Hermione's return to consciousness was not without its trials. There were several times when she was pulled to the edge. Whispers just out of reach penetrated her mind. She tried to move her body but she couldn't seem to make her limbs obey her. Occasionally she felt someone touch her; a brief squeeze to her hand, or a gentle sweep of her hair. Each time the outside world tried to enter, darkness took her again before she could respond. One time she heard voices and her brain suddenly recognized her husband's voice. In her excitement to communicate with him she tried to move and call to him but was met with intense pain and nothing but a low moan escaped her lips. Her breath hitched at the shock she experienced and soon felt liquid sliding down her throat which soon left her to darkness once more. Sometime later Hermione's mind began to register the feeling in her hand. Someone was holding it and stroking it softly. She pushed against the deep sluggishness that seemed to blanket her and tried to focus her mind on the feeling of that touch. Her body was awakening more as she felt the blankets weight on her legs and the slight heaviness in her chest as she breathed. She tried to move her fingers. It was important that whoever was holding her hand know she was there. She was unsure if her fingers had done anything and she tried again. This time the hand stroking hers stopped and squeezed her fingers gently. She focused her mind and tried to squeeze back. Hermione knew she had been successful when she heard a familiar voice call her name. A hand touched her cheek and she let her head fall toward it. The voice sounded pleading, hopeful and inviting but she wasn't sure what the words were. Darkness was creeping in once again but she tried to push it back with an audible moan.

"Hermione!" Harry had jumped up from his chair and stood over his wife when he felt her fingers move. He stroked her cheek and his eyes widened in awe as her head leaned toward him. "Hermione, can you hear me? Please wake up, love. You can do it. You're so strong. Hermione, I'm right here. You're going to be alright." A moan escaped her dry lips and he worried she was in pain. Her eyebrows drew together slightly. Harry continued to talk to her. "Come on Hermione. You can do this. Open your eyes for me. Please, just for a little while." To his astonishment she moaned softly once more and squeezed his hand ever so slightly. Harry squeezed back and continued to encourage her by rubbing her arm gently all the while asking her to open her eyes.

Hermione recognized the voice after a time and she longed to do as he asked. She squeezed his hand and she felt him rub her arm. His words floated in and out of focus in her mind. He wanted her to open her eyes. She wanted to obey but they felt so heavy.

Harry smiled as he watched her eyelashes flutter. A few seconds later her eye lids cracked open ever so slightly and blinked several times in rapid succession. "That's it Hermione. I'm right here. You are so strong. I'm here. I'm so glad to see you awake." A weight seemed to lift off of his chest as he watched his wife's eyes finally open. They looked lost, clouded and tired but he found them beautiful all the same. He felt her squeeze his hand again and then saw her eyes darting quickly around the room. He soon realized that she was disoriented and probably unsure where she was. "Sweetheart, it's alright. I'm right here. Look at me. It's Harry."

Hermione swallowed thickly as the light hit her eyes. There was a slight pain that seemed to zing into her brain at the sudden onslaught of sight. She tried to focus. She felt a bit of panic as she couldn't understand her surroundings and her body didn't want to move properly. She heard Harry call to her. She let her head lull in the direction of his voice and after a few blinks his face came into view. She felt the edges of her mouth rise in a smile. Her panic immediately left as she looked into her husband's face. He was as handsome as ever and he smiled down at her with relief and joy.

"There you are. Hi, my dear." Harry sighed with joy as he saw her eyes focus and recognize him. He saw her breathing even out and her body relax as she gave him a weak smile.

Hermione parted her lips and whispered, "Hi."

Upon hearing the strain in her quiet voice, Harry moved to get a glass of water on the table near the bed. He gently brought it to Hermione's lips and helped her take a couple small sips. "Better?"

Hermione smiled at him again and said softly, "Thanks."

"Are you in pain?" Harry asked with concern.

Hermione went to nod in the negative but stopped as a nasty twinge went through her head. She closed her eyes for a moment.

"Hermione?" Harry didn't like the way her eyes were scrunched together.

Without opening her eyes she replied, "Mmm, it's my head."

