"Well, it's not ideal. But I hardly expected this to be an easy fix," Hermione sighed, biting her lip as she looked out the library window. She was positioned comfortably against large pillows in the window seat. She was relieved that she had kept her voice steady and calm in response to Harry's news.

"Not ideal? That's an understatement, my dear," Harry said in frustration. "I don't want him near you!"

Hermione turned toward him and in some exasperation said, "It's not as if I am fond of the idea either. The very thought of giving the man who has tortured me for months the opportunity to see what he has done to me all while holding a wand…" She stopped as her voice broke and she averted her eyes to the window again, swallowing back the tears that were beginning to cloud her vision. She was unsure if they were due to anger or fear.

Harry heard her voice tremble and cursed himself for making her even more upset. He sighed heavily and moved toward her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean…we are both upset." There was silence for a time and Harry shifted Hermione's legs a bit so he could sit facing her on the window seat. She didn't meet his gaze for a while. Finally, he saw her turn toward him. Her eyes were a bit red rimmed and she gave him a tired smile.

"I'm actually surprised that Benton said he could break the bond. From everything I've read that is pretty rare. Normally the only way to end it is for one of the participants to die. I suppose we should take comfort that there might be an end to this that doesn't result in that…assuming he didn't lie."

Harry heard the exhaustion in her voice and squeezed her hand tightly. "Mrs. Walker said he was under Verituserm at the time. We can only hope he doesn't know how to counter its affects. Though I have to say if the only way to fix this is for Benton to die I wouldn't morn his death."

Hermione nodded; smirking. She also had no love for the vile man. Slowly she said, "I still don't desire the death of anyone." Sighing she continued, "Well, I don't see that we have much choice. I'm clearly not recovering very quickly even without the attacks. And I hardly think that Atticus will be contained by threats forever. This appears to be the only hope of ending this for good."

Harry saw her look down at her lap, her voice full of courage and resolve. He quickly gathered into his arms and felt her shudder a bit as a quiet sob wracked her body. "It's alright. I'll make sure everything is done to try to protect you. "

Hermione took a shaky breath against his shoulder. "I know you will. I just don't trust him."

"Neither do I. But as you said it seems we don't have many options," Harry was frustrated and blinked tears of anger out of his eyes. The thought of submitting her to the gaze of that man made his skin crawl. He knew the fear for her was greater. She was the one who had suffered under his hand for all these months. "It will work. Just trust me."

"I trust you," Hermione said softly as she buried her head into his neck. She breathed in his pine scent and tried to relax.

Harry held her a while longer and felt her body relax. He pushed her back a bit and let his finger wipe away a stray tear. She looked exhausted. He kissed her forehead and as he laid her back gently against the pillows, he saw her body tremble. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "I'll get you a calming and a pain potion." She only responded with a small nod of her head. He moved quickly and soon helped her drink the vials.

Hermione felt the potions working and let out a small sigh as the deep ache lessened. She looked gratefully up to Harry and asked, "When?"

Holding her hand Harry said, "I'll contact Mrs. Walker. The sooner the better, but I am sure she will need a couple of days to prepare, get approval, and get things set up."

Hermione nodded and then smiled, "Well, in a few days we may be free of it all. Let's just focus on that."

Harry gave her smile and kissed her soundly, "Always so strong. Always so brave. I love you, Hermione."

"And I you."

Harry had sent off a letter to Mrs. Walker immediately. Her response arrived shortly after and said that she would need four days to clear the paperwork and get things organized and set for their arrival. The days that followed the letter pasted peacefully enough. Harry had taken to carrying his wife anywhere she wished to go. While Hermione had regained enough strength walk to the bathroom and back without incident, too much farther and her muscles began to give way from weakness or trembling. Harry delighted in holding her in his arms even if he was disturbed by how light she had become. She slept often and these days had taken to sitting for long periods of time at the desk. Harry wasn't sure what she was working on and every time he asked she gave him an answer that was not really an answer at all. He left her to her secret knowing that whatever she was working on was making her happy and giving her something to focus on.

Hermione was tired, deeply tired. Her body was slow to react to her commands. She appreciated Harry's gallantry in carrying her to various places in the house to help give her a change of scenery and get her out of the bedroom. She stretched her trembling fingers and carefully put the parchment into the envelope, sealing it tightly. In two days they would know if Benton could truly reverse the bond. Hermione sighed heavily as she rubbed her temples. She desperately wanted to lay down but Luna was due to arrive in an hour to share lunch with her. Harry needed to go into the office for a few hours and he didn't want her to be alone. Seeing as how she could hardly walk more than twenty feet without getting dizzy she didn't complain. She had wanted to speak to Luna anyway and so she had requested that she be the one to keep her company for a while. Hermione yawned and stretched her arms, wincing slightly.

