Author's Note: Thanks to all my readers and especially those who have reviewed. Thanks for giving this story a chance and for your encouraging words.

ooooo

Hermione had experienced several strange dreams in succession. The current one was the worst so far. She swam through murky water, trying to find the surface. It seemed ages that she'd been holding her breath, and her lungs burned within her.

Hermione wasn't sure which way she swam as she moved through the gloom. She had no bearings and, for all she knew, she was propelling herself deeper. She began to panic. Her muscles felt like wet bundles of yarn as she struggled through the water. Just when she started to completely give up, she heard someone call her name. She turned toward the voice and felt someone take her hand, drawing her toward them. At that moment, the darkness began to fade and she began to make out shapes floating above her.

Hermione felt her body shudder as she broke the surface, working to pull air into her lungs as she coughed. She could hear worried voices as she fought to bring oxygen into her body. She began to hear what sounded like magical words being spoken over her and her struggle to breathe began to lessen. Although the light was low, it painfully flooded her eyes. She closed them and turned her head away as she became aware that she lay in a bed.

"Hermione?" A familiar voice penetrated through her fog.

"Mum?" Hermione tried to reply, but was only able to mouth the word. Her throat felt scorched and her mouth was bone dry.

Hermione felt her hand squeezed, and then heard the same voice say, "Shhh, darling. Don't try to talk. You're fine—just need to rest a bit."

"Water," Hermione tried to say. Although she wasn't able to get the word out, she felt someone steady her head and bring a cup to her lips. The cool liquid was a balm to her throat and she took in as much as she could.

Hermione tried opening her eyes a bit at a time. She was finally able to discern her mother's and father's faces.

"There's our girl," Robert Granger said, relief running through his voice as he saw recognition in his daughter's eyes.

Hermione tried to smile. She heard an unfamiliar voice and turned to find what looked like a Healer closely watching her, wand at the ready, as he made some notes in a chart.

"Wha…" Hermione tried to ask, but could only form the word with her lips.

""You've had a bit of a scare, dear," Kate Granger answered. "But you're almost all better now."

"Wha…" Hermione tried again.

This time the Healer replied. "You were poisoned, Miss Granger."

Hermione saw her parents glance at the Healer in surprise, but Hermione appreciated his directness.

The Healer continued, "We had to place you in a coma to combat seizures, and a machine has been breathing for you the last twenty-four hours or so. Can you remember anything?"

Hermione didn't immediately respond, trying to recall the events that had led to her being in hospital. Several scenes flashed through her mind and she nodded and tried to form the word, "Some."

"It seems that you've received low doses of the poison for a while, which culminated in a rather large does yesterday morning," the Healer explained. "Fortunately, the Ministry Mediwitch brought you here very quickly. It might have turned out very badly if you had not received medical care as soon as you did."

"And we also have Harry to thank for that," Kate smiled in the direction of the wall by the curtain. Hermione followed her mother's gaze and noticed for the first time that Harry was in the room. Her eyes met his and he smiled at her, relief evident on his face, along with something else she couldn't quite interpret. She smiled back, but wondered why she felt hesitant to do so.

"Unfortunately, there was some excitement last night, too, when that woman sneaked in here, tying to finish what she had started," Robert added grimly. "Thank goodness Harry stayed with you and was able to stop her."

"Well, it was really Remus and Bryan who stopped her," Harry tried to clarify. "I just-"

Robert cut Harry off. "We owe our daughter's life to you and we're grateful."

"Hermione's saved me many times," Harry replied, shaking his head. "I doubt I'll ever catch up to her."

"Who?" Hermione mouthed.

"It was Shaula, your new assistant," Harry answered.

Hermione's eyes widened then narrowed.

"She used hemlock," Harry went on. "Kept the plant right on her desk. Neville figured it out and found the plant."

"Coffee?" Hermione mouthed, her anger rising.

Harry nodded. "She started out small, but apparently got frustrated with the lack of progress and put a huge amount in your coffee yesterday."

