They had disapparated on to Shell Cottage. He knew, simply by touch. He could feel the damp sand beneath him, the tide coming in, soaking half his body.

His first thought, as they had landed, was Hermione. He sat up quick and looked over his shoulder. She remained unconscious; her limbs sprawled across the ground, her body slightly mangled. He quickly ran over to her, glancing behind him to ensure the presence of his friends. He picked her up and carried her body towards the cottage.

Bill and Fleur, who had apparently heard them, were running out to the front door to the place the Goblin, Harry, and Dobby had landed, followed by Dean and Luna.

Ron acknowledged them with a nod. "I'm taking her inside. Going to make sure she's alright. Where is your Potions Cabinet, Fleur?"
"It eez under zee sink, Ronald. 'Ow are zee others? Did zee brave house elf save you as well?"
He grunted in response and continued his way inside, settling Hermione down on the most comfortable bed in the entire cottage.

Slowly, he could tell, she was regaining consciousness. "Hermione?" he whispered softly to her, knowing he'd receive no response.

He felt helpless now, just as he did when he was trapped in the cellar at Malfoy Manor. She was tortured by that terrible woman by the name of Bellatrix Lestrange. He hated her, would have killed her if he had been given the chance. Because of her, Hermione was now in pain, and there was nothing he could do. There was blood on her face and neck from when she had been cut by Bellatrix's knife.

Then, he remembered he could do something to help Hermione.

"Accio Dittany" He said, holding his wand in the direction of the kitchen. Moments later he heard a whizzing sound and the Dittany bottle was flying towards him. He caught it in his hand and dropped a single drop on each mark on Hermione's face. Immediately they began to heal.

"Hermione?" He said again, more hopeful. "Hermione, I love you. Please. Please wake up." She opened her eyes slowly, only halfway. But the ginger hair was enough for her to tell who it was.

"Ron?" She managed to croak.

A larger grin couldn't have possibly spread across his face then he one he was suiting now.

Without thinking, he kissed her face repeatedly, so happy she was alright. She had opened her mouth to say something, which, by the expression on her face, seemed important, when Bill walked in.

Ron blushed, reddening the famous Weasley colour, hoping Bill didn't see him kissing Hermione.

"Is... Is everyone alright?" Bill asked, ashamed he hadn't before.

"Everyone but Dobby. He...he's dead. Bellatrix threw her knife just as we were disapparating... It...It stabbed him... Dobby... In... In the heart." Ron said, now trembling at the memory.

Ron and Hermione sat wordlessly, crying. Crying for the brave house elf that saved all their lives.