Healing Draco Malfoy

Chapter 43

Published: May 7, 2022

Harry pulled uselessly on his bands, again. He couldn't help it. Though his wrists were bruised and chafed, he had to try to escape. Ever since Draco left, he tried to use his magic, but he had no luck. Though the potion appeared to be out of his system, he couldn't sleep. He trusted that Draco would get the message out, but anything could have happened. He had no idea what was going on outside the white room he was trapped in.

He only could think of the threats Higgs said to him. Not to mention he knew that it didn't matter if they arrested Higgs. It was not going to halt the MMMB inquiry. They could still commit him... forever. That witch, Trimdel, was an absolute hag. Maybe she was Umbridge's sister or something, and he might not be able to pull himself together even if he wasn't dosed with the Panic Potion, again. Fuck, those first few hours on that shit were brutal.

Harry was amazed that he hadn't magically attacked Higgs during the evaluation, but then again, Higgs had only given him a small dose. The amount last night, however, nearly sent him over the edge. He didn't know if he could restrain himself from hexing him, and once the MMMB saw him do that, wandlessly, it was over. He'd be stuck in this room forever. Tears welled in his eyes, but, suddenly, the door flung open, and he jumped in surprise.

One of Higgs's lackeys came in, panicked, until he saw that he was there. "Good, you're here... I thought..." the mind healer started, yawning.

Harry blinked and realized that Cass or someone had probably knocked him out. Higgs had left him to guard. Harry didn't really know the guy, not even his name. He knew that he was a Ravenclaw, a few years older than him, and that he was buddies with Higgs. Still, Harry grunted and lifted his wrist in a vain hope that he would release him. Fat chance, but he had to try.

"Yeah, right, Potter. We got you, now. Sorry, it's a prestige thing... having you here. I want to figure out how you tick."

Harry grimaced and looked away. Asshole. Higgs had led him astray.

"I'd keep those opinions to yourself, Murphy. Don't need the wrong people hearing it," a voice drawled from the still-open doorway.

Harry met Harper's eyes and was silently pleading for help.

Harper clearly winked at him from behind Murphy, but then said, "See? I told you he was fine. Just because you can't handle midnight shift...."

"Shut up! You're just a warden. I'll report you if you tell anyone I was..." the healer trailed off.

"Sleeping on duty?" Harper grunted, crossing his arms in the doorway.

"Fuck you! Go change some bed linens, peon."

Harper's eyes glinted. "Sure, boss. It's what I do best." Then Harper met his eyes, again, before leaving.

If Harry had to guess, he had an ally, though a somewhat powerless one. So Harper must be in on it... or something else was going on.

Murphy hissed, "Fucking wardens. They all are in on it... Team Potter. Bet you don't even know that, do you? They've been doing everything they can to fuck with us, but we're still in charge of them. A few terminations, and it'll stop. But you have fun at your meeting today, Potter."

Murphy finally left, shutting the door behind him.

Harry started panicking, again, though the potion had worn off. Higgs was coming soon. Hurry, he mentally chanted to anyone. He had faith in Draco, but he couldn't help but be afraid. What if Draco had been caught? What if Draco couldn't handle relaying the information to Hermione and more particularly, Ron? Harry knew it was going to be hard for him. Draco seemed to be petrified of Ron. His best mate had told him how much Draco had locked up when Ron checked his room for spells that day after the trial.

But Draco wouldn't fail him... like he wouldn't fail Draco. He believed in Draco, but he was amazed that his mates hadn't come yet. Or was it something else? He wanted Ron to come, because Ron was an Auror. They knew how each other worked. Ron would break any rule to help him, and Hermione wanted the high ground with moral superiority. They balanced each other out well, and Harry was sure Draco would pass his direct request on. Ron would make the hard decisions, sometimes without Hermione's approval, sometimes with it.

He took deep breaths like Joel had taught him and looked around the room, hoping that Ron had understood what he wanted. He rolled his back on the thin pillow and stared at the ceiling. Waiting was painful, but he had to dig down and get through this. A few tears rolled down his face. He hated being helpless. It reminded him so much about... him. He had gone back into his memories so often that night, that Harry was surprised he could come out of it when Draco came.