The Healer interrupted the conversation, as he had observed Hermione's growing agitation. "I think we've probably covered as much as we need to at this point. Miss Granger needs to rest," he said, but not unkindly.

The Grangers nodded and each bent to kiss Hermione on the cheek.

"We'll be back tomorrow," Kate said to her daughter. "You keep getting better, all right?"

"Get some rest," Robert said. "We'll see you soon."

Harry moved aside to let them pass as they bid him goodbye. Kate hugged him on her way out and whispered, "Thank you."

Harry nodded, a little embarrassed that she was giving him so much credit when many people had been instrumental in saving Hermione.

The Grangers opened the door to leave and Harry could see some familiar people peering through the gap. Ron and Luna, along with Ginny and Neville had stopped by on their lunch hours. Harry waved at them and went into the hall to let them have room to go in and visit.

"Just a few minutes," the Healer warned them.

The four nodded in agreement. They went quietly past the two guard Aurors and into the room.

After the door had closed, the Healer addressed Harry, the Grangers, and Lupin, who had been waiting in the hall. "I think we need to be honest with Ms. Granger about what happened. However, the details may need to wait for later. She needs to stay calm and rest to maximize healing for her brain."

"I'm sorry," Harry apologized. "I shouldn't have told her so much."

"I understand why you did—she asked, after all," the Healer said. "In future, though, we may need to lead the conversation in different directions if we think she might become upset."

"I'll do my best," Harry promised and the others agreed.

"How much longer will she have to stay in hospital," Kate asked the Healer.

"At least a day or two more," the Healer answered. "We want to make sure that her breathing stays stable and we're monitoring her brain wave patterns."

"Thank you," Kate said. "I appreciate all you're doing for my daughter."

The Healer replied, "Of course. I'm glad Miss Granger is making a good recovery, though I need to caution you that her memory may be spotty for a time. She may also have overly-emotional reactions to what seem like simple things. It can part of mending from a brain injury."

"Is there anything that could help?" Robert asked the Healer.

"Calming things that she enjoys—music, books, favorite memories. Those sorts of things can help."

"We can do that," Robert replied.

"I can take you by Hermione's flat and pick up some things to bring back to Harry," Remus offered to the Grangers.

"That sounds like a good idea, thank you," Kate said and Robert nodded.

"All right, then, we'll need to go to the Apparition Area in the lobby. We can go directly to Hermione's flat from there. Have you ever Apparated before?" Remus asked.

"No," Kate replied, "but I would love to try it."

Harry grimaced, "You may not feel the same way afterwards. Takes some getting used to."

"We've had a lot of 'getting used to' since Hermione turned eleven," Robert said with a wry smile. "This will just be one more thing."

Harry grinned. "Trust me, I know what you mean."

Remus smiled. "I guess magic suddenly entering your life would be quite a trip. Speaking of which, we'd better get going. Harry, I'll be back in a bit with Hermione's things."

"All right," Harry replied. "Good to see all of you."

"See you tomorrow," Kate said as they walked out the hallway doors.

Harry sat to wait for Ron, Luna, Neville, and Ginny to finish their visit.

After a few minutes, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came through the doors and Harry stood to greet them.

"Hullo, Harry," Arthur said, shaking Harry's hand. "Remus owled us that Hermione would be awake this morning. Has she regained consciousness then?"

"She has," Harry smiled. He felt happier than he had in several days, even though he knew things weren't resolved between Hermione and him. "Seems to be doing all right. Neville, Ginny, Ron, and Luna are with her now."

"Well, that's fine news," Molly said as she handed Harry a basket of food. "For lunch, dear," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "I don't know what I'd do without you." He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he caught the delicious scent of her food. His stomach rumbled. Molly heard it and laughed.

"Why don't you go ahead and tuck in," she encouraged him. "We'll go in when the others are finished with their visit and stay with her to give you a chance to eat."

"Thanks," Harry said as he dug into the basket.

Just then, the others walked from Hermione's room. They said hello to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as the two went in to visit with Hermione.

