Healing Draco Malfoy

Chapter 66

Published: March 28, 2024

The ward almost felt alien to him. So did his robes, but Harry straightened them out and stepped out of his office into the hallway, bracing himself for the first interaction.

"Harry!" Natalie said, smiling as she saw him. "It's so wonderful to see you."

He gave a small smile, unsure if his absence had hurt her. He hadn't even owled. "Thanks. I'm sorry I was gone so long. How was... um... everything?"

"No worries, Harry. I had some vacation time to use as well. I also had a mountain of paperwork to organize and programs and policies to write being head warden, so it was a nice break."

"Oh... right... is everything going alright with the board?" he asked, uncertainly.

"Of course! And thank you... for asking for this role. It's already setting new standards and decreasing the separation between healers and wardens."

Harry was happy to hear that. "It was nothing. You do more work than I do, and there's no reason why wardens should be treated so badly."

Natalie smiled. "Thanks, Harry. Are you sure you're ready for patients today? I did make a few appointments, and others are on standby if you're doing okay. Susan said not to overwork you."

Harry had owled his new supervisor to let her know that he was coming back. Susan must have let Nat know. "Let me do a few, and we'll see," he said, feeling guilty. He hadn't thought of Harper either. "Is... Harper still here? I didn't even think about where he went."

"He's been helping out Joel. He's still assigned to you, though, and does come up to organize your mail and appointments. He said that he'll be here soon if you still wanted his assistance."

"Of course, I do, unless Joel needs him for something?"

"No," a voice said from behind him. Harry turned and Harper was there. "I'm back on your service, Heal-I mean-Harry."

"Hey, Harper. I'm really sorry I was gone so long... after all, I said that I'd...."

"Harry, don't. Joel has been looking out for me, and he needed my help handling the Mind Healing old ward. The patients knew me, and it helped Joel a lot. But they are used to him, now."

Harry tilted his head. "Then... they cleared you? The inquiry?"

Harper nodded. "They did, thanks. But since you're back... I came back here. Healer Bones said to ensure your needs are taken care of."

His anger flared up, and he snapped, "I'm not an invalid. I have taken care of myself for my whole life."

Harper paled and backed off. "I'm sorry... she just...."

"Calm down, Harper. Harry gets grumpy when people take care of him. Just stare him down, and he'll calm down," Natalie said from her desk.

Harry glared at her. "Excuse me?"

"I have missed snippy-you, but Harper isn't used to your many mood swings. Be a dear and don't frighten him, again. He's made so much progress."

Harry gave her a look. "What? I don't have mood swings!"

Natalie looked at him pointedly and smirked. "I have been your warden for years. Do you really want me to prove my point?"

Harry's jaw dropped. Nat had certainly got more confidence, not that she was timid before. He closed his mouth and vented. I'm not moody, he told himself. He didn't want to try her, but he met her eyes and wondered if she was right.

Nat gave him a look. "Think of the long-long-ago, in the before time... before Draco graced our ward? When people would dump patients on you... or a healer came into your ward for no reason? You were-are very testy with people, who aren't your patients anyway. Do you know how many times I have called Security for you? More than everyone in the hospital combined. You might want to be friendlier. New era of interdepartmental cooperation and all."

Harry grimaced. Maybe he still had anger issues. "Point. Sorry, Harper. But stop with the kid gloves. I just had two months off. I'm emotionally content."

Natalie laughed. "I bet. How is Draco?"

Harry was about to say he couldn't talk about him, but he realized that Draco wasn't his patient anymore. Other than Draco's wishes, there was nothing saying that said he couldn't talk about him.

"Harry?" Nat asked, concerned, and Harper looked curiously at him, too.

"Sorry... I just realized that I can talk about him," he said and smiled.

"Oh boy... you got it bad," Nat laughed. "Don't worry. We can talk all about your dates and conversations when you're ready."

Harry looked at her, horrified. "No, I can't!"

