Hello my readers! Sorry for the long wait. I had gotten a rather rude review a little while ago. It kind of discouraged me and I lost my desire to write for a bit. It was from a guest, which irked me since I couldn't respond. I am all for constructive criticism. I am not for bashing or just being rude. No one is forcing you to read this and if you don't like it then just move on. No harm done. There is no reason to write a review that is harsh or demeaning. We all have different writing styles and preferences. Let us be a community to build one another up not be judgmental or critical. We can be civilized. We don't have to agree all the time. Again, this is a creative space for all. This chapter was rewritten a couple of times. I do hope it came out alright. Please let me know your thoughts. I do love reviews!

Harry had gotten an owl two days after Hermione had fallen ill. It was from Kris Walker. She had requested his company as soon as he was able. He had immediately written back that he would be there later that evening. He was hopeful that the request to meet meant that she had gotten information from Benton.

When Hermione had awoken her body had felt heavy. Pain seemed to sit deep within her bones and each movement cost her effort. She was aware of things but her head felt a bit fuzzy. She smiled when she saw Harry bending over her. He greeted her with a soft kiss and gently brushed back her curls. When he had asked her how she was feeling she croaked and he had immediately helped her drink some water. The liquid helped immensely and she told him that she was sore and felt slightly confused but was fine. Harry had explained to her what had transpired after she had fallen unconscious . She felt awful for having put him and Luna through all that. She had sighed heavily and apologized. Harry of course would hear none of it and reassured her that he was simply glad that her fever had broken and that she was awake. She remembered the ensuing conversation.

"You need to rest. I won't hear of you leaving this bed for at least a day," Harry said.

"The only argument you will get from me is that I will need to use the Loo once in a while," Hermione replied somewhat sheepishly.

Harry smiled at her and said, "That can be arranged. But I don't want you to try to get there on your own. Please call for me or send Biddy to get me."

Hermione turned a bit red at the embarrassment of her situation but admitted tiredly, "I will. I highly doubt I'd make it even two steps before collapsing. My body feels….uncooperative."

Harry frowned at that. "Are you in pain?"

She shook her head slowly and with slow blinks tried to reassure him. "I'm fine for now."

"I'm going to go tell Biddy to make you up something to eat" Harry said. "You might feel better if you have some food in you."

Hermione seriously doubted it, but she smiled and nodded her consent. She had watched him leave, knowing he was not convinced that she was alright. She tried to take a deep breath but stopped mid inhale as pain erupted in her chest. She let her head fall back on the pillows and she closed her eyes. She felt her body tremble as a tremor shook her muscles. Swallowing thickly, and blinking back the tears that threatened to fall down her cheeks, she tried to steady her breathing. The tears were not due to the pain she felt. She had become somewhat used to pain. The story Harry had told her about what she had been through had scared her. It was proof she was failing. The way she felt now confirmed to her that her body was not handling things well. She tried to tell herself that in a couple days' time she would be feeling better. The problem was that she wasn't sure she believed it. Even with the hope that there would be no more attacks, she was unsure how much she would actually be able to recover. The tremors in her muscles pointed to some permanent damage. She had known she was failing for some time, and yet, it felt as if in the last hour since waking up, it had finally sunken into her soul. To help her focus she began making a plan and a running list of things he wanted to be sure to do before…well, before the end. Focusing on her love for her husband helped her get some of her armor back on and she felt a bit more composed. She would be strong for him. She would do all she could to make this as painless on him as possible.

The next day Harry entered the bedroom to tell Hermione the news about going to see Mrs. Walker that evening. He was displeased to see the tray that Biddy prepared with toast, jam, and oatmeal had hardly been touched. Hermione's eyes were closed, a book lay forgotten in her hands. Yesterday, when Hermione had woken up he had also had to endure watching her try to eat with little success. His worry for her was increasing. He had hoped that by today she might have regained some of her appetite. Suppressing a sigh, he kissed her forehead and gently tried to wake her. She gave him a slight groan as she leaned her head into his touch. Her eyes finally fluttered open. He could see she was tired. But she gave him a smile all the same.

"I'm sorry to wake you, love. I just wanted to let you know that Mrs. Walker has asked me to meet with her later this evening."

"That's good right?" Hermione asked, trying to sit up a bit but struggling to do so.

Harry immediately helped her sit up a bit more as he saw a slight grimace cross her brow when she tried to shift herself. "Yes, I am hoping she has gotten Benton to talk. I've asked Mrs. Weasley to come stay with you while I'm gone. It shouldn't be more than an hour or two."

"Alright," Hermione said. "I'll be eager to hear the news."

"Can I get you anything? It doesn't look like you've eaten much," Harry commented. He didn't want to make her upset but he was worried.

