Hey! I'm back with the last chapter! Yeah! *Author dances around like a
leprechaun while singing the theme song to Peter Pan* (If Peter Pan has a
theme song.) I hope you like it, and I hope you review it. . . Have fun
reading! Luv,
~ Sugar High
Sunshine Stargirl- Thanks for your review, as always- you never fail =). Good luck with A summer to remember, update soon!
Lixta- I think your review was one of the best I've gotten so far- thanks so much for reading!
Queen:)B- Thanks for reviewing. And PLEASE, update Nothing more, Nothing less soon!
Laney- I do believe you are a first time reviewer- thanks so much!
Felicia- All I can say is. . . I hope you like this. You're the one reviewer that was actually honest with me, and told me to hurry my ass up when I took too long. Thank you, I need that sometimes (. This chappie goes to you- props, hun.
Sugarquillz- Thanks for answering my question and as always, thanks for your review!
Lily Michelle- I'm so glad you reviewed- and thanks for answering my question. Btw, I loved Crying in the Rain, and I hope you update Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder soon!
Ronaldrose- Thanks for your review! I love the encouragement.
Sue- Thanks for answering my question, and thanks for the review!
Straycat- Thanks for ALL of your reviews! I'm so glad you've decided to read my other stories, it means a lot to me. Good luck with Curses and Families just don't mix, I can't wait to read more of it.
Rebeltawn- Awww. . . you shouldn't have. *Author blushes furiously* Thanks for your review- that was great. Great job with Secrets, update soon!
HarryPotterGirly- Thanks for reading, and thanks for your reviews- I'm so glad you like my fic. (
~~*~~**~~*~~
Chapter 10
The aurors on the scene quickly realized that Ron needed to get medical help. Hermione immediately apparated him to the hospital where she worked.
As they entered she scanned the room for someone who could help them. "Hello? I have an injured man here, he needs medical attention!"
"Oh, dear. Well, I guess he does." A nearby medi- witch said, looking at Ron strangely. "We'll have to get him to the emergency room." Hermione nodded.
"There are two more on the way. A group of aurors are making sure they get here safely."
The nurse led them to the first available room. "The doctor will be with you shortly." Soon the pair was joined by Harry, Ginny, and the twenty or so aurors that accompanied them.
Ron began to hear a faint buzzing in his ears. "Tell us your story!"
"We need to know what happened!"
"Who did it?"
"Can you explain everything?"
The aurors were bombarding them, and Ron felt more like he was surrounded by dementors than his former colleagues. Suddenly a voice rang out above the others. "All of you, out now! These patients are in no condition to be interviewed, and if you don't leave now I assure you, you won't be seeing them at all during their stay here!" It was the medi- witch. The aurors cleared out and she turned to the ex- students. "The doctor will be with you all shortly."
They sat in silence until the man came in. Slowly, he looked over the patients. "These two should be fine," he said, motioning Harry and Ginny. "Other than being malnourished and generally unwell, they're fine. Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends." He looked at Ron.
"All of the charms cast on him took their toll. He has quite a few broken bones. He also has suffered severe burns, and we need to get him into surgery as soon as possible."
Hermione's sat up in her chair. "But he'll be ok, won't he?"
Solemnly the doctor nodded. "As long as he receives his surgery sometime today he should be fine. In fact, I'll go and set up now." As he left the room Ron turned to Hermione. Her eyes were glistening with tears, and she looked worried.
"'Mione, it's ok- I'll be fine." Smiling, he held his hand out to her. She grabbed it and sat down on the edge of his bed. The door opened again. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief believing that it was the doctor. Instead, it was their favorite new investigative auror.
"Miles." Hermione said it like a question, not a fact.
"I'm back. I need to ask you some questions while you are waiting to be treated."
"Questions?"
"Well, basically I need you to tell me your stories. That should be all I really need."
"I guess I'll start." Harry said slowly. Hermione adjusted her position on the bed. She wanted to hear this too. "About a month ago I was on my way home from quidditch practice, and I stopped in a small shop."
"Can you tell us what kind of shop it was? Maybe there was a witness."
"A florists."
"And what were you doing there?" Ron asked, with a smirk on his face.
"I was- I was buying some flowers for Ginny." His face turned red and Ron began to chuckle.
"I was leaving when I heard someone behind me. I turned and heard someone mumble a spell. 'Petrificus Totalus.' The next thing I know, I was on the ground. I blacked out (yea, Harry, the spell would make you do that) and when I awoke I was on the floor in some room. I lay there alone for hours. Someone came in eventually, telling me that I had been kidnapped and that I was at his mercy until Ron and Hermione found me."
"Ron and Hermione? He didn't mention anyone else?"
"No. I soon realized that I was in the Riddle mansion. My captor identified himself- he had no problem letting me know who he was. Draco Malfoy."
