Hello all! This ones a little shorter. It might be the last chapter! I haven't decided, but either way I'll post again. There will at least be an epilogue. Also, for those who don't know, I updated the last chapter, made a few changes. Turns out, some of that was super similar to a series of one shots by the brilliant Possibilist. So I read hers, made some changes, and fixed the issue. If you haven't read her work, do it! It is amazing! And she was very kind and helpful through the whole process. Okay, sorry it took so long to update, my life is crazy right now! Enjoy:)

Oh, and I don't own Harry Potter.

Harry Potter rubbed his tired eyes with the heels of his palms and walked back into St. Mungo's. He had thought getting a bit of fresh air would do him good, but honestly, it hadn't helped at all. As he schlepped up to the emergency waiting room, he couldn't shake the despair and sickness he felt with the events of the night.

It was barely five in the morning, and everyone from the mission was camped out in the waiting room to hear news about Hermione's condition. Ron had been allowed into her room a half hour ago, but so far, they had heard nothing.

The aurors, Weasleys, and friends sat huddled together in the waiting room, looking tired and anxious. Luna and Neville had come when Ginny had insisted Harry send them patronuses. Luna and Neville's wife, Hannah, were giving everyone coffee. Neville sat next to George and Bill, as they told him the events of the previous night. He looked like Harry felt; angry and depressed.

Somehow, Rita Skeeter had found out about the kidnapping and had tried to come snooping. Unfortunately for the reporter, Fleur spotted her before she even stepped through the door. Fleur had stormed at her, brandishing not only her wand, but a vicious string of French and English swear words. Rita had left in quite a hurry, and thankfully, no members of the press had bothered them since.

Ginny sat next to her mum, leaning on her shoulder. She had been treated for minor injuries, but a checkup had proved she and the baby were fine. She was just shaken up. Harry closed his eyes, overwhelmed with gratefulness that they were okay.

But... Hermione.

He remembered that awful night at Malfoy Manor, and his head pounded at the realization that she had endured that again. He was a horrible friend, a horrible brother. He should have found her sooner.

And poor Ron. Harry knew he would never forgive himself, even though it was in no way his fault. Harry would have to talk with him about it.

Just then, a young blonde nurse entered the waiting room. Everyone looked up at her expectantly.

"Umm. Harry Potter?"

Before he was even aware of his legs moving, Harry was walking toward her.

"Right here, miss. What's going on?"

"Follow me, Mr. Potter. Mr. Weasley is asking for you." The nurse glanced at his scar.

He followed her back, down several hallways, to a small room. The hospital was like a maze, and he felt like a mouse trapped in it. How did they find their way around in here?

"Go on in, Mr. Potter." The nurse prompted, continuing down the hallway.

Harry pushed open the door.

Hermione lay in the bed, as white as her sheets, her hair splayed across the pillow. It was as though the strong, brilliant, beautiful woman that he knew and loved was replaced by a weak, fragile look-alike. She was asleep, and if not for the subtle beeping coming from a contraption hooked to her, Harry would have thought she was dead. Ron held her hands, head bowed, looking beyond miserable. He looked up when Harry entered. He looked dreadful.

Harry pulled up a chair next to Ron, and began to stroke Hermione's hair gently.

"Harry-" Ron began, but it sounded as though the words caught in his throat. Harry looked over to Ron, whose eyes looked tortured.

"Ron..." Harry prompted gently, placing his hand on his best mate's shoulder.

"Hermione... The-the... The baby...didn't make it." Ron's eyes spilled over, and he lowered his head into his hands, shaking.

Harry leaned forward and gathered his best friend, his brother, into his arms, hugging him fiercely.

Ron sobbed into Harry's shoulder, choking and heaving on his tears.

Tears poured down Harry's face as well. He hadn't seen Ron this distraught since Fred's death, and Harry was so so sad for him.

But Harry was sad for so many other reasons.

Hermione. She would be heartbroken.

Mrs. Weasley. She had been so looking forward to this child. She loved Ron and Hermione together, and was so excited to meet their first baby.

Ginny. She would be so distraught. She would feel guilty.

Himself. He had been so looking forward to meeting that flawless little person.

That baby. That precious baby. That baby would have been perfect.

Half Hermione, half Ron. His two best friends. A tiny little life created by their amazing love... was gone.

He had pictured their children going to school together, growing up together. Cousins and best friends.

He hated the Death Eaters with his entire soul.

But even that hatred couldn't compare to the sorrow he felt for his friends.

"She was going to be a girl, Harry. I mean, we didn't have the test to find out, but I just know. She was going to look just like Hermione, but with red hair. Maybe blue eyes. But she would have been beautiful, Harry. And smart, like my Hermione." Ron looked at Hermione, stroking her cheek, his eyes shining.

"She knows. The doctor told us together. She cried so much, Harry, and I don't know how to comfort her. Nothing I say can bring our baby back..." His words died in his throat as he let out a strangled sob.

"Ron, you two are the strongest people I know. And you know Hermione like the back of your hand. If anyone could help her through this, it's you. And I'm here, Ron. If either of you ever need anything, I'll be there. You know that, right? And Ron.. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Tears fell down his cheeks, and he embraced his best friend again.

They remained like that for quite a while, Harry holding Ron, being strong for him. Until Ron mumbled that the others needed to know. Harry knew without asking that Ron wanted him to do it, that he couldn't face everyone and say the dreaded words that they already knew were bound to come.

"I'll tell them, Ron."

Harry got up, and headed for the door. Before he pushed the door open, he looked back,

"And Ron. Remember; she may be gone.." He took a deep breath, holding back the tears that begged to fall from his eyes "But she'll never be forgotten."

Ron nodded, eyes swimming, and reached for Hermione's hand.

Harry pushed through the door before the tears could fall.