Chapter Two- I'll Oblige
Hermione didn't hurry. She was putting it off. She wasn't sure why she was so thrown by a simple encounter but she was. He had made her heart race with those eyes but simply looking at her. No one had ever done that. Not even Harry and especially not Ron. Damn. Eventually she couldn't put it off any longer once she had checked what she needed to know. There was a spell to shrink a tumor it was very complex. Do it wrong, it could kill the patient. If he consented she would do it right away. If she could keep the size small then the damage wouldn't be as great.
She practiced the movement a few times before heading to Draco's room. She hadn't done it before but there had never been a spell she couldn't do. She wouldn't break that record today.
Lucius looked up when she entered but his face was unreadable. Had he felt what she had?
She explained the spell to him and after thinking he agreed for her to do it.
"Alright, I'll need you to leave while I do it. It will only take a few minutes."
"Why do I need to leave?"
"I can't be distracted."
He raised an eyebrow, "And I distract you?"
"You do." She said simply. If she didn't know better she would have thought he looked pleased by her statement. He got up gracefully and exited the room. She took a deep calming breath and pulled her wand.
It went as she hoped. The tumor had been the size of baseball but now the size of a marble. Hopefully the spell would hold it that size while she figured out how to make it stop growing. Damn Kingsley! She didn't wake Draco; he was in too much pain for that.
"You can come back in." She called and Lucius returned his eyes going straight to his son.
"He's okay. It went perfectly."
"Because I wasn't here to distract you." He said and Hermione crossed her arms.
"You have something to say about it?"
He laughed to her surprise and she decided she liked the sound of his laughter. "Nothing at all. It's just good information to have."
"Of course you think so. I need to go check on another patient. I'll be back to check on him in a little bit." She went pass him but he caught her hand, "Thank you. For doing everything you can."
She looked at their joined hands and saw him look down too. He didn't let go and neither did she. He jerked her close until they were pressed against each other. Her breath left her in a whoosh but he didn't kiss her.
"If there is ever anything you need…or want. Just let me know and I will oblige." His breath ghosted onto her cheek and she shivered. She carefully pulled away but turned back when she reached the door, "Noted." And then she was gone.
"Harry, how do you feel?" She asked entering his room. He groaned, "Like shit."
"Amber?" Hermione asked of her nurse. Amber smiled, "It's been healed. In two rounds. There's no sight of cancer. Why do you look out of breath?"
"That's incredible. Thank you Amber." She said ignoring her question. Harry gave her a look, letting her know he hadn't missed it. Amber hadn't either but didn't push it.
"Alright, I need to go eat something. Harry you're staying overnight to get regular scans. If it doesn't come back then you can go home. You'll need to be scanned every week for six months. Okay?"
"Thanks Hermione. Thanks. And thank you Amber." Harry and Amber flushed. Wasn't that interesting. Hermione left them to it. She hoped Harry asked her out. She spent the next hour and half eating lunch and catching half an hour of sleep on the bed in her office. All the head offices had them. There were rooms for nurses to sleep in as well. When she woke she jumped when she saw Lucius standing in her office.
"Draco has spots on his hands." He said simply but she sensed his unease and worry.
"Let me look." She said and stood but swayed. He reached out and steadied her. "Sorry I stood up too fast. Come on." Hermione put distance between them and he didn't comment on it.
When she took a look at his hands she sighed. "It's from the spell I used. Did you touch him?"
"Yes."
"Come here." She said and he moved to her. She took his hands and looked them over. Her hands were permanently spelled to be impervious to all bacteria and anything that could infect a patient so it couldn't affect her but it could affect him. She wandlessly scanned his hands and found he had been infected the spots just hadn't appeared yet.
"Hold them out." She instructed and when he did so she healed the infection.
"You're feet too." Hermione explained and he slowly sat down, his eyes on hers, as he untied his shoes and slipped them off, and then his socks. For some fucked up reason the whole thing turned her on. What was wrong with her? She knelt down on her knees and kept her satisfied smirk off her lips when he inhaled sharply. She was sure many women had been on their knees before him. She healed the infection from his feet and stood.
"You'll be fine but don't touch him anymore. No matter what. His body will keep producing the rash no matter how many times I heal it because the spell I used is still in effect."
He was giving her a thoughtful look.
"Can I help you?" She said crossing her arms, more like hugging herself his gaze was so intimidating.
"I am absolutely sure you could." He practically purred. Her heart raced but she couldn't look away from him.
She shook her head at him, "Don't even think about."
"Oh I'm thinking about it." He said with a surprising grin.
She glared at him, "Well stop it. Not happening."
"You seem sure of that." He said smirking. She glared harder. "I am sure. I'm your son's healer for fuck's sake!"
"I don't see how that's a problem. Come here."
"Absolutely not." She snapped but god did she want to. With him looking at her like that. No one had looked at her that way before. He closed the distance but she was backing up to get away. Her back hit the wall and he pressed his chest against hers deliberately.
"Now isn't that better?" He whispered. She huffed, "Are you finished? I have work to do you know."
