Split Second

Chapter 6

    The hospital waiting room was filled with Weasleys, Hermione’s parents, of course Ron and Harry, and Professor McGonagall. The other professors, along with Dumbledore, had returned to Hogwarts to keep the other students calm and answer any questions about the incident that arose.

    “I...I just don’t understand......” Mrs. Granger kept saying. Dr. Granger kept his arms wrapped tightly around his wife.

    The Weasleys were in a stupor.

    “Mom....Mom, I didn’t know, I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was going to be there....Mom. Oh, Mom.....” And Ron collapsed again.

    “Ron, no one blames you,” soothed a tearful Mrs. Weasley, rubbing his back as he sobbed. “No one blames you, sweetie...” Percy paced the floor as Fred and George stared straight ahead. Mr. Weasley had his hand on Mrs. Weasley’s shoulder. Bill would be arriving soon, and Charlie had just arrived, sitting down next to Harry.

    “Any word yet?” he asked Harry, who shook his head. The wait was killing him.....ALL of them.

    The ER doors swung open.

    “We have word on Hermione Granger’s blood test results,” the doctor said, scanning the room for Hermione’s parents, who rose.

    Mrs. Weasley also rose. “I believe you can tell all of us, Doctor,” she asserted, to everyone’s shock. “Hermione was with my daughter, and I would like to know the results.” The Grangers looked at one another, and, consenting, sat down. With this statement, Bill Weasley arrived and went to sit by Charlie.

    The doctor cleared his throat. “Miss Granger’s blood alcohol level was way over that of someone drinking in this area.” Mrs. Granger let out a shocked sob, and Mrs. Weasley’s face fell. “Not to mention she is not of legal drinking age, and therefore will likely be charged with drinking underage....” He trailed off, staring at the Grangers. “However, this really isn’t the time to cover the legality of Miss Granger’s decisions. She’s suffered a broken leg, two broken ribs, and a sprained wrist. She’s also got some heavyweight cuts and bruises.” Dr. and Mrs. Granger’s faces seemed to relax, as they’d been expecting the worst. “We are going to keep Hermione for a few days, however, until we are certain she can manage on her own.”

    “What about--” Mrs. Weasley began, but the doctor had already returned to the ER. Before Mrs. Weasley could begin to cry, another doctor emerged, slowly approaching them all, covered in blood, and slowly removing his surgical hat.

    “No......” Mrs. Weasley began. The doctor stopped short of her. Bill rose to stand by his mother, holding one of her arms.

    “Mr. and Mrs. Weasley...”

    “NO!!!!” Screamed Mrs. Weasley, falling to the floor in a heap of sobs. Mr. Weasley knelt next to her, holding her and rocking her.

    “Ginny had substantial head injuries with numerous broken bones. Her internal bleeding was unstoppable...”

    “Just STOP! Oh Merlin, Oh No....STOP!!!! JUST STOP!!!!” screamed Mrs. Weasley. Ron paled. Fred and George cried silently. Percy stood in shock, and Charlie looked ready to kill.

    “I’m so sorry. We did all we could....”

    “I know. We appreciate it....” said Mr. Weasley, almost in a trance. The doctor turned and left.

    Mrs. Weasley continued to sob, but allowed Mr. Weasley to hoist her into a chair. Bill and Charlie knelt in front of their mother, quietly saying things to her. Percy, Fred, and George sat in shock.

    Harry couldn’t believe it. Ginny. Ginny. The love of his life. The one he was convinced would be with him forever......or until HIS forever, at least. Ginny. He loved her so much.....the way her hair glistened in the sun. Her laugh.....her smile. The way she constantly teased Ron....Her caring nature, her sense of humor....

    Now he’d never see her again. Never feel her hugs or kisses, never hold her close..... He let out a choked sob, and looked up in moments to see Ron crying silently. Oh Ron, Harry thought. Ron, Ron....

    Mrs. Granger rose. “Molly....” she approached her.

    “YOU!!!!!!!” screamed Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Granger jumped back, as Dr. Granger rose. “YOUR FILTHY DRUNKEN DAUGHTER.....”    

    “Molly...” Mr. Weasley held his wife back gently. “Molly you’re upset.... Hermione was Ginny’s best friend....”

    “EXACTLY! BEST FRIENDS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONES YOU TRUST! MY DAUGHTER WAS KILLED BY HER’S!!!” Mrs. Granger began to cry as her husband consoled her. Although Hermione was his friend, Harry felt no sympathy for her or her parents, and by the deranged look on Ron and his family’s faces, he could tell none of the Weasleys did, either.

    “Molly....” a sobbing Mrs. Granger began again.

    Mr. Weasley stepped in. “Just go....” he said. “Just leave us alone....” Dr. Granger grabbed his wife by the arm and went through the ER doors.....to see their living daughter.

    “Molly, come now,” Mr. Weasley said.

    “NO! Hermione killed Ginny. I will never....NEVER forgive her. EVER!” she choked in sobs and was guided by her husband outside.

    ...The words echoed in Harry’s head.... NEVER forgive her. Would he ever forgive her? He couldn’t think about it right now. Would Ron forgive her? The look on his face spoke negative.

    Harry just wasn’t sure at all where Hermione stood in anyone’s lives anymore....