When the couple excited the fireplace, Harry gave Hermione a good look over. She stood strong but he could see the weariness and worry in her eyes. Taking her hand he asked, "Want to talk about it?" Her only response was a small shake of her head. He understood, she needed time to process it. He tried a different question. "Do you want to go to bed?"

"No, not yet. I don't think I could sleep."

Harry noted that her voice seemed almost defeated and it made his insides flare with sadness. Harry helped Hermione get comfortable on the couch in the library. Once he saw to it that she had a book in her hand, a warm cup of tea, and was not in any lingering pain, he proceeded downstairs. Harry threw in some Floo Powder and asked Ron to step through. Harry closed the door to the study and paced as Ron made his way into the room.

Ron took a seat on the nearby couch and watched his friend pace like a caged animal, waiting for him to speak. Finally Harry said, "We have to catch him! There may not be much time. Not now that…" Ron's eyebrows drew together as he watched Harry's distress.

"I know mate. We are close. At least I think we are. I don't know if he's getting sloppy, or lazy, or what, but we have definitely tracked him to a particular neighborhood. I imagine the director will make his move soon." Ron hoped this information would ease some of Harry's worry.

Harry scoffed, "He won't be taken without a fight. Even if they can manage to bring him in, I doubt they can make him talk. I don't see him being cooperative."

"Maybe. I think they will press him hard though, especially if you tell Mr. Boggs about the recent change to Hermione's attacks. You are the Chosen One. They wouldn't want anything to happen to your new wife," Ron said reasonably. "That still sounds funny, you having a wife." Ron let a small smile cross his lips. He was pleased to see that the edges of Harry's mouth twitched as well. It didn't last long however.

"No, they don't want that. Because if they catch him and don't get him to tell us what the hell he did to her, and how to reverse it, they will have me to answer to!" Harry seethed.

Ron sighed, "Look Harry, calm down. Sit down at least, I'm getting dizzy watching you pace back and forth like that." Harry ran his hands through his hair in a frustrated manner but sat on the other side of the couch all the same. Ron continued, "I know it's hard Harry, but you need to stay cool. You don't want to do anything rash."

"I'm trying. But they don't love her! " He rose again and started his pacing as his words flew with anger. "The only reason they don't want this to escalate is because they know the press would have a field day with it and make the department out to be incompetent. Hell, I'm not even sure it isn't imcometent myself! They don't want bad press. They don't want their "Chosen One" to come back at them and blame them. It would be bad for business." Harry took a deep breath and realizing he was standing took a seat, "They don't understand. She could die Ron! The woman I love could die! It doesn't even seem that I am able to stop her pain now! At least before I could get to her and make it stop. Now… now I will have to watch and wait for each episode to end! I have to watch her get weaker again. I can't… She has been so happy recently, so alive. She doesn't deserve this! What am I supposed to do?!" Harry's voice was full of passion but had grown quiet as he once again stood and turned away.

Ron shook his head sadly, "I don't know. Hopefully Neville or Luna can find something to help us explain why the conditions have changed. But…all we can do is try to be there for her, for you both."

Harry walked away shaking his head. He turned his back to Ron and put his hands on either side of the desk. His shoulders were tight and after a time he spoke. His voice was not loud but it was gravely and full of emotion. "You know what I've been training for. I will try not to do anything rash. But if it comes down to it, I'm going to do what I have to. I don't give a damn if the Ministry gives me permission or not."

Ron rose and said quietly, "I know mate. I hope it doesn't come to that, but I can't fault you for it. I'd probably do the same."

Harry turned to face his friend with a look of gratitude. "Thank you, Ron."

"Course. I'll be sure to keep you posted. I'll see you at the office tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll be in, at least for a bit," Harry responded.

"Let me know if you guys need anything. I'm sorry, Harry." Ron took Harry's hand and pulled him into a hug.

Harry slapped Ron's back and nodded. "See you tomorrow then."

Ron made his way to the fireplace and just before stepping in, turned and said, "You aren't the only one who loves her, you know. "

Harry was a bit taken back by that but gave Ron a small smile and said, "I know."

