Healing Draco Malfoy

Chapter 67

Published: August 2nd, 2024

"Good morning, Potter," Blaise gleefully announced, and Harry opened his eyes to look up at Blaise's smug face.

Harry blinked, and it was morning. Holy Merlin... he had stayed all night. Draco was still sleeping in his arms, oblivious. They had fallen asleep together on the couch, and while Harry was happy about that, Blaise was gloating.

"Morning, Blaise," he sighed, and dropped his head back to the couch.

Blaise had a coffee cup in his hand that said, "Kiss me! I'm Italian! It's how we say hello!" He, however, said, "You know that Draco has a perfectly good room, right?" He gestured to Draco's open door.

"We didn't mean to fall asleep!" he growled, and Draco woke up.

"Whas-goin-on?" he mumbled and blinked. "Blaise?"

"And Harry!" Blaise replied, and Neville came down.

"Blaise! You didn't have to wake them!" Neville groaned and went back upstairs, muttering.

Draco sighed and turned to Harry with a smile. "Sorry. I didn't think they were coming home last night."

"We didn't, Blondie. It's eleven o'clock on a Saturday, and we come home on weekends, so you aren't wallowing in solitude."

"I don't work weekends anymore," Harry mumbled.

"Good for you... and if you had mentioned you wanted the house to yourself, I would have gladly obliged."

Draco blushed and sat up. "I'm sorry, Blaise. This is your house and...."

Blaise threw up his hands. "Hush, Draco. I wouldn't even come home, if not to make sure that you're okay. If Potter wants to spend the weekends here... I'm fine with that. It would be best if you weren't alone, is all. Mi casa es su casa, as the Spanish expression goes. I want you to be taken care of... and embarrass you whenever I can."

Draco scowled and looked at Harry, who shrugged. "Sorry... I didn't mean to fall asleep. Not that I minded. Eleven? I haven't slept that long in a long time."

Blaise nodded. "I'm surprised Granger hasn't sent out the troops for you yet."

"She's been hoping for... progress... for a while," he admitted as he sat up.

"She's one of us then, eh?" Blaise chuckled. "So... about that large comfortable bed in Draco's room...."

"Enough, Blaise!"

"Wow... that was almost the same tone you used when we were at Hogwarts," Blaise said, holding his heart reverently. "Brings back the memories."

Draco sighed. He grabbed his wand and Summoned his walker closer. He slowly got up and muttered, "Loo."

"Okay," Harry murmured, watching Draco shuffle off to his room.

"You okay, Harry? I was just joking and all. I-We, Neville and I, are totally fine with you staying."

Harry lowered his head. "I know. I just... it was so great last night. I felt so comfortable with him."

"Naturally, you fell asleep. You don't have to look ashamed. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you," Blaise whispered, looking guilty.

Harry looked up. "No... it's not that. This stuff scares me sometimes."

"I understand. It was a good step, though, Harry."

"Thanks," he mumbled.

"So... breakfast-slash-lunch?"

Harry smirked. "Sure. Let's see what you got."

Harry got up, and they made brunch for the four of them. Draco wasn't embarrassed by Blaise and Neville being there and was more annoyed that they woke him up. They chatted about work and classes while they ate and cleaned up.

"Draco... do you want me to..." Blaise trailed off, leaving it hanging.

Harry looked at them, confused as to what Blaise was offering, and Draco grimaced. "No, I'll be alright."

"You sure?"

Draco nodded and looked outside. "I'd be interested in... walking the grounds. I haven't really been outside much. I'd like to see your property."

Blaise nodded and said, "Of course. But... umm... everyone?"

"If Harry doesn't have to leave?" he said, looking at Harry.

"I don't. A walk sounds amazing, but are you sure you can handle it?"

Draco smirked and leaned in, "I'm sure you'll get me back safely," he whispered.

Harry's heart pumped harder. "'Course I will."

Blaise and Neville led the way, walking a little ahead of them and occasionally stopping to explain the boundaries or the land improvements done. Neville had planted a lot of magical plants and trees around the property. Harry thought the grounds were beautiful and idyllic. He kept looking at Draco as he took in the sights. Harry could see his eyes watering when they caught sight of the large duck pond Blaise and Neville had.

It was a clear, vibrant blue pond surrounded by green, full trees. The pond had a short, low jetty for fishing or just for jumping in. There were several groups of ducklings following their parents around. Draco maneuvered his walker down the wooden planks of the jetty and carefully shuffled to the end. Blaise and Neville announced that they were going to walk one of the trails nearby, and Harry watched them walk out of sight.

