There For You

Author's Note: Ok, in my rush to update, I forgot to mention something in last chapter. First, as hopefully it was understood in Madam Pomfrey's little lecture, Ginny is NOT pregnant. A few people asked about this and I want to clarify that Harry and Ginny are not sleeping together. Any suggestive language I use is referring to kissing/making out and if my characters do have sex, you'll all know it. Until then, they just snog each other senseless! Anyway, let me also explain Dumbledore a bit. I did not mean to make him sound harsh in last chapter, he was just making Harry understand how the summer would go and make sure Harry had a realistic outlook on the Malfoy situation, since Harry likes to have control. And I know the last few chapters have been a bit grim so I made sure this one had some nice fluff.

Chapter 30: Return to Normalcy

Hermione lay staring at the wall after Ron left. She hadn't spoken to anyone since. She had fallen into a light sleep but it didn't last long. Anger still pulsed through her at the way Ron had treated her. She wasn't a child! She could do as she pleased and he had nothing to say about it. He seemed to think he owned her and could tell her what to do at his will. Well she wouldn't stand for it. Not that she could stand a little bit ago. It was so strange how her leg pain had come so suddenly. All she had done was walk, and that was no reason for shooting pains and then numbness. It was the most bizarre thing she had ever experienced. Maybe Ron was right…no, he was utterly and completely obtuse about the whole situation. He couldn't just take her outside!

She put her feet in her slippers and gingerly stood up, paying close attention to how her lower leg felt. She took a few steps to test it. It felt all right so she put her robe on and headed to the door. She looked at Ginny's bed but Ginny and all her belongings were gone. That was strange. She hadn't heard her leave but she had fallen asleep. Hopefully Ginny was all right to leave so soon. Hermione shrugged to herself and left the room to go find Ron. She was still very angry with him but she wanted to talk about it. He needed to learn to treat her with respect. The most likely place for Ron to be was at lunch or in Gryffindor Tower. The latter was closer and she walked a bit slower than usual to make sure nothing happened.

A few younger students were studying in the common room but Hermione didn't see Ron or Ginny. She also wondered where Harry had gone. Last time he'd been with Ginny. Perhaps they were together now. She thought Ron might be in his room so she carefully climbed the stairs to the boys' door. In case someone else was in the room, she knocked a few times. No one answered but she heard water running. She tentatively opened the door, ready to avert her eyes, and looked in. The floor was covered with clothes, books, and shoes. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. A pair of underwear sat at her feet. No one was in the sleeping area but the door to the loo was open and she could see Ron's back. She stepped in and closed the door. Ron turned, his face wet with a towel in hand, and looked out to see who had entered. His eyes widened slightly at seeing her. She didn't smile but went closer to the loo, trying not to trip or step on anything, as he dried his face. She made it across the maze and leaned against the doorframe, watching him hang the towel and then he turned to her, his face tinted pink.

"What do you think you're doing, Hermione? You should be in your bed, relaxing." Her face darkened, shifting from the feeling of warmth she had momentarily felt at seeing him.

"I've done enough relaxing, thank you. I want to talk about earlier." He crossed his arms defensively and cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh? Going to apologize for yelling at me?"

"Certainly not! Ron you treated me like I was a little child, telling me what to do like that and in front of our friends!"

"Well when you act like a child, all I can do is treat you like one!" he said bitterly. Her jaw dropped.

"You are being so horrible! I was not acting like a child! You do not control me and if I want to go somewhere, you can't tell me no!" Ron rubbed his face in annoyance, trying to keep calm but feeling like screaming. "You need to learn to respect me and treat me like an equal!"

"Oh, don't give me that, Hermione!" He couldn't take it anymore. "I don't even want to hear it! You are such a hypocrite! If I were doing something you didn't like or didn't approve of, you'd start bossing me around like a bloody queen! 'Don't swear, Ron,' and 'Don't fight with Malfoy,' and 'Do your homework,' blah blah blah! You've treated me like a child millions of times but when I tell you to lie down or stop walking around, you can argue all you want? I don't tell you what to do to treat you like a child or to be mean! Is that what you think? That I'm just being big, bad tyrannical Ron? Well, newsflash! I do it so you can get better! When you won't take care of yourself, I have to! I want to keep you healthy and if that means you can't do every bloody thing you want, then so be it! I don't care if it makes you mad, I'm going to make you slow down! I love you and I'm going to take care of you, damn it. End of story!" He stopped, breathing hard and with his face burning, he wiped a line of sweat off his forehead. She just stared at him, partially in shock. He licked his lips and cleared his throat. He didn't know what to expect. A slap? A tirade?

