"I have her tucked into bed," Luna said as she heard Harry entered the bedroom. "The episode was short lived."

Harry nodded and hurried to the bed, gently stroking Hermione's pale cheek. "Thank you for staying with her Luna."

Luna watched Harry sigh and run his hand through his hair in a tired manner. She knew what tonight involved and couldn't help but ask, "How did it go? I mean, did you get him?"

Harry scowled, "We got him. It didn't go as planned and there were casualties, but we got him."

There was silence for a time and Luna could tell there was more to it but simply waited for Harry to speak again. Soon he did, with quite a bit of passion. "It was a bloody disaster! And if I hadn't been there under my cloak the bastard would have gotten away!"

Luna nodded, letting Harry get his anger out. Ron soon entered the bedroom. "Heard you yelling mate. You alright?"

"NO! I'm not alright Ron! We nearly lost him. You know that right?" Harry fumed.

Ron sighed, "I know Harry. But we didn't. He's with Magical Law Enforcement now. As usual, you saved the day mate." Harry scoffed at the comment.

"This is good Harry. It means we are closer to ending this," Luna calmly said.

Harry nodded and stopped his pacing. "I'm going. I do not trust those idiots in law enforcement to do what needs to be done. Not when Atticus can obviously can hurt Hermione with nothing but a thought. He's going to try to use her to get off. I need to go. Ron, are you coming?"

Ron sighed, "I can't mate. The explosion…I need to go to St. Mungos."

Harry turned to his friend and saw the clear distress there. "Ron, what is it? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. But Allision…she…she isn't in good shape. She was close to the blast. I need to go see her."

Harry approached his friend and drew him into a hug. "Ron, I'm so sorry. Go. Keep me posted. I'm sure she'll be alright. I'm sorry I can't go with you."

"I get it Harry. Just be careful. They are not just going to let you waltz in there and allow you access to him. They are probably going to try to keep you away. It's out of the Auror's hands now."

"I know. But I need to see this through. They can certainly try to keep me out, so far those kind of plans haven't worked." Harry said with a wicked sneer. Turning to Luna he asked, "Can you stay for a while longer?"

"Of course I can, Harry," Luna replied with a sad smile.

Harry exited the lift into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement with a fire in his blood. He could hear some commotion down the hall and made his way in that direction. It didn't take long before he was intercepted. "Mr. Potter we expected you but you know this is not your department. We can't possibly let you-" The man was trying to block his path but Harry simply pushed his way right past him to a small group of wizards talking outside of what Harry could only deduce was an interrogation room. When the other wizards saw him coming they quickly jumped to stop him.

Harry stared daggers at them and drew his wand. "Where is he?"

" , you can't just come in here and make demands. This is not-"

Harry put his wand to the older wizards throat and growled, "Don't you dare tell me what I can't do. This man, the man in your custody, is only there because I caught him for you."

A shorter, younger wizard said, "But Gibbs said you weren't even there!"

"I was there! I am the reason Gibbs was able to drop him in your laps!"

A third wizard pushed his way to the front of the group and tried to take charge. "While we appreciate what you've done this is not your place. Atticus Benton is no longer your problem!"

This comment had Harry stepping even closer, his wand sparking menacingly, "Not my problem? That man in there, is hurting my wife! Hermione Potter, war heroine is dying a slow and painful death because of that man! He is most certainly still my problem gentlemen! I intend to make sure he is not able to use what power he has over my wife to weasel his way out of here! This ends now! I am not about to sit back and watch you screw this up!"

Suddenly a female voice said from behind him, "Mr. Potter, please but down the wand."

Harry turned to eye the witch behind him. She was middle aged and looked at him with an unimpressed expression. Her voice was calm as she said, "I don't think hexing law enforcement wizards is going to get you what you want. Please step into my office." She turned, walked a few feet and then turned into a room off the hallway. Harry glared at the wizards before following the witch. When he entered the room he found the woman seated behind a large desk. She was pouring tea. "Take a seat Mr. Potter. Tea?"

Harry continued to stand. "No, thank you. I want to-"

"You want to know what we are doing with Benton," The witch finished. Harry eyed her and nodded. "Please sit Mr. Potter."

"I'd rather not."

