Disclaimer: Not mine, though maybe the Easter Bunny will bring 'em to ya?
A/N: Well, I'm glad to see my cliffie worked in getting y'all to review. You guys are the greatest, did you know that? If it wasn't outlawed by I'd respond to everyone personally. Though I do try to generally answer questions in my author notes if I can. Anyways, I'm so glad you liked the last chapter- it's probably one of my favourites so far. But then again I say that about a lot of the chapters, lol. And for those who think this is ending soon- nope! I predict about five or so more chapters roughly. Maybe more, maybe less. Anyways, enough of my chattering, onto the much awaited chapter!
Love Means Never Having to Time Travel
Chapter Thirteen-Complications
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"There is always some madness in love. But there is always some reason in madness." -Friedrich Nietzsche
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"I'm saying I love you, Hermione Granger Weasley, and I don't think I can live my life without you. Will you do me the honour of staying my wife?"
"Merlin, Morgana, and Medusa," Hermione breathed as she looked from the ring to Fred's smile. "I…I…"
"A simple yes or no will do it," Fred hinted nervously. "Though I'd prefer to hear the former."
"No."
"What?" Fred looked like his heart was crushed.
"April Fools," Hermione suddenly smirked, launching herself at him. "Couldn't resist, sorry! You're a bad influence on me.
"You bloody near gave me a heart attack," Fred sighed, shaking his head in relief as he held her tightly. "I just heard the no."
"Well hear my YES!" Hermione linked her arms around his neck as she spoke into his ear. "YES! Of course I will you goose! How could I truly ever say no!"
"I don't know, but I think all guys worry about the love of their life saying no," Fred chuckled in relief as he slid the simple two carat diamond solitaire ring onto Hermione's finger, the one Dumbledore had provided disappearing automatically. Fred also pulled out a simple gold band and slid it onto his finger, his previous ring also disappearing. "I took the liberty of buying these as our new wedding bands."
"I'm glad," Hermione whispered against his lips. "We're married."
"Technically, we've been married for eight months," Fred pointed out.
"Has it been that long?" Hermione looked surprised. "But you know what I mean. We're now married, with a real proposal, and our own rings, and everything."
"No ceremony though."
"I don't need a ceremony, or a white gown, all I need and want is you, and I've got that," Hermione kissed him again.
"I know you say you don't need it, but I want it for you," he sighed, resting his head on top of hers as they watched the sun disappear over the horizon. "I promise, when we get back, you'll have the fancy gown, and the ceremony with our family and friends, and we'll take vows in front of everyone. Though I hope you know that whether or not I've really said it, I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of our life together."
"I know, and I feel the same way," she smiled against his neck as she turned slightly in his arms to wrap her arms around his waist. "And I like the idea of saying our vows in front of our family and friends. Not to mention I think your mum would be devastated if she didn't get to have some type of ceremony for you. You are her first child to get married, even if she doesn't know it. Though of course Bill and Fleur are engaged, which I'm sure she's thrilled about."
"I don't know about that. I mean don't get me wrong, she's happy if we're happy, but Fleur isn't her favourite person. All that publicity from the Triwizard Tournament just high-lighted the fact that she's part veela, and they didn't cast her in the best light. And even though mum knows Skeeter wasn't honest, she can't help but remember what she wrote, and think of Fleur as a shallow, attention seeking girl, who doesn't truly care about Bill."
"Well, I'm sure that the longer that Fleur's around, the more your mum will get to know her, and like her," Hermione stated logically, stifling a yawn.
"Sleepy?"
"A bit, yeah. I've been feeling kind of off all day, and especially after all thisexcitement, it's taking its toll on me," she gave him a tired grin, fighting backanother yawn. She also gave a slight shiver, as it was growing rather chilly down by the water, especially with the sun no longer there. Fred smiled as she snuggled closer to him, but it soon changed to a frown as he noticed how pale she was. Putting a hand to her head, he realised she was running a fever. Worried, he immediately whipped off his cloak and wrapped it around her before standing up, her in her arms.
"What are you doing?"
"Taking you to the hospital wing, you're sick," he said, his long strides quickly covering the ground.
"No I'm not," she snapped, though it had absolutely no menace behind it. "I'm just a little tired. A good night's sleep…and I'll…I'll be…fine."
