A/N: Inspired by Maya's "Dark Side of Light". One day, I shall follow through with my continued threats and write a fic that picks up where she left off. However, until that day comes, this collection of drabbles will have to suffice.
Disclaimer: I have no intention of infringing upon any copyrights in connection with the Harry Potter Franchise. Should you recognize any of JKR's characters in my writing, please be kind. I am just playing with them for my own – and hopefully others' – entertainment.
Warning: Implied slash.
Five Years After
The Muggle doctor asks him all sorts of questions.
Some are understandable: Can he dress himself? Brush his teeth? Shave? No. No. No. – Some require a longer answer and demonstration: Does he eat on his own? – Yes and no. You have to guide his hands through the first couple of bites to make sure he understands what he's supposed to do, and then you have to stay with him and watch to make sure he eats enough. – Some are amusing: Does he wear diapers? No. – A frown follows that one and he doesn't understand. He takes him for a long walk after their evening meal, they take a shower afterwards, and then he sits him on the toilet half an hour later. His digestion works like clockwork, day after day. – Does he need to be wiped? – Of course, but there isn't that much to wipe if you're on the proper diet. Necessity has made him an expert dietician. He can't remember the last time there's been a disgusting or embarrassing moment. – The next one is confusing until she explains to him that some of the male patients have to be bathed by male nurses because of their physical reactions. He swallows and negates the existence of sexual reflexes.
The doctor concludes her examination and finishes her notes.
"Well, your charge seems in excellent condition, Mr. Potter. Don't worry, we'll take good care of him while you're on vacation." She gives him a warm professional smile. "Let's take him to his room, shall we?"
The room is light and pleasant and contains only a minimum of furniture.
Harry approves and turns to leave although he finds it difficult. They've never been apart in five years. But it is only for a week and the private clinic comes highly recommended.
He doesn't dare kiss him good-bye in front of the doctor.
They call him in Bath two days later.
He is back at the clinic within hours.
"We've done everything we could, but we can't get him to eat." The doctor sounds apologetic and truly worried. He appreciates her concern and the fact that she has called him rather than revert to a procedure called force-feeding, although he has signed the necessary paperwork.
The room is still light and pleasant.
Harry pulls up a chair and sits down next to the unmoving figure. He picks up the hand on the table to wrap its slender fingers around a spoon.
"It's all right, Draco," he tells him quietly, "I'm here."
The spoon begins to move.
P.S.: Rouchen Lu, a.k.a. Emerald, a very sweet person, has translated "Five Years After" into Chinese. If you or someone you know would like to read it, send me a message and I'll e-mail you the .pdf file.
Thank you, Emerald!