"And then she said… 'It was the Hippogriff!'" Tears of mirth were forming in George's eyes by the time he finished his story. Fred's body shook with laughter as he wiped the tears of his own eyes.

"Ugh," Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes and shook her head with a small smile as George and Fred were doubled over in laughter. It took Fred a few more seconds to regain his breath and sit back up in his tilted bed.

"The Hippogriff…" Fred chuckled again.

"Hn." A tiny chuckle issued from the sleeping girl next to Fred and all three sets of eyes fell upon her.

"Did she just laugh?" George asked seriously, the laughter now completely gone from his face.

"I don't know. I thought so…" replied Fred. "Hermione… Can you hear me?"

Yes, Hermione answered Fred in her mind.

"Hermione," Mrs. Weasley asked, getting up from her chair and walking around to Hermione's bedside. "Can you hear us, dear?"

"Mmm…" Hermione moaned.

"She squeezed my hand," Fred said, his breath shaky with anticipation.

"Hermione, if you can hear us, can you say something?" Fred pleaded.

"Mmm, Fred." Hermione hummed weakly. Fred blushed a little at George's smirk.

"Yes. Yes, it's me. Fred," Fred said, holding her one hand in both of his.

"You're awake," Hermione said with a tiny smile on her face.

"Yes. Yes, I'm awake. Are you okay?" Fred asked hurriedly.

"Of course," Hermione said. As it came out a little funny, she cleared her throat.

"'Of course,' she says," George chuckled with relief.

"Can you open your eyes?" Fred asked gently.

"Mm-hm," Hermione answered slowly blinking her eyes open, squinting in the brightly lit room.

"Turn off the lights, George," Fred ordered. "It's too bright for her."

"No. No, it's fine," Hermione said a little bit clearer. As her eyes started to adjust, she looked up into Mrs. Weasley's face. "Molly," she smiled.

"Yes, dear, I'm here," Mrs. Weasley replied, staring down on Hermione with an endearing smile and running her fingers over Hermione's hair.

Hermione slowly turned her head to the side and looked over at Fred. "You're awake… and sitting up even. You're looking much better."

"I wish I could say the same for you," Fred said with a lopsided smile, brushing the back of his fingers across her cheek. Hermione returned his smile, staring into his warm hazel eyes that were so full of emotion.

"I must look a mess," Hermione replied with a chuckle. "How long have I been asleep?"

"It's been, uh…" George looked down at his watch as he calculated in his head. "About six hours since you talked to me last."

"And you've been awake all that time?" Hermione asked Fred.

"Yeah," Fred replied. "It's not like I hadn't had enough rest over the past few days."

But I couldn't have rested even if I wanted to. I was waiting for you to wake up. I've been so worried, Fred thought.

"You shouldn't have," Hermione responded.

"Shouldn't have what?" Fred asked in confusion.

Oops. I answered aloud instead of in my head. Hermione thought to herself.

"Nothing. Nevermind," Hermione answered with a small blush.

Merlin, it's so great that she's awake. I've wanted to talk to her for so long. Is she really alright though?

"Yes," Hermione answered with a smile.

"'Yes,' what?" Fred asked, looking even more concerned.

I did it again. Wake up, Hermione. I'm sorry, Fred. This must be strange but I'm not used to distinguishing between your spoken and thought voice yet, Hermione thought.

"'Yes,' what, Hermione?" Fred asked again.

You didn't hear me…? Fred…? Can you hear me?

"Hermione?" Fred asked, becoming more fretful by the second.

He can't hear me. But how can I still hear him then? Fred, please answer me, Hermione pleaded.

Is she okay? What's wrong with her? She looks so confused. Is her brain confounded? Oh, please be okay, Fred worried.

"I-I'm sorry," Hermione said finally. "I just got confused there for a second. Kind of like my dream hadn't ended yet."

All three Weasleys were looking at her with concern.

Is she trying to cover something? Of course not. What would she be hiding? Is she really okay though?

"I'm sorry. Really, I'm okay. I'm just still waking up," Hermione insisted.

Please, Fred. Can you hear me at all? I can still hear you.