But instead, she took a step and taking his face, kissed him soundly on the lips. He was almost too shocked to respond. But she kept going, pressing her body against his and despite his previous anger, he only wanted to hold her and be with her the way they had before. It had been so long since they had kissed, really deeply kissed and touched. He took her waist and moved his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms fully around his neck, taking the nape of his neck in one hand and the back of his head in the other, running her fingers through his hair. His arm went around her waist to tightly hold her to him and he reached behind him to find the low sink. His fingers found it and he backed them up against it then put that arm to her back. Her robe was soft under his fingers. She was rising up as high as she could on tiptoe so he picked her up to have her at his height. They gave each other hurried kisses, switching to cheeks and neck frequently.

After several minutes, he turned her and lifted her onto the sink, so she was a hair taller than him. Her legs opened, her robes hanging between them to let him lean against the stone, so he could hold her flat against his chest, but it never felt like she was close enough. A flowery scent filled his senses as he kissed her neck then trailed down her shoulder, back to her neck before she forced his lips back on hers. He threaded her fingers in his on his right hand and moments later felt her hand tremble slightly. He pulled his lips away and looked at her.

"Are you ok? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I did too much," he said softly, worriedly, and taking her face with his left hand he looked in her eyes. She shook her head.

"No, no," she sighed. "I'm fine, don't worry." She cupped his face. "That was really nice." He gave her a lop-sided grin, his hands sitting on her hips.

"That was, wasn't it." She kissed him again then wrapped her arms around his neck and he enveloped her tightly. "It hasn't been like that in so long." She sighed in agreement. "I miss it. I've missed you so much, Hermione. I've felt so…I don't know, empty. You've been here but…"

"I know," she breathed into his neck. "I love you." She kissed his neck. "I love you so much." They held each other for several moments.

"Are you tired?" he asked, hoping she wouldn't take him asking her that the wrong way.

"A little."

"You want to take a small snooze? We can just lie in the room for a bit."

"Ok." He breathed a sigh of relief. He actually had no intention of sleeping but wanted to keep her there, with him, a little longer. She wasn't tired either. She scooted forward on the sink and slid off. They walked to his bed, his arm around her waist, then she climbed into his sheets. He waited for her to scoot over and adjust before he followed. She snuggled up to his chest and he wrapped an arm protectively around her.

He pressed his lips to her forehead and she folded her arm against his chest, taking in the scent of his shirt where her face met his shoulder. They both knew the previously forgotten argument still needed to be discussed but it could wait.

When Ginny arrived in her room, she was pleasantly surprised by a gift on her bed. A large box of chocolates was propped against her pillow next to a bouquet of violet flowers. She hurried to them to see who they were from.

Dearest Ginny,

We're terribly sorry we've missed talking to you. Things are quite busy here at the shop and other matters but we haven't forgotten about our baby sister. We also heard you were sick and we're very sorry about that. You may not feel like them now but here are some specially made chocolates for you and a nice set of flowers, if we do say so ourselves. We would love to talk to you so how about tomorrow at five you go and give us a ring on the phone? Ask Ron how if you don't know. Now go give Ronniekins a good smack on the head and Harry a little pinch on the bum and we'll talk to you soon!

Love from, George and Fred

She rolled her eyes but smiled. They did care for her, she knew that, she just didn't like feeling ignored. But she could talk to them the next evening, giving her something to look forward to. With her spirits significantly higher, but her head feeling a bit dizzy, she sat on her bed and opened the box of sweets. Each chocolate was a little picture of her face. Lovely, she thought. I get to eat myself. They were pretty funny though. She smiled and closed the box. Chocolates weren't her first food of choice at the moment. She thought a second and realized Harry didn't know she had left the Hospital Wing. No one did actually, except Madam Pomfrey. Oh well, they would figure it out.

Harry left Lupin's office feeling almost elated. His heart felt lighter and he wanted that feeling to stay a while. The first thought to come to mind was a broom ride. The weather was quite cold out but he didn't mind. A little rain never hurt anyone. Going at a jog, Harry headed to his room for his broomstick, his elation increasing with anticipation. A few people gave him odd looks as he went past them in the common room. He just grinned and kept going. He burst through the dorm room door and bent to grab his broom from under his bed. When he stood up again, he nearly jumped back when he realized Ron and Hermione were lying together in Ron's bed. Hermione was facing away from Harry but her head was turned to look at him. They both smiled at him sheepishly and he cleared his throat.

"Uh, er, I was just off for a ride. On my broom. For a bit."

"It's awfully cold out, Harry," Hermione warned. Harry couldn't believe it. Here they were, in Ron's bed, with Harry trying to leave and Hermione had to give him weather tips.

"Yeah, I know. I don't mind. It'll be nice. So, you two have fun…er, whatever. Bye."

"At least wear an extra cloak," Hermione said. Harry quickly grabbed a cloak, probably not his, off the floor and ran out the door, slamming it shut. Ron snorted as Harry left.

