Broken

Caring

Hermione sat at Luna's kitchen table, admiring the picture in front of her. Gaudy Easter decorations littered the counter, among photos of Luna and Rolf on their travels.

'Wow, Luna, twins?!' She passed the scan back to Luna, who was bouncing Hugo on her knee. 'What did Rolf say?'

'Oh, he's thrilled. Apparently twins are common in his family, so he wasn't too surprised.'

'And your father?' Hermione asked gently. 'How is he doing?'

'He's doing better, his memories are returning to normal. They say he might be able to come home soon. He's excited about the babies, I'm hoping that's enough to keep him going...'

Xenophilius had been struggling with alcoholism since the War. Over the years he had moved from Gigglewater to Firewhisky. Then he started topping up his drinks with potions.

Shortly after the New Year he suffered a mental breakdown. Unable to recognise his daughter or his son-in-law, they cared for him as best they could. One night he escaped, running naked through the frozen fields, searching for his deceased wife. He was admitted into St Mungo's soon after, half-dead from hypothermia.

'Now, why don't you tell me why you're really here?'

Hermione traced the wood-grain with her finger.

'I'm worried about Malfoy,' she blurted out.

'Oh? Which one?'

'Draco. I'm worried about Draco Malfoy,' Hermione laughed at how ridiculous it sounded.

'Why? What's wrong with him?'

'I don't know,' she admitted with a sigh. 'I was hoping you could find out? Talk to his mother?'

'Certainly, I'm going for tea with Aunt Narcissa this weekend. I think you need to start this story from the beginning.'

Hermione told her about seeing Draco at the hospital, the play-date, and bumping into him in the muggle coffee shop.

'...I mean, he was moody in the hospital, but no more than usual. Especially with everything he's been through. Then the play-date was actually really nice, except when Ron caused a scene. But then I didn't see him for, well, months. I think he was avoiding me but I don't know why. When I next saw him, he was really weird. He was all over the place. Kept knocking things over and changing moods. Plus he put something in his coffee, but I didn't see what...'

Luna listened intently, nodding as the words poured from Hermione.

'...He's exhausted, that much is obvious. And I think he's depressed. Who wouldn't be?! But I think something else is going on too. He looks awful. He's not far off a nervous breakdown. And what did he put in his drink? I'd like to think it was a one-off, but I can't shake the feeling it wasn't...'

Hermione finally trailed off into silence, blushing. It was a relief to have shared her concerns with someone. Everyone else would probably think he deserved it. Whatever it was.

'I'll speak to Aunt Narcissa, see what I can find out,' Luna pursed her lips thoughtfully. 'Why are you so worried about him, I thought you hated him?'

'Someone has to, no-one else cares.'

'Well, now I care too.'