"You're sure?" Fred pressed.

Fred? Please? Hermione pleaded. He really can't hear me. Maybe it's because he's stronger than I am. I just need to regain my strength too, and then we'll be fine.

"I'm sure, Fred," Hermione said resolutely. "I'm fine, really."

Hermione arched her chest forward, bringing one arm above her head as she stretched. She rolled her head to stretch the muscles in her neck and let out a large yawn, bringing her free hand up to rub her eyes. She began to pull her other hand away when Fred squeezed it tightly.

Hermione smiled warmly at him. "It's okay, Fred. You can let go now."

Fred stared at her with fear and apprehension.

"Really, Fred. We're both okay now. You can let go. We'll be just fine," Hermione assured him.

Reluctantly, Fred slowly loosened his grip, spread his fingers, and began to pull away hesitantly. Hermione kept her hand where it was just to make Fred feel more comfortable.

"See?" Hermione said. "We're fine. Besides me being a little weak, we're both fine. But I think a little something to eat and a little more rest and we'll both be good as new."

Fred stared at her like he'd never seen anything like her. She was so confident in what she was saying. She didn't seem concerned at all. They were afraid she was going to die and she acted like she just had a little nap.

"I'll go get the healers," offered George.

She's okay, Fred thought to himself. She's really okay…

Yes, I'm fine, Hermione thought with amusement. Hermione scooted up in her bed and began to sit up when Fred and Mrs. Weasley both put their hands out toward her.

"Whoa, whoa, don't sit up just yet. Hold on a second. You just woke up," Fred insisted.

Okay, now you're just getting annoying, Fred, Hermione thought in irritation.

"I'm fine," Hermione persisted fervently, sitting up in bed. "Perfectly fine."

Fred and Mrs. Weasley looked at her with concern and she had the sudden urge to shove Fred.

"Don't look at me like that," Fred ordered. "I'm only concerned."

"I'm not frail and helpless. I know what I'm capable of," Hermione declared.

"Oh, she is up," a woman healer said brightly upon entering the room.

"And you're not touching," the male healer said with a little bite in his tone. "You should have waited for us."

"We're just fine," Hermione said in a snippy voice. She was getting rather sick of having to repeat that. The healers acted as though they didn't hear her. The woman walked over to Hermione and the man to Fred. Hermione and Fred both sighed deeply and held out their wrists to have their pulses checked. Fred chuckled and Hermione smiled when they realized that they had responded the same way.

"She has a good steady heart rate," the woman announced.

"As does he," the man reported. "Okay now, take a deep breath."

"Why? You can see we're both breathing by ourselves. And we're each talking so our breathing isn't connected," said Fred.

The healers both looked extremely cross with his attitude. Hermione took a deep breath and held it. As Hermione took a breath, Fred began panting like a dog. Hermione couldn't hold her breath any longer as she began to laugh.

"Satisfied?" Fred asked.

The man narrowed his eyes at Fred. "Well, they both seem to be doing okay at the current time. We'll be back to check on them in a few minutes. But if anything should change, let us know and we'll be in right away." Both healers swept from the room looking rather insulted.

Fred smirked when they left, "Thanks for the assessment. Don't know what we'd do without you."

"So they come in here frequently then?" Hermione asked.

"At least every half hour," Fred grumbled. "And that's as cheerful as those two get."

"Where are the others? Are Harry and Ron here?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Everyone's been in and out of here over the last few days. Harry and Ron were here earlier, but they had to go…" Mrs. Weasley said, trailing off.

Mrs. Weasley and the twins exchanged looks that told Hermione that they really didn't think they should say anything further but Fred's thoughts explained it to her. …to the funeral.

The funeral? Hermione thought, looking at Fred, then the other two.

"Lupin and Tonks' funeral," Hermione said without a hint of a question.

The three others in the room looked stunned. "How did you know? Did you hear us talking?" asked George. Fred looked at Hermione suspiciously, making her feel rather uneasy.

"No. You just seemed like you didn't want to say it because you didn't want to upset me. Then I remembered Lupin and Tonks. That is where they're at, right?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Mrs. Weasley answered, looking rather hurt at the thought.

