I would sit there with my first aid kit and bleed
Draco didn’t expect Potter to just immediately co-operate with him but he also didn’t expect Potter to suddenly apparate them to St. Mungos. Draco nearly fell over as Potter let go of his arm and tucked his file beneath his arm. In just a moment, Potter was already on the move, walking with authority to the witch at the front desk. Draco blinked and tried to maintain his composure, brushing himself off, and following Potter.
“We’re looking for the room of,” Potter flipped open the file and scanned it for a moment. “Giles LaPorte.” The witch nodded at Potter but seemed to be distracted by Draco’s presence. He could see her nervously glancing around as if she was scared she would need to call for help.
“I’m with Auror Potter, Ma’am.” Draco said as politely as he could, smiling at the women. It felt like a grimace. Thankfully, Potter nodded as well and the women looked entirely too relieved at this.
“Sorry, Mr. Potter, I didn’t realize,” she said, now looking down at her notes. “He’s in room 104. Did you need someone to escort you there?”
“I think we’re fine, thanks.” Potter said, moving down the hallway. He briefly glanced behind as if checking to make sure Draco was following him.
“A little warning next time you apparate, yeah?” Draco muttered, catching up the boy. Potter glanced at him but didn’t bother responding. Draco grit his teeth and took a deep breath. He couldn’t cause a scene, especially not here. Draco didn’t cause a scene but if he stomped a little louder than necessary behind Potter, well, that was his business.
The two ventured down the hallway until they approached room 304. The door was shut so Potter knocked quietly.
“Come in!” A voice called and Potter twisted the handle and pulled the door open.
“Hello, Mr. Laporte,” Potter stepped into the room and immediately began to speak to the man. “I’m Auror Potter and I just have a few questions about the attack you suffered two nights ago.”
The man lying in the bed nodded and as he did so he winced, half of his head was entirely wrapped in clean white bandages and his two arms that were resting atop the bedsheets were also entirely bandaged. Draco frowned at the sight of the man. He had no doubt that the Healers at St. Mungos were incredibly talented and capable, but it still was upsetting to see a man so injured.
“And what’s he doing here?” The man asked, raising a bandaged arm to point at Draco. At least he hadn’t asked unkindly, just curiously.
“Malfoy is helping me with your case.” Potter said, “now if you don’t mind answering some questions-”
“Ask away.” The man said.
“Okay, well my file says you were walking home just after 2 a.m. is that correct?”
“Yessir,” the man laughed, “it was pub night.” Potter smiled at that and continued his line of questions.
“Could you tell us what you saw during the attack?”
“Well,” the man hesitated, “I was pretty shit-faced, so I’m probably not going to be too helpful but I was just on my way home, singing to myself, when something lunged at me.” Draco frowned at that. “I was screaming and fighting trying to tear that wolf off me, I mean you hear stories, but they’re pretty terrifying in person.”
“Yes, they are.” Potter nodded and glanced at Draco, raising an eyebrow at him as if asking ‘are you going to just stand there?’
“Sir, could you tell us about what you heard that night?” Draco asked, hoping it was not a stupid question. Talking to people wasn’t exactly his best skill.
“I didn’t hear much beyond my own singing and my own screaming.” Mr. LaPorte said, “and let me tell you, I think my neighbors would prefer the screaming anyday.”
“I’m sorry,” Draco started, ignoring the man's attempt at a joke, “you didn’t hear a single thing like, growling or howling?”
“No sir.” Mr. LaPorte answered. Draco glanced at Potter who didn’t seem to find the information particularly interesting.
“Could I talk to you?” Draco said, raising an eyebrow at Potter. He didn’t look happy about it, but he nodded. Draco opened the door and held it, waiting for Potter.
“Thank you for time, Mr. LaPorte. We’ll reach out if we have any more information.” Potter said, walking towards the door. He stopped and turned back to the man, “and I hope you have a quick recovery.” The man smiled at Potter and Draco resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the way people loved Potter. Once the two were out of the room and the door was shut, Draco crossed his arms and stared at Potter.
“You didn’t think anything was odd about what he said?” Draco asked. Potter ran a hand through his ridiculously messy hair that nearly fell to his chin. “Look, a werewolf is a wizard who is completely taken over by an animal.”
“Yes, I also went to school, I know what a Werewolf is.” Potter scoffed, mimicking Draco’s crossed arms.
“No, I mean- animals make noise, particularly werewolves, they howl, and screech. It just doesn’t make sense that he heard nothing.”
“Well,” Potter seemed to mull it over, “he said he was pissed, maybe he just forgot. Besides, what’s the alternative explanation? The man was clearly attacked.”
“I know, it’s just odd.” Draco sighed and leaned his head back against the wall. There was absolutely no way the man had been attacked by a werewolf and had not heard the sounds of a wolf. Of course, the man had no reason to lie and further, he obviously had been hurt by something.
“I think we should speak to the student who was attacked,” Draco said, after a moment. “We can compare their accounts of a werewolf attack.” Potter stared at Draco for a moment and Draco was sure Potter was going to shoot his idea down.
“Yeah, alright.” Potter said, “I’ll ask a healer for the room.”
And a minute later Draco was once again trailing after Potter as they moved to room 136. The door was ajar and so Potter knocked and peered his head in the room. Draco stood awkwardly behind him.
“Excuse me? Do you have a moment?” Potter asked. Draco couldn’t make out the reply but Potter opened the door wider and stepped in. Draco followed behind him and was immediately greeted by the sight of two horrified parents.
“What is he doing here?” The father glared at Draco. “Our daughter has been through enough, she doesn’t need to be harassed by a death eater.” Draco glanced down at the bed where a teenage girl was sitting. Her face appeared to be in an alright shape, beyond a few scratches, but her arms were covered in bandages.
“Mr. Potter, get him out of here!” The mother screeched, her wand suddenly in her hand. Draco glanced at Potter who looked utterly helpless.
“Malfoy-” Potter began but Draco recognized that there was no way this situation would not worsen if he did not leave the room.
“I’ll wait outside.” Draco said quickly, avoiding eye contact with Potter. He hurried out the door and shut it quickly.
He couldn’t blame the parents for wanting to protect their child but it was still a painful reminder of his past. Of everything he had done. It was a painful reminder that Draco Malfoy was still himself.