Rock Bottom

Chapter 2

Published: 3/30/2025

The Department of Probation and Parole was tucked away under the main Atrium down several winding paths from Wizengamot courthouses. It wasn't even on the directory. The reason was for the confidentiality of those wizards and witches on probation or parole. Draco had always agreed with that goal. Successful completion of the program was hard enough without public scrutiny.

Reporters were forbidden by law to enter their department, and Aurors and officers had a private lift straight from Level 3, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. They were not supposed to "perp walk" people through the main foyer, though Aurors tended to be pricks and did it out of spite. It only made his life more difficult, trying to soothe a malcontent and angry witch or wizard. Lucky for Potter, Kingsley had ordered all reports of his attics crushed.

Finally, he heard rustling in the hallway and then came the knock. Draco picked up the next incident report in Potter's case file, so he had something to distract his anxiety.

"Come in," he said, and two Aurors led a crazed-looking Potter in. He had a split lip that was slightly bleeding. But he immediately froze and locked eyes with him.

"Where you want 'im?" one of the burly Aurors asked.

"In the chair, please."

Potter wanted nothing to do with the chair and thrashed in their arms. It took a hot second for Draco to realize that Potter was Silenced. It wasn't exactly against transfer protocol, as long as the prisoner was under direct supervision. The Aurors had no problem manhandling him and magicking him into the chair. He wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"Bastard," the Auror said and raised his fist. Potter didn't even flinch.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Might raise some questions as to why, as of 0200 this morning, Potter was cleared by the healers... and, at 1000, he has a broken nose to heal," Draco muttered, not meeting Potter's glaring eyes and looking at the brutes over the report in his hand. It wasn't smart to physically interfere or verbally threaten the Aurors, at least directly.

The Auror, Dawlish, if he remembered correctly, snorted and lowered his fist. "Lucky the Death Eater saved you, Potter. See you tomorrow morning, bitch."

Draco sighed, but Potter spat at Dawlish's feet. Bloody heathen, Draco thought. The Aurors just laughed and walked out. Draco shut the door with a wave of his wand.

"Don't spit on my floor, again," he ordered, his eyes on his report.

Potter glared at him as though he was about to do it.

"Don't or you will not like it. Act like you're an adult, Potter."

The Chosen One glared but didn't do it, again. Draco returned to his reading. He didn't know why he had decided to try the "ignore him" strategy, but Potter did not like it at all. He clearly wanted so desperately to hurl insults and accusations at him, that Draco had no desire to give him his voice back. Instead, he plowed his way through the file, one drunk and disorderly report at a time. This was going to take forever.

Potter, scruffy, unshaven bread and all, stomped his foot loudly. Draco looked up from the report. Potter held his bound wrists from behind his back and gave him a look.

"You really think I'm going to release you after you punched out... how many of your probation officers?"

Potter sighed and then mouthed something like, "Give me my voice back."

"Why should I? You think that I want to hear you call me "Death Eater scum" like your Auror friends do?" he grunted, shaking his head.

Harry jerked his head up to glare at him.

"Sorry, former Auror friends. No, you can sit there and wait until I'm ready. It was a perfectly fine day until I got your case an hour ago. You think I wanted this, either?" Draco growled, and Potter looked away, visibly angry. "You see how big this file of yours is? It's certainly going to take me all bloody day and probably tomorrow to read. Meanwhile, the other people under my supervision, Potter, don't get the attention and counseling they need. So, yeah. Sit there and learn some self-control."

He could hear some rumbling in Potter's throat, but he just turned his attention to a witness statement of a muggle. She reported that Potter was drinking shots at a bar when two badly dressed men came up and knocked the drunk out of his hand. She said that Potter started throwing punches before they subdued him with excessive force. Draco shook his head. Williamson and Henrys. Robards' guys and brutes, like Dawlish.

