A/N: Here's your explanation.
Three weeks later and St. Mungos was now hosting twelve more attack victims. Harry and Ron, along with several Aurors had gone over to Hogsmeade and had found nothing. There wasn't a trace of it. Hermione, however, seemed to be having an easy time coping with it. She and Alex were seeing each other regularly and even though she hated to admit it, she found herself thinking about Ron less and less. Not that it was a bad thing; it was just the fact that she hadn't seen Ron ever since the incident at the Burrow. Still, she wasn't worried. She had other things to worry about at the moment.
Hermione found herself sitting in on a briefing with some Aurors and Ministry officials including the current Minister of Magic, Jackson Huntington. St. Mungos had enlisted for their help after the spike in attacks. Hermione was sitting with Benguard. The other chairs were filled with Harry, Mad-Eye Moody, Ron and officials.
"Now, Mr. Benguard, can you tell us a little about these attacks?" the minister asked. Benguard glanced over at Hermione, who was writing some things in her papers, before answering the question.
"We have been unable to identify the cause of these attacks. As you know, a few Aurors were sent over to the attack site and found nothing. This creature, whatever it is, is not leaving a track of any kind."
"Ms. Granger says it's a reptile of some sort," an official said. Hermione looked up at the man and nodded.
"The milky residue we found on the victims faces comes only from reptiles. But that's where the problem comes from. Magical creatures from the reptilian species are not found in Europe at all. They only come from South America."
"Then it must have been brought over," Moody said. Hermione shook her head.
"Not probable. A creature that size would have been noticed by inspection, even if it was disguised. And as I already mentioned to Mr. Weasley, there is no creature known to man that could do that type of damage," she said. Ron's eyes came up at the mention of his surname, surprised that she would actually use his last name. Hermione, however, was determined to keep this purely professional. Jackson Hunington seemed impressed.
"Well, Benguard, it seems your girl knows her stuff," he complimented. He then turned to Moody. "Do you have anything to report?" he asked.
Moody looked over at Harry. "Potter found something yesterday that I think would be of interest," he said, nodding to Harry.
Harry pulled something out of his bag lying on the ground and handed it across the table to Benguard who then handed it to Hermione. Hermione took it and frowned taking the small object out of the plastic bag. It was a small scale that oddly looked familiar yet… She closed her eyes trying to rack her brain on where she had seen it before.
"Ms. Granger!" an official exclaimed when Hermione grabbed her head in pain. A memory was trying to surface and it was as if someone was driving a stake threw her head. She saw the lake again, as well as the two prone boys. But this time things were going in slow motion. She looked around and noticed that it was night, the full moon shining brightly. The thing that slipped past her went slower allowing her to see if for what it truly was. Pale blue eyes and a panting tongue. She saw the pearl white teeth that sparkled in the dark, its slimy green skin glittering in the moonlight. But the thing she noticed most was the tail. About four feet long, it trailed behind the creature like a whip. But at the end was a hook, a wickedly sharp hook that was red with blood. Hermione screamed as the memory once again forced its way to the back of her mind.
"Hermione… Hermione…"
She could hear her voice and moaned from the drilling pain. She opened her eyes slightly, seeing several people standing over her. She then realized she was on the floor. She reached out and someone took her hand helping her up to her feet. It wasn't until she had stumbled into the man's chest that she realized it was Ron. She held on to him for a moment before regaining her balance and instantly pulling away and distancing herself from him by sitting down. She held her head.
"That creature… it's much bigger than I thought… Its main attack weapon is its tail which is why the attacks are never the same. That tail must just flail around instead of going for a specific target which is also why none of the victims we've had are dead…" Hermione lurched forward and retched all over the floor. Benguard had seen enough.
"Ok, that's enough for today," he said hoisting Hermione up in his arms. "Now if you all excuse me, I'll be taking Ms. Granger out of here. She's out for the time being," he said, helping her out of the door. Moody stood up.
"I don't think so. I have some questions for Hermione," he growled out.
Benguard turned to him in shock. "Are you serious? She's sick!"
As if to prove his point, Hermione threw up again, clinging to Benguard's arm in hopes to not fall in on her face.
"Well, tough. Let her rest, clean the floor and we'll continue in five minutes," he barked.
Ron was the first one to stand. "I don't think so, Moody. Harry and I will take her home.
Moody turned to Ron and glared at him. "Since when do you make the decisions, Weasley?"
