Yes, Draco speaks! Hahahahaha! I love this fic. Oh, and people, you still have a vote. If you don't want Ron/Draco slash say now and I can write two portrayals when it gets to that part. It's not like I'm going to get heavy on it or anything, so it'll just be some different wording. But it's going slashy at some point in the future-not for a long while. But at some point. You have been forewarned.
The Other Way
It was evening when Ruth came into the room. She frowned when she saw us both on the bed, Draco asleep. I detangled myself slowly so as not to wake him and followed her out
"It wasn't what it looked like." I smiled at her expression. "We had a stressful talk this afternoon."
"Yes, well-Oh!" she pulled out the Daily Prophet. "There's an article about Harry Potters incarnation in the Psychiatric ward." She handed it to me.
I opened it and read it quickly. "I knew this would happen. Well, no one's told them why he's there yet. So we're ok for the moment."
"For the moment. But people will wonder. We'll have to prepare a statement. This couldn't have come at a worse time. They'll be hounding at our doors." She sighed.
"Draco isn't up for that. Damn-they'll be after me as well."
"Yes, well that being as it is I was thinking that it would probably be simpler if we moved him into your home. It's unorthodox, but it might be the only way. If it works out you should be able to continue the sessions and stay out of the public eye, and Mr. Malfoy will be in a more peaceful environment. Until all this dies down, then we can move him back here if all goes well. It's the best I can do."
"Fin, fine." I said.
"I will need full reports on how he's doing everyday Ronald, you know the drill."
I nodded. "So when do I move him in?"
"Tomorrow. I have no doubt the reporters will have found out why Mr. Potters here by then. I need to go prepare something to give them when they do." She bustled off.
I made my way back to Malfoy's room, re-0reading the paper. Someone had seen Harry being taken in, by Auror's. So obviously it furled gossip. It wouldn't be long before they knew what was going on. They would bride somebody, then they would be hounding Draco to get a story.
I opened the door to his room, to find him very much awake, watching me. He honestly never slept.
"It seems you'll be moving back to my place again." I said, waving the paper at him.
He didn't answer.
"If I stay in here tonight will you sleep?" I asked.
After a long moment he shrugged slightly.
I settled myself in the chair. "Now go to sleep."
He closed his eyes, but it was a long time before his breathing evened out in sleep. I tried to make myself comfortable, but hospital chairs just aren't made for it.
I woke the next morning with a crick in my neck and I groaned. I opened my eyes when I heard the bed next to me groan in reply. Draco had shot up and moved to the side farthest from me, staring at me, fear lurking in his eyes.
"Hey, hey, calm down, it's just me. You're ok." I said softly.
He relaxed a bit.
I got up and opened the door, yawning and wincing as my neck twinged in protest and peeked out. We only had six other patients in, and they were up and about. It must have been late. I checked my watch. Yes, half ten. I sighed. So much for getting up early and getting out before the news hit the stands.
"Draco, get your things together, we'll need to be out in about half an hour." I said absently when I saw Gerard. "I'll be back in a minute." I stepped out. "Gerard, what's the word today?"
He rolled his eyes at me. "Harry Potter in abusive relationship with Deatheaters son." He sighed. "They're making it out like Potter was forced to do what he did. Ruth's issued a statement, but that Barry Baldwin guy is hanging around outside. So you'll have him following you the whole way to the fireplace." He shook his head. "I don't envy you."
"I don't envy me either." I groaned. "Right, I'd better get him sorted to go."
He nodded. "Good luck." He smiled.
I gave him a wave over my shoulder before heading back to Draco's room. He was dressed and had all his stuff in the bags from yesterday, he sat on the edge of the bed.
"You ready?" I asked, surprised, he moved fast.
He nodded slowly.
"Ok. Before we go, there's a guy outside the unit who'll be asking you questions. Don't listen to him, just keep walking and we'll be outta here in no time. Ok?" I said.
He nodded again.
I lifted the bigger of the two bags, he the smaller, his hand in his pocket, clutching his wand I guessed. I took a deep breath. "Well, here goes nothing."
We left his room, then the unit and immediately Barry Baldwin was there. Draco edged closer to me away from him.
"Mr. Weasely, is this Mr. Malfoy? You are Mr. Potter's close friend, is it not a bit unusual to be helping the one responsible for putting the slayer of the dark Lord in a psychiatric ward? Mr. Malfoy, is it true that it was your use of the dark arts that drove Mr. Potter to the use of violence?"
Draco was shaking, the reporter kept coming too close to him. I had heard about Baldwin, he was always accusing someone of practicing the dark arts. He had tried to get Headmaster Snape removed from his post because he had taught Potions in the dungeons, and unit had had an evil influence on the children.
We reached the fireplace very quickly, Baldwin still shooting off statements, each more ludicrous than the last. When I had ushered Draco into the fireplace I turned to the reporter with a sneer.
"Get your facts straight before shooting your mouth off."
That stopped him. For a moment. "So does that mean th-0"
He was very abruptly cut off as I dropped the floo powder and mutter our destination.
Yay! Another one done. The next one will come soon. I promise, when I get a chance to type it up.
Review folks and I'll update faster, I promise.