The witch sighed and rolled her eyes at him. "Look, Mr. Potter, we both know why you are here. I know the personal interest you have for this man and this case. I know all about what Benton has done to your wife. Your boss has kept me up to date. We are on the same side Mr. Potter." Harry didn't respond. "I'm chief of the department, Kris Walker." She stuck her hand out and Harry reluctantly took it, shaking it briefly.

"Now, Mr. Potter, while I don't appreciate you storming in here making demands, I can understand it."

"Thank you. I just want to be sure that he gets what is coming to him. He will try to use my wife as leverage to get off with less than he should. He thinks he has a carrot to dangle with her life on the line. I won't see her hurt because of bad moves on the part of this department." Harry explained heatedly. "And I have no intention of leaving until I see him and know what you have planned."

Harry watched the witch before him smirk with a bit of amusement. He wasn't sure how to take that. Finally she spoke again. Her voice was calm but impassioned. "Well, I appreciate your straight forward speech. You certainly live up to your stubborn Gryffindor reputation. Let me assure you that I am not here to kick you out."

"What?" Harry said lamely.

A small chuckle escaped the witches lips. "Not the reaction you were expecting I assume." Mrs. Walker walked around her desk and handed Harry a cup of tea. "I know what you have done for the wizarding world Mr. Potter. I also know what your wife has done. I am also aware that neither one of you have ever asked for anything despite the fame that follows you. Now, I respect you and I am deeply sorry for the situation you have found yourselves in. I want to help. "

Harry was surprised. "Thank you Mrs. Walker."

The witched nodded and said, "However, I want it understood that you are not in charge here and you will only have access to what I decide you can have access to."

Harry drew his brows together. "I want to see him."

"Yes, well, you can see him but there is no way I am putting you in the same room as him," Mrs. Walker said.

"But then-" Harry began to ask with frustration.

"Calm down Mr. Potter. Here is what I can do for you tonight. Atticus Benton is detained right now in the room down the hall. He is waiting to be questioned. I will be leading the interrogation. You will be allowed to watch from the room next door. You will see and hear everything that happens in that room but he won't know you are there. I expect it to stay that way no matter what he may say or how angry you may become. Have I made myself clear?" Harry nodded solemnly. "Good. Follow me."

Harry followed the surprising witch from the room and back down the hall. The three wizards eyed him warily and with slight anger as he approached. Mrs. Walker simply waved them off saying that he was her guest and gave them various instructions. Harry was soon deposited in the room next to the room that Benton was in. When Harry saw the man through the one way wall, he felt his anger rise once again. The man looked smug and uninterested when Mrs. Walker entered. "Got yourself caught huh? Well, it took longer than expected, so I'll give you that. Still, here we are."

Harry watched Benton glare at her, rising violently from his chair as he spat, "Well, unless you want that mudblood wife of Potters' to die I suggest you let me go. NOW! It's as easy as a thought to make that mudblood scream."

Harry's hand twitched at his wand, his pulse beat a fast rhythm and he ground his teeth hearing the man talk about Hermione that way. He was impressed that Mrs. Walker stood her ground and that without warning Benton was sent flying back into his seat and was clearly now stuck to his chair as he struggled against the sticking charm Harry was sure she had put on him. Without the slightest sign that Benton had ruffled her at all Walker glared at Benton. "I think not. Here's how this is going to work Benton. You are going to be very cooperative and tell us everything we want to know about what you did to Hermione Potter and how to reverse it. If you hurt Mrs. Potter again I will immediately be calling in a Dementor to kiss you. It's that simple. So, I suggest you keep your temper under control."

Harry saw the slightest sign of worry cross Benton's face before he growled, "You can't. It's against the law. You can't do anything without a trial."

Mrs. Walker smiled at him, "Ah, well see the thing about that is… when you mess with the wizard who saved the wizarding world from a psychopath, the rules tend to get bent. I have all the authorization I need from the Minister himself to get you kissed without a second thought if I deem it necessary." Harry saw her hold up a piece of parchment which he assumed had Kingsley's signature. He was touched and surprised that the Minister was so aware and willing to help them.

"I don't believe you," Benton spat with anger while his eyes betrayed a bit of fear.

