Hello again, I apologize for the random update schedule and it might be like this for a while before I get things back on track. I'm also starting college which might mean I have less time but I will finish this story. Thank you to everyone who reads this and reviews. Also to my beta reader, ObsessedRHShipper who is fantastic at helping me.

CHAPTER 11

oOo

Days passed quickly and quietly and it was soon Sunday again. Hermione had spent the days learning from old textbooks with some help from Ron. She was currently sat in the family room of the Burrow with Ginny, Angelina, Audrey, Fleur, Mrs. Weasley and Luna. The boys had all gone outside for a Quidditch match, which Ginny tried to join but she was stuck helping plan the wedding.

Whilst Hermione was maid-of-honour, she really didn't know about Ginny's preferences, so she let all the others debate about colours, flowers and seating arrangements while she thought about all the things going on in her life and her head started to hurt.

"Hermione?" She abruptly turned her head towards the source, making her feel even dizzier. "Are you alright?" Hermione nodded towards Angelina, which made her head feel worse. Mrs. Weasley bustled over.

"You're not alright, dear." She placed a hand upon Hermione's forehead. "You don't look well; you should have a rest upstairs before dinner. Angelina, could you help her upstairs? Ron's room will do. I'll bring some Pepper-Up Potion."

Once Hermione reached the room plastered in Cannons' posters with the help of Angelina, she lay down and smiled gratefully. Angelina looked at the Quidditch posters around the room.

"He really does support the Cannons." She shook her head. "You know, he really was a great keeper. I think he's always had a fear of disappointing people or not being good enough, so he overlooked how good he was. I told him once that you're in this world to live up to your own expectations, so don't try and live up to everybody else's. Anyway, I'll be downstairs. Call if you need anything and someone will be up. Mrs. Weasley will be up in a minute, so don't doze off yet." The girl smiled, before leaving the room.

That evening, they had dinner outside. Ginny had woken Hermione up shortly before and she was now seated beside Ron and Audrey. The first ones to finish were George and Ron, who pulled out their brooms from under their chairs and started flying around with the Quaffle while the others ate beneath them. Mrs. Weasley sternly told them to get down, but they just flew off after yelling for everyone to hurry up so they could finish their game from earlier.

One by one, they left the table - Bill, Angelina, Harry, Ginny and Percy until only Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Audrey and Hermione remained. They cleared up, levitating dishes inside, and made their way to the Quidditch pitch to watch. George flew over with a spare broom, holding it up to Hermione.

"Hermione, we're one short. Join us." He smiled.

Hermione looked at the broom and back up to George, "No, thanks. I can't play."

"Suit yourself. Hey, let me tell you something." He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I'm a beater, but Ron's definitely a keeper." And with a grin and a wink, he went to offer his father the spare broom. She blushed at the comment, but then thought about it again. Ron's a keeper. Well obviously, it's his position. Keeper... Oh, how could I be so thick? She looked up to the makeshift hoops and Ron gave her a wave; she returned it but quickly looked away.

After the match, Hermione and Ron were the first ones to leave the Burrow. When they arrived at home, Ron looked at Hermione and said, "Hermione, are you alright? You look a bit peaky."

"Yeah, I'm fine," Hermione lied, feeling dizzy after Apparating, "though I think I'll go to bed now." With that, Hermione walked out of the room, leaving a baffled Ron wondering what happened.

When the sun rose, Hermione did. She walked around the house, glad to be able to walk freely again; her leg was pain-free. As she started preparing breakfast the muggle way, she hummed a song. Soon the smell of bacon and eggs was wafting through their apartment and this ultimately woke Ron. Hermione handed a sleepy Ron his loaded plate and they went to eat.

"This - looks - good." Ron told her, getting comfortable in his chair.

"Always the tone of surprise." She smiled cutting up her bacon.

"Tastes..." he took a mouthful, "much better than your old cooking."

Hermione tried not to frown at the implied comparison of the old her and the new her, as if they were different people and the old her was the one he loved. She plastered a smile on her face and replied, "I'm glad you think so."

"You know, I wasn't surprised at all," Ron told her with a mouthful of toast. "Thank you. You didn't have to cook. You've only just got better." Ron said gratefully.

"I wanted to thank you for looking after me. Chew your food, please." She finished eating in silence and retreated to her room afterwards.

Her new cooking may have been better but that didn't mean he liked her. She didn't have the history with Ron and the only thing that was really similar were her looks and personality. He wasn't in love with her; he loved the old her. She wondered how she would feel in his place, in love with someone that couldn't remember or didn't replicate those feelings but she couldn't. She didn't know what it was like to be in love with someone.

