A/N: Thanks for your reviews. Thank you: - kamui5, Kigen Dawn, DarkAthene and Diddleymaz. Also to anyone following this story, sorry for the delay. I had other fics to concentrate on and just general life.
I have also lost my writing MoJo...I've looked under the bed, in the attic and even in my husband's man shed. It's vanished – I'm putting up missing posters, hopefully, it will come back to me soon.
Enjoy.
Atonement – Chapter Two
Mr and Mrs Weasley managed to convince their family that there was no use in arguing with them, Draco was here to stay.
Later that evening after most of the Weasleys and various partners had left, Mrs Weasley was making Harry some dinner to take back to his with him. She always fussed over his work schedule and small frame.
"Mrs Weasley you don't have to make me dinner." He protested.
"Don't be silly dear. It is no bother, it won't take long. Just sit with me a moment Harry." She asked as the food was in the oven cooking.
Harry noted Mrs Weasley looked tired and very sad. He reached out and squeezed her hand.
"Are you okay?" He kindly asked.
She sniffed, "Yes Harry dear. Just thinking of poor Draco. I can't really tell you exactly what happened, we don't even know ourselves. But it was awful Harry." She dabbed her eyes with her hanky.
"Arthur and I were taking a walk to the local town, we were just down the way in the small country lane. Arthur noticed what looked like a blanket in the verge, but a pale foot was sticking out." She sobbed.
"When we got closer we saw it was a body wrapped in a cloak, clearly a wizard's cloak. Arthur told me to stay back and went to check if they were alive. Oh, it was awful, so awful."
She cried for a few moments and Harry let her, just comforting her as much as possible.
"Arthur unravelled the cloak and Draco, was the body that was covered by it. H-he was naked bar the cloak, he had bruises, cuts, blood and burns all over him. His face was worse and his hands were tied with a plastic cable thingy. He was barely breathing, just clinging onto life, he was passed out and he looked so broken. His ribs were sticking out, he looks like he hasn't eaten for ages."
She dried her eyes, "You tell me you would have left him there to die. No, you wouldn't and neither could we. We wrapped him back up in the cloak and Arthur carried him home. We called Poppy to come look at him, knowing Draco probably wouldn't want to be taken to St Mungos. As we had no idea what happened to him."
Harry nodded, he understood. He wouldn't be able to just walk away from anyone who was in that situation. It must have been difficult for Molly because she always saw it as that was someone's child, and she knew what it was like to lose a son.
Poppy the old school nurse had retired but still visited people's houses that were reluctant to go to St Mungos for various reasons.
"Poppy said he almost died. She gave him potions and healed what she could. But of course, most the damage will be mental, not physically. Poppy..." her body shook with a dry sob.
Harry stroked her arm, "It's okay Molly you don't have to tell me. Draco probably wouldn't want me to know anyway." He offered.
She smiled sadly, "I have to speak with someone dear. Arthur is at work and you happen to be the only one left in the house."
Harry nodded, "I'm here for you. Just take your time."
After a short while she looked up at him, "Poppy said that the poor boy had been raped and beaten. He's barely spoken since we rescued him. He has awful nightmares and he weeps constantly. I've found him curled up in the shower crying at least three times, his body redraw where he had been scrubbing his skin. He is scared of us but is slowly accepting that we won't hurt him. It is so sad to see. I won't rest until that poor boy is fully recovered and back on his feet."
Harry could not believe that someone could do such things to another human being.
"What about Draco's parents? Have you informed them?" Harry asked.
Molly looked disgusted, "Arthur tried to speak to Lucius but before he could even say anything about the attack Lucius told Arthur that Draco had been disowned and he didn't want to know. Said he was a shame to the family and a disgrace. And his mother had committed suicide, do you not read the paper, dear?"
Harry was dumbfounded, "Committed suicide!"
Molly nodded, "Yes. Arthur thinks that Draco was disowned about the same time. I'm not sure if Draco has had time to grieve for his mother."
Harry was stunned, he knew Malfoy would not want his sympathy or pity, but he could not help but feel sorry for him.
"Do you still have the cloak and zip tie?" Harry asked.
"I have the cloak. What's a zip tie?" She questioned, puzzled.
Harry gave a small smile at Molly's ignorance of Muggle things, "It is the thing that was used to bind his wrists together." He explained.