Hermione gave him a weak smile, "I know. I'm sorry, I just don't think I could stomach it. I'll try to eat a bit more while you are gone." She took his hand and squeezed it, pulling it slightly so he came down toward her. "I would like a kiss though," she said sweetly.

Harry grinned at her and kissed her slowly. He was pleased when she moaned softly against his lips. Pulling back she said, "Thank you. That always makes me feel better."

"Well, I'll be sure to do it more often. Feel free to request it any time," Harry said with a smirk. He trailed his fingers along her cheek and into her hair. "You'll be alright while I'm gone?"

"Of course I will be," Hermione smiled. "I would like to get a few things done though." Noticing Harry's look of protest she quickly said, "I just want to write somethings down. Would you mind getting me some writing supplies? I'm not sure I'm ready to sit at the desk yet."

Harry was a bit surprised but nodded as he moved about the room to gather what she needed. "What are you going to write down? Research ideas? Starting a novel? A list of all the brilliant ideas you have? How to become Minister of Magic?"

Hermione smirked at him amusedly, "Perhaps all of that." She was pleased by his smile, "I just want to have something to do other than read. I think I'd like to write to some of our friends just to reassure them I am doing alright. I must have scared them all terribly."

Harry knew she was fond of her lists. After everything that had happened to them over the last few weeks it was no surprise that her mind was probably full of thoughts. He knew she tended to clear her mind by writing out a plan. He just wished he could say that he was sure the thoughts were happy ones. Instead he worried that she was slowly drowning in worry that there was too much she wanted to do and didn't know if she had time to. He pushed the unpleasant thought aside. "I am sure they would love to hear from you." He set her up nicely with writing utensils, paper, envelopes, and a flat tray that sat neatly over her legs to use as a desk.

"Thanks," Hermione said with a grin.

"Not a problem, my love. I have about an hour before Mrs. Weasley arrives and I need to go. I think I'll hop in the shower. Be sure to shout if you need anything," He bent and kissed her lightly.

"I do wish I could join you," Hermione said with a sly grin.

Harry chuckled even as a slight blush touched his wife's cheeks. "When you are stronger I am going to be sure to hold you to that wish." He winked at her and enjoyed the smile and color that graced Hermione's usually pale face.

Hermione watched her husband enter the bathroom and close the door. She was quite tired and what she really wanted to write was not letters. However, she knew that she couldn't write what she wanted to with Harry around. She didn't want him to read it and would have to wait for him to leave before pursuing her idea. She wrote a quick note to Ginny and another one to Luna. As she was addressing the letter to Luna her hand began to shake and she was forced to put the quill down. The last line of the address was wobbly and uneven. She rubbed her tired eyes and felt justified in leaning back to rest for a bit. She must have drifted off because when she woke up she heard whispering. Opening her eyes she saw Harry talking quietly to Mrs. Weasley. "Is it time for you to be off?" She asked with a yawn.

"Oh, you're awake!" Harry said moving toward her. "I was debating whether to wake you or not."

"You had better always wake me up to kiss me goodbye," Hermione said seriously, "I'll never forgive you if you don't." She enjoyed the look on Harry's face that seemed to be deciding if she was joking or not. She finally gave him a smirk and said, "So, are you going to kiss me? I don't think Mrs. Weasley will mind."

Harry chuckled at her and kissed her soundly. "I'll see you in a little bit."

"I look forward to hearing what you learn," Hermione said softly. Harry gave her an encouraging nod and a grin before heading to the door.

"It does me good to see you two tease one another and be affectionate," Mrs. Weasley said with a motherly smile.

"He is truly the best thing to happen to me," Hermione admitted.

"I think he would say the same of you," Mrs. Weasley said. "Now, how are you doing my dear? Can I get you anything? Harry wanted me to encourage you to eat a bit more."

Hermione smiled a bit. "I am sure he did. I'll try some toast and water but I can't promise more than that."

"Fair enough," Mrs. Weasley said as she handed Hermione a glass of water.

Hermione and Mrs. Weasley spent a happy hour together. The two talked for a time and then Hermione continued with her writing pursuits while Mrs. Weasley read a book. After a time, Hermione's hands once again began to tremble and her head began to ache. She put her quill down and turning to Mrs. Weasley said softly, "I think I better take a break for now. I think I may be getting a head ache."

"Oh, dear, hold tight. I'll get you a pain potion," Mrs. Weasley said as she moved to the bathroom to retrieve it.

Hermione quickly folded up her papers and slipped them into an envelope. When Mrs. Weasley returned she gratefully drank down the potion. "Thank you."

