The Work of Aces
Finally I 'm back and in action.
"Where to do you want to go first?" I silently grasp her hand in the car. "I don't really know, but we could try the Burrow." "Well then." The car ride had an atmosphere filled with tension and expectation. Hermione sat clutching the little doll to her chest and silently murmuring to it. I silently steered the car out of London and into the country. "Turn left on this road ahead." Hermione never looked up from her doll as she said this. The road stretched out before me and I gripped the steering wheel in a brusque manner. Before me stood the cottage like Burrow, I had enough sense not to expect a welcoming hug. But maybe at least an acknowledging nod, that's if I'm so lucky.
I parked the car and Hermione stepped out and I followed after. "This is weird; usually they all come pouring out by now." Hermione then carefully knocked on the door and took a timid look at me. The door opened and laughter came pouring out of it. Mrs. Weasley took one look at Hermione and burst into tears. She grabbed Hermione and they start to sob. Mrs. Weasley lift her head up from where it hung on Hermione's shoulder, with her other hand she pulled me into the hug and tears rolled down my cheeks. Hermione placed her hand on my shoulder and clutched it tightly. We became oblivious to the crowd that had poured from the parlor. "What's going on here," said a gruff red head. "Oh, Fred hurry and get Ron, Harry and Ginny. Tell them that it's something they need to see." Fred leaves with a loud pop and everyone is looking to the still damp eyes of the newcomers. "Everybody I want to introduce you to Hermione and Draco." Mrs. Weasley carefully placed herself in between Hermione and Draco. Everyone stunned into silence was jolted by George. "I never thought I would live to see ole' Malfoy cry and be hand in hand with Hermione." "I never thought you would all welcome me. I was ready to sit in the car after I was cursed out the house." "Draco, you've been through so many bad influences in your life. I saw how you and your mum build yourselves up after being social outcasts in the wizarding world. I remember one day I was getting some things out in town, I saw you and your mother walking down the street. I saw how everyone left the side of the street when they saw you coming. It pained me to see you under that kind of treatment. When that one wizard shouted 'deatheater scum' I …I just about broke into tears right there on the street. But you both kept you heads up and your mother stopped and said, 'I'm sorry for whatever actions that my husband or I have done in the past, but I will not let this kind of treatment be done on my innocent son. He grew up in a harsh environment where he had to grow up before his time. So if you want to punish someone punish me but I will not let harm come on my son.' After that I knew you would be alright. And I think so did everyone else in the wizarding world. You proved yourself and have done great things. So yes Draco you are always welcomed in my home." I was once again teary eyed, accepted a hug form Mrs. Weasley. But we were rudely interrupted by four loud pops.
I looked at Hermione as all at once the infamous Harry, Ron and Ginny entered followed by Fred. She held her doll more closely to her body, that all you could see was a smashed leg. They each quietly looked at Hermione and me. Ginny broke the shocked stillness and ran over to Hermione. Both girls fell to the floor crying, slowly but surely Ron and Harry joined them. Ginny had Hermione in her arms patting her hair. As her hand went through the thick locks, suddenly chunks and chunks of hair came out with it. Ginny immediately stopped patting and looked horrifically at Hermione. Hermione stared transfixed at her hair in Ginny's hand. "Draco!" Hermione broke from the group, dropping her doll and fell into my arms. More clumps fell and Hermione lie still. I soothe her hysterical tears and reached out and grabbed her doll from were it lie forgotten. I stuck it between her arms and she immediately quieted down. "What's wrong Hermione?" Harry carefully stood up and walked over to her still in my arms. "I'm sick Harry, I'm just sick that's all." "But-""Harry I'm just sick, I just have cancer." All the color drained out of Harry's face. He stumble back into the wall and crumpled down to the floor. "What's wrong with Hermione? What's happening?" Ron was stricken with grief and no comprehension of what was going on. "Hermione has leukemia; it is a type of cancer that attacks the blood." I was the only one brave enough to answer. "The white blood cells more importantly," Hermione added. "OH, Hermione are you going to die?" Ginny clutched her heart with worry. "I'm trying not to, but it looks good." Hermione reached out and took Ginny's hand. "The reason why my hair is falling out is because I just started chemo therapy. It's a type of treatment that's sort of like radiation. It kills off the cancerous cells off." She began to tug at the collar of her shirt to reveal the tube protruding out of the base of her neck and the top of her collar bone. Gasps strung up all around the room. "Gory looking, huh, this is how the chemo gets in. It's been working I think because the bruises are hurting a lot less." "They have?" I lifted up the back of her shirt and found that the bruise from last night was starting to look much better. Harry scooted over to get a better look. His shoulders started to shake and with tear stained cheeks he ran out of the room with Ginny following. "Hermione, I… I." "Don't say anything right now. I want you to go and help Ginny take care of Harry. I need to go and rest. Tell Harry that none of this is of you alls fault. I will get better and if I don't then take of Draco." She looked in my eyes and I knew that I would do what I had to, to be with Hermione. Ron nodded and silently walked toward the backyard were Harry fled. We said our good byes to the rest of the Weasley clan with promises of returning. I left my address and any number to contact me and Hermione. I carried Hermione into the late evening sun and we drove home to get up to her room and cry ourselves to sleep.
We both woke up to another hard day. Hermione stayed in bed all day and as I was leaving for work, mum was passing me on the stairs headed to our room. "Keep her company mum, until I get home. We had a hard day yesterday and she just needs some company." "You know Draco you could have told me she was here. I could have helped." I paused on the stairs and my breaths came out in rasps. "I know mum, I know." "Just remember that will you, okay. Remember that I will always be here for you and that I will never leave, never ever." "…." I turn to leave and I hear her continuing upstairs. I knew she was crying, I couldn't hear it but I knew because inside I was crying also.
Sob fest, I know but I love this story with these strong emotions. I will make the next chapter even longer. It's just I knew I had to end it where it was.
Jingo Jango, Weepingeyes of Babylon