The next day dawned bright and chilly. Snow blanketed the earth and it was clear that winter was still in full swing. Harry had spent the night at the manor. He had been in desperate need of a good night's sleep. His mind was less troubled by Hermione's condition and he was relieved that he had slept soundly. He rose early, showered and dressed. Harry quickly informed Colby that he was not going to be eating breakfast this morning but that they should plan on dinner for both Hermione and himself. With affairs settled Harry quickly made his way by Floo to St. Mungos. Upon entering his wife's hospital room he was amused to find Hermione scolding the nurse who was attempting to look authoritative but was clearly a bit cowed by Hermione's commanding demeanor. His wife's voice was not loud but it was clear and precise. "I do not wish to eat breakfast. I wish to leave. I will be walking out of this place today whether you like it or not. Do not try to spout some medical procedures at me. You have no grounds to keep me here and-" Hermione's rant was cut off as her eyes took note of his entrance. She smiled warmly at him and said with a sigh of frustration, "Harry, thank goodness. Please inform this woman that you are taking me home today."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her plea. He knew she was frustrated but he also could tell she was still quite worn out. Not wanting to disappoint her he said with a broad smile, "Of course, my love." Turning to the nurse he said politely, "As Mrs. Potter said, she will be returning home today. I do not wish to undermined your position here. I know you have orders to follow. However, as my wife stated there is really no way to keep her here against her will. We will of course gladly fill out any paperwork that is necessary. I would also like to speak to the doctor directly." Harry had moved to the bed and taken Hermione's hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. He felt her squeeze back and tried to ignore the slight tremble of her arm.

The nurse gave a sigh of her own but nodded politely. "I will fetch the doctor for you Mr. Potter. It is unusual for us to take orders from our patients. The last I heard the doctor wanted to keep Mrs. Potter for observation for a couple more days. I will however, pass on your request and will try to get the paperwork needed for you to be discharged as soon as possible."

Harry gave her a smile replying, "Thank you so much for your help. We do appreciate it." The nurse gave one more smile while nodding to him before turning to leave the room. When the door clicked shut Harry took the breakfast tray from off the side table and placed it in front of his wife, giving her a kiss on the head. "I do think you should eat something dear."

Hermione leaned into his touch and settled back against the pillows. "I really am not very hungry."

"That may be but I suspect it may be several hours before we are given permission to leave and you need your strength. The house elves and I intend on fattening you up a bit." Harry winked at her.

Hermione took the small muffin from his outstretched arm and with a smile took a small bite. "I do hope they don't prepare too much food. It is going to take a while before I can eat normally again."

"I told Biddy that as well. They are expecting us both for dinner," Harry said as he passed her the apple juice from the tray.

"Thank you for getting rid of that nurse. Your charm certainly had an effect on her," Hermione teased.

Harry raised his eyebrows and scoffed, "Well, it does pay to be me sometimes." He got a small smack on the arm from her. He chuckled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her in to his chest. "I can't wait to have you home."

"I am desperate for my own bed," Hermione said as she took another small bite of her muffin.

"I am also desperate to have you in bed," Harry said with a wicked grin. Hermione bit her lip and blushed.

Harry enjoyed seeing the color on her cheeks. He sat back a bit and looked her over. She was still pale and her hands were a bit shaky. But she certainly looked improved. He could see the lingering exhaustion around her eyes but her breathing was not so tight and rattled as it had been. Once again, he was reassured that she was getting better and that this time she would remain so. He reached down and gently guided her mouth to his. Harry shifted a bit so he had better access to her mouth and he felt her melt against him. He flicked his tongue along her lips and she let out a soft moan. Before the kiss could deepen the door to the hospital room opened with a squeak. Harry pulled back slowly and turned to see who the intruder was.

"Well, I see the rumors are true." A dark-haired wizard in a white medical robe walked in with a broad smile. He looked well-bred and experienced. His face was weathered but his jaw was strong and his eyes were bright.