"Hold on, I'll call a healer." Harry pushed the button to alert someone they were in need of assistance. "Someone will be here soon with a pain potion." Hermione opened her eyes once more and she gave him a small smile of appreciation. He bent and kissed her lightly on the forehead. "You are amazing my love. You have no idea how pleased I am to see you awake."

"St. Mungo's?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded, "It was unavoidable I'm afraid." Harry watched her blink slowly and knew she wouldn't stay awake long. The pure exhaustion was evident in how little she moved and how quiet her voice was.

"What happened?"

Before Harry could even begin to answer the door swung open and a Mediwizard entered. "Ah, Mrs. Potter! We are so thrilled to see you awake! We have all been waiting patiently for you to fully return to us. Now, if I may, I'd like to take some scans and give you some potions."

Harry could tell that she was a bit confused and while squeezing her hand said, "It's alright. They have been monitoring your core levels and making sure your body heals well."

"Indeed! Now then, let us begin." The enthusiastic man waved his wand and few times and after a few minutes of scribbling down notes he said, "It seems your core levels are continuing to rise. They are currently at 40%. Your body is of course extremely weak still, however, your vitals are strong and your organs seem to be functioning properly. You will get stronger the more your core recovers. Rest is the best thing for now. I have brought you a pain potion, a nutrient potion and a dreamless sleep."

"Thank you, but I'd prefer not to take the sleeping potion," Hermione quietly said.

The Mediwizard raised his eyebrows and said, "It is important that you rest well. It will hasten your recovery."

"Please, I'd much rather try to sleep on my own. I assure you I am exhausted enough that I don't think falling asleep will be a problem."

Harry heard the slight note of distress in her voice and said, "Can you just leave it for us and if the need arises I can give it to her?"

"I suppose that would be alright," The healer said. "Now, is there anything else I can do for you? Are you hungry?"

"No, I don't think I'm quite ready for food," Hermione confessed.

"Understandable. The nutrient potion will be sufficient for now. Next time you wake we will give you something light. You need to build up your strength."

Harry said, "She said her head hurts. Is everything alright?"

"Ah, yes, I did notice some very active blood vessels in the brain and a bit of swelling. It is not something to worry about. It is common to have a headache after such a long time of unconsciousness." Turning to Hermione he continued, "It may be that you will be prone to headaches from now on. It may be a lingering side effect of what you have endured. It is too early to say for sure however. We won't really know what the lasting damage looks like until later down the road in your recovery. But be assured we will do all we can for you."

Harry watched Hermione give him a small nod. Her eyes dropped to her lap and she didn't smile. It was his first glimpse into how hard this recovery may be for her. "Thank you," Harry said.

"Right, see that your wife takes those potions right away and then I suggest she rest. We can talk more tomorrow."

Harry nodded and taking the vials, watched the man exit. He set the potions on the side table and uncorked the pain potion. Hermione raised her arm to take it from him but it was trembling badly. Harry gently touched her arm, lowering it to the bed. "Let me." He brought the vial to her lips and she easily swallowed it down. He did the same with the nutrient potion. "Are you sure you don't want the dreamless sleep?"

"Yes. I had a hard enough time waking up. I'd rather not be drugged again."

Harry nodded his understanding and settled down on the bed next to her. He wrapped his arms around her and let her nestle against him. "You have no idea how wonderful it feels to hold you like this," Harry said kissing the top of her head. "Does your head feel better?"

Hermione simply hummed in the affirmative. "What happened?"

Harry sighed, "I am not so sure that is a story for tonight. "

"Is it over?"

Her small pleading voice pierced him. He was quick to reassure her. "Yes, my love. It is over. He can't hurt you anymore." She had no idea the events that had occurred. In a way he was grateful for that. But he didn't look forward to telling her either. To Harry's surprise he felt her cling to his shirt and felt her breath hitch. Soon his shirt was wet with her tears. He gently held her tighter, stroking her head. "Shhh, it's alright. The worst is over. We're together."

