A/N: Right. My last chapter was emotional. I also said, in the Author's Note, that there were a few more chapters to go. I have just written the end of the story, and I'm typing it. There's only TWO chapters left: this one, and then one more. And no, no matter how hard you beg, I'm not telling you how it's going to end.

SET SIX MONTHS AFTER EVERYTHING

RPOV

She went into hospital on the 15th of November. She had the operation on the 16th. It was the worst period of time ever. Waiting. The waiting. Her brother, her mother, father. And me. Desperate for any news, anything at all. Charlie rang, several times, so did Ginny. Harry came by, with his mother. I think it helped Jean to see her, to see that Hermione still had every chance. Lily never actually left after that. She stayed too, making us all go home and get some rest. Hermione would be out for a day or so, because of the shock. They'd keep her sedated for a while. She made us eat, sleep, wash. Made us all function. She made me drop by school, to pick up my notes. When she said it was what Hermione would have wanted, I heard her voice in my head, as clearly as if she'd been standing next to me.

"Make sure you study, Ron. Never you mind me. Planning for the future, that's what you need to think about."

I took advantage of the sedation to go down to the beach. That day she'd first shown any of us even a smudge of weakness - her crippling fear of being on walls, unable to reach the floor. The day I'd come here alone and written her name in the sand. Her wrapped up, walking along the prom with me, holding my hand, nicking my chips. All the stuff we've done. All the stuff I mightn't get to do with her.

"I'm scared of death."

I held her hand, for hours, waiting for her to wake up. I told her stories about life, about Harry and Ginny. And then I told she'd best wake up, because Chem. wasn't the same without her scoring points off Snape. The school had sent balloons. I sit by, chattering about random happenings.

"Mione, you need to wake up soon. All the helium from your balloons will go, they'll be boring balloons then. You've got so many cards. It's very pink in here. You need to wake up to tell them you don't like pink. Bill sends his love. So does Charlie. Even Percy hauled himself away from his Chemistry A-level experiment to say he wishes you well. You made quite an impact there.

"Mum's knitted you a sweater. You're part of the family now, Mione. Dad made you a wooden duck - remember I told you he wood-carved? He's here now - actually that duck is seriously creepy. I'll turn it round, shall I?

"And there's another bit of news, too. Your old school sent the scariest cuddly bunny I have ever seen in my life. It's blue, for goodness sake, with a cowboy hat on. His ears poke out through the top of the hat. Huge eyes. Seriously what is this thing? It came with a card, saying 'my name is Whippet'. what is he, the school mascot? And, Gryffindor house sent you two cuddly toys. A lion, and a wolf. I prefer the wolf, to be fair, the lion looks like he's a bit drugged. And very placid. I thought lions were meant to be fierce. And the wolf is pretty amazing, I will say that. Bit smiley, though. What is it with hospitals and cuddly toys? It's like fluffy heaven in here.

"I've been doing my homework too, you'll be pleased to hear. My French is not going well. Listen: 'Translate; Malheureusement, votre vélo a été volé.' I've got: "Sadly, your bike has been abducted.' I mean, that can't actually be right -"

"Stolen. Not abducted, stolen."

"Oh, cheers. Honestly I don't know - HERMIONE!" Cinnamon eyes are looking at me. I seize her face in my hands, and she smiles.

"Hello."

a/n: Do you all hate me lots now? I abandon this for months and then I give you the biggest cliffie in history. I swear, the next and FINAL chapter is coming up. PLEASE review, even though I certainly don't deserve it. Anyway, i tried very, very hard on this chapter. The next one will be looong. Also, because I am like this, it does leave it wide open for a sequal. not saying I'll write one, but the possibilty will be there. i do hope you like this chapter, and the final chapter. Not too sure when I'll have it up by, but it will definatly be by the end of the weekend. I'm back at college now, and I have less and less time to write. Rememebr I love you though! XXX