"Alright my love?" Harry asked as he entered the room.

"I'm just stiff. I think I need to lie down for a bit," Hermione confessed with a smile. She slowly began to rise from her chair and move toward the bed.

Harry quickly made his way to her side and took her by the hand noticing its violent trembling. He put a steadying arm around her and helped her settle down on the bed. "Luna will be here soon. I'll just send her up, shall I?" Harry asked, kissing her lightly.

"Thank you." She gave him a tired smile. "I had hoped to see her in the study, but I think our bed is more comfortable than the couch."

"Get some rest. I'll try to be back by dinner," Harry replied with a smile.

"No rush. I know you have things you need to catch up on. I'll be alright," Hermione assured him.

"I'll send Biddy up with some lunch for you girls in a little while."

"You're the best," Hermione announced.

"Try to eat something" Harry said with a bit of a commanding voice.

Hermione scoffed, "I'll be sure to try."

"Good," Harry said, kissing her. He knew she likely wouldn't eat more than two bites but he felt remiss if he didn't do his best to encourage her.

A couple hours later Hermione opened her eyes and saw Luna sitting peacefully in a chair beside the bed reading the Quibbler. Her serene voice reached her ears. "Hello Hermione. It's good to see you."

Hermione smiled at her and shifted so that she was sitting up more. "It's good to see you too Luna. I'm sorry, I must have fallen asleep."

"No need to worry. I am glad you got some rest. Harry asked me to insist you try to eat something. Biddy has brought up some delicious cucumber sandwiches." Luna proceeded to load a couple of the sandwiches on a small plate and hand it to her friend.

Hermione took it and took a small bite before she replied, "Thank you. Harry is always trying to get me to eat more."

"Well, you are rather skinny these days," Luna said matter-of-factly.

Hermione smirked at that. "My appetite is just not what it once was. My stomach doesn't seem to appreciate food these days."

Luna nodded her understanding and sat back down in her chair. "I will let Harry know you did your best."

"I appreciate that," Hermione said with a smile as she took another small bite. "I also appreciate you coming today. I hope it was not too inconvenient for you."

"Oh, not at all, I am always happy to spend time with you," Luna said. "I am glad to help while Harry is away."

"Thank you. You're a good friend Luna. I confess that I asked you here for more than just your company while Harry is gone," Hermione said.

"There is something you want to ask me," Luna said without hesitation.

Hermione smiled at her, "You are quite intuitive, you know."

Luna shrugged, "I think it's just being overly observant. But my dad did say we have some seer blood in our family tree. Anyway, what did you want to ask?"

Hermione gave her friend a warm smile. "A favor. A rather big one."

"Of course, anything," Luna replied without hesitation.

"Well, you may not say that when I tell you what it is." Hermione tried to take a deep breath but stopped short at the ache in her chest. She tried to keep her face free of the pain she felt but wasn't sure she managed it as she exhaled shakily.

"Do you need a potion?" Luna asked, rising from her chair.

"No, no I'll be alright." Hermione gave her a tired smile and patted the bed beside her. Luna sat down facing her. "Open that top drawer in the nightstand, will you? There is a letter I'd like you to pull out."

Luna did as Hermione instructed and pulled out a letter that was sealed and stamped with the Potter crest. She handed it to Hermione and waited for an explanation.

Hermione looked at the letter in her hands, stroking it lightly. She slowly looked up again at her friend. "I need you to give this to Harry," Hermione said quietly. Luna sat quietly for a few moments and Hermione continued. "It's everything I want to say to him but can't seem to. It's what he needs to hear but…he isn't ready to yet. "

"Surely you should talk to him about it?" Luna asked.

Hermione shook her head sadly. "I've tried. He…he doesn't want to. I think he feels as if talking about things…it's like giving up. He doesn't want to face it."

"These are your last words for him." Luna's voice was soft and sad. It was a statement not a question.

Hermione simply nodded as tears pricked her eyes. She swallowed thickly. "I…I know it's asking a lot. I just…I thought you would be the best one to deliver it to him."

"When?"

Hermione smiled a little. "I trust you to know when he's ready. You have a sense about these things. It may take a long time after…" she couldn't bring herself to say it. She continued, "Or maybe not. You'll know when I am sure."

Luna nodded and as Hermione pushed the letter into her friends' hands she gave them a soft squeeze. "Thank you." She felt tears escape her eyes and roll slowly down her cheeks.

