Survived camping with three little kiddos and had a great time too! Now I am up to my eyeballs in laundry! I managed to get most of this written before I left so you got lucky in getting an update this week! Enjoy!

It had been ten days since Teddy's birthday party. Within that time Hermione had been struck down six times by severe pain. She had little time to recover and after the third day in a row of attacks Harry convinced her to start letting people help her a bit. She was so weak that just standing in the shower too long, or walking down the stairs proved to be a hazard. She spent most of her time in her room or in the library. She slept off and on but Harry noticed that when she did sleep, she often would wake from nightmares or slight tremors that ran through her arms and legs. Her headaches seemed to be growing more intense as well. On one occasion Harry had stepped into the library to find her curled in a ball with her hands pressed against the sides of her head, her eyes scrunched closed.

Harry was currently experiencing his own head ache as he was completing his practice session at the Ministry. He had already gained some good ground in his new avenue of interest but it was proving mentally challenging and exhausting at times. The thought that his mastery of the skill he was attempting might very well save Hermione's life made him strive extra hard to progress with speed. His mind was distracted though. Hermione was at home being watched over by Ginny. Harry was taken by surprise when Ginny had volunteered to help Hermione shower and do her hair that day. Normally, Mrs. Weasley would come and help every few days if Hermione was feeling up to it, or if she felt in need of refreshing. Ron and Luna had also stayed with her on those times when Harry was forced to attend his classes. Harry had fought a hard battle convincing Hermione that she needed help. He understood her reluctance. She was a strong, independent woman. But even she admitted that she nearly passed out with the effort it took to wash her mass of curly hair while her arms shook alarmingly. After a scare on the stairs, just two days ago, in which he had to quickly grab her around the waist as she stumbled from exhaustion he had successfully convinced her that having someone around would be beneficial. It ate at Harry to see her that way. He knew it was slowly tearing Hermione up inside to be in need of help with simple tasks. He knew her spirits were low even though she put on a good front. It was not just her physical health that Harry worried about. Madam Pomfrey had performed a scan three days ago and the results had Harry on edge. Hermione's magical core levels were at 48%. The back to back days of attacks had taken their toll. He prayed that today she would get some rest.

Harry took several deep, calming breaths and tried to clear and focus his mind despite the dull ache. He was preparing for another round of his training when the pendant burned hot against his skin. His heart beat wildly as his gut twisted with fear. He quickly found the nearest Floo and stepped inside.

When he stepped out he frantically bounded up the stairs. Half way up he heard Ginny shout his name. Her voice was strained. "I'm here! I'm coming!" He quickly ran the rest of the way up meeting the worried face of his ex-girlfriend. He made his way past her and into Hermione's room. Harry quickly made his way across the room to where Hermione lay trembling. There was a puddle on the floor near her head which Harry quickly identified as the meager insides of Hermione's stomach. Harry avoided it and quickly bent to touch her arm stilling her body. He then vanished the sickly puddle with a wave of his wand and took Hermione into his cradling arms. "What happened?" Harry asked a pale faced Ginny.

"She…I was helping her dry and brush her hair and she just fell to the floor gasping. When she threw up I kind of panicked and that's when I called for you," Ginny reported shakily.

Harry nodded and noticed for the first time the turned over chair in which Hermione must have been sitting while Ginny had been attempting to style her hair. Hermione's hair was damp and dark against her pale skin. She didn't move and her breathing was shallow. Harry had gotten somewhat used to her not waking up right away but it still made him anxious. "Thank you Ginny. I appreciate you being here with her."

Ginny nodded and said quietly, "I'm glad I could help in some way. Harry I know you were shocked when I said I wanted to help. I owe you an apology. I over reacted when I found out about your relationship with Hermione. It hurt and I was confused and angry and…well, it was not my best moment."

"I know Ginny. I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry too. I can promise you that I never betrayed your trust when we were together." Harry offered.

