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IMPORTANT AND NEW AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello! The very end of this chapter has been revised. A very slight revision that you might not catch even if you've already read this chapter. The reason for the revision is included in my author's note at the top of Chapter 39. Which I am about to post as soon as I post this revision! The revised section is in the last few paragraphs. If you want to check it out, you should probably start with the last three paragraphs!

Chapter 38

"All of my babies are growing up!"

Ron was slumped down in a rather uncomfortable Emergency Waiting Room chair halfway listening to his mother. This waiting room was much less busy than the one in the main lobby. This room merely contained worried family members, many of which were sleeping in awkward positions in the gray plastic chairs. Ron didn't know how any of them were managing to sleep in the things. He was having enough trouble sitting in one. Actually, Ron didn't know how they were sleeping through his mum's ranting either.

She was having one of her nervous floods of jabber. Whenever something happened to really rattle his mother's nerves, she would plunge into an endless sea of prattle! It would either be extremely angry prattle, or overly sugared prattle… When they'd first arrived in the waiting room, a good fifteen minutes ago, she had begun with angry prattle. Ginny had asked to hear the full story of Fred's incident, and Ron's mum had played storyteller. Very frightening storyteller…especially when she got to the part about the Death Eater conjuring the snake and then apparating…like a, what had she called him? A 'gutless, spineless, yellow-bellied toad.?'

Thankfully, however, her angry story had been replaced with sugarcoated drivel. Ron would have preferred silence, but this was definitely better…

"Bill, honey, you're almost thirty. Charlie spends all of his time in Romania! And then Percy is…well he's…" Mrs. Weasley stopped to dab at her eyes with Mr. Weasley's handkerchief before continuing, "And then the twins have always been so absorbed with their inventing…I just worried and worried that I would never have any grandbabies!"

Mr. Weasley was holding on to his wife's hand and patting it absently as he stared off down the corridor, in which Fred was currently in surgery. Healer Gadgil had agreed to Fred's request to take one family member back with him, and Fred had asked for George. Ron was a bit surprised that he hadn't asked for Angelina, but she didn't seem at all bothered. Actually she had seemed relieved. She had said, '…Thank Merlin! Oh, I just couldn't bear to watch!…'

"But now! Fred is getting married!" Mrs. Weasley continued looking to Angelina, who attempted to smile as she nervously twiddled her fingers. Ron had never seen the girl this quiet.

"And Harry…" Mrs. Weasley looked to Harry, who was sitting on a small bench with Ginny, who had her head in Harry's lap. He was stroking her hair. "…Oh I can just see it now! A beautiful baby girl with black hair and-…"

"Mum!" Ginny exclaimed sitting up from Harry's lap and leaning into the crook of his arm, "My word! You're going to embarrass Harry to death!"

"I'm fine." Harry said quietly with a small smile, but Ron thought he did look rather flushed.

"Well, I'm sorry, dear, but you know I can't stop talking when I'm like this…" Mrs. Weasley shook her head as she turned to look at Ron and Hermione.

Hermione was, like Ron, slumped down in one of the hospital chairs. She had her head resting on his shoulder and they were holding hands. His mum hadn't noticed the change in he and Hermione's relationship until they'd settled themselves in the waiting room. When she first saw that they were holding hands, she had actually squealed with glee.

"And you two…" Mrs. Weasley sighed and dabbed at her eyes again, "…oh it's just so wonderful! I would have never imagined…would you Arthur?"

"Yes." Mr. Weasley said confidently as he looked at Hermione with a smile. She lifted her head from Ron's shoulder and Ron saw that she was blushing worse than Harry.

"Hermione, dear, you knit, don't you?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"I…well, a bit." Hermione said with a small shrug. "Of course someone once told me that my hats looked like woolly bladders." She glanced up at Ron with one raised eyebrow. He winked at her and her blush deepened a bit as she gave him a coy smile. He bit the insides of his cheeks to keep from smiling broadly like a fool. He was just amazed that he could still affect her in that way with a simple wink!