She rolled her eyes. "You just said...."

"That doesn't mean I will!"

Harper burst out laughing. "Don't worry, Harry. Draco will talk about you to his mates, but if you don't want to... it's okay. Nat was just offering."

Harry sighed and looked at her. "It's... new... different."

"And you're scared, right?" she guessed.

"I'm an emotionally disturbed, apparently moody, head case with confidence issues."

"Well, at least you admit it," she laughed.

He snorted.

"Hey, come on. Draco knew all of that. You know he's head over heels for ya, right? Calm down."

Harry took a deep breath. "I do. It's weird being back. I haven't read... I've been too scared to ask... what were the headlines?"

Nat smiled. "Not too bad. 'Fairy Tale Romance' was one, and quite a few speculated about your and his preferences. Your mate Ginny was hounded for a while, asking if she was your 'beard.'"

Harry gave her a look. "What does that mean?"

"Oh, Harry, you're hopeless sometimes. It means someone who pretends to go out with you, to cover for the fact that you are... well... not straight," she said, gently.

Harry thought about it. "She wasn't."

"I understand."

"Anything bad... here?" he asked, unsure if he was walking into an inquiry board.

"Nothing that I have heard. It was only a dance... not... well... confirmation," Nat said.

"We're boyfriends, now," Harry said and felt subconscious about Natalie and Harper's reaction.

"Congrats, Harry!" she said, and Harper gave him a big smile. "I'm glad you... took that step."

Harry nodded. "It's... hard to explain... how I feel about him."

"If you want to talk about it... we are here for you," she said.

Harper nodded and said, "We are, and Joel is, too. We'll give you space, if that's what you need."

"Thanks. It's new... well... newish. We had lunch every day for the last month... and talked... and I... really like him," he admitted, staring at the floor, blushing.

"Of course you do, Harry! I'm really happy for you."

"It's been... so wonderful. I wasn't sure I was going to come back. Draco said that we could retire... but..." he looked down the hall. He didn't feel as safe here as he used to, but it was coming back. "...I miss here, too. I miss helping people get better."

"That makes sense. I'm glad you came back, and I'm proud of you, Harry."

He blushed. Though Nat was younger and a warden, she was also more mature than he was. He mumbled a thank you.

"Well, I got your first case: Vanished leg muscle that didn't properly reform. Spell damage couldn't fix it."

Harry sighed. "They're too lazy. Alright... let's go."

Harper dutifully followed, and they went through all of his appointments, calling a few more that were on standby. He saw nine in the first part of the day, but he stopped promptly for his two o'clock lunch and sent Harper off. He went to the jump point and Apparated to Blaise's house at 1:59. Draco opened the front door for him.

"Harry! How was your first day?"

"Good... it was good," he said, leaning in closer for a kiss.

Draco was all too willing to oblige. It was a quick peck, but Harry still blushed every time. Draco did, too, but he also grinned happily.

"Do you want to stay here... or...?"

"Let's go to the café. We can have dinner here. Blaise said that he and Neville need to stay for the welcome fest. He offered me his kitchen... tonight," Harry said, nervously. He really hadn't cooked for anyone in a long time. He had stopped inviting Ron and Hermione over when Grimmauld Place got so messy.

Draco looked at him. "You're making me dinner?"

"Unless... you want to go out?"

"No! No... it sounds lovely, Harry," Draco said, and then they left for lunch.

Slater greeted them by name and brought ready-made sandwiches and turnovers to them. Draco told Harry about how his exercises were going and that he had made it to 250 meters on the muggle machine, whatever that meant. Harry laughed and congratulated him. Harry filled him in on his first appointments and how Harper and Natalie were pleased to have him back. Harry was just happy that he could see Draco at lunch, though it was shorter.

"We have tonight, Harry... and the next," Draco reassured him. At 2:55, they paid and left. Harry took Draco home and gifted him with another kiss, though a little longer, before Apparating back to St. Mungo's.