"I know. Hermione told me that and despite how angry I was I knew she was telling the truth. She's never lied to me. When I first saw her collapse at the Burrow, it was…I… I wasn't expecting that. I can't imagine what you two are going through. I'm sorry. I needed time but I am ready to help. I hope you can accept my friendship again." Ginny's voice was steady but her eyes had avoided Harry's.

Harry knew she was sincere in her apology and he reach his hand to grab hers as he cradled Hermione with his other arm. He gave Ginny's hand a small squeeze and said with a sad smile. "Of course I accept your friendship. I also understand if you need time away from me. It's alright. Thank you again for being here." Ginny simply nodded at him and then looked around as if unsure what to do next. Harry saw her discomfort and offered, "I am going to lay her on the bed and sit with her. Would you mind going to the bathroom and getting her potions?"

Ginny rose and quickly made her way to the bathroom. When she returned Harry was pulling the covers over Hermione's still form. She handed him the vials and he tipped them into Hermione's mouth with an ease that came from having done this several times before. "If you want something to eat I am sure Biddy has something for you in the kitchen. Otherwise, I think you have done all you can for us today," Harry said simply.

Ginny noticed his eyes never left Hermione's face. His voice was tired and strained. She felt a pang of distress for him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and said softly, "I'll go. Let us know how she is doing later on. Keep me informed if I can do anything more for you." Harry nodded but didn't look at her. She quietly took her leave wondering what would happen to two of her greatest friends.

Harry was not pleased with the situation. The fact that Hermione had become sick to her stomach suggested that the pain had risen to a new level. He had also taken notice of how little had been in Hermione's stomach. She had not been eating well, claiming her appetite was gone. She was slowly losing weight. Harry let his hand lightly touch her forehead as she slept and as he brushed away her damp curls he took note that her skin was unnaturally warm. The last couple of attacks had seemed to be accompanied by a fever after the fact. He couldn't be sure, but he thought it was a bit higher today than in the past. Not wanting to take any risks, he called for Biddy.

"Master Harry called?" Upon seeing Hermione unconscious in bed Biddy began jumping up and down nervously, "Did Miss Hermione have another attack, Sir? I was in the kitchen and did not hear. What can I do?"

Harry said softly, "Just sit here with her while I go make a call, will you?"

"Yes! I is never leaving her side until you is getting back!" Biddy took up Harry's spot in the chair next to the bed and set her big eyes on Hermione.

Harry went down stairs and Floo called Madam Pomfrey. Soon the mediwitch stepped through and Harry led her to Hermione's room. Biddy quickly jumped up to make room for them and Harry noticed she stood quietly in the corner. He suspected the little elf was as anxious as he was to see how Hermione was doing. Harry watched Madam Pomfrey wave her wand in the familiar complicated patterns over Hermione's body. After a time the mediwitch made a thoughtful noise and said, "Her temperature is a bit higher than previous episodes. Did you administer a fever reducing potion?"

"Yes, I gave her a fever potion, a pain potion and the aftershock potion shortly after I arrived. That was probably fifteen minutes ago or so," Harry responded eyeing her wearily.

"The fever does not seem to be responding to the potion. It is not of too much concern right now, but if it continues to escalate we will need to come up with some alternative ways of handling it," Madam Pomfrey explained.

Harry scowled at the news. Another problem to overcome. He was not sure how much more bad news he could handle. "How is her core?"

"She is at 45% currently but I suspect that she should be able to reach 50% by tomorrow, maybe a bit higher if she manages not to have an attack tomorrow."

"And if she does have an attack tomorrow?" Harry was trying to control his breathing as his nerves were on edge.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, "I fear she may be reduced to 40%. If she reaches 35% or below I think it would be wise to move her to St. Mungos. But we are not there yet. I have hope her core will recover somewhat in the next few hours. How was her pain level?"

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "When I arrived she had thrown up. I assume that means the pain was quite intense. Perhaps more than before."

The mediwitch drew her eyebrows together in a frown. "Mmm, that would seem to suggest the pain is continuing to increase. Her body is also weaker so it may not be able to handle it as well. I am contemplating waking her."