He glanced up at his mother, who had gone a bit quiet. She was smiling warmly at them and nodding her head, "Mmhmm. A little boy with adorable brown curls… Oh! I can teach you a beautiful pattern for maternity sweaters. You just-…"

"Mum!" Ron groaned in disbelief as he shielded his burning nose and cheeks with one hand. Ginny actually giggled for the first time since Fred's surgery had begun.

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear." Mrs. Weasley said, putting a hand to her mouth, "I just can't seem to stop myself."

"Ask me about my love life mother." Bill offered blandly, "It'll be a short story, mind you."

Mrs. Weasley actually did turn to her oldest son and begin chattering as Ron took a glance at Hermione. She was still blushing a bit, but she also looked a bit worried. Ron nudged her softly with his elbow and she looked up at him with an almost sad look in her eyes.

"Sorry about that." He muttered. She shook her head quickly before looking down at her bobbing knees.

"Hey…" Ron said sitting up a bit straighter, "Are you okay?"

She smiled, but it looked forced, before saying, "Yes. I'm just…um…just a bit nervous for Fred."

He simply nodded at her as she went back to staring at her knees. Was she this nervous over Fred's surgery? At the moment she looked antsier than Ginny, which was saying something as Ginny was now twirling a strand of her hair around her finger so quickly, Ron half-expected her to rip it out.

Ron reckoned he was nervous about Fred's surgery, and he did want to rip his own hair out, but, oddly enough, the two weren't related. As far as the surgery went, Ron really felt like everything would be all right. His brother had been bitten by the deadliest snake in the world, and he was still alive! So, if Fred had just been bitten by a snake, Ron wouldn't want to pull his hair out. However, Fred had also been bitten by the love bug.

Fred Weasley! Getting married! Ron was very happy for his brother, but as soon as he had heard that one of his brothers would be getting married…he had felt a couple of strange sensations. A slightly shocked sensation followed by a panicking sensation.

As soon as Angelina had announced their engagement, Ron had felt…shocked. Marriage? For one of the twins? Fred Weasley…whose entire life had been focused on playing practical jokes and having fun along with George. The twins always did whatever they wanted and never worried about answering to anyone except for their mother, whom they could usually sidestep. Ron had imagined his brothers would both remain bachelors for life; he'd been stunned to discover otherwise. Thus, Ron's congratulatory remarks hadn't been very appropriate. He'd just asked Fred if he understood what marriage entailed, as if he even knew himself. However, before he could congratulate him properly, the second sensation had hit him…Panic!

Marriage! He'd forgotten all about marriage! Ron had always wanted a family. Wife, kids, pet, house…everything! And, of course, through the years he had dreamed that Hermione would be in that picture… But he'd never actually believed that that was a possibility… it was a fantasy! But now… Hermione loved him. They were dating. He was dating Hermione Granger! And ironically, this was what had made Ron forget about marriage.

He had been so thrilled that Hermione loved him and wanted to date him that he had forgotten that there were actually steps that followed courtship. Hermione wasn't truly his yet. If he wanted her to be his; if he wanted to ensure that he wouldn't lose her to someone else, he would eventually have to pop the question. Would Hermione want to marry him? Well, Ron thought, I'll find out. Because somewhere down the line he would have to ask her. He could not and would not lose her, so he would have to ask her…

"Now Harry…" Ron's mother began, breaking into Ron's thoughts. She had apparently finished her chat with Bill, "How are you feeling? Dumbledore told us about the incident with the Thomas boy."

"I'm alright." Harry replied quietly. He didn't look all that comfortable with this new topic of conversation, and Ginny was frowning at her mother.

"Mum, let's not talk about that right now." She said softly.

Ron's mum nodded at her daughter, "You're right, sweetie. I'm sorry. I know you don't want to think of that, Harry dear. It just reminds you of those nonsense rumors, doesn't it? Oh! The nonsense! You being a Death Eater! Oh, I just-…"

Ron sighed heavily as his mother switched into her angry prattle mode. He noticed Ginny rolling her eyes and looking apologetically at Harry, who smiled at her and leaned down to whisper in her ear. Whatever he said earned him a kiss on the cheek.

