Harry entered the hospital room, his heart clenching as his eyes focused on Hermione. Her face was ghostly. Her body was still except for the unnaturally exaggerated rise and fall of her chest. A mask of sorts was placed over her nose and mouth and Harry assumed it was what was causing her lungs to inhale and exhale without any effort on Hermione's part. It was disconcerting. Harry's eyes traveled to the hovering readings that indicated her heart rate and blood pressure. He took note that her heart was beating within normal range and was steady. Her core level however was a dismal 25% just as the mediwizard had said. The image of her lifeless body being zapped as he was pulled out of the room just an hour ago burned behind Harry's eyes for a moment. He forced himself to breathe deeply and shake the image from his mind. He was quite sure his nightmares would play that moment on repeat from now on. He approached the bed and sat on the edge of it as he gently pushed back a curl from Hermione's forehead. She still felt warmer than normal. Her skin was slightly clammy and her eyes were sunken and dark rimmed. She was his lifeand Harry had never come so close to losing her. A dark thought surfaced that it was still possible to lose her. If she didn't wake and start breathing on her own within a week's time there was a possibility she never would. He squeezed her hand gently. "You're so strong, love. Please keep fighting. I'm here. He won't hurt you anymore. Just get better….please!" Harry swallowed past the lump in his throat and blinked several times to avoid the tears that stung his eyes from falling. He croaked, "I'm so sorry. Hermione…I'm so sorry."

"Don't blame yourself, Harry," Ron said. "I'm sure Hermione doesn't."

Harry had not heard his friend enter the room and quickly swiped at the few tears that had escaped down his cheeks. He cleared his throat and replied, "It is my fault Ron. If I wasn't the bloody 'Chosen One' every dark wizard wouldn't be after me!" He scoffed and felt his anger rising.

"Harry, Hermione and I have known since we were 11 what being friends with you was going to bring us. We have had nothing but dangerous adventures for years. We both stuck around. Hermione knew what being with you meant and she chose it. She wouldn't blame you. I don't blame you. You need to stop feeling guilty for things that you had no way of anticipating or changing."

Harry heard him. He even understood, yet he couldn't stop the guilt and anger from rising. As his eyes swam over the state of the person most dear to him he suddenly shot up from his chair and fumed. "If I had been faster, stronger, more prepared….If I had let go of my control over my magic sooner than maybe Hermione would have been spared the attack that nearly killed her!" Harry suddenly felt dizzy and swayed dangerously. He felt Ron grab his arm and pull him into a chair.

"Harry you need to calm down. You are still weak. Don't forget, your own core took quite a hit tonight as well. It was impressive and scary to be honest."

"I wasn't fast enough," Harry whispered. He was all the sudden aware of how tired he felt.

"Harry, you did all you could. Listen to me." Ron sat down opposite his friend and sitting forward said seriously, "Look at me." It took a few seconds but Harry finally raised his head. Ron took note that he looked exhausted and older than Ron had ever remembered seeing him. He knew Harry needed rest but he was determined to get through to Harry before he left the man to rest. "You won Harry. You have saved Hermione. Benton is in no condition to harm her anymore. Whatever you did while inside his head, incapacitated him. From what little the healers have said to me, he won't recover. He is as good as dead." Ron held up his hand seeing Harry start to interrupt him. "No! Before you go off about how you have basically killed a man, and how blasted evil or unworthy or whatever crap you are coming up with that now makes you less of a man, or will make Hermione love you less, you need to hear me out. You are a hero here! You are Hermione's hero. Hell, you're my hero. Harry, no one else could have done what you did today. You defied the rules to save her. You have studied and practiced and sacrificed. You have watched Hermione go through horrific things and have always been there for her. You protected her in the best way you could tonight. Did it go as planned? No. But Harry, the end result is exactly as it should be. Benton is done. He will no longer harm anyone. And that Harry…that is your fault. And I'll be damned if you let yourself wallow about it. I can guarantee Hermione will not see you any differently. She won't love you less for incapacitating the slime that tortured her for months. She loves you. That is never going to change mate. Do you hear me?"

Harry felt hot tears sting his eyes and the lump in his throat grew as he listened to Ron's speech. He had never thought Ron capable of such sincere and powerful words. But it was clear in the fire behind Ron's eyes, and the way they slightly glistened with his own unshed tears, that he meant every word. If Harry didn't take it to heart his friend was likely to send a hex his way. The thought almost tugged a smile from him. Harry swallowed thickly and nodded his head. "I hear you."

