(A/N: This week has been a killer in more ways than one. Not only am I preparing to go out of town for our spring break (I should be gone about a week, so the update will probably have to be two weeks! I know! I'm sorry in advance!) but my teachers have been relentless. And the reason I was so frustrated this week was because I had this chapter written about Tuesday. All I needed was about an hour to edit, write this author alert, and respond to your reviews but for some reason I couldn't get that these last few days. Anyways, after a wonderful day I finally have the time to update! Yes! I'm really excited about it actually. Hopefully you all will be too once you've read it! It's a pretty short chapter, but hopefully it will help some of those worries you all have. But as for the next chapter I'm afraid I've hit a temporary roadblock in the chapter. I re-drew my plot diagrams for the story, but unfortunately that'll change a few things in what I've already written so I'm going to have to go back and re-write it all. It's a bummer but I'm really excited about my new plans, even though I haven't decided the ending yet. As of right now, if I followed my plans exactly, we would have nine more chapters of this story; but trust me, it'll be more than that! I'm constantly changing the story line with my new ideas, though I must admit that this one seems pretty final. I just thought I'd let everyone know so you all have a rough estimate of how much more to expect of me. Anyways, I don't have much to say, other than a big THANK YOU and hopefully you all will like this chapter! Much love, Haystack)

To my LOVELY reviewers…

(I have 30 minutes to do these so if they're a bit shorter than usual I'm sorry!)

Ron'n'Hermione: Thanks for your sweet review! Hopefully the update wasn't bad! Glad to see you're enjoying the story!

Legofiance: I'm honored that you were on the verge of tears! So happy you're into it! Ah this is very difficult to write a review without giving anything away! Just know that I'm telling you stuff in my mind even if I can't write it down! lol Thanks for reviewing!

Sweetdiva: So nice to hear from a new reviewer! I really really appreciate it! As for your questions, first off, thanks for asking them! I like it when people voice their concerns/questions or whatever, praise is lovely but questions help me know what to work on, so THANKS! Anyways, lol…Hermione's parents. I can tell you because I wasn't planning on them making an appearance in this story, but yes, her parents are alive. But because this story is told through the eyes of Hermione/Ron, and communication with the war and everything is terrible, they do not know the fates of her parents. So that's why news like isn't known. The same goes for the Weasleys and Ginny. All we know is what Seamus and Lavender told Ron and Hermione. But that, I'm afraid I cannot say! Not to worry, there will that moment where we find out about them and what happened to them all, for the good or bad. Again, thanks so much for reviewing! And hopefully I'll hear from you again!

RainDateChick: Thanks so much for the continuous flow of support! Really I sound like a broken record but it's true! Thank you soo much! And I'm Glad you liked the last chapter!

Bhekie: Patience I'm afraid is the only answer I can give you. I'm trying to not have the updates be so long, but its difficult when my mind changes like this! But thanks for understanding and not to worry, your answer will be revealed in this chapter!

cumbacksirius: Yes my story does have that sort of up and down motion but life's like that, even though this feels like fast forward time since everything happens fast in war but yea that didn't make sense. Lol sorry. Anyways, hold on to the Ginny thing for me until two or three chapters! I'm sorry but it's not the time. I know its hard but try not to think about it. I'm really sorry! Thanks so much for reviewing so faithfully!

ShimmeringEvil: Aw thanks for the review! You're one of those people that makes me feel free to take my time and do whatever, yet I still feel supported! So thanks!

suckr4romance81789: I suppose Lavender is a bit OOC but since she is a major character from here on out, she needs a distinct personality and unfortunately there is no such thing as a ditz in war. Lol. Anyways, if it bothers you I can always tone her down a bit or whatever, just make sure you keep me updated on her! Thanks so much for the observation though! And as always, thanks for your wonderful and constant support!

doublelily: lol I'm very glad you liked that last paragraph. I had been planning to continue last chapter on with the material in this one, but I liked that paragraph so much I had to cut it off! Thanks for commenting on it! I'm also really glad you like Lavender. I do too. As for writing, honestly that saying 'practice makes perfect' is very frightfully true! I was one of the worst writers all through elementary and most of middle school. But once I started writing poetry and started doing it for fun, it got easier. And if you even look at my other fics, I can see the improvement. I cringe to read Sort Tordu now. But that is the beauty of fanfiction, it really did change my life. Anyways, thank you soooooo much for reviewing!