Harry vaguely recognized the man as one of the doctors that had been present when Hermione's heart had stopped. His voice sounded familiar as well. He stepped forward and extended his hand. "You were one of the doctors that saved my wife's life if I'm not mistaken?" The man shook hands with him and smiled broadly.

"Dr. Stockton. And Indeed, I was. Though there were several people who played a part in that. And I do believe much of the success is due in large part to the remarkable strength of your wife." The doctor looked to Hermione and nodded politely.

"I appreciate all you have done for her," Harry said.

Hermione said, "I also want to thank you."

"No thanks required. I am just pleased to see you on the mend. It was quite a scary time for all of us."

Hermione smiled at him and asked, "If I may ask, what did you mean by the rumors are true? What rumors are those?"

Dr. Stockton's grin widened and his deep voice replied, "Well, there are several rumors going around about what transpired here. Whether you like it or not you and your husband are war heroes and attract a lot of interest. I was referring to the rumor that you two are hopelessly in love."

Harry watched Hermione's eyebrows rise in surprise and he felt his own face heat up. Doctor Stockton chuckled a bit at their reactions and continued unphased. "The press has published the outcome of the trial that your husband was involved in. The public now knows that Mr. Potter did not coerce you into marriage. Now people are smitten by the story of your undying love for one another despite not being bonded as previously thought. As you can imagine the story of your romance is quite popular right now. Seeing as how it's the only explanation anyone wants to hear about why you were able to survive under such circumstances."

Hermione scoffed a bit as her face was a rosy color. "Surely people are smart enough to realized that it was more than just my love for my husband that saved me. It was a serious situation to be sure but without you and your staff's quick actions the outcome would have been very different no doubt."

Harry's breath hitched a bit at the very thought that Hermione had come so close to death. He quickly gripped her hand and rubbed small circles across her flesh with his thumb.

"Yes, that is true. However, in all my years of experience I have never seen a patient recover when their core was as low as yours. Even I have to concede that there may have been other powers at play in your recovery."

Harry watched the doctor smile broadly and give them a meaningful look. Harry and Hermione looked at one another for a moment. Hermione gave him a small smile before averting her gaze. Neither one of them really knew how to respond. Dr. Stockton seemed to sense their unease and said, "Regardless, it is quite obvious when I see you together that there is something special between you. It is a joy to see. I hardly think you can deny your love for one another?"

"No of course not." Hermione said firmly.

"Then we shall leave it there," the doctor said with a grin. "Now, I have heard you gave the nurse a bit of a run for her money?"

Hermione blushed a bit but said firmly, "I wish to go home today."

"Yes, that is what I had heard." Dr. Stockton took out his wand and ran it across Hermione's body as he performed scans. After a short time, he commented, "Well, your core is at 42%. You seem to be alert. You will need to take nutrient potions regularly for a while until your appetite improves. How do your muscles feel?"

"A bit sore," Hermione responded.

"Yes, that may be the case for a week or so. Alright, I would love to send you to the comfort of your home but before I give the go ahead on that I do want to discuss some things with you."

Harry and Hermione nodded. Harry saw the slight worry in Hermione's face as she bit her lip Dr. Stockton continued, "We will send you home with nutrient potions as well as pain potions. We would normally ask you to stay for observation. We have no idea the lasting effects that you may experience from the bond and the curses you were consistently suffering under. However, I also think that you will fair better at home. Having said that, I must insist that either myself or Madam Pomfrey be allowed to give you weekly checkups. I also expect you to contact one of us should there arise any unforeseen problems. Is that agreeable?"

Hermione nodded her consent. "That sounds perfectly reasonable."

"Good. Now, I need you to understand that while your core is improving at a good pace you need to rest often. I do not want you to use magic until your core is at least at 90%. We shall discuss it at your checkups as the weeks go by. With rest, I would also encourage you to walk around a little each day. Your muscles have been through a fair amount of trauma over the last several months. We need to be sure to strengthen them."

Harry nodded his understanding and asked, "What should be expect?"