"Oh yes. Arthur checked no traces of magic." She said, standing. "I'll just go get the things." She left the room.
Harry did not want to explain to Molly as she would be completely lost, but Harry knew the person who attacked Malfoy was obviously a Muggle, and Harry thought he could maybe use Muggle means of finding him. Harry was going to use his skills as a trainee Auror, and his ability as a Wizard to get answers. Yes, he may get in trouble for potentially exposing to Muggles, the wizarding world.
Harry did not care, the least he could do was find the attacker, get Malfoy justice and prevent him from attacking others. Harry was going to impersonate a Muggle detective, use a confunding spell, whatever it took. He looked too young to be a detective, but he would find a way around that. He would take the cloak and zip tie for DNA testing, and fingerprint testing and see if he could at least get a name and an address. He would use DNA profiling, have a forensic scientist take a look.
Luckily the attacker was most likely a Muggle, making it a better possibility of there being a match. He most likely attacked before, or maybe committed other crimes, and his details and fingerprints would be logged in the authorities system.
Molly returned with the items and Harry winced, he knew Arthur's, Molly's and Malfoy's DNA would be all over the items too. But hopefully, they could eliminate them and leave one sample of DNA to work from.
Harry cast a protective spell over them, so his own DNA would not rub off on the items and placed them in his pocket – shrunken.
"Thank you, Molly. Maybe I can use them to find the attacker." He vaguely answered.
She nodded, "I'll go finish your dinner love. I have made three meals, so you have a few nights worth. No excuses for not eating now dear." She smiled at him and Harry was once again struck with strong emotions for her. She had always been a second mother to him.
Harry collected his food and finally returned home. He transfigured an appropriate container for the items and transferred them. He would start his investigating tomorrow, he would need to dress like a Muggle detective and have relevant documents, or spells that made it look like an ordinary ID card was his police identification.
Harry did not know why he had decided to be the person to obtain justice and find the attacker, but he understood Muggles better. Besides he would not tell the Ministry of this, he was sure Malfoy would not want anyone aware that he had been attacked, or as few people as possible.
Harry was already obsessing over it. He felt slight guilt for not checking on Malfoy after the war, for leaving him to his fate.
Molly knocked on the door to Draco's room.
"Draco dear, I have a tray of food and beverages for you. Shall I leave it out here for you?" She respected his privacy, she often left the food on the floor outside his room and he would collect it when no one was around.
To her surprise, he opened the door and stepped aside for her to enter his room.
"Thank you, lovey." She placed it on the nightstand.
"Everyone has left now, and Arthur is at work. So it is just me and you. I will be knitting in the living room. Feel free to join me." She smiled warmly at him and turned to leave. Stopping at the door when she heard a quiet.
"Thank you, Mrs Weasley. You're letting me stay?" She noted his voice sounded surprised and worried.
"Call me Molly," she said with kindness. "Of course, we are letting you stay. This is our house, and we will not let our kids tell us what to do in our own home. None of them remain at home anymore, they have no say in the matter." She patted his arm, he flinched but relaxed after a few pats.
"If it causes too much hassle I can leave." He did not want to be a burden.
"Nonsense. I don't want to hear you talk like that again. You are here for the foreseeable future. Can I get you anything else dear?" She wanted to hug the boy, but he would most likely panic and she feared even before all this, Draco Malfoy was not used to hugs.
He shook his head, "No nothing else, thank you."
She smiled and left, hoping he would join her in the living room later. He had not yet but she always offered to keep him company.
Draco had been with the Weasleys for almost two months. He kept to his room mainly, especially when they had visitors, but when it was just the two elder Weasleys he would occasionally sit with them in the kitchen or living room. He rarely spoke, and they let him be. Just talking and carrying on as normal around him. He was grateful for that, they did not drop everything for him and they did not pressurise him to talk.
Draco was currently sat at the kitchen table eating a slice of lemon drizzle cake, whilst Mrs Weasley was once again at the oven making dinner, and Arthur was doing paperwork at the kitchen table.
"Mrs Weasley this cake is delicious." He complimented. He had started talking more, not often but more than before, and only about random trivial things. It pleased Mrs Weasley, so he tried for her.