"Hermione seems to be doing all right," Ginny said, her voice filled with relief.

"I think she's mostly out of the woods," Harry agreed.

"Will she have to stay here long?" Luna asked.

"A day or two more to make sure she's breathing well," Harry answered.

"What have you got?" Ron spotted Harry eating his lunch.

"Just some of the best meat pies ever," Harry said with his mouth full.

"Gimme," Ron grabbed Harry's hand and took a bite of his pie.

"Ron!" Luna admonished him.

"Hey!" Harry protested. "That's mine. Get your own."

"All right," Ron agreed and began to rummage in the basket.

Harry knocked Ron's hand away and pulled the basket to his other side. "That's not what I meant, and you know it."

"Can't blame a fella for trying." Ron sat next to Harry and the others sat too.

"So," Neville began. "Remus told us about Shaula almost getting to Hermione last night."

Harry nodded as he took a swallow of pumpkin juice. "It was close. If it wasn't for Remus and Bryan, she would have. Did he tell you that they caught Lestrange and Mulciber, and that Shaula is Lestrange's daughter?"

Ginny nodded. "Crazy, isn't it, having that monster right under our noses at the Ministry?"

"I'm just glad she's in Azkaban now, along with her father and Mulciber," Harry said. "Did Remus tell you about the Auror that Shaula injured here?"

"No, what happened?" Ron asked.

"Remus had set Auror Fourne to guard Hermione's door. Shaula attacked her and stunned her. She left her unconscious in a closet with deep cuts to bleed out."

"Good grief!" Neville exclaimed. "Is she all right?"

"I think so," Harry replied. "She lost a lot of blood, but Bryan found her in time. I'll ask Remus about her when he gets back."

"Any leads on Dolohov?" Ron asked.

"Not that I know of," Harry answered.

"I'm sure Remus would have told you if they had any new information," Luna said.

Harry nodded. "He's taken Hermione's parents to her flat to get some of her things. He'll be back soon."

"Speak of the devil," Ginny smiled as Remus walked through the doors carrying several things.

"Hello to you, too," Remus returned her smile. "Mmm, what smells so good?"

"Mum brought Harry some lunch," Ginny said.

"But he won't share," Ron complained.

"Rude," Remus rebuked him with a chuckle. "Lily would be appalled by your manners."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Next time, I'm taking my food somewhere else to eat it. Let a bloke have his food in peace."

"Poor thing," Ginny pulled a sad face at Harry.

Harry ignored her and kept eating.

Remus decided to change the topic. "I brought Hermione's CD player and some of her music. I also brought Hogwarts: A History and her mother sent some other books, too."

"Thanks," Harry said. "I'm sure she'll enjoy those."

"You're welcome," Remus answered. "I hate to say this, but you look really tired, and you smell kind of funky."

"Thanks, Remus," Harry raised his eyebrows. "Any other compliments you'd like to give?"

Luna wrinkled her nose. "I'm sorry, but he's right."

"Why don't I stay with Hermione for a bit and give you a chance to go home and take a shower?" Remus offered.

"That actually sounds really good," Harry looked gratefully at Remus. "I'll take you up on that."

"It won't help with the sleep you need, but maybe it will give you a little break from being here."

"Thanks, Remus, I won't be long." Harry finished the last bite of his pie and stood to go.

"Can I have the other pie," Ron pleaded.

"Fine, go ahead," Harry said, accepting that he was fighting a losing battle where Ron and food were concerned.

Luna shook her head with a smile.

Harry was about to leave, but then turned to Remus and said, "I almost forgot. How is Stephanie doing?"

"She's doing well," Remus answered. "I stopped by there earlier this morning. They've given her blood replenishing potions. She'll have to stay until this evening, and then she'll be released."

"That's good news," Harry replied.

"Bryan's been with her the whole time and he'll make sure she gets home all right."