Hermione wasn't sure why, but she couldn't hold back the tears. It was as if a damn had opened and all the emotion, worry, anxiety and fear had suddenly been released. It was over. The pure feeling of being safe in Harry's arms overwhelmed her. There was a future for her; a future for them. She had almost given up hope. She had prepared for the worst. She could hardly believe it. In the back of her mind she knew that things were not going to be easy. She was damaged. She didn't know how badly yet and she couldn't stomach thinking about it. She pushed that worry aside and simply let the relief and comfort of being with Harry wash over her. When her tears were spent she whispered, "I love you."

Harry could tell she was almost asleep. "I love you too." He kissed her gently on the head and enjoyed the feel of her body rising and falling with each level breath. Finally, after days of waiting she had woken up. She would recover. She was going to live. He would have many more nights beside her. For the first time in months he fell asleep without the knot of worry in his chest.

The next time Hermione awoke it felt much more natural. She slowly opened her eyes to find Harry standing with his back to her, looking out of the hospital window. She tested out her body, stretching her fingers and wiggling her toes. She felt stiff but wanted to move her tired muscles. She slowly began to shift her arms in an attempt to push herself into a more upright position. As Hermione put pressure on her wrists she couldn't suppress a soft groan as a deep ache seemed to shoot up her arms. She saw Harry turn abruptly and move to help her.

"Hermione! Wait, don't move. Let me help you," Harry said as he quickly helped her sit up more fully against the pillows. Her face was pale but she smiled warmly at him.

"Thank you. It would seem my body is still not being very cooperative," Hermione said with a scoff.

"My dear your core is still low. Give it time. Your body has been through a great shock. Are you in pain?" Harry asked worriedly.

"No, no I'm alright. What time is it?"

Harry wasn't sure he believed her fully as he saw the tremor in her hands and the loss of color to her lips but decided against arguing. "It is about 11am. The doctor came in just an hour ago and said it was good you were still sleeping. Your core is up a little more. We should get you something to eat."

"I can't guarantee I'll be able to eat much, but some toast and juice do sound enticing," Hermione confessed.

"Good. I'll call for the nurse," Harry said moving to push the call button. "How do you feel?"

Hermione considered his question for a moment as she tried to take stock of her body. "I don't have a headache anymore. I just feel a bit…stiff and sore. ".

"I'm glad to hear it." Harry leaned down and kissed her lightly while pushing his fingers into her curls. "It will just take time to regain your strength is all."

"Yes, I am sure you are right," Hermione gave him a smile.

A few minutes later, Hermione had a tray on her lap of toast and juice with a small bowl of oatmeal. Hermione couldn't stomach the runny oatmeal but nibbled gratefully on her toast. She was watching Harry eat a bowl of eggs and potato. He was unusually quiet. She noticed he looked a bit tired himself. He kept throwing her glances of concern. Finally she said, "Harry, I am not going to disappear. Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

"Like what?" Harry said with raised eyebrows.

"Like you are worried I'll suddenly collapse. I assure you I am much improved from….well, before."

Harry sighed. "Sorry, I just… I'm so happy to see you awake. You have no idea…"

Hermione watched his eyes drop and she knew he was remembering something. She didn't want to press him but she had to know what had happened. From Harry's behavior she knew it was not good. "What happened, Harry?"

Harry didn't answer right away. He didn't want to relive the last several days yet he knew Hermione deserved to know. Indeed, she was likely not to give up until she had all her questions answered.

"Please Harry, tell me."

That did it. He got up and sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand in his. He kissed it slowly and with sad eyes began to tell her what had transpired after her collapse. Harry realized that after he started it was easier not to stop. He fixed his eyes on Hermione's hand and felt it quake a few times. He looked up at her occasionally to see her eyes shiny with tears. The sight made his stomach churn and he would look down again.

