Disclaimer: I own nothing. Thank you, J. K. Rowling for creating this magical world for us to play in.

a/n: Hello all you beautiful people! Thank you all for sticking with me. Since this is the last chapter I have typed up, I am going to go back and start to fix my earlier chapters. While do this, I will do my best to post another chapter ASAP, but since I will be traveling over the weekend, I wanted to leave you all a little present. A very dear friend of mine is in need of support, so it is off to Florida for a few days to help her. I am posting this without Beta approval, all mistakes are my own.

You have to love that New England Weather! Please forgive any mistakes, I am posting this from my IPad. I am waiting to board my flight to Florida and it has been delayed by at least an hour

Chapter 27
"Normal speech"
thoughts
'mental conversations'

Unknown location-

A visible shaking Arthur Weasley made his way towards his wife cell after getting his arse handed to him by Director Bones. His day went from bad to worse. First, he finds out that Molly assaulted Hermione in the middle of Diagon Alley, then again while inside of Gringotts, that time cost him two months' salary PLUS what little they had in their vaults, thankfully they had already paid the kids tuition for the upcoming year at Hogwarts, or so he thought. If that wasn't enough, she then proceeded to attack Hermione's mother, who come to find out is really Dowager Dagworth and a Pure-Blood. That last incident almost cost him his job. One does not simply assault a member of a Most Ancient and Noble house, which is one of the oldest families in the wizarding world to date, without repercussions.

He nodded at the guards by the door before entering his wife's cell. Molly was getting ready to begin another round of rants when he was forced to pull on his family magic and demanded, "SIT! AND BE SLIENT WOMAN!" For once in her life, Molly Weasley quickly complied with his command with no complaint. "Do you have any idea what you have done? Your actions not only cost us all we had in our vaults and two months of my salary, it also almost cost me my job!"

A red face Molly replied, "But she is just some muggle! I'm telling you Arthur, this is all…"

"That is enough Molly Weasley. How many times must I tell you to stay away from Lord Potter and his betrothed. That it is because of the Potter family that we have the very land the Borrow is built on and they it would be well within their right to take everything we own. After the stunts you pulled, he may just do that." He leaned on the table and went on to say, "For once in your life woman you are going to do exactly as I say. I want you to fix this, and in order for that to happen, this is exactly want you are going to do…"

Longbottom Manor-

Harry came flying out of the Floo after an afternoon of shopping to three adults and three teens laughing hysterically at his expense. Thankfully Emma took pity on the lad and came to his rescue by helping him up off the floor. "One of these days I will be able to travel correctly." He grumbled as he looked around the room and saw that Narcissa and Susan had their heads close together. Knowing what those two were up too he looked Emma in the eyes and said, "Why don't we head up to check on Hermione."

Emma gave him a warm smile as he tucked her arm in his. "I'm sure she is alright, you wouldn't be down here if she wasn't." As they got a little further from the group she asked, "You really do love her, don't you?"

Harry patted her arm and smiled as he replied, "More than life itself." Stopping just outside the guest room he said, "I never knew love. As a matter of fact, whenever someone would touch me, I would flinch. I still do. I never knew what kindness was and all my life I thought I was some kind of a freak whose parents were killed in a car crash due to my father being a lush. All that changed the moment I met your daughter. She was one of my first friends, my first hug. She showed me what kind was and is. She taught me about love, and it is thanks to her that I finally have the one thing I have always wanted. A family that loves me."

Seeing that Harry was bearing his soul to her, Emma pulled him into an infamous Granger hug and held him close for a few minutes while she had a few tears traveling down her cheeks. When she pulled away, she wiped the tears away and said, "I know your lovely wife has already said this to you, but I am going to say it again. Never again will you be alone. EVER. Now, why don't we go and check on your love, my daughter."

Stepping into the room they found Luna sitting in a chair on the side of the bed, Eilidah was perched on the headboard, and a very young Fawkes was sleeping at Hermione's feet. "Hello Emma, Hello Harry." Called Luna as she continued to read the latest edition of The Quibbler. Before he could respond Luna went on to say, "She is still in quite a bit of pain since her potion wore off. I didn't want to give anything to her without speaking to you or her first."

Emma sat on the bed and gently took Hermione's hand within her own, causing a small whimper to come from her. Harry closed his eyes and reached out to their bond, finding it to be slightly fuzzy. "Emma, would you be able to get Narcissa? I could really use her help since I don't trust my magic just yet. I am still feeling a bit drained."

"No need to move darling, I am already here." Narcissa said as she gracefully glided into the room. Seeing Hermione's pale disposition and the sweat forming at her brow she turned to Harry and said, "I take it the pain potion has worn off. It appears the dreamless sleep potion has begun to wear off as well."

Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak at the moment. He desperately wished he could take away her pain and suffering. He watched as Narcissa went over to the night stand to review the potion vials when he heard a soft voice in the back of his mind say, 'Harry… I don't think I can take much more of this.'

He crawled on the bed and very slowly and as gently as possible took her in his arms while pushing all the love, courage and strength he could muster through their bond. He tried desperately not to cringe when he heard her silent screams, the last thing he needed was to have Emma realize what was really going on. 'I know it hurts love, but hang on for me. Narcissa is going to give you something.'

