A/N: Thanks to everyone reviewing. I worked so hard to make sure the last chapter was up before HBP. I work at my internship from 9-5:30 everyday, and don't get home until 6. I would stay up til 3 in the morning, just finishing the chapters. And now that HBP is coming out, I don't think people will be reading fanfics for a while. So, I will catch up on some sleep and start writing again. I won't be reading the new book soon because it has to go through my little sister and brother first. So, if you already read the book, please don't point out anything in my story that pertains the 6th book. I would like to remain purefor the book. lol. Thanks :)
CHAPTER 23
Hermione went to the hospital wing the next day to visit Harry. She can still remember the look on Harry's face before he passed out. He wasn't scared though. It was an emotion, different than that. She has never seen Harry like that in all of her time knowing him. She knew he had visions last year, but she never actually seen him like that. Ron use to describe and talk about Harry after he had a vision or feeling last year, but it was different when one can actually see it.
Ron carried him to the hospital wing as soon as possible. Hermione notified Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore of Harry's condition.
Hermione felt numb. She has seen Harry when it was bad, but this was worst than bad. He has never seen Harry or anyone pass out like that. She didn't know how to feel. One moment, she was flying high and feeling happy. Then, the next moment, her heart stopped beating and everything came crashing down on her. The two extreme of emotions has left her numb.
As she entered the hospital wing, she saw Ron, dozed off in a chair next to Harry's bed. Harry was still sleeping. As she walked closer, Hermione saw the invisibility cloak sitting at Ron's feet. She knew instantly that Ron has sneaked down in the middle of the night with Harry's cloak. Madam Pomfrey refused to let them stay. She said she didn't need the two of them around while she tried to help Harry.
Ron awoke with a jerk when he heard her footsteps coming closer to him.
"Hi," Hermione said, smiling at Ron.
"Hi," Ron said back, coming back to consciousness.
"How is he," Hermione asked, looking closely at Harry for any signs or improvement.
"He's been out the whole time," Ron said. "Madam Pomfrey told Dumbledore she expects him to be awake soon, though."
Hermione pulled a chair up next to Harry's bed. Ginny ran into the wing.
"Where is he? How is he," Ginny asked, out of breath from running to the hospital wing. "I came as soon as I heard this morning."
She looked at Harry, then took a seat next to Hermione.
"He was fine last night," Ginny said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"What time did you see him," Hermione asked.
"We were in the common room until ten thirty," Ginny said. "Then we both went up to our rooms."
"What were you doing with Harry up so late," Ron shot at Ginny.
Hermione gave Ron a cross look across the bed.
"We were just talking," Ginny said angrily back to Ron. "Where were you? Prefect duty doesn't last that long."
Hermione and Ron blushed. Hermione played back the momentof her and Ron last night in the classroomover in her mind.
Harry stirred in his bed and that snapped the three teenagers' attention to Harry.
Harry grabbed his head and started moaning. "He's ready," Harry said over and over.
Hermione got up and leaned over Harry. "Shh," she said, placing a hand on Harry's arm. "What do you mean, Harry? Who's ready? Voldermort?"
"Well, that was a stupid question," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "Of course it's him."
Hermione decided to ignore Ron's comment. Now isn't the time to start a row. She needs to know everything. If Voldermort is ready, what is he ready for?
"Is he planning another attack," Hermione asked, trying to get Harry to talk. If another attack happens, she wants to be ready. What happened to her parents won't happen again. If she stops him, she will be able to prove to her parents that this world is safe enough for her to stay.
"Harry, you have to tell me," Hermione said, now shaking Harry. "Harry, tell me!"
Ron had to come from the other side of the bed to restrain her.
"Hermione," Ron said as he was pulling her away.
Ginny got up and stood between Harry and Hermione, who was struggling to be freed.
"Stop this," Ginny yelled at Hermione. "He's in no state to talk."
"But I need to know," Hermione said, struggling harder with Ron.
"Calm down," Ron said as he tightens his grip on her.
Hermione struggled a little more, then gave up when she realized Ron was too strong for her. She buried her face in Ron's chest, trying her best not to cry out of fustration. Ron loosen his grip, but held on to Hermione to comfort her.
"He's awake," a booming voice said as the doors of the hospital wing flew open. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione turned around. It was Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Pomphey, and Professor Dyzene.
"You children shouldn't be here," Madam Pomphey said, reprimanding them.
"It's okay," Dumbledore said. "But I'm afraid you three will have to leave. I need to speak with Harry."