"Why aren't you two there?" she asked George and Mrs. Weasley.

"We were worried about the two of you," George answered.

"How are the others holding up? Harry?" Hermione pressed. Harry always seems to take loss harder than most.

"I think everyone's been too worried about you and Fred to think too much on those we've lost. I mean, they're hurt and mourning, but we've been too focused on our hopes of recovery for you," George explained.

"Oh… I'm sorry," Hermione said miserably.

The twins and Mrs. Weasley all chuckled quietly, making Hermione feel rather foolish.

Just like her. Never sparing a thought for herself. Fred thought in amusement.

What's that supposed to mean? Hermione thought defensively.

She's really something, that girl. Always so concerned about others and never for herself. I don't think she really knows how serious her condition was.

No. I was fine. Wasn't I?

I'm so glad she's okay. I don't know what I would have done if she had died to save me… I don't know if there could be a more terrible feeling in the world.

Hermione bowed her head as she thought. You're really something too, Fred.


"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Mrs. Weasley asked, looking at the two sitting up in their beds side-by-side.

"Yes, Molly. We're fine. You go home and get cleaned up and get some rest," Hermione nodded as she focused on the conversation.

"Okay…" Mrs. Weasley responded warily. "Do you want me to send your father? He'd stay if you'd like."

"No, Mum," Fred said, his tone of voice betraying his exasperation. "We're just going to get some sleep. We'll be just fine. And you know that if something should happen, which it won't, the healers will contact you right away. We're fine."

"Alright," she conceded. "If you're sure… But if you change your mind, have them send for me right away. I can be here in seconds."

"We promise we'll call for you if we need you, but I swear that we'll be just fine. Go home and get some rest. Don't worry about us," Hermione pressed.

"Okay. You two have a good night and I'll be back first thing in the morning with breakfast," Mrs. Weasley replied as she reluctantly headed toward the door.

"Goodnight, Molly," Hermione smiled.

"'Night, Mum," Fred said finally. Mrs. Weasley took one last look at the both of them and walked resolutely from the room. "Wow… that was much more work than it should have been."

"She's just worried. They all are," Hermione reminded him.

"I know, but most of them are feeling better now that they see how well we look. Mum still acts like we're ready to keel over at any second," Fred argued.

"She's your mum. She's been watching you struggle for survival for days. It's been really hard on her emotionally. I think it's a giant step that she's going home. That's progress," Hermione protested.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Fred agreed. "I should just appreciate that she left. It's getting awfully annoying the way everyone keeps looking at us. Visitor after visitor with those worried, pathetic faces asking every few seconds if we're alright."

"Yeah, that'd be rather annoying to spend every waking hour with someone who acts like that," Hermione said, throwing a sideways look at Fred.

"Oh! Are you calling me a hypocrite?" Fred asked in amusement.

"I didn't call you anything," Hermione stated. "But, I have yet to see a single person who won't stop giving me the look you described or stop asking how I'm feeling."

"So you're blaming me for worrying about you?" Fred asked playfully.

"I'm not blaming you for anything. But, it would be nice if you'd stop acting like I'm about to fall apart any second," Hermione smirked and raised her eyebrows to suggest she was waiting for a response.

"Hey, it's not that easy. You at least knew what's been going on. You've seen me getting better. I woke up in the hospital without a clue as to why I was here. One of the first things George says to me is that I died and you saved me. I looked over at you and you looked half-dead. He tells me that if I let go of you, you might stop breathing. Then the healers waltz in and tell me that I'm killing you and that if I don't let go you'll die."

"They didn't!" Hermione cried in outrage.

"They did. So, I apologize if it's hard for me to accept that the girl that was supposedly dying by my hand, literally, has miraculously awoken in perfect health," Fred defended.

"I can't believe them! Those idiots," Hermione ranted. "I told them time and time again that we were both going to be okay. You'd think that they'd come to trust me, but they still act like their hypotheses are much more accurate than my… intuition. But my intuition has not been wrong yet!"

