Hermione's eyes opened slowly to see the roof of Ginny's bedroom above her. Her body felt much better than she last remembered. Her eyes welled with tears as she realized she was safe again. Only able to move her head she turned it to her right to see a head of ginger hair beside her arm. Fred had fallen asleep beside her. She couldn't help but smile at the state of his hair. He could compete with Harry in an Unruly Hair Contest.
" Ginny, grab the extra sheets from the closet. I think it's time to change the linens on Hermione's i hope Fred is hungry this time." Hermione heard Molly's voice on the other side of the door. The door opened, and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny walked through it carrying food and bed linens. Upon seeing Hermione's open eyes, Molly dropped the food tray she was carrying onto the floor with a clatter, jerking Fred from his sleep.
" Hermione, goodness me, REMUS GET UP HERE! HERMIONE IS AWAKE!" Molly screamed. She waved her wand cleaning up the mess and followed her daughter to the bed. Fred looked down and choked back tears when he saw her awake. He leaned down and kissed her forehead as Remus, George, and Mr. Weasley burst into the room. George wrapped his arms around his mother and sister as Mr. Weasley and Remus nudged them aside to inspect Hermione.
" Hermione dear, can you speak?" Mr. Weasley quietly spoke as Remus waved his wand over her body checking for any bad signs.
" Yes. How long have i been out.?" Hermione managed to whisper out.
" Two weeks. We were very worried you might now wake at all but here you are." He pushed back a few strands of hair from her face, smiling at her to reassure her she was okay.
" Hermione, are you feeling any discomfort?" Remus asked after finishing his inspection.
" No, other than not being able to move, which i assume is a precaution on your part and not a result from wounds." She watched as guilt fell upon their faces. " It is okay Professor. I understand. I would do the same thing under similar circumstances. I promise i am of sound mind and am not a threat but if it will ease your concerns, please give me Veritaserum."
" I already did when you first arrived. It was to lay dormant until you awoke. Since you have assured us you are no threat i will lift the body bind." Remus waved his wand and released Hermione. Fred grabbed her hand and helped her sit up. She moved her legs over to hang from the side of the bed as she stretched. It was then that she noticed the bruised she had were gone. She lifted her foot and saw only faint scars of the word Mudblood on the soles of her feet. She would be able to walk normally again. Finally looking back up she smiled at Fred and pulled him into a hug.
" Merlin i've missed you Hermione. I will never again let you leave my sight. I love you." He pulled her into a searing kiss. Mr. Weasley cleared his throat reminding them they weren't alone.
With Freds help she slowly stood. Ginny burst free from George and ran over to give her friend a hug. After giving everyone a hug, she turned back to Remus.
" Draco. Where is Draco? Is he alright? He saved me, if it wasn't for him i would be dead." Hermione said worriedly. Remus sat her back down and sat beside her.
" Hermione, i am sorry but Draco didn't make it. His internal wounds were too severe. We did everything we could. Mcgonagall brought in a trusted knowledgeable healer but she could not save him. His death was peaceful Hermione." He pulled her to his side as tears fell from her eyes. He didn't deserve to die.
" Thank you for telling me. If you all would not mind, i would like to take a bath and then maybe eat something." Hermione whispered.
" Of Course dear, i'll pop down to the kitchen and make your favorites." Mrs. Weasley ran down the stairs calling for Ginny to help her as she went. Ginny laughed, gave Hermione another hug, and followed her down. Remus, George, and Mr. Weasley smiled and followed. Fred grabbed her things and followed her to the bath.
" I will leave these here and let you bathe in peace. Take as long as you need Hermione." He pulled her into his arms and gave her a light kiss. " I meant what i said Hermione. I love you with all my heart and soul. I will never let anything bad happen to you again." She wiped tears from his eyes and gave him another kiss. Fred was everything to her. Memories of him kept her alive throughout the torture. Every second she had wished to get back to him. Now here he was in her arms again. She never wanted to let him go.
" I love you too Fred Weasley." She smiled as he bowed then left the bathroom closing the door behind him.
The water drifted over her body as she eased herself into the tub. She was happy to see that the bruises were gone and the scars left behind were barely noticeable. Remus and Mr. Weasley had done very well healing her. A debt impossible to repay. The only thing they could not heal however were the mental and emotional scars. Those would haunt her forever.
She wished Draco was still alive. After discovering what Bellatrix was doing to her, he stepped in and protected her. They tortured him more that her for his treachery. It wasn't until Narcissa helped them escape did she see any hope of a future again. Narcissa had paid dearly with her life. Draco's scream as he watched helplessly as his mother was murdered would haunt her well into the next life.
Sinking lower into the tub, she wrapped her arms around herself and silently cried. She was not ready to tell anyone her story, and she wasn't sure if she ever would be.