Next arrest was from Dawlish, too. Violent arrest, no magic on Potter's part, just fists. Draco considered that it shows a lot about someone by how they fight. The Auror reports were full of damning comments about Potter, while the witness memories always show provocation or alright abuse of power. The Aurors were clearly harassing Potter, that was for certain. But undoubtedly, Potter was always in the wrong, too. Alcohol was forbidden under the terms of his probation, and the Aurors, jerks or not, were justified in arresting him on sight.

Draco flipped to the next arrest. Theft. Again, it was in the muggle world. That was probably how Potter's crime spree stayed under the cloak for the most part. The report said that Zacharias Smith caught Potter sneaking items under his shirt and, though it was a muggle store, he felt "it was his duty to arrest him". Draco's eyes narrowed until he read what the item was.

"Women's lingerie?" he said, aloud, and looked up over the report he was reading at his charge.

Potter looked away, blushing and shaking. He expected Draco to tease him about it as he was sure the brutes in the Auror department had done it.

"Sorry," Draco said and went back to his report. He shouldn't be shocked. He saw the clubs where Potter was arrested. He very well might be else wise-inclined or enjoyed cross-dressing for all Draco knew. And he couldn't tease him for that. It was wrong and unprofessional.

"I apologize if it seemed I was... being offensive," he said, as Potter turned his head back to look at him, confused as hell.

Draco didn't say anything else about it and kept reading, ignoring Potter's looks and attempts to get his attention. At one point, Potter kicked the leg of his desk, and his eyes locked onto him.

"Don't do that, again. Do you have any restraint?"

Potter smirked, almost playfully... or in challenge. It was very clear he did not have any restraint anymore. That would have to change. Draco went back to his reading, after he put a ward up to prevent the kick from reaching the desk. Potter tried a few times to get through it, too.

"You're a bloody child, sometimes... most of the time."

He mouthed something back, but Draco ignored him. He just continued plowing through all the probation violations: all at muggle bars... all nearly becoming bar fights... all resulting in Potter's arrest. On top of that... there were quite a few muggles needing to get their minds wiped. Potter was a menace.

An hour passed by and then another. Potter was sulking, though his eyes had thoroughly explored the walls of his office. There wasn't much stimuli in the room, but his anger and crassness had fizzled out. He was accepting his circumstances. He had leveled out to boredom.

Draco then read a particularly disturbing report of Potter in... what the Auror described as a "crack den"... under the thrall of muggle mind-altering substances. Salazar, Potter really did want to spiral. The next implied that Potter had been caught drunk in a loo with another guy. Draco noted that the Oblivators were called, and the subsequent file number was attached. He considered that information. Oblivators always pull the memory before they wipe it, for evidence reasons. He had some investigating to do.

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.

Draco was reading about an arrest six months ago, where Potter was up at Hogsmeade visiting Hagrid and Neville. Aurors confronted him in front of the two professors for Apparating without a license. That was low, and Potter didn't hesitate to attack them in response to prompting an immediate arrest. Those bastards have been after him for a long time, and they are barely hiding it. How has no one noticed? Potter's file is daunting to read, but they did switch up the arresting Auror. But London Aurors, not on official duty, tracked him to Hogsmeade and demanded to see his Apparation permit? Morons.

Potter finished his sandwich and was eyeing the last one, as Draco hadn't taken a second one. He was almost happy that Potter was eating.

"You can have it. I'm not hungry. Do you want me to make more?" Draco offered.

Potter shook his head, but he took the sandwich and a glass of water. He mouthed a "thanks".

"You're welcome."

Potter nodded and eventually went back to sulking when he was done eating. Draco made him wait another hour just to make sure. After nearly six hours of sitting in his office without speaking, Draco thought Potter was finally calm enough to try to reach him. He probably could have tried talking to him after lunch, but he wanted to let Potter's anger and bullheadedness fizzle out. Potter wanted to go home, but he wasn't about to pitch a fit to prevent it.

"So, Potter, are you ready to listen?" Draco said, quietly as he flipped over another D&D report onto the read pile. He wasn't even halfway done with the Potter's folder.

Potter looked at him, probably glad to finally get out of there. He nodded.

