Ghosts ✔️

Chapter 12

Draco was panicking. He truthfully expected to be banned from seeing Harry for life, not invited to a Sunday night dinner with the Weasleys. Before responding to Harry, he decided to write to Mrs. Weasley herself.

"Dear Mrs. Weasley,

Hello, this is Draco Malfoy. I just wanted to reach out to you for confirmation about Sunday dinner. If you don't want me there, I have no problem telling Potter that I have a prior engagement. By no means do I want to put you and your family out, or make any of you uncomfortable with my presence. I have caused enough harm over the years.

Regards,

Draco Malfoy"

He was on the edge of his seat awaiting a response. This is one reason as to why he was glad that he and Harry used the floo network more often than anything else. It was nice getting responses in real time.

All Draco could think about was how Potter had allowed him to lay against his arm. It wasn't well known, but Draco craved physical contact. He wasn't sure how Harry felt about it, but he had let Draco lean against him, so it was a start. And he hugs him as if he's important. Even his mother had noticed the change in mood.

"Draco, is this a friend or a boyfriend?"

"A friend. A really great one."

"A potential boyfriend then?"

"Mother, I don't even know if he likes boys."

"Does he know you do?"

"I don't know honestly. I suppose I should mention it at some point. I doubt he cares either way."

"Good. I'm excited to meet him."

Finally, his reply from Mrs. Weasley came in.

"Draco,

You apologized to us before you and Harry even became friends. We all knew it was genuine then, and I know it was you who had the best healers assigned to my Fred, and also mysteriously had our hospital bill cut in half. You can deny it all you want, but I know that it was you. I'm happy you're finally able to be your true self now.

You and Harry are two sides of the same coin, and it's about time you realized it. Please continue to take care of each other. From the letter he sent me, it's obvious you mean a great deal to him.

Thank you for accepting him as he is. You've both been through a lot, I hope you continue to look out for each other. He seems happier ever since he met you. I presume you're the friend who has been making sure that he eats. Thank you for taking care of my boy.

See you at 5pm sharp on Sunday,

Mrs. Weasley"

Draco let out a breath that he didn't even know he was holding. He was always so jealous of how close the Weasleys were as a family. They were proof that money didn't buy happiness, same as Draco was.

"Potter,

I will be seeing you Sunday then. You can apparate to the front gates on Wednesday at noon, and I'll meet you there to walk you in and properly introduce you to Mother. She is very excited to meet you. I must confess I'm more worried about Sunday than Wednesday. I hope they like me well enough.

If you have no other plans we can start on the potion Wednesday after lunch if you would like? We can see how much we can get done in one day, and then plan out a schedule of sorts. Let me know how this works for you.

Malfoy"

For now, Draco was curious to learn more about Harry's condition. He wanted to learn how to be a better, more supportive friend. Draco had never been so thankful to have such an expansive library full of resources.

He spent hours taking note of everything he knew about Harry's behavior and comparing it to some books. Finally, Draco had narrowed it down.

Practically everyone who experienced the war had some sort of PTSD. Fire still set Draco on edge if it was too big of a flame.

Selective mutism seemed to be the best contender for what Potter was experiencing. There's also traumatic mutism which had to have been what brought on the selective mutism in the first place. He had lost so many people in the war, it makes sense.

Potter hadn't spoken much about his childhood, but Draco knew it hadn't been a good one as he had originally thought. As Harry put it, he was fighting off being killed every year. Combine that with those muggles he lived with, and Draco was surprised Harry seemed to have done so well in general. He didn't think he could have held up so well.

There was a lot placed on Harry at such a young age. Draco never would've been able to keep it together. The respect he had for Harry grew each day.

All Draco could do was be there for Harry and try to help him work through everything. If he wants to talk Draco will listen. If he wants to sit in silence, Draco can do that too. Whatever his friend needs, Draco will make sure he has.

{Quick A/N: Selective mutism was something that I learned about in one of my psychology courses, and I thought it would be very plausible that Harry would further develop this after the war. I mean no harm or disrespect to anyone who does have/experience this, and if anything at all seems to come across wrong please let me know so that I can correct it! That is not my intention. -J}