A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

The Fall

DISCLAIMER: This chapter involves graphic content that some might find upsetting.

Hermione knew that there was something going on that made her think of her Father. It wasn't just the rugby match, there was something else, she could feel it. And then it came.

Dear Hermione,

I know this is unexpected, and we have never really truly met. But, I feel in this time, I have to reach out to you.

My name is Pamela, I am sure your Mother has told you about about me. I am your Father's girlfriend. I would never reach out to you like this if things weren't serious. But they are.

Your Father had a fall, and he has been placed on life support. I know you didn't get on in the end, and I know you think he doesn't remember you after the hypnosis, but he did, he really did.

If you would like to come and see him before he passes, I have enclosed the adress for the hospital.

I hope you can make it.

Hermione sat and stared at the letter. She knew it was selfish, but she couldn't help thinking again? It seemed that life had it in for her lately. She had no idea what to do. So, she placed the letter in a draw and tried not to think about it.

Jane watched her daughter intently. She had received a phone call from Pamela and she wondered if she had reached out to Hermione as well. Based on how Hermione was acting, she had.

Hermione sat down with her mum after dinner.
"I'm going to see Dad tomorrow." She told her and watched as Hermione looked up at her shocked.
"After everything?" She asked and Jane nodded.
"He is the Father of my child. I have to see him before-" She couldn't finish her thought. It had been hard when she had to leave him. But this hurt just as much, if not more, knowing that he was going to be gone.
"Do you think I should come with you?" She asked and Jane shrugged her shoulders.
"That is your call. But I think you will regret it if you don't." She told her and Hermione knew that her Mother was right. She sighed and nodded her head.
"I'll come." She said and Jane smiled up at her daughter, proud that she was doing this, but also glad that she wasn't going to be going alone.

Viktor hadn't seen much of Hermione with his training and her low mood. He got up early to go and see her the next day, but ran into Jane on his way.
"Hi Viktor, I think it's best you see Hermione later." She told him and he wondered what was going on. But based on the puffiness of her cheeks, it was best to trust her.

Hermione wasn't ready for this day to come. She embraced her Mother before they left for their flight. Hermione had managed to buy two last minute flights. They didn't talk on the way, there was nothing really to speak about. Hermione slept and Jane massaged lotion into her hands to keep her busy.

Once they got to the hospital, Pamela was there waiting. She was far younger than Hermione's Dad, but she was nice enough, blonde hair, slightly plump. She led them through the corridors and the scent of muggle medicine filled the air. Hermione had not seen her Father since the day that she had given him his memory back. She wasn't sure if she was ready to see him again, especially in his state.
"He isn't going to be moving or anything. They have spoken to me about end of life." She told Jane.
"But I didn't want to do anything until you had come." Jane thanked Pamela and took Hermione's hand.

She wasn't ready, but she knew if they went on her time, that they would never go in. They took small steps, wincing when they saw him. John had gained weight, a lot of it, since Jane had left and he looked grey. Hermione couldn't stand the sight of all the tubes hanging out of him and the sound of the machine breathing for him.