"She's sick!"
"She'll be fine," Moody said, pointing to her. "Just give her something and she'll be fine."
She threw up again. Ron got fed up with this little back and forth game and went over to Benguard. Taking Hermione in his arms, he carried her out the door, ignoring Moody's commands. Harry glanced over at Moody before hurrying out the door, following close behind Ron. Harry looked down at Hermione as they walked. She looked up at him.
"I feel fine," she whispered. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yeah and I don't have a scar on my head," he muttered. She frowned and then her eyes bulged.
"Put me down," she whispered. Noticing the look, he obeyed watching as she staggered over to a nearby bathroom and going in. While she was in there, Harry glanced back at the room then up at Ron.
"Moody's going to have your arse," he commented.
Ron snorted and shrugged, saying nothing. After a few moments she exited, looking paler than the two men liked. Ron went over to her and helped her stand.
"Do you feel fine now?" he asked. She shot him a dirty look as he picked her up and carried her to an apparating point. When they got to her apartment, she pleaded to be let down and finally, after wincing from her poking, Ron let her down observing with concern as she made her way over to the couch. He turned to Harry.
"I'm going to make some tea," he whispered before disappearing into the kitchen. Harry walked over and sat next to Hermione. Hermione turned to look at him with a glazed look.
"Can I ask you something?" she asked.
"You just did," Harry replied cheekily. Hermione groaned and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm serious, Harry," she grumbled. Harry sighed.
"I'm sorry, what did you want to ask?" he asked, looking down at her bushy hair. She shifted so that she was more comfortable on the couch, still resting her head on his shoulder.
"Am I a bad person?" she asked quietly. Harry frowned.
"For what?" he asked. She looked up at him.
"For making Ron believe that things could be better between us," she said. Harry searched her pale face for a moment.
"Do you think you're making him believe that things could be better or are you trying to make yourself believe that things could be better? You're dating Alex, Hermione," he pointed out. Hermione groaned again.
"I'm horrible," she whispered. Harry took her face in his hands.
"Hermione… Hermione look at me. Do you love Ron?" he asked. The question was so simple, yet she found herself pondering it. Did she love Ron? Sure she felt strongly about him, but was that enough to be called love? What was love anyway? Was it truly something wonderful or was it just some stupid reason people made up so that they could shag? Hermione must have been quiet for to long because Harry sighed and got up. Hermione watched him move around.
"How are things with you and Ginny?" she asked, deciding that now was the time to switch gears. Harry gave her a look before sitting down in one of the chairs.
"We're fine. She forgave me for whatever the hell I did," he said. Hermione nodded, gingerly touching her head and wincing. She must have fallen pretty hard. She could feel the bruise. Ron finally entered, carefully levitating three cups of tea. Harry took his and watched as Ron handed Hermione hers. She took it graciously, sipping silently. They all sat there quietly for a while, just thinking when someone knocked at the door. Harry got up.
"Who is it?" he called.
"Alex! Is Hermione in there?" he asked. Hermione jerked and then set down her tea. She struggled to her feet but Ron grabbed her arm.
"Oh no, you don't. You're not seeing anyone right now," he said. Hermione pulled her arm away from him.
"If I can handle you I can certainly handle my own boyfriend," she snapped, knowing that saying boyfriend would make Ron back down. Ron's face grew passive at the word and he sat back down, eyes on his tea. Hermione wasn't going to concern herself with him.
"Let him in," she told Harry. Harry frowned but did what she asked, opening the door. Alex went immediately over to Hermione taking her face in his hands.
"You ok?" he asked. Hermione managed a weak smile.
"I'm not dead if that's what you're asking," she said. Alex smiled and gave her kiss on the lips before reaching up and touching the bump on her head.
"Ow, that looks bad. Has anyone looked at that?" he asked. Hermione shook her head, wincing slightly. Alex sighed and led her back to the couch. He nodded a greeting to Ron, who didn't return it. Instead, Ron stood up and went back into the kitchen. Hermione glanced at Harry, who shrugged and followed Ron. Hermione let Alex treat her, knowing that he wouldn't rest until he did. Leaning back on his heel, Alex touched her face gently.
"You need to take it easy," he whispered. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"I didn't do anything… it must have just been some spell residue or something… I'm fine now," she insisted. Alex smiled and kissed her again.
"Do you need me to stay?" he asked. Hermione glanced over to the kitchen then shook her head.
