Measure of a Man— Narcissa
Chp 25 @inadaze22 MOAM
"You have no idea what this has been like for me Draco. None!" Narcissa's clenched fists were shaking at her sides. "There are days I wish I did not wake. Some days I wake and I do not remember anything for several minutes. I have moments…"
She trailed off, taking breath after breath, trying to grasp control of herself.
Hermione didn't move, just let her speak.
Finally.
"I have spent months trying to cope with the fact that I am dying and I have little say in the matter and even less control over what will happen to me. One day I will leave and not return to myself as I know it. Yes, the symptoms are better, but nothing will stop this. I will still forget and one day I won't remember anything. I will still have tremors and they will worsen. I will still end up in rooms and places I have no recollection of going into! And no matter what, I will still—" Narcissa paused with difficulty. "Draco, I have done everything I can to remain normal through it all. I am owed this bit of grace and dignity to choose how I decline."
"No one is asking you to maintain normality." Hermione kept her tone neutral. "Normal is finished. You are in an entirely new world now and you need people. You need Draco more than anyone. I know that's not what you're used to—"
"No, it's not, Miss Granger. I have admitted to struggling and you both want me to give up more control—"
"It's not about controlling you." Hermione placed her hands on the table placidly. "This is about protecting you. Keeping your body strong—"
"While my mind continues to deteriorate with no hope for reversal."
"Mother—"
"Fine, I will take your treatment option."
Hermione's heart leapt in her chest too soon. Narcissa wasn't done.
"But only if you take remarrying more seriously, Draco. Attend marriage dates. Officially court one of the witches on the list. You don't have to like her or even make it official, just make an effort."