Harry returned to his ward, smiling, knowing that it would work. Their time was a little rushed... but they had tonight, too.

"Wow... is that a... smile?"

Harry looked up, broken from his thoughts and saw Joel standing at Nat's empty desk. "Joel!"

"It is a smile... I can guess where you've been," he taunted.

Harry came closer and was uncertain how to greet him, but after an internal dilemma, he opened up his arms and allowed for a hug. Joel seemed surprised but happily accepted it.

"Thank you for everything, Joel," Harry said into Joel's ear before he let go.

"It was nothing, Harry. Though I'm very pleased that you're... getting more... open?"

"Less touch aversion, you mean?" Harry added, dryly.

Joel nodded. "I hope it's also working out for you and Draco."

Harry sighed and shrugged. "We're getting there... slowly."

"Just take your time, Harry. There's no rushing comfort," Joel said.

"Says you," Harry snorted.

Harper appeared and stopped when he spotted Joel was there. "I can tell your 2:15 there's a delay, if you want?" he offered.

"Thank you, Harper. It shouldn't be too long," Harry said, and Harper went down the hall. Harry turned back to Joel, who watched Harper leave. "You doing okay, Joel?"

"Yeah, everything's been coming along in my ward. We have a new communal space that the patients are very happy about, and there are more improvements coming. Sorry, I wasn't here earlier. I didn't want to overwhelm you this morning. Everything's alright, though? Being back here?" he asked.

"Yeah... it is. I do want to be with Draco... but it's... nice being back here. I like helping people, if you know what I mean?"

"I do. I enjoy bringing even a little relief to my patients."

"They're doing alright with you?" Harry asked.

"Yes. Harper was great helping with the transition when he came off suspension," Joel said with a smile.

Harry blinked, as though he wasn't sure he saw something, but he didn't remark on it. "Draco's... been going to someone else."

Joel looked at him, sharply. "I see."

Harry added, "For mind healing, I mean."

Joel laughed. "I kinda figured that's what you meant. Draco doesn't talk about it, does he?"

"No."

"He doesn't talk about it because you don't talk about it. You can ask how he is doing, Harry. You should."

"I still don't want mind healing, Joel," he said, irritated.

"That doesn't mean you can't talk about it. Draco wouldn't force you into doing anything that you don't want to do, you know that."

Harry wasn't sure what he meant by that. "You won't do that, will you?"

Joel sighed. "Of course not, Harry. I respect your wishes, but... would you be willing to have... sessions again? Not mind healing, just talking?"

"I don't want to stay here longer."

"Harry... we can do it during work, if you want. I'm sure Susan won't mind. How about at one on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?"

Harry looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why'd you say one?"

Joel smirked but sighed, "Well... you told Harper that you'd be taking your lunches at 2. I can make logical deductions, especially when you leave property to go eat lunch."

Harry grimaced, feeling slightly betrayed. "Harper told you?"

Joel straightened up. "No... I didn't mean it like that. He was... letting me know... when...."

"When I'd be eating lunch... and by deduction with who?" Harry finished pointedly, turning to leave. His friends were already gossiping about him and Draco.

"No, Harry, wait," Joel called to him and he stopped. "He was telling me when he'd be eating lunch. I made the deduction."

Harry gave him a look. "Still...."

"Harry... he... told me what time we could meet for lunch. I swear we did not talk about you other than if you're doing okay. Please don't be mad at him."

Harry quirked his head, unsure if he understood what Joel was saying correctly. He didn't press him on his thoughts, though. "I'm not mad, okay? It just sounded... well... it's fine. You guys can talk about me... between you, Harper and Nat. You can talk to Draco, too. I just was surprised, is all, but I understand the reason why now."

Joel gave a small smile. "I will always keep your confidence, Harry."

"I know. I just was caught off guard. Sorry."

