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"Lung cancer...?" said Ron, quietly. He had this strange smile, and he looked dazed. He looked like he didn't believe it was true.
"You OK, Ron?" asked Harry, feeling concerned.
"Fine ... fine..." he replied, and passed out on the floor.
*****
When Ron awoke, he was lying in a hospital bed, the one next to Hermione's. She was awake, and Dumbledore, Harry, and Madame Pomfrey were talking to her. Ron jumped out of the bed and ran up to her. There were tears in her eyes.
"Ron, Ron! What happened to me???" she cried. "Lung cancer! I'm so young. But there is a good explanation for this all..."
"What, what is it? Please tell us!" Ron cried. He still hadn't felt the pure impact of what had happened; he was still in shock.
"Well, my mum smokes at least two packs a day, including when she was pregnant with me. My father also worked at a radioactive metal factory before he was a dentist. He would bring me every week and let me help load packages of uranium onto the convier belt. I loved it. Asbestos were everywhere I went as well. Thanks to my mum's love for smoking when I was younger, she weakened my immune system. That must have helped that lung cancer, too," Hermione stopped and gave a sudden wail. She looked so sad.
"But, you are too YOUNG!!" Ron cried out.
Madame Pomfrey said, "Cases have been reported this young."
"There must be a cure," Harry replied, looking determined.
"Well, my dear, there is none to my knowledge," whispered Madame Pomfrey.
"We'll find one. WE'LL FIND ONE!!!!!" shrieked Ron. He finally felt what happened today come to life. It wasn't a dream! Hermione might die! It was a frightening tale that couldn't have a sad ending! HERMIONE IS MY LOVE! Ron thought. No matter what I do.... I'll find a cure.
*****
Harry was lying in his bed that night, thinking about what had happened. He had followed Ron carry Hermione to the hospital wing, and saw Madame Pomfrey take tests on Hermione, see that panic-stricken face when she saw what Hermione had. (A/N- every test was appropriate for a boy to watch, thank you very much!) It was a moment Harry wants to forget but will remember forever.
Harry looked over at Ron. He was asleep, but talking. He was saying, "Hermione... Hermione... I'LL FIND A CURE!" over and over. Sometimes he would let out a cry of angst and despair. It was hitting Ron worse than Hermione! Harry was so frightened for him. What would happen if lung cancer gets the better of Hermione and.... kills her? Harry decided not to think about it. He rolled over and tried to get some sleep.
*****
Ron woke up in frightened panic. He was dreaming about Hermione. He thought of how before last night, he had happy dreams of kissing Hermione, proposing to her and even marrying her. Now, tonight, after learning Hermione was going to die, he had the same dreams, but right before they kissed, or she said, "I do," or anything, Hermione would take a step back and fall into a pit with no bottom. Ron would try to catch her, but he would almost fall in as well. He would scream and fall, too... and....
"Ron, RON!! Stop screaming or you'll wake the whole castle!!!!" cried Harry. Ron looked at him closer. Harry seemed to have red eyes and his face was a bit wet. Seeing Ron stare at him, he hastily wiped off the water and went to get changed.
*****
Ron and Harry went down to the hospital wing when they were finished dressing. Completely forgetting about breakfast, they bombarded Hermione with questions.
"Are you alright?" asked Ron, as soon as he got into the room.
"What, not even a good morning?" teased Hermione.
"Erm... good morning. Are you alright?" Ron repeated.
"Well, I have to take chemotherapy, starting today," said Hermione.
"Doesn't that make your hair fall out?" asked Harry.
"No, not wizard kind. My hair will stay in as it is," Hermione replied, and giggled slightly.
They talked to her until it was time for lunch. They were starved, so they sadly said goodbye to Hermione and left to go to the Great Hall. She waved, and turned over in the bed.
Later, Harry whispered to Ron, "How can she take this so well?" And she only found out last night..."
"I have no idea," Ron answered.
"Well, well well..." said a voice very cruel and menacing. The person standing over them seemed happy and excited as he taunted them. "Seems like the old mudblood has cancer, does she? Well, she had it coming. She wasn't even pure blood. Ha!"
The voice belonged to Draco Malfoy, whose eyes gleamed in delight.
