34. Facing Fears

Draco's Head Healer had suggested to Hermione that she go home for the day to shower and rest. Although all she wanted was to stay by Draco's side, she knew that the Healer was right; 24 hours of emotions had taken their toll on her. Her feet had dragged her home on their own accord while her thoughts were back in Draco's hospital room. She showered and tried to eat; her eyes never fully focussing on what she was doing

Hermione almost ran back to the hospital the next morning. Eyes blurry and tired, she couldn't sleep a wink; too worried that terrible news would be sent to her house. The air was crisp, burning her cheeks as she whispered to the mannequin outside of St. Mungo's, but stepping through the glass and into the warm and welcoming waiting room, she breathed a sigh of relief; today felt different. Maybe it was the bright fluorescent lights or the polite smiles of the Healer's scurrying past her, or even the fact that she was almost delusional with no sleep, but Hermione felt like today, something was going to happen; she just wasn't quite sure yet whether it would be good or bad.

Hermione scanned the room quickly for any sign of Draco, or anyone she knew for that matter. But aside from the small commotion of an old wizard coughing fire or the witch with a mysteriously oozing bite on her leg, Hermione's eyes were drawn to the receptionist, who was standing up behind her desk and waving her arm feverishly. Frowning in confusion, she walked over to the woman, finding it odd that she couldn't just walk through like usual.

Approaching the desk, the receptionist sat back down and gave Hermione a warm, but nervous, smile, "Good morning Minister. I have a message that I was demanded to pass on to you." Hermione watched as her eyes glanced around the room anxiously, like she was scared the person with the message would jump out any minute.

Hermione frowned for a moment before the receptionist continued. "I was told to tell you that you must not visit Draco this morning-"

"What?!" Hermione interjected, taking a step closer to the desk and leaning over slightly, watching the poor receptionist slouch slightly lower into her chair.

"Please Minister, let me finish." The girl pleaded slightly, her eyes widening with fear. Hermione shook herself out of her sudden anger, and then nodded her head for her to continue.

"I was told to let you know that you cannot visit Draco this morning. Instead, there's someone else who has requested your presence." The girl finished her sentence with a slight frown, feeling guilty that she had to pass this message on to the Minister for Magic, but also remembering the threats she was promised if she didn't.

Hermione studied the girl for a moment in confusion but before she could even form her next question the cold, worn voice of Hermione's nightmares spoke softly behind her, "Ahh, Hermione. It's been so long."

Hermione was frozen on the spot, still staring at the receptionist with widened eyes, her heart started to race, and she felt her breath quicken. She wanted it to be a dream; that she would pinch herself and wake up. But Hermione had to face this like an adult; it had been almost two years since she had seen her last, but the memories of their last meeting still burned in Hermione's mind like a fresh wound.

Taking a deep breath and wiping her sweating palms on her skirt she turned on her heels. "Hello, Mrs. Malfoy." She smiled, unconvincingly, her voice shook slightly with her dread. The woman stood in front of her, looking as elegant as ever. Dressed head to toe in black, Narcissa stood there, smiling sweetly to Hermione, not a single hair out of place in her beautifully chic hairstyle.

Narcissa said warmly, "I'd like a word, Minister. If you don't mind?"

Hermione had no ability to form a reply. She stood there in front of the tall, graceful woman feeling like a fish out of water. With her mouth gaping slightly she nodded her head and followed Narcissa as she was led to the small café located in the hospital.