"No? I am confident you don't want to risk finding out. If there is one thing I know about you Benton, it's that you are a survivor. You do anything to save your own skin."

"You don't know anything about me!" Benton was continuing to struggle against the sticking charm.

Walker simply walked around the room and calmly began talking. "Really? I know you left your lover and daughter so you wouldn't get caught when the Auror's were closing in during the first war. Takes a real man to leave his family to save his own skin," Walker taunted.

Benton threw his fist down on the table and growled at Mrs. Walker. The witch simply continued, "And let's not forget how deep you were hiding while supporting Voldemort this time around." Harry was impressed the chief had used the Dark Lords proper name. He listened as she continued, "You made sure you would be free of the mark, stay lost, stay covered. Oh, sure you sold it as if you were some great spy. Some great resource who could easily get around and get to people because of your skill set. I have no doubt you were and continue to be a sympathizer to Voldemort's ideology, but you want to know the real reason you attached yourself so closely to him? The real reason you convinced him you were more valuable outside his inner circle? It was to save yourself. You wanted his protection, you enjoyed being part of his power, but you made sure you stayed far enough away to not get caught, to fly under the radar…to survive."

Benton simply continued to glare at the witch. "No response to that? Huh? You may hold no love for anyone else, but I think it's clear you love your own life a hell of a lot. If you have a desire to survive this situation, you had better consider answering every question we ask. "

"And if I refuse?"

"I didn't think you were this slow. Let me repeat, that if you cause us problems a Dementor will be invited to have a chat with you. I am fairly certain that if that happens our problems will be solved; pretty hard to hurt anyone when you're a soulless shell. Personally I'd rather just do it now and be done but as you said, there is some protocol that must be followed." The witch put both her hands on the table and got right in Benton's face. Her voice was low and gravely, "It would seem that big bad temper of yours has gotten you into trouble again. You cursed the wrong people. If I were you I'd get a handle on that anger before it kills you. I dare say the Dementor would have a feast with a soul as full of dark thoughts as yours must be. I wouldn't risk it if I were you. Do you understand me Benton?"

Benton's head moved a slight centimeter forward. "Good. For now you will be in isolation. I've even instructed they give you a pillow and a light. Just remember the generosity only goes as far as what you give us in return. So, play nice and we shouldn't have any problems. Perhaps I can arrange for you to have a book after we talk next." Her voice had been mocking.

"So, as long as I talk you'll let me out?" Benton ground out as Walker made to leave the room.

"Oh, no! " She turned around and lazily said, "There will be no getting out. Your record is too long to simply let you go. We are not stupid you know. But we are reasonable. I promise you won't get sent to Azkaban and we'll set you up nicely in a big cell somewhere else with plenty of amenities. That is assuming you play nice and do exactly as we ask," Walker stated. She gave Benton one last demeaning glare before exiting the room.

Harry met Mrs. Walker in the hall way. He had been impressed by her calm and firm demeanor. The witch eyed him and asked, "So, any questions? I assume that you approve of the proceedings thus far?"

"It was impressive. Remind me never to get on your bad side," Harry said. He saw the witch's lips turn up in a slight smirk. Harry asked, "Did Kingsley really sign authorization for the Dementors Kiss?"

"Yes." Mrs. Walker was quite serious. "He and I, as well as your boss Mr. Boggs have been in close contact on this case for some time. We have discussed various plans so to speak. We felt that in the event Benton was captured that fear might be the best tactic. As you heard me state, he seems to hold the value of his life above all else. Hopefully we can use this to keep him cooperative."

"And if he does cooperate you will keep him out of Azkaban?" Harry asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

"That was the deal. Personally I'd rather just have him kissed and throw away the key with no one the wiser. As it is, we are striving very hard to keep this case under wraps. If the public found out we were bending the rules of justice on this they would have a field day. We'd all be out of jobs I am sure. The public will not even be made aware that we have Benton in our custody if we can help it." Mrs. Walker said as she began walking back to her office. "I trust that you can keep this to yourself ?"

Harry could tell she was under a great deal of stress. "Of course," He nodded, " I am surprised that Kingsley approved this."

