The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.
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Charlie was desperate, he wanted to crawl out of his skin, and he needed to leave. The healers kept trying to get him to take potions and he refused. All he wanted to get as far away as humanly possible from here. As far away from her, maybe if he never saw her again he would some day forget, some day not wish he had died. It would be better if he had been killed he was a monster and deserved to rot.
Charlie looked at the drink in front of him on the bar; he hoped this was the one that would bring the numbness he desperately needed. Despite the numbness that was starting to creep into his brain as he slammed the empty glass back down on the bar, the truth flickered across his thoughts before the blackness. He had raped a woman, not any woman, he had raped Hermione, kind, beautiful, innocent Hermione. He had stolen her virginity and all he could remember was how incredible it felt to…Charlie's head fell on the bar.
Hermione wrapped her sweater tighter around her body; this hospital was so bloody cold. She needed another cup of tea just to keep her hands warm. She needed to get back and she felt guilty for leaving the room but she was going stir crazy.
It seemed impossible that it had been three years since she had woken up here, three years since that night, three years and so much had changed. The only thing she would change was Charlie. She regretted not being able to find Charlie and not getting to talk to him. There was so much to say.
Ron had been next to her bed when she woke up and he had been the one to tell that Charlie was gone. He had checked himself of the hospital against the healer's orders and no one knew where he had gone.
Standing in the hospital corridor three years later she could still feel the same sense of panic she felt that night. Once she fully realized where she was and what had happened she understood why Charlie left. It was all too much, she needed time to think and breathe.
The conversation that she carried with her for last three years she could remember word for word. Ron had left to tell the others that she had woken up, when the little toad of a healer ripped open the privacy curtain surrounding her bed.
"I am here to assess your sexual assault status. Lift your gown please." Hermione did not respond she was dumfounded.
"Now please, I don't have all day. It isn't as if you are some blushing virgin now, I must insist." His voice was high a squeaky and carried. "The initial examination indicated you had been raped; now lift your gown girl!"
The crude healer's speech had given Hermione enough time to recover and become indignant.
"You horrible little man get out now!" She was pointed to the opening the curtain. When he did not move, she repeated her request much louder.
"Get out! Now!" She was shouting as the flabbergasted idiot.
"Young lady there is no reason to speak to me in such a manner, now be a good little girlie and do what you are told." The toad-like man was turning bright red in frustration.
"Leave you disgusting, horrid toad. Do not come one inch closer to me! I was not raped!" Hermione's tone was low and laced with malice.
"You are in shock and don't know your own mind. We must evaluate your condition, prevent possible conception, there might have been exposure to all types of dreadful diseases. Who is going to want 'used' goods let alone 'used, pregnant, and sick?"
Hermione gasped and looked around her for her wand; she was going make him regret ever walking in the room. "You…you evil, horrible, piece of …get out leave…I will deal with what ever I need to. LEAVE!"
Ron had returned as just as the healer was scurrying away. "Everything okay Hermione?"
Hermione remembered turning to Ron and sobbing forever into his shirt. She knew that from that moment on she refused anymore medical treatment and demanded that Ron take her back to the Burrow.
She had refused to change her plans about moving to Hong Kong. As soon as she was capable, she sat the family down and told them of her plans. She had listened to all of the Weasley's arguments but remained determined.
Now three later she was wandering the same sterile halls wishing more than anything she could speak to Charlie.
She found the tearoom had closed but some kind soul had left a perpetual warming charm on a kettle and a box of teabags on one of the tables. Grabbing a mug, Hermione make a cup. It was not ideal but it was warm and Hermione was thankful.
Turning to return, Hermione had not taken three steps before she ran into someone coming into the tearoom.
Her tea had sloshed over the rim of her mug and slpashed on the other person. "Oh I am sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Lost in my thoughts, forgive me."
"Hermione?" The surprise in the voice did not mask the familiarity.
"Bill? Bill Weasley what are you doing here? No one is sick?" Her anxiety level raised four notches.
"No love, everyone at home is fine. I was checking on one of my employees that got the worse end of curse a couple of days ago." Bill stepped closer. "You look horrible…it is great to see you…it has been what two – three years?" He wrapped her in a huge hug oblivious to the spilling tea.
