Chapter 41

                                        

                                              
Chapter 41
Published: April 9, 2022
Trigger warning: open discussion of sexual assault, mentions of suicidal ideation
Draco was wide awake. Joel had already met with Granger and Weasley to figure out what to do, and they were going to the Ministry in the morning to get things straightened out. There was little that they could do tonight. Harry had snapped during the interview and was screaming loud enough for Joel to hear him in the hallway. The MMMB goons said that he had attacked Higgs and had to be sedated. Higgs immediately took custody of Harry until the MMMB investigation was over.
Granger would have to get the Wizengamot to approve removing Higgs as Harry's mind healer, and Joel was not optimistic about that. Things were tricky when the ISS was involved. No one wanted the muggles to know. Helping him escape wasn't an option either, as Joel explained that freeing Harry would mean a prison sentence for anyone involved and Harry wouldn't want that. Draco didn't ask him to risk his job and freedom for it. They had to play the game... use the system. They did. Draco didn't have to, though.
It was near midnight when he slid into his chair. He lowered it to the floor and unlocked the wheels. He could find Harry, this time. He rolled to the door, mentally asking Harry's forgiveness for leaving the ward alone, but circumstances called for it. He opened the door and peered out into the darker hallways. The wardens' desk was empty, and Draco rolled out and made his way in the direction everyone always went. He needed a lift. He rolled down the hallway until he spotted it and pushed the call button.
"Didn't take you that long," Cass said, and Draco turned in his chair as she came around.
"Cass... I have to go."
"I know, but it'd probably be easier if I went with you."
Draco breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me, yet. I don't know if we'll be able to get in, but let's go."
Cass wheeled him into the lift and pushed the floor button. They exited out onto the closed ward floor, and she cautiously pulled up to the wardens' desk there.
"I've been waiting for you, Draco," Harper said, sitting up. "It's good to see you up. Cass said that you were starting to roll around."
"Yeah. Harper, I heard you were standing watch over me... I appreciate it, but...."
"I can't help him out, Draco. It's not just my job at shake. He's technically in ISS custody. I'd do a lot for you, Draco... but prison is asking for a lot."
"I understand. I just want to see him," Draco said.
Harper looked at him and nodded. "I figured that'd be your next request. He's not in a good way. I've tried to calm him down myself. He's been thrashing and screaming and then crying and uncommunicative. He's in a bad way."
"That's why I need to see him. Maybe I can get through to him."
Harper nodded. "It's a magic-proof room. He's locked down good, but you can go in... try to reach him."
Draco felt easier, but thought Higgs would have guarded Harry more. "Just you, here?"
"No... one of his lackeys is here. He might have accidentally taken a Sleeping Draught... like I intend to take. You got maybe four hours, Draco. Good luck."
"Thanks, Harper," Draco said and held out his hand. Harper shook it and raised his cup to him.
He swallowed it and quickly dropped into his seat, slopping over the side awkwardly. Cass fixed him and then wheeled Draco to the room. She unlocked the door.