Mrs. Walker stopped and turned to him with a small smile. "Mr. Potter, this world of ours has been through a lot. You have been through a lot. There are those of us that feel strongly that what you did was more than anyone should have had to do for a life time. You have served our world well from a very young age. Those of us that are smart enough to notice, have also seen that you have asked nothing from us. You could probably take over the Ministry if you wanted to with the way everyone idolizes you. Yet, you choose to try to have a quiet and normal life."

"Normal is all I've ever wanted. It seems to be an elusive thing for me though," Harry said with a touch of sadness in his voice.

"Yes, well, be that as it may, we appreciate what you have done. Doing all we can to ensure you don't lose your wife, who is a war heroine in her own right, seems the least we can do for you."

"Thank you. I appreciate the risks you are taking," Harry acknowledged.

"Hm, from what I hear Benton has done quite a number on Mrs. Potter." Mrs. Walker commented.

Harry sighed and nodded in confirmation. "Hermione has been…well, her health is declining rapidly. The sooner we can end this the better."

"I understand. It will be few days however before we can set things up to do a proper interrogation. Despite my threat to Benton, I am trying to do things as above board as possible were I can. There is a lot of paper work to sort out and I need to get Verituserum approval."

"Will that work? I've heard it's a bit unreliable at times. And isn't it frowned upon in the courts?" Harry asked.

"It is complicated and there are plenty of grey areas to be sure. However, I feel that in Benton's case we may need the extra assurance it could provide. It don't trust anything that man has to say even with the threat of death hanging over him. I am confident that if he gets his day in court, that with his extensive war crimes record, no one will much care if we used the truth potion to get him locked away forever. Anyone with a brain knows it would be unwise to let him keep wondering around in our neighborhoods. There is little chance that he has mastered how to curb the potions effects. You let me worry about the legality of it all. I'll keep you informed of course. I'll contact you in a few days when we know more."

Harry shook the witches hand and thanked her once again. "Will you allow me to see the other interrogation sessions?"

Mrs. Walker smirked and sighed, "I should have expected that question. We will see. I make no promises however. I hope this little experience has caused you to have gained a small amount of trust in me? I promise to do my best where this case is concerned." Harry gave her a nod. "Go, take care of your wife. I'll be in touch."

Harry nodded again and made his exit. His thoughts were a whirl as he stepped from the fireplace into his own Study. He quickly went upstairs to relieve Luna of her watch duties. As expected, Hermione had not stirred while he was away. Luna left with clear questions in her eyes. He was too tired to tell her much and only gave her the briefest of reassurances that he was confident that the Law Enforcement chief was on his side and promised to update her and Neville later.

Harry collapsed onto the bed in utter exhaustion. It was now nearing 6am. His mind mulled over the events of the night. He made a mental note to contact Ron as soon as he woke up to see how Allison was doing and get a report on the departments moral. Harry turned so that he could look at Hermione. Her face was pale but held no tension. He pushed a curl from her forehead and frowned. Her skin was too warm. Sighing he forced himself off the bed. A few minutes later he returned with a cold compress and placed it across Hermione's forehead. Climbing back into bed Harry kissed his wife's cheek. "We got him love. With any luck this will be over soon." With that hopeful thought he quickly succumbed to sleep.

The next evening, when Hermione had finally woken, Harry told her everything that had transpired the night before. Her face ranged from worry, sadness, shock, hope and finally surprise. "Kingsley actually signed a document allowing Benton to be Kissed without a trial? Seems a bit…underhanded doesn't?"

"Well, from what I gathered it's a complete secret. They don't even want the public to know they have Benton in custody. We can't tell anyone who doesn't already know. I won't deny that they are certainly bending or even breaking a few rules but it may be one of the only plays we can make in order to get Benton to cooperate and keep you from becoming his playing chip." Harry watched Hermione's brow furrow. He knew she wasn't going to like the idea of laws being bent for her. He quickly said, "The legality of it all is not ours to figure out my dear. All we need to worry about is your health and I have to confess I don't give a damn how it happens as long as we get you well again."

Hermione let a smile grace her lips as Harry gave his impassioned speech. "I appreciate your fervor Harry, but I do hope it doesn't lead you or the Ministry down dark paths that shouldn't be taken."