Ron did. Every time he had to explain something to her, every time he looked into her eyes and every time she needed help with simple tasks, he felt guilt and frustration. He felt that he should have been with her. He hadn't protected her. He couldn't even help her now. It all made him incredibly angry with himself. When she remembered something, it gave him hope that she would make a full recovery but he had his doubts. He had pessimistic thoughts knowing that Lockhart had never regained his memory. But Ron tried not to think about it too much and did his best to get through each day.

He wanted her to remember all their moments and their lives. He didn't want to start again with Hermione; he had waited six years to start the first time though she made the first move. Now he knew how wonderful their relationship could be, and he never wanted to let go. But...If she didn't remember...if she didn't recover, following his best friend's advice was the best thing he could do. This may have to be a new unwanted beginning, but he wondered if it was too soon to start.

They were to meet with Ginny and Harry today. Ginny had wanted to go shopping with her maid-of-honour, and Hermione reluctantly agreed, not wanting to disappoint or dishonour her agreement. The boys didn't want them to go, in fear for their safety, but Harry admitted defeat to an incredibly stubborn Ginny and told them that they could, as long as it was a Muggle shopping centre which would pose less risk. The two Aurors were to go with them while they stayed in Grimmauld Place and planned their part of the wedding.

As they walked down the street, Hermione decided to use the trip to her advantage and tried her utmost to learn everything about Ginny not wanting to disappoint her when she was expected to help her plan her wedding, one of the most important days of Ginny's life.

Four hours later, an exhausted Ginny and Hermione entered Grimmauld Place, dropping their bags onto the floor. Ginny had four bags filled with wedding items and general clothing and Hermione had bought three novels and some clothing at Ginny's insistence. Minutes later, the two wizards came down the stairs.

"That was an exhausting shopping trip, but we've got most of the stuff we went out for," Ginny told Harry, kissing his cheek before falling onto the sofa followed shortly by Hermione.

"Good, we can get the rest of the stuff another day then." Harry sat down on the blue sofa, next to Ron.

"Actually, it's stuff from Diagon Alley and we want to go tomorrow."

"We, as in you and Harry, right?" Ron asked, leaning forwards.

"No. We, as in Hermione and me."

"You can't, you know that." Ron snapped.

"There are Aurors following her; we'll be fine."

"Well ,technically you should be okay, but we nearly got attacked last time. Hermione can't go," he told his sister.

"She can and maybe she needs to get out. You've been keeping her under house arrest!"

"I am here, you know," Hermione muttered but it went unheard by the two argumentative gingers. Harry gave her an apologetic smile and placed his hand on Ginny's knee in an attempt to calm her. Hermione copied him, placing her hand on Ron's arm. He turned and his expression softened.

"Ginny, I'm not risking Hermione's safety so you can have your perfect wedding." he told her calmly; inside he was jealous since Hermione and he should have also been planning their own wedding.

"No one asked you to risk it; we can use glamours. Perhaps we should ask Hermione." Ginny said, causing everyone to turn their attention to Hermione, who didn't really want to get in the middle of their argument.

"Well, I do want to go because Ginny does need the enchanted candles and other things," such as wanting to get out though she didn't mention this aloud, "but she could take Harry, Angelina, Audrey, Mrs Weasley or even Fleur. If you don't think it's safe, then I should stay home and learn more defensive spells; that way, I can go another time."

"Okay, you two?" Harry glanced at Ginny and Ron. They nodded and Harry continued, "So do you want to stay for dinner?" Both politely declined, leaving Harry and Ginny alone for a night before they both had work commitments again.

Ron prepared dinner, sausages and mash, and then asked Hermione what she bought.

"Oh, not much," she replied. "Ginny insisted on buying a lot of it. Have we already got a wedding present?"

"No, not yet, but I think you had some ideas written down somewhere... we'll have to be careful when we go and buy it."

"Unless it's from a muggle shop."

"'F course." After a few more mouthfuls, he continued, "I need to go to the Ministry tomorrow, so my Mum is coming over, if it's okay with you?" Hermione bit her lip. She didn't like the idea of being babysat but Ron was very concerned, so after a moment she nodded her agreement.

"What are you doing there?" she anxiously asked.

"I just need to hand some paperwork in and get some books from the Library. I'll take you there if you want. Not tomorrow obviously," he added as an afterthought.