"Why?" Harry asked. "Doesn't she need to rest?"

"Yes, but I also would like to know how her head is feeling. My scans show some swelling and the blood is moving pretty quickly in her brain right now. If her pain has increased her headaches may be growing worse as well."Harry nodded and took Hermione's had as Madam Pomfrey waved her wand and said, "Rennervate."

Hermione slowly stirred and her face immediately contorted to one of pain. Harry squeezed her hand lightly and whispered, "It's alright. I'm right here. We just want to see how you are feeling. Can you open your eyes?" He watched her struggle against her exhaustion and her eyes opened a little and sought his face.

"Harry?" Her voice was rough and quiet.

"I'm here. So is Madam Pomfrey," Harry explained.

The mediwitch lifted her up slightly and gave her a small glass of water. Hermione drank deeply before laying back down against her pillows. "I am sorry to wake you dear, but I am trying to assess your condition. Hermione, can you tell me how your head feels right now?"

Hermione closed her eyes and drew her eyes brows together. When she didn't answer after a few seconds Harry gently squeezed her hand. "Hermione? Talk to me Sweetheart. "

She pulled her eyes open again and turned slightly toward the sound of Harry's voice. She quietly responded, "You've never called me that before."

Harry smirked at her and kissed her on the forehead. He watched as she again closed her eyes, her face strained. "Are you in pain?"

Hermione started to nod but stopped herself as her head ached at the movement. She sighed and without opening her eyes said softly, "Mmm, my head just feels a bit…tender."

"I'm not surprised," Madam Pomfrey replied. "I think I will just give you some dreamless sleep to ensure you rest undisturbed." She brought the vial to Hermione's lips and watched as her patient slowly swallowed. She then turned to Harry. "Make sure she rests of course. Keep me posted on her headaches. I'll try to check back in with you in a day or two." Harry nodded and thanked her. She rose to leave and said, "I'll let myself out. And Harry, do try to rest yourself and see if you can get Hermione to eat more. She needs her strength and she is growing a bit thin."

Harry stomach clenched to hear the worry in the mediwitch's voice. To hear his own concerns echoed in her words made him feel sick. He simply nodded again and then turned his attention back to the sleeping girl in front of him. What was he to do? Neville's words again came into his mind. He really didn't see any other option. He couldn't sit here and watch Hermione slowly slip away if there was a chance that marrying her could bring her relief. He had pictured himself married to her many times. From the moment she had come to live in the Manor, he had known that was the future he wanted. It had been confirmed to him again and again over the last couple of weeks. But the idea of it had been in the future. Now it was upon him all too quickly. Harry loved her. He knew that without a doubt. He also knew that Hermione loved him. The trouble was trying to convince Hermione that his desire to marry her didn't stem from this bloody bond. He knew she would be reluctant to marry him. It wasn't a matter of her not loving him. He was sure she did. However, they were still quite young and she had already had so many of her life plans changed in just a couple short months. This was all happening too quickly. Harry worried about how to convince her that marriage had the potential to save her. He also worried about reassuring her that his love, his commitment, and desire to be her husband was not influenced by her attacks. His mind mulled over how to approach it. He had made his decision and was eager to move forward but he knew he would need to tread gently.

The next day was, thankfully, proving to be episode free. Harry was beyond grateful for this fact. He knew how vital it was for Hermione to have a day of peace following days of pain. Her core needed time to recover to some degree. It was approaching 7pm and Hermione was curled up under a blanket on the library sofa reading a book. Harry and Biddy had taken extra pains to make a variety of light but nutritious foods. They had been pleased when Hermione had eaten more than she had in several days.

Harry bent and kissed her lightly on the cheek and held his hand out to her. "I hate to interrupt you, but I want to show you something."

Hermione gave him a smile and took his hand as she got up from her spot on the couch. "What do you need to show me?" Her curiosity was piqued. Harry had a look of mischief in his eyes that made her heart flutter.