"Whoa, whoa, cool down, Hermione," Fred said with a lopsided smile, his hands out in front of him defensively. "The healers are idiots. But everyone else around here does trust you, me included. Me and the rest of the family stood by what you said each time it was questioned. There was quite a bit of 'Hermione said' going around here while we were both out."

"I'm sorry. I just hate arguing with them. They're upset because I can't explain what I did, that I preformed some kind of magic that's never been seen and it was scary. Now that it's worked, they're actually angry with me because I can't explain it. It's like they think I'm just trying to hide it. I can't wait until I get out of here," she ranted, blushing slightly when she realized how she was carrying on.

"That makes two of us," agreed Fred. "Well, I mean I can't wait until I get out of here, not you. I don't mind you here. Actually, it's kind of a comfort, one person in the world who treats me like normal."

"You are anything but normal, Fred Weasley," Hermione chuckled. "But you do seem healthy."

"Exactly what I mean!" Fred said with a big smile. "You're not afraid to take a dig at me when the opportunity is presented. Even George won't do it. I set myself up plenty of times today, several times on purpose, just waiting for some ribbing, but no one took part. What gives?"

"Most people feel bad insulting those who are extremely ill or dead. They all feel that they almost lost you and it's made them all a bit sentimental," Hermione explained.

"Okay, so I get why you don't make fun of dead people… or at least recently dead people; you don't want to insult their memory or hurt the people mourning them. And people who are gravely ill, you're afraid to insult them because you don't want it to be the last memory you have with them. But, we're not dead or dying. We're alive and getting better! They've got to loosen up or I'll go mad," Fred raved.

"Let me get this straight then… you'll go mad if someone doesn't insult you soon?" Hermione asked, trying to restrain her laugh.

"Yes!" Fred affirmed.

"You are absolutely ridiculous," Hermione chuckled. "I get what you're saying, and I even understand it myself. But, you're still funny the way you're so honest about it. If you're really that desperate for insults, I could give it a try."

"I appreciate the offer, but I really miss George's. You are really witty though, so if the opportunity arises, don't ever hesitate – with anyone," Fred smiled.

"I'll remember that," Hermione replied, rolling her eyes.

Fred appraised her with a warm smile. He had always liked Hermione. She was really witty and a comfortable person to be around, but he'd never really been close to her. This was the first time he had actually spent time alone with her and he was pleased to learn that she was actually really great company.

"Hermione…" Fred started seriously. "Now that everyone's gone, I… Well, I know it sounds strange to say out loud but… Thank you for saving my life."

Hermione chuckled softly. "You're right; it does sound strange aloud, especially when I didn't actually do anything."

"Now you know that's not true," Fred protested, still sounding very serious. "If it were, then I wouldn't be here."

"Well, I guess I had to have done something," Hermione conceded, "but I really didn't know what I was doing. And really, what was I supposed to do?"

"Everyone else was already mourning me," Fred reminded.

"Yes, but they didn't see what I saw," Hermione argued.

"What do you mean?" Fred asked curiously.

"I saw you breathe. No one believed me, they still don't, but I know you did. It was just one breath," Hermione reminisced. "Then I felt for your pulse. One heartbeat, that's it, but I knew then for sure that you weren't dead. I don't know what I did, what happened exactly, but I knew I couldn't just let you die."

"And that's what I'm thanking you for. No matter how you did it, you saved me; you didn't give up on me," Fred replied earnestly. "Everyone told you I was dead and you refused to believe it. They told you to let go and you wouldn't. The healers argued with you time and time again and you never once gave up on me. If it weren't for you, the way you believed in me, I wouldn't be here. Each time you made the decision to hold on to me, you saved me. Thank you."

Hermione looked down, blushing furiously. "You make it sound so heroic and romantic when you say it like that. I did what I think anyone would have. You did. The healers told you to let go because they thought you were killing me, but you didn't let me go; you didn't give up on me."

"It was the most frightening decision of my life, too," said Fred. "I didn't know what I was supposed to do."

"Neither did I," Hermione stated.