"C'mon love," he jostled her purposely as her body suddenly relaxed. She had passed out, and he didn't know if that was a good thing. Quickening his steps, he hurried her to the hospital wing, calling out as soon as he walked through the door. "Madam Pomfrey! Mya's sick!"
"Put her down there," Poppy pointed to a bed, and once Hermione was on it, she began running diagnostic spells. "Just as I thought, a simple case of the Dragon pox. We've had several in the last few days amongst the students. Has she never had it before?"
"Nope, she's muggleborn," Fred answered with a sigh of relief. Nothing serious; just a simple childhood illness that was common among wizards and witches, though Hermione was a bit old for it. However, being a muggleborn, she wouldn't have encountered it, or had the vaccine available to her as a child. Fred had had it when he was four. Fred sat down besides Hermione while Poppy finished giving her the necessary potion to lower her fever and kill off the Dragon pox virus' in her system. She would need a few days rest though before she was back to normal. Sighing, Fred had to fight back a chuckle; of all the nights for Hermione to get sick, she had to do it on the night he proposed. Life certainly wanted to make it an April Fool's Day that he wouldn't soon forget.
"Well she'll be here for the night, and most of tomorrow too, at any rate. Depending on how she's doing tomorrow, I may let her go back to your rooms in the evening. But not before, is that clear?"
"Yes Poppy," Fred grinned, and pecked her on the cheek. "Is it all right if I stay with her for the night? No hanky panky, wizard's honor."
"How could I say no to a charmer like you?" Poppy lightly patted his cheek. She was quite fond of the young couple. "Of course you can stay with her."
"Thank you," he nodded, and after slipping off his shoes, climbed carefully into the bed, holding her close as she slept.
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"Good morning everyone," Fred greeted as he entered the classroom the next morning.
"Morning Professor," James replied in kind.
"Where's your oh-so-lovely better half?" Sirius called out teasingly.
"Unfortunately for you all, she's in the hospital wing; Dragon pox, nothing to worry about really," Fred informed them as he began shuffling through papers on the desk, trying to find what he needed. "As she is there and not here, I think we'll just review the advance shield charms, since I seem to remember those needed work. All right? Good, now partner up, and practice them. Nothing dangerous! Just stick with the usual tickling charms or disarming spells."
"Poor Professor Greg," Lily leaned towards James as they both held a shield in place while Sirius and Remus shot curses, charms, and jinxes at it, testing it's strength. "He seems lost without Professor Mya here to keep things organised and on task."
"Well it's only for a day. He's a good teacher, he can handle it. But you're right; they really do make a perfect teacher together. Probably the same way in their marriage, I bet. They probably compliment each other really well."
"Rather like us, I hope someday," Lily gave him a soft smile, and the next thing he knew, he was being blasted back against the wall, his wand flying out of his hand.
"You all right Prongs?" Sirius immediately hurried over to give him a hand up.
"Uh…yeah. Just lost my concentration there a minute," James shook his head to clear it, wincing a bit.
"Well it's time to switch, at any rate, so get to hexing me," Sirius laughed as he moved back to where he had been standing before.
"Sorry James," Lily smiled apologetically.
"No, it's okay. I like to think that too," he reached out and gave her hand a quick squeeze before they both turned their attention back to sending spells at their partners.
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"Wha…" Hermione groaned as a bright light sent a splitting pain through her head the moment she tried to open her eyes.
"Professor Mya," Poppy came bustling in. "Good to see you're awake."
"What happened?"
"Your husband brought you in last night, with a rather high fever. Don't worry, just a mild case of the Dragon pox, nothing to worry about."
"Oh," Hermione let that process before asking another question. "Where's Greg?"
"He's teaching class, though the afternoon session is almost over, so I'm sure he'll be up here as soon as he can," Poppy smile. "He hasn't left your side except for class."
"Okay," Hermione yawned, and relaxed back against the pillows, content to just wait for Fred- she didn't have long.
"Mya!" Fred rushed over to embrace her tightly once he saw she was up.
"Hey, miss me much?" Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the exuberant greeting.
"Of course," he pouted, giving her a kiss. "I was looking forward to spending a nice, quiet evening with you last night. Your getting sick wasn't exactly part of my whole grand proposal plan."
"I'm sorry. I promise, next time you want to proposal, I'll stay healthy," Hermione crossed her heart.