Hermione listened closely as Harry talked. His voice was low and serious. She knew this was hard for him. The things he was saying pierced her heart as she began to fully understand what he had endured for her. She was shocked to learn Harry had been studying Legilimency. When Harry began to explain that Benton had the upper hand in the mind arts Hermione couldn't contain a small gasp from escaping her lips. Harry pushed on as he squeezed her hand, telling her about the awful things Benton had seen in his mind. Hermione let her tears fall down her cheeks. She noted that Harry's breathing had become labored and gently lifted his head with her hand to see his own eyes wet with sorrow. His voice was pleading as he said, "I'm so sorry Hermione. I'm so sorry. I couldn't…"

"Shhh, no Harry. It's alright. I'm not upset with you. How could I be? You were doing what you thought you needed to. Look at me. It's alright. I love you."

Harry sighed deeply as Hermione leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Her soft voice then asked with clear concern, "Did he hurt you?" Harry shook his head no as he continued his tale. When Harry explained how he let his magic loose he looked up to see Hermione's eyes grow large with surprise. He cleared his throat and went on to tell her how he had watched as the mediwizards were trying to shock her heart into beating again. He breathed deeply. "I never want to see that again. I was terrified Hermione. You were…I thought that was it. I couldn't…"

"Oh, Harry. I'm so sorry. I'm here now. I won't go anywhere. I promise," Hermione said hugging him.

"You are so strong Hermione. You fought. Somehow you came back. The doctors said they have never had a patient with core levels as low as yours survive."

Hermione gave him a small smile, "I had a very good reason to stay." She then kissed him slowly and passionately. She reveled in the feel of his hair between her fingers. When at last they parted she said, "What became of Benton? I assume your magic flaring while linked like that was dangerous for both of you."

"It was. My own core levels were low afterwards and I felt a bit weak but I was fine. Benton…he… I…he died. I didn't mean to. I just…I wanted him to stop hurting you. It was reactionary. Apparently he couldn't recover from whatever my magic had done to him."

Hermione could tell that Harry was upset by what had transpired. She could see him withdraw. She put a hand on his cheek and gently said, "Harry, don't feel guilty about this. You didn't know what would happen. You were only protecting me. It was a good thing you did or I doubt I would have been able to survive. You are not a killer. You are not evil. You are brave, and loving and loyal and stubborn."

Harry looked up at her and saw her genuine smile. He soaked up her reassurance and knew that she did not judge him for what had happened to Benton. It healed him a bit. She was right of course, his actions truly were in her defense.

"What you did was probably more merciful than allowing him to be kissed by Dementors, which is what would have happened," Hermione reasoned.

Harry had not thought of that. He said somewhat surprised, "I suppose that is one way to think about it."

"This was never going to end without a mess. I am just thankful you were not hurt." Hermione said.

"And you survived," Harry stated in wonder as he gazed at her.

Hermione smiled, "I did. It was a near thing. I confess I was not sure that would be the case."

Harry dropped his gaze, his voice reverent. "I know. I'm sorry I wasn't there to talk about it. I didn't want to face that possibility. But I know you were worried about it and wanting to prepare should…" Harry sighed heavily and confessed, "I read the letter, Hermione."

She had not expected that. Hermione bit her lip. "You did? But I told…I mean did Luna give it to you? I asked her to give it to you only if…"

"I know. She told me," Harry interrupted. "She came to visit you soon after you were brought here. She could see how much I was struggling and missing you. Not being able to talk to you about what was happening. Luna said that you told her she would know when the right time would be. She said that even though it wasn't how you had envisioned, she thought I should read it; just to hear your voice, if only in my mind."

"Harry, I… I'm so sorry. If…I didn't mean to…"

Harry saw how flustered she had become and quickly tried to calm her. "It's alright my love. It was a bit hard to read, but I am sure it was harder to write." He saw tears shine in her eyes as confirmation. "You are the bravest and kindest person I know. I could hardly fathom how you could confess your love for me so deeply while at the same time giving me permission, even encouragement, to love someone else because you wanted my happiness. I am not sure I would have been equal to your requests. To lose you would have been….I am not sure I could have gone forward without you. I am not sure anyone could love me as you do."

Hermione let a tear roll down her cheek. "I just wanted to be sure you knew… how to go on. That you knew I wanted that for you. And despite what you may think I do believe, with time, you would have found the strength to. "

"You are usually right. But I am infinitely glad that I did not have to find out." Harry drew her into his arms and held her tightly, never wanting to let go. "I am so sorry I left you to deal with those feelings alone."

