"Eat," Cass prodded.
He had no desire to eat, but she gave him a look, again. He forced himself to eat a few bites, but eventually shoved it away. Everything tasted like... nothing. Cass took the tray, set it on the table, and then took his hand. She squeezed it gently and didn't probe him for explanations. Then, after an hour, she left to go do rounds.
"Fucking hell," he said to the empty room. He shut the telly off, appreciating the silence. He stared at the wall for an hour or so, when there was a quiet knock.
Joel entered, looking worried. "Draco... I...."
Draco just demanded, "How is he?"
"He's in shock... not that this was coming, but just the idea that you're leaving. You're a fixture in his life. Draco... he doesn't have many healthy coping mechanisms in place. So, I think that you should...."
"Where is he?" Draco cut him off. He needed to know that Harry was safe.
"He's at Ron and Hermione's. I took him there. Ron promised he'd set wards to alert him if Harry left, and Hermione declared that there wasn't any alcohol in the house, alright? We're not... incompetent."
"Sorry... I have to worry...."
"I know. Harry is... I don't think he'll snap or anything," Joel murmured.
"I tried to take it back. Perhaps... I'll try tomorrow."
Joel nodded. "I don't think it'll work. Harry... he knows... he really does know... that you are ready to leave. He wants you to get better, but at the same time, he doesn't want things to change. I've seen it with every step you take, Draco. Harry loves seeing your success, but it just reminds him that you're making strides to leave. And what's more... he doesn't seem to comprehend that you guys can have a relationship outside of this place."
Draco looked at him.
Joel debated internally. "I probably shouldn't say this... but I think that Harry will do anything to avoid change, despite making a few strides... that were really made for him."
"Like?"
"Outing himself to the public? Even the smaller stuff like talking to other people... I was thrust upon him as his trainee. He felt obligated to take care of me. Even quitting drinking wasn't really his decision."
"How can you think that?" Draco said.
"The opportunity presented itself, and he needed to hide how broken he was."
Draco grimaced. "You're reaching. He is making strides... regardless if other people nudged him to get there."
"Yet still, he's not... getting better... with regards to his triggers, depression and social anxiety."
"He has though, Joel. He's talking to you... somewhat. He's leaning on his family and quit drinking."
"And yet... hasn't come close to facing what happened to him."
Draco met Joel's eyes. "I think he has. He just can't talk to you about it... or Ron or Hermione. I think you're right. I mean, about what you said last week. It needs to be me. The quicker we can separate from each other the faster we can... work on it."
Joel gave a bark of a laugh. "I suppose then you'd have to worry about breaking the healer-patient rule."
Draco gave him a little look but smirked. "It'll be a long-time coming before that happens."
Joel grimaced and took in a deep breath like he was bracing himself for something unpleasant. "Listen, Draco. I appreciate how much you've done for me, and I know I wouldn't have... well... everything I have if it weren't for you training me. And maybe after this is over, we can... but... umm... I can't be your mind healer anymore. I can't betray Harry or play the go-between anymore. He needs to trust me, and really... you don't need me. I'm not even sure you ever did."