"I think Ron and Harry have it covered. They'll probably be here for a while. I'll see you later, ok?" she said. Alex nodded, gave her one more kiss and turned to leave.
"See you later, Harry, Ron!" he called as he left the flat. Hermione couldn't help but be amazed by the man. The fact that he was ok with leaving his sick girlfriend in the hands of two perfectly capable men was amazing to her. Hermione wobbled to her feet and began to make her way to her bedroom.
"Hey Harry!" she called. Harry poked his head out of the kitchen.
"Yeah?"
"I'm going to bed," she said before disappearing into the hall. Harry nodded and went back into the kitchen where a seething Ron was manually washing the dishes. Harry frowned.
"You do know that you can use your wand," he said. Ron shot him a look before turning back to what he was doing. Harry sighed. He wanted to get out of here and maybe check some things at work before going home.
"How long are you going to be here, because I think I'm in trouble with Ginny again so I have to go," he said. Ron didn't turn around when he answered.
"You can go… I'll stay for a while, make sure she's ok," he said. Harry wasn't exactly sure it was a good idea, but then again, he didn't want to be here when Hermione got better and started picking fights with them because they took her home instead of leaving her at Mungos. Harry sighed again and turned to leave.
"I'll see you later, mate," he said over his shoulder before gathering his coat and disapparating. Ron continued to do the dishes in an uncomfortable silence. Suddenly he wished Harry had stayed to keep him company and keep his mind off of the woman that was occupying the bedroom nearby. He had been thinking about her so much lately that it was starting to wear on him. He knew he should be happy for her and everything, but some how he felt himself hating Alex even more. The way he got close to her and kissed her. The way he spoke to her and the way she responded. He hated it and he hated himself for hating it. Alex had done nothing wrong and Hermione was well within her right to see him.
Ron put the dishes away and then leaned on the counter, sighing. He knew he had to let go of the past, but every time he saw her he didn't want to. He wanted to hold on to what Hermione was desperately trying to get rid of. A past in which pain served a great part. Pain had ruled most of their relationship, with the death of her parents, Remus Lupin and several other close friends such as Luna Lovegood, Hermione had become more distant in the relationship, eventually resorting to pulling away from him whenever he tried to touch her or just leaving the room whenever he came. That had been the reason they had broken up. To save themselves from the agony of trying to make the relationship work when it was obviously falling apart. The worse part was, Hermione had every reason to get out. Ron had been there when her parents had died. He had been forced to watch. He knew that, in some way, Hermione still saw that when she looked at him. She saw her parents and it hurt.
Pulling himself away from the counter, Ron looked around the kitchen, remembering when she had first bought it. Harry had actually been the one to pick it out and Hermione had fallen in love with it. It was close to London, but a wizard owned building so she didn't have to worry about using magic.
"Harry left?"
Ron turned to see Hermione watching him carefully as she leaned against the door post.
"Shouldn't you be in bed?"
Hermione walked slowly over to the kitchen table and sat down. "I almost forgot you were a Healer for a moment," she grumbled. Ron couldn't help but smile. She was getting better. He went over and sat across from her.
"Does your head still hurt?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Alex fixed that," she replied, yawning. Ron stiffened slightly at the mention but decided not to pursue it. Instead, he just watched as she played around with the salt shaker. She then lay her head down on the table.
"Do you want to know what I saw?" she asked, her voice muffled slightly from being in the table. Ron shrugged.
"What did you see?" he asked. Hermione raised her head.
"It was some huge lizard or crocodile of some sort. Ten feet long from tail to head. It ran on all fours… Green scaly skin and pale blue eyes…" Hermione looked into Ron's eyes. "The worse thing was its tail… there's a huge hook on the end. Most likely just sharpened bone. I've never seen anything like it before," she said.
Ron shrugged. "You shouldn't be worrying about it right now," he said. Hermione slammed her fist down on the table, making him jump. She glared at him.
"Look! Benguard's my superior so I have to listen to him. But that doesn't mean I have to listen to you. I'm fine, ok. So don't start the whole, 'you should be in bed' thing. You do it one more time and I'll get rid of something that's special to you," she growled, standing to her feet and leaving the kitchen. Ron winced slightly before standing and hurrying after her.
"Hermione! Hermione stop. Just a few hours ago you were retching all over the place. I'm just going by what I see. I don't want you getting hurt," he said. Hermione looked up at him for a moment then turned to her bedroom.