Fuck... Draco's voice lured him right out of his spiral. It was so full of pain and sadness. Merlin, it was unbearable. Harry wanted to comfort Draco so much, hold him, and tell him that he was safe, now and no one would ever hurt him, again. Harry had a name, now, too. Conners. Harry needed to make sure that he would never leave Azkaban. Harry was sure that he was one of the guards sentenced to life, but he had to know... for Draco's sake.

Harry looked at the door when he heard loud footsteps in the hallway. Please... don't be Higgs, he pleaded mentally. The handle turned and, unfortunately, the bastard himself entered and closed the door behind him. Harry was retreating inward, but he couldn't escape mentally or physically.

Higgs was smirking, enjoying the moment, again. "How was your night, Potter? Pleasant?" he sneered.

Harry glared but looked away when Higgs took a step forward, deliberately. He wished that Ron had dealt with Higgs by now.

"I heard you were screaming all night. That sounds... wonderful," Higgs said, as he took another step.

Harry started shaking and tugging at his bonds to no effect. Though he currently had his wits, he knew it wouldn't be long before Higgs made him crazy, again.

"I love seeing you squirm. Are you ready for another dose?" Higgs asked, as he pulled out the jar.

Harry full-out pulled against his restraints, hurting himself more in the process, trying to get away from him. That stuff was pure torture. Trapped in his head, unable to calm down or breathe normally. His fear just took over, and there was nothing Harry could do to stop it. He couldn't free himself. As his eyes watered, he silently pleaded for Ron, Harper or anybody really to show up and save him.

Higgs just laughed harder at his helplessness. "Oh, Potter... you're just like the other crazy patients when I pull out the jar. They know they're in for a ride when this comes out. Now, ready for another big dose, Potter?"

Higgs unscrewed the top and made to scoop out some. Harry groaned loudly, hoping someone would hear him. He leaned away from him as much as he could as Higgs held up a gob of the shit in his hand.

Suddenly, there was movement in his peripheral vision as red robes appeared out of nowhere, with a swish of a silvery cloak. Ron growled, "Auror, freeze!"

Higgs jerked back into the wall. "What? How?"

Harry had never felt so much relief in his life. Ron was there! And he saw everything wearing the Invisibility Cloak!

"Terence Higgs, you're under arrest. Now, put that stuff back in the jar and set it down."

Higgs was shaking. "Weasley! You can't be here! This is a private treatment room!"

"Yes, I've heard all about your treatment methods. I need you to put the jar down and face the wall. You are under arrest," Ron said, his eyes gleaming in rage.

Higgs looked at the potion and then the door. He couldn't vanish it or Apparate away. It was a magic-proof room. Harry froze in anticipation. He wasn't sure what was about to happen, but knew Ron was pissed.

"I am the appointed mind healer for Potter. I can give him anything I deem necessary and prohibit his visitors," Higgs declared, trying to justify his actions.

"I'm not here to visit Harry. I'm here to arrest you. Now, turn around before I make you," Ron  hissed, as he stepped forward, no wand in hand.

"There's no magic here, Weasley," Higgs sneered.

"I know. It will feel so much more satisfying wrestling you to the floor to cuff you, the muggle way," Ron growled, as he pulled out a pair of muggle handcuffs.

Higgs looked nervous and eyed the door, again.

"By all means... flee and resist arrest," he taunted, nearly shaking in pent up rage.

Higgs jumped toward the door, but Ron straight-out tackled him into the wall. Higgs was then forced to the floor, dropping the jar. It clanged noisily on the floor, but didn't break. However, Ron pulled him roughly away from the door by his robes, dragging him across the floor. Higgs struggled, trying to free himself, but Ron dropped on top of him to secure him. They rolled out in front of his bed, where Harry couldn't see due to the restraints. 

There was a fury of thuds and owhs, the sound of fists meeting flesh and Ron growling orders to stay down. Then, Harry heard the distinct clicking of the handcuffs, and Ron finally stood up, his fists bloody and was panting hard. Ron took some deep breaths and looked to be considering beating Higgs more, but decided against it. Ron took a deep breath and started to walk over.

"Harry..." Ron breathed, coming to his side.

Tears of happiness formed in his eyes, and Harry looked at his face, relief flowing through him.