"Oh, right. Well, that would be nice."

"And I know you don't like being watched and treated like a child. I'm sorry if you feel that way... I'm just -" Ron apologising was a rare feat since he was so stubborn. Hermione was almost shocked at how well he knew her, almost better than herself. He knew all her favourite foods, her habits and her feelings. Then she felt incompetent, knowing he knew her inside out while she knew little about him.

"Worried, I know." The corners of her mouth twitched.

"Told you that you know everything." He gave her a boyish grin and she felt her cheeks warm up, unsure whether it was because he was worried or because he had complimented her.

He asked her about the spells she had learnt and he filled her in more about each spell, something that was once her role.

When breakfast came rolling around, Ron told Hermione that his mother would fuss over her and that she could politely ask her to step back. As soon as Ron finished, Mrs. Weasley stepped out of the fireplace.

"Speak of the devil," he muttered before making his way over to his mother who was dusting off her robes.

"Ronnie! Hermione! It's so good to see you again dear." The endearment was still unusual to Hermione, but she stepped forward for her hug after Ron, who had now donned his robes.

"I'm going now. I should be back by five." he shouted as he ran into the kitchen grabbing a slice of buttered toast.

"That's fine. I need to leave at quarter past; I'm going to meet with Andromeda and Teddy."

"'lright. I'll see you later Mum," he bent down and kissed her cheek. "Bye Hermione." He kissed her cheek briefly and Flooed away. Hermione realised that she was staring into the fire and quickly averted her attention to the guest, who had a strange look and twinkle in her eye.

"Hermione, are you hungry? I've brought some fresh cinnamon twirls." She asked as she walked into the kitchen, giving Hermione a moment to gather herself. Hermione followed, not wanting to, since she knew the kitchen was a mess.

"Oh, Merlin. It's an absolute disaster. Honestly Ronald should know better than this." She began waving her wand; dishes washed themselves and other dishes simultaneously returned to their cupboards. Hermione ducked a few low flying bowls.

"Mrs. Weasley, you couldn't possibly teach me that some more general household spells could you? I mean I don't think Ron should be responsible for everything."

"Of course I'll teach you. Dear, that boy can eat truckloads. I doubt you used five of these plates or eat half as much as he does, your far too skinny in my opinion," she gave her a warm smile. "And none of this Mrs. Weasley business. Call me Molly; we're practically family." For a moment, Hermione thought she was busted, but then reminded herself that the elder said 'practically.'

"Okay then, Mrs. W- Molly, can I get you something to drink?" Hermione spent most of the morning chatting with her potential future mother-in-law, which was daunting, but Hermione managed to push that thought aside and actually enjoyed the company, learning many useful household charms.

They stopped for lunch, when Mrs. Weasley offered to show her some simple cooking charms and promised that next time she would lend her copies of 'Charm Your Own Cheese' and the Weasley's secret recipe book, which was passed down from generation to generation. Mrs Weasley chatted about their childhood all with a knowing look. Hermione was able to escape from the 'Ron's Embarrassing Tales' for a couple of minutes when her mother rang. Hermione invited her over the next day; she doubted Ron would mind but told her parents she would check to see whether Ron had any plans.

When it was nearly four, Mrs. Weasley started preparing dinner with help from Hermione. She chopped vegetables while Mrs. Weasley did the actual cooking. Once the fresh smell wafted through the flat, it was five but Ron still wasn't back. As the clock edged closer and closer to quarter past, both got anxious.

Mrs. Weasley, who had to leave, Flooed Mr. Weasley to watch Hermione, since Ron had told her not to leave Hermione alone. He cheerfully complied and the patriarch happily took her place.

They exchanged greetings and sat down waiting for Ron's arrival.

"He'll be fine, Hermione." His statement brought little comfort to Hermione but she smiled. Mr. Weasley's eyes darted round the room, taking in each and every muggle item. He walked across the room and picked up the blue remote control car that belonged to Ron. Hermione had no idea where it came from but it was a present from her father to Ron.

"What is this, Hermione?" Mr. Weasley curiously asked, "More importantly, what does it do?" He picked it up.

After Hermione's detailed explaination and demonstration, Mr. Weasley smiled and then saw the fellytone - no telephone.

"Ah, a telephone. We could ring Ron's phone on this, couldn't we? He told me about them after his birthday." Mr. Weasley asked with zeal.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Hermione stood up and looked through the few programmed numbers with Mr. Weasley looking on. She couldn't find Ron but then Mr. Weasley laughed and found him under 'My Weasley King,' his school Quidditch nickname. Hermione rolled her eyes as she dialled the number. The voicemail message played so Hermione hung up and tried again.

