Healing Draco Malfoy

Chapter 59

Published: 6/17/2023

Harry collapsed in a heap on the front lawn. Ron had kept good on his promise to make him run every day. Thank Merlin, he could heal his own muscles cause his body would have been wrecked otherwise. He rolled on his back and stared into the sky as the sun crested the horizon. He was panting, trying to get his breathing under control cause Ron always makes him sprint the last kilometer. Bastard....

"Hey, you're getting faster," Ron said, walking over to him, having beat him back easily.

"Fuck... you," Harry said between breaths.

Ron smiled. "Come on... shower and food time. You first, birthday boy."

Harry snorted, and he hadn't even remembered it was today. "You... made... me... run... on my... birthday?" he panted. His heart was finally slowing down.

Ron laughed. "It's good for you... you don't think about the bad things."

Harry sighed. Ron was right. Instead of worrying about Draco all day, he just complained about his legs and waking up early. Joel had explained that running was a great way to relieve anxiety and encouraged him to keep it up. He said that endorphins would help him feel better naturally, rather than using potions and running usually promotes healthier bodies and lifestyles.

"Yeah... I guess."

Ron sat down next to him, as he had no desire to move, even though his muscles needed to be stretched out. He was still breathing heavily, too, but not nearly as badly.

Ron nudged him. "How are you feeling? About tonight?"

Harry shrugged. "Okay, I guess. You promise that you won't leave me by myself?"

"I promise, and I'll make sure that any well-wishers are sent away if they bug you too much."

"And no speeches, right?" Harry verified again.

"Nope. Like I said, it's mainly a reunion party... it just happens to be on your birthday."

He rolled his eyes. They had been playing that line for over a week. Hermione had been so nervous when she handed him the invitation from McGonagall with his name on it. She then spent nearly an hour talking it up and said that it would be good to put the trial nonsense behind him. She'd hex anyone who tried to ask him about it.

He wouldn't commit to saying yes, at first. He had gone to a few dinners over the years with Kingsley, and had eaten over at Molly's and Aunt Andy's, but this was a ball... with dancing... in his honor. He didn't like it at all, even with their guarantees for his mental safety and security. They brought it up a few times, trying to ease his concerns, but he wouldn't say yes.

Then Hermione said, "It'll just be people you know from Hogwarts. A reunion for our class... primarily, though there will be other years there, too."

Harry met her eyes, and she smiled encouragingly. She didn't directly mention Draco, but the reunion was for their class. Draco would get one, too, right? he surmised. Harry hated that he wouldn't say no, now. He wanted to see Draco... more than worrying about his own discomfort, but it had been a slow process for him to verbally say yes. So, Ron and Joel took him out several times in the last few weeks to various shops, muggle and wizard, and restaurants.

Joel gave him tips to try to ground himself and reduce his anxiety. It was going well, and Ron and Hermione promised to watch out for him. They said they wouldn't leave his side if that's what he wanted, and he could leave anytime. They said that it was to show that Higgs, Runcorn and Bletchley hadn't made him go into hiding and, hopefully, get the papers to move on from his 온라인카지노게임, which as of yesterday, was still being brought up.

Honestly, that was what he was most concerned about. Harry had survived years of living in the shadows with small talk. Now, he wasn't sure what he would say to people, even if they didn't ask about... what had happened. Joel actually scripted out several ideas for conversation topics and made him run through them. At first, it was embarrassing to practice talking, but Harry found that it did help. Joel said that speech anxiety often has to do with fear of the unknown, and practicing his words will help alleviate much of his stuttering.

Harry could talk easier about topics he knew well, but he would lock up when the conservation turned. Joel brought up several ways to steer the conversation away from bad topics and had Harry run through those redirections several times, so Harry didn't mumble through them as badly. When he had gotten them down, Joel had Hermione and Ron practice with him. They would handle the conversation if he got too nervous. He just had to look at either one, and they would take over. They practiced that too.

Harry thanked them for being so... helpful, and it made him feel that he could get through this party without running for the door. He had managed to get through the trial after all, and he was being actively attacked there. A party shouldn't be that bad? he tried to tell himself. He could get through it, and maybe the media would cool it. Ron told him that he shouldn't give one damn about the papers, though. Harry didn't use to worry about it... but now everyone knew what had happened five years ago.