"Draco how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Molly, you're as bad as Harry. He used to call me Mrs Weasley for years. Oh, and thank you, the cake is one of Arthur's favourites and I wanted to celebrate his victory." She casually said, she always watched her words, knowing one wrong word could send Draco into a panic attack. But her voice sounded calm and casual.
Draco could not help calling Molly, Mrs Weasley it was automatic, but he would try and call her Molly. He wanted her to be happy. He had no way of repaying the two Weasleys, being the perfect house guest was all he could do.
"Victory?" Draco questioned, knowing they would elaborate.
Molly turned around, "Oh yes. Arthur managed to stop a catastrophe at work, and he is the talk of the department. I'm very proud." She squeezed Arthur's shoulders.
He smiled lovingly at his wife, then turned his attention to Draco.
"Molly is making it sound much more spectacular than what it actually was. But yes I had a good day today, and a spot of lemon drizzle cake is the best way to round up a perfect day." He lovingly said.
Draco had grown to really like the company of the two Weasleys. He had once envied Ron for having Potter's friendship, now he envied him for having such loving, caring and wonderful parents. Growing up, Draco knew no different. He thought the way he was raised was standard, how everyone was raised.
His own parents loved him in their own way, but never showed him affection and were rather cold hearted. As soon as Draco was old enough they even stopped showing the small amount of love, as they saw it, he was of age and needed to stand on his own two feet.
He appreciated how kind and caring the Weasleys were, as he never had it. He was slowly opening up to them, not about the attack or his past. But in general, just talking and being with them more. He could see it in Molly's eyes, that she itched to fuss over him, hug him and be motherly, but she respected him and kept her distance. Draco was not as adverse to the idea of letting her be motherly, just not yet.
"Oh, Arthur you are too modest." Molly chided and returned to her cooking duties.
Suddenly the fireplace flared and Draco jumped.
"I-I'm going to go to my room." He excused himself and left quickly before he could be seen by the fire caller.
Harry's face appeared in the fireplace, "Oh good you're home. May I come through?" He asked.
Arthur said yes and Harry stepped through. Draco had not actually gone to his room, instead, he sat on the stairs and used an old extendible ear to listen in on the conversation.
"Molly, Arthur. Something smells lovely." Harry commented.
"Ah, that would be Molly's cake. Do have some Harry." Arthur offered.
Harry sat down and took the large slice that Molly was handing him.
"Thank you."
There was silence and Draco assumed Potter was eating.
"Mmm, it tastes even better than it smells." He complimented Molly again.
Before he knew Mrs Weasley Draco would have thought Potter was being a suck up, kissing her ass. But he himself had tasted her cooking and he knew Potter was merely telling the truth.
"Harry dear you say the nicest things. What brings you here?" She queried.
"Well, I um...I went to see Lucius Malfoy." Harry stumbled over the words.
Draco stiffened and waited for Harry to continue.
"Why on earth would you do that?" Molly asked intrigued.
"I...um. You see, I was thinking of Malfoy, about what you said. You said he had nothing with him when you found him. I know he is probably making do with the clothes and things you give him, but I think Malfoy would appreciate his own things. Clothes that fit him - you know. I know what it's like wearing second-hand clothes that don't fit you, and...so yeah, I visited Lucius."
Draco frowned, why does Potter care if he was wearing old clothes that were too big for him? Surely, Potter should be laughing at Draco's plight and telling everyone it was karma.
"So you went to Lucius' to get his belongings. How did you get him to hand them over?" Arthur prompted.
Harry gave a sly smile, "I didn't ask for them. I um pretended I was there to do a Ministry check on him. As far as Lucius is concerned I don't know that Malfoy wasn't living there still. I told him I needed to do a search of the property, without him trailing me. He waited in the lounge, and I looked around the cottage. I found Malfoy's room and quickly packed a trunk full of his clothes and some belongings that I thought he might want. Then I shrunk the trunk and continued my fake inspection. I left without Lucius suspecting a thing. He probably doesn't go into Malfoy's room, and he certainly wouldn't check the wardrobe." Harry finished his explanation.
Draco was stunned, Potter had braved being caught taking things from Lucius' house without permission, for him.
"That was very thoughtful of you Harry. I'm sure Draco would appreciate having his own clothes." Molly responded.
Harry pulled out the trunk and re-sized it.