"You were just hoping for the best. I cannot fault you for that," Hermione reassured him.

"Perhaps, but I regret not being brave enough to talk to you about things if…if the worst had happened." Harry cleared his throat.

Hermione kissed his cheek in response. They sat in silence for a time. Finally Hermione said, "Harry, after the incident with Benton…what happened?"

Harry let her up so he could look at her more clearly she met his gaze and then said, "I mean I hardly think that after something like that they'd just let it slide. You did perform illegal magic and…well, I'm not blaming you I just…"

Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her. "It's good to know your mind was not damage. You are still the brightest witch I know. And yes, you are correct; the Ministry did not take kindly to my actions."

"Well, it must not have been too bad considering you are sitting here with me and not in a cell in Azkaban," Hermione concluded.

Harry scoffed at that and replied, "It was…unpleasant but not unexpected." He proceeded to tell her about the trial. As expected her face ranged from worried to downright angry.

"I can't believe that man! How dare he insinuate such awful things about you! Is Ron alright after that? It can't have been easy on him either," Hermione raged.

"Yes, Ron is alright. He braved it well. He did make me promise to never do that to him again," Harry said with a smirk.

"That makes me so angry! You would never do anything to…It's a good thing I wasn't there or he'd be on the receiving end of my wand," Hermione ranted.

"I don't doubt that my love. All in all, the verdict was not awful. While I am a bit peeved about the probationary time, I am pleased to have the next six months to spend with you without distraction," Harry proclaimed with a grin.

Hermione smiled back at him and then avoiding his eyes said, "I'm sorry I am such a burden."

"Hey, look at me." Harry turned her face toward him and made sure she was paying attention. "You are not and never will be a burden to me Hermione. "

"Harry I know you love me, but you can hardly be happy having to take care of your wife all the time. The truth is we have no real idea yet how my recovery will go. What if…What if there are lasting damages that alter my life? I am thrilled to spend six months of uninterrupted time with you but I can't help but wonder if it will be filled with nothing but therapy sessions and pain potions."

He hugged her and rubbing her back replied, "You are right, we don't know yet what your future health will be like. But no matter what it looks like, I will never consider you a burden. You are already much improved. I suspect things will only get better. There might be lasting effects. But we will deal with them together and be all the strong for it. I think at this point there is little we could not face."

"I suppose you have a point," Hermione conceded.

"Besides," Harry smirked, "Even if there are plenty of pain potions ahead, I think I can come up with some very enjoyable therapy sessions for us." He winked at her and was rewarded by her cheeks flushing and a soft smack on the arm. He drew her in and kissed her heartily.

Hermione felt content as she settled back against the pillows. She stifled a yawn. "Thank you for telling me what happened."

"There was no keeping it from you. But I think it has worn you out."

"You may be right," Hermione confessed as she shifted slightly, a small grimace lacing her face.

"You're hurting," Harry stated. Within minutes a nurse came in with a pain potion.

Hermione relaxed and felt her muscles lose their tension. Before falling asleep she said, "I want to go home."

"I'll see what I can do," Harry said as he kissed her forehead.

"Tomorrow," Hermione stated determinedly.

Harry chuckled, "So stubborn."

Hermione closed her eyes and hummed in the affirmative. Harry watched her drift off. He felt emotionally drained but very happy. He also knew that tomorrow would be an interesting day. If Hermione was determined to go home tomorrow he knew there was little that would stop her from doing just that. He vaguely considered giving the medial staff a warning of her request, but then thought better of it. It would be more fun if he didn't. He had no doubt that the following night they would be in their own beds. He looked forward to it immensely. Giving her hand one last squeeze Harry made his way back to the Manor to tell Biddy and Colby to prepare for a homecoming.

I do hope you are still enjoying this! We are approaching the end. Please review and let me know what you would like to see before the end. Sorry it has taken so long to update. Thanks for sticking with me. Please comment! I could use some encouragement. I kind of had writers block for a while. HOpe this was satisfactory.