Hi everyone,
having trouble posting chapters...I hope it works this time around.
Chapter Nineteen
'You need sleep, Fleur. Let me sit with her and lie down for a few hours at least,' Ginny quietly said as she touched the French woman's shoulder.
Fleur had not moved from Hermione's side for a whole night and day.
'What if she wakes up? I can't leave 'er,' Fleur protested. She could barely keep her eyes open and by their lovely shade of red, Ginny assumed she'd been crying for most of the time she had been awake.
'I promise to come and get you at the first sign of her waking up,' Ginny attempted to convince her.
'Non, I want 'er to know I'm 'ere. I will stay and 'old 'er 'and,' Fleur insisted.
'Look, if she wakes up and sees you like this, she will only get upset. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of her. Just a few hours, Fleur,' Ginny tried again and finally she had gotten through to the French woman.
Fleur claimed the next free hospital bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.
'Hermione, it's me, Ginny. I don't know if you can hear me but in case you do, I wanted to apologise. I never meant to hurt you. I only wanted to end your game of hide and seek to help you, not to get you into the infirmary. Fleur is worried sick and frankly, so am I. What happens if this can't be fixed? I'm so scared. I need you. I need my best friend. Who else am I supposed to ask for relationship advice? And Ron, Ron needs you too. If you're not there to reprimand his behaviour, he'll never learn. Harry will only get into trouble without you and I don't think I can keep him from it. And most of all Fleur. I can't imagine what this must be like for her. I...I'm sorry,' Ginny finished her monologue in tears. Nobody had said it but everyone was wondering about it. If nobody could cure Hermione's arm, what would be the consequences? Would she die? Would they take her arm?
Ginny held Hermione's healthy hand and stroked it with her thumb. Madam Pomfrey had taken care of the wound as best as possible after Hermione had swallowed the knock-out potion. When Hermione woke a few hours later and within seconds had desperately cried for relief, they realised that the pain hadn't died down at all and so they had knocked her out again. She was due to wake up in a couple of hours and they were all hoping that the arm would be back to where it was before Ginny had touched it.
The young witch had never regretted anything in her life more than this. She had even gone to ask McGonagall if there really wasn't a chance that a time-turner might still exist.
'I'm glad you accepted. I'm afraid time is of the essence and we can't take weeks to find another suitable candidate,' Minerva said.
'Minerva, could we please stop the pretence? You know as well as I why I have accepted this position,' Narcissa politely replied, setting her face. Minerva nodded her consent and sat down at her desk, motioning for Narcissa to do the same.
'You are informed about what is going on in the dungeons and about your role in it. Draco assured me he sent you a copy of the new school rules?' Minerva asked unnecessarily.
'You will be in charge of finding a way to help the Slytherins. I want reports on the goings on on my desk every Monday morning. You are not give out detentions or deduct house points without consulting the head of house or myself. You have a room that you can furnish and decorate in a way that you think most conducive for helping the students. There will be a house elf at your disposal for that but I would like to remind you of how short staffed they are. Do you have any questions?' Minerva explained her conditions to Narcissa.
'Has Draco been informed of my arrival? Where are my quarters?'
'Yes and as you can imagine he was not very pleased but he didn't forget his manners. An elf will show you to your quarters as soon as we are done here. There is something else I need to disclose to you. The whole school is agitated because Hermione Granger is currently in hospital due to an unfortunate accident in the library. Naturally, the students don't believe this, after all this is one part of the Golden Trio, and took the opportunity to come up with all sorts of rumours. Be warned.'
Narcissa raised an eyebrow at the information. She immediately drew her own conclusions but didn't voice them. There was no need for the headmistress to know that she knew perfectly well why Hermione was indisposed. She was surprised at the speed at which things developed. She could have sworn Bella would have used a slow simmering spell. She would have to find a way to get information on the status of the wound if she was to help the girl. If only she had paid more attention to her sister's spellwork, but she guessed it was easy to be distracted by the blind - and she had to say, rather unelegant - destruction that Bellatrix left in her wake. She knew of course how to trace common curses and hexes but her sister was anything but common.
Morning broke and the sun lit up Ginny's already flaming hair. The girl had fallen asleep half sitting half lying on Hermione's bed, never letting go of her hand.
Slowly, she woke, passing the disoriented phase after realising that one hadn't woken in their own bed. Only then, she realised that Fleur had woken her.
'You 'ave classes in a few 'ours. You should get some proper sleep.'
'It's ok, I don't want to leave yet,' Ginny said and worry was etched all across her face.
Fleur pulled a second chair to Hermione's bedside and they sat looking at the rise and fall of Hermione's breathing.
'I can't do this. Not again,' Fleur whispered, after a while. Her voice broke and tears were running down her face.
Ginny didn't know what to say or do.
