Healing Draco Malfoy

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Published: 7/21/2021

Harry took some deep breaths. Hermione was in his office. Gosh, he needed to get his anxiety under control. He opened the door, and Joel and Hermione were talking. Joel had taken over his desk with his exam prep books, and they were talking about his boards.

"There you are," Hermione said, looking at him.

"You just missed Ginny," he said, giving Joel a worried look. Joel arched an eyebrow and stood up, as though ready to intercede for him.

"Oh?" Hermione asked, looking at him strangely.

"Nothing serious. Just a bludger."

She nodded. "Her team has been going strong. They're the favorites for the championship."

Harry nodded and looked at the floor. Regardless of how much Draco reassured him, he couldn't help but be nervous. Seeing Draco catatonic for weeks had hurt him a lot.

"Well, can we go in?" she prompted.

"Just... be careful, okay?" he whispered.

"I will, Harry," she vowed. "I'll be as kind and compassionate as I am with you, okay?"

Harry took a few more deep breaths before Joel piped up. "Why don't I come with you?"

"Will you?" Harry asked, relieved, and Hermione gave him a look.

She nodded. "I don't mind, but I'm not going to be interrogating him, Harry."

Joel, thankfully, spoke for him, "Draco doesn't usually talk to people, and Harry's worried you might overtax him."

Hermione gave Joel a look and then looked at Harry, expectantly. He motioned for her to follow and went out the door. He poked his head into Draco's room to see if he was ready. Draco stared at him and nodded.

"Okay," Draco said, quietly.

Harry pushed open the door, and Hermione and Joel entered. He closed and locked the door.

"Hello, Draco. It's nice to see you, again," Hermione said pleasantly.

Harry turned to see his reaction, still wondering how much of the old Draco was left in him. He took his seat on his rollie stool, and Joel leaned against the wall behind them, unobtrusively.

"Recovering. You don't have to call me by my first name. I thoroughly deserve a little discourtesy," Draco responded, not meeting her eyes.

"Harry says your name all the time. I will accept any friends he has."

"Still, I called you horrible names and was nothing but a prick. I do apologize for my bad behavior."

Hermione's eyebrows raised. "Thank you, Draco. But you need not mention it anymore. It was a long time ago. And I'd be honored if you called me Hermione."

Draco's eyebrows rose this time, and he looked at her, directly. "I'll see what I can do, Hermione. Granger just sounds better. Nice rolling r sound."

Harry was surprised when Hermione laughed and said, "Yes, well, don't be surprised if my husband still calls you Malfoy."

"Right... you married. I guess I have to call you Weasley, now."

"I kept my name. I do enjoy the nice r sound," she said lightly, and Harry was almost surprised at how well that they were getting along.

Draco smirked and nodded. "What can I help you with, Madam Granger-Weasley?"

She sighed. "I want you to know that we are working hard to convict everyone at Azkaban, in or out, that knew about... what was happening. I'm so sorry that this happened to you."