"I had been there a couple of days when he was joined by Vincent Crabbe. They were talking about Ron and Hermione, and Malfoy mentioned that it was a pity that Hermione's a 'mudblood' and they had to kill her. Crabbe made a comment about her- I couldn't hear it- and it must have offended Draco, because Malfoy sent him away."
Miles looked at him questioningly so Harry elaborated. "By away I mean to Nigeria with a memory charm. Draco kept me in the house, feeding me occasionally, taunting me about Ron and Hermione. He told me everything they had to go through, who they had to fight against, how close they came each time they found a clue. And then one day Ginny showed up."
Ginny took the spotlight from there. She told detective Flannagan all about what had happened since Harry had disappeared. "One night, I was trying to sleep and I heard a noise coming from the other side of my room. I looked up and was going to scream, but there was a wand pointed at my head. The person did some kind of spell, and when I woke up I was in a room with Harry."
Harry and Ginny then explained what had happened until Ron and Hermione had found them. Miles look questioningly at Ron and Hermione. "I know the two of you must have an interesting story."
"Actually," Ron began, "It's really not all that interesting. It's just a long, boring, pointless story, and. . ."
Miles cut him off. "Ok you two, out with it." Sighing, they began their tale. When they finished Miles summarized everything.
"So, Harry was kidnapped because Draco Malfoy wanted to get to the two of you. Ginny was just an added bonus- he wanted to hurt you emotionally, I guess. We'll never know for sure why Draco did it, but we can assume that it's because you killed Voldemort."
"I have a question."
"Yes, Hermione?"
"How come when we fought Voldemort and Ron used that spell it worked, but tonight it didn't?"
"It wasn't necessarily the spell. You and Ron both uttered spells to save each others lives- it was the two of you combined that killed Voldemort, together you are more powerful than even Harry- ahem, I mean, Dumbledore."
As Hermione and Ron contemplated what he had said, the medi- witch entered. "Mr. Weasley is more injured than we imagined, so he's going to need his own room." She positioned herself behind his bed where she could push him.
"Wait! Wait- she has to come too." He pointed to Hermione.
"Very well." The nurse said, sulking.
As Ron left the room Harry grabbed his arm. "Hey, mate- can I have my key back?" Ron just grinned and continued on his way.
~~~
Once Ron was settled in his new room the nurse left. "Finally, some alone time." Hermione was lying on the bed next to Ron and she snuggled into him.
"I suggest we make good use of it." Ron pulled her into a long, deep kiss. When it ended Hermione smiled at him and laid her head down on his chest. They were silent, both reflecting on different parts of their day.
Hermione was thinking about what Harry had said to her earlier, when Ron was still in the house. "Ron was an auror- he knows what he's doing."
Sitting up suddenly she glared at Ron. "You knew!"
"What?" He asked, thoroughly confused.
"You knew what would happen when you and Draco performed the same spell. You studied that spell in the auror academy for a year, Ron!" He didn't respond.
"Well, I. . ."
"Ronald Weasley!" There were tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't stand to see you get hurt. I had to get you out of the house."
"And you think I could stand seeing you get hurt? That was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me! People were telling me that you were dead, and no one would let me in to help you!"
He looked at her incredulously. "You mean you really were trying to get in?"
"Of course, what else would I do?"
"I was lying on the floor of the house, and I kept getting visions of you trying to come back in."
"Somehow I knew you were still alive, Ron! Maybe there is a psychic link between us." She added, jokingly.
"You mean I have to be psychically bonded to you forever?"
"Prat." Laughing, she laid her head back down on his chest, and they began to drift off. Suddenly, the door creaked. Ron's eyes popped open.
"Hullo, Harry. What brings you to my humble. . ." He looked around him. "Hospital room?"
"Ron, you risked your life to save me. I just wanted to say thank you, I guess. You're my best friend."
"Like you said, I'm your best friend. I'd do it again if I needed to." Slowly Harry walked over and without disturbing Hermione the boys hugged. (aw, mushy moment)
Harry looked down at the sleeping Hermione. "So you guys finally got it together, huh? I knew it would happen eventually."
"I could only hope. Maybe someday we'll have what you and Ginny seem to have."
"Are you kidding? Ginny and I were just wishing that we had your relationship. You two have come through everything together, and managed to pull through."
"It's a good thing too. I don't know what I'd do without her."
"Believe me, mate- I know. I feel the same way about your sister."
"You know what, Harry? Hermione is the only thing that got me out of that house. The thought of seeing her again motivated me enough to get my ass out of the building."
As he spoke the nurse came back. Shooing Harry out of the room she turned to Ron. "Ok. It's almost time." Ron ruffled Hermione's hair and she opened her eyes.
"It's time, honey."
"Ok." She stood up, but then bent down and whispered in his ear. "By the way, I don't know what I'd do without you either."
