FOR A MOMENT
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All belongs to JK Rowling. I just wanted to finally put down this idea that had been fermenting in the back of my mind and was brought to light by the wonderful Rascal Flatts' song "Skin."
CHAPTER 1:
"Mum?"
"Yes, Hermione?" Emma Granger replied without lifting her head from her task of chopping vegetables for dinner.
"Mum, I… I think I need to see a doctor."
Something in her daughter's voice caused Dr. Granger to stop what she was doing and look up. Now Dr. Granger knew her daughter was a very organized and conscientious person, so her asking for a check-up was actually nothing unusual. But the emotion in her voice- it sounded like fear- now that was unlike Hermione. Looking into her daughter's eyes, she saw the same emotion that was in her voice.
"Sure, honey. I'll make an appointment for tomorrow. Do you want to tell me what's wrong?"
"Yes, Mum. I think you and Dad should know. But if you don't mind, I would prefer to wait until after dinner."
"That's fine, hon. I'll just finish making dinner and let your father know that you want to speak to us."
Hermione gave her mother a tremulous smile. "Thanks, Mum."
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Hermione sat on the settee across from her parents. She had just told them her suspicions. From their expressions, she could tell that like her, they didn't know exactly what to think. They trusted in her intelligence and her logical reasonability but they didn't want her to be right this time. Well, neither did she.
"Look, Mum, Dad. I could be completely wrong. It could be an instance of where I know too much for my own good. You know, like when med students think they have the symptoms of every disease they are studying. I just thought it would be best to get checked out."
Emma Granger had grabbed a hold of her husband Dan's hand. They gave a quick glance at each other before turning back to their only child. Dr. Daniel Granger cleared his throat and was the first to speak. "We're sure you're right and that there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Your mum and I plan on going with you to the appointment and we'll help you take care of whatever is going on, if there is even anything to take care of."
Then sliding away from his wife's side, Mr. Granger leaned forward to give his little girl a hug. "Don't you worry about a thing."
Mr. Granger returned to his seat and his wife spoke up. "All right, I think it's time we all went to bed. We have to be up early tomorrow."
Hermione gave a nod. Standing up she gave each of her parents a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Dad, Mum."
"Good night, luv. Sleep well."
But nobody in the Granger household slept well that night, especially not Hermione.
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The appointment and tests were over. They were sitting in the waiting room until they were called in for the results. Hermione's parents had taken a seat on either side of her, perhaps in a subconscious paternal effort to protect their little girl from the world. But the world was so much bigger.
Hermione sat quietly between them, head down, taking as much comfort as she could from their presence. And comfort she needed, for she was scared. In fact, she was the most frightened she had ever been in her entire life. You see, when you're as logical as Hermione, you don't scare easily. As a child, she had never believed in monsters in the closet or things that went bump in the night. And whenever she did find herself in a scary situation (because, let's face it, with Harry Potter as your best friend, those kind of situations were a lot more common than for your average muggle or wizard), she could control her emotions and work on a way out of the problem. But this… this she had no solution for.
Hermione heard the door swing open. "Granger, Hermione?" the nurse called out. Hermione gave a quick squeeze to both of her parents' hands, as if to draw some strength for what may lie ahead. Then, in a second, she was composed and stood up to let the nurse know of her presence.
The nurse was an older woman with a kind smile. "If you and your parents will just follow me, dear?"
Hermione gave a short nod and followed the nurse's lead, her parents falling into step behind her. The nurse led them into the office of her doctor, a woman about the same age as her parents named Dr. Melinda Kerouac. Dr. Kerouac stood upon their entrance and gestured to the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, take a seat." As the Grangers situated themselves, she turned to the nurse, "Thank you, Nurse Wiley. I'll let you know if we need anything." Nurse Wiley gave a nod and exited the office, closing the door softly behind her.
As soon as the door closed, Dr. Kerouac turned to her patient. "I won't torture you with more waiting. I'll be quick and to the point." The words may have seemed curt but they were said in a kind and understanding voice that Hermione appreciated. "I think all three of you knew the possible outcomes and that is part of the reason why you are here. Hermione," and here she looked directly into Hermione's eyes, "I have studied the results of your tests and the reason for your fatigue and lingering bruising is that you have leukemia."
Hermione heard a strangled sound come from her mother and she felt movement from her father. But Hermione stayed dry-eyed and back-straight as she did not waver in her gaze from Dr. Kerouac.
Dr. Kerouac eyes swept in the scene and came back to Hermione with a measure of admiration and sympathy. "There is a new treatment out for which you are a perfect candidate. I think that we caught this early enough and that you have good odds for survival. And if I'm right and you qualify for this new treatment, the chances are six in ten that it won't come back again. Would you like to pursue this course of treatment?"
This question was vaguely directed at Mr. and Mrs. Granger, but Dr. Kerouac kept her gaze on Hermione.
Hermione spoke up before her parents could, "Is this treatment what you would recommend, Dr. Kerouac?"
"Yes, Hermione, it is."
And with a short nod, it was decided. "Then we'll do it. But I think we would like more information."
"Of course. If it's agreeable, we can set up an appointment tomorrow at 9 AM and I can have all of the paperwork and information ready for you."
At this, her parents took control, coming to stand on either side of the seated Hermione. Mr. Granger put a hand on his daughter's shoulder and replied, "That's fine, Dr. Kerouac. We will see you then." And with that he ushered his daughter out of the chair to where her mother was waiting to put an arm around her shoulders.
Dr. Kerouac made her way around the desk to the door, holding it open for the sorrowful family. As they passed, she said softly, "I'm sorry it wasn't different news."
Mr. Granger stopped to look at her with grieving eyes. "So am I."