"If I told you, it would ruin it. Just follow me," Harry said with a smile.

"You're being very mysterious," Hermione teased as they walked down the hallway and through a door Hermione had not been through. The door opened to a small stairwell. The stone steps spiraled upwards. "I've never seen this part of the Manor before. Where does it go?"

Harry could tell her interest was piqued and he grinned at her before saying, "One of my favorite spots. I thought it was time I showed you." He squeezed her hand and asked, "Do you think you can manage all these stairs? It doesn't go up too far but it is steep."

Hermione smiled at him even as she raised her hand to smooth out the concern on his face. Her fingers gently touched his cheek, which was a bit rough with stubble. "I think I will be fine. I am too curious not to attempt it!"

Harry took her hand from his cheek and kissed her palm. "I think I will let you go first and I'll follow behind in case you get dizzy." He let her being climbing and followed behind.

Hermione laughed a bit before saying, "This wasn't some elaborate plan to look at my backside was it?"

Harry laughed heartily at her, "I had not considered it actually, but now you mention it, the view is quiet pleasing." He took the liberty of patting her butt.

Hermione giggled at him and was glad Harry could not see how deep her blush was. Her smile remained in place as she continued the spiral climb. He legs were just beginning to tire when she saw a wooden door just head. The stairs stopped and she found herself standing on a small ledge area with the door in front of her. "I assume the destination is on the other side of this door?" Hermione asked.

"How deductive of you," Harry smirked. Hermione turned and smacked him playfully on the arm for his cheeky comment. "You can open it anytime you like," Harry said.

Hermione lifted the old medal latch and pushed the door open. She was surprised when the door didn't squeak. She was also surprised to find that she was now outside. The fresh, fall air filled her lungs. A slight chill was in the air and she rubbed her arms a bit. She took a few steps forward and was amazed by her surroundings. It appeared to be a small courtyard on part of the roof of the Manor. The landscape spread out below her. The moon was just beginning to rise, the setting sun casting a low orange glow. In the dim light she could make out stone benches around the courtyard. There were several plants, trees and flowers in various pots and a small water fountain that trickled pleasantly in center. Small, lanterns were interspersed around the perimeter walls, spreading a soft light in the growing darkness. Her eyes took in the scene and peacefulness seemed to fill her body. She sighed heavily in contentment. "Harry, this is beautiful!"

Harry almost missed her soft words but the look of awe on her face told him she found the place as magical as he did. He took her hand and led her to a nearby bench swing. "This has become one of my favorite retreats," Harry confessed.

Hermione took a seat on the swing and Harry joined her, wrapping his arm around her. "I can see why. The view is spectacular," Hermione said with pleasure.

"I like to star gaze up here, watch the sun rise or set, or just sit and think. It seems to calm me somehow," Harry offered. He saw Hermione nodding her head and continued, "I thought it might provide you with a place to rest other than the library."

Hermione beamed at him. "Oh, Harry, this is wonderful. I am sure I will come up here often."

"If you do, I want one of the house elves, myself or someone else to walk with you. I would hate for you to fall on the way up or down," Harry said seriously.

Hermione gave him a sad smile but nodded her head in agreement. "I think perhaps this should be our special place. Let's keep it a secret. I promise not to come here without you."

Harry grinned at her romantic idea. "That sounds like a wonderful plan. We can transfigure those benches into more comfortable chairs for you if you wish. The house elves know about this place of course. They help keep the plants looking nice and the roof clean. But they do not often come up here otherwise. I think we will have no problems being alone up here."

"Promise?" Hermione asked with a gleam in her eyes.

"You have that look in your eyes," Harry said with a smirk.

"What look?" Hermione asked innocently.

"The look that says you are about to devour me with your lips," Harry said with a grin.

Hermione laughed at that and then said, "That is not the most romantic way of putting it."

"How about kiss me senseless?" Harry offered with a chuckle.

"I think you should stop speaking altogether," Hermione said before she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was slow at first but quickly increased in intensity and depth. Hermione finally pulled away and rested her head on his shoulder breathing rather heavily. "Thank you for showing me this place. I love it."

