"I suggest you study harder Potter," Snape's spit hit Harry's face with a tension burning numbness.

"Yes Professor," Harry said wiping his face with his robes after Snape turned around to hand back the rest of the essays in his hand, "That's just great."

"Yeah well mines worse Harry," Ron dropped his paper in front of Harry.

"Yeah it is," Harry scanned Ron's essay, "And I suppose Hermione got an O."

Ron turned his head to only face Hermione a few seats from his. He stared at her while she smiled and mentally patted herself on the back.

"She probably did," said Ron as he laid his head on his arms.

"What's wrong with...OW!" Harry grabbed his forehead with a hiss like sound of pain.

Ron stared at him, "Harry are you alright?"

Harry continued to hold his forehead trying to make it so visible when it was causing him pain. The glow in his scar would create chaos.

"Harry!" Ron whined.

"I'm alright Ron."

"Well you sure don't bloody look like it."

Harry began to sweat as the pain grew and it felt as if he were right next to Voldemort himself. His palm became sticky and he couldn't hear anything around him, all of a sudden Harry jumped out of his chair to Snape's desk.

"Professor...Professor I need to see Dumbledore," Harry began to become weak. His arms flapped as if Lockhart's boneless spell had been cast on him again.

"Weasley, get over here!" Snape's arms flicked as Ron ran towards Harry, "Take Potter to Dumbledore immediately, but quietly."

"Yes sir," Ron said dragging the semi-unconscious Harry Potter.

As they walked into the empty hallways, Harry's legs began to give in.

"Harry, come on we're almost there!" Ron threw Harry's arm over his head.

Harry fell onto the ground and he brought Ron with him. Ron stood again and tried to pick Harry up, but for some reason, he seemed as if he weighed like a fully-grown hippogriff. Ron tugged as hard as possible trying to lift Harry, but his attempts failed.

"Harry!" Ron shouted trying to wake him.

Harry's body shot up into the air; flying up onto his feet in one swift movement. Ron stayed on his knees with his hands planted in front of him; he stared at Harry.

"Harry...." Ron paused as he stood, "Are you alright?"

Harry slowly turned around with his wand in his hand. Ron swallowed hard when he saw that Harry's eyes were completely black.

"You...." Harry's voice was deep and croaked.

"Harry..." Ron began to back away with his hands up to his chest.

Harry smiled, "Expelliarmus!"

Ron's wand fell out of his hands and crawled its way toward Harry.

"Come on Harry..." Ron tried his best to lead him towards Dumbledore's office.

"Colloportus!" The doors behind Ron locked with loud clicks, "Looks like your out of plans Ronald Weasley."

"Who are you?" Ron turned around and ran as fast as he could towards McGonagall's office.

"Crucio!"

Ron's body slammed hard against the stone flooring. His eyes were about to explode out of his head and his arms and legs seemed as if a hundred bludgers had come charging at them. His body jerked and crumbled as if it were on fire.

"Imperio!"

Harry's arms flicked as Ron's body slid on the ground towards him. Blood stabbed at Ron's eyes and he felt as if he couldn't breathe.

"I would kill you right now if you weren't useful in killing Harry Potter," Harry's leg budged into Ron's stomach, "Get up!"

Ron spit blood out as his arms shook while lifting himself only an inch off the ground. His arms gave in, his face crashing against the floor.

"GET UP!" Harry yelled.

Ron couldn't move; his body was too weak to even speak.

"Crucio!"

And again it happened, Ron's body shook with ache and he screamed in his head. He screamed so hard that his head rang and jerked from side to side as if this were only a nightmare.

"I'll be seeing you soon..."

Ron opened his eyes and stared at Harry as he fell to the ground. His eyes fainted.

Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hermione, and Ginny sat in chairs beside Ron and Harry's bed in the Hospital Wing. Their heads took small naps and they awoke at the slightest movement of either of the friends. Dumbledore's face was unreadable and he concentrated on Harry's scar. Snape's eyes were darted at the treatments made by him to help Harry and Ron. Professor McGonagall stared at Hermione and Ginny with tears in the corner of her eyes. Hermione and Ginny's faces were both expressionless and depressed. The five of them stayed still and wanted to be there when Harry and Ron would wake up.

Every few moments Harry would slightly show a sign of life, but Ron's seemed to stay in the exact same place as if his body was frozen. Hermione was too afraid to touch him; she convinced herself that it would hurt him. Ginny stared at Harry, her eyes never left his body. Both their bodies bawled on the poison arrows shot into their hearts.

Harry's eyes finally opened only to dare Ginny's eyes. She threw her arms around Harry and cried out of joy that would never vanquish. Hermione smiled only for a few seconds before her eyes focused on Ron again. Dumbledore and McGonagall smiled too.

"Well back Harry," Dumbledore whispered.

Harry looked from Dumbledore to Professor Snape sitting directly behind him. He was least expecting him to be there at all.

"What happened Professor?"

Snape looked at Dumbledore.

