A/N: Here it is as promised! Like I said, don't hate me. That being said, I would like to hear your thoughts, theories, and predictions! Good or bad! Here we go!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 7

She reappeared in a small corner about eight rooms down from where Rose's was. She stood there for several minutes dazed. The rush of the hospital staff bustling around the hospital was white noise to her. It was then when she broke down completely. Her daughter was going to die. She couldn't believe the scene that replayed in her head just minutes before. Ron wouldn't even own up to saying Rose was his, or that she even existed for that matter. She sobbed harder, leaning on the wall for strength as he knees threatened to give out.

She took a shuttering breath and began her journey back to her daughter's room. Her pace became quicker knowing she wanted to spend every moment she had with her child. She knocked softly on the door and took a deep breath as she turned the handle and entered the room.

Harry was still sitting, now holding Rose's hand. When he saw it was Hermione who came in, he instantly stood. He looked at her questioningly, waiting to hear her answer. She tried holding back another sob, but it broke through as she shook her head back and forth. Harry's face fell, and he walked over to the woman. Harry wrapped his arms around her and held onto her tightly as Hermione sought comfort in his arms. As she wept her knees gave out beneath her and eventually Harry brought her to the floor. She felt so small, like there was nothing she could do. She didn't know how long they sat there; it felt like hours.

"What if I went and spoke with him. Maybe he was just shocked to see you..." Harry's voice sounded thick, he blinked back tears.

Hermione's breathing began to slow down, heat heart no longer the only thing she could hear. Instead, they heard some sort of disturbance outside the door. There were loud voices that were muffled. A sharp rasp was knocking at the door and Nurse Bell came in clearly embarrassed that she intruded on Harry and Hermione.

"I'm so sorry! Hermione, there's uh... a visitor who is very adamant about seeing you." She glanced back out the door and then to Hermione.

Hermione stood and made her way out the door. The door clicked behind her. When she looked up she saw three male nurses holding back a very determined Ron.

"Hermione! Hermione! I need to speak with you." Ron resisted the nurses breaking from their grasp only to be held back again. Hermione stared at Ron, attempting to comprehend the situation before her.

She gave a small nod to Nurse Bell and she gave the order for the male nurses to allow Ron to pass them. Ron straightened and walked towards Hermione. He was now changed into a clean black t-shirt with a red flannel shirt, dark jeans, and his worn trainers. She noticed his hair was relatively the same as before, but she detected he used a refreshing charm before he came.

"Hermione," Ron was a foot away from her when he stopped. His gaze stared piercingly into her eyes. "If what you said was true... if you, we. If we have a child together and she's dying, then well- I've got to help." Hermione's eyes widened and her heart rate grew rapid.

"Really?" Hermione whispered hardly believing the words escaping his mouth.

"Of course, Hermione." His face was completely serious. He was still skeptical, but Hermione had either gone completely mad, or what she said was true. He always knew her to be honest. And it was completely possible that Hermione was telling the truth; he remembered that night vividly. When she apparated so suddenly, he couldn't just sit still and wait it out. He had to know.

Hermione called for Healer Clarke who came hurriedly over. She looked at Hermione and up at the tall redhead expectantly.

"This is Rose's father, he's going to help," Hermione spoke quickly, knowing that time was ticking by. Healer Clarke nodded and held out her hand. Ron met her grasp and shook.

"I'm Healer Clarke, head of Rose's healing team. If you'll follow me we'll get you situated and I'll explain the procedure." The Healer had already left the handshake and was walking the opposite direction toward an empty room. Ron was surprised at her quick dismissal and followed her as she led the way. Hermione stood back with her arms crossed watching him go. She begged her emotions to stay at bay for a little longer. She couldn't have another breakdown in front of him. Everything was so surreal. After the procedure is given in an hour's time they would know if it took, and if Rose would be healed. Time seemed to have slowed down in an instant.

Ron took a quick glance back at Hermione as the healer kept chatting on. He saw her demeanor. She looked utterly terrified and exhausted. No, worse than exhausted. She looked as though she could sleep for a month straight and still need more rest. He turned back and tried to focus on the task ahead of him, as he had done for the past three years.

Hermione turned and entered Rose's room. Harry looked up; he was once again sitting by Rose's bed. Hermione gave him a weak smile and slumped into the chair on the other side. She let out a long breath and leaned forward to softly brush Rose's face with her hand as she recounted the situation to Harry.