He put his hands on either side of her head and leaned in close. His lips barely brushed hers and electricity pumped through her whole body. A moan left her lips to her embarrassment and he pushed harder. She pushed back. His tongue slid against her bottom lip, asking. She opened for him and he slid in with skill, pressing closer. How could this be happening? With Draco lying right there!
But he was kissing all those thoughts out of her head. He broke away leaving her panting.
"Are you sure now?" He said breathlessly. She scowled and ducked under his arms just in time for Anna to walk in. She picked up on the tension but didn't comment on it. Lucius left the room abruptly and she tried to not watch him go. And failed. That arse. God.
"Are you sure that's a good idea Hermione?" Anna asked knowingly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." She replied easily.
"And that's why your lipstick is smeared."
"Shut it Anna. I am well aware of the…shut up." She said lamely and turned her attention to Draco. The scan showed the tumor was still a small size.
"He is fine though isn't he?" Anna said thoughtfully.
"Anna!" She exclaimed. She had never heard her speak that way. About anyone.
"Oh hush. I know I'm married but I can look can't I?"
"You're rotten." She hissed. She hated being teased. Hermione had been teased too much in school.
"Just be careful. We know his reputation. I know there's a history between you too. So tell me, was it hot?"
Hermione glared at her but caved, "Yes. Oh my god. This isn't happening. This can't be happening. Don't tell anyone, not even the girls."
"Of course not. You know me better than that." She said with a knowing smile.
"Ugh." Hermione complained and stalked to her office. At least Harry was going to be fine. There was an owl waiting for her.
Hermione I do not appreciate the tone of your letter. I did have the areas scanned and there was no sign of radiation. I find it hard to believe the mine was the cause of your patient's illness. However I will look into and let you know. Hope you are well, Kingsley.
"Bastard." She muttered and threw it out. He would get his especially if Draco died. There was a large chance that he would. Magic could do great things but…so much cancer. She sighed and sank onto her bed. Hermione was exhausted. She curled up on her bed and closed her eyes. Just for a minute.
"Hermione!" She jerked up and saw Anna running in breathlessly.
"What, what is it?"
"Draco. He's awake and I can't get him to sleep. He's in so much pain." She said desperately. Hermione rushed to his room and sure enough she heard his screams long before she reached him. She ushered Anna in and shut the door. Then she sound proofed the room and took Draco's temperature, it was a little high. The scan showed the tumor was still small, it hadn't gotten bigger. The other cancer had grown though. A lot.
"Anna. Hold him still."
Hermione waited until Anna had his shoulders down before covering Draco's eyes with her hand. He instantly stilled and fell silent. Hermione removed her hand and slumped to the ground. Anna didn't reach her in time but Lucius had been standing off to the side; he caught her easily.
"Hermione." He said and she steadied herself. "I'm fine. Draco won't wake now. I have to go." She said quickly and ran from the room. She nearly didn't make to the bathroom before she lost the sandwich she ate earlier. Hermione hadn't realized she had been followed until someone was holding her hair as she vomited into the toilet. It lasted a long time until at last she found relief and turned to thank Anna. It wasn't Anna.
"What are you-
"Be quiet and tell me what you did in there."
"I can't. I'm not going to tell anyone and you're not going to tell anyone either. Nor will Anna. Draco is fine I didn't hurt him in any way."
"I didn't think you had. Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine now. I need to rest for a while though. Thank you." She whispered and let him help her to her feet.
"I will find out you know." He told her seriously.
"I have no doubt." She answered and left to go back to her office. She needed to sleep before she passed out. For the second time she curled up in her bed and fell asleep. No one woke her.
A few hours later she rose and stretched. She was sore all over but after what she had done it wasn't a surprise. Hermione had used the purest magic in her core to put Draco to sleep. Only a handful of Healers had the ability. For many reasons she had to keep it to herself. Only Harry knew. And now Anna and Lucius. Anna would recognize what she had done right away. She sighed and stood up. She needed to go home and shower.
Hermione apparated home and spent a good thirty minutes under the hot water. She pulled on new clothes and apparated back to her office. Lucius was sitting there to her surprise.
"Is Draco alright?"
"The same. I am just glad he is not in pain. I came to see if you were alright."
"Yes. The effects of what I did didn't last very long at all. I am fine." She explained. He didn't look placated.
"Why can't you tell me?"
"It's sensitive information that could be used against me." He gave her a look that made her change her mind.
"Fine. I used the magic from inside my magical core to put him to sleep. He will be fine."
"I've heard about healers who can do that. Why am I not surprised that you are one of them?" He mused. She frowned, "What do you mean by that?"
"My son was forever bitching at how you always out did him in school. He said you were a genius. I happen to agree. It's a very attractive quality."
She flushed. "Cut that out. It's not happening. What happened before was-
She was cut off when he crossed the room, gripped her waist and crushed his lips to hers. This kiss was hungry. And she was starving. Her arms went around his neck, hugging him closer. His hand slid down and he pushed her onto her desk to settle between her legs. She wrapped them around his waist and that was the moment Harry came in.
"What the fuck!"