"Maybe we should have a little look in the library, if that's where he went?" Mr. Weasley asked with a smile, "I know you want to see it."

"Ron said it would be dangerous to leave as I'm easily recognised." She frowned, really wanting to see the library books.

"That's why we have glamour charms. I can change your appearance and you won't be recognised. So are you up for it?"

Hermione thought about it. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was nearly seven. "It is getting late... I suppose it couldn't hurt." Hermione nodded. Mr Weasley waved his wand, changing her hair from its chestnut brown to a bright Weasley orange and made her taller.

"We can pretend you're my niece from America. Let's go." They let the Aurors know, exited the fireplace and entered the Atrium. Several people greeted Mr. Weasley on the way to the Library but he excused himself each time.

They entered the library and searched each and every aisle for Ron. They couldn't find him so they asked the librarian, who saw him leave two hours ago. On their way out, Mr. Weasley spotted Neville.

"Hello, Neville." Mr. Weasley cordially greeted.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Weasley." At first she was surprised that Neville had ignored her, but then Hermione remembered her glamour charms. "I'm just heading to The Leaky Cauldron. Hannah owled me, in fact you might want to come along, seems like Ron wanted to see me but now he's intent on drinking his weight." Neville gave an apologetic smile.

"Ah, thank you, Neville. We were just looking for him. Lead the way then," Mr. Weasley motioned with his right arm.

They Flooed directly into The Leaky Cauldron and spied a mop of red hair perched on a stool by the bar. They made their way over. His cheeks were red and his hair was dishevelled as if he had repeatedly run his fingers through it; he was swaying on his stool, taking a shot of Firewhiskey.

"Have you been here all along? You worried us all."

"Hey Dad, I'm glad you can join. Hannah, 'nother firewhiskey for my old man," he slurred, patting his dad's shoulder and as he saw Neville, "One for Neville too."

"Actually, Hannah, it's fine. How much is it? He'll be leaving now." Hannah told Neville a price and he took the correct amount from Mr. Weasley, who was shocked at the volume of alcohol Ron had managed to consume.

"You're free to use our Floo. I hope he has a Hangover Potion." He offered a smile, looking at Hermione, "I never caught your name?"

"Oh, Her-" she coughed. "Harriet," she informed him in an American accent. "Nice to meet you, Neville" She saw Mr. Weasley struggling with Ron's dead weight and went to take his arm and help him into the Floo.

"I need another drink." Ron slurred.

He stumbled out the fireplace and was pushed onto the sofa. When Ron brushed past Hermione, he stumbled and was about to fall but Hermione grabbed his arm and hoisted him up. "You smell just like 'ermione." Ron hazily smiled and started rambling on about how she smelled and Arthur cleared his throat.

"Why don't you heat up some of the food and make a start." He took off the glamour charms, Hermione's bushy hair reappeared and she replied with a simple "okay."

Mr. Weasley conjured up some warm towels and as he put them on Ron's forehead.

"Her-my-oh-nee." Ron slurred. "Gonna - be - sick." He clumsily clambered over to the bin before keeling over and vomiting into the bin. He wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve. Mr. Weasley conjured a glass of water and passed it to Ron.

"Dad, why doesn't she love me anymore?" Ron garbled.

Arthur was surprised by the outburst, but put his hand on his son's shoulder, "I think she does. Deep down, she still loves you, son. It will pass but take things as they come. I better owl your mother; she was very worried. Do you have any Hangover Potion?" Ron shook his head before puking again. "I'll write George then. Drink up." He passed another glass of water. As Mr. Weasley went to the kitchen to find Pig, Hermione came out to check on Ron while she heated the dish in the microwave.

Sprawled on the sofa, he mumbled her name again in between all his gibberish. She pulled out her wand and cast a Cleaning Charm, ridding him of the sick and alcohol scents that lingered on him. She brushed the fringe from his eyes, which were heavy and closing. Suddenly his hand grasped hers; she found it to be warm and the movement startled her but she relaxed her hand into his. He hummed contentedly and gave a sleepy smile. She sat on the floor beside the sofa, holding his hand. When the microwave sounded, she ignored it, sitting beside him for a few more moments absorbing the sight of the ginger, who had given her his heart and looked peaceful without the lines of worry and anguish on his face. When Mr. Weasley returned, she crossed the room and went to eat.