"But that doesn't make it any less a fact. You saved me and I guess I saved you," Fred said with a cocky smile. "I'm not sure it's even, but the fact that your hero is so handsome must add a few points to my score."

"Handsome and so modest," Hermione chortled.

"Modesty is way overrated," he replied looking disgusted by the thought of it. "Such a waste of time and energy."

"How so?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Well, let's take this as an example. If you hadn't been so modest when I was trying to thank you we'd be discussing something completely different right now," Fred explained. "But you decided to be modest. We both know that you saved me, whether you know how you did it or not. There's nothing rude about accepting gratitude or compliments. I think it's more rude not to. If the person giving the praise means it, why wouldn't you accept? And if the person praising expects you to be modest, then that's the rudest part of the whole ritual. Why would you praise someone and then expect them to talk themselves down? Don't try to beat yourself down because someone thinks you're great, accept it because they truly believe it. People need to spend a lot less time being so courtly and ritualistic and be more honest with themselves and others."

Wow… Hermione thought.

"Wow… I never thought of it like that…" Hermione admitted. "I'm sorry if I offended you."

"There! That's another thing that wastes time! You know I'm not offended, so don't apologize for silly things. Save them for when you really do something stupid. They mean more that way," Fred admonished.

Hermione chuckled. "I almost said 'sorry' again."

"Break the habit," Fred suggested. "It will make you feel a lot better about yourself, and the world for that matter."

"Have you always been this wise or is it new thing you're trying out?" Hermione teased.

"I don't know really. No one's ever called me that before. It is the lifestyle that I've always tried to live by, so I guess 'always' would be the best answer," Fred reasoned.

"Well, you've certainly got wisdom that I didn't expect," Hermione admitted.

"Thank you," said Fred. "You're a real smart girl yourself, you just need to use all those smarts to let you see the world for what it really is and you could be the wisest woman to ever live."

Hermione chuckled. "Thank you. I'll remember that."

"See, wiser already. You have learned to accept a compliment," Fred smiled. "Now, let's try this again." Fred's voice dropped again as he became serious once more. "Thank you. You saved my life. I know that nothing I could do or say could ever fully express my gratitude, but thank you," Fred said solemnly. Slowly he leaned over to her and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Thank you."

"Um… You're welcome?" Hermione said uncomfortably.

When Fred pulled away, Hermione's cheeks were redder than he'd ever seen. Wow. She's really cute when she blushes… I'll have to make a point of embarrassing her more often.

Hermione's head snapped up to look at him. He wouldn't! Ugh… he would…

"What?" Fred asked at the look of concern on her face.

"Nothing," Hermione replied, unsure of what to say. She was saved from responding further as a loud growl issued from Fred's stomach. It was so loud that both of them laughed.

Wow, I'm starving… thought Fred.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Well… maybe a bit, but not enough to call a nurse back in here," Hermione answered honestly.

"Oh, I wasn't about to suggest that," Fred replied as if the idea were simply ludicrous. "George said that there's like a little kitchenette station for visitors down the hall. It's not much, but he said it has snacks and drinks. Up for a little excursion?"

"We're not supposed to be out of bed," Hermione reminded. "I don't think they'd let us just wander down the hall."

"Who said they'd catch us?" Fred asked.

"I don't know, Fred. It seems rather foolish, don't you think?"

"Foolish? Since when is freedom a foolish thing? Why would it be foolish for a hungry man to go get himself some food?" Fred protested.

"I don't know…" Hermione said, biting her lip.

"Alright, I won't talk you into trouble," Fred acquiesced. "And, I'll bring you back something."

"Wait!" Hermione put her hand on Fred's shoulder to prevent him from getting out of bed. "I know we're both a lot stronger, but we haven't been out of the same room since yesterday when I passed out… and that didn't go so good. I know we feel fine, but we really shouldn't test it like this…"

Fred chewed his lip as he considered her and their situation. "Well… I guess you'll just have to decide whether to come with me or turn me in."

Hermione's mouth fell open. She couldn't believe he would put her in that kind of position. Fred lifted his eyebrows in challenge.

"It better be worth it," Hermione said, pursing her lips.