She tore away from Lucius and covered her face.
"Harry…"
"Don't bother. My cancer came back just thought you should know." He snapped and walked out. She groaned miserably. Lucius slid his hands up her thighs and kissed her cheek.
"Go deal with that. But don't think I'm done with you." He said and left her frustrated. Oh Harry. She found him in his room and he glared seeing her.
"Harry just listen. You know what. I don't have to explain myself to you. Who I fuck is none of your business."
Harry flushed red, "Why him? He's old! And Malfoy!"
She hissed at him, "Shut it alright. He's…oh my god I don't know why I like him okay? Is that what you want to hear? I like him. I want him. Its…just forget it. Let me scan you."
He didn't object but he was staring at her like he had never seen her before.
"It's going to keep coming back until I figure out what exactly went on in that mine."
"Hermione, do you know what you're doing?" He asked coolly. Hermione smacked him. "Mind your business. And thank you very much for interrupting." She said and meant it.
"Was he forcing you?" He asked alarmed.
"Of course not. I was just being overwhelmed. I didn't want to fuck him in my office and I just might have."
"Merlin Hermione." Harry said flushing. "You're going to go permanently red Harry." She commented and told him to brace himself for a healing round.
He took it like a man but he was still yelling. She hated hearing him like that but it needed to be done. Harry slumped onto his back covered in sweat.
"Is that if for right now?" He whispered.
"Yes. For now." She told him and he drifted to sleep. She touched his brow once before exiting the room. She would have Amber do the rest of the healing rounds. She couldn't stand to see her only friend like that. The scan she had done just now showed that the cancer was gone but it had come back before and would again she had no doubt.
She didn't go to Draco's room. She went home. Hermione needed to be away from the hospital for a while and away from Lucius. If he was going to kiss her like that every time he saw her then she was in trouble. Big trouble because all she could still feel was his tongue mingling with hers and those warm hands dragging fire on her thighs.
She didn't go back until the next morning at seven. When she entered Draco's room Lucius was already there. Draco's scan showed her spell was still holding and the tumor was small. He should have had five rounds of healing during the night. She checked him with a scan and found his cancer was almost completely gone. She relaxed a little. That was something at least.
"She told me it looks better." Lucius said after a moment of silence.
"He does look better. It's shrunk almost completely. I just worry it will grow back like the tumor in his brain." She looked up and shifted uneasily. It was like he was looking right into her soul. She looked away but he made a noise and she looked back.
"My son is very sick. I could definitely use some comfort." He said suggestively. She glared at him, "I'm afraid I cannot help you with that. And using your son as an excuse to get in my pants is abhorred."
He grinned and stood. She made it to the door but he easily caught her and shut it with a click. She was pressed face first into the door when he came up behind her, pressing her fully into the door. He kissed her neck softly and then liked a stripe to her ear. Hermione gasped at the sensation and forcefully turned around to push him away. He simply caught her hands and jerked her close.
"It would be much simpler if you would just give in, you know." He said mockingly. She spat at him, "Nothing is happening Lucius. Let me go."
"You don't want me to. Now how about some of that comfort." He whispered and leaned in. She tensed but when he brushed her lips heat travel through her middle and against her better judgement she opened her mouth for him and he took complete advantage of her surrender. Was he intent on fucking her with his son dying of cancer right beside them a foot away? He backed her up against the wall roughly and increased the pressure of his kiss. Her lip busted, she could fee blood trickling down her chin. She didn't care one bit. She had never been kissed so well. Harry was a damn fine kisser and Ron had been alright but this was incredible. This kiss was owning her. Hermione decided she liked that very much.
"Father what the fuck are you doing?"
Lucius ripped away from her and turned to his son. "Draco, how do you feel?"
Draco gave him a displeased look. "Well I've been awake for some time now. Should have known a bastard like you would use your only son, who is dying, to get laid."
"Draco don't speak to me like that!"
"I was mostly kidding. Good for you." He said and turned his gaze on Hermione.
"What is wrong with me?"
"You have cancer in many places. There's a tumor in your head and cancer in your muscles as well as your liver. I've been healing you with the help of my nurses. How old are you Draco?"
"Twenty five." He answered promptly and she heard Lucius sigh. Draco wrinkled his nose, "We're you going to fuck right there with me dying in this bed."
"Of course not!" Hermione snapped forgetting he was her patient. Lucius snorted at her and took his seat beside his son.
"I'm afraid you are incorrect Hermione. You definitely were going to."
"Shut the fuck up! I was not in any way going to spread my legs for you while your son was a foot away! What's wrong with you?"
He grinned then and she realized he was just teasing her. She glowered.
"Great, my father's first crush what will I do." Draco complained and Lucius glared at him displeased.
"Watch your mouth."
"You can't be mean to me when I'm dying Father." Draco pointed out and Lucius sighed.
"I'll be back later to check him again. There are a few things I need to do." She said shortly and left the room thankful he didn't try and stop her. Draco had woken up because her spell had worn off. She was just glad most of the pain was gone. No one should ever have to be in that much pain.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews. Hope you liked this chapter.