He was only a quarter of the way through the voluminous file when Potter started getting really agitated, again. Draco wasn't sure if it was boredom or withdrawal, as he had no idea how or what he was hooked on. Potter was picked up more often for drunkenness, so Draco suspected at least alcoholism. However, Potter was shifting back and forth now. Draco tried not to show that he registered the movement, but it certainly was distracting while trying to read. A few more moments passed, and Draco saw him turn and look longingly at the restroom. Well, shit.
"Do you need to use the loo?" he asked, concerned.
Potter's head snapped right up and nodded, vigorously. No one wanted to wet themselves.
"Sorry, I do apologize for my lack of... consideration. Potter, if you make a mess of my loo, I will not let you use it, again, understand?"
Potter nodded, now clearly doing the pee dance in his seat. Draco released the Sticking Charm and the Incarcerous, and Potter rushed into the toilet. Draco quickly heard the sound of piss hitting the water. He flushed when he was done, and Draco heard the faucet turn on. Well, that was surprising. Potter was wearing dirty clothes and didn't look like he showered in days. But he opened the door, exited and waved dramatically to the empty room, showing that he hadn't acted like a fool.
Draco looked at him, glanced at it, and sighed. "Very good, Potter. Please sit back down."
Potter snorted and let the loo door swing slowly close. He walked the few steps to his chair, regarded it and then him. Draco didn't watch him directly. Everything was a dance right, now. He couldn't push Potter too far. He needed to get through to him, not physically force him into behaving. Potter decided to test him. He took a few steps toward the door, slow enough to see if he would react.
"I'm not going to stop you," he said, off-handily while not engaging him directly. He kept his eyes on his paper.
Potter snorted and put his hand on the doorknob, ready to leave.
"Course... they won't give you your wand back... and the Aurors will be called to fetch you. I'm sure the one visit to their den of hyenas today is enough to sate whatever kick you get out of this behavior."
Potter removed his hand from the handle and turned to stare at him.
"You can't deny it... Potter. Regardless of their actions, you're the one perpetuating this circle of chaos. So, stay or not, but either you decide to stay or the Aurors will bring you back. I won't raise my wand to you, and I won't lie to you. But I also won't play your games."
Potter seemed to consider this for a minute and then walked back to the desk, eyeing the chair. Draco looked at him, expectantly. Potter slowly sat back down, bracing himself for the Sticking Charm or the Incarcerous to be placed back on.
"Thank you."
Potter regarded him, confused, but Draco went back to his investigating. He needed to understand Potter, now. Gone was the comparably happy, level-headed hero, and the violent, drunk loner had taken his place. If he hadn't been privy to most of Potter's downward spiral, he would have never guessed this is where he would have ended up.
Thankfully, Potter somewhat relaxed. He crossed his arms and sighed, resigned that he'd have to wait. But he started shifting around after another hour, and Draco could hear his stomach growling. Draco conjured him a pitcher of water, summoned his own lunch out of his bag and multiplied it, so there were four sandwiches. He set them on the end of the desk within reach of both of them. Potter made to reach for the sandwich but stopped, as though sensing a trap.
"Help yourself, Potter. It's just a club sandwich, nothing fancy."
Potter eagerly snatched it and took a bite, testing it. Draco also grabbed a sandwich and ate while he read. Potter quickly ate the sandwich and slowly reached to take another one. Draco didn't comment, letting Potter feel him out. He considered himself a hard person to an extent, but his charges needed to trust him, too. Potter grabbed another sandwich, as though waiting for the retort, but then happily plowed through it.