As she turned she saw the doctor entering the room. They put Ron on a ton of medication. They needed to knock him out so they could perform the various operations needed.
It wasn't until he was halfway through surgery that Hermione collapsed.
~~*~~**~~*~~
She awoke to the sunlight shining in her eyes. Hermione immediately noticed that something heavy was on her stomach. She tried to roll over, but it didn't budge. She opened her eyes and saw.
"Michael?" She asked, in disbelief. Michael was one of the kids she took care of in the hospital. Looking around she saw the other children she took care of.
"Dr. Hermione, Dr. Hermione!" One of the little girls shouted, jumping up and down.
"Oof." Michael had seated himself on her stomach rather quickly. "Hello Jaime."
"Dr. Hermione, your friend has really red hair." Michael was pointing to someone across the room.
"My- my friend?" Her gaze followed his finger to certain redhead seated against the wall. His eyes were closed and his face looked troubled. He appeared to be sleeping. "Ron!" She gasped.
"Uncle Ron, Uncle Ron! She's up- look!" Jaime was fond of repeating herself.
Ron's eyes opened wide and he launched himself into a standing position. "'Mione?" He whispered looking at her, tears in his eyes.
"Are you going to kiss her now?" The ever-helpful Michael asked.
"Not yet." He scooped up Michael and ushered all the kids out of the room.
Hermione was looking at her surroundings. The walls in her room were bright, full of paintings and drawings. "Where am I?"
"Don't you recognize it? Well, you haven't been here in over a month."
"Recognize what?"
"You're in the children's ward." He chuckled. "Where else would I take you if you had to stay in the hospital?"
She rubbed her head. "What happened? And are you ok? The last thing I remember is seeing you go into surgery."
He sighed. "'Mione, you fainted. When we fought Malfoy he hit you with something that made you fall to the ground. When you did you fractured your skull. Something happened to your brain- the tissues were damaged, along with some of the nerve cells. The doctors had to rush you into the ER. They performed surgery immediately, but they weren't sure if it had worked or not. They said that you would either wake up within a week or two, or. . . you would never wake up. So, since they couldn't do anything more to help you, I had you moved down here. I haven't left since."
Hermione hugged him tightly. "How- " her voice faltered. "How long have I been here?"
"Three weeks."
"What!"
"The doctors were close to proclaiming you brain dead, but I wouldn't let them do it. I. . . I didn't want to believe you were gone."
"Oh, Ron." She hugged him as tightly as she could, which in her weakened state was honestly not that tight.
He laid her back down in her bed. "You need to get some rest." Ron waited until she had slowly drifted back to sleep before he called the doctor. Then, for the first time in three weeks Ron Weasley peacefully fell asleep.
~~~
Harry was beside himself with grief. Hermione was hurt, and it was his fault. If he hadn't been stupid enough to get himself caught, this wouldn't have happened. Ginny had tried to convince him otherwise, but he refused to believe her until he saw Hermione safe again.
Not only was Hermione nearly brain dead from injuries she had incurred saving his life, his best friend was sitting in a hospital room slowly killing himself. 'It's actually rather ironic.' He thought.
Since Ron had woken up from his own surgery he had refused to leave Hermione's side. For the first day all he would say was, 'It's my fault- no one realized she was hurt, not even her, because they were worried about me.' He wouldn't leave the room, and after a week he'd moved her to the children's wing.
Ginny actually had to take Ron food or he wouldn't eat. He wouldn't shave- he had not had a hair cut since the incident. Harry knew that Ron had the children on watch all the time. They were what kept him sane. He spent all his time playing with them, reading to them, teaching them. They loved to hear his stories, and eventually began to call him Uncle Ron.
Harry turned the familiar corner into the children's wing. He had turned this same corner every day for two weeks. He opened the door to Hermione's room, shocked at what he saw.
~~~
'I have the best friend ever.' Hermione thought comfortably. When she woke up the second time Ron had been by her side, book in hand. She had assumed that he'd brought a comic book, or a quidditch magazine, but upon closer inspection she'd recognized her favorite book of all. Hogwarts: A History. He'd spent the last two hours reading it to her, and only stopped because they were interrupted by Harry.
"Hermione?" Harry asked incredulously, running across the room to hug his friend. "You're alive! You're awake! You're- "
"Being crushed." She pointed out to him.
He let go. "So are you ok? When can you go home?"
"The doctor should be here at any moment to determine that." Of course, as she spoke the door opened and the doctor walked in. (Isn't it amazing how I can time that?)
When he finished checking everything out he told Hermione that he'd like to keep her for another week, just to make sure everything was ok, and then she could go home. When the doctor and Harry left Hermione turned to Ron.
"So where is home?" She asked him softly. She naturally assumed they would make some kind of new living arrangement. She knew Ron loved his flat, so she assumed that she would be moving in with him. "I guess you'll have to clear out your guest bedroom, huh."