Mr. Hifey: Don't worry about the flame! In fact I was ecstatic to read your review, I didn't think you would review again! So don't worry, I understand. Harry's death is a hard one for a lot of people, and rightfully so! If JKR does it I don't know what I'll do with myself! Lol anyways as for Harry returning you don't need to worry about that. I did that once and I'm not into it again. As for Ginny my lips are sealed unfortunately! Thanks so much for reviewing, and hopefully I'll hear from you again!

nattieb: haha your review made me smile! I'm not really sure how to put this without giving anything away but just rest assured that the sun is coming out. I promise. Um…gosh I'm really sure what else I can say without jeapordizing the story line, but thanks for your kind words and I'm very very happy you're enjoying the story!

AmyChris: Aw…have I told you lately how sweet your reviews are? Seriously they make me smile every time I read them! So thanks that really means a lot! As for Ron, my lips are sealed. But I'm glad you enjoyed Lavender and Hermione's conversation about fate. It's a topic I like to sneak into all my stories cause I think especially after book five that its an issue we'll see more of in the books.

Princess Storm: I must tell you that your review made me smile! And although I refuse to say anything about Ron I will say that you know just the things to make me laugh! I'm glad you liked the flashback and am ecstatic that you could find nothing to criticize! Woo hoo! Lol, as always thanks so much for your faithful patience and loyalty! Thanks for reviewing!

dancerrdw: hehee…again the first reviewer of the chapter! Yup yup, cliffie! The plot thickens dum dum dum! Lol I'm very happy that you're enjoying the story, I'm having so much fun writing it! Thanks for being such a wonderful and consistent reviewer!

And now, after all this time, I'm pleased to present to you well deserving people…

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: HEAVEN

The train rolled away and Hermione looked at Lavender, who was staring at her expectantly. Unsure how to begin this final leg of their journey, Hermione simply went down the stairs, into the train station, and out the glass doors. Lavender followed, her wide eyes soaking up everything around her. Obviously, Lavender had never been out of their beloved England before.

Once they had walked a block or two, Hermione suddenly realized with panic that she had no idea where Viktor Krum lived. He'd mentioned living in the capital of Bulgaria once, but that was all she knew. They were in the right city, but how on earth were they supposed to find his house?

They asked around of course, but people either turned their noses up at them and continued walking on, or gave them insulted looks. Hermione was feeling desperate and on the verge of tears. As a woman with a small child walked towards them, Hermione sprang up from the park bench and approached them. She just had to make the woman see how important it was to find Krum.

"Excuse me!" She asked politely. "I was wondering if you knew what street a Viktor Krum lives on? You see my friend and I are old friends of his and it is extremely important that we find his house."

The woman looked up and took off her sunglasses, holding onto her little boy by the hand tightly. "I do not know vat you ur talking about"

"Please, I'm not the sort of person to around begging things of others but this is a life death situation. You don't happen to know anyone by the last name of Krum? It's not a very common name, surely you must."

The woman looked around as if searching for an answer. Hermione and Lavender held their breaths. Suddenly the little boy cried out, pulling at his mother's sleeve to try to get her attention. He was speaking in Bulgarian though, and Hermione couldn't for the life of her figure out what he was saying.

The mother bent down and listened to his excited sentences with a patience Hermione could only admire. As realization dawned on the woman's face and she patted the boy on the head she turned to them.

"Yes, I think ve do know a man called Krum." She said in broken English. "He used to have many parties. He lives about 5 blocks that vay."

Hermione let out the breath she'd been holding in. Beaming, she turned to the woman. "Thank you! Thank you so much! Come on Lavender!" She said, grabbing the hand of her friend and breaking off at a run.

Five blocks that way…they could do that! Hermione's heart lifted. They would make it to Krum's before the night came. They would finally be safe. Finally…

But with the sudden pain of her stomach wound, she gasped and fell to the ground.

"Hermione?" Lavender shouted, kneeling down next to her.

"Ahh…" Hermione moaned in pain. "I-It's my stomach."

"No! I knew we should have done more for that! Are you alright? Do you think you can walk it if you lean on me?"

Hermione's head was pounding, she felt as though someone had lit her body on fire. Nodding anyways, she slowly raised herself up. By now she had attracted quite a lot of attention. The woman and her child were looking at them with concern. But with thoughts of reaching Krum's place, of finally being safe, she managed to stand on her wobbly legs.

Lavender helped her along, and together they walked slower than an old woman, but in Hermione's book they were still walking.