"Perhaps Harry, we should wait for Mr. Weasley to awake?"

Harry looked at Hermione frowning at Ron's distorted body, "Okay. Is he alright?"

"I'm afraid some of the Unforgivable Curses have been cast upon Mr. Weasley once again."

Hermione's eyes twitched at the sound and tears streamed down her face.

"Miss Granger, I'm sure Mr. Weasley will be alright."

Hermione remained silent.

"It won't be long Miss Granger, he's survived it once before."

"Minerva, would you please lock the doors and sound-proof these walls?"

"Of course Albus," McGonagall nodded as she cast the spells upon the room.

The large wooden doors shut closed. The group remained silent, not knowing what to say next. They needed Ron to be awake; they needed his reference on the events that took place. Hermione could feel every eye on her, she could feel everyone's sympathy, but for some odd reason, it didn't help at all. Albus Dumbledore placed his fragile hand upon Hermione's shoulder.

"Miss Granger do you think you could do me a favor?"

Hermione looked into Dumbledore's eyes, "Of course."

"Wake Mr. Weasley."

"I can't Professor," Hermione was confused.

"I'm sure you can Miss Granger."

"But how Professor?"

Dumbledore smiled through his spectacles, "Touch him."

"What if I hurt him? How will that help? I can't do it."

"Miss Granger of all students in Hogwarts, you have been one of the most successful. This should be an easy task for you."

Hermione looked around at Harry and Ginny for help, but both of them seemed to be waiting. What were they waiting for? There was no way she was going to touch him, not in front of everyone, especially teachers.

"Miss Granger?"

"I'm sorry Professor, but I don't think that would wake him up," Hermione glared at Ron's hand.

"Very well," Dumbledore sat in his chair again and closed his eyes, "It might be a long wait."

"Hermione, just try," Ginny whispered.

"Ginny I won't do it."

"Don't you want him to wake up? I know you want him to be and if this does work then you will be able to talk to him."

"That's not fair..."

"Don't make him wait."

Hermione stared at Ginny then placed her head beside Ron's still hand. She didn't understand how this would work at all. She had tried his method a million times and it never changed anything; he'd always stay the same as he was. Sharp tears formed in her eyes as she quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it against her face. Hermione used his hand to wipe the tears off her face and she felt his damp skin with her thumb.

Nothing happened; Ron didn't move. Hermione wanted to jump up and let the boiled anger fulfill the room. She wanted to yell at everyone for telling her to touch him, nothing changed. Ron didn't wake up. Dumbledore of all people made her suffer more than she already was and when she turned to look at him, he was smiling. She wanted to yell into his face that Ron wasn't awake, that he was wrong.

"Hermione?" Hermione swallowed hard as she slowly turned her head to face Ron's blinking eyes.

"Ron?" Hermione whispered under her tears.

He looked around and paused at Harry.

"Welcome back Mr. Weasley," McGonagall puffed up his pillow and helped him sit up straighter.

"Thanks," Ron rubbed his head.

Hermione couldn't do anything, but stare at him.

"Professor Snape found you and Harry on the ground in the hallways this morning. If you will Professor."

"Potter and Weasley were supposed to go to your office headmaster. I didn't hear from you so I decided to check for myself weather or not Potter and Weasley went to your office or just skipped their potions class. I found Potter and Weasley on the floor; only Potter had his wand."

Ron gulped softly as he stared at his hands; Hermione studied his face.

"Mr. Weasley, Harry doesn't seem to remember anything," Dumbledore paused, "Can you recollect any of the events that happened his morning?"

Ron didn't speak until a few moments later, "No Professor. I don't remember anything."

"Are you sure Mr. Weasley? Nothing at all?"

"Sorry," Ron began to play with his hands.

"Very well then. Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, and I should be heading back," the three of them stood, "Feel better Mr. Weasley....and Harry."

Harry, Ginny, and Ron watched as they left; Hermione stared at Ron still.

"Why did you lie?" Hermione said when their footsteps faded.

"I didn't lie!" Ron turned his head to face Hermione.

"Yes you did."

"No I didn't Hermione! Stop accusing me of lying when I didn't."

"But you did Ron!"

Harry and Ginny watched from Ron to Hermione.

"You know Ron; you should treat Hermione with more respect than that. She is the one that woke you up," Harry said as he stared at Hermione's face getting softer.

"I woke up by myself Harry."

"Actually no Ron; Hermione woke you up," Ginny said smiling happily.

The four friends talked until the sky began to fall into darkness and the candles flickered into life. Ron pretended as if nothing had happened and he tried to ignore what happened with Harry, but he knew he couldn't tell. He didn't want to get Harry into trouble or he didn't want Dumbledore to suspend their friendship until Lord Voldemort would be killed. Ginny would be horrified, but if he didn't tell then she might also be in danger. So would Hermione.

Harry noticed that Ron had been acting odd; they were of course best friends. It was obvious when something was bothering Ron and Harry always thought that it was about Hermione. Harry Potter truly didn't have any idea of what he had done to Ron. Hermione noticed that Ron was acting a bit uneasy ever since their argument about him lying to Professor Dumbledore. She wished that Ron would tell her.