A wide grin spread over Fred's face and a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. "Great. I knew you wouldn't let me down. Let's go." Fred swung his legs over the side of the bed and hopped up. Hermione's mouth dropped open again and she immediately fell into giggles. Fred felt a draft sweep through his hospital gown and turned around to face Hermione, pinning his gown closed behind him with one hand.

Damn! She saw!

"Bit chilly without your blanket?" Hermione asked as she tried desperately to suppress more giggles.

"Ha ha," Fred said sarcastically. "Bit chilly without my underpants. Do you know what they did with my boxers?"

"Your mum said that they had your things down the hall at the nurses' station. They didn't want you to get a hold of your clothes and wand because they were afraid you'd try to apparate out of here," Hermione explained.

"Are you serious?" Fred asked.

"Yes. It was George's idea. They took my wand too, because they were afraid you might steal mine."

"George… what a traitor," Fred said, seriously offended. "He's right, of course, but that doesn't make up for such an act of disloyalty."

"There are some extra hospital gowns up in that cupboard. If you put one of them on backward, like a robe, then it will cover your backside," Hermione suggested.

"You're supposed to say my 'lovely' backside," Fred admonished. "And, will you be needing one too?" Fred held up an extra gown and raised his eyebrows playfully. Fred watched as her face changed expressions very quickly; cocky and playfully, to surprised, to concerned, to embarrassed. By the time Fred placed a name to each expression, Hermione's face was bright red and she was nibbling her lip, still looking concerned. "What? What's the matter?"

"You… You weren't awake when they changed me into a hospital gown, were you?" Hermione asked anxiously.

Fred burst out laughing as soon as he understood. "No, I didn't see them change you. Might have been nice to…" Hermione looked sour, but still amused as she threw her pillow at him. Fred blew out a calming breath as he pushed his laughs away, but a big smile still clung to his face. "No, I didn't see anything. Now, put this on. Who knows when they'll be back in to check on us." Fred tossed Hermione the extra hospital gown and she pulled it on like a jacket.

"I know it will cover me okay, but just don't look while I get up, okay?" Hermione pleaded.

Oh, come on. You just saw my bare bum. What on earth would you have to be embarrassed about?

"Okay," Fred agreed, turning around. "Just hurry."

Funny as you are, you're a good guy, Fred Weasley. Hermione turned in bed and slipped off the side, the linoleum floor cold against her warm feet. It actually felt good. She smoothed her gowns down well and turned to Fred. "Okay, let's go."

Fred walked over to the door and cracked it open. Hermione stood right behind him, her heart drumming with anxious anticipation. Fred slowly poked his head out the door and looked both ways, listening intently. He reached his arm out behind him and wiggled his fingers. Hermione smiled mischievously and took hold of his hand. No sooner than her fingers touched his, he grabbed hold and pulled her out the door behind him. They snuck out, making not a sound as their bare feet padded on the linoleum floor.

Man, it's been a long time since I've snuck around. It feels nice to do so again, but it makes me miss Hogwarts' Fred thought.

I know what you mean, Hermione silently agreed. Although I didn't really sneak around Hogwarts for fun.

Hermione almost gasped when Fred threw out his arm and pressed them both back against one wall.

"Which room did you say he was in?" a woman asked from just around the corner of an intersecting corridor.

"Um, room six," another woman replied from a little further down.

"Okay, thanks," the first woman answered.

Hermione and Fred held their breaths as they heard the woman's footsteps retreating. Hermione chuckled silently and Fred smirked at her. After another second Fred chanced a look around the corner. Without waiting, Fred grabbed Hermione's hand again and pulled her further down the corridor, now taking it at almost a run.

Hermione gasped suddenly and stiffened. Fred turned quickly and saw that a man had appeared in the door to his room. Fred stopped and looked at the man for a moment. He looked as though he were about to say something. Fred wanted to just keep going, they really couldn't chance a conversation, but if the man wanted to speak to them, it would be better to do so in close proximity than with him shouting as they were halfway down the hall. He was a large man with broad shoulders and a surly stone-like face. The man opened his mouth and a large squawk issued from him, startling both Hermione and Fred. Then the man simply nodded his head, Fred nodded in return and pulled Hermione along even faster.

