Fic: Never Be Another You
This was written for the dramione_ldws Round Eight, Challenge One
Prompt: Adore and Need
Definitions: post - Hogwarts
Related Forms: 100 - 499 words
Title: Never Be Another You
Rating: PG
Warning(s): Abortion
Word Count: 499
Draco stared at the Muggle doctor his wife had insisted they consult.
Dr Newkirk had a solemn look on his face that Draco knew did not bode well. Draco felt his stomach clench, as if a thousand butterflies had suddenly grown teeth and were gnawing crazily at his insides.
“I’m afraid the only viable option is to terminate the pregnancy,” Dr Newkirk said quietly.
Draco heard Hermione struggle to sit up on the hospital bed. She wrapped her right hand protectively over her middle. “No.” She shook her head fiercely. “There must be something you can do,” she added pleadingly.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Malfoy, but the internal bleeding caused by the embryo implanting itself in your Fallopian tube doesn’t show signs of stopping,” Dr Newkirk said gently. “Ectopic pregnancies are usually detected very early on, but I understand you’ve been travelling?” he asked.
Draco nodded, not wanting to explain that the Healers at St. Mungo’s had not even discovered that the pregnancy was anything but normal. It had been the constant heavy bleeding and pain which the Healers couldn’t explain that had prompted Hermione to finally seek Muggle medical advice.
“It’s a miracle you’ve survived this long, Mrs. Malfoy. At eleven weeks …” Dr Newkirk trailed off, shaking his head. “Please, rest. Nurse will come prep you for the procedure.” He nodded and left the room.
Hermione reached out and grabbed Draco’s hand tightly. Tears were pooling in her eyes. She looked as though her heart had been shattered. Draco suspected he wasn’t looking any better as he sat next to her. “Oh, Draco,” she pleaded tearfully, “oh, please, please, let’s just leave this place and go back to St. Mungo’s. They said everything was fine.”
He swallowed; shook his head. “Darling, you know we can’t do that. If we continue with the pregnancy, you could die.” He heard the catch in his own voice. “Please.”
She started to cry in earnest. “I want this baby, Draco. This is our little Peanut; our baby. I - I can’t go through with it.” She shook her head.
Draco felt his heart break. “Hermione, I want this baby too. But I need you in my life.”
Draco stared at his wife: the most important person in his life. She was his cornerstone, his rock, his soul mate. She was his life. He adored her. “Without you - ” he broke off, overwhelmed by his emotions. He cupped her face in his hands, willing her - needing her - to understand all that he felt for her. “We will try for another baby, Hermione. But there can never be another you. Not for me.” He swallowed past the grief rising up in his throat. “So, please Hermione, please.”
Slowly, with tears streaming down her face, she nodded. “I love you,” she whispered brokenly.
He kissed her softly.
With tears in his eyes and a broken heart, he leaned over and pressed one last gentle kiss on her belly: over the spot where their little Peanut lay.