Ron glanced down at Hermione, who was nodding politely at his mother at sporadic intervals. If Hermione really were as worried over Fred's surgery as she seemed, at least his mother would keep her mind off of it. What was he thinking? He doubted Hermione wanted to trade her worries over Fred for worries over Harry… Kiss on the cheek…she could probably use one.

Squeezing Hermione's hand gently, Ron leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, which seemed to surprise her a bit. She jumped slightly and then peered up at him with a warm smile before turning her gaze back to his rambling mother. She was definitely preoccupied, but whether or not it was over Fred's surgery…Ron was all that sure. Maybe she needed some food. They hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. Ron then turned to Harry to inquire if he would like to take a trip to the tearoom.

Hermione was frustrated. Ron was being as doting and kind as ever. If he were feeling at all cramped by her, he wouldn't act like that! So, maybe she wasn't smothering him…not yet. But something about marriage seemed to bother Ron. His reaction to Fred and Angelina's news had been so odd. Was it the commitment? Or the responsibility? He had mentioned the issues of "titchy rugrats" and not being able to do what one wanted. When his mother had revealed her desire for Hermione to bear her a grandchild, Ron had reprimanded her. Had it just been to prevent his mum from embarrassing them both further? Or had he not wanted to think of it? Am I just overanalyzing everything? Hermione wondered.

For years Hermione had told herself that Ron did not like her. She wasn't his type; she was too much of a bookworm and not pretty enough. What if she had been right? What if Ron loved her as a friend, and he was getting his emotions confused? What if he was just infatuated? Suddenly Hermione was beginning to feel like she had that night in the lean-to at Ron's house. After they'd snogged, she had started panicking. A million questions had hit her at once, and no matter how ridiculous some of them seemed, she couldn't stop herself from asking them. She wanted to scream!

"Hermione?"

Hermione snapped her head up as Ron called her. "Yes?" She asked quickly in a higher voice than normal. She cleared her throat.

Ron's brows were furrowed in concern, "I was asking you if you were hungry." He asked slowly.

"Oh…no, not really." She breathed before taking some deep steadying breaths. He nodded at her with a deep frown lining his face.

"Well, after Fred's surgery, we still won't be able to see him for an hour or so." Ron said, "Me and Harry are going up to the tearoom. Want to come?"

"What about Ginny?" Hermione asked concernedly, looking over at her friend, who was lying down on the bench she and Harry had been sharing. Harry had already stood.

"She's staying." He said plainly before standing and tugging gently on her hand, "Come with me."

Hermione nodded as she stood from her chair. Maybe she could calm her nerves with a brisk walk… She, Ron, and Harry then walked around a corner to the stairs and began the ascent to the fifth floor, where the tearoom and hospital shop were located. By the time they reached the fifth floor, Hermione's legs were aching a bit from the many stairs, but her head did seem to be a bit clearer.

There was a large open area at the landing. To the left was a quaint tearoom, with circular tables draped in green tablecloths. To the right was the brightly lit hospital shop. Ron led her into the tearoom; Harry was close behind.

As soon as they took their seats at one of the small tables, a waitress brought them each a cup of hot tea for them to sip and menus to browse. Ron and Harry each perused their menus, while Hermione sipped on her tea. She truly had no appetite, but the boys both ordered sandwiches. After the waitress had left with their order, Harry cleared his throat and leaned over the table a bit toward Ron and Hermione.

"I need to ask you two something." Harry said in a low murmur. "Listen, I've really screwed things up."

"What things?" Hermione asked.

"Things with…with Ginny." Harry replied quietly.

"Screwed things up?" Ron asked incredulously, "Mate…she's been clinging to you like a tick on a yeti!"

"Everyone knows about what happened yesterday with Dean, and surely no less than a dozen people saw Ginny and I embracing in the corridor today," Harry continued, ignoring Ron's statement. "I don't know what to do."

"Harry," Hermione began tentatively, "You have this ideal of keeping your feelings for Ginny hidden from Voldemort, but…Harry, it's just not feasible."

"It was feasible." Harry said calmly, "Until I…" He sighed and shook his head slowly.

"Harry, it's not your fault." Hermione said softly.

