Ron had gotten himself bitten by Norbert. Hermione sort of thought he deserved it. What had he been thinking to try playing with a baby dragon? Even Hagrid wore gloves most of the time, even if they were more oven mitts for heat protection than anything else.

But she found herself taking his homework to the hospital wing, even if she didn't like it. She couldn't stand the thought of him failing all his classes. Even if that would put him in a year where she didn't have to deal with him.

But then he'd be in the same grade as his younger sister. And while Ron was insufferable at times, he probably didn't deserve that. Not to mention the fact that it would probably make him more insufferable.

"Do you think Ron will have any sweets?" Harry asked her on their way up.

Hermione shook her head. "I think we're the only people who come to visit him. Other than his brothers. But I don't think he likes it when Fred and George visit him."

"Or Percy," Harry added. "He probably brings him more homework than you do."

Hermione gave a pointed look at the books she was carrying. "I think not."

"We both know that half of those are yours."

Hermione felt a flush rising to her cheeks. She thanked her lucky stars that she didn't show a blush as bad as Ron. He turned bright red. But Harry was right. Half of the books she had were hers.

"And," she asked as casually as she could manage.

"Nothing," Harry muttered. He didn't really feel like being on the wrong side of Hermione. Especially when she was usually right.

They walked in silence the rest of the way. Each of them was trying to think of something to say. Either to Ron or to each other.

"Hey guys," Ron said weakly. He still looked a little green.

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked.

"Better."

The sad thing was that he was looking better. The green around his right side, where his arm and hand were securely bandaged and looking fresh, was starting to recede. But he still looked terribly sick.

"You sure?" Hermione asked. "Maybe I should stay and keep helping you with the writing."

Ron shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I've gotten much better at writing with my left hand."

Hermione was dubious about that. She thought his normal handwriting was awful. And with his left hand it looked rather like someone from nursery. But she couldn't force him. And if he wanted to do his own homework it would be better for him in the long run.

"Alright," she said. "Any news about how to care for a dragon without winding up in the hospital wing? I don't think Madame Pomfrey is going to appreciate it if we keep getting "dog" bites."

"He says we should send him to Romania," Ron mumbled.

"But how are we supposed to get him out of Hogwarts without Hagrid being arrested?" Harry asked.

Ron shrugged and then winced. His arm was looking better, but movement clearly still bothered him.

"We could report a dragon sighting in the forbidden forest," Harry said.

Hermione paused. It wasn't a horrible idea. And if they left Norbert in the forest someone was bound to notice. But there would probably be an investigation. And she said as much.

Harry frowned. "Do you have any ideas?"

Hermione shook her head. She knew that Viktor was not thrilled with the idea of her being anywhere near a dragon. Even a baby one. And to be frank, she wasn't particularly thrilled with the idea either. But she couldn't say that.

"Charlie said he could fly some of his friends in. We just have to get him up to the roof by midnight on Saturday," Ron said.

Hermione groaned internally. She hated staying up late. She liked sleep. If Charlie could have been there at six in the morning she would have been so much happier. Apparently that wasn't an option.

"We'll figure it out," Harry said. "We'll let you know tomorrow."

"The sooner the better. I need to let Charlie know."

Later that evening Hermione sat down to write a letter.

Dear Viktor,

So Ron said that his older brother Charlie can take Norbert to the Romanian reserve if we can meet him with dragon in tow on the roof of the astronomy tower. At midnight. On a Saturday.

As you can probably tell, I'm not thrilled with the idea. But I don't have a better idea. Harry will be devastated if Hagrid gets arrested. And I'm not sure that we wouldn't face things escaping the forest if he was gone.

Now we just have to figure out a way to get a dragon to the top of the astronomy tower without getting caught. No ideas.

Your friend,

Hermione

A/N:I know. Two updates in one day? Crazy. But apparently possible. Sorry this chapter's a little shorter. But it's here. Hope you guys like it.