Harry sighed, "It won't. I know it's not how you wanted it done. I didn't really expect this either but I do hope it turns out to our advantage. If the only thing our fame gets us is a few bent rules in the case of prosecuting a war criminal to save your life, I'd say it's well worth it."

"Our fame? I think it's you they are doing this all for," Hermione commented.

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. Mrs. Walker made it quite clear that she sees you as a war heroine and has great respect for you. I am not the only one that knows that I would have failed if it weren't for you," Harry insisted. He was pleased when he saw a bit of color come to Hermione's cheeks as she blushed from the praise. "Still, the chief said it would probably take a few days before they really began processing him and getting him to talk. She'll keep us in the loop though."

"Well, I hope we get some answers soon. I am a bit afraid to hope too much," Hermione confessed as she bit her lip.

Harry pulled her to him and held her close. "This has to work. He will tell us what we need to do to end this. And if he doesn't he'll be kissed and you'll still be free of him."

Hermione shivered a bit at the tone of her husband's voice. Wanting to change the subject she asked, "Did you talk to Ron? How is Allison doing?"

"I talked to him this morning. Allison is awake, which is good. She is going to need time to fully heal though. The blast from the explosion knocked her off her feet, breaking more than a couple bones and she has some pretty bad burns. Ron says she's coherent though and is sure she'll be alright. There may be some scarring."

"That is awful. I am glad that she looks to be doing better though. I'm glad for Ron too. I'd hate for him to lose her. I think she's good for him."

Harry smiled at that. "I do too."

Two days later New Year's Eve was upon them. Harry had concluded that waiting to hear from Mrs. Walker was proving hard on his nerves. He knew that it had only been three days since they had captured Atticus but every fiber of his being wanted to storm the gates and demand answers. Harry tried to keep busy with his training and he was pleased by the small comfort that Hermione had not had any attacks since Benton had been captured. It seemed the threat of a Dementor's Kiss was working. The couple had plans to go to the Burrow to celebrate that night. George was prepared to set off a large supply of the finest Weasley Wizard's Wheeze's fireworks and Mrs. Weasley was preparing a grand buffet for them. Harry was looking forward to the celebration. It would help take his mind off of things. He moved to the bedroom to wake Hermione. Her health had only slightly improved the last couple of days and Harry had insisted she sleep before they ventured out for the night. No attacks meant her core had time to recover to some degree but it seemed to be doing so much more slowly than before. In the three days without attacks her core levels had only risen by 2%. This meant she was still at a dangerous 39%.

Harry watched as Hermione stirred and opened her eyes, drowsily looking up at him. He always loved the way she looked when she first awoke. Her eyes were so carefree and full of contentment in those first moments. Her hair was a wild mess of curls and her lips pulled down into an adorable little pout as if to say, how dare you wake me. Smiling down on her, Harry said softly, "Time to wake up my love if you wish to celebrate the New Year." He watched her stretch and added, "Of course if you'd rather just stay here for the night I am sure I can think of a great many ways to celebrate the New Year alone." This got him the reaction he suspected when Hermione giggled at him and threw a pillow playfully at his face. Harry then leaned down and kissed her soundly.

"Tempting offer, but I think our friends would miss us," Hermione said as she began to sit up. She bit back a groan as her stiff, soar body protested the movement. She let Harry help her up and yawned before saying, "Just give me a little bit to freshen up. How long do we have anyway?"

"Oh, about an hour. Take all the time you like. I don't think anyone will be too annoyed with us if we are late," Harry offered.

"You know I hate being late," Hermione smiled at him.

"I do. I'll let you get ready. Be back in a bit," Harry said as he excited the room.

Forty minutes later, after Hermione had dressed and had done something with her mass of curls, she sat in front of the mirror. Her eyebrows drew together as she looked at herself. She sighed heavily and felt the tightness in her chest increase as she tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She didn't look anything like she used to. It was almost like she was looking at a stranger. Her eyes were sunken and dark around the edges. The usual golden specs in her eyes seemed more gray now. Her cheeks held no color and her lips were only slightly tinted. Hermione contemplated changing her dress as her collar bone seemed to protrude too much with the dresses lower neck line. Biting her lip she shook herself out of her gloom and took a steading breath. A thought was forming in her mind and she tried to build the courage to go through with it. Her opportunity arose as Harry entered the room, coming up behind her to kiss her on the cheek with a smile.