"Who else is there to blame, Hermione?" Harry asked rather harshly just as the waitress appeared with Ron and Harry's sandwiches.

The girl looked at Harry curiously before smiling briefly and scurrying off to the kitchen. Hermione took a sip of her tea.

"It's not your fault that you have a new power that you can't control," Hermione began in a whisper, "And it's not your fault that Ginny had that outburst in the middle of the corridor."

Harry didn't respond or look at Hermione; he simply took a bite of his sandwich, so Hermione decided to be a bit bolder with the issue, "I think it's time that you admit to yourself that you can not keep Ginny on this roller coaster ride any longer. Harry, I would be surprised if-…"

"Roller coaster?" Ron asked suddenly. Hermione looked up at his confused expression.

"It's a sort of ride, Ron." Hermione said. "Muggle entertainment. Anyway," She began again even though Ron still looked confused, "I would be surprised if Voldemort doesn't already know about your feelings for Ginny."

"But what if he doesn't?" Harry asked quietly.

"Harry, you can't let yourself believe that you can shield Ginny from all harm because you can't." Hermione said, feeling a bit impatient all of a sudden. "Especially not now. Not during this war. You can't just take on the responsibility of eliminating the chance of Voldemort hurting…anyone! Not me. Not Ron. Not Ginny."

"That is my responsibility!" Harry shouted. Hermione flinched as she saw the edges of Harry's irises begin glowing faintly. An older couple, the only other customers in the small restaurant, cast worried glances toward them as they paid their bill and left.

"Damn it, Harry. Chill out." Ron said sternly, throwing his arm across Hermione's lap and gripping her knee. Harry glared at him.

"Chill out?" Harry repeated in disbelief, his eyes still glowing dimly. "It is my responsibility to-…"

"We know Harry." Hermione said delicately. Harry turned his gaze upon her, and Ron abruptly stood from his chair and reached across the table. He grabbed Harry's shoulder roughly turning Harry to face him.

"Don't look at her!" He exclaimed, breathing heavily, "If you can't control that…that… Just don't look at her right now!"

Harry looked confused for a moment before his expression softened and he closed his eyes tightly. "I'm sorry, Hermione." He said in a voice barely above a whisper.

"It's alright." She responded softly.

Ron released Harry's shoulder and Hermione tugged on his jeans pocket, coaxing him to sit back down hard in his chair. He turned to Hermione and just stared at her for a moment, while Harry remained silent. Ron then reached one hand up to her face and traced down the side of her cheek with the back of his finger. She clasped his hand in hers and scooted her chair a bit closer to him.

"Harry, look…" Ron began in a quiet, yet firm voice as he turned to face his friend. Harry opened his eyes, and Hermione noted that they were no longer glowing. "I understand why you want to keep this from Voldemort, but the whole school is talking. The whole school, Harry. Think about it. There's Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Parkinson. And hell…Snape and Sinistra. They say they're reformed, but who knows? Now, I wouldn't want anyone other than you dating Ginny, but if you don't start dating her…and I mean really dating her… You're going to…to…"

"Break her heart." Hermione finished quietly.

Harry sighed and slowly removed his glasses to rub at his eyes with one hand. "Alright." He said evenly as he put his glasses back on, "You two are right, but I have a favor to ask…"

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances before nodding at their friend. "Ron, I need you to help me with something." Harry began, "I want to drop my defenses again. I need to at least try. If there's anything important that I would be missing by keeping my defenses up, I'd never forgive myself."

Hermione felt a horribly sick feeling in her stomach as Harry continued, "I know you don't like the idea, Hermione, but I'm doing it either way. With or without Ron. It would be safer with him." He paused, looked down at his half-eaten sandwich, and stood up slowly, "I'm going to go on back down. You two can talk about it. I'd prefer to drop them as soon as we get a chance alone in the dormitories once we're back at Hogwarts."

Hermione and Ron just stared up at him without speaking as he reached into his pocket and placed some coins on the table…enough to pay for his and Ron's meals. He then did some sort of tired wave before turning around and striding from the tearoom. As soon as he was out of sight, Hermione placed her elbows on the table and her head in her hands.