"No problem at all. Can I do anything else for you?" Mrs. Weasley had already started moving aside the tray with the quill and ink to allow Hermione to lay down more fully.

Hermione gave her a small smile and said, "Actually, would you mind putting this in the top drawer of my nightstand? Under the book?" When Mrs. Weasley gave her a curious look she sighed and confessed, "I'd rather Harry not find it just yet."

A knowing look graced the older witches face and she smiled warmly as she took the envelope and placed it in the drawer as instructed. "All women have their little secrets."

Hermione smiled at her and then turned a bit red as she confessed, "I would like to use the Loo but I confess I don't think I can get there unassisted."

Mrs. Weasley gave her a sympathetic and warm nod and said in an unabashed and cheerful voice, "Oh, no worries there dearie. I will be more than happy to help. Seeing as how you are practically my daughter you need not feel embarrassed about such things around me. Course after as many kids as I've had there is little that embarrasses me when it comes to the body. I shall of course give you what privacy you desire but be assured if you need more help that there is nothing that can shock me."

Hermione chuckled a little at that speech and with Mrs. Weasley's help managed to walk slowly and shakily to the bathroom. The older witch helped her to the toilet and then turned to leave. Hermione was grateful she had strength enough to sit herself down without an audience. When she was finished she slowly, but gratefully, got herself up. When she was properly attired again she called for Mrs. Weasley to help her back to bed. The whole affair cost Hermione more energy than she cared to admit and by now her headache was definitely making itself known. With a slight grimace she was able to settle back into the pillows and close her eyes. Mrs. Weasley's soft voice asked, "Would you like me to turn off the lights?"

Hermione whispered softly, "Thank you." She could see the light on the other side of her eyelids grow dimmer and she sighed. The last thing Hermione remembered before sleep claimed her was the soft caress of Mrs. Weasley pushing her hair from her forehead and humming a gentle, lilting tune.

Harry quickly and confidently strode into the Magical Law Enforcement office. He was eager to hear what Mrs. Walker was going to say. When he got to the front desk the person there looked at him and said, "Mr. Potter, you are expected, please proceed to the chiefs office."

Harry was pleased not to have to go through a lot of questions with the man. He soon found the door he was looking for and knocked politely. "Come in," he heard a female voice say. Harry entered to find Mrs. Walker signing papers and a man standing beside her desk. "Ah, good to see you Mr. Potter. Have a seat." Harry didn't move to sit. Mrs. Walker turned to the man beside her, handing him a stack of papers. "Here Wallace, be sure these get to the right people would you? Don't stay too late doing it though. Your wife deserves you at home." The man smiled at her and nodded before making a hasty exit. Harry saw the chiefs gaze turn to him. "I see you are still not a fan of sitting."

Harry smirked, "Sorry, I'm a bit anxious. What have you found out?"

"Straight to the point. I like that," Kris said. "But please do take a seat." Harry obliged and took the cup of tea offered to him. Kris continued, "I am glad you could come. As you suspected we have some information that I thought you would like to hear."

"Good, I'm all ears," Harry said sitting forward. He sipped the tea and let the warmth of it settle his insides.

"Well, we have put Benton through a few interviews since the last time we talked. He confessed to performing a bonding spell on Mrs. Potter. He also confessed that it was not your typical bond and that he had interlaced it with the Cruciatus Curse. "

"We already knew that," Harry said somewhat disappointedly.

"Indeed, he said he has been studying bonds for years in an attempt to give the Dark Lord a new way to force those who didn't want to follow him to do his bidding, or just be able to torture them on a whim. Apparently he had gotten fairly experimental with it. His past attempts had not been very successful though."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked. "He was clearly successful when he cursed Hermione."

"Yes, well it would seem that she was one of his first successful attempts. According to Benton he got permission to try it out on a few people the Dark Lord had captured during the war but each time the person died shortly after the bond was in place."

"Why?" Harry asked.

"Benton said it had something to do with a balance between the bond and the Cruciatus Curse. Apparently the balance was hard to find. Too much and it broke them."

Harry noticed the sad and also disgusted look in Mrs. Walkers eyes. His insides were burning with rage and he rose from his chair, "So, he just cast the bond on her not knowing or caring if she just died right off?"

"It would seem so," Kris confessed. "Though I am sure his true intent was for it to work just as it has and thus torture both of you for an extended amount of time."

Harry scoffed at that and paced the room. "Makes sense! Hermione's pain started off small and has grown increasingly worse over time." Harry moved back to the desk and placed both hands on it and looking Mrs. Walker in the eyes said seriously, "She's fading. We need answers. Now!"

"Please sit down Mr. Potter. I understand your plight. As awful as this situation is we can be grateful that the bond worked as it was intended to. It has given us time we might not have had otherwise."