"I'm glad to hear that," Harry nodded. "Well, I'll see you in a bit."

ooooo

After a quick shower, shave, and change of clothes, Harry felt refreshed. He put out some food for Hedwig and made sure the window was open enough that she could come and go as she wanted. He grabbed some snacks and drinks and Apparated back to St. Mungo's. When he arrived back at the third floor, he nodded at the guard Aurors outside Hermione's door and went in to find Remus chatting with her.

Harry's eyes met Hermione's and they exchanged a smile.

"I was telling Hermione that I ordered you to go home and clean up," Remus said as he stood and moved to allow Harry the chair beside her bed.

"I'm sure I needed it," Harry replied as he sat. "I feel much better and I'm sure everyone else who has to be around me will appreciate it."

"Well, I'll leave you to it. I've got to talk to the Aurors outside, and then get back to the office," Remus said. "I'm glad you're doing so much better, Hermione."

"Thanks for staying with her, Remus," Harry said.

"Yes, thanks," Hermione's voice was still hoarse, but much better since she'd been drinking water.

"My pleasure, of course," Remus said. "I'll be back later." He closed the door behind him.

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked Hermione.

"All right," she replied. "I know it sounds daft, since I've been unconscious for so long, but I'm tired."

"I'm not surprised. You've had a rough two days."

"I wish these monitors could come off my forehead. I'm sure I look like a bloody science experiment."

"You don't," Harry assured her. "They're rather attractive, actually." He teased.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, why aren't you wearing them, then? You could use some help, you know." The corner of her lips quirked in a smirk.

"I'll have to see about getting some right away."

They smiled at each other.

"I was told that you've been with me the whole time," Hermione said.

"Most of it."

"Thank you."

"There's no need for thanks, but you're welcome."

"I have a feeling that there's a lot more to this story than what I know."

"There is," Harry replied hesitantly, "but the Healer doesn't want for you to get upset at this point."

Hermione sighed. "I don't like not knowing."

"What do you remember?"

"I remember feeling shaky and having headaches for the past week or so. I remember how bad the coffee tasted."

"Do you remember drinking the coffee yesterday?"

Hermione shook her head.

Harry hesitated, but asked, "Do you remember anything from the last several days?"

"I don't think so."

"What's the last thing that you remember?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "I remember seeing Neville on Friday. His plant nearly broke my nose. Did we eat lunch on Friday like we normally do?"

Harry nodded.

"I think I can remember that." Hermione's eyebrows knit in concentration. "Did we talk about Shaula getting her robes caught in her pants?"

"We did."

"Then I think that's the last thing I remember."

Harry was quiet, knowing that at some point, he would have to tell her about their weekend if she didn't remember on her own. He didn't know which would be worse.

"Will you tell me about yesterday morning?"

Harry met her eyes. "I don't think I should just yet."

"I think I have a right to know."

"You do," Harry agreed, "but it was one of the worst things I've ever had to see. I'm not sure I can get through it, telling you what happened."

"Will you please try?"

Harry nodded. "But I'll stop if I see that it's too much for you right now."

He told her about stopping by her office, omitting the part about her refusing to see him. He described how she had stumbled from her office, obviously in distress. Harry's voice began to tremble as he remembered Hermione's difficulties breathing and her seizure. Harry unconsciously took Hermione's hand in his at this point. He told her about sending his Patronus for the Mediwitch and for Remus. How the Mediwitch didn't know what to do, and then had disappeared with Hermione to St. Mungo's.

Harry stopped talking as the feelings he had dealt with yesterday washed over him again. He bowed his head and swiped moisture from his eyes. He felt Hermione squeeze his hand and lifted his face to meet her gaze.

"I'm so sorry," Hermione whispered. "Sorry that you had to deal with that."

"It's been awhile since I've been that terrified. I thought you were going to die in front of me and there was nothing I could do."

"But you did," Hermione reassured him. "You got the help I needed."

Harry thought about what would have happened if Hermione had been incapacitated before she'd been able to get through her office door and his blood ran cold. He felt acutely aware of what he could have lost yesterday. He lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed it.

ooooo