FOR A MOMENT

CHAPTER 2

It was dark.

This was the prominent thought in Hermione's mind. Others may have wondered how such a simple and obvious observation could occupy a witch who had been called the brightest witch of her generation, especially when said witch had just the day before received devastating news. But it fit perfectly into Hermione's train of thought. After returning home in the early afternoon from her second doctor's appointment, she had excused herself to her room, explaining to her parents that she just wanted some time alone. Some time to think. Some time to adjust. Discussing treatment with her physician today had brought the fact home- she, Hermione Jane Granger, had a potentially fatal disease- leukemia. Now, as she lay on her bed in the dark, she realized the bright blue sky had turned into darkest night and she could not help but reflect on how the workings of nature matched her life at the moment.

In Hermione's world, it was dark.

She reflected upon all that she had learned that day about what the upcoming months in her life would be like. Dr. Kerouac explained how the treatment would work. The first thing out of Hermione's mouth after learning that the treatment was a continuous process was whether or not she would be able to attend school. Dr. Kerouac had looked questioningly at Mr. and Mrs. Granger, who explained that Hermione attended a prestigious boarding school for gifted young people. Dr. Kerouac nodded in understanding but clarified that the progress would determine the length of treatment and so she could guarantee nothing.

She then went on to explain the probable side effects of the treatment, the most common of which were severe fatigue and hair loss. She explained that for some patients the fatigue had been so severe that they had not been able to go on with their usual activities for sometimes days at a time. She warned Hermione that for this reason school, especially one as challenging as hers sounded, might not be endurable. She then set up a schedule for Hermione's treatment and last of all gave her a list of contacts for support groups.

"Hermione," she had said, "I won't lie to you. This is going to be a very difficult time for you. Don't go through it alone."

But no matter that she had family and friends who loved and supported her. No matter that she knew she needed to get herself together and make plans. No matter that she had a list sitting on her desk of groups of people who were going through the exact same thing as she was. Hermione still felt utterly alone.

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Dan Granger sat on the bed, holding his wife in his arms. He sat dry-eye and straight-back, while resting his cheek on his wife's head and rubbing her back soothingly. He knew that even though she was not trembling and was even speaking in a somewhat normal if whisper-soft voice, she was also crying silent uncontrollable tears because her heart was broken. Just like his heart was broken.

"I can't believe it, Dan. Our little girl. Our little girl! How could something like this happen to our little girl? She's done nothing to deserve this."

"I know, hon. I know." Dan continued to comfort her as best he could.

"What are we going to do? How can we help her?" At this, Emma Granger looked into her husband's eyes and he saw in them a slight hope that he might have thought of something she hadn't.

Dan answered slowly, "I think the best we can do for the moment is to be strong and be there for her. And never give up hope."

He hated to see that light of hope in her eyes extinguished but he had no other answer. Looking into her eyes, he said what he hoped was the truth, "She will beat it."

Just then, a knock sounded at their door. Hermione's voice came muffled through the door, "Mum? Dad? May I come in?"

As Emma Granger was about to readily admit her daughter entrance, she was cut off by her husband, "Just one moment, luv."

Emma threw her husband an incredulous look, confused as to why he wouldn't let their baby in immediately. Dan put his hands on her shoulders and whispered, "Wipe your eyes, honey. Remember, we want to be strong for her." And with that said he left her to open the door for their daughter.

Dan ushered Hermione in and once again took a seat beside his wife, noticing that she had composed herself. Hermione stopped to stand in front of her parents and they could tell that logical Hermione was back, if only for a moment.

"First of all, I just want to thank you for letting me have the afternoon to myself. I know that this is hard for you as well. No," Hermione said quickly as she saw her parents about to interrupt, "don't worry about it. I understand. I truly do. Well, I needed some time to myself. I needed time to think. And I came to a conclusion, or more of a resolution, I suppose. I am going to beat this.

"I am going to give everything I have for this treatment, but that isn't all. I am going to live my life as normally as possible and I will be going to Hogwarts this year. I do plan on contacting Professor Dumbledore and letting him know my situation as well as the possibility that we may have to figure out a way for me to continue my treatment while I'm attending school. I also plan to do some research and ask him if he knows of anything magical that can be of help." At this, she saw a sudden light of hope shining from both of their eyes, but once again headed them off before they could speak. "And, no, as far as I'm aware there is no magical cure for any kind of cancer." Hermione saw the light leave their eyes because they knew that if their daughter had never heard of a magical cure, there probably wasn't one.

"I am going to beat this. And, Mum? Dad? I would appreciate it if you don't tell any of my friends. I want to be the one to tell them." Both of her parents nodded in response.

"Thank you. And…," here Hermione's voice lost some of its confidence, "and if you could just be there for me and help me stay strong, that would be the best way to help me. Because no matter how strong I started in here, I won't lie to you. I'm the most afraid I've ever been in my life." And as her eyes began to water, her parents swiftly rose from the places to envelop their child in a comforting embrace.

"I will beat this," she whispered.