Luna took the letter and put it safely in her pocket. Then she wrapped Hermione in her arms. The two silently cried together for a time, before pulling apart. Hermione said softly, "I knew you'd understand."

"There may not be a need for this you know?" Luna said.

Hermione nodded, "I hope not. I just…I'd rather be prepared. If things work out as we'd hoped you can give it back to me."

Luna nodded then asked, "It's in a couple of days?"

"Yes. I'm not too sure how to feel about it. On the one hand I am hopeful this could bring an end to the bond. But…I also don't have any desire to see the man, let alone let him near me with a wand," Hermione confessed in exasperation.

"I am sure Harry will make sure you are safe. He's rather protective of those he loves," Luna said with confidence.

"He is; which also has me a bit worried. You know how rash he can be."

"Yes, and yet it always seems to work out in the end," Luna responded with an air of curiosity and contentment.

Hermione couldn't help but smirk at that. Wiping the last of her tears away, she smiled and asked, "So, how are the wedding plans coming? Not long now. Three weeks you'll be Luna Longbottom."

Luna smiled dreamily. "Yes, I am rather excited about it. Everything is coming along."

"I apologize for not being a very good bridesmaid," Hermione said.

"Nonsense. Weddings are just for show after all. The important part is having those closest to you there to witness it. The rest is rather superfluous."

Hermione smiled at her. "I shall do my best to be there."

"You will be," Luna replied as if there was no other possibility.

The next day found Hermione sitting comfortably on the setae in the study. Harry had graciously moved that particular piece of furniture next to the large window so that she could enjoy looking out over the snow covered grounds. A book was in her hands and she was snuggled under a warm blanket. Harry was sitting nearby at a small table in the corner playing chess with Neville, while discussing what to do for his bachelor party. Hermione was slightly eavesdropping and couldn't help but smile at the boys exchange.

"A wild night on the town, yeah?" Harry said with a grin.

Neville guffawed and with pure sarcasm replied, "Right. That's me. They call you "The Chosen One". I'm known as "The Wild One.""

"Really now? Well, they do say it's the quiet ones," Harry teased.

"Honestly, I'd be fine with a quiet night of games and food," Neville confessed.

"Well, if that is what you want I am sure Ron and I can accommodate you. Though I do believe a little pub time will be required," Harry said.

"Well, that's fine as long as we make sure we don't all get drunk. Luna deserves more than having all the men in the wedding party hung over on the big day," Neville said with a grin, though is tone suggest he was very serious.

"Oh, no doubt! Luna comes off as calm and serene but she isn't one I would want to cross. The quiet ones and all," Harry chuckled. "We'll be sure nothing gets out of hand."

Neville nodded and chuckled, "She is quite well versed in hexes, her calm demeanor while dueling only makes her more terrifying."

Harry laughed at him. "Good, keeps you in line that way. I for one am very fond of strong women."

"Seems we both are," Neville said with approval.

Hermione felt a slight blush touch her cheeks at Harry's words. She wasn't sure she felt very strong these days but it was nice to hear Harry praise her spirit.

"You know you don't have to be in charge of this. I know you have a lot on your plate right now. I wouldn't hold it against you if you bow out of it all. I mean I'd like to have you at the ceremony of course but if you'd rather not be involved in all the extra stuff I would understand," Neville said, glancing towards Hermione.

Harry too glanced toward his wife who met his quick gaze with a smile. "Thank you for the consideration, but I would like to be involved as much as I can. And I hardly think that Hermione would want me to miss out. Much depends on what happens the day after next."

Hermione saw Neville nod solemnly and she decided she no longer wanted to listen to the conversation. She turned her gaze back to her book but after a few sentences she realized she wasn't really retaining anything that her eyes were scanning. She looked out the window and found peace in how still and clean the earth looked in its white covering. Before she could ponder further, sharp, hot pain stabbed her body. She was aware of the distant sound of a scream before darkness took her.

Harry knocked his chair over in his haste to get to Hermione. He heard her gasp and her scream burst through the air for little more than three seconds before she became quiet. Harry quickly pulled her quivering body into his arms and gently down to the floor to avoid her falling off the window seat. Neville joined him on the floor as Hermione's body grew still. Blood ran from her nose, but what concerned Harry most was how still her chest was. He shook her gently, his heart pumping rapidly. "Hermione, come on sweetheart. "

"She's not breathing," Neville choked, his face ashen.