Harry hated that everyone was now gossiping about the mystery. "Who conquered the Chosen One?" was an actual headline. Fucking Rita. But Hermione took his hand and told him that she was always fighting with the media about her jobs and status from the war. Hermione said she had to fight to prove she was competent and hold her head high whenever she walked by the gossipmongers at the Ministry. Ron was often a target of cries of nepotism, too. She said that it was horrible sometimes, but they had to take the high road and not let those bastards cower him.

He could handle it, he was sure. He survived the trial, but that left the other big concern he had. What was he going to say to Draco? He never voiced that fear aloud. It plagued his thoughts ever since he finally agreed to go. He just wanted to see Draco and make sure that he was alright, though Harry had seen him in the paper. Twice, Draco had made the front page when he went to a couple of Ministry parties. There were other stories about him meeting with the Minister and rehashing of the Azkaban trials and the revelations about him during McGrath's.

Harry had looked at Draco's articles every night for the last two weeks, trying to analyze how Draco was doing. There was a whole spread about Draco on the front page as he had shown up as Hogwarts Professor Blaise Zabini's +1 at Griselda Marchbanks's 100th birthday celebration. Draco was standing in the photo, and he didn't have a wheelchair or his walker but a hooked maroon cane. His robes and hair were perfect, and Blaise, Neville and Theodore Nott were with him.

He appeared to be talking to them about some unknown topic, but occasionally his photo turned to look forward... at the camera. The Prophet was beyond astounded that Draco had returned so publicly after the revelations that he, Harry, had confirmed during McGrath's trial. Harry felt undoubtedly guilty for outing what had happened to Draco in Azkaban, even though Draco had given him permission. He hated re-reading what he had said in Court and what had been admitted into evidence.

However, in that article, there were a few paragraphs that Harry continued to agonize over every night.

When asked about his relationship with Harry Potter, Mr. Malfoy is quoted as saying, 'I owe my health and well-being to Healer Potter. Through his skill and kindness, I was able to recover from my injuries. He did a tremendous favor for me when he testified at the Wizengamot.' Mr. Malfoy also confirmed that he left Healer Potter's service, adding that he was moved to in-home care. Mr. Malfoy refused to discuss Azkaban or the infamous Azkaban Trials but stated that his solicitors were handling things.

Rumors are also circulating that the Ministry failed to ensure proper guardianship of the Malfoy estate after the death of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, of which Mr. Malfoy is the only remaining heir. The Prophet confirmed that several former Ministry employees have warrants out for their arrest for misappropriation of funds and property belonging to the Malfoy family. As a result, the new head of the Malfoy family has two significant suits pending against the Ministry, which have brought the young Malfoy heir back into the social graces of the most influential members of the Wizengamot and Ministry.

Indeed, Draco Malfoy has returned to the public eye with a bang after being nearly forgotten and lost to Azkaban. Many members of the Court greeted and spoke with Mr. Malfoy during Madam Marchbank's 100th birthday party. While Mr. Malfoy refuses to discuss his six-year sentence, the Azkaban atrocities are still fresh on everyone's mind. Amazingly, it appears that Mr. Malfoy has recovered from the daily instances of assault and torture. When asked about his health, he merely commented that he was still on the mend and was getting his life back in order.

Harry just keep re-reading these sections. He wanted to know if Draco was really recovering. There was nothing about his physical condition. Draco's photographic self only showed a few images of him and not how he was walking or handling pain. There was another article when Draco went to some benefit and donated a bunch of galleons. He had been sitting in that photo at a table with the Minister and the Chief Warlock. Harry had no idea how Draco could handle speaking to people that, only two months ago, he had been entirely unwilling to face them.

It was why Harry agreed to go to the stupid reunion/birthday party. He needed to know.

"Harry? You fall asleep?" Ron asked, interrupting his thoughts. They were still lying on the ground.

"No. Just thinking. There won't be any presents, right?" he asked, unable to think about being in the limelight.

"No... well... there anyway. The kids have presents for you, as well as one from me and 'Mione."

"That's fine. I just don't want... to be... looked at," Harry muttered, embarrassed by his anxiety.

Ron nodded and turned his head to look at him. "I understand. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Gosh... remember when I first joined the quidditch team at school? I had such bad performance anxiety. It's a natural fear for everyone, not just you."

Harry sat up and nodded. He looked at the sun, now fully crested in the east. "Do... you... think he'll be there?"

Ron smiled, extended his arms and put his hands behind his head. "Yes."

Harry wanted to say that that was the only reason he was going, but he felt Ron knew that. He went quiet for a few minutes.

"Do-Do you think I'm being... stupid?" he asked self-consciously. He knew Ron understood what he meant.

