He blinked rapidly, stifling a yawn.
He had to get some coffee. Yep, coffee sounded good.
As he stepped away, a small hand, its grip feeble, uncertain, clutched at his wrist.
“Papa?” Louis’s voice was soft and scratchy, as Harry turned gently, settling once more on the chair.
Smiling warmly, his hand made its way to his son’s dark locks, still sticky with sweat, as he spoke, “Yes Louis? Do you need anything?”
Louis’s eyes locked on his, that flawless cerulean he loved so much unreadable, his voice uncertain, scared as he asked, “Papa? Why do you bother?”
“Huh?”, the word slipped from Harry’s lips, even as he blinked, confused.
“Wh… why are you still bothering with the treatment?” his son’s words were soft, even as they drove a lance into Harry’s heart, tears slipping from his eyes. “Why do you try so much? It… it's not going to help. I… I’m not going to get better. Wouldn't it be better to - ”
“Louis!” Harry’s voice was sharp, interrupting his son’s rising voice. The raven haired man breathed deeply, his voice trembling as he continued, “Don't you dare speak like that!”
“But -”
“No buts!” Harry said, his voice softening, his hand moving to cup his son’s face, as he smiled at the boy, “You don't get to speak like that. You’re going to get better. You are going to grow up into a marvelous young man, a wonderful man, a good man. You are going to find a beautiful, lovely, kind young woman, who loves for all you are, and nothing else. You are going to marry her, and you are going to treat her right.”
His voice cracked as he continued, a tear slipping from his eye, “You are going to have children, so many adorable, wonderful children, for Grandpa Harry and Grandma Fleur to spoil to bits. You are going to watch them grow up, you are going to be waving them goodbye as they depart for school for the first time, be that Hogwarts or wherever else. You are going to be there for them when they need it, be there for them as they grow up into wonderful young men and women of their own. You’re going to be a great father, a great husband, and a great role model.”
“Louis,” Harry’s voice was soft, warm, safe as he kissed his son’s forehead once more, “We love you. All of us. Me and your mom and Fae and your aunt Gabrielle and Grandma Appoline and Grandpa Sebastian and Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron and Rose and Hugo and everyone else. We love you…. And we’re never going to give up on you. Ever. So… please. Please. Dont give up on us. Please.”
His voice had devolved, desperation leaking through as he pleaded, his forehead touching his son’s, eyes shut, yet tears leaked from them nonetheless.