Harry had to concede that point and sat on the edge of his chair. "So, what else did you find out? How do we fix this?"

"Well, like most bonds it is not easy to undo. Benton said it could be broken but that he was the one that would need to do it. Which makes sense seeing as he is the one that created it." Mrs. Walker sighed and eyed Harry warily.

Harry could tell she had more to say and that she suspected it would upset him. He gritted his teeth and said, "But?"

"But, it has to be done in person."

Harry rose once more, "Absolutely not! I don't him anywhere near her! How do you know he's not lying just to get close to her?"

"He was under the effects of Veritaserum when we questioned him about it. There was no reason or indication that he could work around the affect it has." Kris explained tiredly.

Harry paced and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I don't want him near her."

"I fully understand that. However, it may be the only way." Mrs. Walker watched Harry pace and said, "Just think on it."

"He's cooperating?" Harry asked.

"So far. He's had a run in with one of the guards. It was the guards fault really. He was egging him on. I have made sure that particular guard is stationed elsewhere. He hasn't been a problem," Kris said.

"There has to be another way to break the bond," Harry said almost to himself.

"I will continue to investigate of course but it doesn't seem likely. But he has not made any moves to attack your wife since being here. This means she has some time to recover is that correct?" The chief asked with some hope.

Harry sighed and dropped heavily into the chair shaking his head. "Technically, yes. In reality….she's not recovering much at all. I don't think just staving off attacks is enough anymore. She's been hurt for too long. If we don't break the bond she may not be able to recover even if there are no more attacks. I'm losing her." Harry averted his eyes and stood up, turning his back on the witch as he tried to steady his breathing.

Mrs. Walker's quiet voice portrayed her own tired sadness. "I am so sorry." She paused for a moment and said, "If it is as bad as you say than perhaps we should consider letting him be in the same room as her. If he can do what he says, and break the bond, it could save her life. I understand your hesitancy. I can also assure you that if you decided to move forward, we would of course take every precaution."

Harry nodded and turned back toward her. He extended his hand to her and while shaking it said, "Thank you. I will think on it and get back to you in a couple of days. I'd like to discuss it with Hermione first."

"Of course. I'll look for your owl."

Harry returned home and was informed by Colby that Mrs. Weasley was in the library. He soon made his way there and was greeted warmly.

"Harry! You're back. I do hope it went well?" Mrs. Weasley put down her book and rose as she spoke.

Harry heard the hope and slight nervousness in her voice. He gave her a small smile and said, "Not awful."

Mrs. Weasley looked at him for a moment ,realizing that he wasn't going to divulge any more information, she simply shook her head in understanding before saying, "Hermione is sleeping. I've looked in on her several times and she is resting peacefully."

"Thank you so much for staying with her," Harry said as he gave her a quick hug.

"Anytime, dear. I helped her to the bathroom. I must confess I was a bit shocked by how weak she seemed. Her legs were shaking rather badly by the time I got her back to bed. She developed a bit of a headache but there was no fever."

Harry heard the clear concern and worry that laced the older witch's voice. He sighed at the news and replied, "She is not recovering as quickly as we hoped. I am glad there was no sign of fever though. Her headache should be gone by the time she wakes. Sleeping usually helps."

"I'm glad to hear it. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you two," Mrs. Weasley said. "I'll just let myself out. You must be quite tired yourself."

"Indeed I am. Thank you again for coming," Harry led her to the library door and said, "I do believe Biddy is downstairs to help show you out. Say hello to everyone for me. I'll be in touch."

"Alright, dear. Do try to get some sleep."

"I will," Harry said with a smile. When Mrs. Weasley had gone he turned himself toward the bedroom and entered quietly. He turned on the small lamp on the desk so he could see as he put his jacket away and took his shoes off. Hermione was lying peacefully in bed and he watched the rise and fall of her chest for a moment before he finished getting undressed and slipped into bed beside her. He kissed her cheek lightly and reached for her hand. She moaned softy and turned her head ever so slightly towards him. He whispered, "Goodnight my love. Sleep well. We have much to discuss tomorrow." Harry sighed heavily, knoxed the light and spent the next half hour starring at the ceiling while thinking about the idea of Benton breaking the bond and all that entailed. He should have seen this coming. He didn't want Hermione anywhere near the man. Yet, if it was the only way to end all of this he supposed they would have little choice. He tried to take comfort in the fact that he would be ready if Benton tried anything foolish. No matter how many Aurors were present, no one was going to stop him from doing what he had been training for if he deemed it necessary. Turning over, Harry took a deep breath and let the sweet smell of honey and vanilla from Hermione's hair calm him. He hoped she felt stronger tomorrow.