Ron noticed the wistful smile on her face. He couldn't believe she was willing to give up her perfect flat for him. She loved where she lived- everyone knew that. There was a perfect little coffee shop across the street, and a bookstore around the corner. Not to mention that the hospital was within walking distance. He loved his flat too- it was right near the ministry, and the quidditch pitch the Chudley Cannons used was right next to it. He was just glad he had a girlfriend willing to sacrifice for him.
"I'll take care of everything- don't worry, just get better."
~~~
The day Hermione was released Ron escorted her out of the hospital, followed by the hordes of children who had grown to love their Uncle Ron and Doctor Hermione. "Where are we going?" She asked him.
He grabbed her hand. "Home."
He apparated the two of them to their new home. When Hermione opened her eyes (she had to close them when she apparated- it made her dizzy) she recognized their surroundings. "But Ron, this is my living room."
"I know- I hope you don't mind, but I moved some of the things in your guest room to the library to make room for my stuff."
"But I thought- Oh, Ron- thank you!"
"Did you really think I'd let you move? You love this place way too much."
She snuggled into him as he gave her the tour of their 'new' home.
~~~
A month later Ron and Hermione were married. The ceremonies took place on a huge boat on the Hogwarts Lake. All of their friends were there, including the newly engaged Harry and Ginny. As they ate dinner that night (on the boat) Neville asked them a few questions about their battle with Draco. Soon, Harry and Ginny (and of course Seamus, whom they had become very close to) joined them.
"So when you tried to figure out who it could be, you never thought about Malfoy?" Neville asked.
"He was supposed to be in Azkaban, remember? I put him there two years ago. You know," Ron said thoughtfully. "It all kind of makes sense now. 'The Golden One'- they must have been talking about Malfoy. And when Dobby said he was reverting to his old ways. . ."
"He must have been talking about working for the Malfoys." Hermione finished. Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid walked by and smiled at the group. Unbeknownst to Ron and Hermione they were on their way to collect their winnings from the other professors.
"You know, I almost forgot." Hermione said. "Dumbledore said something to me while we were trying to find Harry. He mentioned that whoever had taken Harry might have kidnapped him to get back at us, too. I bet he had no idea how right he was."
Ron laughed. "So I guess our moral is that if Harry is ever kidnapped we should actually pay attention to the clues thrown at us. And now," he added, putting his hand over Hermione's, "let's forget about all that, and enjoy our wedding."
~~~
Weeks later the couple entered their new house for the first time. They had compromised to find the one home that was perfect for them. It was in the country, and although it wasn't near a bookshop there was a huge library inside. They were no longer near the Cannon's quidditch pitch, but there was a mini- pitch in the backyard. And, upon remembering that they could do magic, they discovered that they could both apparate to work everyday.
After defeating both dark lords the pair became even more famous than Harry Potter. There were reporters knocking on their doors, day and night. Publishers wanted them to write books. Companies wanted them to do commercials. One day when these people were being particularly aggravating Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her into their bedroom. "Can we PLEASE get out of here?"
"Let's go." They walked over to a landscape painting of a field of flowers. Reaching into it, the two were transported into their own world, for the painting was their Portkey.
When they landed in the field of flowers Hermione looked around and smiled. They couldn't help copying Harry and Ginny's idea- in fact, they were starting to need a getaway even more than Harry did! However. . . the places weren't quite the same. Harry and Ginny had a world full of flowers and fluff. Ron and Hermione's world was more realistic. Sort of.
On one side of the field was a stream with a waterfall. There was a small boat on it, to remind them of their wedding. There was a huge library in one corner of their space, with a couch where the two could curl up and read together. And of course, on the other side of their world, was a swamp full of chocolate frogs.
The two spent some the rest of the day catching frogs and reading together in the flowers. When they got home Hermione looked up a spell she had been meaning to research for a while.
She walked into their library and pulled out her 'Big Book of Spells.' Opening it, she looked up the words 'Amorus Protectus.' She used her finger to scroll through the words, trying to figure out what spell Ron had used to save her life. Eventually, she reached it.
"Amorus Protectus." She read. "A spell to protect your soul mate from any danger that might befall them. A spell to protect your one true love."
~~*~~**~~*~~
Well, folks- that's the show! I know then ending went by really quickly, but if it hadn't then I'd have to add about ten more chapters. THANK YOU ALL for your reviews so far. AS of right now, I have 67. I know that's a lot, and I'm really grateful, it's the most I've gotten for a story so far. However, I would love it if you guys would review once more for the sugar lover. It's my last chapter, and I'd love to see how many reviews I could get to finish the story out. Thanks again~
~ Sugar High
Also, if any of you wanted a sequel, or wanted me to write more to explain more in depth about the end of this chapter, review and tell me. If I get enough then I will. And if you thought my story sucked and wonder why on earth I would ever even think of making a sequel, blame glitterduck, not me! =)
~ Sugar High
Sunshine Stargirl- Thanks for your review, as always- you never fail =). Good luck with A summer to remember, update soon!
