"Dinner was excellent Turner but we need to be going" Harry said.

Turner shrugged, "I understand. He looked at Ginny and Ron. "It was great to see you kids"

"Yes" Amanda said with tears in her eyes. "Thank you for coming to see us and please keep in touch."

Amanda and Turner walked them to the door. Harry stopped before they opened it-something didn't feel right. He reached into his pocket and pulled his wand out.

"Harry?" Hermione questioned.

"Wands at the ready" Harry told them. "Something is wrong"

"What?" Turner asked. "What is wrong?"

"They're here" Harry said, "Waiting-I can feel. I just know it". He stepped forward and threw the door open. It seemed calm out side- a little too calm. Harry motioned for everyone to follow him.

"Exelliarmus" someone yelled-the voice floated from the wooded area.

"Protego" Harry responded. He jumped of the porch and rolled onto the grass. At that point spells began flying from everywhere. Harry couldn't see the attackers all he could hear were their voices.

"Hello lil baby Potter" Bellatrix sang from behind him. The sound of her voice made his blood boil. He turned around quickly but not quite quick enough. "Crucio" she yelled. Harry fell to his knees-he felt more pain at that moment than ever before. He screamed in agony and than as quickly as the pain started it disappeared. Harry saw Bella retreating. "You ok Potter?" Turner asked coming up behind him.

"Yes" Harry answered. There was apart of Harry that wondered if Turner tipped the death eaters off but he wasn't acting like it. Harry was pulled out of his reverie by Hermione's scream. He saw his best friend hanging in mid air -being spun around. He felt sick to his stomach and tried to get her down. The death eaters were laughing as the levitated her towards the trees. Her head was hitting the branches.

"Put her down" Harry bellowed.

The death eaters laughed. "If you insist" one replied and Hermione was dropped.

Everyone went to tend to Hermione except Harry he chased the death eaters firing every curse he could think of. They must have realized they weren't winning because they all dissapparated. "Bloody cowards" Harry bellowed. He reached into his pocket and found he still had the scepter.

"Harry" Ginny said. "Harry we have to take Hermione to a healer"

Harry turned around the sight made him feel faint. Hermione was lying on the ground unconscious. "Harry" Ron bellowed. "She is going to die-please hurry" Harry ran over there and reached down to stroke Hermione's cheek.

"I am sorry" Harry said.

"No time for that now" Turner said. "We have to get her to St.Bosco's" Turner picked Hermione up. I will apparate her there-you kids floo there with Amanda.

"How do we know you can trust you?" Harry asked.

"Guess you don't" Turner replied before he dissapparated with Hermione.

"Come on" Amanda said ushering them inside. "Follow after me". She grabbed a handful of powder. "St.Bosco's" she yelled and disappeared in green flames. One by one they followed her-all praying Hermione would make it.

Hermione was in and out of consciousness when they arrived. She had severe head injuries and mental anguish. Ron wouldn't move by her bed for three days. During one of her moments of consciousness she grabbed Ron's hand. Harry closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

"I love you Ronald" Hermione whispered.

"I love you too" Ron replied. He stroked her hand. "I don't want to lose you." Ron kissed her hand. "Will you marry me?"

Merlin, Harry thought, did he just propose?

For a moment Hermione didn't respond then weakly she answered, "Yes". She slipped out again shortly after.

"Harry-Can we talk?" Ginny asked.

They were all still at the hospital. Harry was going through the notes on Horcruxes.

"Sure" Harry replied.

"Why haven't you spoken to me since the fight?" Ginny asked.

"I speak to you everyday," Harry mumbled.

"No- I mean really talk to me?" Ginny said.

Harry looked up at Ginny, "I knew having you here would be bad" Harry told her, "Look what happened to Hermione. That could have just as easily been you"

"But I am fine" Ginny assured him.

"For now" Harry replied, "And if I can help it you will remain that way. You're going home"

Ginny teared dup but didn't press the issue. Harry felt a stab of guilt as she walked away. It is for her own good, he told himself.

--------------

"I feel fine" Hermione said huffily. "I want to leave"

"Hermione please" Ron said, "try and understand. You have been through a lot. You need time to heal"

"I want out now," Hermione growled.

The healer rolled her eyes, "Fine. I will get your release paperwork"

Harry looked between Ron and Hermione. He wondered if they were actually going to get married.

"Ron" Hermione started, "About what you asked me. I know why you did it. I know we aren't getting married. You were scared"

Ron was quiet for a moment then he smiled, "I asked you to marry me and you said yes. We are getting married-unless you have changed your mind"

Harry wished like hell he wasn't apart of this conversation and started for the door.

"No" Hermione said, "I haven't changed my mind"

Harry opened the door as quietly as he could but Ron noticed, "Where are you going mate?"

Harry hesitated, "Giving you guys some time alone- you know, to work things out"

"No need for that" Hermione replied with a grin. She looked over at Ron. "It has all been worked out."

Harry still wanted to go- this room felt awfully cramped. He turned around and smiled at his friends. His soon to be married friends. This was going to change everything and he knew it.