Disclaimer: Do I really need to say it? Of course I don't own Harry Potter.
A/N: Wishing everyone a happy and safe new year. May you achieve your goals (or at least make progress on them) and strive to be the best that you can be. I've tried to update this story as quickly as possible. If in my haste I leave gaping plot holes, please tell me. Constructive criticism is always welcome. BTW: I try to use song titles or lyrics as the names for the chapters (well at least since chapter 3). Why? Because I love music and because I can. I was going to call this chapter "Doctor, Doctor give me the news, I've got a bad case of loving you", but too much cheese isn't good for you. Don't get me wrong, I love cheese, but that much would be detrimental to my health.
Picasso-bebop: Sorry I didn't thank you in the beginning of chapter 4. I uploaded it before I received your review. I'm glad it's one of your favorites. That always makes my day.
Line-from Denmark: Again, sorry I didn't thank you at the beginning of the last chapter. I was too quick on the update (although some would say not quick enough for their liking :). I'm honored that you enjoyed it. How's the weather in Denmark?
Weasley: I don't know if I would call them a couple yet, it's only the first date - and not going very well at the moment for poor Ron (ducks from flying objects thrown by Weasley). All I can tell you is be patient ;)
Buck NC: Hello again, my friend. Sorry to disappoint, but it wasn't Hermione's cooking (this time anyway). Thanks for reviewing again. I always look forward to what you have to say :D
michelleywelley: You caught on quickly! Yes, you are correct. I look forward to your next chapter.
LJ Fan: Don't feel bad. I'm a total sap as well. I even cry during comedies (darn that "Cheaper by the Dozen" :) I'm glad you came back to read this story. I've really had fun writing it. And I look forward to updates on your story. Please let Ron be ok, please?
Dragonfly-child: Good thing he's with a smart witch, eh? Never underestimate a smart woman. Never. Glad you like it.
ILOVERON4EVER: Thanks a million. Hope you enjoy this as well.
Ilikechicken: Dude, love the name.
Chapter 5: To Make You Feel My Love
The elderly witch exclaimed "Oh dear. We need to get him here as soon as possible. Stand back. Our medic team is on the way."
Hermione had no sooner stepped back from the fireplace when three wizards came through. They were each wearing white robes that were remarkable clean considering they had come by floo powder. Hermione then remembered reading somewhere that their robes had special repelling charms on them so that they remained sterile.
One of the three medics spoke up. "What seems to be the problem?" Hermione led them to the bedroom. "It's my friend. He's been getting sick to his stomach and is now complaining of severe stomach pain in the lower right side. I was afraid it was his appendix."
They reached the bedroom where Ron was curled up on his side. Ron looked up at the people surrounding the bed, confused. "What's going on?"
Hermione took his hand. "Ron, I called St. Mungos. I want them to check you out."
"Honestly, was this really necessary? It's just a virus." If the night wasn't bad enough, now Hermione had called the hospital on him.
"Please Ron. It will only take a minute." Hermione knew Ron probably wouldn't be happy about this, but if she was right, there wasn't much time to spare.
The medic that had spoken before approached Ron with his wand out. "I just need to do a diagnostic spell. That will tell us what we're dealing with." He ran his wand over Ron's entire body, concentrating on his abdomen. When he reached the lower right side, the wand tip glowed red. Ron face was screwed up in pain.
"I'm sorry sir, but it seems the young lady was right. You have appendicitis and we need to get you to St. Mungos immediately." The medics conjured a stretcher and placed Ron gently on it. Hermione grabbed a blanket from the bed and used it to cover him up, as he was only wearing a pair of boxer shorts now.
"We'll set up a portkey to transport him. You can come with us if you like or you can floo to the hospital."
"No, I'm staying with Ron." As the medics got the port key ready, Hermione took hold of Ron's hand. He squeezed it back. "I'm so sorry Ron. And don't worry about anything. You'll be fine."
"Thanks for taking care of me." Hermione brushed strands of red hair off his face. "Hermione, what are they going to do to me?"
"They'll have to surgically remove your appendix, Ron."
Ron's face paled. "Surgery? I don't know about this. Can't we get a second opinion?"
"I'm sorry, but it has to come out. You'll feel a lot better once they do. Don't worry. They do this all the time. And I'll be right beside you when you wake up."
The medics had the port key prepared. "Is everyone ready? Three, two, one" And the room disappeared as the familiar tugging behind the navel sensation occurred. The next thing Hermione knew, they were standing in the emergency department of St. Mungos. Ron was curled up in a fetal position on the stretcher, a soft moan escaping. He was in pain again, and Hermione felt helpless.
The medics guided the stretcher through a pair of double doors and as Hermione followed, she was stopped by a formidable looking mediwitch. "Only immediate family members allowed beyond this point. You'll have to wait in the waiting room."
Hermione wasn't about to let Ron suffer alone. She thought of the only thing she could at the time. "I AM his family. I'm his wife."
The mediwitch looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize. I'll need you to fill out some paperwork, miss?"