Ron sat up. "No, Harry. I think you are trying to find happiness, and that is the least stupidest thing to do."

Harry gave him a smile, and Ron returned it before getting to his feet. He held out his hand, and Harry took it, standing up, too. They walked back into the house, where Hugo and Rose greeted him with a plate of pancakes that had "Happy Birthday!" on them in syrup. Hermione must have helped them write it.

"Happy Birthday!" they shouted eagerly.

"Aww, thanks, kids!"

"Come eat, Unca' Arry!" Hugo said, pulling him to the table.

"I guess I shower first," Ron joked and kissed his kids on the head and his wife on the lips before heading to the washroom.

"Can we open presents?" Hugo asked.

"Hugo! I said after breakfast. Eat! Sorry, Harry, I tried to keep them in bed, but they really wanted to make breakfast for you."

"It's yummy, thank you," Harry praised after taking a bite.

"I made the batter!" Rose announced.

"I helped!" Hugo countered.

"They're wonderful. You both did great!" Harry said and dug in.

After his last bite, Hugo grabbed his hand and pulled him into the den, with Hermione chastising him. Rose was right behind them, and she grabbed the wrapped box and handed it to him.

"Happy birthday!"

"Thank you!" Harry said as Ron came from his room, dressed.

"Present time?"

Harry opened it and exclaimed, "Wow! A Dragons and Wizards expansion pack! More adventures to play with you!"

"Can we play now?" Rose asked excitedly.

Harry looked at Hermione before saying they could after he showered, and they all got dressed. They played the new game for hours until lunch, when Hermione stopped them. They ate outside, and after lunch, they played hide and seek until Grandmum Molly came to take them to her house. The kids complained that they had to quit, but Molly promised them apple tarts for dessert. They hugged Harry and their parents before flooing away.

"Here's our present, Harry," Hermione said after they left.

"Thanks," he said, dropping on the couch and opening it.

"I thought you'd need a new pair of dress robes... for tonight," she said.

They were exquisite black suede robes with green trim. He smiled. "Thank you."

"You still want to go?" she asked, and he nodded. Hermione gripped his hand and said, "I am proud of you, Harry. I always am and always was."

His eyes watered, and he whispered a thanks. Hermione sent him off to change while she and Ron got ready. Her hair was in a fancy updo, and she wore lovely bright blue dress robes. Ron's were dark blue. Hermione put Sleekeazy's in Ron's hair and then tracked down Harry to do his. He grimaced as Hermione attacked his crazy hair, but it looked ten times better when she was done.

"Thanks!" he said, looking into the loo mirror.

"No problem. You look daring now," she said, straightening his robes for him. Then she kissed his forehead without thinking. "Ha... sorry, Harry."

He smiled and looked down. "It's okay. I've been like one of your kids these past few weeks. I'm not naïve enough not to notice that. Thank you... for taking care of me... for taking me in."

"You've always been there for me, Harry, ever since you and Ron knocked out that troll. You guys were my only friends then... you were my first friends. I was also bullied mercilessly in muggle schools, so I felt I connected with you. You'll always be my brother."

He hugged her and whispered, "You're my family."

Tears were in both their eyes, and Hermione had to clean her makeup again. "Alright, no more crying. Let's go. Just remember, we'll be right there."

Harry nodded and took her hand as she took Ron's. They Apparated outside of Hogwarts gates, and the threstal-drawn carriages were ready to take them to the main entrance. Thankfully, no one spotted them as they got in a carriage. He took a Calming Draught that Joel had left him as his hands were trembling tremendously.

"Calm down, mate. We'll be right there with you," Ron said as the carriage stopped at the Entrance Hall. "Keep a straight face, 'kay?"

"Yeah... sure..." he mumbled as they climbed out.

The ambient noise died down almost immediately when they got out as other arriving guests had spotted him. Thankfully, there were no cameras clicking away as McGonagall had banned reporters from campus... or at least official ones. Ron and Hermione were staunchly at his side as they entered the Front Hall. Harry looked at the grand marble staircase almost nostalgically. He was an entirely different person when he was last here. Ron squeezed his hand discreetly, and they turned into the Great Hall.

He blinked as the grand hall had been decked out for the occasion. White and gold drapes were eloquently hung from the walls and ceiling. The torches were low, a vibrant ambiance, and there was a band playing on a platform where the Head table used to be. The traditional four long tables were replaced by large circular ten-person tables covered in silver tablecloths. Hogwarts had broken out the gold plates and crystal goblets for the party. It reminded him so much of the Yule Ball ten years ago.

