A/N: You all must love me for not waiting to pots this chapter. I know I left you at a cliff-hanger, so now you get to find out what happens. Have fun and read away...

Chapter 13

Please Don't Say Goodbye

I never thought that

I would lose my mind

That I could control this

Never thought that I'd be left behind

That I was stronger than you, baby

Girl, if only I knew what I've done

You know, so why don't you tell me

And I...I would bring down

The moon and the sun

To show how much I care

Don't wanna lose you now

Baby, I know we can win this

Don't wanna lose you know

No, no

Or ever again

Don't wanna lose you now-

"Don't Wanna Lose You Now"

Backstreet Boys

" Ginny, will you ever grow up?" Hermione asked, rolling her eyes at the red head.

" Oh, come on, Mione. Will you just have a little fun for once in your life?" Ginny countered, jabbing her playfully with her elbow.

" Well, I'm sorry, but I just don't think that putting a cobra in Malfoy's dorm is the best way to get back at him for cheating on Alana." Hermione stated matter-of-factly. " Besides...it's her problem, not ours."

" Why not? He likes snakes anyway. Malfoy has a lot in common with them. He's sneaky, vile, and untrustworthy. And Alana's not doing anything about him, so we're stepping in for her own good. As Jezebel always says, " Somtimes friends know what's best for friends, even when they don't"." Ginny explained as they came to the door to the Prefect girls' bathroom.

" And you actually believe a word that comes out of Jezebel's mouth? Never mind; don't answer that. I already know the answer." Hermione said, pushing the door open. " We'll talk about this later. But for now, let's just go and soak in the bath for awhile. I need time to relax with exams being so harsh this year."

When they stepped inside, the sight infront of the two both shocked and horrified them. A body nearly coated with blood lay in a scarlet puddle on the heavily-stained, marble floor. Her hair, still terribly wet, was plastered to her bare skin as it lie splaid everywhere. The once white towel that was left crumpled up next to her was stained with a great deal of blood as well. The girl lay motionless as if she were already dead.

" Marry one of the gods!" Hermione gasped, her hands flying up to her mouth.

" What the bloody hell happened here?" Ginny asked, breathlessly.

They both rushed over to the girl. Ginny kneeled down next to her body and gently turned her face towards her. When they both got a clear look at it, Hermione and Ginny felt their breath catch in their throats. For a brief moment, it seemed like the world had stopped turning before the reality finally set in.

" Alana? Oh dear Lord, Alana! Alana, speak to me! Please, speak to me!" Ginny cried, shaking her by the shoulders. " Come on, Alana! You have to open your eyes!"

" Here, move over!" Hermione ordered, kneeling down next to her.

She did as she was told and made room for her. Hermione placed two fingers on the side of Alana's neck and waited. Ginny watched as a small look of relief passed over her face.

" Thank God, she's got a pulse! Quick, Ginny, get me her robe over there on the hook!" She instructed, hurriedly. " We have to get her to the Hospital Wing immediately!"

Ginny scrambled to her feet and quickly grabbed Alana's robe. She threw it over to Hermione, who caught it and wrapped it around Alana's limp body. Then, she gathered her gingerly into her arms and started towards the door with Ginny right by her side. Ginny opened the door for her, and they both took off at a sprint down the corridor.

" We have to hurry! She's already lost too much blood as it is! If she loses anymore...well, I'd rather not think about the consequences!" Hermione explained, a worried look taking over her face.

Draco sauntered down the corridor lazily. His life had become worse than before ever since Alana had left him. He had run out of tears to shed over the matter. It had left him completely empty; devoid of all emotion. To put it more simply, Draco just didn't care anymore. Most people that had once been his friends had left him; the only exception being Blaise, who was the only one who believed his side of the story. Really, Draco couldn't stop thinking about Alana, even though he now pretended to be indifferent about her. He still loved her with all his heart. The pain had finally left him, just like she had. The world was always so unfair to him. Now, it had snatched away the only thing he had ever, truly loved. Suddenly, a Ravenclaw ran past him, nearly knocking Draco down from behind! She didn't even so much as mutter an apology.

" Hey! Watch where you're going and slow down before I deduct points from Ravenclaw!" He shouted, though he really didn't care that she was running at all.

The girl skidded to a stop and spun around. Cleo! Her eyes were red from crying, but she still managed to glare furiously at him.

" Oh, just shut the hell up, Malfoy!" Cleo snapped, before taking off into a run again.

She turned around the corner and disappeared into another corridor. Draco merely raised an eyebrow and just kept walking, not in the mood to chase down someone for running. Then, he saw Jezebel fly down the corridor Cleo had just gone down. A few seconds later, she came back around the corner and ran towards him.

" Geez, what is it with people and running today?" Draco muttered under his breath.

