Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Hey everyone … so it's confession time. Although I greatly appreciate the reviews and reads I've been getting, I am consistently losing motivation for this so I don't know how much longer it will be or how good it will be but nonetheless, I'll try my best and I hope you enjoy it =)

Ron pulled himself away from the fire when he heard Hermione groan. Putting his glass on the ground, he hurried over to her bedside.

"Hermione?" he asked softly. Hermione did not open her eyes but rolled over carelessly. The brick fell out of the bed and landed on Ron's foot.

"Bloody hell!" Ron cursed, grabbing his foot.

Still swearing and holding his injured foot, Ron saw Hermione's face; her eyes were shut tightly and her brow was wrinkled. Ron reached out and laid a hand on her forehead.

"You're burning up, Hermione." he muttered, his toe forgotten. He looked over and saw Harry already sleeping; Ron decided he didn't want to wake his friend. He'd only just pace with worry so Ron might as well let him be naive and sleep.

Ron stared deeply at Hermione's face; it was filled with pain and watching it made Ron's heart break. He couldn't believe he'd agreed to let Hermione and Harry take his sickness from him. Hermione let out another low moan and it was that which once again sent Ron into action.

Ron got up and found some fresh water in a clean basin. He dipped a new cloth into the cool water and began sponging Hermione's face. Much to Ron's chagrin, Hermione did not acknowledge the touch of water to skin. He took that as a bad sign.

Ron lost track of time and he jumped when Harry touched him on the shoulder.

"Blimey, Harry!" Ron exclaimed louder than he meant to. Hermione startled and her eyes slowly cracked open.

"What's going on?" she croaked. Ron gave a Harry look that clearly said 'way to go'.

"Shh. It's okay." Ron said, gently tucking a piece of hair behind Hermione's ear.

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked. Hermione rolled onto her back and stretched her arms above her head.

"Why does this hurt so much?" She answered, grimacing.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. This is all my fault." Ron said. "You and Harry should just switch everything around so it's just me who's sick again. You don't need to suffer like this."

Before Ron had finished speaking, Hermione had begun to gag. Even as she was leaning over the basin, she looked at Ron through her hair, which had fallen out of its ponytail.

"Don't be crazy."

She was going to say more but Hermione was sick again.

"This is what friends do for each other." She said breathlessly.

"Bloody hell, Hermione." Ron exclaimed. "What kind of friend would I be if I let you keep being sick? Huh?"

Ron's reaction startled Harry and for a moment, he thought Ron might be wearing the horcrux. Ron had stood up now, breathing hard and looking angry. Harry thought it was a good time to suggest Ron get some sleep.

"Uh, look Ron, we're going to switch in a couple of hours so why don't you get some sleep for now and I'll stay with Hermione."

Ron didn't move and Harry put his hand on his friend's shoulder and pulled him towards his bunk. He sat Ron down and took the cloth from his hand. Ron seemed to leave his state of anger and his eyes filled with sadness.

"I'm sorry, Harry." he said. Harry didn't say anything but Ron let him pull the blanket around him and then Harry left Ron starring at the tent roof.

Harry went back to Hermione, who was still sitting up with the basin in her hands. Harry gently took it from her hands and cleaned it out. Hermione continued to sit there, hair draping her face, until Harry guided her shoulders down again. It wasn't until the hair had been moved from her face that Harry saw the tear tracks running down her face.

"Hermione," Harry said softly. "Ron, he doesn't mean anything. You know that, right?"

Hermione turned her head towards the canvas, away from Harry, and nodded.

"He just can't stand to see you like this. He's really hurting, Hermione."

"Can I have some water?"

Hermione turned back to Harry, acting as though she hadn't heard Harry's comment. Harry decided not to press it any further and filled the glass near the bed with water.

With Harry's help, Hermione drank and then lay down again.

"Just a few more hours, Hermione. You're doing great." Harry said, patting her hand.

Hermione fell asleep and Harry was left sitting here. He realized he should keep going on with the cloth, like Ron had been doing.

After awhile, Harry looked over to Ron and saw him sleeping, too. Harry was glad Ron was getting some sleep and hoped then when he woke up, he would be in a better mood. However, Harry quickly remembered that even if he was, the good mood would not last long: Ron was next.

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