"That was funny. Did you see how red he got?" Ron asked. "I thought only I could achieve colors like that." Hermione turned her head back to lie on him and giggled into his chest. His fingers ran through her hair several times then lay still, buried beneath her locks. She ran her fingernails down his back slowly. "Are you feeling all right?" She nodded and sighed.

"Wonderful."

"Good…Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"Why did you do that earlier? You know, kiss me instead of smack me?" She giggled again. He loved the sound of her laugh and the feeling of her giggle against him. "Come on, I think it's a fair question." She leaned away from him a bit to look up at his face.

"I suppose hearing what you said just…made me happy in a strange way. And, I don't know, love you more. I don't like being yelled at, mind you, but I realized why you yelled and kissing you just made sense."

"Oh, well that's fair, I suppose. I should yell at you more often." She slapped his arm lightly.

"No, you shouldn't." He hugged her to him, so she felt the rumbling of his laugh in his chest.

"I'm just joking, love. I'll yell at you the normal amount." She had to smile at his cheekiness but not so he could see of course. "Now, you know I wasn't complaining about the snogging. I quite enjoyed you grabbing me like that."

"Don't expect it too often."

"And why not?" She paused. What sort of answer could one give that question?

"I don't want you to think we're going to snog like that all the time. And it isn't as if you grab me like that often either."

"Should I grab you more often? I will, don't worry." She tutted at him and swatted his arm again.

"You are such a boy."

"I thought you liked that about me. Sorry, I suppose I misunderstood. Shall I start wearing makeup or something?"

"Will you shut up for once?" she laughed. He pulled her face up to his and kissed her lightly. She pulled closer and laid her hand at his neck, turning her head for better access. After several minutes, she pulled back for a breath. He licked his lips and grinned.

"See now? It's good I'm a boy. Strong lips, eh?" She smiled back.

"Ron, let's talk a minute."

"Must we? Talking always gets so serious and-"

"Just for a bit. We still need to talk about earlier but without yelling, ok? We'll make a compromise."

"Fine, if we must," he sighed dramatically.

"Look, I know I'm a pain sometimes." Ron nodded vehemently. "Oh, shut up." He laughed and ran a thumb down her cheek and back into her hair. "Nevertheless, you could talk to me a bit less like I was a child, all right? If I'm doing something stupid or going too fast, then just tell me nicely and if need be, remind me that I said I would be more careful."

"When did you say that?"

"I'm saying it now. I'll take better care of myself and when you tell me it's time to slow down, I'll try to listen. I just get restless, you know?"

"Yeah, I know. Look, I love that you want to be back in normal life and how you push yourself to be better. I get that, but you have to do it slowly." She nodded. "I'll try to calm the bossiness, all right? You try too."

"Deal. But you have to let me do some things."

"I do. But then you always want more." She looked away. He took her chin to look back at him. "It's ok to want more. Just keep it under control. I won't hold you back unless it puts you in possible danger or risk of your health." Her eyes twinkled, realizing they understood each other, better than ever before.

"Ok. We'll help each other."

"Now that we have that settled, I'm starving. We can go to the Great Hall…" She smiled and sat up in excitement.

"Yes, let's go!"

"Maybe you should go change first." Looking down, she realized she was still in her dressing gown and pajamas. She could go to her room and get some clothes. She became excited at the thought, as she hadn't worn normal clothes in ages.

"All right, I'll change and then we can meet downstairs in the common room." They kissed a final time before she slid off the bed. "By the way…"

"Yes, love?" She made a large step over a pile of trousers.

"Your room is filthy. Clean it up already! Your mother would be ashamed."

"Yeah, and I'm sure you lying here with me would make her jump with glee." Hermione rolled her eyes and left.

Harry quickly made his way through the halls and out the front doors to the light rain outside. He threw the cloak on, knowing now it was Neville's cloak as it was too long and wide for him with Neville's stature, and continued jogging to the Quidditch pitch. The size of the cloak wouldn't matter once he was in the air though he almost took a nosedive into the grass when his foot caught the hem. He lifted the bottom of the robes out of his way and finally made it to the pitch, his body only slightly wet though the rain was picking up now. Ignoring it, he straddled the broom and pushed off as hard as he could. The raindrops slapped his face as he flew against the shower, making him go slower than usual but the cold made him feel better, more alive. He turned suddenly and dove toward the ground, pulling up only just before he hit the ground and zoomed off in the direction of the goal posts.

He flew around for nearly half an hour, letting all his worries melt away, making him feel refreshed and relaxed. He only decided to stop when a lightning bolt shot across the sky and he felt being a target was a bit too dangerous. He finally descended, his clothes and hair drenched and dripping. He took a few steps and noticed a figure standing not ten feet from him.