"This is great Hermione!" Harry said with enthusiasm in his voice. Hermione nodded. Harry reached across and took her hand.

"Hey," He ducked his head down so he could catch her eyes.

"She's going to pull through. I know I've only known her for a little over an hour, but she's a fighter. That's for sure."

He gave her a warm smile. Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat and returned her eyes to focus on her daughter. She wanted as much time with her as she possibly could, no matter what happened.

During the half hour before Healer Clarke came in, the nurses had come in several times. They looked more worried each visit, as the spells were no longer holding steady for Rose. She almost woke many times, and even in her sleep her body began trembling terribly. When Healer Clarke did arrive, Hermione couldn't have been more conflicted. She was horribly nervous of what was to come, yet relieved to hear the enchantment on Ron's blood was successful.

The Healer helped take the added barriers down making the hospital bed, just that, again. Hermione scooted closer to Rose and held her very still as the Healer instructed. Once the needle pierced Rose's skin, it seemed as everyone in the room held their breath. Healer Clarke removed the syringe and cast the final spell over little Rose. She then looked at the clock. It was precisely seven thirty in the morning.

"All went successfully in the withdrawal and manipulation of the blood and magic. We should know within an hour," Healer Clarke softly informed them. She looked directly at Hermione and spoke again.

"I will be monitoring her with alerts from outside the room. Please let me know if you need anything."

Hermione nodded and quietly thanked her. The Healer turned to Harry then.

"There had been an owl that has not left for some time now, eager to get his message to his destination," Harry sighed with a slight laugh.

"That'll be Pig. Ginny's probably sent me three howlers by now."

Harry looked at Hermione, who was looking solely at Rose. He was unsure what to reply back with, knowing if he disclosed his location she'd be there in an instant. He didn't think that was what Hermione needed now. He stood and wiped his hands on his pajama bottoms. He leaned down and kissed Rose on the top of her head. He then walked around and kissed Hermione on the cheek. He whispered to her that he would stay until she said so. She nodded to show she comprehended. Harry straightened and followed the Healer out the door.

The door didn't have a chance to close before Healer Bell walked in. She cleared her throat quietly.

"Hermione, Mr. Weasley is wondering if he might have a word with you."

Hermione looked back at Rose and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before walking out the door, not letting it close completely. Ron was leaning against the wall to the right of Hermione. She walked to where he was and he straightened up, ready to speak. She beat him to it.

"Thank you for helping her," Her voice was hushed and low. Ron looked at her concerned.

"Hermione, you have to believe me. I had no idea she even existed, I mean how-"

"Stop."

She said it with such a quiet presence that she was surprised when he did instantly. She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands, wiping away her exhaustion, or at least that's what she imagined.

"I'm not going to talk about that right now. I can't." Her voice was breaking the composure she had been willing to hold onto. Ron looked at her and softened his approach. Instead he gave a small nod. Hermione took a deep breath. She was unsure what to do. She wanted to go back to see how Rose was progressing. Ron shifted on his feet nervously.

"Can I... could I, erm, see her?" He asked timidly.

Hermione wished she had more energy. She would have yelled and screamed at his behavior that day, and for the past three years. She would have hexed him until he couldn't walk. She would have told him that she had never, and would never need him. But, she had nothing left. She also noted that they would have all been lies. Her compassion shone through instead as she gave a small nod and a tiny tight lipped smile.

Hermione led Ron into Rose's room and closed the door behind her. She stayed behind, while Ron's legs carried him to the side of Rose's bed. Hermione chewed on her lip, unsure what she expected from him. He was transfixed on the bed. When his legs brushed the side of Rose's bed he stopped. He stared at the small form before him with wide eyes. He was shocked. He was absolutely floored that there was a small human that looked like half of Hermione and half of him. A perfect mix of him and the woman he had loved for years. A lump formed in his throat, and a sudden wave of emotion rushed through him. He sat down abruptly.

Hermione watched the scene as it progressed. Ron put his head in his hands and wiped his face. His back raised and lowered as he took a deep breath. He pulled his face back up to look at Rose. With tears in his eyes he slowly took his hand and raised it over Rose's. He hesitated for a moment before securely, yet gently, covering her tiny hand- his sight never leaving his daughter. Hermione's eyes welled with tears.