Ron and Hermione lead him to an empty table where the Gryffindor table used to be. Instead of menus, buffet tables were set up across the room, and people were already grabbing their dinner and claiming seats. Harry wasn't remotely interested in eating as many people, many former classmates, had gathered around the food tables. He took deep breaths like Joel taught him as he assessed his surroundings for threats.

Several people were craning to look at him. Others stole glances and then whispered to the person next to them. Harry recognized maybe half of them. His classmates had brought their partners and friends with them. He was handling it so far, but his eyes kept searching... for him.

"How are you doing, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Okay, I guess. I don't want to... go into the crowd," he admitted.

Ron nodded. "I could get you something?"

Harry shook his head. "I'm not hungry."

Hermione was about to argue when Luna showed up holding two plates. "Happy birthday, Harry!"

Harry swallowed hard and nodded, "Yeah... um... thanks."

"Here, I picked out your favorites," she said and sat down at their table uninvited. She slid the plate across, and it did look appetizing. "Eat, you'll feel better."

He slowly pulled it in front of him and nodded. "Thanks for... before."

"Of course, Harry. It was wonderful to see you. I must say you look a lot better. Is your time off helping?" she said like she knew all about it.

Harry nodded. Joel's practice conservations didn't apply here, but he went for it. "I'm doing well."

Luna smiled at him. "Everything is going to be fine, Harry. Take deep breaths and believe it will work out. Now, eat."

Harry took a bite of a braised hen, and it was delicious. Luna then started talking to Hermione about her job, and Ron said that he'd get plates for them after Harry nodded that he was fine. He could manage it as long as either Ron or Hermione was there. Thankfully, Luna spoke mainly to Hermione, and Harry had to agree with whatever she said. He was still searching for Draco. He hadn't seen Neville or Blaise yet, either.

"He's not here yet," Luna announced suddenly.

Harry met her eyes. "What?"

"Draco? He won't be here until after dinner ends," she said, meeting his eyes.

"Have you seen him?" he asked, wondering how she knew.

She shook her head. "No, I want to, though. Did you know that Draco visited me often when they captured me? He healed my injuries from the Snatchers and made sure that the house elves fed me. He really is a softie, you know?"

Harry nodded. He did know that part.

Ron returned and handed a plate to Hermione but sat on his other side, ever protective. He nudged Harry to continue eating, and he slowly did. Ron asked Luna about her classes, which she gave her usual not-answers. Harry smiled as some things never change. But eventually, someone else decided to cross the divide and approach their table... Zach.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Smith said, and Ron was instantly alert.

Harry swore that Ron's wand was at the ready, as he had no idea what had happened with Zach's Grandmum.

"Thanks, Zach. How's your grandmother doing?"

"Very well, thank you," he said, nodding politely. "Joel has seen her since you've been on leave. Is everything going alright? Do you need any help at the hospital? My aunt said that they promoted Susan over you."

Harry shook his head. "No, Susan's been... considerate... about everything. I had no desire for management."

Zach nodded. "Okay, please let me know if there's anything I can do."

"Thanks, Zach," he said.

Zach nodded and went to a table where Susan and Hannah and a few younger Hufflepuffs were. Susan and Hannah waved at him as well, and he smiled in acknowledgment.

"Was Zach... polite?" Ron said, confused.

"Apparently, he grew up," Hermione joked.

"I helped his grandmother," Harry explained.

"I gathered, but he has spurred more visitors," Hermione pointed out, as Seamus and Dean were next to visit and offer their praise, albeit more awkwardly than Smith at first.

"Hey, Harry, how ya b-I mean... happy birthday!" Dean said after Seamus nudged him.

Harry smiled weakly. "Thanks, guys. How have you been?"

"Good... we're going to 'Merica on a two-week Auror exchange program. Maybe we'll impress the Yanks so much that they'll knight us."

Hermione gave him a look. "They don't do that, Seamus."

"I know," he laughed and uninvitedly took seats next to Ron. They started chatting about a case involving a bewitched muggle car that was tormenting Hogsmeade. Harry had a feeling that they had just become part of his bodyguard detail.

Parvati and Padma stopped by to say hi, as well as Terry, who wished him well. Harry nearly broke Hermione's hand when he came to the table, worried that he'd bring up the Higgs incident. Terry was polite and wasn't that dense. He said he was meeting Mike and his wife and wished him a good birthday. He left without Harry going into a panic attack.