The three teenagers were hesitant in leaving Harry's side. But, one by one, they followed and left the wing.
"Well, I got to go," Ginny said. "You'll let me know when Dumbledore's finish with Harry, right?"
Ron nodded, then Ginny walked off to the Great Hall. Hermione slumped against the wall. There were too many emotions going through her head right now.
"What was that all about in there," Ron asked Hermione worried.
"What do you mean," Hermione asked.
"You know what I mean," Ron said, walking over to Hermione. "You were shaking Harry pretty hard. I've never seen you like that."
Hermione slumped lower until she was sitting on the floor and can feel the cold wall against her back. She put her head back, with her eyes closed. What was she thinking? Why did she act like that? Even she didn't know.
"I don't know," Hermione said softly. She wanted to go back to last night. Back to when it was just her and Ron in that empty classroom again. Everything seems so far and small when she was with Ron last night. She forgot everything, the pain, fear, and hate. Why did she have to come out of that happy moment?
"Hermione," Ron said, kneeling down so he was at the same eye level with Hermione. "Ever since you came back from St. Mungo's you have been acting very different. You come back and started becoming obsess withstopping Vol-voldermort. I know you want to go after him because of what happened to your parents. We all do, butwhat you're doing it isn't healthy."
Hermione finally opened her eyes and looked at Ron's eyes. They were sad and worried, different than what she saw last night. He took hold of both of her hands and she took a deep sigh.
She found herself confessing everything about the hospital visit to Ron. She told him how her parents wanted her to leave Hogwarts after their fifth because it was becoming dangerous. And, after the attack on them, they made up their mind and wanted to get Hermione out. But, before they could do anything, their memories were modified. They don't remember the attack, the hospital, Hermione's visit, or their decision to pull Hermione out of Hogwarts and the wizarding world for good.
"But how can you leave," Ron asked, now sitting on the floor across Hermione. "This is where you belong. This is your home! Well, it's a good thing your parents had their memory modified."
"Don't you get it, Ron," Hermione cried. "They're only modifying their memories from the attack. Everything before that will stay intact. They were considering of pulling me out of Hogwarts before the attack."
Ron looked like he was still confused. Hermione was getting fustrated. How can Ron not see this?
"It took the Death Eaters attack for them to make their mind up," Hermione said, seeing if Ron has caught up yet. "They forgot about this past attack and forgot they decided to take me out of Hogwarts. They still think I'm safe with Dumbledore. However, if another attack happens, they're going to pull me out of Hogwarts. And this time, I can't modify their memory to make them forget. If we can find a way to stop Voldermort before attacking again, my parents will see the wizarding world is safe enough for me to stay."
This time it looked liked Ron finally understood. He was staring intently at Hermione. When she finished, his eyes were opened wide with understanding.
"That's why you're so set in stopping him," Ron said.
Hermione nodded. "And I really don't want to leave, Ron," Hermione said.
"And you won't have to," Ron said firmly. "I won't let you leave! You can't leave now. Not after..."
Ron trailed off, but Hermione knew he was going to say, 'Not after last night.' How can she leave now? How can she leave after things are finally starting to happen between Ron and her. She has been waiting for that moment for a long time. And now, when things are finally going her way, her parents decides she should leave. No, Hermione would not let that happen. She needs to stay here. Not only for Ron, but for Harry, Ginny, and everyone else that depends on her.Hermione leaned towards Ron and gave him another kiss. It was quite inappropriate to do so in the middle of the corridor, during the day, in front of the hospital wing where their best friend is lying in a bed. But all those things didntt matter to Hermione at that moment. All she was thinking about and caring about was the guy sitting in front of her, kissing her back.
Moments later, the door of the hospital wing opened and all of the adults walked out. They were finished talking to Harry. Ron and Hermione quickly got up and ran to the door. They were greeted at the door by Harry.
He was dressed and looked like he was ready to leave. He looked at them for a moment, then walked away.
Hermione wanted to follow him. She wanted to ask questions. She wants to clarify what Harry saw. Hermione took two steps before she felt Ron hold on to her hand, holding her back. She looked up at Ron, confused. He knows how important this is to her. He knows she needs to find out everything. Why is he stopping her?
Ron sadly shook his head. Hermione knew Ron was right. He was just questioned by Dumbldore. He didn't need to go over it again that soon.
Ron took her into his arms. She closed her eyes with her head against his chest,and Hermione wished, just for that moment,time wouldstop forher.