"See that you do," Fred pretended to glare at her, but couldn't hold it more than a few seconds before bursting out laughing. "So when can you get out of here, Poppy say yet?"
"I suppose she may leave now and go to dinner, but I want you to make sure she takes it easy," Poppy warned sternly, and handed over a vial. "And make sure she takes this tonight before bed. It's just a mild sleep-aid, so you'll be well rested for your classes tomorrow."
"Thanks Poppy," Fred pocketed the vial, then conjured a hair brush and began to run it through Hermione's hair, carefully working out the tangles. When it was smooth, he braided it deftly, transfiguring some bits of string into two hair chopsticks, and stuck them through the coiled bun.
"It appears you've had some practice doing that Professor," Poppy smiled at the intimate scene.
"My wife, Merlin help her, is absolute rubbish at hair charms," Fred ducked Hermione's hand as she made to smack his head. "And even though she could do it by hand, it's serves a couple of purposes. One, I get to play with her gorgeous hair, and two, it's just a few quiet moments we have to ourselves, just enjoying each others company. I don't know."
"You don't have to explain yourselves to me," Poppy laughed. "I just enjoy seeing two people so in love with each other. Brings back fond memories."
"You're married Poppy?" Hermione looked surprised.
"I was," she smiled sadly. "I'm afraid he died a couple years ago, in one of the early attacks. His name was Donald, and we'd been together since longer than we had even known. We first met in magical primary school when we were five, and were instant friends, and, I like to think, instant soul mates. We married right out of Hogwarts."
"I'm sorry."
"Oh don't be, dear," Poppy patted her hand. "We had many wonderful years together, and I'm blessed with even more memories. Now, enough sadness, you two have a lifetime of happiness to look forward to, so go on."
"Thanks Poppy," Fred grinned, and hugged a blushing Madam Pomfrey, kissing her cheek soundly. "C'mon love."
"I can't take you anywhere," Hermione shared a laugh with Madam Pomfrey as she made to stand up. She didn't even get a few inches up before collapsing back onto the bed again, her hands grabbing at her left thigh as she gasped in pain.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know," Hermione looked up at Fred. "When I started to put pressure on it, there was just pain."
"Oh dear," Poppy frowned as read over the magical diagnosis she had just taken, concentrated on the thigh.
"What?"
"It appears that the Dragon pox antidote has caused some muscle damage," Poppy pulled out her wand and continued to wave it over Hermione's thigh. "It's a very rare side-effect of the antidote, only affects one in two hundred million wizards or witches."
"What can you do about it?" Hermione looked worried.
"I'm afraid there is no cure, except to remove the damaged muscle, so that the necrosis does not spread."
"Well then go ahead."
"It's not that simple. Magic is a wonderful thing, but it still has its limitations. When the muscle has actually been killed by a potion, in your case, the Dragon pox antidote, there is no way to magically re-grow the muscle."
"What does that mean for me?" Hermione asked slowly, her brain processing everything. Fred squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"You'll need a cane to help you walk for the rest of your life," Poppy informed her gently.
"And there's nothing else I can do?"
"You could always simply stop the necrosis of the muscle tissue, but you'll be in a good deal of pain every time you need to walk on it. You'll have to take pain-relieving potions every day, and they're addictive, so you would have to deal with that aspect. And as a medical professional, that's not an option I condone."
"Well why do I need a cane if the dead muscle tissue is removed?"
"You know how muscles work, correct? They expand and contract, which is what enables you to move various appendages. By removing part of the muscle, it affects the other muscles attached to it, thus causing a limp, hence the reason you'll need a cane."
"I suppose there's no help for it," Hermione set her jaw determinedly as she nodded. "Go ahead then."
"I'll need to put you to sleep, as it's a rather tedious process," Poppy explained. "Once you're asleep, I'll be using my wand to cut an incision in your leg, and then alternating cutting and cauterizing, I'll remove the affected muscle."
"All right," Hermione sighed. She turned to look at Fred. "Guess I won't be joining you for dinner."
"Hey, all that matters is getting you taken care of," he shook his head, leaning down to kiss her. "I'll be here when you wake up."
"Love you," Hermione smiled as she swallowed the sleeping potion Poppy handed her.
"Love you too," he smiled back as she drifted off to sleep.