"Are you really?" Draco scoffed, sliding into his stern mode as he pretended to read another report. Laying down the law was different with everyone, but he needed to make Potter understand their relationship, at least how he needed him to handle it.

Potter's eyes narrowed and his anger spiked.

"Easy, Potter. If you aren't prepared to listen to what I have to say, you can spend the night in the Auror holding cells and we can do this tomorrow, too. And the next day and the next. You need my clearance to be released. So, do you want to stay the night?"

Potter sighed and shook his head. He gestured to his throat. "Let me talk," his lips said.

"No, I said listen. Cause I need you to really listen, not try to talk over me or ignore me. So, I'll ask again... are you ready to listen or do you need another night to cool off?" Draco said, pointedly.

Potter briefly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then nodded.

"This is important and I need you to understand me. I know you've gotten the Riot Act from every other probation officer and Auror in the Ministry. You've gotten Susan's nice-cop pep talk and Richard's hardline talk. Believe me, I also want to punch every time Dick opens his mouth, though, unlike you... I don't give in to that urge. I'll have you know that there was a pool on how fast that would happen."

Potter snorted and even smirked a little, but stopped as Draco continued to stare at him.

"I also know that Murphy probably said a bunch of things that could get himself fired. Berkley is a total ponce that should have retired years ago. Maybe a few of the others star-stroked you a bit, believing that they and they alone would reach you... and slowly realized that you... are as about controllable as a Blasted-Ended Skrewt. Or am I wrong, Potter? Am I wrong about any of it?"

Potter, though he clearly hated it, shook his head.

"I'm not as rigid as Richards or Walters nor as babying as your friend Susan was. I'm not an asshole like Murphy or as soft as Chandra. Because of our past... I know you'll never trust me like you do Kingsley."

Potter looked away. He was getting agitated, again.

"Potter... calm down," Draco ordered, as Potter started shaking. "Hey, come on, look at me."

He took a deep breath and met his eyes. Using a bit of Legilimency, Draco could see that Potter was shattered. He was hurting... beyond words.

Draco softened his words. "I am firm but fair, Potter. I won't lie to you, and I will try not to treat you like you're a child. But I have a job to do. A job that you won't like me for doing, but it needs to happen. I need to turn you into a law-abiding wizard... and try to help heal you from what's driving you to these things and causing you pain. Those are my only goals, Po-Harry."

Potter's eyes narrowed, and he looked away, again. His jaw was trembling. However angry and spiteful Potter was now... he was very much depressed and lonely.

"I know... this situation is less than ideal. It already sucked by you just being in the program... but add our hi온라인카지노게임..." Draco trailed off. This was painful for him, too. He owed Potter his life and freedom. He was in his debt. "I-I didn't want this to happen. I fought against it, Potter-I mean Harry. I really shouldn't be your probation officer. There's so much... crap between us."

Potter looked at him, skeptically, but nodded in agreement.

Draco shook his head. "Believe it or not, Kingsley strongarmed me into agreeing to it. And... well, now... you really need to pay attention, Potter, alright? Because... I am the last probation officer in the department. There is no one else. There are no plans to hire another officer, and none of the other probation officers will take you on, again. You ran through the whole department except me. So, do you understand that I'm your last chance?"

His charge didn't move as he processed it.

"Well, Potter? Do you? Do you understand that I am literally the only thing stopping you from going to Azkaban for months, if not years?"

Potter tightened up, and Draco could see that Kingsley was right about his fear of dementors. He was trembling. Potter, at thirteen, was dropping when he got close to them. He had to be worse now.

"Potter... Harry... I really need to make sure that you understand this. There's no one else. If I revoke your probation... there aren't any more chances. Kingsley's blackmailed and coerced every other person that could take you. The only reason I agreed to take your case was that I wouldn't let Kingsley send you to Azkaban without at least trying."

Potter lowered his head and stared at the floor, either shamed or worried.