"Good," Ron said gruffly. "Now, I think you should get some rest. You look awful."

A sudden burst of a laugh left Harry's mouth. He ran his hands through his hair. "I feel it too."

"Well, until they bring you in another bed I suggest you just crawl in with Hermione. I doubt she'll mind," Ron said with a smirk.

Harry gave his friend a small smile as he moved back to the edge of the bed and sat down, his eyes once again taking in his wife. In a quiet voice he said, "What if I still lose her?"

"She's too stubborn to even consider it. She's made it this far. She wouldn't dare leave us now," Ron replied with reverence.

Harry stood and embraced his friend. "Thank you, Ron."

Ron nodded. "Get some rest. I'll try my best to give you as much time to rest as I can but there is going to be quite a storm to contend with between the Auror Department and Law Enforcement."

Harry sighed heavily, "I know. You think it will go to trial?"

Ron shrugged, "Maybe. But even if it does, no one is going to convict you Harry. Not after all you've done. You just rid the wizarding world of one more unofficial Death Eater. You did it illegally, in front of witnesses, of course." Ron scoffed good naturedly. "You don't do anything the easy way do you?"

Harry smirked, "Guess not."

"I'm sure it will work out. It might be a bit of a nightmare to get there though," Ron confessed. "But I'll be there for you. Hell, I might be in trouble too. I did aid and abed you after all."

"A criminal record? What would your mother say?" Harry teased.

"Ha! If she were here she probably would have blasted Benton before he even was handed a wand. Remember what she did to Bellatrix? She protects her own. She'll be proud of us mate. Might give us a lecture though."

Harry smiled at that. "I can live with that."

"Rest Harry. You look likely to fall over. I'll be back in a few hours."

Harry nodded and watched his longtime friend began to leave. "Oh! Wait! How is Allison?"

"I'm going to go see her now. She will be fine. She's going to have some nice scars to show off but she'll be just fine. She should be able to go home tomorrow. "

"I'm glad. I like her. She has a lot of spirit," Harry said.

"Yeah, she does."

"Keep her," Harry said.

Ron smiled, "I might just do that. But I am not crazy enough to get married after dating for just a few months like some people."

Harry smirked and rolled his eyes at him. "Fair enough."

"Goodnight, Harry."

Harry nodded. Ron left and the room was eerily quiet. Harry gently and slowly positioned his body next to his wife's on the small hospital bed. He breathed in her sweet scent and holding her hand whispered, "I love you."

The next few days brought little change to Hermione's condition. Her core levels were still below 30%. But her heart remained beating and the healers were positive. Harry had spent every minute he could being beside her. He read to her and talked to her as much as possible. Unfortunately, Harry had also had to endure several hours of questioning. They had not called it an interrogation but that was precisely what it had been. He had willingly and cooperatively been led to the Department of Law Enforcement. When they tried to stick him in the same small, stark room that he had witnessed Benton being questioned in he had protested firmly. He had flatly refused to speak to anyone other than Director Walker. It was finally decided that Harry would be granted his demand as long as two other Department officers also were in the room. He had rolled his eyes at this. Did they really see him as a threat? Kris Walker had of course offered him tea and had the same calm and commanding demeanor Harry had come to expect from her. The woman had been cordial but had also been all business as she asked her questions. She had made it quite clear she was not approving of Harry's methods during the whole ordeal. However, she also did not seem upset by the fact that Benton was essentially brain dead. Harry answered questions truthfully without regret. He confessed he had not anticipated the outcome or that Benton would be skilled in the mental arts. Harry also freely confessed that he had been practicing and preparing to use his new skill should Benton become uncooperative. He did however, make sure that Mrs. Walker understood that his learning the skill was not illegal. He had acquired the authorization of his superiors and his time to train was sanctioned and scheduled. His teacher, Mr. Jasper Lovegood, was well known for his abilities in the mental arts. The man was hesitant to teach him but had relented when he had discovered Harry's situation. The encouraging words about Harry from the man's niece also helped persuade him to take him on as a student. Harry had thanked Luna repeatedly for persuading the man to share his knowledge.

At the end of it all Mrs. Walker said, "Well, Mr. Potter. I confess that I am torn between thanking you for ridding us of one of the most foul of wizard kind and wanting to lock you up for disobeying my orders and performing an illegal mental attack."

