Any Instrument by dictacontrion

Genre: Drama, Angst, Mistery
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 131K
Warnings: Magical disability and the diagnosis and treatment thereof, addressing mental health issues, explorations of identity and self-worth in the aftermath of war, attempts (some successful) to manipulate Harry for the sake of politics, brief accidental voyeurism, coming to terms with sexuality

Enticements: Slow build, mystery, medicine, politics, angst (but not forever!), wandlore, wandless magic, drapples, Slytherins, Unspeakables, the Ministry, an asexual secondary character, dinner parties, taking mental health seriously, coming out, awkward first times, long walks, Wiltshire, Paris, kittens, breakfast, snark, and a happy ending

Summary:

Draco Malfoy wouldn't go back to England for anything less than an exceptional case. Being asked to figure out why Harry Potter can't control his magic might be exceptional enough to qualify.

Quotes:

"It's about Harry," she cried. "Potter," she added, as if there could have been any confusion.

Draco paused. Set both feet on the floor, though he didn't turn around. He hadn't thought much of Harry Potter in years. It explained Granger and Shacklebolt's intensity about the whole affair, but not why Granger thought he should care. "And?"

"And?" Granger spluttered. "And you owe him! A life debt! He saved you, he saved all of us, and he needs—" She stopped abruptly.

"Potter discharged my life debt before the trials, in exchange for the one he owed my mother. Life debts all around, Granger. I don't owe him a thing."

"Dr Malfoy," Shacklebolt interrupted, "perhaps now that Ms Granger has revealed that piece of information, you can understand our need for discretion."

Draco turned, arms folded across his ribs. "I won't work with anyone who doesn't trust my judgement, including my ability to evaluate what parts of a case require discretion. If Ms Granger is suggesting that I would reveal information about a high-profile patient—about any patient—she knows less about my record than she might have suggested to you, Minister."

"Ms Granger has not suggested that you have anything less than the most sterling reputation, professionally and ethically. I assure you, we would not be here if we did not have every confidence that you were particularly competent for the job and, for a number of reasons, extraordinarily well-suited."

"I don't deal in the kind of 'trust' that requires Unbreakable Vows. You trust me, and I hear you out and decide whether I'm interested in the case, or you don't and we leave before the seared scallops."

Draco watched Shacklebolt and Granger share an attempt at non-verbal communication, darting away just long enough to catch Millie's very miniature nod of approval.

"Well?"

Granger gave Shacklebolt a look so pleading that Draco almost scoffed.

Shacklebolt nodded and turned from Granger back to Draco. "Absolute discretion, Dr Malfoy. On your word?"

"On my word."

"Very well. Please have a seat."

Art by charlotte-bird
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