"No worries. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Harry nodded and went to exam room 1. He couldn't help but glance at the open door of room 3, Draco's old room. He took a deep breath and pressed on to one. Harper was inside, taking notes and talking to the patient. Harry walked in and felt the sense of familiarity return. He was a healer, and he knew that he could do this. He went through five more patients before Harper said that was all that was scheduled today. Harry cast a Tempus charm, and it was just after four.

Harper said he would file the reports, and Harry checked in with Nat at her desk. "So, anything else come up?"

"Not exactly. We kept it a bit light for you today."

"Thanks, everything went well. I do appreciate all your support, Nat."

"Anything for you, Harry," she said, but then added, awkwardly, "But Susan... she asked... requested that you see her... when you're ready."

Harry expected that. He said goodbye to her and Harper and went to Susan's office. No one was near her door, so he knocked softly on it.

"Come in!" she called.

Harry entered, and Susan straightened up and smiled.

"Harry, please come in and sit, if you have time."

He nodded and sat down. He couldn't meet her eyes. He wasn't sure that this wasn't a scolding. "I'm... sorry I was out so long. I needed a break... after everything."

"Harry... no. Don't apologize. You needed that time off, and you had accrued a huge amount of leave. I just wanted to make sure that you didn't need more time or if there is anything I can do for you."

Harry hesitantly raised his eyes. She looked sincere. "I think I'm doing well enough to come back, and it's been okay, so far... with the patients."

"Are you sure? You seem... nervous."

"I usually am," he chuckled, darkly.

"I'm on your side, Harry. I really am."

Harry nodded, but it was time to pull the pin. "I've... I've been seeing Draco."

Susan leaned forward. "I had wondered... after the ball. How... how long have you and him...?"

"Since the ball. I asked him out to lunch after, and... well, we've been seeing each other every day since."

"Just since... the ball?" Susan asked dubiously, and Harry nodded. "You two have been pretty close since Draco came here."

"We kept it professional. We didn't... do anything against the healer-patient rules," he spoke carefully.

Susan stared at him for a few minutes. "I believe you, but... WWR might... I don't know, Harry. There are rules for a reason, but I'm sure you didn't do anything untoward. Draco seems to know his own mind. But they might have questions about... it."

Harry nodded. "I'd rather... get it out of the way sooner rather than later. If I have to leave... I want it over now."

"I don't think that they'll make you leave, Harry. Remember... you have tenure. The whole board would have to vote to remove you."

"The MMMB might have an opinion on it, though," he said, quietly.

She hmphed. "They wouldn't dare. Not after what happened the last time they got involved."

"It's their job to investigate... things," he whispered, tears coming out.

"It will be very quiet, Harry. They just need to ensure that the patient... Draco... is of sound mind to be in this relationship. It's not a crime to go out with a patient or former patient. Please calm down."

Harry wiped his eyes. "I won't leave Draco. I need him... his support. If I have to leave, I will."

"You won't have to leave. I'm sure of it, and if it comes to the review board, I'll have your back."

"Thanks, Susan."

"Go on home, Harry, spend time with Draco and don't worry about this."

Harry felt a little better, if not mollified. He bid her goodbye and headed to the Apparation point. He didn't even stop at Hermione and Ron's place. They knew he was going to make dinner for Draco, and he needed to see Draco, now. He knocked on the door, unsure, but then opened it. Draco was already up and walking, or rather, rolling toward him with his walker.

"Harry," he said and hugged him. "Welcome home... err... well to... Blaise's home."

Harry laughed and didn't immediately let go of Draco. "That's how I feel when I go... home. Do... do you think you'd... that we'd... maybe one day...."

Draco seemed to hold his breath. "Yes?"

Harry was going to have to say it. "...that... you'd want to live... with me?"

Draco held him tightly. "I would love to, Harry. When we're ready, of course. There's no pressure that it has to be soon."

Harry nodded and let go to look at Draco. "One day...."

"....when we both are ready."

Harry felt the need to wrap his arms around him again.