Disclaimer- I do not own any of the Harry Potter book series
Hey everyone, just before you read this story, let me just tell you that this continues off of The Half-Blood Prince, (movies + books) but it's not going to be exactly the same. I'll be changing it up A LOT. Only a few minor details will be included. Enjoy! Forever Romione.
Ron woke up and discovered himself to be in the hospital wing. He couldn't bring himself to speak clearly. All that came out were mumbles. "What happened?" he thought to himself. He knew he was still a bit groggy, and his eyesight showed only blurs, but managed to see Hermione's face hovering over his.
"Ron?" she whispered. Through the blur, Ron could see the look of concern on her face. "Hang on Ron, I'm going to get Madam Pompfrey." She walked away and Ron suddenly felt a chill. He wanted to ask her to stay, but the words wouldn't leave his mouth. He tried to raise his voice, but nothing came out. His throat was parched, and all he could think of was having a sip of pumpkin juice. He craved pumpkin juice.
Ron heard footsteps approaching to his side. Madam Pompfrey and Hermione heads popped up again over Ron. "He looks better, let me go and get something for Mr. Weasley to drink." Madam Pompfrey said as she walked back into her office.
Hermione sighed happily and expected that Ron needed an explanation. "I don't know if you can quite understand me Ron, but you were poisoned. I'll explain more later, when you've fully recovered and back into your original state." Ron managed to nod his head for only a centimeter, and Hermione smiled as it caught her eye. She held his hand and stroked it softly. She hadn't left his side for the past 4 hours and it was already 8 o clock. Madam Pompfrey returned with a glass of not pumpkin juice, but butterbeer. She walked closer to Ron and began lowering it to his mouth until Hermione stopped him. "May I?" she asked politely.
"Go on, Miss Granger." Madam Pompfrey nodded and handed her the glass. She then returned to her office. Hermione held the glass carefully to Ron's lips. Ron's lips opened only a little bit and Hermione tipped it in. A drop of butterbeer entered Ron's mouth and it frothed. Ron knew it wasn't pumpkin juice from the moment it reached his tongue. The corners of his mouth twisted up and Hermione returned the smile. Ron's voice came back to him; it wasn't strong, but faint.
"Mione.." he mumbled.
Hermione set the glass down and held his hand gently. "Ron, don't use your voice. You're still weak." She remarked.
Ron's eyes switched from Hermione over to the glass of butterbeer. Ron thought to himself, "This butterbeer is kind of making my voice better, maybe if I have a few more drops, I'll be able to talk to her." He looked Hermione straight in the eyes, then glanced on over to the butterbeer. Hermione watched for a second then understood what Ron wanted. She placed the glass on his lips again and tipped it in a little bit more. She made sure he had more than one drop, assuming he enjoyed it previously. Ron swallowed the foamy drink, as it went down his throat smoothly. He savored the taste. He felt the magic work. Ron then gulped and opened his mouth one more time and uttered, "Hermione?"
Hermione bit her lip to prevent any tears filling up in her eyes. "Ron..." she whimpered.
"You should go get some sleep." Ron suggested in a hushed tone.
"No no, I'm perfectly fine here." She answered.
"I feel stronger now, and you need your sleep."
"Ron, it's only 8."
Ron smirked, "You need your books."
Hermione laughed, "Watch it."
Ron began to move, he wanted to sit up. Hermione made a sudden movement to help.
"Hermione, I got it." Ron assured. He sat up on his bed and sighed. "So, what happened exactly?"
Hermione explained to Ron how he had a drink of oak-matured mead that was poisoned specifically for Dumbledore. Ron listened, intrigued on how he managed to survive. Hermione then explained how Harry, with his quick thinking, shoved a bezoar into his throat. Ron smiled, "That's why he's the chosen one."
Hermione gave a quick smile and frowned. Ron looked at her pink lips, he hated seeing her sad. "Alright Mione?" he asked.
"It's just, what if Harry didn't know what to do? I mean, Professor Slughorn just stood there shocked."
"I'm fine Hermione, don't think about that. Besides, Harry wouldn't just stand around to watch me die, y'know that!" Ron exclaimed.
Hermione felt slightly better. Her thoughts went back to when she was first told by a frantic Ginny that Ron was in the infirmary. She remembered her face dropping. She felt guilt, next she felt her heart being swallowed up. Her mind rushed with worries. "Ron..." Hermione spoke quietly.
"Mhm?" Ron grunted while taking another sip of the butterbeer.
"I'm sorry that we haven't talked in weeks."
Ron looked into Hermione's eyes. He could see that Hermione was trying her hardest not to cry. He leaned forward to grab her hand. He showed his toothy grin and Hermione knew she was forgiven. "I've been mad with this whole situation. It's my fault, I'm sorry." He held her hand tighter. Hermione used her other hand to wipe a tear that ran down her cheek. Ron felt the urge to do something he wouldn't have the courage to do later on. Ron pulled Hermione closer and said, "C'mon, you must be tired."
"No, you need all the space you can get silly." She asserted.
"Blimey, let me do this for you." Ron protested. He pulled her slowly beside him. She sat down uncomfortably. "Well? Make yourself at home." Ron joked. "Lay back a little." Hermione nodded. Ron smiled and said, "Get some sleep." He felt like his old self, strengthened, like a keeper. He got up and stretched. Hermione's smile turned into a look of concern.
"Ron, you sure you feel okay?" she asked with a long yawn.
"I'm fine, Mione. Get some sleep, alright?" As he turned around to face her, she was already sound asleep. Ron whispered, "Night Mione." He learned over and was an inch away from her face. He hesitated; he then gave her a peck on the forehead. He saw her give a little smile in her sleep. He then pulled the covers on top of her and sat down on the chair beside her. He took a short nap, praying that he'd wake up before Hermione did.
*** Hope you enjoyed! What'd you think?