'I almost lost 'er once. Then, I 'ad to let her walk into certain death. And 'alf a year later, I'm right where we started. Only this time there is nothing I can do to make 'er better,' Fleur went on, stroking Hermione's head.
She delicately kissed the back of her girlfriend's hand and then whispered, 'Je suis désolée, chérie. I've broken my promises. I promised to keep you safe and I promised you to find a cure and now, look at you. I've failed you and I am dreadfully sorry. Please forgive me...' Fleur spoke until a sob interrupted her and she couldn't go on. She buried her face in Hermione's hair and quietly begged for forgiveness.
Ginny's heart broke at the sight. She had to deal with her own pain and fear but seeing Fleur breaking down like that tore at the very core of her. She tried to imagine herself in Fleur's position. The last thing they had shared had been a fight and now Fleur found herself pulled back to the darkest time in their lives. Ginny was sure there were only so many times one could endure the fear of losing the love of your life.
Suddenly, Hermione began to stir. Fleur was too busy apologising and declaring her love to notice.
'Fleur! She's waking up!' Ginny said and immediately Fleur sat up to see for herself.
Indeed, Hermione was moving and clearly fighting to open her eyes. Her lips moved but no sound left them.
Finally, her eyes focused on Fleur and instantly filled with tears.
'Shhh, chérie. I'm 'ere. Don't exert yourself. Are you in pain?' Fleur said, clearly torn between worry and joy.
Hermione moved her lips soundlessly again.
'Water? Do you want some water?' Fleur guessed and Hermione blinked once for yes.
Fleur helped her drink some water through a straw and the young witch drank greedily. So far, things seemed good. The last time she had woken, it had taken mere seconds for her to beg for pain potion, her whole body contorting in agony. Ginny, watching in horror, had wondered if this came even close to a crucio curse.
After drinking, Hermione's voice came back. Still raspy and weak but loud enough to hear. She hadn't taken her eyes off Fleur even once. Ginny couldn't remember ever having seen such love in anyone's face.
'Fleur?' she asked when she had turned to put the glass back on the bedside table.
'Oui? Are you in pain?'
'I'm so sorry, Fleur,' Hermione croaked, more tears running down her face.
'There is nothing you need to feel sorry for, mon cœur. It is I who has to apologise.'
Hermione carefully shook her head.
'No, Fleur. I started that fight. It was uncalled for. You only ever wanted to help,' Hermione said.
'Yes, but I couldn't. So I apologise for breaking my promise and failing you. Please forgive me,' Fleur sobbed before burying her face in the mattress. As best as she could in her groggy state, Hermione brushed Fleur's hair to the side and bent to kiss the side of her face.
'You haven't failed me at all, love. Please, look at me,' Hermione said and laid back down.
The young witch searched Fleur's blue eyes before speaking, 'I love you, Fleur Delacour. I will always love you. Please don't beat yourself up over something like that. You tried your best and that is what counts for me.'
'Je t'aime aussi, ma chère,' Fleur said and placed a delicate kiss on Hermione's lips.
'Ahem. I'm here too, you know,' Ginny made her presence known.
'Oh Ginny!' Hermione exclaimed, smiling happily.
'You've not yet answered Fleur's question. How's the pain?' Ginny asked. It hadn't slipped past the Weasley woman that Hermione had ignored them every time.
Hermione looked at Ginny and then at Fleur, 'It is much better than yesterday but it still hurts like hell. I'd be really grateful for some pain potion.'
'That wasn't yesterday, you've been out for two nights. I'll get Madam Pomfrey. I'm sure she wants check on you,' Ginny said before leaving.
Fleur had put one hand to Hermione's face and for the first time in days smiled. Her problems were far from solved but seeing Hermione awake and not howling in pain was worth a moment of happiness.
Hermione closed her eyes and leant into Fleur's hand, savouring the moment.
'I 'ave asked Draco for 'elp,' Fleur whispered and watched as several emotions swept over Hermione's face. Anger, frustration, understanding. She nodded and took a deep breath.
'Thank you,' she said, 'I know it's our only option right now but I don't like the feeling of being at their mercy again.'
'I know, chérie. But this time you're not in this alone. You 'ave me and Ginny and I'm sure Minerva would 'ave 'er neck if she tried something,' Fleur said before kissing Hermione softly.
'I thought this is a hospital, not the history section of the library,' Madam Pomfrey interrupted their kisses, 'but I am glad to see that you are well enough to succumb to your hormones, Miss Granger,'
Fleur's ears turned fire red.
After Madam Pomfrey, Ginny followed with Headmistress McGonagall, both visibly relieved to see the patient so much better.
'Do you think I can examine your arm without knocking you out first?'
'I think so, but I don't think I can do it without pain potion,' Hermione admitted.