"Well, if you kiss me like that every time we come up here, I will be convincing you to spend quite a lot of time here," Harry teased.

Hermione blushed lightly. "Who says I will need convincing?"

Harry leaned in again and caught her lips gently. Holding her close he felt her body tremble. "Are you cold?"

"A bit, but being close to you helps me to stay warm," Hermione said as she leaned against him.

Harry waved his wand and a small wooden chest that Hermione had not noticed opened and a blanket flew toward them. Harry laid it over their laps and settled back in with his arm around her. "Better?"

Hermione smiled, "Yes, thank you."

Harry watched her closely. Her smile seemed sad and tired. They sat in silence for a time, the swing rocking rhythmically. Harry finally asked, "What's bothering you?"

Hermione was a little surprised by the question. She sat up a bit more and asked, "What makes you think I'm bothered by something?"

Harry fixed her with a knowing look as his eyebrows rose. "Hermione, I know you. What is on your mind?"

Hermione bit her lip and sighed lightly. "Nothing. I just…"

Harry shifted so he could better look at her. He touched her cheek lightly making her look at him. "Hey, come on. You can tell me anything, you know that."

Hermione fought back the tears that were beginning to sting her eyes. Taking a breath to steady herself she said softly, "When I shivered….it wasn't…it wasn't because of the cold. I mean it is a bit chilly and I'm grateful for the blanket, but I just…it wasn't…" Hermione looked away in frustration. She was angry at herself for struggling to voice her fears. She was frustrated she had fears to begin with.

Harry listened intently to her ramble and suddenly understood what she was trying to say. He watched as she turned away from him in clear frustration. He stopped the swing and touched her shoulder, gently turning her toward him once more. His heart jumped to his throat seeing her eyes sparkle with unshed tears. "It was just a tremor," Harry stated. Hermione nodded slowly and a single tear slid down her cheek. Harry wiped it away with his thumb and kissed her cheek. "It's alright to be upset. It's alright to be scared."

Hermione bit her lip again and sighed angrily, "I hate this! I am so tired all the time. I hate needing help from people. I hate wondering every day when or if the pain will return. I hate that at any moment my hands or my body might shake so badly that I drop something or fall. I hate being so scared and so mad. I know this isn't easy for you either and I hate that I'm making you suffer. I hate crying! I hate not using my magic! I hate not being me!" Her voice had grown louder with each complaint she had uttered until at the end she was practically yelling at him. Her tears were flowing freely down her face now and she looked ashamedly at her lap.

Harry's brow furrowed. He hated seeing her so distraught but could understand her outburst. He wasn't sure what to say so he simply gathered her in his arms and held her tightly, letting her cry against his chest. After a time he stroked her hair and said softly, "I hate it too. I know you are mad and scared. You have every right to be, my love. I often feel the same." Setting her back a bit he looked into her puffy, red eyes as he said seriously, "But never for a moment should you think you are not you! I know you miss your magic. I know you feel like things are out of your control. But I want you to know that I love you, Hermione. I love you! You are a brilliant person, with or without magic. You are kind and thoughtful. You tease and you smile and you laugh in ways that make my insides do flips. You are the most beautiful person I know. You are a powerful witch, Hermione. But even without magic you have bewitched me completely. I have watched as you have braved the last few weeks. You have never given up. You may have cried or yelled," Harry said with a smile. He saw Hermione give him a small smile in return through her tears and he continued, "But you have kept going one day at a time. You have kept researching, kept smiling and kept laughing. That is who you are. That is why I love you."

Hermione was overcome by Harry's heartfelt, sincere speech. It had hit her very core. Never, had anyone spoken to her in such a way. It made her cheeks flush and her heart race. Her eyes betrayed her by shedding a fresh batch of tears. She said softly, "Oh, Harry." She fell against him once more and let his arms hold her tightly and rock her gently in the swing. When she had gotten her breath under control and her tears had run dry she said softly, "Thank you Harry. I love you. More than you know. I'm sorry I ruined it."