"Do you remember that day we won the Cup for Gryffindor?" she asked. "When I got drunk?"
Ron frowned but nodded. "Yeah, I remember. I had to take you to your room because you could hardly stand," he said. Hermione was about to enter her room when she stopped and looked at him.
"I wasn't drunk. I used a charm I read from a book to see what you would do if you knew I was vulnerable and had no idea what was going on around me…" she whispered. She smiled to herself. "I know you don't want me to get hurt because you didn't want to take advantage of me… not much has changed," she said before going into her room and closing the door behind her. Ron couldn't help but smile to himself at Hermione's confession. Not much had changed at all…
Hermione looked up as Ron came outside, his hands in his pockets and his eyes down. Hermione bit her lip and looked away, watching as the sun continued to go down. Ron didn't sit, but stood next to the small bench in the backyard, watching the sunset as well. He then looked down at her and his heart fell even further. The tear stains and tissue in her hand told him enough.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked.
Why does she have to be so damn beautiful?
"Yeah… I guess," he muttered.
Hermione closed her eyes and he could she that she was struggling not to cry.
Lord, please give me strength, she prayed.
She looked up at him. "Look, Ron-"
"Do you want to go for a walk?" he interrupted quickly, starting for the woods beyond the makeshift Quidditch field.
Hermione watched him go and then stood up slowly, following. She knew that he was trying to prolong it. Trying to distract her from the overwhelmingly painful reality they were now living.
As she went to catch up with him, she noticed how his hair glowed slightly in the pinkish orange glow that was created as the sun continued to sink on them. She would miss just watching him.
He stopped and waited for her then they walked together, entering the woods and just trying to enjoy each others company. The weak sunrays filtered in through the trees, lighting their path with gentle patterns on the ground. As they walked, Ron reached out and took her hand. To this, he felt her stiffen and knew that she wanted more than anything for him to let go, but he wouldn't. He wasn't ready to.
A light breeze came in through the trees and Hermione took that chance to pull away from Ron, crossing her arms and moving slightly faster. She racked her brain for the right words to say, but before she could start, Ron spoke.
"Do you remember the summer before seventh year? When we came out here?"
Hermione closed her eyes and tears started flowing down her cheeks. Ron hadn't noticed.
"I think that's the tree we used to go to. It was out of sight from the Burrow," he went on.
Why does he have to make this harder? Does he want us to suffer?
She turned to him, and they stopped. Ron finally looked up at her and in that moment, Hermione realized how much harder this would be. The tears came harder and he reached out for her but she shoved him away, glaring at him through hot tears.
"No! No!" she told him. "Don't."
"Hermione," he tried.
She shook her head, closing her eyes as the tears fell. "Please Ron… don't make this harder…"
Ron just watched her as she tried to collect her emotions. He could see how much she was trying not to look at him. How much she was trying to get away.
"Hermione… we don't have to do this," he whispered.
"Yes… yes we do. We have to do this. For your sake as much as mine," she said. Her voice seemed to be trying to convince herself rather than Ron.
"Hermione-"
"It's over, Ron," she whispered, biting her lip to keep herself from sobbing. "You and I both know that…"
Ron stared at her for a moment then looked away, trying to hide his own grief. He placed his hands on his head and looked around like a lost child. The look on his face and the pain in his eyes tore her apart as well. She wanted to let him know that it was better. That they would both be happier this way. But the truth was, they wouldn't be happier anyway. At least not as far as Hermione could see. The consequences of the bloodshed had dealt their death toll over the two and were awaiting the final ride to a darker place. Hermione couldn't handle being in his presence anymore and began to make her way back to the Burrow.
"This is it?"
Hermione closed her eyes. "Ron… please, just let me go…"
He let her go…
By this time, the sun had gone down completely…
A/N: This was fun to make.
FallenAngelGirl: Thank you very much!
ako: Yeah, well... Hermione's not doing any better.
LitaFanForLife: Thank you, I'm glad you like it.
Wesker888: I sorry! I actually didn't take your comment that way! I just felt like talking, that's all! I'm sorry if you felt like I was attacking you or something. You're one of my best reviewers!
OzDust: Things will get even more interesting then you'll really be damning people.
Chapter Tease:
"Ginny! Mr. Hanton!"
The creature stopped, tail flickering as the sounds of people calling grew closer. The creature then turned and fled the scene, disappearing among the dark cresses of the Forbidden Forest.
