(A/N: I'm very sorry about how long it took me to update. I've been very sick and going through testing for cancer. It's finally been declared that I don't have it, but there are still numerous surgeries I need to go through to have the tumors removed. Don't be angry with me for taking so long! 

Like any author, I love reviews. So thank you to shizuka, my one reviewer so far for this story. Cookies for you! Nothing brightens an author's day like reviews.)

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is still not mine.

Sitting down at his desk, Remus pulled out a bit of parchment and began penning a quick letter to Harry. At a time like this, he was unsure of who else to turn to. The trio had stayed tight through the times, Harry marrying Ginny and Hermione and Ron getting married.

If Hermione was in trouble, her boys needed to know. He had contemplated owling Ron, yet trusted in Harry's temperament a bit more than Ron's. He was worried of Ron's reaction and needed Harry's cool, calm reasoning to help him sort this out.

Quickly explaining as much of the situation as he could, Remus sealed the letter and handed it to his owl. With an affectionate pat on the head, he instructed the bird to take the letter directly to Harry and no one else. With that done, Remus leaned back in his chair and frowned. At this point there was not much else to do but wait.

Elsewhere, Hermione was in a hurry. She'd stayed late at work again and was worried of his reaction if dinner wasn't on the table when he arrived home. Flooing in, she glanced around herself nervously before stepping into the room. When no sound greeted her, she sighed in relief and quickly bustled to the kitchen. It seemed she had time to spare before he arrived.

Harry was out flying with Neville, Luna, Ron, and Ginny when Remus' owl arrived. Recognizing the owl, he quickly descended and greeted it, taking the letter and ruffling the bird fondly. The others continued the game as he read, not noticing the alarming change in his demeanor.

"Harry," the letter read,

"I have been noticing some changes in Hermione lately, and I've become a bit worried. Her scent smells weaker and much more afraid than I can ever recall it being… even worse than during the war. She is jumpy and little movements seem to cause her pain. I think something serious may be going on, and I wanted to alert you and Ron. She may need your help as friends, and Ron as her husband. I addressed this letter to you in the hopes that you could relay the message to Ron and keep him calm. Rash action at this point would be a mistake.

I hope you and Ginny are well and that this letter finds you all in good health. Please respond if/when you know anything.

Your loving friend,

Remus."

Harry gulped and turned to face his flying companions, dreading relaying this news. Ron's reaction was sure to be fiercely protective. Steeling himself, he shot a small red spark into the sky, signaling for them all to join him on the ground. Perhaps Ron would maintain his temper better with everyone to help him.

As they joined him, he watched their faces register his mood one-by-one. It was Ginny who spoke first,

"What's wrong, Harry?" Her voice was soft and careful as she walked to stand by his side. When he still didn't speak, she slipped her hand lightly into his. Looking gratefully down at her, Harry turned to face Ron, Neville and Luna.

"The post was from Remus. He's noticed some odd behaviors in Hermione, and is concerned that she might be in danger. Has anyone else noticed anything?"

"Perhaps she's infested with nargles? What sort of behaviors has she been exhibiting?"

Luna was the first to speak. Ron was turning red with anger, his fists clenched by his sides and his lips pressed tightly together.

"Remus said she smells weak and seems to be in pain. I'm sorry to say it, but the way he made it sound was like she's being hurt. Do you have any idea what this could be about, Ron?" Harry phrased the question as carefully as he could, noticing his friend's angry disposition. However, Ron was the only one who saw her on a regular basis. If he hadn't noticed anything, then no one would've.

Ron blinked, took a deep breath as though willing himself to be calm, and shook his head in a negative gesture. Nodding, Harry understood his friend's inability to speak on such a concerning matter.

"For now, I suppose we should each go to our own separate homes. Ron, make sure you keep an eye on her for us, mate. None of us want her hurting in any way. We'll stop by sometime soon and check in on her. Send her our love." Harry grasped Ron's shoulder briefly in a brotherly gesture, before turning and apparating away with Ginny. Neville walked to Ron, repeated Harry's gesture, and then he and Luna apparated away as well.

Left alone in the field, Ron opened his mouth and let out a strangled cry of fury. As he apparated away, the horrific noise still echoed through the trees.

She heard the telltale pop of apparition before she saw him. Spinning around quickly, she placed herself next to the table displaying a picture perfect dinner. She'd made it in time and was certain that everything was according to plan. However, when her husband walked in her with that menacing glare, she knew something had gone horribly wrong. Shutting her eyes tightly and bracing herself, she was thrown backwards by the force of his blow to her stomach.

Ron Weasley stood towering over his weak, pathetic wife, watching her cough and gasp for breath. She'd pay for giving herself away. She was his to do with as he pleased, and no one was going to change that. For once, he was in control.

(A/N: I feel awful after writing this. I promise Draco comes in soon, just had to get the story properly set up first. Sorry to all the Ron lovers!)