Then, without a moment's hesitation, Jezebel flung herself at him and started crying into his chest. At first, Draco was shocked. Not only was Jezebel not the kind of person who just broke down infront of someone like that, but she still expressed openly about how much she still hated him for what he'd done to her best friend. His expression softed, and he embraced her back. He was willing to put aside all the nasty and hurtful things she'd said to him for the past couple of weeks and take pity on his old friend. She continued to sob hysterically, clutching him tightly.

" Jez, what's wrong?" He asked, tenderly. " Are you okay?"

" Oh Draco..." She sobbed, brokenly.

" What is it?" He replied, holding her out infront of him. " What's wrong?"

It took Jezebel awhile to calm down enough to talk. When she did, Jezebel looked up at him with her dark, grief-stricken eyes and answered in broken sobs, " I...it's Alana!"

Draco's face seemed to drain of all color. For a second, it felt as if time had come to a sudden hault. He was for sure that his heart had stopped beating.

" What happened?" Draco asked in a raised voice. " Is she okay?"

" Sh..she's in the H...Hopsital Wing. You n...need to come...now!" Jezebel answered, tugging on his hand frantically.

They ran to the Hospital Wing swiftly without another word, as Jezebel told Draco of how Ginny and Hermione had found Alana bleeding on the floor in the Prefect girls' bathroom. While she was telling him the story, Draco's heart raced faster and faster, hammering hard against his chest. He was running as fast as his long legs would allow. When they reached the Hospital Wing, Draco noticed that almost all of Alana's friends were there. Jezebel ran up to Blaise, who embraced her firmly, as she continued to cry. His face was, also, very solemn. Everyone's attention immediately diverted to Draco. He held his head high in defiance, showing that he wasn't afraid of them. His hands were jammed into his jean pockets as he took a defensive stance. The cold glares he recieved from them seemed to be boring into his skin.

" What is he doing here?" Ginny snarled.

" Yeah, he doesn't deserve to see Alana after what he put her through!" Hannah added, coldly.

" I sent Jezebel to find him." Blaise interrupted, calmly, everyone looking at him in utter shock. " He has as much right to be here as any of us."

" But..." Cleo complained.

" Listen, you all might believe that I cheated on Alana, but I didn't." Draco stepped in.

He was so tired of being judged because of an implied situation when not everyone knew all of the facts. It was time for him to finally clear his name and tell them what had really happened. Right now was not the time for them all to turn on him.

" Pansy forced herself on me. I wasn't about to do anything with her, except hex her dispicable, slutty self off of me. I still love Alana dearly and would give the world for her. I would even give my life for her if it meant that she would live another day. I never meant to hurt her; that's the last thing I ever wanted to happen. If you think that these past few weeks have been easy on me, then you don't have the slightest clue how wrong you are. I've had to endure as much pain as her, if not more because of knowing that I caused her heart break. So, think about about that before you accuse me of something I didn't do."

They all fell silent, except for the muffled cries coming from Jezebel. Draco looked them over warily, seeing is anyone was going to argue with his statement, before closing his eyes and giving out a heavy sigh. He ran a hand through his hair and opening his weary eyes.

" How long has she been in there?" He asked, quietly.

" For half an hour. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick are all in there with her and Madame Pomfrey." Hermione answered, hoarsely, leaning heavily on Ron, who held her close.

Draco leaned against the wall and closed his eyes; mainly to stop the tears from spilling out. Alana, his Alana, was in there, bleeding to death, and he couldn't do a thing about it. The thought of being useless to her made his despair even greater. How could this have happened? How could he have let Alana be attacked? Suddenly, the door opened, and Professors McGonagall and Flitwick walked out; both silent and grim-looking.

" Professor McGonagall, how is she? Is Alana gonna be okay?" Ginny asked, hurriedly.

" We're still not sure. She's lost a lot of blood back in the bathroom and is still losing some now. Madame Pomfrey is doing everything she can for her. The Headmaster is getting Healers from St. Mungo's to help." She answered, her age showing more than ever because of her stress.

" I need to see her." Draco stated, urgently.

" I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy, but I can't let you." McGonagall replied, raising an eyebrow at him. " She's in too critical of a state right now."

" I didn't ask to see her." He told her, challengingly. " I said I need to see her."

" Now, see here, Mr. Malfoy..."

" Minerva, is everything alright out here?" Dumbledore asked, appearing in the doorway.

" Please, Professor," Hannah begged, " we want to see Alana."

" You can see Miss Kaligaris after Madame Pomfrey and the Healers are done, but for now, you all need to have patience." He adviced them with a wise smile.

" You don't understand, Headmaster." Draco insisted, looking up at him defiantly. " I have to see Alana immediately."