Lixta- I think your review was one of the best I've gotten so far- thanks so much for reading!
Queen:)B- Thanks for reviewing. And PLEASE, update Nothing more, Nothing less soon!
Laney- I do believe you are a first time reviewer- thanks so much!
Felicia- All I can say is. . . I hope you like this. You're the one reviewer that was actually honest with me, and told me to hurry my ass up when I took too long. Thank you, I need that sometimes (. This chappie goes to you- props, hun.
Sugarquillz- Thanks for answering my question and as always, thanks for your review!
Lily Michelle- I'm so glad you reviewed- and thanks for answering my question. Btw, I loved Crying in the Rain, and I hope you update Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder soon!
Ronaldrose- Thanks for your review! I love the encouragement.
Sue- Thanks for answering my question, and thanks for the review!
Straycat- Thanks for ALL of your reviews! I'm so glad you've decided to read my other stories, it means a lot to me. Good luck with Curses and Families just don't mix, I can't wait to read more of it.
Rebeltawn- Awww. . . you shouldn't have. *Author blushes furiously* Thanks for your review- that was great. Great job with Secrets, update soon!
HarryPotterGirly- Thanks for reading, and thanks for your reviews- I'm so glad you like my fic. (
~~*~~**~~*~~
Chapter 10
The aurors on the scene quickly realized that Ron needed to get medical help. Hermione immediately apparated him to the hospital where she worked.
As they entered she scanned the room for someone who could help them. "Hello? I have an injured man here, he needs medical attention!"
"Oh, dear. Well, I guess he does." A nearby medi- witch said, looking at Ron strangely. "We'll have to get him to the emergency room." Hermione nodded.
"There are two more on the way. A group of aurors are making sure they get here safely."
The nurse led them to the first available room. "The doctor will be with you shortly." Soon the pair was joined by Harry, Ginny, and the twenty or so aurors that accompanied them.
Ron began to hear a faint buzzing in his ears. "Tell us your story!"
"We need to know what happened!"
"Who did it?"
"Can you explain everything?"
The aurors were bombarding them, and Ron felt more like he was surrounded by dementors than his former colleagues. Suddenly a voice rang out above the others. "All of you, out now! These patients are in no condition to be interviewed, and if you don't leave now I assure you, you won't be seeing them at all during their stay here!" It was the medi- witch. The aurors cleared out and she turned to the ex- students. "The doctor will be with you all shortly."
They sat in silence until the man came in. Slowly, he looked over the patients. "These two should be fine," he said, motioning Harry and Ginny. "Other than being malnourished and generally unwell, they're fine. Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends." He looked at Ron.
"All of the charms cast on him took their toll. He has quite a few broken bones. He also has suffered severe burns, and we need to get him into surgery as soon as possible."
Hermione's sat up in her chair. "But he'll be ok, won't he?"
Solemnly the doctor nodded. "As long as he receives his surgery sometime today he should be fine. In fact, I'll go and set up now." As he left the room Ron turned to Hermione. Her eyes were glistening with tears, and she looked worried.
"'Mione, it's ok- I'll be fine." Smiling, he held his hand out to her. She grabbed it and sat down on the edge of his bed. The door opened again. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief believing that it was the doctor. Instead, it was their favorite new investigative auror.
"Miles." Hermione said it like a question, not a fact.
"I'm back. I need to ask you some questions while you are waiting to be treated."
"Questions?"
"Well, basically I need you to tell me your stories. That should be all I really need."
"I guess I'll start." Harry said slowly. Hermione adjusted her position on the bed. She wanted to hear this too. "About a month ago I was on my way home from quidditch practice, and I stopped in a small shop."
"Can you tell us what kind of shop it was? Maybe there was a witness."
"A florists."
"And what were you doing there?" Ron asked, with a smirk on his face.
"I was- I was buying some flowers for Ginny." His face turned red and Ron began to chuckle.
"I was leaving when I heard someone behind me. I turned and heard someone mumble a spell. 'Petrificus Totalus.' The next thing I know, I was on the ground. I blacked out (yea, Harry, the spell would make you do that) and when I awoke I was on the floor in some room. I lay there alone for hours. Someone came in eventually, telling me that I had been kidnapped and that I was at his mercy until Ron and Hermione found me."
"Ron and Hermione? He didn't mention anyone else?"
"No. I soon realized that I was in the Riddle mansion. My captor identified himself- he had no problem letting me know who he was. Draco Malfoy."