"You look lovely my dear," Harry said. Hermione only gave him a lopsided smirk and looked away.

"You don't have to lie to me Harry. I can see perfectly clear how I look."

Harry stopped short at hearing her words and the sadness behind them. He knelt down beside her chair and took her hands in his. "Hermione, look at me." When she didn't raise her head, he gently placed his hand on her chin and lifted her head. Her eyes were moist with unshed tears. "Hermione, look at me. I want you to hear me. To me you are the most beautiful woman in the world."

"I hardly recognize myself anymore," Hermione confessed. "I don't want our friends to see me like this."

Harry watched her shake her head. "My love they all know you are ill."

"But none of them have seen me sine Christmas. My appearance has only grown more… I just…I don't want the questions and the looks of pity. Please Harry…" She took a breath and said quietly, "I have an idea. Though I am sure you won't like it."

This peaked Harry's curiosity. "What's your idea my dear?"

"It's more of a request."

"Alright," Harry responded, looking at her squirm under his gaze.

"A glamor charm. I want you to put a glamor charm on me."

"Hermione, you don't-"

"Please Harry?"

Her plea made his heart ache. Her voice had been as soft as a whisper. He helped her rise and took her into his arms, holding her tightly. Her small voice sounded in his ear. "I just want to feel normal. I want to feel pretty. I just don't want my health to be the center of attention and conversation tonight. Please Harry. Just for a few hours."

"You don't think it would drain you more?" Harry asked worriedly.

"I don't think so. When you cast a glamor on yourself it stays in place because of your magic and because you are conscious. If your magic drops or your fall unconscious the glamor will fade away. Since it's not my magic performing the spell, it won't be my magical energy that is supporting it. It will be yours. All I have to do is stay conscious," Hermione said with a bit of a scoff.

Harry contemplated this for a moment and asked, "Won't our friends notice if you look suddenly healthy again?"

Hermione rolled her eyes at him and said, "I don't want anything drastic Harry. I just want a glamor that will bring a small amount of color back to my face. Maybe just lesson the darkness around my eyes or something. Nothing severe. Just enough to avoid unwanted attention."

Seeing the pleading look in his wife's eyes Harry said, "Alright. I'll try it. But if you feel any adverse reactions at all you have to let me know."

"I promise," Hermione said with a smile.

Harry stepped back and with a swish of his wand placed a light glamor on Hermione. He could see the effect instantly, though it was subtle. Hermione looked at herself in the mirror for a time and a smile graced her lips. Her body had filled out a little. Her eyes had some of their old sparkle in them and the deep circles of exhaustion had lessened to look as if she had only just had a long day. She saw the slight blush of her cheeks as well. "Thank you Harry."

Harry pulled her in to his arms. "You feel alright?"

"Yes."

"Good. You know you don't need this right?" Harry asked.

Hermione didn't answer right away but said against his chest, "I know. But I appreciate it all the same. It has been a while since I enjoyed my reflection."

Harry frowned a bit at those words but squeezed her gently before saying, "Well, shall we be off then?"

"Yes, lets," Hermione said with enthusiasm.

The Burrow was bursting with friends. The noise level was loud and jolly. Drinks were flowing freely and food was out in abundance. Hermione was enjoying the fact that her friends were hopeful for her and that they didn't hold the sad, pitying looks that she had seen at Christmas. She was also pleased to see that Harry was enjoying himself in a loud game of exploding snaps with George and Neville. Ron was going to join them a bit later after spending some time at the hospital with Allison. Professor McGonagall approached her with a warm smile. "Well, Mrs. Potter, I have to say you seem happy this evening."

Hermione smiled, "I am happy Professor. It is good to be around such good company."

"Indeed. From what I understand, there may be cause to hope for an improvement to your health?" McGonagall ventured.

Hermione gave her a small smirk. "Well, I am not sure what you heard or from whom but it is a subject that is not to be made public."

"Oh, of course! I didn't mean-" The older woman stumbled.

"I know Professor. I trust you above most. All I can say is that I do have a bit more hope that there may be an end in sight," Hermione offered.

"That is wonderful to hear my dear. I assure you that when things are settled your place at Hogwarts is still very much appreciated."