"Ruined what?" Harry asked as he gently stroked her arm.

"This. Your surprise. I am sure you did not plan on me having a break down," Hermione said.

"I had not anticipated it, but I have to say that I think it did you good." Harry had actually intended on discussing the possibility of marriage with her. But it seemed the timing wasn't quite right. He continued, "And since I am still sitting next to you, holding you close under a blanket, with stars above us, having heard you just proclaim your love for me, I can hardly complain," Harry stated. Harry felt her smile against him at that and he squeezed her again.

"Perhaps I can make it up to you."

"What did you have in mind?" Harry asked.

"I could make you a dessert?" Hermione suggested.

"Hmm, that does have some appeal, though it wasn't what I was hoping for," Harry confessed with a gleam in his eye.

"No? Well, a walk in the garden then?" Hermione asked.

"Not quite."

Harry watched as she seemed to smile wickedly before assuming an innocent face and speaking again she said, "Well, perhaps I'll read to you from Hogwarts a History then, since you have never read it."

Harry laughed and said, "I do believe you are getting farther from it instead of closer."

Hermione gave him a mischievous grin and scooted closer to him. She leaned in toward his face and let her hand travel down his cheek to his neck. In a breathless voice she whispered in his ear, "Is this close enough?"

Harry couldn't help but smile at her broadly. Her face was just slightly lit from the nearby lantern, the light reflecting in her deep eyes. Her skin looked like porcelain and he found his heart was racing. He said quietly, "Almost."

Hermione kissed his cheek and before Harry knew what had happened, Hermione was sitting on his lap with her arms around his neck and her forehead pressed against his. "And now?" Her eyes were closed as she breathed deeply.

"Perfect," Harry responded before finding her lips. They snogged for a good while. Each content in one another's arms. When at last they pulled apart Harry said, "I think we better get you to bed, my love."

Hermione stifled a yawn. "You have worn me out in the most delightful way."

"Good. Anytime you need to feel enjoyably drained of energy, I am your man," Harry teased as he stood and reached for her hand. She gave him a little giggle and he led her to the wooden door. Harry took note that by the time he had walked her to her bedchamber her hands were shaking rather badly and her complexion lacked color. He opened her door and led her to the edge of the bed where she sat down with a tired sigh. "I've kept you up too late." Harry declared as he looked at her with concern.

Hermione shook her head slightly but regretted it as her head exploded with pain. She closed her eyes and brought her hand to head breathing deeply.

"You have a headache," Harry said. Hermione's only response was a slight moan. He quickly went to the bathroom and retrieved a pain potion. He went to hand it to her but seeing her shaky hands thought better of it and slowly brought it to her lips. He made sure she swallowed it all and set the empty vial on the nightstand. Harry kicked his shoes off and gently removed hers as well before climbing up on the bed. He helped Hermione move back between his legs, her head resting against his chest. He brought his hands up and began gently massaging the sides of her head. He loved the feel of her hair between his fingers. After a moment he felt her body begin to relax. Her hands grew still and her breathing deepened. "Feeling better?" He heard her give a slight hum in response. He shifted so he could gently lay her down and he began climbing down from the bed but was stopped by her gentle voice.

"Don't."

Harry turned off the light with a flick of his wand, then laying it on the nightstand next to the empty vial, he scooted next her warm body. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. Her eyes didn't open but her mouth twitched up a little. He whispered, "Good night, Hermione." His thoughts quickly began coming up with a new way to approach talking to her about getting married. He had planned to show him that special place and ask for her hand. But now, lying beside her he had a better idea. He smiled as his thoughts came together. He had been disappointed when he realized that tonight was not going to be the night to propose. Now, with a new fully formed idea in his head, he was grateful that it hadn't happened as he originally planned.

Like Harry, I also was expecting to write out a marriage proposal this chapter. However, Hermione seemed to have other plans. This just means you have something to look forward to next chapter! Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think! THanks!