Ron placed his hand on the small of her back and slowly glided it up her spine and back down again. "I won't do it unless you say it's alright, Hermione." He said softly, leaning down to her ear, "You were disgusted with me after that time at Grimmauld Place, and it was one of the worst feelings in the world." Hermione looked up from her hands to see deep concern and sincerity in Ron's eyes.

"Excuse me."

Hermione glanced up to see their waitress smiling down at them, "Can I get these plates out of your way?" She asked sweetly as she poured Hermione and Ron more tea. Ron sat his plate atop Harry's abandoned one, and the girl quickly picked them up and rushed off.

"I want you to help him." Hermione said regretfully. "He'll do it anyway, and it's safer when you help him…like he said."

"You're sure?" Ron asked, his hand still sliding up and down her back.

Hermione leaned toward him and kissed him lightly on his lips before resting her cheek against his and whispering, "I won't be angry with you, Ron." She felt his hand move around her side, where he rested it on her waist.

"I didn't get to thank you for taking me flying." Hermione said as she pulled away from him slightly.

Ron raised his eyebrows at her, "Thank me?" He asked disbelievingly, "For what? Freezing you half to death, scaring you half to death, or nearly drowning you?"

Hermione giggled. "I actually quite enjoyed myself." She said.

"How's that?" He asked doubtfully.

"I was with you." Hermione responded in truth, causing Ron to smile at her in a way that prompted her to ask the question that was burning in her stomach.

"Ron?"

"Hmm?"

"I wanted to ask you something…about Fred and Angelina." Hermione began, trying to sound casual. Ron remained silent, as his smile faded.

She cleared her throat. Okay, she told herself, just ask it! Does an engagement like theirs frighten you? Just seven words…

"Hermione?" Ron pressed. He looked a bit anxious.

"Well…um… When do you think the wedding will be?" Hermione asked quickly. Shoot! Those were the wrong seven words plus one!

He actually looked almost disappointed as he responded, "I've no idea."

"Oh." Hermione said quietly. Okay Hermione, she thought, maybe you should start out slow… "Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think Angelina and Fred are together a lot…like…everyday?"

"I'm not sure. They probably see each other quite a bit. Why?" He asked, sounding a bit suspicious.

"Well…" Hermione swallowed; her mouth was very dry, "Do you think that she ever… overwhelms him? Like…does he ever…well…get sick of her being around?"

Ron frowned at her in slight confusion as he replied, "I wouldn't imagine. I reckon he really loves her."

"Really?" Hermione asked hopefully. Ron raised one eyebrow at her. Oh double shoot! We're supposed to be talking about Fred and Angelina, not us! Hermione reminded herself.

"Hermione, why are you suddenly so worried about my brother and Angelina?" Ron asked.

"Well," Hermione began hesitantly, "They've been really good friends all throughout school, you know? They were both in Gryffindor and in the same year. They ate together at lunch and went to the games together…I mean played together." Hermione added quickly before continuing, "And then out of the blue they start dating. Well, once two best friends start dating, how can they possibly go backward? They'd ruin everything…their friendship…if they moved backward! So they have to move forward, don't they? But what if he doesn't really want to marry her and he just asks because he thinks it's the next step? And then…and then…they get married and she just ends up driving him mad because she smothers him. I mean sometimes he might just want to grab a bottle of Butterbeer and find tickets to the next Chuddly Cannons game, right? But if he has other responsibilities then he might not be able to just grab a Butterbeer, and then what? Will he then realize that he doesn't love her as more than a friend?"

Once Hermione had finished, she began taking deep steadying breaths. Ron was staring at her with his mouth partway open. Great, Hermione thought. Way to be subtle…

"Hermione…" Ron began, and she actually thought he looked as if he were trying not to smile, "Are we still talking about Fred and Angelina?" He asked before grabbing hold of her hand with one hand and covering his growing smile with the other.

He was smiling? Smiling was good. Smiling was very good. Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but realized she had no idea what to say, so she closed it again. Fortunately she didn't have to think of anything to say because completely without warning, Ron leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her to him tightly and one of his hands came to rest on the nape of her neck.

