Distance // Draco Malfoy

Chapter 46

2 months later

That day in Hogsmeade, Hermione found me, crying. She held me like a sister would, and just let me cry. Nowadays, I almost always look ill, or my eyes are puffy. It really did break me. Draco hardly looks like he's been affected, which has made me feel even worse. Sometimes, Hermione is having to drag me to lessons to get me to go, and she has frequently threatened to tell McGonagall of my deteriorating condition. I was most unimpressed by her. We have had one meeting so far for Dumbledore's Army, which is what we called our group. Already, Umbridge is suspecting things.

Today is another normal school day. I've been dragged out of bed, pulled my clothes on, hardly eaten, I never do nowadays, drank slightly, and rushed off to my lessons. We are currently in DADA with Umbridge, who is becoming increasingly irrational, and I am bored out of my mind. I couldn't help but notice that Draco has not turned up, and Harry and Ron are betting that he's in the Hospital Wing with a broken nose. All the Weasleys have been at his throat for the last few months, even when he did nothing wrong. A knock at the door startles me. Guess who?

'Miss, could I borrow Lyss—Alyssia?'
'Yes, quickly, if possible, Mr Malfoy.' She smiles sickeningly.
'It won't be, she'll need to bring her stuff.' All eyes on me, I rise and gather my things, thankful to leave the classroom. Draco shuts the door firmly behind me. 'Yes, what is it?'
'This - I wouldn't bother you unless necessary. But Dumbledore sent me.'
'Dumbledore? Why?'
'I'm - I shouldn't tell you -'
'You should.' I reply shortly. Draco takes a deep breath.
'It's your sister, Alyssia.'
'What about her?' I ask, a sudden fear overcoming me.
'She's - no. I'm not telling you, Dumbledore can.' Even he looks shaken - I know he is most fond of my little sister. I can feel myself shaking. This is not going to be at all good. Draco takes my hand, and I feel myself jerk away. 'Sorry.' He mutters, pulling me along. 'It's been tough for me, too.' Has it? I think, but don't voice it. I'm too worried.

I knock on the door of the office, and on being told to come in, I do. 'You asked for me, sir?' I hurry. Dumbledore observes me over his half-moon spectacles.
'Yes, I assume Mr Malfoy has told you why?'
'No, actually.'
'This may be a bit of a shock, Miss Dolittle.' I feel my hand tighten on Draco's, and he sucks in a breath. I don't care if it hurts. 'But your sister has been rushed to St. George's in London.'
'What? Wh-why?' I breathe, suddenly beyond worried. I've gone numb.
'She has been in a rather serious accident. As she broke for lunch, she was hit by a car. She's in a critical condition.' Dumbledore explains softly. I feel myself sinking to the floor, overcome.

'No. No, this is a dream. She's not - no.' I whisper, silently crying. 'No, pinch me, somebody.' I mutter. Nothing happens. 'She's actually -?'
'I'm afraid so. You and Mr Malfoy will be apparating there with me now.'
'Why him?' I point at Draco. 'Why's he coming?'
'Your family asked for him there.' Shit, they don't know. My breathing becomes out of sink. She's going to be fine. I'll wake up now. 'Are you ready, Miss Dolittle?' Dumbledore asks, and I nod. 'Take me to her.' I whisper, and he holds out his arm, which Draco and I take.

We land outside the hospital, and turn to Dumbledore. 'I'll leave you now, the desk and staff will sort you both. Send me an owl when you need to return to school, I will have any assignments sent to your dormitories.'
'Thank you.' I mutter, shaking. Then, Dumbledore vanishes. Draco puts an arm around me, and I jerk away. 'You'll collapse if you don't hold onto something.' He says sternly, and I lean into him once again, although reluctantly. Unfortunately, he's right. 'First though, robes need to come off. We're in the muggle world, after all.' I say.

Once our robes are removed and we look like we are wearing a regular muggle uniform, we rush to the front desk and I do the talking - Draco has never been to a muggle hospital before. After getting our directions and making a direct beeline for the relatives room, I stop Draco from going in at first. 'We have to act together.' I mumble.
'What?' Draco glares at me.
'I haven't told my parents about -'
'We're only on a break -' (A/N the Friends feels ah!)
'But we're not together!' I hiss at him, and he rolls his eyes. That's when I lose my shit. 'Don't you get it?! This is why I said I needed the space! At times like this, I don't have time to be worrying about you and your sarcasm. My little sister might well die today, so get your shit together and don't act like the twat you usually are!' I storm down the rest of the corridor and look back quickly, seeing Draco with his head in his hands.