Chapter FIVE
Ginny paced about in her bedroom, twisting her fingers, pulling her hair, anything to calm her nerves. She had wondered what could have been more nerve-wrecking- facing Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets along with the basilisk, taking the Board exams, or even tempting her dear mum's wrath. But none of these could make her more distraught as she was now. Thirty seconds felt like thirty minutes. She sighed and she paced.
Forty-five seconds.
What if they were negative? She told herself not to be disappointed. The past month had been rather stressful for her. There were more cases than usual in her ward. Harry's accident. Her situation with Draco. It was no wonder that her monthly was late. What if the results came out positive? She could handle the consequences. After all, she'd been independent for the last ten years after Hogwarts. Her college loans were almost paid off, and besides that, she'd kept a nice savings account set aside for special situations. But then again, he would be thrilled too. After all, he did tell her that he loved her. Perhaps a baby would be just what they both needed.
Sixty seconds.
Calm down. Relax. Everything will be all right. She told herself as she pushed the bathroom door open. She picked up the little white stick off the sink and smiled.
There was a blue line down the middle.
She was pregnant.
Ginny mentally calculated in her head. She was about four weeks pregnant. Her hand automatically went to her abdomen and she began rubbing gently. Her baby, no, their baby. She wondered if the baby was a boy or girl. Maybe a boy as gorgeously handsome as his father, or a girl who would turn out to be just beautiful because she was just that, beautiful. Mum would be happy to have another grandchild, all six of her brothers would be doting uncles, and certainly he would be thrilled to be presented with his firstborn child. He loved her, didn't he?
She threw the pregnancy test into the trash bin and cleaned the bathroom. Well, she'd called in sick already for the next few days; she might as well take advantage and catch up on her rest. It couldn't be too good for the baby to be under as much stress as the mother was going through. Then she went inside her study to pick out some of her old textbooks on Ob/GYN. He was on a business trip for his company in New York and wouldn't be back until the end of the week. Smiling to herself, she began to plan the news bearing as she headed back to bed.
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Hermione tapped her toe with her back toward Harry as he pulled off his shirt so she could examine his wounds. When he was done, she asked him to sit on the examination table. She sucked in a breath and turned around.
God, he looked good. She couldn't help herself. Even though she was supposed to keep a neutral mentality and think of Harry Potter as an anatomical specimen and not a gorgeous stranger that she wanted to devour, she was drawn to the power that radiated from the firm muscles that covered his upper body. He was broad shouldered, slightly on the lean side, and there was not one single inch of fat visible on his body.
"Mr. Potter," she heard her own shaky voice and cringed inwardly. "How have you been lately?"
"Oh, just fine, thank you very much," he drawled quietly. "Ginny told me that you saved my life."
She touched the wound lightly. The pinkish colored skin puckered around the sutures tightly. As she gently caressed the wound, she felt another dash of warmth surrounding her body as a soft glow effused from her fingers into his wound. Within milliseconds of her realization, the lacerated skin fused together and smoothened out, rather than the wound in its original state. Startled, she pulled back her finger and stepped back to look at him mysteriously.
Harry kept his gaze even and unperturbed, even though his insides were churning with excitement and wonder. He was right. This woman, this Dr. Granger, was definitely more than what she seemed. She reacted with raw instinct, though he could tell that she was very attuned to her healing, whether or not she realized it or not. The look on her face told him that she didn't.
Even still, the fact that the woman was a very powerful witch had been confirmed. Ginny had said that Dr. Granger did not believe in magic. Surely she would have received a Hogwarts letter when she turned eleven. Is it possible that the doctor didn't know the truth about herself?
It was then and there that Harry decided that he will bring the truth to the doctor, and to find out why she had never shown up at Hogwarts. Dr. Granger looked very young to be a staff physician in a prestigious hospital, but if she was a year older than Ginny, then they ought to have been classmates in Hogwarts, had she been there.
"I'm sorry. I don't seem to know exactly what had happened," Hermione stammered as she wiped the sweat off her forehead with a handkerchief. "Odd things happen that I can't explain with medicine or science, and you don't even seem bothered by it."
Harry winked. "I'd rather say that Dr. Granger, you probably have the magical touch."
Hermione frowned at the word magical. "I'm pretty sure there IS an explanation to what had happened." She glanced down at his chest one more time. "Anyhow, there is no need for you to keep those sutures. I'll remove them shortly."
