Simplicity
Neville found Hermione in the hospital wing again the day after she was informed of the real perpetrator. He was worried at first, but she smiled at him upon entry and he breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Pomfrey took him to the side and explained things to him.
"She told me what happened to her. That Malfoy scum should pay for what he did to her, but I'll worry about that later. Right now we have to focus on her. She apparently couldn't bear the idea of looking at the Weasley boy because he reminded her of the night. She asked me if I could remove the memory from her and I was only too happy to oblige. I assume you know all about her situation," the healer said.
"Yes. Thank you," Neville replied. He started to move forward toward Hermione's bed, but the older witch caught his arm and brought him closer.
"You must never tell her the story of what happened," she informed him. "If you do, she will most likely suffer brain trauma and will end up like your parents at St. Mungo's." Her eyes revealed the fear and sorrow she felt on his behalf and he nodded.
"I understand," he told her. She released him and he took up his place at Hermione's bed side. She welcomed him gratefully with a chaste kiss.
"Oh, Neville. You must think I'm awful being in the hospital wing all the time. I hope you didn't have to miss any lessons to be here," she said as he settled down in a chair and took her hand.
He smiled at her. "No. I don't have classes this afternoon, so you don't have to worry about that. And I'm glad that I can be here with you."
She returned his smile and they chatted for a while, until Madam Pomfrey suggested that he let Hermione get some sleep. He complied with the healer's wishes, promising to see her in the morning about Hermione's discharge and left Hermione to sleep peacefully for the first night in two weeks.
When Hermione was released from the hospital wing the next morning, Neville was there to escort her to breakfast. He tensed upon seeing Malfoy sitting at the Slytherin table, but his worries passed when Hermione gave no reaction to him. Neville breathed easier knowing that she was oblivious of Malfoy's actions two weeks prior to the breakfast and he smiled when the blonde boy winced after shifting his weight. A bright smile spread across Neville's face when upon seeing Ron and Harry, Hermione drew them into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry that we've been fighting, Ronald. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Of course 'Mione," the ginger said, blushing furiously. "Let's just have breakfast and we can talk about this stuff later." Neville slid onto the bench next to his wife and enjoyed the meal surrounded by the people he was closest to. The conversation was easy and pleasant and he only had Herbology lessons in the afternoon, so he felt great.
When Hermione went off to her first lesson, Neville told Harry and Ron what Madam Pomfrey had said about keeping the details of the horrible night from Hermione and they agreed fully. He escorted them off to class and went back to his room to prepare something special for Hermione's return. He would make her evening special and consummate their vows, then hopefully make her happy for the rest of their days together.
The End