'I have something even better,' Madam Pomfrey beamed and pulled several ampullae out of her pocket and syringes out of the other. Hermione's eyes grew wide. So did the eyes of the others but for a different reason.
'Is that...lidocaine?' Hermione asked, reminded of her parents' dental practice. Madam Pomfrey nodded and started to prep.
'Your parents have been informed and your father actually suggested to try these. He made sure I knew how to use them. They are very concerned for you but understand that it's best for you to stay here.'
When Madam Pomfrey had filled the syringe and made sure no air was in, Ginny panicked.
'Excuse me, but what exactly is your plan? You're not going to stick this needle into my best friend. She's been through enough already! Don't worry Hermione, I won't let her,' Ginny said and stepped between the matron and the muggleborn.
'Miss Weasley, would you please stop interfering! I have a patient I would like to tend to. Step aside at once!' Madam Pomfrey scolded the defiant girl.
'It's ok, Ginny. Let her, please' Hermione said, hoping to calm her friend down.
'Are you kidding me? You want her to stick you with this torture instrument?' Ginny was beyond confused.
'It's a local anaesthetic, Ginny. My parents use it on their patients all the time,' Hermione soothed the redhead.
'Can't you just drink it like a potion? Why would muggles do that to each other?'
Hermione snickered a little before answering. The indignation on her friend's face was too funny.
'No, I can't drink it. It doesn't work like that. I assure you, if Madam Pomfrey was trained by my dad, it won't hurt at all.'
Reluctantly, Ginny gave in and moved out of the way. But not without muttering like an old lady, 'If my dad knew this he would be delighted. Muggle potions at Hogwarts. What's next? Elextrixity?'
Fleur and Hermione tried hard not to laugh.
Madam Pomfrey concentrated and stuck the needle into Hermione's arm, just above the wound. Hermione did her best not to wince. She didn't want to argue with Ginny but she was fully aware that the nurse didn't have the same practiced hands her parents had.
Slowly, the pain diminished. Hermione carefully flexed her fingers and happily noticed that they felt numb.
'Why haven't I thought of that earlier?' she asked herself out loud.
'So you can hide your pain even better?' Fleur said with a smile but it faltered as soon as she saw Hermione's guild ridden face.
'Too soon?' Fleur asked. Hermione nodded and placed a quick kiss on Fleur's nose.
A few minutes later, Hermione's wound was disinfected and re-bandaged.
'I want you to come here three times a day so I can shoot you again. A numb arm is better than to be in pain like that,' Madam Pomfrey said.
'It's "give me a shot", Madam Pomfrey, and if I were an addict, I'd shoot up but you don't shoot someone with an injection. Thank you, though. I'll come by before meals if that's alright,' Hermione explained.
'Miss Granger, I want you to rest today. You're excused from lessons obviously. I will cover your classes and Miss Weasley can keep you updated on homework. If she manages to be on time, that is,' Headmistress McGonagall decided.
'Uh oh,' Ginny remarked as she checked the time, 'I've three minutes to get to my room and back to class. I can do that, right?'
'Run, Ginny!' Hermione laughed and the girl raced away. She was never happier for choosing to wear her trainers.
'Fleur?' Minerva asked with a pointed look.
'What?' the French witch asked a little slow on the uptake, 'Oh, merde! I'll be late too!'
Fleur jumped up from her seat.
'Wait. Wait! It's good to see you haven't lost your sense of duty but I have already informed Professor Whistlepot that your classes will join hers in the open learning space today. I was just pulling your leg,' Minerva said with a smirk on her face.
Fleur flopped back onto her seat and sighed. She was completely knackered. What was she thinking taking off to teach all day. She would have collapsed into her cauldron after five minutes.
'I'll see you bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow morning in Transfiguration, Hermione. I'm glad to see you're better,' Minerva said and vanished through the big wooden doors.
'You are good to go. Today, I will make house calls before lunch and dinner. Starting tomorrow, you need to come by yourself, if that's alright,' the matron instructed.
'Very. Thank you, Madam Pomfrey,' Hermione said before taking Fleur by the hand and pulling her along.
'Hello, sleepyhead,' Hermione greeted Fleur as she opened her eyes. They had gone straight to bed. Hermione was still groggy from all the knock-out potion and Fleur had a few hours of sleep to catch up on.
Fleur hadn't even noticed Madam Pomfrey dropping by at lunch.
'Hello,' Fleur mumbled.
'Thank you,' Hermione said and gave the still waking witch a kiss.
'Mmhhh, what was that for?' Fleur asked sleepily.
'Thank you for being so wonderful and for caring so much about me.'
'I love you, 'ermione. I would do absolutely anything for you. You know that, right?' Fleur asked.
Hermione smiled warmly and kissed Fleur, mumbling a lazy 'Yes, I do' before finding Fleur's tongue with her own.