"It was nothing really. I just want to help. If having a few things will make Malfoy feel more comfortable, then I am pleased to have at least done something." He admitted.
Harry had been given the forensic analysis results, and they had managed to name the attacker, but when Harry went to his last known address he was not there. Harry was now trying to find him. Getting Malfoy's clothes for him was all he could do, it was not enough but he hoped it would help.
Harry did not question why he wanted to help Malfoy so much, he just did. He shoved aside his reasons, and just concentrated on finding the attacker.
"Any news on finding who did this to Draco?" Arthur asked.
Harry shook his head, "Nope. I think he goes by many different names and changes his appearance. He also moves from place to place, so he cannot be found for various crimes he is wanted for." Harry hated giving bad news.
"I'll find him don't worry." And Draco was surprised to hear a deadly edge to Potter's voice.
"I know Malfoy..."
"You should really call him Draco." Molly interrupted Harry.
Harry shrugged, calling him Malfoy made it easier for Harry to pretend he was just obsessing over this because he was a professional and wanted justice. Calling him Draco would make it more personal, even though deep down Harry knew it already was.
"Um ok. Well, I know D-Draco probably hasn't spoken about the attack, I'm not being nosy. But maybe the smallest detail can help me find his attacker. Anything really. Maybe...no you know what, don't ask him. I wouldn't want to upset him, and he will talk when he is ready."
Harry stood, "Right I better head home. I haven't slept for a while, Auror training is brutal. Thank you for the cake. Good night."
Draco heard the fireplace roar to life and then die down.
"Harry is such a caring boy. I hope he finds Mr Right soon." Molly sadly said.
"He will, dear. The poor lad has only come out recently, leave him be. No matchmaking." He warned.
Draco was not sure he could take any more surprises. Potter is gay! He had not expected that. Last he heard he was, in fact, trying to reconnect with Ginny Weasley.
Draco pulled the extendible ear and put it in his pocket. He stood and retreated to his room, thinking over all that he had heard.
About an hour later Molly had knocked on his door and levitated a trunk onto his bed.
"Harry was conducting a check on your father's cottage, and he picked a few things up for you." She smiled.
"He really is such a thoughtful boy, I hope you don't mind that he did this." She did not want Draco to get angry at Harry for invading his father's property.
Draco smiled, "No, it was very kind of him. Tell him thank you."
She nodded and left Draco alone, knowing he would want to see what Harry had packed.
Draco opened the trunk and saw many things. A variety of clothes and shoes. They appeared to be shrunk to fit better. He frowned, he could not re-size them. Before he could search the trunk further he spotted a piece of parchment, unfolding it he read:
Malfoy,
I hope you are not mad at me for taking these away from your father. After all, they are your things, he had no right withholding them from you.
You should find most of your wardrobe and shoes. Some books, knick-knacks, photo albums and personal treasures.
Also...blimey I thought this would be easier – writing this instead of trying to talk to you. I'll try again.
Also, I have packed your wand, the one that I won from you. It is in a box at the bottom of your trunk. I have no idea what happened to your replacement wand, but Arthur said you didn't have a wand on you.
I hope having your original wand will offer you comfort.
Harry
Draco stared at the note, read it again and stared some more. After the shock wore off he dug into the bottom of the trunk and pulled out a long box. Opening it carefully he saw his hawthorn wand.
His heart was pounding and his hands shaking. He did not pick the wand up, he was overwhelmed.
After a long time just staring at the wand, Draco removed it from the box and re-sized a pair of shoes. It felt good to finally do magic, like a piece of him that was missing had been put back.
Quietly and slowly he unpacked the trunk, re-sized everything and put the items away. He picked up a book that Potter had packed and sat back on his bed to read it. He used the book as a distraction, he did not want to think about what Potter had done for him.
The Weasleys smiled at him at dinner, seeing him in his usual attire and not Weasley hand me downs.
They enjoyed dinner together, and Draco joined them in the living room. Molly was knitting and Arthur was reading the paper. Draco was reading his book when Molly called his name.
He looked up and saw she was holding something out to him.
"I know you have your own clothes back, but I knitted you a jumper. It is a family tradition, and well I wanted you to have one." She kindly said handing him a folded wool jumper.