"Hermione, I love you more than you could ever know." He whispered low in her ear, "And definitely more than a bottle of Butterbeer."

Tears immediately began stinging Hermione's eyes at these words of comfort. He pulled away from her and rested his forehead against hers. She saw that he was grinning broadly. Despite her tears she tilted her head back and locked her lips over his. The panic and fear in her had been pulled from her chest, leaving her feeling almost lightheaded. Or was that feeling caused by Ron's kisses? She didn't know, and she didn't care! What did it matter? Nothing in the world could shatter the feelings of happiness she had at the moment.

BUZZ…BUZZ…BUZZ…BUZZ…BUZZ

Ron pulled his lips from Hermione's instantly.

"What is that?" Hermione asked breathlessly, as she stared up into his face with her beautifully damp brown eyes.

Before Ron could respond a lime green card appeared in front of his face out of nowhere. There was one in front of Hermione's face as well. They each snatched theirs out of the air and Hermione began reading out loud.

Guest of St. Mungo's,

Please do not panic. This alarm indicates the possible detection of an unwelcome intruder. If alone, try to find a partner or group. Remain calm while locating an adequate place of obscurity. Remain hidden until alarm has ceased and an announcement of safety has been given.

Thank you.

St. Mungo's Staff

Ron and Hermione looked up from their cards and into each other's eyes. Ron hurriedly stood from his chair, grabbed Hermione's hands, and looked about his surroundings. The alarm was still sounding and the waitress that had been serving them was now wailing at the back of the restaurant. Okay, Ron thought. So unless that girl's new here, this alarm doesn't happen often.

Keeping a firm grip on one of Hermione's hands, Ron ran back to the girl. "Is this the Werewolf Detection Alarm?" He asked as he retrieved his wand.

"No!" She sobbed, shaking her head furiously. "It's…it's…oh…"

"What? It's what?" Ron asked harshly.

"One of his men! His men…You-Know-Who's!" She wailed before running back into the kitchen and slamming the door.

Ron's mind was racing. There was a Death Eater inside the hospital? How had they gotten passed all of that security? He couldn't just stay in this tearoom. What about his family and Harry? What if they needed help? But Hermione was with him! Should he leave her here in the tearoom? Would she be safe in the kitchens with the workers? No! He couldn't leave her…

"Ron, what are you waiting for?" Hermione asked suddenly. "We have to go to Harry!" She was tugging on his hand as she tried to make her way toward the door. Her other hand was holding tightly to her wand.

Without hesitation, Ron ran with her to the door. The hospital shop's lights were out, but Ron could see some guy with a St. Mungo's hat peering over the top of the cash counter. Looking around quickly, Ron crept out of the tearoom, his wand ready. Hermione's was ready, as well. He led her to the stairs, which he then began descending quickly.

At each landing, he would slow their pace and they would each peer about the area before descending further. All of the wards seemed to be in darkness, and the corridors looked abandoned. Ron reckoned most everyone had stayed put when the alarm had sounded. With every step, Ron's mind began going through scenarios of what he would do if they came in contact with the intruder. What spells would he use? What would he do with Hermione?

Finally, they reached the second floor, where there were three separate stairways. One leading to the Emergency Ward's waiting room, one leading to the main lobby, and one leading to the dingy patient's ward for creature-induced injuries.

As they reached the top of the stairs that led to the Emergency Ward's waiting area, the buzzing stopped and two more cards appeared in front of Ron and Hermione's faces. They each snatched them from the air as they had in the tearoom. This time Ron read aloud.

Guest of St. Mungo's

Thank you for remaining calm during this alarm. The unwelcome intruder has been detected and removed from the facility. It is now safe to abandon your current place of obscurity. This has been an announcement indicating the reestablishment of your safety.

Thank you.

St. Mungo's Staff

Ron breathed a sigh of partial relief, however, he wouldn't feel completely satisfied until they found the others and found out what had happened exactly. Hermione's hand was still clasped tightly in his; they looked at each other for a moment before he led them quickly down the last flight of stairs.