"I had been there a couple of days when he was joined by Vincent Crabbe. They were talking about Ron and Hermione, and Malfoy mentioned that it was a pity that Hermione's a 'mudblood' and they had to kill her. Crabbe made a comment about her- I couldn't hear it- and it must have offended Draco, because Malfoy sent him away."
Miles looked at him questioningly so Harry elaborated. "By away I mean to Nigeria with a memory charm. Draco kept me in the house, feeding me occasionally, taunting me about Ron and Hermione. He told me everything they had to go through, who they had to fight against, how close they came each time they found a clue. And then one day Ginny showed up."
Ginny took the spotlight from there. She told detective Flannagan all about what had happened since Harry had disappeared. "One night, I was trying to sleep and I heard a noise coming from the other side of my room. I looked up and was going to scream, but there was a wand pointed at my head. The person did some kind of spell, and when I woke up I was in a room with Harry."
Harry and Ginny then explained what had happened until Ron and Hermione had found them. Miles look questioningly at Ron and Hermione. "I know the two of you must have an interesting story."
"Actually," Ron began, "It's really not all that interesting. It's just a long, boring, pointless story, and. . ."
Miles cut him off. "Ok you two, out with it." Sighing, they began their tale. When they finished Miles summarized everything.
"So, Harry was kidnapped because Draco Malfoy wanted to get to the two of you. Ginny was just an added bonus- he wanted to hurt you emotionally, I guess. We'll never know for sure why Draco did it, but we can assume that it's because you killed Voldemort."
"I have a question."
"Yes, Hermione?"
"How come when we fought Voldemort and Ron used that spell it worked, but tonight it didn't?"
"It wasn't necessarily the spell. You and Ron both uttered spells to save each others lives- it was the two of you combined that killed Voldemort, together you are more powerful than even Harry- ahem, I mean, Dumbledore."
As Hermione and Ron contemplated what he had said, the medi- witch entered. "Mr. Weasley is more injured than we imagined, so he's going to need his own room." She positioned herself behind his bed where she could push him.
"Wait! Wait- she has to come too." He pointed to Hermione.
"Very well." The nurse said, sulking.
As Ron left the room Harry grabbed his arm. "Hey, mate- can I have my key back?" Ron just grinned and continued on his way.
~~~
Once Ron was settled in his new room the nurse left. "Finally, some alone time." Hermione was lying on the bed next to Ron and she snuggled into him.
"I suggest we make good use of it." Ron pulled her into a long, deep kiss. When it ended Hermione smiled at him and laid her head down on his chest. They were silent, both reflecting on different parts of their day.
Hermione was thinking about what Harry had said to her earlier, when Ron was still in the house. "Ron was an auror- he knows what he's doing."
Sitting up suddenly she glared at Ron. "You knew!"
"What?" He asked, thoroughly confused.
"You knew what would happen when you and Draco performed the same spell. You studied that spell in the auror academy for a year, Ron!" He didn't respond.
"Well, I. . ."
"Ronald Weasley!" There were tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't stand to see you get hurt. I had to get you out of the house."
"And you think I could stand seeing you get hurt? That was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me! People were telling me that you were dead, and no one would let me in to help you!"
He looked at her incredulously. "You mean you really were trying to get in?"
"Of course, what else would I do?"
"I was lying on the floor of the house, and I kept getting visions of you trying to come back in."
"Somehow I knew you were still alive, Ron! Maybe there is a psychic link between us." She added, jokingly.
"You mean I have to be psychically bonded to you forever?"
"Prat." Laughing, she laid her head back down on his chest, and they began to drift off. Suddenly, the door creaked. Ron's eyes popped open.
"Hullo, Harry. What brings you to my humble. . ." He looked around him. "Hospital room?"
"Ron, you risked your life to save me. I just wanted to say thank you, I guess. You're my best friend."
"Like you said, I'm your best friend. I'd do it again if I needed to." Slowly Harry walked over and without disturbing Hermione the boys hugged. (aw, mushy moment)
Harry looked down at the sleeping Hermione. "So you guys finally got it together, huh? I knew it would happen eventually."
"I could only hope. Maybe someday we'll have what you and Ginny seem to have."
"Are you kidding? Ginny and I were just wishing that we had your relationship. You two have come through everything together, and managed to pull through."
"It's a good thing too. I don't know what I'd do without her."
"Believe me, mate- I know. I feel the same way about your sister."
"You know what, Harry? Hermione is the only thing that got me out of that house. The thought of seeing her again motivated me enough to get my ass out of the building."
As he spoke the nurse came back. Shooing Harry out of the room she turned to Ron. "Ok. It's almost time." Ron ruffled Hermione's hair and she opened her eyes.
"It's time, honey."
"Ok." She stood up, but then bent down and whispered in his ear. "By the way, I don't know what I'd do without you either."
As she turned she saw the doctor entering the room. They put Ron on a ton of medication. They needed to knock him out so they could perform the various operations needed.
