And so it continues...

Katie recognized sounds around her for a while before she opened her eyes. The actual conversations were a bit hazy, but she could sense her Grandmum's constant presence. Steady and comforting as her Grandmum's presence had always been when she was a child. Kevin and Ella were frequently in the room as well as Grandfather and Timmy. There were also unknown voices of healers most likely.

On the day that Katie finally opened her eyes, Kevin was suffering through tea time with their Grandmum. He looked as if he wanted to be anywhere but there. Katie couldn't fight the amused smile that appeared across her lips, even though she was in a fair amount of pain. Kevin seemed to be obediently listening to a lecture.. wonder what he did this time.

Katie wet her dry lips and attempted to speak, but no noise came out. She attempted to clear her throat to then speak, but she was unsuccessful till the 4th try. As soon as she made a noise Kevin whipped towards her with a hopeful look. Grandmum didn't even turn as she continued to discuss his parenting style and outlined areas of improvement.

Katie smiled at Kevin weakly and he stared at her in wonder. He looked as if he didn't believe her eyes were really open. Then he rushed over and hovered, "How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Does anything hurt?"

Katie shook her head and coughed as she attempted to talk. Hmm she must have been asleep longer than she realized. Her vocal cords were not used to working. Kevin leaned closer and hugged her tightly, but gently, "Oh Katie I was so worried. I didn't know what I would do if.." His voice broke in emotion and as he pulled back she could see the tears in his eyes. Kevin searched her face frantically as if unsure if she would go back to sleep.

"Kevin what is all this about? You must not bother her resting." Grandmum came over to the bed, but stopped in shock. She began to sob as she rushed forward to hug Katie, "Oh Kathryn. I was so worried. I just couldn't.." Her sobbing overpowered her speech for a second.

Katie was alarmed. She had never seen her Grandmum cry. Not even after her mum died. She was sure she had cried, but never in front of Katie. Grandmum suddenly stood up straight and wiped her eyes. "Kevin you must go inform the healers that she has awoken, and don't forget to patronus Ella. She would never forgive us if we forgot to right away."

He smirked, "Timmy is going to be sooo jealous he wasn't here when you woke up!" Kevin all but sprinted out of the room leaving the women alone. Grandmum didn't look away from Katie's face, and couldn't keep the happy smile off of her face. The Healers rushed in and then the next couple of days were a jumble of tests, potions, family members stopping in, and sleeping.

One of the weirdest occurrences was that the entire hospital staff LOVES Grandmum. Apparently whenever a healer or nurse came into the room Grandmum made them feel very welcome and would insist they have tea with her. Grandmum said it was because she thinks that the health care workers are all over worked. Little did the healers know, she was extending the stay in the room and trying to get more info out of them about her granddaughter's condition.

As if my conniving Grandmum could just be a sweet old lady. not in a million years..

It turns out that I was unconscious for the entire summer until the beginning of October. I had a hard time believing the passage of time. They had me look out the window to see the changing leaves, but I only believed Kevin after I saw my nephew. Vin had gotten so much bigger in the last 4 months I couldn't pretend I was only asleep for a short time. The weird thing is, I felt like just last week I was at Hogwarts studying in the library with Michael and my housemates.

All of my friends have written me letters and sent presents. My Grandmum had a great idea of making people write down when they came to visit. It was neat to see who had come to see me while I was unconscious. I saw the twins, Ang, and Alicia were all here on August 31st before going back to school. I can imagine how rambunctious it was in my hospital room before they left for school.

Unsurprisingly my dad didn't visit at all. After my mum died, he has never stepped foot in a hospital. Since I have been awake, he has been away on business. Hopefully by the time he returns, I have been discharged to Kevin's house. Grandmum thinks it will the most safe to return to Kevin's because her and Grandfather will be traveling on holiday soon, dad is never home, and Ella will be at home most of the days with Vinny.

Grandmum has made it very clear to me her outrage in my 'attack'. She is convinced this has something to do with Voldemort's potential return. She also takes it as a person slight that any harm could come to HER granddaughter, as well as a pure blood.

Through my recovery, while awake, I tried not to think about one person. The exact same person from when I was at school. Though at least at school, I wasn't afraid he would walk through the door at any minute! In that log book type thing of my guests, Oliver was a semi frequent name. Why would he do that? I haven't asked what he would do during his visits, but I assume he's reviewing plays or something. He didn't bring his girlfriend though, because her name isn't on the list. They are still dating.. Kevin mentioned it once. Maybe that's why he hasn't returned. The harpie seeker let him come visit me when I was unconscious, but now that I'm awake ... idk. Why would she care enough to be jealous of me? One thing I do know is that I still have feelings for him. When I saw his name, my heart beat quickened and I felt a tinge of excitement. He probably only sees me as a sister.. Maybe the kiss was weird for him still...

As a distraction, I begin to study during my free time. A girl has to pass her NEWTS if she wants to graduate from Hogwarts. My whole family is worried I am going to over-do it, but getting into a routine of studying calms me. Kevin is particularly against me spending my time studying, but I haven't figured out why yet. Every time he stops by I beg him to help me with arithmancy, but he point blank refuses. One day I was so annoyed with him because he was being particularly stubborn.

"What is the matter Kevin? You're acting like a 5 year old who can't have dessert." I glare at him.

"I' don't understand why you are studying. I TOLD you that you can stay with us. What's the rush in taking your NEWTS?"