Hermione beamed warmly at the encouraging look that older witch gave her. "Thank you Professor. I do look forward to it. Hopefully, the wait won't be too much longer." She watched McGonagall nod and she continued, "Are you staying for the fireworks tonight? It's sure to be a spectacular show with George in charge."

McGonagall smiled smugly, "Yes, Mr. Weasley always did have a knack for the theatrics, especially where pyrotechnics were concerned. However, I think I will leave the big show to you younger people. I need to get back to the school and supervise the few students who remained for the holidays."

Hermione nodded her understanding. "Well, it was good of you to drop by Professor."

McGonagall raised the glass she was holding and said, "To your health Mrs. Potter."

Hermione smiled and took a sip of her own drink in return, watching the Professor move toward Mrs. Weasley, to give her good byes. Sometime later as Hermione was in discussions with Ginny and Luna about Luna's upcoming bridal shower, she felt a dull pain develop behind her eyes which soon spread to her temples. She unconsciously brought her hand up to her head, letting her fingers do a few small circles' on the tender areas of her skull. Hermione quickly dropped her hand when Harry came up behind her and asked with just a hint of concern, "Everything alright over here ladies?"

"Oh, yes, just girl talk. You wouldn't be interested," Hermione teased.

"I see. Plotting is that it?" He responded with a smile. "Well, I hate to break things up, but George asked me to gather everyone to the front lawn. I do believe the fireworks will begin soon. It is only ten minutes til midnight," Harry informed them.

Harry's words brought sounds of delight from the girls and Hermione took Harry's hand as she rose from her chair. Her head swam a bit at the movement and she struggled to keep the sudden dizziness from showing. It passed after a moment and she was glad to find Harry had noticed nothing amiss. The crowd gathered on the lawn. The weather was clear, though quite cold. Everyone in the group wore large, thick coats and winter attire. The couples gathered close together to find warmth in each other's arms. They settled themselves on various blankets. Hermione sat snuggled next to Harry, who had his arm around her. She laid her head against his shoulder. Despite the excitement, Hermione fought the urge to simply fall asleep in her husband's arms. She was suddenly feeling quite warn out and the pain in head made her want to close her eyes. The group counted down as midnight approached and the sky was suddenly lit with a fireworks show the likes of which no one had ever seen. Harry kissed her soundly before turning his attention to the night sky and the colorful display. "Happy New Year's my love." Hermione smiled lovingly at him as she settled her head back against his shoulder. She found the light show to be amazingly beautiful but bit back a groan, as the loud bangs of the firecrackers seemed to make her head pulse. The bright flashes, though pretty, caused her eyes to burn. She was grateful that everyone was too distracted to see her close her eyes against the bright celebratory display, her brow furrowing as each pop in the sky seemed to echo as a pulse of pain in her skull.

The fireworks continued for a full twenty minutes. Hermione wondered how George had managed such a feat and what it must have cost the shop. The young man didn't seem put out by any of the effort or what it must have cost because he was smiling broadly and cheering with everyone else when it was all over. Hermione was pleased to see him look so happy. The group was all chatter and laughter as they began to file back inside the warmth of the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley had prepared hot cocoa and some little desserts. Hermione let Harry guide her back into the house. She was glad when he placed a warm cup of cocoa in her hands. She was feeling quite chilled. Her stomach however, seemed to protest the liquid and she decided to simply hold her warm mug instead of consume its contents. Soon she was pulled into a conversation concerning Lunas wedding dress and the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Harry was standing near her and had turned to ask Ron how Allison was doing. Without warning, Hermione felt a shiver run through her body, making her tremble. She clutched her warm mug and tried to shake the dizziness from her eyes. The blood pumping in her head seemed loud to her ears. Suddenly a sharp pain ripped through her skull causing her to inhale sharply. She quick placed her cup shakily on the nearby table , then turning toward Harry, attempted to call his name. She felt her fingertips brush the side of his sleeve before the pain shot angrily though her brain once more and her world went dark.

I apologize for the long wait. I do hope I've made up for it with this really long chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Please do write me a review! I long to know your thoughts on how this is progressing. It was not an easy chapter to assemble so I am curious how it will be received. Many thanks for sticking with me.