Hermione had been so strong up until that point; she had been brave and cheerful, upbeat and positive. All of that crumbled when she felt Bill's arms wrap around her shoulders. Her cup fell to the floor and she let out a heart wrench in sob.
"Love, love, what is it?" Bill set his cup down on an empty table and pulled Hermione's face up to look at him.
Hermione's face subtly changed, she had a glimmer of hope. "Bill do you have time, can you walk with me I have to get back."
Bill looked puzzled, "Okay, but where are you going?"
Hermione stopped in front of the double doors that led back to the St. Mungo's pediatric wing. "I need your help Bill. I need you to bring Charlie here for me. I have tried to find him but every letter comes back. Bill, do you know where he is?"
Bill reluctantly nodded his head, "Charlie is having a tough time Hermione. This may not be a good time for a visit."
Hermione turned back to look at Bill, "There may not be time later."
Bill was shaken, "Hermione what is going on? Are you sick? Please tell me you're not dying."
He was further worried when he realized that tears were coursing down her face.
"No, it is not me." Her face was completely transformed as she wiped away her tears and smiled, as she pushed open one of the doors. Taking Bill's hand they entered the pediatric ward.
Hermione smiled as they passed various beds occupied by children and surrounded by adults. Hermione led Bill to the back of the ward towards a screened off section. Pushing the screen away Hermione's face lit up. In the bed was a little girl with strawberry blonde ringlets and hazel eyes. The small girl was listening intently to a story being read to her by a healer.
Bill looked at the child then back at Hermione. "Charlie?" he whispered. Hermione nodded in response. "Momma!" cried the girl turning her face to Bill.
Bill could tell instantly that the child was ill, deep dark circles under the eyes and the pale sickly pallor over her skin. Bill now understood why Hermione wanted him to find Charlie the child was dying.
Hermione sat on the bed pulling the toddler into her lap. "Thank you for staying with her Healer Valton."
The middle-aged healer smiled and stood to leave. "Anytime, she is a joy." The healer nodded to Bill as she made her way to leave.
Hermione smiled and laughed, "Yes, she is!"
A little voice came from the multitude of sheets and blankets, "Thank you, Sarah…can we play later?"
The healer paused for a minute and said, "I hope so sweet pea," before she left. Bill moved away from the opening to allow the healer to leave.
Hermione took a deep breathe and gave her head a little shake, as if to clear away the overwhelming emotions, then looked at her daughter. "Lottie, remember how I told you that your daddy has lots of brothers?"
Lottie smiled and nodded, "My daddy fights dragons, he is the most bravest wizard in the world."
Bill chuckled and Hermione smiled, "Yes he is," Hermione assured her, "but Lottie I want you to met someone." She pointed to Bill, "This is your Uncle Bill. He is daddy's oldest brother and he is here to meet you."
Bill walked forward as the young girl gave him an appraising glare. "Do you play with dragons, too?"
Bill smiled, "No, Lottie, only your father is that brave."
Lottie smiled and Bill gave an audible sigh, apparently, that was the correct answer. She looked at her mother, "Is he going to find my daddy?"
Hermione had to fight back a sob before she could speak. "Yes, your Uncle Bill promised to bring your daddy here very soon, sweetheart."
Lottie nodded as she yawned and rubbed her face sleepily into Hermione's shoulder. Lottie's eyes struggled to stay open as Hermione whispered into her daughter's drooping head, "Go on and take a nap, Uncle Bill won't mind."
Lottie drifted off as Hermione lowered her down to snuggle in the pillows. Hermione looked at her daughter and then up at Bill, her eyes filled with tears. Very quietly, she explained, "They don't know what is wrong with her." She broke down and sobbed with out making a sound. When she was able to she continued, "She is getting weaker everyday."
She grabbed Bill's hand as he walked closer to comfort her, "Bill, Charlie deserves to at least meet his daughter. I need you to find him and bring him here. Please, Bill!" She was not above begging.
Her plea broke Bill's heart; he could feel his eyes prick. He was confused. "I never knew you and Charlie were a couple. I am just stunned that's all."
Hermione sighed, "We weren't a couple, only both victims, but that doesn't change the fact that he is Lottie's father. Please, Bill, promise me!"
So now you know!