"You aren't in this alone." Ron stepped into the flames and was gone.

When Harry ascended the stairs and entered the library he was surprised to find Hermione still awake. Part of him was glad, perhaps the episode had not drained her too much. The positive feeling vanished when he took a closer look at her as she raised her eyes to look at him. She had obviously been crying. "I am surprised to see you awake still. I thought I'd find you asleep." He crossed the room to her side and she gave him a small smile. He sat beside her and simply put his arms around her. Harry felt her melt into his embrace as she placed her head against his shoulder. For a time they sat in silence, neither one wanting to discuss the turn of events that had suddenly turned their happy marriage upside down.

"I'm scared."

Harry almost missed Hermione's words completely. They were nothing more than a whisper. He simply held her tighter and replied, "Me too."

Hermione sat up a bit so she could look at him. His face was one of concern. Her heart ached knowing she was the cause of it. "It didn't work. I thought… I was so sure. My magic was getting stronger. I was fine. What happened?" She laid her head down against him once more knowing he had no answers for her.

Harry sighed, "I don't know. It doesn't make any sense." They continued to hold one another, each full of their own thoughts. Harry said quietly, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't stop it."

Hermione lifted her head to face him. Her eyes were glossy with unshed tears. She put a hand to his cheek and said quietly but firmly, "This is not your fault. You don't have to apologize. I would be lying if I said that I am not shocked, terrified, and angry at the fact that you can't just come touch me and end the pain. But this is not your fault. We couldn't have anticipated this at all. We don't even fully understand what this is." She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "I love you, Harry. Whether or not our marriage solved this problem or not, I wouldn't give up being your wife for anything!" She kissed him on the other cheek. His eyes were worried before he dropped his gaze. She continued, "Just promise me something." This got his attention and his eyes quickly returned to her.

"Anything."

"Don't give up."

Harry couldn't help but let his mouth rise in a small smile. Those were the words he had used on her not long ago. He gave her a nod of his head. He felt her lips press against his and he quickly returned the gesture. Her voice reached him again as she settled next to him once more. "Just hold me."

Harry gathered her up in his arms. "Always." He felt her smile against his him. "We should probably consult Madam Pomfrey." She nodded in the affirmative but didn't speak. "It will be alright."

Hermione wanted to believe him. She wanted to pretend the episode just hours ago had never happened. She wanted to continue to use her magic and feel herself getting stronger each day. She wanted to forget the pain. But deep in her body she could still feel the ache. She hoped the attacks were slow in coming, but she knew there was no guarantee. Now that Harry's touch seemed to have no effect against the attack, she felt even more vulnerable.

"Shall we get to bed? It's getting quiet late," Harry said.

"Yes, I feel quite drained, in more ways than one," Hermione replied.

"Shall I carry you?" Harry asked as he rose from the couch and offered his hand to her.

Hermione took his hand and let him pull her off the couch. Standing tall she entwined her arm in his and said, "No, I'm fine. Let me walk beside you. I may not be able to do so in the future."

Harry furrowed his brow at her comment. "Hermione…"

"No need to worry," Hermione smiled at him to let him know she had not meant any harm with her comment. "When I am completely exhausted and too weak to walk with you, which we both know may happen in the near future, I will most certainly be demanding you carry me everywhere!"

Harry gave her a small smile in return and teased, "So, I should start lifting weights to be sure I am ready."

Hermione let out a little chuckle and nudged him in the ribs as they made their way through the door to their bedroom. "Calling me heavy now are you?"

Harry looked shocked at the accusation and Hermione laughed at him just before he swept her up in his arms and kissed her passionately. "You my dear, will pay for teasing me."

"I do hope so," Hermione said breathlessly.

Thanks to those reading! Please leave me a comment! Will they find out why Harry's touch isnt' working? Will the attacks happen slowly or is there little time for her? Will they catch Atticus Bention? Can they get him to help before Harry does something he may regret? Stick with me!