Why is he so emotional? He never wanted her in his life. But... what if. What if he was telling the truth...

Hermione shook her head of the thought.

He's with Lavender. He doesn't care about me. Perhaps he's just emotional because she's sick.

She cleared her throat and moved toward the chair on the opposite side of the bed. She slipped into the chair watching Ron carefully.

Time passed slowly. So far, nothing with Rose had changed. The St. Mungo's staff would come, check on Rose, wrote some notes, and exit the room quietly. Hermione's eyes shifted between the two. Ron's eyes stayed focused on the child. After 45 minutes of waiting, Healer Clarke entered the room. Hermione was eager to hear the reason for her visit; she had not been there since the treatment. The Healer gave a smile to Hermione.

"Rose's vitals have improved over the past few minutes. We believe it would be best to remove the sleeping spells so we can see her full response." Hermione couldn't believe her ears. Ron at this time had also turned toward the Healer with hope on his face. The Healer stood above Rose and cast a spell to remove the sleeping enchantment.

Hermione leaned closer to Rose as the healer stepped back. She held tightly to her right hand. Ron held to Rose's left. She stirred in her sleep, shifting her head slightly to her right. She opened her eyes very slowly, and Hermione gave the largest smile she had in years. She cupped her hand on her daughter's cheek.

"Hi Rosie." Hermione whispered, blinking back tears. Rose blinked a few times and yawned. Her eyes searched the room, seeing the unfamiliar place, her bottom lip started to wobble and tears leaked from her eyes.

"Mummy," Rose said through her tears as she started to try to move away from the tubes and machines she was attached to. Hermione scooted closer instead, climbing into the bed with her. Rose instantly snuggled into her mother. Hermione smiled as she wrapped her arms around her (careful of the tubes still attached) and kissed the top of her head.

"It's alright Rosie." Hermione reassured her. She explained where she was and how the people there made her feel better. As she did so, Healer Clarke took the opportunity to remove several more spells, magically checking her vitals before each one. She also vanished the machines and tubing as Hermione spoke soothingly to Rose. Eventually, all the machines were gone, and Healer Clarke was wearing a genuine grin. Hermione finally looked up from her daughter to meet the Healer's gaze.

"Well, it seems as though Miss. Rose has made quite the recovery." Hermione spilt more tears at the words.

"Her vitals have immensely improved. If they continue at this rate, they will be completely normal and healthy." She paused, still wearing a grin. "I would like to keep her at least overnight, just to be sure everything is stable, and if everything goes well, you could be heading home tomorrow. She'll be sleepy and will need a lot of rest and recuperation, as you should too." Hermione swallowed trying to get some moisture in her throat to speak.

"Thank you. I cannot thank you enough." Hermione hoped the Healer understood how grateful she was for saving the most important thing in her life. The Healer nodded, and turned when Ron spoke. He stood and walked toward the Healer.

"Thank you. Thank you for... saving her life." He was clearly emotional. His eyes were red from the tears held in; his throat was scratchy and raw. He shook the Healer's hand. Her view of him softening, she nodded a final time and exited the room. Ron walked back to his chair and sat on the edge.

Rose was now turning in her bed, looking for the male voice she heard. Hermione's stomach instantly seized. She knew she was unprepared for this moment, and had no clue how to approach it. Rose faced Ron, who looked back at Rose. She was carefully taking in his red hair, blue eyes, and crooked smile. Hermione's heart was pounding as her daughter still sat upon her lap.

"Hi," Ron spoke, maybe gentler than Hermione had ever heard. Rose stared at the man. Ron shifted uncomfortably in his chair, not knowing what to do.

"I'm Ro- uh, I'm..." Ron trailed off. He looked with concerned eyes at Hermione.

Rose slowly turned her head to look at her mum. Hermione chewed on her lip and gave a small smile to her daughter.

"Rosie, this is-"

"Daddy," Rose cut her off. Hermione had a huge grin grow on her face. She had kept pictures of Ron, among many other people in her past, in photo albums. Hermione had taught Rose who each person was. Rose's favorite one always seemed to be the one filled with moving redheads. She was so enchanted with one particular photo that Hermione had framed it and put it in her room. Once Rose's speech picked up, she always made sure to said goodnight to her daddy.

"Yes sweetheart that is your daddy."

Rose turned back to a grinning Ron and she gave him a small smile.