Chapter 69

                                        

                                              
Published: Feb. 16, 2025

In his office, days later, Harry was still processing. He appreciated that Draco had come clean with what he was doing, but it still made him feel uncertain... nervous. 
"Harry... I hope one day... that I could help you, like you helped me," Draco had said.
Mind healing. Harry just squirmed at the thought of someone else seeing him at his weakness... see him surrender when he let that bastard win. But... but it was Draco, and that made all the difference. Because he, Harry, had seen what Draco endured... seen him surrender like Harry had surrendered. Harry had felt Draco's pain and fear. Harry had understood it and helped Draco fight those nightmares. Harry didn't even know how he did it.
It was... fair... equal that Draco could see his dark moments. However, Harry had no desire to face those memories, again. Even Draco had faltered when Joel tried to help him heal. Harry had to intervene, and he used his magic to... make Connors disappear. Draco, he didn't think, had that power.
Harper knocked on his door and came in. "Morning, Sir-I mean-Harry."
"Hey, Harper," Harry said, accepting some files from him.
"Everything... okay?" Harper asked, cautiously.
"Yeah... just thinking," he replied.
"O-Okay. I'm sorry. I can wait...."
"No... I'm sorry. I've been out of it for a few days," Harry admitted, then he looked at Harper, who had been assigned to the mental health ward for nearly five years. "Draco... he told me that he is thinking about becoming a mind healer."
Harper blinked in surprise. "Oh... wow! Good for him. With how much Joel praises his abilities, he should do well in the field. It'll be a great job for him."
Harry's shoulders dropped. He hadn't even considered how important... significant that Draco was going to get a job... a professional and noble job, helping others get better. Someone else had believed in him, in his ability to help others and offered a job to a disabled, former Death Eater a job. It was an achievement... an important benchmark in Draco's life and his recovery. Harry had been too focused on himself to acknowledge his success. He felt so ashamed.
"Yeah... it is great. Thank you, Harper," Harry said, forcing a smile.
Harper was confused but didn't question it. They headed out for their morning appointments, and Harry drilled Harper on diagnosis, treatments and bedside manner, like he had with Joel. Harper was getting there. When Joel came down for their session, Harper made to leave.
"I'll see you at lunch," Joel said to him, and Harper smiled and nodded.
Harry looked at them but then sat down in his chair. He considered asking Joel about that, but just launched into what Draco had told him and how he felt about it and why. He also mentioned his guilt over not praising Draco enough for it.
"It's not too late, Harry. You should tell him that... tell him how proud you are and that you were just afraid. Draco will understand."
"Draco always understands. He's always been able to see past my insecurities," Harry admitted.
"He's perceptive like that."
"Yeah. It's been rough these last few weeks. We needed to talk about a few rough topics. Joel, Draco... he thinks that one day he can... heal my mind," Harry murmured.
Joel nodded. "And how do you feel about that?"
Harry breathed. "I don't know. It scares me and it doesn't. It's-It's Draco."