Chapter 39
‘Thank you for meeting with me.’ Tom began, then stopped. He wasn’t really sure what he wanted to ask, or how to ask it.
When the silence dragged on, Walters spoke up. ‘You called Malfoy and I because you know we’re dads, and you want some advice, right?’
Tom looked up at him in surprise, trying to stop his cheeks from reddening.
‘Is there something specific you need advice with?’ Lucius asked.
Tom shook his head. ‘It’s not… I don’t…’ he rubbed a hand over his face, then berated himself for the display. ‘The boy thinks of me as his father, but I’m not. Not that… I mean… He’s an incredible child, there’s no debating that. The gifts he has – but that’s not it. He’s… What he’s been through, the things he has survived – and who he is now…’ Tom trailed off again, eyes distant.
Lucius and Walters exchanged knowing looks.
‘But I can’t just presume to… he’s someone else’s child! Even if they are not fit to raise a flobberworm… But Harry…’
Lucius’ expression was a mix of knowing smirk and concern as Tom rambled on. Walters had heard enough though.
‘Stop, my Lord. You’re clearly conflicted about the situation, but Harry is not. You’re wondering if you have the right to step into a fatherly role in a child’s life, right? Wondering if it might be acceptable if this, or if that? It’s all irrelevant, my Lord.’
Tom seemed to deflate at Walters’ words, giving a tired nod.
‘The boy has already decided you’re his father. He calls you dad. You’ve been a dad for well over a week now. If you’re starting to have doubts, let me make it clear – it’s too late. You’re already a dad.’
Tom looked up, shocked. Walters smirked.
‘He’s right. That boy is utterly gone on you, and clearly you’re smitten with him. I heard you had an elf apparate you into Harry’s bathroom one day looking for him? I once Stunned something that was attacking Draco, only it turned out to be a stuffed toy.’
Walters grinned. ‘I have 4 boys. I cannot tell you the number of times I have overreacted about nothing, been sent into utter panic only to find absolutely no issues. My third boy was the worst – I thought I had a handle on things, third child and all. One day, his accidental magic summoned what I thought was a doxy nest inside, and I dragged everyone out of the house, shouting and running and looking utterly stupid. My wife finally managed to calm me down, and we went back to check it out – after casting protective spells over the boys. It was a clump of fur from our kneazle.’
Lucius laughed, slapping Walters on the back. ‘From a couple of fathers to a new father – you’re in, now. You’re a dad. Whatever concerns you have, put them aside. Embrace being a father. Stop holding back, you’re only going to end up hurting Harry. Your son. You are a dad now, and you have a son. Congratulations!’
Tom blinked, then let a quiet, pleased little smile slip onto his face.