𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐍

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Secret Illness of the Dragon, Harry's Own Confessions and The Question

"Draco, I want you to be perfectly honest with me," Hermione said in concern. "Harry mentioned briefly that you'd not been feeling well."

"That's true. I've had a bout of symptoms from my severe anemia," Draco grinned.

"Harry mentioned nosebleed and joint pain," Hermione said. Draco swallowed. Hermione gave him the look that she knew already and was waiting on an admission. "Draco, tell me the truth. Have you been diagnosed?"

Draco sighed and nodded slightly. Hermione also sighed and closed here eyes momentarily with the sadness.

"Hermione, you can't tell Harry," Draco said. Hermione looked to him in disbelief.

"He needs to know, Draco," Hermione said. "You'll need...treatment."

"I haven't decided if I want treatment for my Monocryptitis yet," Draco said. "The treatments are worse than the symptoms."

"How long have you known? What's your prognosis?" Hermione asked.

"I was diagnosed four months ago," Draco said. "And...I was given one year, maybe two. That didn't even affect me at all. In fact, it was a relief in knowing that it would be over soon. The only problem now...is Harry."

"Oh god..." Hermione said knowing how Draco's dying would affect him. "The information I gave you on the treatments, doctors and such...I know you've read it. Why not seek treatment? At the very least it could prolong your life, and at best could prolong it long enough until a cure may be found for you."

"Hermione, I've thought about nothing else," Draco said. "I'm sick and weakening daily. I don't know if I would even survive such invasive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. I was thinking that I'd forego treatment and just...just die in peace. That's why I didn't want to tell Harry. He'd want me to have the treatments, and...I just don't know if I want that."

"Draco, you owe it to yourself to try and live," Hermione said kindly in the persuasive way. Hermione took his hand. "You're a valued friend to both Ron and me, and...Harry loves you more than life itself. You know that he does. Don't give up without even trying to live. I'll go with you for the appointment to see Doctor Hemming if you want. Just see what he has to say first before you make up your mind." Draco thought for several moments about going to another doctor. He dreaded it, but nodded to Hermione that he would go.

"I'll call him and make an appointment for next week. I don't want Harry to know yet," Draco said. "So...we'll have to arrange some way that you and I can go and Harry won't be suspicious."

"I'll have Ron invite Harry to...go someplace. Just the two of them," Hermione said. "Maybe something to do with the new house of yours and Harry's. The water and electrical will need to be changed from the apartment to the new address, as well as the mail at the post office and any subscriptions you have and moving the furniture."

"We get the daily London Times," Draco said. "Perhaps they could go change the addresses that day together leaving you and me to work on a potion at your place?"

"Good idea," Hermione said. "We'll have to plan on truly working with a potion that day so that Harry won't sense any deception from either of us. So, let's plan on making something for your anemia. Possibly a vitamin enhancer or a clotting agent."