"Yeah, I'm sorry you were worried," Draco said, quietly.
                              
Joel shook his head and said, "You don't need to be sorry." Then Joel looked at Harry, who tensed up and looked down. "Harry, can I talk to Draco alone? Nat is in the hallway."
                              
Harry looked back up like he didn't want to agree, but he looked at him, though for permission to leave. Draco nodded, and he went into the hallway. Draco was starting to wonder what had happened while he was gone that Harry listened to Joel.
                              
Joel took Harry's stool. "How are you really, Draco?"
                              
He shrugged and took a deep breath. "I'm back, and I don't think I'm going back inside. My guards seem to be up, again. My mind was just trying to protect itself."
                              
Joel nodded. "Do you want to see a mind healer? They understand Occlumancy more than Harry or I do."
                              
Draco shook his head. He wasn't ready for that.
                              
"I have to ask, as I'm certain Harry wouldn't."
                              
"He understands."
                              
"Higgs not-withstanding, there are healers that could help you," Joel said, softly.
                              
Draco nodded. "I'm sure, but my mind is all I have right now."
                              
"Okay. Well, Harry... Harry taught me that patient care is the most important thing we can do. We have to put your care above everything else and help you get better," Joel explained, and Draco listened, wondering where this was going. "I'm sure you noticed Harry is... well... distraught really doesn't cover it."
                              
"I noticed."
                              
"He didn't handle it, well. He nearly wound up back in Mental Health, but we were able to get him functioning."
                              
Draco frowned. "I guessed. He hasn't been eating or taking care of himself."
                              
"Draco, his... condition, isn't your fault or your responsibility. He's your healer, not the other way around."
                              
Draco swallowed hard, seeing where this was going. "I know, but I think it goes both ways in this case, Joel. Harry needs help."
                              
"He does, but you're the one who's in the hospital. This isn't on you."
                              
"Perhaps, but I was resolved to never speak willingly, again. Harry changed that. Harry brought me back from the edge at his own peril. I know he's attached, now."
                              
"Unhealthily attached at this point, Draco. He's on a tight rope here. If the wrong person notices... I'm worried, for both of you."
                              
"Well, I don't plan on spacing out, again. We can get back into a routine, and he should calm down."
                              
Joel hesitated. "It makes sense, but I have to at least offer another solution. Harry's part is nearly over. You need muscle rehabilitation, now, and any healer can help you. Hell, I can take you to a muggle hospital, and they can do it. Sure, it'll be ten times faster with Harry's abilities, but... if you want another healer... you have that option. You don't have to accept this... position because you don't have a choice."
                              
Draco looked at him, astonished.
                              
"Harry's my friend, Draco, but we both have a duty to you to get you the best care that you can get. And if Harry is making you uncomfortable or worse, is hurting you... we can find someone else."
                              
Draco nodded. "Joel, thank you for the offer. It means a lot, and I know that it was hard to do."
                              
"I look up to Harry, but he's... in a bad place. I wanted to make sure that your needs are being met, too."