I huff, "We are not having this conversation again. Please just help me with this arithmancy. I hate this class!"

He glances at it, "No thanks."

"Come ON! I need help and you and ... OH! I'll just owl Cedric! I'm sure he will come and help me. He's not difficult like you." I smirk, knowing my plan will work. Kevin doesn't look angry like I expected though. He looks sad and awkward.

I give him a questioning look as I pull out a blank piece of parchment. He's going to have to get used to my studying, because I want to talk the NEWTS before the New Year.

Dear Cedric,

I haven't-

Suddenly the paper is ripped out of my grasp and I look up in surprise at Kevin. This is especially immature for him. I glare at him indignantly, "What was that for-"

I pause as I see the pained look on his face. What is going on? He leans in and kisses my forehead. As he sits back he takes a deep breath, "Katie, I know you and Diggory were friends.." He pauses, and I can't help but be confused as he puts the emphasis on were. I wait for him to continue, but he seems to be struggling with the words. He eventually whispers as he watches my face, "He died at the end of the Triwizard Tournament Katie. Harry Potter and Dumbledore say it was You-Know-Who, but the ministry.."

I can't focus on what he is saying. Cedric died? Either before or after my attack? That whole day is a fuzzy memory, which is normal according to the Healers. How could I not have known THIS about that day though? Kevin is still watching me warily, and he looks so concerned. I realize I'm having trouble breathing, but as soon as Kevin pulls me into his arms I feel safe. I almost died that day too. What if that was me? That could have easily been me.

I don't know what is more scary. Cedric dying from Voldemort, or someone dying under Dumbledore's watch? He's the greatest wizard of all time, and seems so all knowing. Cedric CAN'T be dead. Kevin is wrong!

I see a healer walk in with a calming potion. My vitals must be concerning her..

..

Apparently all of my friends were instructed not to talk to me about Cedric by my Grandmum. Alicia confirmed what Kevin had told me in her next letter. How could this happen? I can't even imagine Mr. Diggory's pain over losing his only son.

I try not to think about it, and throw myself back into studying for the NEWT exams. I also decide to drop arithmancy. There's no way I can study for that NEWT exam and not think of Cedric. That would be too painful at the moment.

Finally at the beginning of November, I'm discharged. I'm the thinnest I have ever been, but am healthy enough to go home. I'm the palest I have ever been as well. I wasn't outside at all in the summer and have been sick. The only thing that is good about this is my hair is the longest and healthiest it has ever been. It hasn't gotten wind damage from qudditich and styling, it's nearly to my waist!

There's no question that I will stay with Kevin and Ella. I get my own room, but am under strict orders to not touch any of his old brooms. (If I could find them. I know he's hid them.) Grandmum, Grandfather, and dad are traveling, so the only people I see are Kevin, Ella, Vinny, and Timmy. I don't mind though. It leaves me a lot of time to study too. I need to get top grades If I'm going to continue the path to becoming a healer.

..

My life definitely fell into a pattern of family life and studying. Dad finally got home mid December from his business trip, and I'm glad to see him. I know my situation has really stressed him out and led to his trip away, but he seems happy to see me healthy. It's great to be all together! I had no idea that his return would cause such a fight about my NEWTS...

"Yeah Daddy, I've been studying to prepare. I knew you would understand how important they are to me. Kevin doesn't think I should take them yet." I lean in and give my dad a hug in the kitchen as he is about to leave through the floo.

A voice clears behind me, and I turn to see a livid Kevin, "I see you've gone behind my back and talked to dad about this. I thought we already had this conversation?"

"Kevin, I can't stay here forever and do nothing!"

He turns to my dad. "Grandfather believes Dumbledore. Do you really want her to be a healer through all of that?"

Dad looks uncomfortable, "We can't stop her from living her life. That would let them win. I hope it never gets to the point it was at before, and if it would.."

Kevin glares, "You are not one to talk about continuing to live lives. Ever since mum died all you do is leave. How could you leave when Katie was still in the hospital and her condition was uncertain?!" Kevin's voice begins to rise in volume.

I gasp in surprise as Ella hurries into the room. "Kevin.." She says cautiously.

"NO! I HAVE TO SAY THIS ELLA! YOU CAN'T LET HER DO THIS! SHES SO SMART SHE'LL GET ALL O'S AND THEN WANT TO GO BE A HEALER! SHE HAS TO WAIT TILL AFTER THE WAR! DONT LET HER GIVE YOU THOSE PUPPY EYES AND GET HER WAY! THIS IS HER LIFE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!" He finishes breathing heavily glaring at dad.

Dad looks right back at Kevin, "I can't let her make the same mistakes as me. Is life ever completely safe? How long would you want her to put her life on hold?"

Dad turns and kisses my forehead, "I support any decision you make Kathryn." He continues on and floos home before Kevin can get mad again.

I turn slowly towards Kevin. I can tell he's upset, "When am I supposed to live my life then Kevin? Put it on hold for a year?"

"How about in a million years. That's when you can take your NEWT exams." Kevin stormed outside.

I sit at the kitchen table lost in thought.. Who knows how long this war will be ..or even the out come. If the dark side won...

The next day I sent an owl to request a test taking day. The reply came that very day with a confirmation for the next week. I decided not to tell Kevin... for now.

What did you think? Had to stop here even though it's short. REVIEW PLEASE!

~Grace