Draco put his book down and took the jumper from her. He unfolded it and smiled at the picture. She had knitted a black jumper, with a huge letter D in grey, through the middle of the D a dragon was poking his top half through.
He used to laugh at the ghastly, awful, and embarrassing Weasley jumpers at school. However, being on the receiving end of one of the jumpers, was completely different. He was overwhelmed, he knew that Mrs Weasley had spent a lot of time and care knitting this jumper. That she saw Draco as worthy to have one, that she basically admitted he was family to her.
He smiled at her, "Thank you. It is brilliant."
Actually, it was one of the better jumpers he'd seen. His was black and had nice simple colours. Some of the other Weasleys used to have bright jumpers, with bright coloured letters on.
She obviously wanted to please Draco, by making the jumper black, the letter D grey and of course the dragon. Draco pulled it on and smiled, it was the perfect fit.
"I love it." He honestly said.
He was not pretending, he really did like it. Not because of the picture or the material, but for what the jumper symbolised. He knew he would cherish the jumper.
Mrs Weasley looked close to tears, "Wonderful. I'll go make us a pot of tea." As she left Draco heard a tiny sniff, she was just as affected as he was.
A few days went by with Draco suffering a few nightmares and panic attacks, but he was making progress. He was getting comfortable with the Weasleys and realised that they were not about to turf him out.
Today Mr Weasley was at work and Mrs Weasley had popped into town to do some grocery shopping. Draco had offered to try and de-gnome the garden. He had no money to offer them, so he had started doing chores, and Mrs Weasley was even teaching him household spells and how to cook.
It was a sunny day, but the Burrow was high up on a hill and the wind added a chill. Draco felt safe enough in the garden. He pulled on his Weasley jumper and set about ridding the garden of gnomes.
Draco did not mind the work, he got some fresh air and the method of spinning the gnome and slinging it over the hedge was rather satisfying. He could let his mind relax and he was for once not thinking of his attack, or seeing the leering face of his attacker.
The gnomes were stupid, they left their gnome-holes and approached Draco to see what all the commotion was about. Making it easy enough to pick them up and spin them until they were dizzy enough to be thrown.
He had been de-gnoming for half an hour when he heard the crack of apperation and Harry Potter appear in the garden.
Draco was frozen to the spot, a gnome hanging upside down by his foot, in his hand - left forgotten. He stared at Potter and he felt his heart rate accelerate, his need to run was kicking in, but then Potter spoke.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I didn't know you would be out here. Is Arthur home yet?" He said in a low calm voice, trying to sound friendly and non-threatening.
"No, he's at work," Draco answered looking down at the grass.
"I see. Is Molly in? I can wait in there with her so I don't disturb you." He asked.
Draco shook his head, "No. She's gone into town."
"Right. I am meant to be helping Arthur with some Muggle gadgets in his shed tonight. Okay well, do you want a hand de-gnoming while I wait for him?" He offered, knowing that the gnomes at the Burrow were pests, and the infestation was big. Draco alone would not be able to get rid of them all.
Draco deliberated for a moment, but when the gnome bit him he decided that he might need some help. He nodded and walked away from Potter. Too overwhelmed by seeing another person other than Mr and Mrs Weasley, and the reminder of what Harry had done for him, fetching his clothes and returning his wand.
Harry removed his hoodie and grabbed the nearest gnome. He spun it above his head and then threw it clear across the hedge.
"I forgot how much fun this can be." He commented to no one in particular.
Draco snorted, "If having swear words thrown at you, being kicked and bitten is fun, then yeah I guess it is fun." He sneered.
Harry smiled, it was good to see that Draco had not lost his snark.
"Let's see who can throw them the farthest?" He challenged.
Draco arched an eyebrow and threw the gnome he was holding, it only just cleared the hedge.
Harry chuckled, "I can do better than that."
They spent the next twenty minutes competing for the furthest distance a gnome is thrown.
"Nice jumper," Harry said casually. It was strange seeing a Weasley jumper teamed with a pair of smart, and expensive trousers.
Draco blushed, "I like it. It is actually nice and warm. It was very thoughtful and kind of Mrs Weasley to include me like that. I appreciate all they are doing for me, and in fact, I'm quite fond of this jumper now." He defended. He knew Potter was thinking of all the times he had insulted the Weasley jumpers.