She wondered what he could possibly find so amusing about the current situation. It was very disturbing that both Ginny and Harry Potter had credited the healing to magic, or at least implied it. In her mind, images of Shakespeare's three witches danced in her mind as well as Lady MacBeth's embrace to the darkness. No, that couldn't possibly be true. Decided upon that, she pushed any more doubts in her mind as she carefully removed the thread from his skin.
"How did you know Ginny and her brother?" she asked absently as she lifted each suture and cut them with scissors. Perhaps small talk with the patient would be less distracting.
"Ron and I were schoolmates. I was always at their house on holidays," he replied.
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I've met the entire lot. Ron is a very nice person, though, rather protective, isn't he? And I've enjoyed conversing with Bill, Charlie, and Percy."
"What about Fred and George?"
He caught a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have to quote Shakespeare. `Double, double, toil and trouble.'"
He laughed heartily. "Well said, Doctor. They are exactly just that, perhaps even more. Ron probably would be able to recount their many tales with a vengeance."
She loved his laughter. It was deep and resonant, and it was like he had never truly enjoyed laughing up until now.
"What's the story with you and Ginny?" he asked in return.
She pulled the thread out expertly. "We were roommates for two years in medical school. I was a year ahead, though." She asked him to turn around and began working once again. "Though I am very curious indeed. All the years I've known Ginny, I still don't know which boarding school in Scotland she had attended. My grandparents lived in Scotland, and they once had offered to send me to school there, but Mum wanted me to stay in London. I had really wanted to go then and had done all the research of the boarding schools in Scotland, but I still can't place Ginny in any of those schools."
Harry nodded. "Well, Ginny went to our school. It's called Hogwarts."
Hermione giggled. "Hogwarts? What a curious name indeed! I've never heard of it! Tell me about it!"
"Well, if you'd like to, we can discuss this over at dinner tonight. I have a thing right after this, but I'm sure I can get my errands done before seven." Harry silently hoped she would say yes, though he was ready for a disappointment.
She looked at him as he turned around to watch her face. The look in his eyes was urging her to say yes, if not begging her. Though she was aware of the dangers of involving herself in a personal relationship with a patient that she had only met just recently, she felt drawn to acquiesce. He was, after all, a friend of Ginny's. And Ginny, knowing her so well, would have urged her to accept his offer.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter. I'm afraid I can't." In the end, the ethical side of her won.
He nodded, though disappointed. "I understand. It would be breaching the doctor-patient relationship. Perhaps another day then, when I am not one of your patients, but rather, a friend."
She watched him quietly slip his shirt back on. Oh, how her heart had sunk when she caught the quick flash of disappointment that spread through his face. Would one dinner really have any effect?
But it was already dangerous. The day she had met him, she had already crossed the line. No, it was better, safer, to stay within boundaries.
Harry stood by the door as he watched her stare absently at his record. The battle he may have lost, but he will win the war, he determined in his heart.
She heard the door closed, and that was when she remembered. She had a date with Charles Jourdan on Friday. Suddenly, she wished she had accepted Harry's invitation. Groaning loudly, she placed her arms on the table and rested her forehead on them.
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Ginny was in a very good mood. Her patients knew it, the nurses in the pediatric ward knew it, and Hermione, oh, and she knew it too. And she had been such a grouch all week long. But Ginny couldn't help it. She was just so happy. Because HE called her, and they were going out tonight.
"There you go, Princess!" she smiled at the patient on the examining table. "You like that don't you?" The little girl was playing with her hammer. "Here, go ahead. Hit my shoulder." Ginny glanced at one of the nurses in the room who began to play with little Jamie as she turned to the parents.
The mother, with a worried expression on her face, looked at her expectantly. Ginny gestured at the door and led her outside.
"I think we need to admit Jamie in for further examination. We need to find the cause to those twitches. We might also need a consultation with a brain specialist. The hospital has just brought one in from America," Ginny explained.
The mother released a sob. "A brain specialist? Is there something wrong with her brain?"
Ginny patted her arm. "I'm not 100% sure, but a brain specialist would be able to give us more information. Try not to worry, Mrs. Park. We'll do our best to give Jamie the best care." She went inside the room again and motioned to one of the interns. "Admit the patient. Call for a consultation with neurosurgery, stat. In the meantime, I want a blood count, electrolyte panel, a full history from Mrs. Park, any medical records, films from previous visits to other hospitals."
