"Yeah... we know. He has problems focusing on one voice, if two are talking," Hermione said. "I'm surprised that you noticed that... so quickly."
Draco nodded. "Potter... sees everything as a threat. Too many things, and he gets scared and acts out. When we go in there, if he starts getting agitated or the goblet appears, I want you to back off. If I need to intercede, I'll redirect his attention back to me and try to deter him. I can calm him down. He told me that he doesn't mind the Legilimency I used that first day, so I will be able to use that if necessary."
Ron grimaced, but again, he just nodded. Granger seemed to accept his decision in the matter. He wondered if they were together, or maybe Harry had prevented any type of meaningful relationship.
"What about... will he get... better?" he whispered.
Draco didn't know how to phrase it. "If you mean... as he was before this happened, then no. If you mean a functional citizen that can live without constant supervision... I think he can. But... things like eye-contact, meaningful conversation and physical contact will take a while. Five years is a lot of damage to work out.
Weasley took a deep breath and breathed, "We... didn't make it worse... did we?"
Granger looked at him and took his hand, before looking across the table.
"No, you... kept him alive. He knows that and feels guilty about it. He still loves both of you, but he knows he's causing your pain. That's probably why he... tried so often to.... But no, you didn't do this to him. My father did."
Hermione dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "Can we see him?"
"Of course. I still want you to visit. Tell him how your family is doing and if he needs anything. He needs to remember that he has a family. Just don't be put out that he isn't engaging. It's going to take a long time to find balance. You can blame me as to why you can't take him home or visit as much."
"Blame you?" Weasley asked.
"Yes, I am the one imposing the restrictions. He doesn't need to think you're abandoning him, and I want Harry to look forward to your visit. Not let it be a daily torture for him to endure."
"Still to blame you...."
"I'll rephrase it... explain that I am the reason that you aren't coming every day. And I'm sorry, until we get the curse off, I really want to be in there to intercede if the potion appears. And... he might even go through withdrawal."
"From poison?"
"Yes. Alcohol is poison, and people get addicted and suffer from withdrawal."
Hermione nodded. "Can we see him now?"
"Yes, but let me check on him and explain it to him. I also left him with Laura, so I don't know how that went."
He led them down the hall, had them wait and walked inside. Harry was still on the bed, rocking, with his arms cinched to his chest, his legs crossed under him, and he was leaning over them. Defense-mode.
"Any issues?"
"No, but he's been staring at the door since you left. I'd say he was anxious that you were gone," she said, looking at him strangely.
"I connected with him. Thank you, Laura," he said, and she slipped out the door. He sat on the rollie stool next to the bed. "Harry?"
Harry inched closer to the edge of the bed and slowly looked at him. "Left." Then he looked back down.
Draco smirked at his one-word sentences. "I did. I told you I was, but I am back, now. Okay? I'm not going anywhere."
Harry's eyes tried to look at him, again. "Don't want... you to go." His eyes had tears in them.