Harry grinned, "It suits you. I remember my first Weasley jumper. Still got all the ones made for me. I know they don't fit, but I can't bring myself to get rid of them. They hold such loving memories. I received my first one in the first year, for Christmas. I've never been made anything before, and well I wasn't used to receiving gifts."
Draco hid his surprise, Potter spoke as if he never received anything of worth before his first year of Hogwarts, as if the previous eleven years of his life he was purposely ignored.
"Think I have quite the collection. Most are one block colour, with a large letter H on. Yours is rather special, you get a letter and a picture. Also, your jumper is black – that's different." He said with fondness, he was not bad mouthing Mrs Weasleys jumpers, just stating facts.
Draco found himself smiling, "That is because I am rather special." He answered smugly. Potter seemed to relax him, made him feel like his usual self.
Harry mumbled something and turned to grab a gnome that was brandishing his fist at him.
"Sorry, I did not catch that?" Draco called to Potter, as he turned away from him.
"What, oh nothing." He nonchalantly replied, ignoring Draco's gaze.
Harry was embarrassed when Draco had said, 'I am rather special' his traitorous brain had agreed with Draco's statement. Draco was special and Harry was unnerved by the sudden train of thought, so he mumbled, 'Yes you are' luckily Draco had not heard and he managed to move on, creating slight awkwardness between them.
Harry was spared any further questions by Mr Weasley's appearance.
"Oh, wonderful you're here, Harry. Shall we get to work?" He happily asked.
Harry smiled, "Yes. I think the thing you told me about is called a toaster." He laughed at the excitement shown on Mr Weasley's face.
Harry would come and help Mr Weasley fix a few Muggle gadgets, and explain how they worked. It was a way for them to bond, and Harry liked helping him.
"A toaster! Marvellous." He grinned and turned to Draco, "Draco, thank you for doing the garden. You can join us if you wish, but I'm not sure it is your cup of tea."
Draco returned Mr Weasley's smile, "Thank you for the offer, Arthur. But Molly should be back soon and she is going to show me how to make stew."
"Very well. I'll see you later for dinner." With that, he turned and excitedly walked to his shed.
Harry inclined his head to Draco and followed Mr Weasley. Harry was surprised to see how easy Draco interacted with Mr Weasley. He could see Draco was not being fake, or standoffish. From what Harry could see Draco genuinely cared for Arthur.
A few hours of helping Arthur and Harry was hungry and thirsty. Molly called them in for dinner and Harry was grateful.
Molly hugged Harry and ushered him to a seat, "We are having beef stew, dumplings and homemade bread. Draco helped, he is a natural." She complimented.
Harry looked around and saw Draco sat opposite him, his head lowered, looking into his own bowl of stew. Harry was surprised he was eating at the table, usually, he would retreat to his room if Mr and Mrs Weasley had a guest.
Arthur came in kissed his wife and sat down to start eating.
"Molly you should see the strange gadget Harry got for me." He exclaimed happily.
Harry winced. Mrs Weasley thought Arthur had enough Muggle junk and she was not always pleased when he helped Arthur increase his junk collection.
"Harry dear, did you have to?" She scolded.
Harry grinned impishly, "Sorry Molly, I couldn't help myself. I saw it and knew Arthur would love it."
Harry caught Draco trying to hide his smile. Harry's own smile grew and he covered up his amusement by eating some stew.
"Molly, it is this strange thing that Muggles use to sharpen pencils. It has some sort of motor in, so you put the pencil in and it sharpens it. Fantastic." He beamed.
"Yes I'm sure it is, but Arthur dear you don't use pencils." She reminded him.
"Oh I know but Harry gave me a pack of them, and I just can't help sharpening them. It is rather fun."
Harry grinned. "Glad you liked it, Arthur."
Draco would have teased Potter before, and said something insulting about Arthur's muggle obsession. But now he found it endearing, Arthur was not causing any trouble and it was nice that he had a hobby. Harry was only helping him and using his knowledge of Muggle things to bond with Arthur. Draco thought it was sweet.
Harry tried to continue as he would normally, but he could not help but notice that Draco would watch him and because of this, he felt flutters in his stomach.
After sticky toffee pudding for dessert, Draco surprised them all by asking Harry about his investigation.