He didn't mention that if he didn't, Draco didn't know how much longer he'd be able to survive not knowing if she really was as bad as everyone said she was. It was bothering him to almost the end of his sanity. Dumbledore just kept smiling down at him and placed a hand on his shoulder. A small wave of comfort rushed over him.

" I know how you feel Mr. Malfoy. You're the closest to Miss Kaligaris out of all her friends. As hard as it is for you, I need you to be patient. When Alana is allowed to have visitors, you'll be the first to know. I promise you that." Dumbledore assured him.

Draco still looked up at him with defiance, but he backed away and took his spot back by leaning on the wall again. Dumbledore gave him one, last look before turning to McGonagall and telling her to send someone for him if Alana's condition changed. After she assured him that she would, Dumbledore bed the others goodbye and walked off. Flitwick hurried off to the Owlery to notify Alana's family. McGanagall stayed with the others to supervise them. Just then, Madame Pomfrey rushed out.

" What is it, Poppy?" McGonagall asked, noticing the flustered look on her face. " What's the matter?"

" Is Alana alright?" Draco added, worriedly.

" She's lost so much blood! Her pulse is way too weak for comfort! If she doesn't have a blood transfusion soon, I'm afraid that she might not make it!" Madame Pomfrey explained, solemnly.

" What's her blood type?" Cleo asked, hurriedly. " Maybe one of us could help."

" She's got a rare blood type. It's AB negative." She answered.

" I'm AB negative." Hannah piped up.

" Oh thank the Lord!" Madame Pomfrey exclaimed, ushering her into the room. " Come, Dear!"

The door locked behind them, and everyone else slumped back into their previous positions. The girls settled into the arms of their boyfriends for comfort. Draco merely continued to lean against the wall; his eyes closed as if to shut out the reality of the situation. After an hour, Hannah came out, looking totally exhausted. Her boyfriend, Michael, took her away to the Hufflepuff Common Room before anyone could ask her questions. As the rest of the hour passed; Hermione, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Cleo, and Ryan all left. Jezebel and Blaise had fallen asleep together, while Draco stared out into open space blankly.

It seemed like an eternity before the door finally opened again. Madame Pomfrey came out and started whispering to Professor McGonagall. A look of slight relief passed over her face before she said, " Okay, well...I better go get Albus. He'll want to be informed about this. Oh, Poppy, you better let Mr. Malfoy see her. He won't be satisfied until he does."

McGonagall walked off swiftly as Madame Pomfrey smiled sympathetically at Draco.

" You may see Miss Kaligaris now, Dear, but I caution you." She told him, softly. " Her appearance may come as a bit of a shock to you."

Draco nodded before entering the room. Curtains were pulled over the windows, making the room extra dark. A single candle flickered on the night stand next to one of the hospital beds. That's when his eyes fell upon Alana. Just the sight of her was almost enough to make him release the tears he'd been holding back. She looked so small and fragile in that bed. Her skin was as pale as if she were already dead. The rosy color of her full lips had turned to a pale blue. Draco could barely see her chest rise and fall. The glow of the candle light made her skin look translucent. All of the machines that were hooked up to her made Alana look that much more vonerable.

He walked up to her slowly, unable to believe that this was really happening. As he sat down in a daze by her bed, Madame Pomfrey checked the readings on the machines. Draco reached his hand out and moved a piece of hair away from her face gently. Sorrow and regret were etched on his finely-chissled face. The woman smiled down at him out of pity.

" The Headmaster told me about your relationship with the young lady. You can stay a little while after he comes to check on her." Madame Pomfrey said, softly. " But, I assure you, she's in the best of care."

" Is she going to be alright?" Draco asked, hoarsely. " I mean...Alana will live, won't she?"

" We won't be certain until tomorrow. She's in a very critical state at the moment. It just depends on how hard she fights. I'll be staying up all night to keep a constant vigil on her to make sure her heart doesn't fail. Already it's very weak." She explained, carefully.

There was a knock on the door just then. Madame Pomfrey rushed off to answer it as Draco continued to stare down at Alana helplessly. Dumbledore walked up behind him quietly and smiled down at him kindly. Draco didn't even acknowledge his presence.

" Your friends seem to be sleeping deeply outside the door. They didn't even move a muscle when I passed by them. I was surprised they weren't in here with you. They were anxious earlier to see Miss Kaligaris." He said. " Her family will be here tomorrow to see her. They were very upset to hear about her accident."

Draco only made a small noise in the back of his throat to show that he was listening. Dumbledore put an aged, comforting hand on his shoulder again. He looked up at him blankly, but his eyes showed confusion along with much grief. The Headmaster thought that a young person like Draco shouldn't know such a painful feeling.

" We're doing the best we can for her." He told him as Draco looked back down at Alana.