That wasn't the conversation I was expecting. Are we in the loony ward or something? Fred wondered.

It sure feels like it, but no, we're in the Ward for Unexplainables, Hermione silently answered. Hermione saw the end of the hallway getting nearer, but couldn't see a kitchenette and became concerned. She didn't think Fred would easily give up.

Damn where is it? Fred asked, his heart racing as they got closer to the end of the corridor. I wonder if 'Bird-man' back there knows where it is…

Wait! There! Hermione pointed to a kitchen chair just around the corner. At the end of the hall was a little nook that formed a tiny room with a table for four. Against one wall was a tiny counter with a sink, four small cupboards, and an icebox.

Fred threw open the first cupboard and began scanning through it. "Well, come on, don't just stand there," he urged with a brilliant grin. Hermione smiled and join in his search.

"I found individual bags of crisps," Hermione announced.

"I'll take two, please," Fred joked, as if he were placing an order. "Ah, yes." Fred pulled down a large platter of cookies from a high shelf.

"We'll need some milk," Hermione replied, opening the icebox.

"Good thinking," Fred pulled down two large glasses and set them on the counter next to Hermione. Hermione looked up from the full glasses and she chuckled. Fred had used a corner of his outer robe to carry a large stash of cookies.

"You could have used a plate," Hermione offered.

"I couldn't find one big enough," Fred laughed.

Hermione put the jug of milk back in the icebox, shoved the bags of crisps under her arm and held both glasses of milk. Fred nodded to her and took the lead. He slowed as they neared the squawking man's room and surprised Hermione by moving toward it. The man was still there and looking at Hermione and Fred with a strange curiosity. Fred grabbed a bag of crisps from under Hermione's arm and offered them to the man. The man nodded and gave a lopsided smile as he accepted. Fred also handed him two cookies. The man looked ready to say 'thank you', but when he opened his mouth all that came out was another squawk. The man sighed and just nodded. Fred nodded in acknowledgement and signaled for Hermione to follow. Both were extremely pleased to see that there were no more interruptions. They made it back to their room and Fred closed the door behind them.

Hermione let out a relieved sigh.

"That was quite a nice adventure, don't you think?" Fred asked, climbing into bed.

"That was insane. I felt like a little kid sneaking around like that," Hermione chuckled, handing a glass of milk to Fred and climbing into her own bed. "But, it was fun."

"It was," agreed Fred. "We even made a new friend."

"He's your friend now, is he?" Hermione asked. "You don't even know his name."

"Of course I do," Fred protested. Hermione looked stunned. Had he seen something she hadn't? "You heard him. His name's 'Squawk'."

Hermione laughed and shook her head.

"I have to say," Fred started seriously. "Of all people to be stuck here with, I'm glad it's you," he admitted with a great smile. "I hate hospitals, but you make it not only bearable, but fun."

"You're the one creating all of the fun," Hermione demurred.

"No, not all of it," Fred argued. "If it were just me, I'd probably be pouting. You make great company and a rather efficient cohort in crime."

"We did not commit a crime," Hermione protested. "We were in a public place and took food that was meant for the taking."

"Okay, well you've proven that you have the skills to be a good accomplice," Fred amended.

"Fair enough."

"Okay, but enough talking for now. Down to business," Fred said, spreading the cookies out between them. "Cheers." Fred and Hermione each lifted a cookie and tapped them in the air.


Very first thing - Thank you, as always to HG4eva and Binka Fudge. This story wouldn't be nearly as good without the two of you. ^^

Second - I would like to say now that the portrayal of the healers and the other characters' opinions of them do not reflect my feelings toward the medical community in any way. People are people, no matter their job. I'm sure that there are plenty of friendly healers in that hospital, but the ones they had just happened to be snooty jerks.

And third - xXx-ReBeCcA-xXx - I do not know just how long this story will be, but it is going to be rather long, my longest fanfic yet... by far.

I hope you all liked it. Please review. ^^