As Time Ticks Away
Chapter Eight
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"There's nothing we can do Arthur," Molly Weasley said to her husband in a hushed tone.
Hesitantly he replied, "We're not even sure if that is the cause Molly. We must ask her."
"You know as well as I do that we cannot do that."
"Can't ask who what?" Ron and Harry stepped in, having heard the tail end of Ron's parent's conversation, and Ron deciding to make their presence known. The moment the adults noticed the boys their conversation immediately stopped. The four sat around staring at each other for a moment before Ron decided to press his parents further.
"You're talking about Hermione, right?"
Molly looked over to her husband, her eyes asking for help. Without hesitation Arthur responded, "Boys it's nothing to worry about." He looked back over to his wife. She gave a curt nod and he added, "It's ministry business which I unfortunately can't discuss with you. It has nothing to do with Hermione."
Ron looked over to Harry. Neither of them believed what they were being told. It wasn't like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to blatantly lie to them. If there was something going on than they would be told in the easiest way possible. This, however, wasn't the case this time. They were acting differently.
"We're going to check on Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said as she grabbed her husband's hand and started towards the door. "Why don't you two grab something to eat, it's been a long day." With that the married couple exited the room.
Ron and Harry were left alone to their thoughts. Both of them grabbed some food and sat down at the table. Neither of them spoke while they ate, but both of their minds were racing at the conversation that they had overheard. After a few moments Ron decided to speak up.
"They know what's wrong with her. They have to," he spoke angrily. "Why won't they tell us?"
Harry took a moment to think before speaking. He had a feeling as to why they wouldn't tell them but didn't want to scare Ron. "Maybe because it's really bad and they don't want us to worry."
Ron's face dropped. "If it was really bad," he started, "they'd have to tell us! We have every right to know! More of a right than they do." He hesitated, the worry on his face shining through. "Now what? If my parents aren't on our side what do we do?"
"We ask Hermione."
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Hermione was lying on the couch with her eyes closed. Mrs. and Mr. Weasley had been questioning her about what happened after she left the Burrow. She didn't lie to them but she had a feeling they knew what she was going through with the array of questions. She pretended to be falling asleep in hopes of them leaving her alone for a while. Luckily, it worked. Hermione wanted nothing more than to confide in the Weasley's, especially if they knew what was going on, but she wasn't ready to lose that extra time just yet.
It wasn't long after they walked out that Harry and Ron walked in. She didn't need to open her eyes, she knew how heavy Harry walked and how Ron scuffled. Anyone could hear them coming from a mile away if they knew what to listen for. She opened her eyes and sat back up, ignoring the pain she felt, worrying instead about what she was going to share with them.
Ron rushed to her side and kissed her forehead, her fever still very much there. "What really happened?" He asked with a concerned tone. "I didn't want to ask before, you needed some rest. And I knew you wouldn't tell us in front of my parents. There's more isn't there?"
Hermione bit her lip. "I told you. Malfoy attacked me and I don't know what he did." That wasn't a lie. She just didn't say when he attacked that caused all of this and she still wasn't fully aware of the curse that was placed on her. "Ron's parents don't seem to suspect anything other than the flu."
"No offense Hermione," Harry interrupted, "but we think that Ron's parents know what's wrong. Did they tell you what they know?"
"No they didn't. They just asked how I was feeling and how long I've been feeling like this. I really think they believe I just have the flu is all. Honestly, I think you're worrying too much about this," she lied. In reality, she believed there was much more worrying to be done.
Ron grabbed her hand. "I won't stop worrying until you're better," he blushed. "It can't be the flu though. The symptoms are too sudden. And it's kind of ironic that they started taking effect after your meeting with Malfoy. I'm not buying it."
At this point Hermione wanted to do nothing more than allude to Ron that the symptoms could all be found in a book under her bed. All she wanted to do was tell Ron and Harry and the rest of the Weasley's what was really going on. But she couldn't bring herself to do that, not yet. She wanted that time to find the cure. She was the smartest witch of her age after all. If anyone was going to find it, it was going to be her.
"We'll just have to keep looking for answers then," was all she managed to say before the fire place lit up.
After the green flames had subsided, a tall figure stepped out. Albus Dumbledore towered over the two boys who were standing in the room. He gave them a smile as he stepped out further into the living room and said, "Ah, just the three I was looking to speak to." He patted Harry and Ron on the shoulder and kneeled down to Hermione. He reached out his hand and placed it on her forehead as everyone else had already done that day. "Before we talk boys do you mind if I have a word with Miss. Granger alone?"
"Of course professor," Harry answered.
Ron and Harry began to leave the room when Dumbledore turned to them and spoke once more. "And don't try to listen in. I already have spells up," he winked.
Once they were gone he turned back to Hermione, his face much more solemn. "Before we began our conversation I want to make very clear what I expect. I'm going to ask a series of questions and I expect you to not give me any details of what you are going through. Be as vague as possible but be honest. Do you understand?"
Hermione was confused but she nodded and said, "Yes professor."
Dumbledore continued, "Good. When was your first encounter this summer with Lucius Malfoy?"
"A few weeks, maybe a few months," Hermione answered as vaguely and honestly as possible.
"Have you read any interesting books recently?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes I have."
"Have you shared this book with anyone? If it is interesting than certainly you would want to share it."
Hermione fought back a tear. "I haven't shared it professor. I wish I could, it has some interesting details in it. A lot of things in it aren't in many other books that I've read." She hoped that this wasn't too detailed. But Dumbledore continued so she assumed it wasn't.
"How long ago did you read this book?"
She hadn't really been keeping time. She had become afraid of time. Still, Hermione was thinking of how long after the spell hit her that she read the book she found at the Burrow. "A few weeks," she finally responded.
Dumbledore let out a sigh. "I've heard this saying before. It goes: time heals all wounds. Would you say you agree with that?"
"No professor," Hermione responded.
"And why is that Miss. Granger?"
Hermione needn't think twice about why. She said the first thing that came to mind. "Time only makes way for death professor. That's just the way life is and always has been. Personally, time scares me." She was speaking metaphorically. This whole conversation was a giant metaphor. She understood now that Dumbledore knew exactly what was happening to her. This was one loophole she needed, a way to talk about it.
That's when a thought struck her. If there was a loophole for this, then there was a loophole to beat the curse. Hope never seemed so bright.
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A/N: WOW! I want to thank everyone who reviewed. You guys really make me want to continue writing. You guys really are the best people out there! Please continue to leave your support and reviews. Until next time!