Harry felt his face warm under her scrutinizing gaze. He nodded, "I understand."

"Thank you for answering all of our questions. Unfortunately, because you did commit a serious crime against another wizard there is no avoiding a trial. As it concerns extensive damage to another wizard the trial will be in front of the Wizengamot."

Harry had expected this but had still hoped to avoid it all. He sighed heavily but nodded his understanding. Mrs. Walker continued, "However, I would be shocked if it lasts more than one session and if the ruling was not in your favor. You may get a small fine or some time in a cell here, but considering who you are and everything you have been through and done for this world you shouldn't worry too much. I have already met with the proper channels and it has been decided that while most people waiting for a trial are detained, you will not be. We will be putting a tracking spell on you however. You will not be allowed to leave the country."

"I don't plan on going anywhere," Harry said with a small smile.

"I didn't think so. I suspect that if we need to find you, you will be no farther than St. Mungos," the Director smiled knowingly. "You will not be able to return to your Manor home until after the trial I am afraid as it is unplottable."

"I have already sent word to my house elves and put things in order. I will be staying at the Burrow with the Weasley's until things are settled. When will that be by the way? I know legal things can take some time."

"Ah, yes, it can be a wait. However, as you are the wizarding world's most popular hero, the trial has been scheduled for January 28th at 4pm."

Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That is only five days away!"

Mrs. Walker smiled, "Yes. I rather think we want to wrap this up quickly. The public would not like to have their hero strung along for weeks while his wife fights for her life. It is in everyone's favor to move things along."

"I appreciate that," Harry confessed. "Will I have a lawyer?"

"Indeed. He is rather good I hear. Not that you need him really. But there will be some in the Wizengamot that may cause a stir and paint what you have done in a rather poor light."

Harry scowled but nodded. "I can't win everyone over I suppose."

Mrs. Walker scoffed at him with a smile. "Indeed. As I said, don't worry too much. You have broken the law to be sure, but it can easily be seen as the defense of one you loved. You simply tell the truth as you have just done and let those witnesses they question tell their stories and it will be resolved quickly."

"Who else is taking the stand then?" Harry asked.

"I don't know all the details but I believe that Mr. Lovegood has stepped forward to share his insights to your training, progress and character. Your supervisor Mr. Gibbs will be questioned. Your friend Ronald Weasley will also be called upon."

Harry scowled at that. "I had hoped to spare him that."

"Well, he was knowledgeable and supportive of your actions. He will be fine," Walker assured him. "I have heard his side of it and it does nothing but spread light on things."

Harry nodded. "Thank you for all your help. I do apologize for causing so much trouble. You have been more than patient and understanding. I am sorry to have made things difficult for you." He did feel bad for causing this woman so much extra work. She had done nothing but help and accommodate him from the start.

Mrs. Walker stood and sighed, "Mr. Potter, much of what you have gone through is of no fault of your own. I am a bit upset it ended as it did but I think my frustration is more with myself and my staff than with you. We were taken in by Benton. He had us fooled. He clearly was not affected by the truth serum as we had expected him to have been. I should have seen it after he lost control the first time. I was too eager to try to end this peacefully." She shook her head in frustration. "I should know by now that it is a rare thing for something of this magnitude to end without some amount of chaos. Perhaps I am getting too old for this job," She smiled.

"You did what you thought was best. You're good at your job. You handle people well. You have an understanding heart and try to calm things instead of escalate them. That is not a fault as I see it," Harry said. "I tend to have the opposite effect, which as you can see does not always end well."

Walker smirked at him, "Hmmm, you do have a flare for the dramatic. Though I think the events in your life help encourage that. And as I see it, most of those things have in fact ended well."

"Never a dull moment," Harry replied.

Mrs. Walker extended her hand, "I do wish you and your wife the best. I hope after all this is wrapped up that you find that quiet, normal life you once told me you wanted."

"So do I," Harry said.

Ok guys. Here is my question...Do you want me to write the trial or some of its proceedings? Part of me just wants to skip it and just kind of gloss over it and give some vague details about it and move on. The other part of me wonders if the story will feel rushed if I do. But if I attempt it I am a bit afraid it may disappoint as my knowledge of such things is limited and it feels a bit over whelming and tedious to do in some respects. So, I defer to you good readers...what do you want? Any thoughts? Suggestions? How are you enjoying this up to this point? Thanks for sticking with me!