Ron and Hermione sat in the doctor's office at St. Mungo's, Hermione softly holding Ron's hand as they awaited the doctor.
"It's alright, Hermione." Ron said quietly. "I bet it's nothing."
"You can never be sure, Ron." She replied. The nurse poked her head out the door and called in
'The Tlweezeks.' Hermione let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Another nurse actually walked past the door and called: 'Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger.' Hermione's grip closed like a vice over Ron's hand as they stood up and walked past the nurse, giving her a 'thank you.' Hermione sat in a small chair to the side and Ron sat himself on the examination table.
"Okay, Weasley, Granger. What's the matter?" Hermione took one look at the doctor and gasped.
"Karen? You're a doctor?" she gasped.
"Always the tone of surprise." Karen replied, using Ron's favorite phrase. Karen had been a part of the 'Golden Quartet.' But as the others had gone for a career in the Ministry, Karen had become a doctor.
"Karen Potter, nee Parson, and her sidekick, Mali, at your service!" Karen laughed, letting her Rottweiler, Mali, into the office.
"They let you bring your dog into the office?" Hermione asked, giving Mali a hug.
"As long as she's well behaved and none of my patients are allergic or afraid." She replied. "So what's wrong, Ron?"
"I need a scan. I was hit by a spell, but I'm not sure what it was. I feel dizzy sometimes, and really tired."
"Hmm. Hmm." Karen said, taking out her wand and saying "Skainara" A dizzying beam of blue light probed his body. "Oh no, Ron! This is awful!"
"What's the spell, Karen?" Hermione asked, looking scared.
"Subita Morte." She whispered. Hermione flung herself onto Ron, squealing and crying. Ron, as usual, didn't seem to know what was going on.
"What is it?" he asked.
"When were you hit by this spell, Ron?" Karen asked, ignoring him.
"Ahh… three days ago." Ron replied, beginning to get worried as Hermione wailed and cried harder.
"Then… Ron. You only have one day left to live."