"I'm so sorry, Harry, that I left you like this, but he needed to confess it to me," Ron said, his face lined with sadness.

Harry nodded and mouthed okay. And it was okay. It was better this way. He held up his wrist closest to Ron, in a wordless plea. Ron nodded and went back over to Higgs, searching him, Harry assumed. Ron stood up, screwed on the lid on Higgs's jar and pocketed it, before he came over with the key. He figured out how to use it and released his hand. Harry brought it immediately to his chest as tears formed in his eyes, again.

Ron slowly released his other limbs, and when he was done, Harry curled up into a fetal position, immediately. Ron crotched down in front of him and, thankfully, didn't reach out for him, yet. The tears started to fall, again. He had never felt so weak and vulnerable in his presence before. He wasn't this bad after the trial, or when he was at Luna's. But this was Ron... his brother. He came to save him.

"Easy, mate. Easy, now. I'm here, and he's never going to hurt you, again," Ron whispered.

Harry sniffled into his pillow and just nodded.

"Hermione is dealing with Harding. She might even have the muggle potion for your tongue, but everyone is waiting for my go-head. I want to make sure that you're ready for her and other Aurors."

Harry met his eyes, and his hand reached out for his. Ron clasped it gently, and Harry mouthed a "Thank you."

"No problem. I'd do anything for you, Harry," Ron said, tears coming out of his eyes, too. "Do you think you can stand? I can help you out of here."

Harry lifted his head as his heart pumped faster. His magic was on the other side of the door frame, but his wrists and ankles hurt from yanking on the restraints. He looked at his bruised wrist that Ron was holding and pointed to it. He couldn't walk, easily anyway. He shook his head, a little embarrassed by that fact.

"It's okay. Well... Harry, can I carry you to a different room? There is an empty room across the hall," Ron asked. "You're light and I'm pretty buff."

Harry rolled his eyes. The ward should be empty right now, besides Harper and maybe one of Higgs's guys. He nodded. It was Ron, not some stranger. Ron never tried to pull that macho crap on him.

"Alright... also... don't heal yourself yet, okay?" Ron said, quietly, as he stood up.

Harry nodded. Ron picked up his Invisibility Cloak off the floor and stuffed it into his robes, and then he grabbed the blanket off the end of the bed. He draped it over him and then waited until Harry nodded again before putting his arms under his knees and armpits. Ron hoisted him up easily and adjusted when he was off the bed. Harry grasped his red Auror robes and put his head against his chest, though wishing that Ron was Draco. But he still felt protected and safe with Ron.

"I gotcha, Harry," Ron said, and walked toward the door, stepping over Higgs's unconscious body.

Harry could see that the bastard's face was bruised and bloodied. He smiled internally that Ron had really let him have it. Ron had to adjust his weight to open the door, but they were out in the hallway. Harry felt his magic spark inside him, again, and had to resist the urge to heal his limbs. He did try to fix his tongue, but it wasn't a physical ailment. Ron went across the hall to another room and Harry opened the door with his magic.

"Thanks, Harry," Ron said and carried him inside.

Harry turned the light on and warmed the room, confirming it wasn't magic-proof. Ron set him down on the bed in a sitting position. Harry met his eyes, and Ron made sure the blanket was covering him.

"Alright? I'm just going to signal my guys to raid the place, okay?"

Harry nodded as Ron sent a Patronus through the wall. It wasn't five seconds later that Harry could hear, "Auror, freeze! No one move!" in the hallway, followed by many thundering footsteps. Ron knelt down, again, and gently pulled his arm out from the blanket. He looked at his bruised wrist, and then traced over the red rash from the Panic Potion.

"There are five people on the ward with visible rashes, including the Longbottoms," Ron said, softly.

Harry growled and muttered incoherently, his tongue still unusable. Merlin, Higgs, at least, had a reason to hurt him. But Neville's parents? Why? For a rivalry?

"Hmm... I better ask where 'Mione is at," Ron said and sent another Patronus. Within a minute, her silvery otter returned.

"Another twenty, Ron. At the muggle hospital, now. Give Harry my love," her otter spoke before disappearing.