"Of course, I'm not going to be a prick about it. I'm not... like I was at school. I really do want to help you, but if you do anything major... hurt me or someone else...bad enough. I won't have a choice. You are out of favors. You won't even get a trial. You'll go directly to prison, Potter... if the crime is bad enough. Do you understand? Nod."

The Chosen One slowly nodded.

"Thank you... now... there's something else... that you need to know," Draco started with a shaky voice that had Potter looking at him. He pulled out the two sheets that Kingsley sent him this morning before Potter arrived. "Do you remember signing this piece of paper this morning, Potter?"

He nodded carefully.

"Did you fu-freakin' read it?" he hissed, and Potter's eyebrows rose at his anger. He almost swore, too, but he didn't care. He needed to get his last point across. "Obviously, you didn't because only an idiot would sign this voluntarily!"

Potter was very confused and, thankfully, concerned.

"Were you drunk? No? You're not that lucky to get it tossed for that. I know they already treated you with a Hangover Potion. No... I'm guessing Kingsley just told you he wouldn't let you out until you signed it?" Draco sneered, and Potter slowly nodded. "Well, here. Read it now and I'll fully explain it... and the Wizengamot-issued appointment orders."

Potter took the Declaration of Incompetency and read it. He was trembling. Then Draco passed him the second parchment to read.

"If you still don't understand... the DOI, the Declaration of Incompetency, means that now you have no say, no control... in every aspect of your life. I've been appointed your guardian of your affairs: medically, financially, and legally. I have complete control over you. I can freeze your accounts at Gringotts, take away your wand, or even commit you, Potter. Do you get it? Do you understand what you signed away, because you didn't read it? You have about the same rights as a ten-year-old!"

Potter's mouth dropped and looked down at the parchment in horror. Draco could see the betrayal in his face, too. Kingsley had really broken his trust.

"I'm sorry, Potter. I would have never wished for this, because... Kingsley can't revoke this. He can't take it back. There's not even a time limit on it, so it doesn't end when you're off probation. Only the Wizengamot can lift this... Harry. Of course, I will look into it, legally speaking, Potter. But lifting this... it won't be easy."

Potter's shoulders dropped more.

"I know you aren't... incompetent, just depressed, I'd say. But until it is rescinded, I am duty-bound to take care of you... medically... financially... and legally. I have access to your accounts now, but don't worry, I'd get sent to Azkaban if I acted outside of my fiduciary responsibilities regarding your investments and properties. I'm not going to hop in and change things. This is highly invasive, but I am bound to check and make sure that everything is alright and essentially fix it. Do you understand what I have said?"

Potter just stared at the paper blankly. He didn't answer.

"If you have questions, feel free to ask me later. But I can't ignore or refuse this appointment. So, unless there's someone else you'd rather have as your guardian, I'm it. But if you do want someone else, they'd have to be certified and cleared by the Wizengamot to be a guardian."

Potter set the papers on his desk. He pointed at the door and mouthed, "Can I go?"

"Not yet," Draco said. "I need to know that you understand what authority I have, so you're not surprised."

Harry shrugged. That was probably the best he was going to get.

"Fine, last thing we need to do is revisit your probation restrictions. They are still in effect. I have to make you abide them. You need to stop drinking, partying and whatever drugs or potions you are on. You need to stop fighting the Aurors when they arrest you and stop stealing and all the other petty bullshit you've been doing."

Potter smirked.

Draco's eyes narrowed. "I know messing with your probation officer is a game for you. I can play games, too, Potter. Keep breaking the rules. You will not like where it ends up."

Harry rolled his eyes and nodded toward the door.

"I'm setting a curfew for you. Be back at your home before ten. Break it and it will go down by an hour until I put you on house arrest. I also will do home visits as well."

Potter chuckled or would have if the Silencing Charm wasn't still on him. Draco scribbled a release slip for him.

"Fine. Go. Your wand is at the Security desk. You must turn it over whenever you come here."

He gestured to his throat.

"I'm sure you can manage a nonverbal counterspell, Potter. Be back here tomorrow at eleven, alright?"

Potter nodded, stood up and walked to the door. He was definitely going to be a handful.