Harry followed Draco out onto the jetty. He could see beads of sweat on Draco's forehead. While it was warm, Harry also knew Draco was overextending himself.

"Why don't you sit down?" Harry said, offering his hand.

"You'll help me up?" he asked, looking around under him and seeing nothing to help him.

"Of course," he whispered. "I will always help you, Draco."

Draco smiled and handed Harry the walker, which he swung it around behind them out of the way. Harry helped him slowly drop to the deck. Draco couldn't put his feet over the edge, though. They were too long and touched the water. Harry took his shoes and socks off one at a time and let his feet drop into the water.

"Thanks," Draco whispered. "You'll have to put them back on, too."

"I think I can handle that, Draco."

Draco stared at his feet, just slightly submerged in the water. Little fish came up to investigate and swam around them. He watched the ducklings follow their parents into the water and frogs chirping in the long grass. Tears rolled down Draco's face the longer he stared at the scene. Harry sat cross-legged next to him and took his hand. Draco's watery grey eyes met his briefly before looking away and wiping his eyes.

"Hey, it's okay. I know it's overwhelming for you, and it's okay to cry."

"My father would disagree," Draco said icily, as he watched the ducks bob on the water. "I never thought I'd see... this... again. Nature... the sky... the sun...."

Draco looked up briefly before dropping his head, and Harry squeezed his hand. "It's a lot."

"Yeah."

Harry didn't know what else to say, so he removed his shoes and socks and let his feet dangle into the water, too. They sat for a long time, holding hands as the sounds of nature unfolded around them. Harry hadn't really stopped to appreciate it in a long time. The closest was Shell Cottage's beachfront... but this was different, fresh rather than salty.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you, Harry. I wouldn't be able to feel this, again."

"Draco... I...."

"I love you, Harry. I always have," Draco whispered.

Harry felt his heart beat faster. "I love you, too, Draco."

In a rush of courage, Harry leaned in, cupped Draco's chin and met his soft lips. It wasn't the first time they had kissed, but each kiss became longer and more amazing. Draco didn't pull back this time as they gripped each other's hand. It felt right, and Harry opened his mouth wider, taking more in. Draco did not break the connection. No, he reached up with his other hand to caress Harry's face, almost holding it in place.

Eventually, they came apart for air, but Harry rested his forehead against Draco's. "Wow."

Draco chuckled, as he panted for air. "Indeed, Potter. You took my breath away."

"Ha ha... funny," Harry muttered, kissing him again for good measure.

Draco's eyes were misty as he stared at him, as though unable to look away.

"Draco?"

He blinked. "Sorry, it just... hit me, again."

"What?"

"That... you're here... with me. It's... not a dream."

Harry always felt heartbroken thinking that Draco had gone this whole time alone... wanting him... wishing for him to rescue him. The journal confirmed that it had been almost a decade with Draco waiting in limbo... waiting for hope.

Harry whispered, "I'm sorry I took so long to realize it. You've been waiting for me...."

Draco laughed. "Even before the war... it was a far-fetched dream. I was still a moody bastard and hurt you time and time, again. Don't feel guilty. You didn't know... or consider it. I was a bully, your bully, in point of fact, Harry."

"Draco... you were traumatized by your father and Voldemort."

"I still took it out on you."

Harry sighed. "I kinda liked it."

Draco looked at him. "What?"

"The competition? The simplistic, easy task of handling you, compared to the gut-wrenching misery of dealing with... everything else."

Draco nodded. "Makes sense... I did it for the same reasons, though part of it was blaming you for what they did to me."

They sat there watching the ducks longer until Draco started looking tired. "Sorry, not used to being out here."

"Don't want to get sunburnt?"

"Sunburnt?" Draco asked and looked at his arm, confused. "I... forgot."

Harry grimaced at Draco's faulty memory. "It's not been too long and I can apply a protection charm."

"Please," he said, and Harry obliged.

Harry watched Draco grimace as he shifted his weight on his hands. He asked, "You want to head back?"

"Soon..." he murmured, taking in the sight. They silently watched the fish swim up to their toes and the ducks bob for food. Harry wasn't sure how long they stayed there, appreciating nature.

Draco eventually nodded, and Harry helped him get his feet out. He dried them off and put their socks and shoes back on. Draco wasn't able to get up at all, so he helped him up, and Draco was quite shaky on his legs, even with his walker.

"Want me to Apparate us back to the house? It's a long walk," he offered, concerned.

Draco stopped and considered it. "No, I'll be fine."

Harry wasn't sure that he was, but he wouldn't push Draco. He understood Draco needed to do things independently, even with the pain.