It was a slow pace that took probably about two hours, but once they reached the street, and saw KRUM written neatly on one of the doorbells, Hermione almost fainted with joy.

Lavender too, was grinning uncontrollably, helping Hermione up the stairs that led to what appeared to be an extremely nice building. Ringing the doorbell once and knocking twice, Lavender gripped Hermione's hand with anticipation.

But even still, after they'd come so far, Hermione was nervous. What if Viktor somehow didn't remember her? What if he couldn't afford to put them up? What if he simply didn't want to, and couldn't care less about her outcome? What if he believed her to be dead and she couldn't prove who she really was? Fear naturally pounded in her veins as the soft padding of footsteps was heard and the door swung open, revealing a handsome, yet much older looking Viktor Krum.

When both she and Lavender said nothing, he opened his mouth as if to say something, when suddenly his gaze became fixated on her. Blinking as if he had something in his eye, he leaned forwards to her, looking at every part of her face, making Hermione feel extremely uncomfortable.

His eyes got wide and he clutched his heart as if he was having some sort of heart attack. "Her-my-own-knee?" He choked out, his voice heavy and thick with unspoken emotion.

Tears quickly filled up in her eyes. Nodding her head, she jumped in her skin as Viktor suddenly screamed and brought her into a tight embrace. But secretly she beamed as Viktor's words re-played in her mind. Yes…Viktor had indeed gotten her name right, however broken up it might be! Maybe I wasn't that bad of an English teacher after all, she thought with satisfaction.

As she pulled away, she saw Lavender biting her lip, desperately trying not to laugh as Viktor continued to blubber. Hermione scowled at her, which made her smile spread even further.

"Vat are you doing here!" He exclaimed, wiping at his own tear strained cheeks. Viktor had always been an emotional man. "How did you get here? I thought…oh but Her-my-own-knee, I read that you vere…dead!"

Still in pain, Hermione brushed him off. "I'll tell you later Viktor, I promise. The whole story. But I was wondering, we need a place to hide. Would we be able to stay here?"

"Of course!" He said enthusiastically. "But vho is this?" He said, raising his eyebrows in a flirty manner to Lavender.

Hermione smiled. "This is my friend Lavender. Lavender, this is Viktor"

"Yes, I know" Lavender said impatiently, as Viktor bent down to plant a sloppy kiss on her hand. Hermione couldn't help but laugh. But the sensation sent her off balance, and fearfully, she grabbed at her stomach again, yelping out in pain.

"Her-my-own-knee! Are you okay!" Viktor asked concerned

Hermione opened her mouth to say yes. She knew how dramatic Viktor was and her injury would send him off the edge. But Lavender got there first. "No she's not. She's hurt really bad."

"AH!" Viktor screamed, putting his hands to his face in horror. "Vell Quickly! Quickly! Come in! We must get Her-my-own-knee back to good health!"

As Viktor grabbed Hermione's arm and led her inside, Hermione caught sight of something that made her heart stop beating.

"Oh my goodness, I cannot believe this! Her-my-own-knee is hurt! We must get her better!"

"Calm down. She's been good about it. It's nothing that terrible. At least I don't think so." Lavender cut in, trying to calm the excruciating loud Bulgarian.

"Viktor…" Hermione breathed, staring intensely at the object

"I am so glad that you came to me! Almost no one knew that ve vere friends. It vas very smart. I vill make sure that no one knows vhere you are"

"Viktor" Hermione said louder, reaching out to try to grab his attention

"I just read this morning about the var. It is terrible. Ve vill have to be very strong to fight that Bad Wizard, He-who-vill-not-be-named. I vas certain that no one survived."

"VIKTOR!" Hermione suddenly screamed.

Viktor turned around, staring at Hermione with a concerned expression on his face. "Vat is wrong Her-my-own-knee?"

"That…" Hermione breathed, her eyes wide and her heart throbbing, pointing at the object on the floor. "Can I see that?"

Bending over to retrieve the object, Viktor examined it in his hands for a moment before turning it over to Hermione. Accepting it with shaking hands, Hermione looked at the object in her hands.

It was a necklace. A round ruby jewel on a gold chain.

Hermione's breath was now coming in pants. "Hermione?" Lavender asked, placing a hand on her shoulder comfortingly, "Are you okay?"

She shook her head no. Turning to Viktor she whispered, "Where did you get this?"