As soon as they reached the waiting room, Ron's mum ran to them and hugged them both around their necks. She looked quite frazzled as she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. Harry and Ginny ran to them next. They both looked completely together, yet somewhat angry.

"Are you two alright?" Harry asked quickly. Ron nodded. Harry looked at Hermione with a strange expression in his eyes before he hugged her tightly around the neck. Hermione looked a bit taken aback when he released her.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked. Harry nodded, but Ginny was frowning at Hermione with a very concerned expression.

"What happened?" Ron asked quietly, "Do you know who it was?"

Harry and Ginny exchanged looks as Ron's mum ran over to his dad and began whispering. Angelina and Bill were sitting in their waiting room chairs, looking quite worried. Tonks and Lupin suddenly appeared behind them on the stairs, descending them hurriedly to stand before the four teenagers.

"They've just arrived." Harry said quickly. Lupin exhaled a breath and Tonks nodded sharply.

"The security wizards told Tonks that the intruder had used some sort of complex Disillusionment Charm and Polyjuice Potion to get passed the detection sensors," Lupin said calmly, as Tonks nodded in agreement, "He had the actual wand of the wizard he was impersonating. He must have killed the bloke, taken his wand, and made a potion from him."

"But apparently his potion began fading in the main lobby." Tonks began with a note of sadness in her voice, "When the receptionist noticed his changing hair color, she activated the alarm."

"So was it a Death Eater?" Ron asked anxiously. Tonks simply nodded at him.

"Well, where is he?" Ron asked hurriedly. Tonks and Lupin exchanged a quick glance.

Lupin answered, "He escaped. He managed to flee out the main entrance doors using a powerful stunning charm on three security wizards at once."

"Did anyone discover what he was doing here?" Hermione asked, "I mean…why would he come solo to a place as busy as St. Mungo's?"

Tonks and Lupin exchanged another quick glance, as did Harry and Ginny, which made Ron's stomach squirm before Tonks cleared her throat and began in a steady, yet quiet voice, "The Death Eater asked the receptionist if he could see the list of visitors for Fred Weasley, and he…he seemed particularly interested in whether or not there were any female visitors."

Ron's heart began beating frantically as he stared at Tonks. Had he heard her correctly? "Female visitors?" He croaked. Tonks simply nodded at him again.

Ron looked down at Hermione's distant expression. He clenched his hands into fists that began shaking slightly at his sides.

"Fred's alright." Ginny said quietly, looking sadly from Ron to Hermione. "Healer Gadgil sent a Healer's Aid to notify us that the surgery went well, and that Fred was in a highly secure recovery ward. We'll be able to visit him shortly. An hour tops…"

Ron nodded at his sister. He felt completely numb. Everyone seemed relatively calm, yet disturbed. His brother was going to be all right. That was great news…news that would have given him a great deal of relief if he'd been told moments ago in the quiet tearoom. Now, however, they seemed to seep into his mind slowly and without much effect.

The Death Eater had seemed particularly interested in the female visitors to Fred Weasley? His mum, Tonks, Angelina, Ginny, and Hermione… Ginny and Hermione were the two most likely to interest a man of Voldemort's. But somehow, Ron knew that the intruder had not come for Ginny. He knew with a sickening and unexplainable certainty exactly who the Death Eater had come for...

That Death Eater had been here for Hermione… To kidnap her? To finish the task that had gone wrong over the holidays? How could they have known she was here? They would have obviously known that Fred was injured in an attack. They might have assumed he would come to St. Mungo's and that he would have a number of visitors. Or, had they known for sure that Hermione was here? Had someone told them that they had seen Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione talking openly of coming to the hospital in the middle of the first floor corridor at Hogwarts?

As Ron felt a small, delicate hand clasp softly over his shaking hand, he was suddenly very eager to go back to the castle and help Harry with his recent request…

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Wow! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I had fun with it. What did ya'll think? Thanks for the great reviews on 37! They were...well.. GREAT! I can't wait to see what everyone thought of this chapter! It is my future mother-in-law's birthday tomorrow and we are going to go celebrate tonight. But I would like to start working on chapter 39 later tonight! Well, thanks again to my readers and reviewers!