"Harry!" a voice cried loudly, and Harry braced himself, but it was only Ginny as she shoved her way through the crowd. "Oh, my Merlin! You actually came! I can't believe it!"

"Gin!" Ron growled disapprovingly.

"Shut up, Ron, before your nose starts growing bats," Ginny huffed, coming around the table to hug him. Harry returned it.

Angelina was behind her and laughed, "Hiya, Harry! Happy birthday!"

"I... umm... thanks," he said, looking down. He had seen Angelina several times over the years at the Weasley's holiday party. He wasn't especially good at joking with the former captain there, either.

"It's wonderful to see you, Harry," she said. "I hope you don't mind that Ginny and I are going to sit with Katie and Alicia.

"No, it's fine. Please enjoy the party. I'm not much of a conversationalist."

Angelina laughed. "You never were, Harry. Unless you and Ron were complaining about Malfoy. Gin says that you guys are friends, now?"

Harry nodded slowly in acknowledgment as he realized that the whole table was instantly alert. There were even a few gawkers from the next one over, looking and trying to eavesdrop as well.

"Yeah, I guess," he mumbled, but then remembered Joel's practice exercises. They knew Draco was going to be brought up. "Draco was my patient, and it seemed silly to continue our childhood antics," he said more firmly.

Ron smiled at him as they had to practice that one a few times, but Angelina nodded, "That's good to hear."

"Maybe we'll stop by later, Harry," Gin said and hugged him again. As she did, she whispered in his ear, "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Gin," he said, letting go.

She left, and he sat back down. More well-wishers made appearances, and he ran through his script fine. Nat and Dennis stopped by briefly, followed by Joel and Harper.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Joel said. "Sorry, your present is in your office. Harper and I arranged something for you."

"Thanks, I didn't know that you were coming," Harry said, surprised.

"I wouldn't miss it, and Harper was kind enough to invite me... last night," Joel laughed, and Harper just nodded, looking intimidated to be in the company of people he didn't know well.

Harry looked at Joel, confused. "As a date?"

Harper shook his head, and Joel said, "As a friend, Harry. Still not gay."

Ron's eyebrows raised, and he looked at Harper, who shrugged, "I don't have friends."

Harry knew that he had been a little lonely since the war. "Yeah, you do, Harper. I'm glad you came. Do you guys want to sit?"

"No," Joel answered. "We're going to get some food and find a seat."

Harry's eyebrows furrowed, but they headed over to the buffet table. "That seemed strange."

Ron shrugged. "Want more food? They'll be putting out dessert soon."

He had already cleared his plate. Harry shook his head and noticed that they were opening the dance floor. The main band, Simmering Cauldrons, was set up. He knew he couldn't stay at his table the whole night, as much as he wanted. He wanted to show everyone that he wasn't broken. He nodded to Ron and Hermione, and they left their table and mingled with the crowd as people got up to dance and grab dessert.

He found Professor McGonagall, who was glad he was there and facing his fears. Harry got a little misty-eyed when she patted his shoulder and wished him a "Happy Birthday". She said that she would leave the celebrations to the young and left to her chambers. The other professors also stopped by to see him as Harry, flanked by Ron and Hermione, posted at the side of the dance floor.

Things were going fine until Lavender came over with a guy Harry didn't know. Harry felt Ron stiffen next to him and eyed her with caution. She had potion-drugged Ron against his will. It was so similar to his own trauma that he couldn't easily write it off as child-like nonsense. She was nearly an adult then, and though she had almost died in the battle, it didn't sway him from his dislike.

"Hi, Harry! Hi Ron!" she squeaked.

"Bye, Lavender," Hermione spat.

Lavender looked shocked, and Harry and Ron smiled at Hermione. Harry wondered if Hermione knew about the love potion.

"I-What?"

"I was so nice to see you, Lav-Lav, but bye," she responded, and Lavender stormed off.

"Mione?" Ron said.

"She's lucky I didn't hex her," Hermione huffed.

Harry smiled and felt a bit proud of her. He returned to assessing threats as other people passed by on the way to the dance floor. When he saw people's heads turning, he looked at the entrance to the Great Hall and saw them. Draco had finally arrived.

Sigh... finally! Sorry, all. I was at AT and in the land of limited signal, where everyone was trying to steal what little we had. Also, there was a forest fire...but I didn't die.

It was long and boring, but I just read Percy Jackson series for funsies. And wrote a bit, too. I was going to make this a super long chapter, but... it was getting too long. Hopefully, I'll finish it soon.