"I was wondering if you have any leads regarding the whereabouts of my attacker." He tried for casual, flat voice, but even he heard it crack in places.
After Harry blinked away his shock he looked up and answered, "His previous neighbour mentioned that he has family in Manchester. I was going to see if I can speak with them, they might be able to help."
Draco nodded, "Right. Thank you."
"I hate to ask this but do you remember if he had anything distinctive about him, that might help me find him. We only have an outdated mug shot of him, and it only shows his face and shoulders." Harry said in his Auror voice.
Draco closed his eyes and shuddered briefly. When he opened his eyes and met Harry's, Harry could see the pain swimming in them.
"Sorry, it's okay you don't have to answer that," Harry replied.
Draco took a deep breath, "No, I want to help. He needs to be found. I cannot stand the thought that he is out there doing it to someone else. H-he had his eyebrow pierced, and a tattoo starting from his shoulder down to his wrist. I cannot show you the memory, I'm not ready for that. But Maybe I can try and draw the tattoo." He offered.
Harry nodded, and Mrs Weasley handed Draco a piece of Parchment. Draco was silent as he drew an arm, with the tattoo design. His hand was shaking and he had to take a few calming breaths to stop the panic attack threatening to engulf him.
He handed Potter the completed design, "It was very distinctive. All black ink. It was the only tattoo I could see. I take it you do not need me to describe his face?"
Potter took the paper and folded it, "No I have his photo that the police took of him when he was arrested in the past. However, it might be wise that you confirm it is the man who attacked you." Harry hated asking that, but he did not want to go after the wrong person.
Draco gripped the edge of the table and calmed himself enough to answer, "Sure." Was all he managed, he did not want to see the man's face again, but it did not really matter he saw his face clearly every time he shut his eyes.
Harry searched in his robes, then pulled out a muggle photo. "It is an old photo, he does not have the eyebrow piercing in this one."
Harry handed it over and knew from the look on Malfoy's face that it was indeed the man who attacked him.
Malfoy's face had drained of all colour, he had started shaking and Harry could see the fear in his eyes.
"T-that's him." He handed the photo back to Harry.
"W-what's his name?" Draco was not sure he wanted to know, but putting a name to the monsters face, might help him when he cussed him.
Harry looked at Mrs Weasley and she nodded slightly, "He is known by many names. But his real name is Stuart Murray. Stuart is quite a common name for Muggles and Murray is also a common surname. I have in fact found numerous Stuart Murray's, to trace them and discover it was the wrong one." He wished he had better news, but he did not. He really had been trying but to no avail.
Draco did not answer, he was trying to block the assault of images of his attacker bearing down on him. He broke down when he felt Mrs Weasley pull him into a hug.
"He isn't here Draco. He can't hurt you. You have your wand for protection, and Arthur and I are here for you. Shh, it's okay Draco." She soothingly said, rocking him slightly.
Draco had never been hugged by his family, not the loving comforting embrace that Mrs Weasley was giving him and he found that caused him to break down even more.
Even though Draco was scared, broken and damaged, he felt slightly better due to being hugged by someone who cared. He stayed in her arms until his sobs stopped and he had regained his composure. She rubbed his back, pulled back slightly.
"How about a nice cup of tea?" She asked cheerfully.
Draco smiled and nodded, she returned his smile and set about making tea. When Draco looked around he noted that Mr Weasley and Potter were no longer in the kitchen. He was pleased to be spared the embarrassment of them witnessing his break down.
"There is no shame in crying dear. Let it out, if you let it fester it will make you a bitter person. I cried a lot after we lost Fred, but the tears helped. If you feel like a hug do not be embarrassed. You are not too old for them." She said in a motherly fashion.
Draco had never been hugged like that – ever. It was comforting, but not suffocating. It soothed and calmed him, he felt a bit better after that hug and those tears. He did not feel so alone anymore.
Potter returned some time later, said goodbye to him and Mrs Weasley, floo'ing home from the kitchen. Draco watched him go, and thought he could get used to being civil with Potter, it was refreshing and offered him more comfort than Mrs Weasley's hug, but he did not examine why he felt more towards Potter, he had an exhausting day and just wanted to sleep. So he bid everyone goodnight and retreated to his room to think over all that Potter had done for him, and why he was doing them.