Ron nodded and muttered about not waiting. He hadn't closed the door, so he yelled out, "Terry! Bring me that camera, please!"

"Right-o," Boot called out, entering the room a minute later and bearing the evidence camera.

Harry looked away. Terry had been in the same training class as Ron and him. He saw his freak out five years ago, and the whole wizarding world knew what happened to him. He wanted to ignore them, but Ron asked him if Terry could take photos of the rash and his bruises. He just nodded. He took pictures of everything, after he consented to it.

"Harry, do you have any other injuries?" Ron asked, and Harry shook his head. "Did he put the potion anywhere else, other than your arm?"

Harry shook his head, but held out his shaking forearm. He pointed to a spot on it that was more irritated than the rest of his arm. Terry took a picture of it.

"Was that from the evaluation?"

Harry nodded. Ron also had Terry take several skin scrapings off his arm and put them into evidence bags.

"Alright... go head and heal yourself, Harry," Ron said, quietly.

Harry did. Ron looked to Terry, and then nodded to him in some sort of conspiratorial way. Obviously utilizing his victim support training, Terry drew a chair and sat, getting at his level. His arms were open, but Harry still wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Harry? I know you can't talk right now... but you can still nod, okay?" Terry said.

Harry couldn't take it, and just looked at the floor away from either of them. Ron was still on his knees and, thankfully, wasn't trying to touch him or get him to look at them.

"Harry... we received an anonymous report that your mind healer was torturing you with a Panic Potion. Is this true?" Terry pressed.

Harry met Ron's eyes and was glad that he had left Draco out of this mess. He nodded.

"Thank you for answering, Harry. I understand that you would probably prefer Ron to be the lead Auror on this... but we feel... that it would probably be better if he weren't. He's a witness to the case, now, and the investigator... for appearances... shouldn't be your best mate. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded.

"Now... it doesn't have to be me. Mike is on the way, or I could get one of the veteran Aurors if you'd like? A few of them you might remember. We could wait for Seamus and Dean, but... it's best that it'd not be someone who is mates with you. Umm... not that I'm not yours..." Terry said, awkwardly. "... just I'm less conspicuous than one of your former dorm mates from school."

Harry wasn't sure what to do. Nod? But Ron reiterated, "He can't talk."

"We could get some parchment?" Terry offered.

Ron frowned. "I want to get this over with quickly. We don't have time. Harry, can Terry ask you some questions? I promise... he can be trusted and has saved my arse a few times."

Harry nodded. He knew Terry was an upright guy.

"Thanks... let's just run through some yes or no questions," Terry said and asked him to confirm just about everything he told Draco. So now, Draco wouldn't have to testify at all. Bloody hell, he loved Ron. Even he might not have to testify either, since Ron had been there in the room when Higgs was threatening him. Terry had just finished with what Higgs had done to him, when Hermione came in, followed by Harding and Corner.

She came over and, after getting a nod from him, hugged him. "Oh, Harry. I'm so sorry."

He nodded and looked at Harding.

"I... umm... apologize if my... concoctions were used on you. I... uh... didn't know that was what... was going to happen," Harding rambled and scared shitless. Apparently, he had turned on Higgs. "I can restore your voice... if you lie down."

Harry looked for confirmation from Hermione before he leaned back. Harding pulled out a syringe and slowly poked a spot under his tongue. Fluids gushed into his soft tissue, and his tongue started to work normally. He sat up and swished his mouth awkwardly, annoyed by the taste.

"Should be back to normal," Harding said, shaking slightly from whatever threats Hermione had blasted him with.

Hermione nodded. "Great. Mike? Please escort him back to the interrogation room."

"But I fixed him!" Harding said, desperately.

"We want to know everything that Higgs and his friends... have done. This was just the first step. Auror, if you would," Hermione said, and Mike clapped his hand on Harding's shoulder, pulling him out the door.

"Harry?" Ron said.

"Y-Yeah?" he said back. He looked down, overcome by everything.

Hermione was closest and said, "Oh, Harry! I'm sorry that y-"

"Hermione?" Ron interrupted, and both Harry and Hermione looked at him. "My dear... Harry knows that you love him... but you're not an Auror. Please, let Terry finish his interview. Harry doesn't need to be distracted by too many people. He might lock up. So, please?" Ron was trying to say it as gently as possible.

