Losing Pain

Chapter Twenty

Draco and his parents stayed there for only an hour. Then, the nurse at the front desk had to ask them to leave because it was time for Harry's group therapy. Harry kissed Draco good-bye, but this time it was much less painful. They both decided that not seeing each other was ruining them far more than helping.

Harry took his time walking towards group therapy. He wished Dr. Femmingway wouldn't make him go, but he knew that would never happen. Group therapy was supposed to be a big part of his recovery. Harry hated how everyone glared at him when he talked.

Most of the people were already sitting in their usual chairs when Harry entered the room. Everyone ignored him as he sat down in his own usual chair closet to the door. Harry sat there silently while everyone else talked with each other. He tried to join a conversation once, but he knew he wasn't welcome the moment the other three people talking had glared at him.

"Hello, everyone!" Rachel walked in the door, chipper as ever. A few people told her hello, others carried on with their conversations. Harry stayed silent. He never spoke until it was his turn to share. "Today, we have a new face in the group. Say hello to Maria Travers."

Everyone said hello except for Harry. He stayed silent, and studied her as she stood there nervously next to Rachel. Her limp hair was long and blonde. She had dull brown eyes, and her thin, fragile body was probably only a few inches over five feet. If you put a bit of life in her, she'd probably catch every guy's eye.

Rachel gave Maria a chair and told her to choose to sit anywhere. Maria looked around the group shyly before she walked forward and looked straight at Harry. She gave him a small smile then asked. "May I sit next to you?" Her voice was soft and gentle.

Harry looked at her and smiled. She seemed like a potential friend. Quickly, he scooted his chair over so she could fit hers in. Rachel gave him a short look that said she wasn't happy. Harry ignored her.

Once Rachel sat down in her own chair, the talking began. Rachel called on a few people, and they talked about what they were thinking during their 'journey' as they liked to call it. Most people didn't share much. Some didn't share at all. Harry listened intently to them. He knew he didn't have to worry about when Rachel would call on him. He was always last. But, he was anxious for Maria to speak.

Finally after about six people, Rachel called on Maria. Maria looked a little shocked that she had the opportunity to speak, but Harry gave her a quick smile and she composed herself. She started off slowly. "I think I stopped eating two years ago. I didn't notice myself doing it because I just wasn't hungry. But my friends noticed a difference and made me realize it too. That's why I'm here."

"You came here willingly?" Another patient asked. She seemed amazed.

"Yes." It was all Maria said before she became silent again. Harry smiled to her again, telling her she did a good job. Maria smiled back.

The rest of the group had their turns to talk before Rachel finally called on Harry. He knew she wouldn't call on him at all if she didn't have to, but everyone had to be given the chance to speak before the group was let go. That was the rules.

"It's almost been two days since I've puked. Also, Draco and I have decided that it's better that we see each other instead of waiting till I'm able to leave." Harry said. He kept things nice and simple now. No one listened to him anyway.

A boy that Harry learned was named Henry, coughed and mumbled fag. No one glared at him. Two girls giggled to each other. No one stopped them either. If they could, everyone probably would make fun of him. Harry ignored them all. He was too used to it. Truthfully, he liked how they were a lot more open than his 'friends' at Hogwarts were.

When Rachel told them they could leave, Harry got out first. He went straight to his room like he always did. The next thing for the day was art and that wasn't for another hour. He wasn't really welcome anywhere that people went to freely.

"Can I come in?"

Harry sat up on his bed and looked at the doorway. Maria was standing there nervously. Harry smiled and waved her in. Then he went and pushed his desk chair against the door to keep it open. He didn't need to get in trouble with having a girl in there and the door closed. Maria sat on the bed, and Harry sat on top of the desk.

"Is that how group goes everyday?" She asked him.

Harry shrugged his shoulders and nodded. "I'm used to it. I've never had many friends in my life." He told her straight out.

"Why? Is it just because you're gay?" She asked. Harry was surprised that she was so open.

He shook his head. "Not usually. I never really found out that I was gay until a little while ago. At school it had been because I was different. It's sort of the same here. Everyone thinks that it's weird that I'm so open about getting better. Apparently I'm doing too good for their liking."

Maria frowned. "That isn't fair at all."

Harry shrugged again. "I just ignore them now. That's why I spend my time in here rather than out in the sitting area. It's a lot more peaceful."

Maria smiled. "Then I might just spend a lot more time in here."

Harry smiled back to her. He felt like she really understood him.

A/N: I must admit, this chapter isn't very good. And I'm terribly sorry that it's taken me so long to update it, but my life has been very hectic. I'll try my best to update when I can. Please forgive me, and thank you for reading!