She left the little girl to the intern's care, and with a glance at her watch, she decided to stop by Hermione's office. With a satisfied smile on her face, she stopped by the food stand, grabbed some muffins and water, and worked her way through the herd of nurses and residents.
Hermione was in her office, as usual, when she was not on rounds or in surgery. Her face was dark as she flipped through the records on her desk. When she saw Ginny standing in her doorway, she scowled. "What are you smirking about?"
Ginny laughed as she shut the door behind her. "And what are you scowling for? It makes you look old." She tossed Hermione a muffin as she sat on the couch. "I just admitted a patient. A two-year-old girl with twitches in her left foot."
Hermione bit into the muffin as she continued to write. "Spasmodic?"
"Not really. It didn't seem like it. She seemed normal throughout. But her left pupil was out."
Hermione looked up at her. "Did you call for a neuro consult?"
"Stat. I should be getting a page when he's done. This new guy, he's good, right?"
"You're asking me? I have been running between CV and emergency. How would I know?"
"You're surgery, and I'm pediatrics. You should know."
"Well, you're going to find out first. So don't come asking me. All I know is that he's from Harvard Medical School."
"I see."
The two friends sat quietly in their respective corners as Hermione continued to work and Ginny ate her muffin. As she closed the last folder, Hermione let out a long sigh. She got up and went outside to pour herself a cup of coffee.
"What was that long sigh for?" Ginny asked as she watched Hermione come back into the room and sat down on the adjacent chair.
Hermione shook her head. "It's nothing. Except, that, well, it's Friday."
"And what about Friday? You practically live in the hospital. You don't have a boyfriend, don't have a pet. What you DO have is a cold bed and two overprotective and manipulative parents, and don't you dare give me that look when you know I'm absolutely right."
Hermione laughed bitterly. "Yes. You had just summed up my life for me. Thank you very much, Ginny Weasley. You should look at yourself too. Your boyfriend's a jack ass. He never calls when he's away, and when he does, it's only because he wants a shag. And it took you like after three affairs before you knew what he was doing to you, and look at you right now. You're glowing! You must be getting some tonight as well, because you NEVER look this thrilled except when he goes to your flat."
"It's different this time," Ginny retorted indignantly. "He promised me that."
Hermione snorted. "Like he did every other time? Please. He's scum and you know it."
"Well, he may be scum, but I love him!"
"Don't say I didn't warn you, Gin. I'm only looking out for you, you know."
Ginny's expression softened. "Yeah, I know, Herm."
The two sat in silence once again.
"So why are you on a war path today?" Ginny asked after a sip of water.
Hermione shook her head. "It's Friday. And Dr. Jourdan."
"Oh. The date that you accidentally agreed on. So go. Go have fun. Get drunk. Have sex. You never do anything exciting, not since…"
"Ginny…" Hermione's voice dropped warningly.
Ginny shrugged her shoulders as she changed the subject. "Oh, Harry wanted me to tell you thanks. He said he enjoyed his last doctor's visit with you."
"Oh."
"Is that all I'm gonna get? Just an `Oh'?"
Hermione frowned. "What else should I say? I'm his doctor, he's my patient. End of story."
"Not any more that is. Harry's a really nice guy. You'd like him once you get to know him better."
"I'm sure he is."
"Then why wouldn't you go out with him?"
Hermione stood up angrily. "He told you that he asked me out? And why are you so up to getting me to go out with your brother's best friend?"
"Hermione, sit down." Ginny sighed as Hermione stiffly sat down again. "All I'm just saying is that if you don't want to go out with Jourdan, then you should give Harry a chance. He really seems to like you, and I know that you'll find Harry to be a wonderful friend, even if things don't work out."
Hermione turned around to stare at the Starry Night poster on the wall. "Well, that's the thing. I do want to go out with Harry, and by the time I could think about what I had said to him, I had already said no. And now I'm stuck with Charles Jourdan."
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Hermione smiled politely as Charles poured some more wine in her glass. They had been at the restaurant for already over an hour, and she could not wait to leave. Charles had been very attentive, but he was just too… well, sweet and clingy. And she was starting to feel uncomfortable.