"Hermione Granger" she said and then quickly added "Weasley. Hermione Granger-Weasley. My...husband's name is Ronald Weasley. Can I fill out the paperwork while I wait with him?"
"Certainly. Just bring it back out here when you're done."
Hermione felt bad for lying to the woman, but there was no way they were keeping her from Ron. There wasn't much she could do for him, but she could keep him company while they waited for his surgery. She went through the double doors and peeked into the cubicles until she found him. He was pale and sweaty, but he didn't look to be in as much pain now.
"Ron! I'm so glad I found you. How are you feeling?"
"Much better. They gave some potion to ease the pain until they're ready for me." He was slurring his words slightly.
"I have to fill out some paperwork, and I need you to help me. I don't know the answers to all of them."
"OK. Fire away."
"What shall I put down for occupation? Are you allowed to say you're an auror in training?"
"Just say I'm a student. That's what I am after all. You know, you're beautiful. Does anyone ever tell you that? And really smart. I've always admired that about you."
Hermione blushed. Oh, this was going to be interesting, to say the least. "Uh, thanks Ron. Lets see. Does anyone in your family have a history of Dragon Fever?"
"My grandad. But he lived through it. You know, I was really jealous and angry with myself when you dated Zach. I wished I had the courage to ask you out and to see you with that git. I was the one in love with you, not him. He didn't deserve you." Ron couldn't seem to stop himself.
"Oh Ron. I didn't know you felt that way. I wished you had asked me out as well. But we were different people back then. I don't think we were mature enough to have made it work."
"Hermione, I want to tell you something. I've never stopped loving you. Even when we didn't speak all that time. That's why I've never found anyone else. I love you."
Hermione looked deeply into Ron's eyes. She could tell he was speaking the truth, and she knew he would never be opening up to her like this if not for the pain killers. So she figured now was her opportunity to open up as well. "I love you, Ron. I know this was only our first date, and it didn't exactly turn out like I'd expected, but it doesn't matter. My feelings for you haven't changed. I love you, too."
"You can say that after everything I've put you through tonight? I'm sorry about ruining our date, but you can't know how much it means to me that you've stood by me tonight." Ron's blue eyes were gazing into hers, and not for the first time tonight, her heart melted.
"When you care about someone and they're sick, you take care of them. I don't want you to think on this for another moment. I know you'd do the same for me. I'll always be here for you, always." She leaned down close to him and their lips met. It was far better than she had ever dreamed. His lips were soft and inviting. Oh, if only he hadn't fallen ill. Where might the night have taken them?
Just then, a mediwitch entered the cubicle. "Mr. Weasley, I hate to break this up, but I need to give you the anesthetic potion. It's time for your sugary. Mrs. Weasley, you can wait in the lobby and we'll let you know as soon as we're done. There's any owlery and floo station there if you need to contact anyone."
Ron had a bewildered, but happy look on his face. He wasn't about to correct her. If she thought they were married, so be it. But Hermione looked shocked. "Ron! I completely forgot about contacting anyone. Where can I reach your parents?"
Ron gave her the address of the Romanian dragon station where the Weasley's were staying. He took the vile of potion the mediwitch handed him and he immediately became drowsy. "You'll be here when I wake up, Mrs. Weasley?" Ron grinned at her. "Of course, Mr. Weasley. Where else would I be?" She gently kissed him on the lips one more time before they took him away.
Hermione returned the paperwork to the front desk and then set about owling the Weasleys. She then used the floo station to contact Harry and Ginny. Hopefully they would be back by now. "Harry, Ginny, are you there?"
Harry and Ginny looked up from the sofa to see Hermione's head in the fireplace. "Hermione, how did it go? Do you need us to come get him?"
"No, it's nothing like that. It's Ron. He's in St. Mungos with appendicitis. They're doing surgery on him now."
Ginny gasped. "Is he OK? Did it rupture? Who's doing the Surgery?" Ginny of course would ask these questions. She was studying to be a healer. "Oh Hermione, I'm sorry. I'm rambling on. We'll be right there."
Harry and Ginny met Hermione in the waiting room and they exchanged hugs. Hermione filled them in on the nights events, well not everything. Some things are private after all. Harry and Hermione sat down while Ginny went to ask for details about Ron's condition.
Hermione was in her own thoughts. What had happened this evening? It was just supposed to be dinner with an old friend. Granted, it was an old friend who she happened to be in love with, but they had never admitted that to each other until now. They had never even had a date until tonight. But over the course of the evening, so much had changed. Maybe Ron's illness had awoken old feelings long buried. But she had told him that she loved him, and she meant it. She did love him, and being honest with herself, she had always done so. She had lost track of time. What was taking so long? This was supposed to be an easy procedure. Finally, a healer emerged from the surgical suite. He was walking toward the three assembled in the waiting room. 'Oh, God. What if something went wrong. Please, let Ron be OK. I finally have him in my life again. Please don't take him away,' Hermione thought to herself as she held on tightly to Harry and Ginny.
The healer spoke to the group. "I'm looking for Ron Weasley's wife." Harry and Ginny both stared in shock at Hermione.
"That's me. Is he alright?" Hermione felt close to fainting.