"I'm right here if you need me," he said as Draco labored up the path, pushing his walker forward.

Draco humphed. "Thanks. I know I'm being stupid about it."

"I'd never call you stupid."

"Stubborn."

Harry laughed. "I like it when you're stubborn and argumentative."

Draco looked at him. "You've said that before."

"It's true. It's your life... your choices. I don't want to take any of that away from you."

Draco smiled. "Thanks, Harry."

They slowly returned to the house, and Harry could tell Draco was hurting. His muscles looked tense, but they entered the house. Blaise and Neville were in the kitchen and looked over at them, concerned. Draco just moved toward the couch and sat down. He was trying to hide how much pain he was in. He took some deep breaths, schooling his emotions.

Blaise came over and said, "You doing okay?"

"I'm fine. Just catching my breath," Draco said, not meeting his eyes.

Blaise looked at him, dubiously. "That was a long walk, Blondie."

"I'm fine!" he snapped.

"Sure. We didn't do your morning stretches either."

Harry paled. That's what Blaise had been trying to say this morning. Draco was probably stiff from last night, especially not sleeping in a proper bed, and then they went on a long walk.

"Blaise...."

Blaise held up his hands and went upstairs. Neville followed him with a pointed look at Harry.

Harry sat next to him. "Draco... I know you're hurting. You can ask for help...."

Draco took some deep breaths. "It's manageable. Don't worry."

As if to prove he was okay, he got up and shuffled toward the kitchen on his walker. Harry could almost see his legs trembling from the effort. Harry had no doubt that if this had been two months ago, Draco might have cast a Lightening Charm. However, Draco knew Harry hated when he did. Those spells only prolonged his recovery. He got up and walked in front of Draco.

"Draco. Please... let me give you a massage," he asked.

Draco looked down the hall to the room where the massage table and all the therapy equipment were. Draco was weird about the room, like he was overly paranoid about mixing healing into their relationship again.

"I don't want...."

"It doesn't have to be in there. The couch... or..." Harry broke off, and plucked up some courage and said what Blaise had kept hinting at, "... or your bed."

Draco jerked his head up, a little... scared? Worried? "That's... I don't think it's a good idea, Harry."

"Why?" Harry pressed.

Draco hung his head and didn't answer. His knuckles were white, and the tendons on his arms were taut as though he was gripping the walker for dear life. He turned and headed to his room, and Harry followed but stopped at his doorway. Harry had been avoiding his room as though he was providing a safe retreat for Draco, who hadn't had any privacy for so long. However, Draco went to the end of the bed and sat down. Harry waited where he was for a few seconds and went in front of him, moving the walker aside.

Draco's eyes were wet. "You don't have to, Harry. I'll be fine."

"You're not fine. You're in pain."

"I'm used to it," Draco whispered. "I don't want...."

"What?"

"To hurt you... this line... it's dangerous..." he said, tears coming out. "I can't lose you."

Shards of glass pierced his heart. Draco was in pain. In pain because of him. Because Draco wanted to protect him from... being... intimate. He was afraid of scaring him off.

"You won't. I-I won't. I'm scared, too, but we... we need to do this. Get through this. I never minded touching you, Draco, unless you... minded it," Harry whispered, unable to meet Draco's eyes, but he had to know.

"I... no, Harry... I felt so...good... safe...."

Harry nodded. Draco was just worried about him. He took a deep breath and forced out the words, "I don't know what I can and can't do yet, but I know I like massaging you. I never felt... awkward doing it. I... don't feel... scared when we kiss... or hold hands... or when we slept in each other's arms on the couch. This won't hurt me. I'm sure of it... of us. I would like to do this for you if you are okay with it."

Draco was quiet for a long time, and it took Harry meeting his eyes for him to say, "Okay... I do want it. I was just... I am scared about... losing you."

"You're not going to lose me. You're not going to scare me off. I spent a whole bloody month without you, and I was a wreck. You got me, you stupid git. Now let me take care of you for once."

Draco's eyes widened, and he smirked. "You've taken care of me quite a lot."

"I'm not sure there's a point where that stops, Draco. We take care of each other. Even if one of us keeps these elaborate plans in his head without telling the other."

Draco blushed. "I am a Slytherin. It's required."

"I know, and I forgive you for you're conniving. Now... can we get on with this before it does become awkward?" Harry huffed, falling back into their old banter.

"Fine, minion. I'll concede."

Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Finally! Let's get you relaxed." He was almost jittery at the idea.

"You're way too excited for this," Draco chuckled.