It wasn't until he was halfway through surgery that Hermione collapsed.
~~*~~**~~*~~
She awoke to the sunlight shining in her eyes. Hermione immediately noticed that something heavy was on her stomach. She tried to roll over, but it didn't budge. She opened her eyes and saw.
"Michael?" She asked, in disbelief. Michael was one of the kids she took care of in the hospital. Looking around she saw the other children she took care of.
"Dr. Hermione, Dr. Hermione!" One of the little girls shouted, jumping up and down.
"Oof." Michael had seated himself on her stomach rather quickly. "Hello Jaime."
"Dr. Hermione, your friend has really red hair." Michael was pointing to someone across the room.
"My- my friend?" Her gaze followed his finger to certain redhead seated against the wall. His eyes were closed and his face looked troubled. He appeared to be sleeping. "Ron!" She gasped.
"Uncle Ron, Uncle Ron! She's up- look!" Jaime was fond of repeating herself.
Ron's eyes opened wide and he launched himself into a standing position. "'Mione?" He whispered looking at her, tears in his eyes.
"Are you going to kiss her now?" The ever-helpful Michael asked.
"Not yet." He scooped up Michael and ushered all the kids out of the room.
Hermione was looking at her surroundings. The walls in her room were bright, full of paintings and drawings. "Where am I?"
"Don't you recognize it? Well, you haven't been here in over a month."
"Recognize what?"
"You're in the children's ward." He chuckled. "Where else would I take you if you had to stay in the hospital?"
She rubbed her head. "What happened? And are you ok? The last thing I remember is seeing you go into surgery."
He sighed. "'Mione, you fainted. When we fought Malfoy he hit you with something that made you fall to the ground. When you did you fractured your skull. Something happened to your brain- the tissues were damaged, along with some of the nerve cells. The doctors had to rush you into the ER. They performed surgery immediately, but they weren't sure if it had worked or not. They said that you would either wake up within a week or two, or. . . you would never wake up. So, since they couldn't do anything more to help you, I had you moved down here. I haven't left since."
Hermione hugged him tightly. "How- " her voice faltered. "How long have I been here?"
"Three weeks."
"What!"
"The doctors were close to proclaiming you brain dead, but I wouldn't let them do it. I. . . I didn't want to believe you were gone."
"Oh, Ron." She hugged him as tightly as she could, which in her weakened state was honestly not that tight.
He laid her back down in her bed. "You need to get some rest." Ron waited until she had slowly drifted back to sleep before he called the doctor. Then, for the first time in three weeks Ron Weasley peacefully fell asleep.
~~~
Harry was beside himself with grief. Hermione was hurt, and it was his fault. If he hadn't been stupid enough to get himself caught, this wouldn't have happened. Ginny had tried to convince him otherwise, but he refused to believe her until he saw Hermione safe again.
Not only was Hermione nearly brain dead from injuries she had incurred saving his life, his best friend was sitting in a hospital room slowly killing himself. 'It's actually rather ironic.' He thought.
Since Ron had woken up from his own surgery he had refused to leave Hermione's side. For the first day all he would say was, 'It's my fault- no one realized she was hurt, not even her, because they were worried about me.' He wouldn't leave the room, and after a week he'd moved her to the children's wing.
Ginny actually had to take Ron food or he wouldn't eat. He wouldn't shave- he had not had a hair cut since the incident. Harry knew that Ron had the children on watch all the time. They were what kept him sane. He spent all his time playing with them, reading to them, teaching them. They loved to hear his stories, and eventually began to call him Uncle Ron.
Harry turned the familiar corner into the children's wing. He had turned this same corner every day for two weeks. He opened the door to Hermione's room, shocked at what he saw.
~~~
'I have the best friend ever.' Hermione thought comfortably. When she woke up the second time Ron had been by her side, book in hand. She had assumed that he'd brought a comic book, or a quidditch magazine, but upon closer inspection she'd recognized her favorite book of all. Hogwarts: A History. He'd spent the last two hours reading it to her, and only stopped because they were interrupted by Harry.
"Hermione?" Harry asked incredulously, running across the room to hug his friend. "You're alive! You're awake! You're- "
"Being crushed." She pointed out to him.
He let go. "So are you ok? When can you go home?"
"The doctor should be here at any moment to determine that." Of course, as she spoke the door opened and the doctor walked in. (Isn't it amazing how I can time that?)
When he finished checking everything out he told Hermione that he'd like to keep her for another week, just to make sure everything was ok, and then she could go home. When the doctor and Harry left Hermione turned to Ron.
"So where is home?" She asked him softly. She naturally assumed they would make some kind of new living arrangement. She knew Ron loved his flat, so she assumed that she would be moving in with him. "I guess you'll have to clear out your guest bedroom, huh."