After work, she had returned to her flat and showered. She decided against dressing up and opted for a simple white blouse and loose khakis. There was no point in dressing up in her little black dress when this supposed date was nothing more to her than a business dinner with a colleague.
But Charles of course had other thoughts. He had chosen a small Italian restaurant in the middle of London. It was a very exclusive place, and reservations were often always made at least three months ahead of time. It was small, but it was definitely elegant, and it looked very expensive. Hermione had protested at first, but Charles was insistent. And thus, they were here.
And right now, she was half-listening to Charles regale her with stories from medical school. Not that she didn't care; she was just more interested in going home than listening to his tales. As Charles continued to talk, she kept on playing with the water glass, dipping her finger inside and carelessly pulling out a stream of water each time.
"So we all just stood in the middle of the quad. We couldn't believe that Jimmy had just keeled over like that. We turned him over, and we started to do the Heimlich on him… but it just wouldn't work. So, one of the lads carried him on his back and ran towards the emergency room. The resident took a quick look at him, ordered an X-ray, and we were all shocked at the image. He had his girlfriend's keys lodged right in his trachea!! Then she let us all stay to witness a bronchoscopy. By the time Jim's girlfriend came, the keys were out, and she slapped him hard on the face, rudely grabbed the keys out of my hand, and ran off."
Hermione nodded her head. "I see. That must have been quite interesting." She stood up from her chair. "I need to use the ladies' room. Excuse me for a second, Charles."
Charles nodded and stood as she left the table. She quickly hid herself in the bathroom. As she turned on the faucet water, she sighed deeply, wondering how she was going to get home without leading Charles on… He didn't seem to get any of the hints that she had been giving all night. With a quick splash of water on her face, she breathed in deeply and decided that no matter what happened next, she was going home.
As she made her way back to the table, she noticed two men walking in the front door. The maitre'd bowed as he took their coats. As they were led to their table, the man in the middle turned and stared at her. Her face began to feel warm, despite some water droplets still clinging on her face. He quickly whispered to one of his companions, and made his way towards her.
Hermione twisted her hands nervously as she walked towards him. Realizing that she had failed to wipe her face, she searched in her handbag for a handkerchief, but before she could find one, he was already in front of her, holding out a folded handkerchief.
"Dr. Granger, what a surprise to see you here!" Harry Potter said warmly with a smile on his face.
Hermione took it gratefully from him and quickly wiped her face. "Good evening Mr. Potter. I was just on my way back to my table. Thank you. I'll ask Ginny to give this back to you."
Harry shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Oh, you have to meet my godfather and my best friend. Do you have time?"
Hermione craned her neck to glance at the table in which Charles was waiting for her. After contemplating quickly, she replied, "I will, if you can get me out of here."
Harry followed her gaze and nodded in understanding. "Of course! So, I guess we should go see your…."
"Colleague. He's also a surgeon at the hospital. Thank you, Mr. Potter."
"It's Harry. And glad to be of service."
The two of them quickly made their way back to Hermione's table. Charles stood up as he saw her, and his face was gray with confusion as he noticed Harry standing next to Hermione.
"Charles, this is Harry Potter. Mr. Potter, Dr. Jourdan. I've promised Mr. Potter that I meet with him later today to discuss his condition and whether or not he would be able to return to work. I'm really sorry, Charles. It had slipped my mind."
Charles looked disappointed, but he nodded. "Of course, Hermione. I guess I'll see you next week then." He reached out to grab the bill, but Hermione had already snatched it up. "Let me."
Hermione shook her head. "It's the least I can do. Thank you for dinner. It was… lovely." She strained at the last word and gave Harry a warning glance as he was stifling a snicker.
The two of them watched Charles claim his coat and exit the door. Hermione turned to Harry and gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you for getting me out of this. Now, let's go meet this godfather of yours."
Harry grinned. "This way, Dr. Granger, and once again, it's Harry."
She returned his smile. "Harry. And it's Hermione."
I am absolutely sorry for the delay in update. This year has been crazy…. And I just couldn't get this chapter to go the way I wanted to for the longest time. This is it for now, and I'll re-load this chapter once my beta, Anna (if she's still my beta) gets to go over this.
Hope you enjoy, and please, leave me comments
Thank you all for reading, merletto~
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