Once she had finished, Mr. Weasley had levitated Ron into the guest room. Afterwards, he sat on the sofa, untying a bottle from Pig.

"Here, Hermione." He motioned for her to sit down and then handed her the potion. "He'll need that tomorrow and lots of water. He might grumble and feel unwell, but remind him that it was his fault. Will you be able to handle everything?" Hermione nodded.

"Are you sure you don't want anything to eat? There's lots left over."

"I'm okay. Molly's already prepared food for me." He smiled, wrinkles creasing his forehead. "And I'm sure Ron will be able to finish it tomorrow. I'll apparate, rather than use the Floo and I'll get Molly to pop over tomorrow. Goodnight Hermione."

Hermione readied herself for bed before pulling out her diary.

Spending today with Mrs. Weasley was insightful. She is very wise and comforting but I'm even more confused now. I've started to come to terms properly with being a witch and I've been accepted by Ron and his entire family which is very encouraging yet I feel as if they accepted the old me, whose shoes I can't fill since I'm afraid I had rather big feet. I've been learning all I can, yet nothing is coming back. What if it never does? I have a group of people waiting for something to happen when it might not! It's incredibly frustrating having such a huge chunk of my memory missing.

Tonight, Ron was drunk and I'm not sure whether he did it before but it seems that this time, he was drinking away his problems, probably me... I wonder how he feels about this situation. Perhaps I should ask him or would that end badly?

Ron groaned at the bright light shining through the window. "Here, drink this." Hermione offered him the uncorked vial which he quickly downed.

"Thanks." he mumbled before sinking his face into the blue pillow.

"I'll go make breakfast." Hermione exited the room. Last night she had a peculiar dream. She was lying in a sleeping bag on a sofa in a dark dingy room but beside her on the floor was Ron. He lifted his hand off the floor and grabbed hers; she tensed, laced her fingers in his, smiled and closed her eyes. It was like the vision of the skimming stones she had before, and she made a mental reminder to ask Ron once he had sobered up.

Her parents were coming over today and Ron seemed to be out of it. She left his breakfast on his bedside table and went to read before preparing a salad for lunch. Her mother was bringing a pasta dish. Once her mother arrived, promptly after noon, she fussed over her health and aided her in dishing out the food. During lunch, Hermione noticed all the jokes between her father and Ron; they seemed to get along very well. Ron also joked with her mother and it was warming to see her parents joke and get along with him. They departed in the blue car shortly after lunch, needing to return for a surgery.

Ron invited her to a game of chess. "I'll go easy on you." Ron smirked.

"Have you ever been beaten?" Hermione asked as they set up the pieces.

"Once," Ron mumbled so quietly it was barely audible.

"When?"

"The day after the Yule Ball. By Ginny. Ask her about it; she loves to tell people. Pawn to C4."

It was strange. Hermione knew the answer before he responded. Ginny had come running into her dorm gloating about it.

Hermione took her move. After a few more moves, Hermione began to feel Ron's eyes gazing at her every time it was her go. She decided to go for it; he was in a good mood and would be more likely to open up to her now that he was fed and content. "Ron? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, anything."

"Are you okay dealing with all my problems?" She bit her lip, trying to anticipate his answer and looked anywhere but his eyes.

"No, no. It's not your fault, Hermione. You know it's not." He placed his hand on hers. "Look at me. We're making progress and we're going to get through this."

"I know, but I want to know how you feel about," she spoke as waved her free hand in the air, "this, everything." Half of Ron was surprised, but then again, Hermione always wanted to talk about feelings where Harry and he didn't. She told them it was okay to feel upset and that she wouldn't ever laugh.

"Oh, well, er- obviously I'm angry at the coward that hurt you. Beyond angry. I want to help Harry. I want to catch that little wa-" Hermione shot him a disapproving glare. "I was going to say wa...waste of space." He grinned and she tried to stop the corners of her mouth tugging upwards. "But if I can't help there, I can help here."

"Actually you can help me now."

"I can?"

"I think I might have remembered something."

She described the vision from the previous night, turning her hand over to hold his like in the vision. The circles his thumb made on the back of her hand reassured her that she was going to get better. When she had finished speaking, Ron beamed like a Cheshire cat and she wondered if he would be this happy every time she remembered something. In fact, it was the best look on him, far better than the looks of jealousy, anger or worry and she decided from that moment on, that she wanted to see him happy and would continue doing her utmost best to induce it.

Please review and let me know what you think.

WMAL x