"Excellent question." He turned toward Hermione and said, "It is hard to say how your body will react. In my professional opinion you should expect the occasional shaking of your extremities. This may become worse if you are tired. It will most likely come and go. With any luck it will lessen over time as your nerves and muscles heal. I would also not be surprised if you had headaches on occasion. Now, if these headaches become debilitating or cause any bleeding, I would ask that you contact Madam Pomfrey or myself just to be sure there is nothing seriously wrong. Dizziness may occur from time to time. There is really no telling how long these symptoms will last. If we need to, we can set up physical therapy sessions to try to alleviate the quaking and strengthen the muscles. Just take it easy until your core level is higher and then we can reassess."

"Thank you," Hermione said with a small smile.

Harry watched as Dr. Stockton took Hermione's other hand and pressing it between his own leaned forward with the look of a grandfather and said with a small nod, "I do believe it is I that should be thanking you and your husband. You saved us from a very dark future. You are a remarkable couple and I do wish you all the best."

Harry glanced to Hermione and saw her eyes glisten with moisture. He took charge and replied, "We appreciate that. With any luck we look forward to some form of a normal life ahead."

Dr. Stockton gave a chuckle and turning to Harry, shook his hand and said, "I do hope so. Now, before I inform the nursing staff that you will be leaving today, I do need you to try to stand for me."

Hermione nodded and began shifting her body to the edge of the bed. Harry swung back the sheet to make it easier for her and helped her swing her legs to dangle off the edge of the bed. Hermione was a bit self-conscious being in nothing but a hospital gown. She suppressed a groan as she scooted forward. She felt her feet hit the floor and began to push herself up. Harry's arm grabbed hers and she was grateful for the extra support as her full weight settled on her feet. Her head gave a bit of a rush and she felt herself sway slightly. There was a little throbbing in her knees and ankles but she stood as straight as she could.

Harry saw the color drain from Hermione's face and worried she might fall. He felt her lean against him and saw her clench her jaw, which he knew was a sign she was feeling at least a small amount of pain. He glanced up to Dr. Stockton and saw his brows a bit furrowed but he only said, "Now, can you manage a step or two? I will ask Mr. Potter to assist you. It seems clear you are not quite ready to try it alone."

Harry nodded. Hermione simply made her feet shuffle forward a bit. Her legs shook underneath her but she was also glad to be out of bed. Dr. Stockton replied, "Good. I can see you are in a bit of pain so I will get you a potion for that. It will be important to walk around despite some small discomfort. You just need to strengthen those muscles again. Do not attempt it alone for a while yet. Well, now that you are up, I would suggest you go to the bathroom and do any washing you wish to. I will have the nurses bring in some paper work for you to fill out before you go. You will have access to my office by Floo should the need arise. We will contact you about the first checkup within a couple of days."

"Sounds good," Harry said.

"I'll leave you to it then." Dr. Stockton turned and as he was leaving said, "Don't forget to kiss her often. That is said to do wonders for a woman's mood. Not that I think that will be a problem." He winked at the pair before shutting the door.

Harry continued to support Hermione as she let out a soft chuckle at the doctors parting words. He said, "He is certainly charismatic."

"Handsome too," Hermione commented with a grin.

"Should I be worried about competition?" Harry teased.

"Not a chance. I am quite confident that when you get to his age, you'll look even more dashing than him." Hermione commented.

"That may be true. I was on the list for most handsome bachelor in Witch Weekly a while back," Harry scoffed as he slowly helped Hermione to the bathroom.

Hermione rolled her eyes and huffed shaking her head. "Watch out, your head might explode."

Harry laughed, "No worries there. I have you to keep me in line."

"Yes, don't forget you are properly whipped now," Hermione said with a wink.

"Just how I like it," Harry said as he pinched her butt playfully. "Now, are you alright to handle this part yourself or should I stay?" They were in the bathroom now and while Harry was concerned about her lack of color, he also didn't want to embarrass her.

"I think I'll be alright. There is plenty to hold on to in here. I'll just be a minute or so. It's already enough having you see me in this horrible gown."