"I always enjoyed helping you. Besides, I promised you that you'd be flying by next year... I wouldn't want to break that promise."

Draco nodded and admitted, "I... don't think I can get these off right now."

Harry grimaced, realizing it wasn't just the walk that wore him out. "No problem. I'll take everything off, slowly."

"Please do," Draco grunted.

It was Harry's turn to blush. "Prat."

He took Draco's shoes and socks off, again. Then he moved to his jumper, slowly lifting it over his head. Draco had an undershirt on, like the proper git that he was. Harry met his eyes and waited for a nod before taking that off, too. Holy Merlin, it had been a while since he saw Draco's chest. He knew every inch of Draco's body, more than anyone could know. He didn't keep staring, though. He met Draco's eyes again, as he gestured to his trousers.

"I have pants on," he murmured. "It's fine."

Harry slowly lifted him again to slide the slacks down and off his legs. Draco did nothing to assist or hinder him. He was content waiting for him to make whatever moves.

"I'm gonna magic you into place, okay?"

"I trust you."

Harry smiled and carefully maneuvered Draco on the right side of his bed. He didn't wait for position and took Draco's right hand. He just started kneading it out of muscles. Draco was already whimpering in relief. Months of pain, just waiting for him to decide it was time. He was furious with himself for letting it go so long. Harry worked up his arm to his shoulder. Draco groaned when Harry started on his shoulder. He was dismayed at the damage, but it wasn't permanent.

Harry switched sides, getting onto the bed and massaging his left side to his shoulder. Then he moved on to his neck and head, which Draco had tears in his eyes for as he gasped out in pain.

"Harry," he whispered, as Harry hovered above him. "Thank you."

Harry smiled and leaned in for a kiss that Draco was more than willing to give. Harry whispered, "New perks?"

"Definitely better perks... I... umm... hope you put the Silencing Wards up?"

"I did."

"Blaise will spy, if he can," he grunted.

"Peeping Tom, eh?" Harry said, checking his chest.

Draco gave him a face at his words, and said, "He's got his own plans, too. He'll be anxious to see them fulfilled."

"What? Like getting us in here?"

"Yeah... and getting you to do this. Next will be to convince me to go stay at your place."

Harry shook his head. "Too many steps. No ground floor rooms. And I don't think we'll find privacy with two excited munchkins at Ron and Hermione's."

Draco nodded. "It's his plan, not ours."

Harry kissed him, again and started back on his lungs and organs, ensuring Draco had no issues. After that, he moved on to Draco's legs, one at a time. Draco moaned in relief as Harry fixed his cramped legs. He was kicking himself for not insisting on this sooner. He should have realized that Draco was one: good at hiding pain and two: had a very high pain tolerance. Harry wanted to smack him and himself for not noticing.

When he was done, he came to his side and contemplated rolling him over. Draco's eyes were drooping, but they opened when Harry kissed him, again.

"My back?" Draco whispered, almost pleadingly.

"You want to roll on your stomach or..." Harry broke off. He knew Draco didn't like being on his stomach, having been chained like that for five years.

Draco braced his arms and carefully rolled over. "I'll be alright. It's you."

Harry carefully started on his back, and Draco nearly screamed when he realigned his back. Draco had been hunching over his walker too much, no doubt trying to take pressure off his legs. Harry apologized, but Draco just kept thanking him. His hips weren't much better, and Draco had to yelp a bit for that, too. But eventually, Harry got all the bones and muscles straightened out and healed.

Draco was still moaning in relief with each pass over his boy, and his eyes were closed by the time Harry finished. He rolled Draco back over for comfort and kissed his head, but Draco was out. He smiled at him briefly before quietly exiting the room and shutting the door.

"About time, Potter," Blaise huffed, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. His eyebrow was raised, and he had a smirk on his face.

Harry grimaced, rolled his eyes and nodded. "We were both being stupid. He's out, though."

"You know I'm not here during the week, right? He's only got the house elf taking care of him," Blaise said, pointedly.

Harry nodded, wondering why he was bringing that up.

"Not sure if he even bothers trying to stretch on his own, but he's gotten worse. His physical therapist wrote a very direct letter to me that his progression is slipping. But Draco's been too stubborn to ask for help. Are you too stubborn to offer it?"

Harry sighed. "I am stubborn... but I won't let that get in the way, again. I promise."

"Good. Let's make our guys some dinner then, okay?"

"Sure, sounds fun," Harry said, following Blaise into the kitchen.

Sorry for the wait my readers... been busy. Actully been writing a werewolf drarry fic, which took up my time! I'll try to update more regularly. Stay cool and live your life to the fullest.