" And it's still not enough." Draco sighed, bitterly.

" I want to tell you she'll be okay, but it would just give you what might be false hope. Alana is a truly special girl, and I know it must be hard not knowing if you'll ever get to speak to her again." He continued.

" You have no idea." Draco muttered.

" Mr. Malfoy, I'm aware of the way you feel about Alana. It is no secret to me about what happened between you two recently. Heh, gossip in this school is so bad that it even reaches the teachers' ears." Dumbledore explained as Draco shot him a shocked look before looking back down at Alana. " Please, do me a small favor. Don't beat yourself up about it. The incident was in no way your fault. And deep down in her heart, Alana knows that."

Silence filled the room, except for the constant beeping of the machines. No matter how much he wanted to, Draco refused to let the Headmaster see him cry. His eyes were focused on Alana's pallid face, taking in her still beautiful features. Knowing that nothing he could do or say would comfort him, Dumbldore started towards the door. When his hand was on the nob, he turned around and said, " There is always hope; no matter how dark and bleak the situation may seem."

With that, he left the room, closing the door behind him. Draco caressed Alana's cheek gently, feeling her icy skin beneath his hand. Alana was sweating a little, and her face turned feverish. On the night stand was a bowl full of water with a wash cloth hanging on the side. He dunked it in the water, rung it out, and started to wash the sweat beads off. Draco did it in a loving fashion, carefully wiping her entire face until the feverish look went away. After he was finished, Draco placed it back in the bowl. Then, he turned down the blankets that were pulled up to her neck down a little, so she wouldn't get over heated. Alana had been dressed in a pure white nightgown. The ties were undone, and Draco could see the bandages wrapped around her chest. Blood stains were visible as well. He also, saw the bandages around her left arm. This just proved that he wasn't dreaming. Alana had almost been murdered. She was fighting for her life.

Gently, he took one of her small hands into both of his. A single tear trailed down his cheek. His eyes gazed down at her face as if to try and wake her.

" Please, Alana, please be alright." Draco begged, pleadingly. " I can't be happy without knowing you'll pull through. I need you...so much. You're the only reason I even get out of bed in the morning. You're my one reason for living. I'd give anything to trade places with you, so you didn't have to suffer. So please...don't say goodbye, Alana. Don't say goodbye to me just yet."

Just then, Madame Pomfrey walked out of her office. She studied Draco for a second before walking up to him quietly.

" I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy, but you need to go now. You can come back in the morning during breakfast if you wish." She told him.

Draco nodded his head before rising slowly out of his seat. Then, he bent down and kissed Alana's forehead tenderly. That gesture was almost enough to make Madame Pomfrey cry. She let him out and locked the door behind him for the night. Jezebel and Blaise were gone now. He figured that Professor Dumbledore must have woken them and said that they could come back the next day. Draco made his way down to the Slytherin Common Room at a sluggishly slow pace. His heart had never felt heavier. All of the pain that he thought had disappeared came back to torture him.

No one was in the Common Room when he got there. It was better that way. Now, he wouldn't have to talk about the incident that had surely been circulated throughout the school. Draco managed to get into his room, even though his feet felt numb. He stared around his cold gloomy room, as if looking for solice. As he was taking his shirt off, Draco passed by the dresser with the picture of him and Alana on it. It was from one of the nights the gang had snuck out at night to party by the lake.

He had his arms wrapped around Alana's waist with his hands resting on her stomach. Alana had an arm wrapping itself around his neck behind her. Draco was kissing her neck and whispering endearments in her ear. She giggled slightly when he whispered in her ear. The lake lay behind them in the backround. He couldn't believe how happy and content she looked in that picture. It was hard to believe that the girl in that photo was the same one laying up in the Hospital Wing, barely hanging onto life.

Draco looked up into the mirror hanging over the dresser and stared blankly at his reflection. Suddenly, his face twisted up in rage, and he punched the mirror, shattering the glass! He went around the room, turning stuff over and throwing things at the walls as hard as he could. Finally, he let out a frustrated yell before collapsing on his bed. Draco buried his face in one of the pillows and started to sob hysterically. Every once in awhile, he'd thrash about and beat his fists into the mattress. It had been so long since he'd cried like this. Draco cried about Alana, about their broken hearts, and about life all together.

He didn't like not knowing if Alana was going to be okay or not. How he wanted so much to just turn back time and fix the past, so he and Alana could still be together. But, it was a fleeting wish; a fantasy. Nothing could change what was already done, and he knew this. So, Draco cried himself to sleep that night; praying for a miracle. The miracle that would bring his Alana back into his waiting arms.

A/N: I cried typing up this chapter. I hope you all liked it though it was incredibly sad. Well, review please and tell me what you think.