Harry chuckled and said, "I brought you a change of clothes. I'll get them for you."

"You are the best."

"Don't forget it." Harry shut the door but not all the way as he wanted to be sure to hear her if she needed help. After a few minutes Hermione stood in the doorway in one of his old t-shirts and a pair of flannel pants. She was leaning against the doorframe for support. Her hair had been brushed but it was still a mass of soft curls. To Harry she was beautiful. Even with her face drained of color and her eyes drooping with exhaustion, he had never seen anything that tugged at his heart like she did. He moved toward her and helped her back to the bed. "I think you should take a nap. It will probably be a couple hours before we leave. Here is the pain potion the nurse left for you."

"Thank you. I wish I didn't need it, but I confess that all that standing was a bit rough."

Harry kissed her lightly on the head. "Don't worry. You'll be stronger in no time. Just think, the longer it takes you to get well the longer I will have to do your bidding."

"Ah, that does sound promising." Hermione gave him a bewitching smile. Harry waisted no time in beginning where they had left off before being interrupted.

Two weeks later Harry stood on the grass in his own back yard. A bubble of warm air surrounded the small gathering that had come for Neville and Luna's wedding. The outside air was not as cold as it had been but winters chill had not fully receded into Spring yet. It was still February after all. Harry stood next to Hermione as they prepared to walk down the aisle ahead of the bride. Neville stood in front of them and was shifting back and forth nervously with a big smile on his face. "You look positively radiant my love." Harry had been speechless when he had seen Hermione emerge in a dress of deep burgundy. Her skin looked like porcelain against the dark fabric. Her face had filled out slightly in the last couple of weeks. She was eating more and it softened the curves of her face. Her hair was swept up in an elegant mass of curls and he could hardly resist the urge to place kisses on her exposed neck. He watched her smile at his comment as she responded, "Thank you. It is nice to feel pretty. You look quite dashing yourself."

Harry kissed her on the temple and wrapped her arm through his. He was pleased that her hand was not shaking. The music started and he took up a slow pace as he walked down the aisle. When he came to the front, he helped Hermione sit in a chair on the bride's side. Ginny was soon there standing next to her. Harry placed a kiss on her hand before withdrawing to stand next to Ron on the other side of the aisle. Luna looked ethereal as she floated down the aisle toward Neville. Her dress fluttered around her with grace and had just enough of a flare about it as to suite her quirky personality. He saw Neville beaming at his soon to be wife. Harry's own eyes found Hermione's across the way. She smiled at him lovingly. Harry didn't hear much of what happened during the ceremony. He was too intent on watching his own wife. They made eye contact several times and when Neville and Luna shared their first kiss as husband and wife Harry was pleased to see Hermione subtly blow him a kiss. He winked back. Later Harry enjoyed dancing. He had never much cared for the activity until Hermione had become his partner. Now it was a very enjoyable experience to hold his wife so close and feel her body move in time with his. Her hands were shaking slightly in his and he could see she was growing tired. He reminded himself it had only been two weeks since she had been released from St. Mungos. She was doing well. Her core was at 60%. She had headaches and weakness and muscle spasms and shakes. But it was all manageable and they were continually told that it would lessen over time. In this moment, as he held her soft body and was enveloped in her sweet honey scent, her eyes glistening with happiness, he was filled with contentment. "I love you Mrs. Potter."

Hermione smiled up at him. "I love you too Mr. Potter." She stopped swaying and rising on her toes captured his lips. His arms encircled her gently. She knew that no matter what the future held she would face it with this man in front of her. This man that made her feel safe and special and important. This man that had saved her. She was determined to spend the rest of her life making it up to him. What a wonderful life it was going to be.

Thanks for reading! I am a bit sad there are not more reviews! please review and tell me your thoughts on any part of this story! Now, would you like an epilogue? And if so what do you wish to see in it? I am up for suggestions. Hope you have enjoyed this little trip. Please comment. Much thanks!