When it was time for dinner Ginny and Hermione got up to eat in the Great Hall, but Ron grabbed tightly onto Hermione's wrist before she could even stand up straight.

"Ron let go," Hermione jerked her hand.

When Ron saw Ginny and Harry whispering to each other, he quickly pulled her down to him.

"Don't leave me Hermione," Hermione looked at Ron.

"Ginny?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't think I'm that hungry. Why don't you go ahead without me..."

"Are you sure? Didn't you say you were hungry?"

"Well, that medicine made me lose my appetite," Hermione pointed at the bottle on Ron's end table with her eyes.

"Maybe we should ask Dobby to bring all of us some food?" Harry suggested.

"Good idea mate," Ron said quickly.

So they did. Harry asked Dobby the house elf to bring the four of them food only he had brought almost a whole table full of food to them. None of them complained since they had been in the Hospital Wing all day. Hermione continued to study Ron when he was joking with Harry and Ginny; something was wrong, something was scaring him. Ron glanced at Hermione every now and then to thank her for staying with him; it was just a nod.

Ron's fingers gripped the end of his wand tightly as he walked through the corridors alone. Quidditch practice had just ended and he showered in less than five minutes, so he left without Harry. Harry was the one person he didn't want to be around and Hermione, he just couldn't follow her around all day. He needed to tell her and he wanted to, but he just didn't know how to say "Harry tried to kill me." It would sound too awkward and Hermione would tell the whole world. Well.....maybe not, but she'd tell Ginny.

Apricot strolled down the corridors at the same time and they smacked into each other like a bludger and a bat. Ron grabbed onto her arm before she could fall onto the ground; anyone who ran into Ron's tall body would eventually end up on the ground. Ron grinned when she looked at him and smiled.

"Sorry," Ron said picking up her books.

"It's alright," Apricot said while bending down to help Ron.

"Here you go," Ron handed her books over.

"Thanks," she looked at him deeply, "Where have you been?"

"Uh...no where."

"You kind of disappeared for a while."

"You noticed?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Ron wiped his hands on his robes.

"Well...uh...I've just been busy that's all."

"I'm sorry if I offended you when we were eating dinner before..."

"Oh...don't worry about it," Ron interrupted her and shifted from leg to leg nervously.

"I just wanted you to know."

"Oh."

She stepped closer to Ron.

"I'm going to kiss you right now..."

Apricot slid her lips onto his and they arched over while Ron's lips stayed still. This was the only love that he had ever received. Her lips were moist with strawberry favor and at first Ron hesitated, but the temptation was too difficult for him to handle. Apricot's book seemed as if they were magnetized to the floor and her hands gripped on the back of his neck.

As they kissed though, Ron noticed something different. He was actually able to think while kissing her; Hermione had taken him away from everything. Every time Ron reached for Hermione, he'd cross his heart that he wouldn't mess up for once in his life. For once in his life Hermione and him could mount on love and let it travel as far as possible. Sometimes he was even convinced that they had headed towards that road, but they had made too many left turns.

Apricot wanted Ron and he wanted her; it was as simple as that. It seemed like the last resort. Hermione always pulled away, she didn't show her love for him. Ron was willing to give Hermione everything, but he knew that Hermione would never give anything back. So this was the moment Ron decided it wasn't going to be about Hermione anymore even though he knew his first priority would always be Hermione and not even death would change that. He was going to give Apricot a chance.

A/N: I AM SOOOOOO SORRY GUYS! I honestly feel like the worst person in the world. I know my updates have been becoming less and less...and I deeply apologize for it...I've been trying to plan the ending...and I am successful! I'm sorry but I'm not going to say anything! I've also been really busy with school and things like that...so it really hasn't been helping much...So the chapter was really poorly written in my opinion...I just wanted all of you to have something to read since I let you guys down...so I hope you semi-enjoy it...

Immy- I'm glad you like my fanfic...thanks for your support!

Lil'Kirbo- Thank you very much. I can't say anything about Apricot...I don't want to spoil the ending 

AmyChris- DUDE you are the BEST, I love you too! Thank you for mentioning that I keep the characters with their personalities because that is my main goal and its awesome to know that they are like the real characters themselves.

piratingspiderelf- I wish I could've not made Hermione stop...it was just getting really fun...

Bhekie- You'll find out!

Gryphlet- lol...yes the whole table thing... I tried to make it as if Ron pushed the tables...like he was strong enough...lol I dunno...I'm a dork like that

Kayla- Thank you for your support!

Miss Mione- Thanks!

cara- I love it when people say I'm a "brilliant" writer...I can just imagine it in a British accent...lets just say it's my weakness 

Sweet Stephy- I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your review!

Gryphlet (again lol)- I know it's been almost a month...and I apologize to everyone! Thank you for reminding me, it made me want to write another chapter ASAP...so everyone thank Gryphlet!