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave now Professor," Poppy said gently as she began to usher him to the door. She put a sign on the door as she closed it, that told all students to go see Professor Sprout with any health concerns. An idea coming to him, he made his way to the great hall, in search of the Headmaster.
"Albus," Fred greeted as he bent down to speak to the older man.
"Fred my boy, how's Mya doing?" Albus greeted jovially.
"She had a bad reaction to the Dragon pox antidote, and is currently having the dead muscle removed from her thigh," Fred sighed. "Which is why I'm here. I'd like to go to Diagon Alley, and pick up a cane or two for her, since she's going to need one from now on."
"Of course, of course," Albus nodded, the twinkle gone from his eye. "Do you want me to inform the other professors and the students?"
"You can tell the other professors at the staff meeting tonight, but I think Mya would rather she tell the students herself," Fred shrugged. "I should be back in an hour or so."
With a few waves to students who called out his name, he left the castle and the grounds, disapparating into Diagon Alley. Once he regained his bearings, he made his way down the cobbled street to Ollivander's. Best known for their wands, they also happened to be cane makers as well. It actually made a lot of sense. They needed large amounts of wood for their wands, and cane were rather like wands, except longer.
"What can I do for you?" Ollivander greeted him as he entered the dusty shop.
"I need to purchase a cane or two," Fred informed him as he looked around. As always, he wondered how some of those towers of boxes managed to stay upright.
"We have several," he nodded, leading him towards the back of the store to an exceptionally dusty corner where there hung hundreds of canes on the wall. "I recommend picking up each cane, getting a feel for them, until you find one that calls to you."
"Uh, well, I'm actually buying one for my wife," Fred admitted. "So how should I go about that?"
"Again, the canes are similar to wands in some ways, in the fact that they choose the owner," Ollivander smiled kindly. "The canes will recognise the fact that you're looking for your wife, and they will read her magic abilities through you. I'll be at the front of the store if you need anything."
"Thank you," Fred watched the man walk out of sight, and then turned his attention back to the wall of canes.
He walked down to the wall, and reached up towards the first column of canes. Slowly and meticulously, he held his hand close to the canes, moving from one to another, up and down several times before moving to the next column. He continued this for two more columns before he felt one nearly hum beneath his hand. Taking it from the wall, and concentrating on Hermione, he felt the cane warm in his hand, noting it felt happy in a way. If canes could feel emotion that is.
Fred looked it over. According to the tag, it was handcrafted in Africa, made of Mansonia wood, stained a dark, near-black colour. The handle was carved to look like a phoenix, and fit smoothly in the palm of his hand. The tag on the cane said the grip, as well as the cane length, would automatically adjust to its user. It also had two small rings of wood attached, that would serve as a wand holster.
"I see you've found one," Ollivander smiled as Fred set it on the counter.
"Yes, it was rather…happy…to come with me," Fred nodded as he pulled out his money bag and paid the man.
"Wonderful. Have a nice day!"
Back outside, Fred walked back up to the apparition point, and disapparated with a pop. Appearing back at the edge of the grounds, he quickly made his way up to the castle, and to the hospital wing. Seeing the door closed, but no sign up, he decided it would be safe to knock.
"Hello Professor," Poppy greeted him, stepping back to let him walk in.
"How'd it go?" He immediately walked over to Hermione's bed, yet again readying himself to spend the night there.
"Good. It was a clean procedure. She'll be asleep till morning. When she wakes, you can take her back to your quarters, or she may attend classes, as long as she does not move too much. Walking with a cane will take some getting used to. She may also experience some phantom pains for the first few days."
"I'll be sure to let her know," Fred nodded, eyes not moving from his wife. "Is that all?"
"Yes Professor. Now, you get comfortable. I'll be back in a minute with a mild sleeping draught for you, and no excuses!"
Poppy returned a moment later with a vial, and watched as Fred dutifully drank it. With a sigh, he lay down on the bed as he had done the night before, and held her close as he drifted off to sleep.
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A/N: Hey hey! Well, there's the chapter. I'm sure some of you are wondering why the heck I had that happen to Mione. The answer is; there isn't one. Not really anyways. Fred and Hermione may get into a fight over it, but other than that, not much plot-purpose other than I saw it happening, and I couldn't ignore my muse. Anyways, I hope you liked it, and feel like reviewing :-D I love 'em!