FOR A MOMENT
Chapter 3
Hermione sat alone on the couch in their living room, hands folded neatly in her lap. Her parents were in the kitchen making a pot of tea in preparation for their expected guest. Professor Dumbledore had sent an answer to their request to see him, letting them know when he would arrive. And this was the meeting for which Hermione was waiting.
It was why she was sitting alone, apparently with nothing to occupy her time. But while she may have appeared unoccupied, she was anything but as her mind and emotions were running amuck.
I don't know why I can't pull myself together! It's not like I have never spoken to the Headmaster before, and under worse circumstances! It can't be any worse than all the times I've broken the rules in the past with Harry and Ron. I'll just be the regular logical, reasonable me and treat this as an informational meeting in which I need to inform Professor Dumbledore of a special need that has newly arisen and must be taken care of. We'll set up a schedule and that will be that! The only reason why any of this is necessary is because my progress has been slow. Consistent, but slow, Dr. Kerouac says.
Hermione's train of thought was interrupted by a knock at the front door. Wondering who it could be and not particularly thrilled to have a visitor, she called out to her parents that she would answer the door. She walked to the white wooden door and swung it open. To her surprise, Professor Dumbledore was waiting on the other side.
"Miss Granger," he said with a twinkle in his eyes (which she suspected was caused by his catching her off guard), "may I come in?"
Hermione quickly recovered herself and gestured for him to step in. "Of course, sir. Please do." And she closed the door and began to lead him into the family room.
"I hope you'll forgive me, Miss Granger, as I can see I caught you by surprise. You see, I have tried to make a habit of apparating outside of muggleborn students' homes and knocking. I have found this to be a little less…invasive and surprising, shall we say, then flooing in through their fireplace."
"It's quite all right, Professor," Hermione returned as she gestured for him to take a seat. "I should have realized when you didn't mention setting the floo network to be connected to my home." Upon seeing her parents enter, she gave the introductions. "Professor, these are my parents, Drs. Dan and Emma Granger. Mum, Dad, this is my headmaster, Professor Dumbledore."
Pleasantries were exchanged and everyone seated themselves. Hermione's parents sat on the couch while Professor Dumbledore and Hermione sat in armchairs at opposite ends. A short silence fell, in which Dumbledore glanced at each of the Grangers' faces. Ending with Hermione, he cleared his throat and broke the silence.
"Well, I am honored to have been invited into your home. But I presume there is a reason you have asked me to come and I fear it is not a happy one."
Hermione took a breath a plunged in. "You're right, Professor. The reason we have asked you here is to inform you that I was diagnosed with leukemia towards the beginning of summer break. I have been undergoing treatment ever since and it has been going well if slow. Because of the slow progress, I have to continue the treatment through the school year, though both my parents and my physician prefer I not attend school this year. But I will not miss my final year at Hogwarts! And since that is my final decision, arrangements need to be made as to how I will continue my treatment while at school."
Hermione let out a breath and waited.
"I am sorry to hear of your misfortune, Miss Granger, but I am glad to hear you will be attending Hogwarts. It just wouldn't be the same without you especially since you are the chosen Head Girl. I assume you still want to accept the position?" At seeing Hermione's nod, he continued. "Good. That will in fact make absences easier to excuse as I am assuming you want to keep this information confidential?" Again, a nod. "All right, Miss Granger, I am sure we can work everything out. Just remember, your health comes first, so if any of it becomes too much at any time, you must inform myself or one of your other professors. And, of course, your professors will have to be told."
"I understand, Professor. But can you please be sure not to let Harry, Ron or any of the others know? I haven't told them yet and I would like to be the one to let them know."
"Of course. But be sure you do tell them. For you will most surely need your friends in this trying hour."
"Thank you," Hermione whispered, and she meant it more for than just his agreement to keep her secret.
"You are most welcome. And please remember you can come to me at anytime if you have need."
"I will."
"Professor Dumbledore?"
Both Hermione and Dumbledore turned to her parents, almost a little surprised at their joining the conversation.
"We know that you're a great wizard. Hermione has told us all about the things you have done, especially in defeating that Lord Voldemort. And, well, my wife and I were wondering if there have ever been any cases like Hermione's in your world?"
"If you are inquiring as to whether I know of a magical cure, Mr. Granger, I am afraid there isn't one. We have things that will help to make it easier for your daughter and Madame Pomfrey, an excellent school nurse who will take very good care of her in the absence of her regular physician. But there is no cure even in the wizarding world for this."
At this, both Hermione and Dumbledore saw the light of hope die from their eyes, fragile as it had been. Once again, a silence fell. Only this time, it was Hermione who broke it.
"Thank you, Professor. For coming, for your flexibility, and for your offer. I'm sure you are busy, especially with school starting in a week and so we won't keep you any longer."
Dumbledore stood along with his hosts ready to make his way out. "You're welcome, Miss Granger. And thank you for being brave enough to continue on with your life. That is not always easy. I look forward to introducing you as Head Girl at the welcoming feast in a week. In the meantime, take care of yourself and remember, if you ever need anything, just let me know. Now no need to bother yourselves, I'll show myself out." And with a swish of robes, he was gone.
AN: Sorry, it's taken me so long to get another chapter up there. First I got sick and then everything else started piling on. You know how it is. Anyway, hoped you like the chapter and don't worry, you don't have to wait any longer! Harry and Ron will be in the story starting with the next chapter. Hope you all are enjoying the holidays!