"And you're on the house team? How disgraceful." It was Malfoy, of course. After all the therapy Harry had just awarded himself, he had to deal with this.

"Shove off, Malfoy. I don't feel like chatting."

"Yeah, Potter, chatting is exactly what I want to do with you," he drawled, rolling his eyes. "I'm glad you finally came down, I wanted a ride myself."

"Then go." Harry brushed past him then stopped and turned. "Hey!" Draco looked back, his broom under his arm, his blonde hair plastered to his forehead the same as Harry's. "I want to talk to you about the summer." Malfoy cocked an eyebrow, wondering why he would bring that up. Thunder echoed menacingly all around them. "I'm warning you, stay away from Ginny and the rest of us. I know you don't want to be around us and we certainly don't want to be around you."

"Oh, that really hurts, scar head. As much as I'm dying to sit with you lot, I'm going to stay away, don't worry. I'd prefer to keep off the mudblood germs. And seeing your face everyday won't make my food stay down very easy. Are you sure there even will be food? Can the Weasel clan even afford an extra mouth?" Harry clenched his fists as another lightning bolt lit the clouded sky.

"Don't you talk about them like that! You keep your big mouth shut around them and stay in your damn room! I don't want to see your face more than on the way there, you understand?"

"Will you get over yourself? You act like I'm going to beg to hang out! I don't want to go! It wasn't my bloody choice!"

"Then why the hell are you going! Stay home! We don't want you!"

"It's none of your damn business and don't ask me again or I'll hex you into next week! You better go in, you might catch cold and have to go back to the bloody hospital wing! You wimpy lot! All of you in there like you're all dying!" He turned violently and stalked off to the pitch. Harry almost threw his broom at Malfoy's head but decided better of it when thunder crashed, making him jump, and he ran up to the castle.

Ginny woke when she heard a blast of thunder, feeling drowsy but satisfied, even hungry. After she'd opened her gift from the twins she had laid down for a small nap to ease her head. Feeling significantly better, she changed into comfortable clothes and left to look for Harry or Ron. When she arrived in the common room, Harry was entering, sopping wet as if he'd just gone swimming fully clothed.

"Harry, what on earth were you doing? Flying?" she asked, noticing his broom. He pushed a clump of hair off his forehead, leaving it sticking half up.

"Yeah, I just needed a little air."

"Air? It's pouring out! You could get sick!" She smoothed his hair back, trying not to laugh.

"Nah, I'll be fine. Hey, are you hungry?" She shrugged, nodding slightly. "All right, let me get out of these and we'll go eat." He smiled at her, forgetting about his run-in with Malfoy and focusing on his flight and his girfriend, finally well before him, and kissed her cheek. She giggled in surprise.

"You're in a really good mood," she said, taking his hand in hers. He kissed her again, and said, "Yeah, a nice ride'll do that. Give me two minutes and I'll be back, ok?" She nodded and he ran up to his room.

Everything was falling back into place. Harry and Ginny had walked into the Great Hall together to find Hermione and Ron already there, laughing and talking with Neville, Luna, Seamus, and many others. They hurried over and sat with the large group, feeling finally normal. There wasn't anyone in the Hospital Wing, or St. Mungo's, or visiting someone in one of those places. It was just lunch at Hogwarts, as it used to be, as it should have always been.

Ron was more excited than he let on that Hermione was sitting with him, not tired or weak or asleep. He had his hand on her knee, reveling in her presence, listening to a joke from Dean, and laughing heartily at the punchline, even though he had missed part of it from watching Hermione's reactions to everyone. Hermione rubbed Ron's arm affectionately, happy that she could be part of the pack again, because no matter what she said about anyone, she loved sitting there. In the past she would roll her eyes at comments from Parvati or tut at Seamus for talking about an exam he'd done bad on, but she had truly missed being there. It felt amazing to be back. It felt wonderful when everyone had cheered at the Gryffindor table when she'd walked in the room. They liked her being there just as much as she did, though her excitement, she was sure, was much more.

Harry, too, was feeling lively and at peace. Everyone sat where they should, everyone talked and laughed, and Neville even made a nervous toast to the group's return. Harry clapped him on the back when he sat back down, blushing but grinning. Ginny was still a bit under the weather but her happiness made it manageable. She could handle it since she didn't have to eat much, as no one would bother her about it, and she could just set her foot on Harry's, as she hadn't done in weeks, and listen comfortably. Harry was truly content when he felt the pressure of Ginny's foot on his. He could forget about his worries and anxieties of the morning and past weeks. He could feel good just being normal.

Author's note: Voila! A quick update! And the next will be as well, I promise! Thanks everyone! Oh, and fluff galore, right? And I know Luna is a Ravenclaw but she's sitting with Neville.