Viktor looked at the necklace in Hermione's hands and the expression on her face. He shook his head and shrugged. "I do not know. It is not mine."

Tears were slipping down her face. Hugging the necklace to her chest, she bent her head down as she began to cry. Suddenly with a burst of energy, she approached the large man who was looking very frightened by her appearance.

"Viktor I need you to give me an honest answer." She whispered through her tears.

"Of course" He responded nervously

"Did you let anyone else in your house?"

At his nod, Hermione's pants became more regular.

"Did you let a boy into your house?" She asked, her heart beating

Again, he nodded. "I let two in"

"Two…" Hermione whispered, leaning against the wall, tears cascading down her face. Suddenly, as this information settled in, she leapt up from where she was, holding onto the banister for support. She tried to run; she was going as fast as she could. She had to know…had to make sure.

"Hermione! Where are you going?" Lavender cried

"Her-my-own-knee are you okay?"

"Ron! Ron!" She called out, making her way up the stairs

As she reached the landing, she looked around. There were so many doors…she had to find him now! But she got lucky as the one down the hallway opened and a man walked out of it.

"What's going on? Is everything okay?" The man in the shadows asked, turning around and closing the door he'd come from.

Hermione would have asked him where Ron was, when she froze where she was. This man had red hair, this man had freckles, this man had blue eyes….

"Ron" She whispered to herself, her hand covering her open mouth

They just stood there looking at each other. Too many emotions were searing through their bodies that it was impossible to describe their feelings. Hermione's eyes feasted on Ron's figure, taking in every detail of his face, unable to believe that it was truly him in front of her.

"Hermione" Ron breathed, walking closer to her. Tearfully, she nodded her head. "Y-You're alive"

Hermione smiled through her tears. "Yea…and so are you."

Ron laughed suddenly and Hermione rushed into his open arms. They spun around and around, laughing and crying at the same time, holding onto each other as if they'd disappear if they let go. Hermione sighed as his arms snaked their way protectively around her. "I t-thought you'd died," She whispered

"I'd never leave you like that," He said honestly, seeking out her eyes.

Hermione smiled at his wonderful blue eyes, overwhelming herself with the comfort they provided. "I love you Ron"

Ron kissed her gently. As he pulled away, he kept his lips lingering by her ear. Smiling he said, "You know, honestly, I never thought I'd hear you say that again"

Hermione could only give him a teary, sad smile.

His tone serious, he said, "I've missed you," tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "Are you sure you're okay? You're not hurt anywhere are you?"

Hermione smiled to herself and placed a hand on the side of Ron's face, "I'm okay now," She whispered, purposely not mentioning her wound on her abdomen. There would be time for that later. Sure the gash would have to be attended to, but there was some Muggle medicine on it right now, and she really didn't want to set Ron off. Besides, it didn't appear that serious.

Ron grinned, "Me too"

She laughed and looked around. "Is Seamus here?"

"Yea he is. He was in the kitchen eating."

"I'm going to go run say hello to him." She said, as she began to descend from the stairs, Ron right behind her, never letting go of her hand.

But as she held onto the banister, with the sudden running she'd done, the world slowly started blurring together and spinning. She stopped on the step she was on, swaying to and fro gently as she tried to steady herself.

"'Mione, you okay?" Ron asked from behind her, concern in his voice

"Y-Yea I think so," She mumbled as the spinning started getting faster. The world was changing colors, and a constant pounding on her temples was driving her insane. She needed to sit down, she needed to rest, she'd been under too much stress today, she had to just get down the stairs.

"Hermione?" Lavender asked in a tone that clearly said, don't you dare.

She wanted to call out to Lavender to reassure her that she was okay, and she even opened her mouth to do so, but she simply couldn't put the words out, her head was hurting too much. She took a step forwards to prove to them all that she could do this, but she hadn't counted on the world finally turning black as she did.

She was acutely aware that she was falling and tumbling down the stairs, Lavender's high-pitched scream piercing the air. She was falling down Viktor's large staircase, and in the back of her mind she decided that she was going to die. She expected to hit the hard wood floor; she was waiting for the impact wondering what it would feel like. She was expecting this…she wasn't expecting to land in someone's arms. But once she was in those arms, and they wrapped around her comfortingly, she knew to whom they belonged. And as they lifted her up in the air and carried her to some other room, she smiled, finally agreeing with herself that everything was okay in the world…so long as she was in these arms.

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(A/N: What did ya think? Let me know!)