"Breathe! Breathe, Hermione!" Harry said in panic. He patted her colorless cheek. There was no response, her body continued to lay limp and still in his arms. Heat rolling off of her as her temperature spiked. He quickly took out his wand, pointing it at his wife he said, "Rennervate!"

For a few horrible seconds nothing happened. Then she gasped a painful breath. Harry watched her eyes flutter open but they quickly closed as she exhaled disjointedly. Harry held his own breath as he watched her take in another shallow breath. It seemingly took every effort for her body to simply pull in the much needed oxygen. Biddy suddenly appeared with a worried expression and her hands full of vials. "I is hearing Miss scream!"

Hermione's body trembled in an aftershock and Harry quickly grabbed the vial and lifted it to his wife's lips. As he tipped the potion into her mouth her body heaved as she coughed roughly, the struggle to breathe all too apparent. "It's alright. Just swallow honey. I've got you." Harry tried to soothe her even if he wasn't sure if she could hear him. She was clearly not truly conscious.

"I thought Benton…this wasn't supposed to happen," Neville stumbled.

Harry shook his head in disbelief at the situation he found himself in. He held Hermione's body close. "She needs a doctor. I need to get her to St. Mungos."

"I'll go with you," Neville said. He helped Harry rise with Hermione in his arms. He threw Floo powder into the fireplace and watched as Harry stepped through, declaring his destination. Neville followed.

An hour later Harry stormed into the Law Enforcement Office with fire in his blood. He pushed past everyone and made his way to the Chief's office. He didn't bother to knock. "What happened? Where is he?" Harry practically yelled, ignoring the other man that was present.

Mrs. Walker rose from her chair. She had anticipated his arrival and his anger. She quickly dismissed the officer beside her and he wisely scurried from the room. "Mr. Potter, I assume there is no point in asking you to sit?"

"Damn right! What the hell is going on? You said he was cooperating! Now, my wife is fighting for her life at St. Mungos!"

"I am so very sorry. Truly I did not anticipate this," Mrs. Walker said sadly.

"What happened?" Harry demanded.

Mrs. Walker sighed heavily. "The guard whom we had reassigned couldn't stay away. He apparently came to Benton's cell and began harassing him. It has come to light that this guard's sister was one of the unfortunate people that Benton captured and experimented on. The man couldn't let it go. The unfortunate result of their encounter was that Benton lost control of his temper and with it his desire to play our game. I can assure you the guard in question has been removed from this department. He will not be returning anytime soon."

Harry scowled at the information. "And Benton?"

"Yes, well, I assume the episode was short lived?" Harry simply nodded. "After his…temper tantrum, Benton was quick to beg forgiveness. The fact that a Dementor had him by the collar helped I am sure. He nearly wet himself."

Harry didn't feel bad for the man in the least and simply asked, "Did he get kissed?"

Kris Walker narrowed her eyes at him for a silent moment before stating, "No."

Harry ground his teeth together. "May I ask why? That was the plan was it not? The rule by which we were playing?"

"Indeed. However, I would rather this whole affair not end in so dramatic a fashion if we can help it. It seems clear he will not be attacking again. He know knows we mean business and have no problem letting a Dementor into his cell. He is still very willing to break the bond. I assure you he was quite scared."

"Scared," Harry said hollowly. "He should be scared. I will kill him myself if my wife dies because of your diplomacy! As for avoiding a dramatic situation, I think you have failed miserably. You should have heard my wife screaming. She stopped breathing. This whole damned thing is going to end dramatically one way or another whether you like it or not. I'll be damned if it's going to be Hermione that pays for it!"

"Mr. Potter, I do not appreciate being shouted at. Despite what you may think, I am doing my best to help you. As such, I have arranged for a group of Auror's to escort Benton to St. Mungos the day after next so that he can break the bond. I assure you the security will be extremely high. We will not be taking chances, especially now that he will be in a public setting. The Minister was not too happy about it but I convinced him that your wife would be under no condition to come to us here. Am I correct in that assumption?" Harry nodded and Mrs. Walker continued. "I understand your feelings. I do not fault you for them. However, should you do something foolish, you will be held to the law. I suggest you do your best to calm yourself before he arrives. Your wife will not thank you for ending up in prison."

Harry replied, "Her life is worth more than mine."

Mrs. Walker raised an eyebrow at him. "Do not make trouble."

Harry simply gave her a small nod. "Thank you for arranging things so quickly."

"You're welcome. This should be over soon."

Harry turned to leave. As he opened the door he turned and said quietly, "The guard, please give my condolences for the loss of his sister. "

Mrs. Walker looked a bit surprised but gave him a slight nod before Harry turned and left.

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