Ron noticed the wistful smile on her face. He couldn't believe she was willing to give up her perfect flat for him. She loved where she lived- everyone knew that. There was a perfect little coffee shop across the street, and a bookstore around the corner. Not to mention that the hospital was within walking distance. He loved his flat too- it was right near the ministry, and the quidditch pitch the Chudley Cannons used was right next to it. He was just glad he had a girlfriend willing to sacrifice for him.
"I'll take care of everything- don't worry, just get better."
~~~
The day Hermione was released Ron escorted her out of the hospital, followed by the hordes of children who had grown to love their Uncle Ron and Doctor Hermione. "Where are we going?" She asked him.
He grabbed her hand. "Home."
He apparated the two of them to their new home. When Hermione opened her eyes (she had to close them when she apparated- it made her dizzy) she recognized their surroundings. "But Ron, this is my living room."
"I know- I hope you don't mind, but I moved some of the things in your guest room to the library to make room for my stuff."
"But I thought- Oh, Ron- thank you!"
"Did you really think I'd let you move? You love this place way too much."
She snuggled into him as he gave her the tour of their 'new' home.
~~~
A month later Ron and Hermione were married. The ceremonies took place on a huge boat on the Hogwarts Lake. All of their friends were there, including the newly engaged Harry and Ginny. As they ate dinner that night (on the boat) Neville asked them a few questions about their battle with Draco. Soon, Harry and Ginny (and of course Seamus, whom they had become very close to) joined them.
"So when you tried to figure out who it could be, you never thought about Malfoy?" Neville asked.
"He was supposed to be in Azkaban, remember? I put him there two years ago. You know," Ron said thoughtfully. "It all kind of makes sense now. 'The Golden One'- they must have been talking about Malfoy. And when Dobby said he was reverting to his old ways. . ."
"He must have been talking about working for the Malfoys." Hermione finished. Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid walked by and smiled at the group. Unbeknownst to Ron and Hermione they were on their way to collect their winnings from the other professors.
"You know, I almost forgot." Hermione said. "Dumbledore said something to me while we were trying to find Harry. He mentioned that whoever had taken Harry might have kidnapped him to get back at us, too. I bet he had no idea how right he was."
Ron laughed. "So I guess our moral is that if Harry is ever kidnapped we should actually pay attention to the clues thrown at us. And now," he added, putting his hand over Hermione's, "let's forget about all that, and enjoy our wedding."
~~~
Weeks later the couple entered their new house for the first time. They had compromised to find the one home that was perfect for them. It was in the country, and although it wasn't near a bookshop there was a huge library inside. They were no longer near the Cannon's quidditch pitch, but there was a mini- pitch in the backyard. And, upon remembering that they could do magic, they discovered that they could both apparate to work everyday.
After defeating both dark lords the pair became even more famous than Harry Potter. There were reporters knocking on their doors, day and night. Publishers wanted them to write books. Companies wanted them to do commercials. One day when these people were being particularly aggravating Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her into their bedroom. "Can we PLEASE get out of here?"
"Let's go." They walked over to a landscape painting of a field of flowers. Reaching into it, the two were transported into their own world, for the painting was their Portkey.
When they landed in the field of flowers Hermione looked around and smiled. They couldn't help copying Harry and Ginny's idea- in fact, they were starting to need a getaway even more than Harry did! However. . . the places weren't quite the same. Harry and Ginny had a world full of flowers and fluff. Ron and Hermione's world was more realistic. Sort of.
On one side of the field was a stream with a waterfall. There was a small boat on it, to remind them of their wedding. There was a huge library in one corner of their space, with a couch where the two could curl up and read together. And of course, on the other side of their world, was a swamp full of chocolate frogs.
The two spent some the rest of the day catching frogs and reading together in the flowers. When they got home Hermione looked up a spell she had been meaning to research for a while.
She walked into their library and pulled out her 'Big Book of Spells.' Opening it, she looked up the words 'Amorus Protectus.' She used her finger to scroll through the words, trying to figure out what spell Ron had used to save her life. Eventually, she reached it.
"Amorus Protectus." She read. "A spell to protect your soul mate from any danger that might befall them. A spell to protect your one true love."
~~*~~**~~*~~
Well, folks- that's the show! I know then ending went by really quickly, but if it hadn't then I'd have to add about ten more chapters. THANK YOU ALL for your reviews so far. AS of right now, I have 67. I know that's a lot, and I'm really grateful, it's the most I've gotten for a story so far. However, I would love it if you guys would review once more for the sugar lover. It's my last chapter, and I'd love to see how many reviews I could get to finish the story out. Thanks again~
~ Sugar High
Also, if any of you wanted a sequel, or wanted me to write more to explain more in depth about the end of this chapter, review and tell me. If I get enough then I will. And if you thought my story sucked and wonder why on earth I would ever even think of making a sequel, blame glitterduck, not me! =)