulder before guiding him out of the Hospital Wing hurriedly. 

"Git." Ginny murmured as she and Draco returned to Scorpius's bedside. 

"You two together..." Scorpius said trailing off. 

"It's scary..." Albus finished, looking up at his mum, though he was rather proud and impressed. 

"So, they're gone for good." Scorpius said after a few moments, staring at the doorway. Albus patted his shoulder softly and Scorpius closed his eyes, letting out a long breath he had been holding. 

"I should be getting back home, the funeral is over by now. Send me a letter if anything else happens, alright Albus?" Ginny said, wrapping her arm around Albus's shoulder before kissing his head. He nodded and watched her pat Scorpius's arm gently. Draco stuck out a hand, which she took as she smiled. 

"See you again soon, I hope." 

Draco nodded in response and watched her leave before looking around and laying eyes on his son again, his face fell once more, he never wanted to see him like this. 

"You can go if you need to dad," Scorpius said, his voice was strained painfully, "I know you must have tons of ministry business."

"Ah well, I suppose you're in good hands." Draco said, tipping his head in Albus's direction, "But I'll be back to check on you. Write to me, yes?" He rounded to Scorpius's bedside and placed a gentle hand on Scorpius's forehead. He felt his son nod. With one last regretful look over Scorpius's bruised face, he stepped back and disapparated.