Harry loved Hermione, but he was on edge with her in the room. Harry didn't want to upset her, with how weak he was. He looked down at the floor.

Hermione's voice was gentle. "Of course... I understand. I do love you so much, Harry, and I'll be right outside, alright?"

Harry mumbled an "Okay," and Ron said, "Thank you, love."

But Terry said, "Actually... boss... I feel your words are prophetic enough. Perhaps you want to check on the others and make sure evidence is being gathered correctly?"

Ron gave Terry a look and nodded. "Either of you can send a Patronus if you need anything, 'right?"

Terry agreed, and they left, shutting the door. Tears that Harry had been, in fact, holding back, came out. Terry wasn't Ron. It was easier with just one person to focus on. He wiped his face.

"I am sorry, Harry. I know there are a lot of emotions going through you right now. Do you think you can continue? And it's alright, if you don't. We got the main stuff, enough for a trial. So... we can do this later, when you're rested and calmer," Terry offered.

"Let's just... g-get it over with," Harry muttered, wiping more tears.

Terry meticulously questioned him about all his recent interactions with Higgs: the back-and-forth over Joel and Draco, the visits to his floor, the board review, and even the complaint from the cafeteria. Harry didn't know how Terry already knew about them, but Harry was just confirming what Terry had been told (either by Joel or Natalie). Harry stumbled his way through the questions and just answered truthfully. He didn't need to exaggerate any of it. The harassment, name-calling and threats were there for everyone to hear.

"And who else was there at the table?" Terry pressed, always wanting to know what witnesses were present. He was writing away in his notebook.

"Natalie and Joel. There were others, too. We had a lot of onlookers. I couldn't tell you all of them," Harry muttered as Terry questioned him about the cafeteria argument.

"Was Harper there?"

"I'm not sure. I don't usually look at people... directly," Harry admitted, as he didn't meet his eyes.

Terry hummed, "It's okay. Would you mind submitting a copy of your memory? To locate more witnesses, of course."

Harry nodded. Terry had asked for a few already, but nothing from the last twenty-four hours. Perhaps he was concerned about the Panic Potion affecting it. Memories couldn't be used at trial, anyway, as the memories could be tainted, but Aurors could use them to locate more evidence.

"I also have a statement from your warden, that you were assaulted a few days ago. Would you like to make a report now?"

"Yes," Harry said, and Terry ran him through another series of questions.

Harry appreciated that Terry was a good Auror and knew his stuff. It made it easier to talk to him. He didn't ask about what happened in the past or Draco's medical hi온라인카지노게임.

"Alright... that's all I have for now. Do you have any questions, Harry?"

Harry swallowed. "What now?"

Terry nodded, gravely. "You're technically detained by the MMMB, Harry, but you have a hearing set for today. I don't want you to worry about that, okay? You will do fine, and your friends are pushing back on the MMMB. As far as Higgs and the other mind healers, we are arresting them. Your boss has also suspended all of them, until we can determine who wasn't a part of it. There will be many trials, criminal and civil."

"I don't want to be in court, again," Harry whispered.

Terry nodded. "Perhaps you won't need to, for the criminal ones, but civil trials are more private with just a panel of judges to weigh on the issue."

Harry didn't need money. "No."

"Civil trials can punish the guilty, when they can't be criminally charged, Harry," Terry offered.

Harry met his eyes and nodded. He didn't want to think about that right now.

"I'm going to tell Ron he can come in, if you are ready?" Terry asked.

Harry nodded. Terry opened the door, leaving him alone briefly, before Ron came back in.

"How are you doing, Harry?" Ron asked, taking Terry's seat.

"Better. How was Draco?"

"Shattered. Still scared to death of me. I don't know how to convince him that I won't hurt him."

Harry sighed. "I can guess why he might feel that way. Those bastards spent years telling him that he deserved it all. He knows that he hurt you, and you could want revenge. You're in a position of power over him... and you're a guy. Not saying that a woman can't hurt him... but men are the ones who did hurt him."

Ron nodded, somberly. Then they heard loud voices from the hallway, and they looked at the door. The MMMB had arrived, and the next battle was due to start.