'This is crazy Harry. We both know that it will only work for so long. Since all of this has started, I have been this pathetic girl who can't seem to take care of herself and is constantly getting is getting hurt. Why is this happening to me Harry? We both know that I have always been very independent, and now I am forced to be this empty shell who depends on others for care.' She softly replied.

'I know the real you love. You will be better soon sweetheart' he said as he softly kissed the top of her head.

Narcissa came over with three vials and said, "Hermione, I am going to try and open your mouth. You'll be getting double strength of dreamless sleep as well as the pain potion. I fear we may have to re-dose you in a few hours. Your body is metabolizing everything at an incredible rate." She looked over to Harry and saw that he was already tilting her head back. They both worked quickly to get the potions into her and watched anxiously as Hermione's painful expression slowly melted to a more relaxed but still troubled state.

Harry slowly laid her back and when he looked up he saw that Emma was wiping her tears away while muttering about "hormones." Susan took the lull in excitement to go over and say, "We should go get you ready for dinner tonight." Emma tried to wave her off and was beginning to protest when Susan said, "We have to dress for dinner. I know you don't want to leave Hermione, but she will be sleeping for a few hours."

Harry saw that Emma still wasn't sold on the idea and said, "Go ahead Emma, I will stay here." He slowly got up from the bed and made his way over to the two. While laying a gentle hand on her arm he said, "Go. I'll watch over your little hummingbird. It will be good for you and help take your mind off everything."

Narcissa took a step forward and said, "Emma darling, I need to tell you the truth about dinner tonight." Taking her within her arms, she stared deeply into those warm brown eyes and went on to say, "We do need to dress for dinner, but dinner won't be here. I was planning on surprising you by taking you out for the evening. I would like to take you out on a date. Please… say yes."

Emma gripped Narcissa's forearms and stared back into those grey eyes, conflicting feelings running rampart. On the one hand, she didn't want to leave her daughter's side, and if she was being honest with herself, she wasn't sure if she was ready to start dating again so soon after the death of her beloved husband. But as she gazed deeply into those stormy grey eyes, she started to focus on what she was feeling at that very moment. The woman before her not only saved her life and that of her unborn child, but has truly been her rock. Words seemed to fail her when she tried to express her heart. The first time she laid eyes on Narcissa, she was too distraught to even recognize her. However, once she did, it was as if a spark that was once extinguished to embers, slowly began to smoke and glow until a tiny flame had established. There were few words to describe her feelings at that point. Quite simply, she was drawn to her and vice versus. Emma knew that Daniel approved and cared about her happiness. At one point, she bared her soul to Narcissa. In that moment, they both admitted that they were falling in love with one another all over again. That was another thing that amazed her. They managed to pick up almost exactly where they left off all those years ago.

For the first time since her school years, Narcissa started to feel very subconscious about the whole situation. She cupped the side of Emma's face in a very intimate manor and said, "Emma, I don't want to force you. I'll just leave you here then." She said while desperately trying to keep the hurt out of her voice.

She went to turn to leave when Emma stopped her by gripping her arm tightly. Narcissa still kept her back to Emma, unable to look at her at the moment when Emma said, "Wait Cissa, I would love to go out to dinner with you. I know that my little humming bird is safe here." Emma gently pulled Narcissa to face her and said, "What time are our reservations?"

Narcissa rewarded Emma with a warm smile that showed in her eyes as she replied, "Dinner is at seven."

Emma felt her heart skip a beat at the pure joy that was shown on Narcissa's face. "Any chance of letting me know where this evening is going to take us?"

Narcissa gave a flirty chuckle and simple said, "You'll see. Why don't you go with Susan and start getting ready? I am going to run a few diagnostic spells on Hermione. How about we meet back here in about an hour and a half?" Emma gave Narcissa's hand a quick squeeze before leaving with an animated Susan who was speaking a mile a minute.

"What did you really want to talk about Narcissa?" asked Luna as she returned to her seat.

Narcissa forgot for a moment that Luna was still with them, but didn't bother jumping. She looked over and saw Harry was seated at the end of the bed holding his head in his hands. She went over and put a hand on his shoulder and said, "She will get better, you just have to stay faithful. We all know that everything we are currently doing isn't working. I do have a suggestion, but I want your word that you will let me finish what I have to say before you try to argue with me."

Feeling completely lost at this point Harry looked up and replied, "You think we should put her in a magically induced coma not only so that the pain will be controlled, but it will also give her body a chance to rest and heal properly."

Narcissa crouched in front of him and said, "Yes, I do. I stand by what I said earlier. Hermione is metabolizing the potions at an alarming rate. What I didn't say earlier is that the potions we gave her will be burned off sooner than we anticipated despite doubling the dose."

"Do you have a theory as to why this is happening?" Harry quietly asked while gazing at Hermione's sleeping form.

Narcissa nodded as she replied, "I do. I believe the changes you two are going through so rapidly plays a very large part, your bodies haven't finished maturing yet and your magical cores are still unstable…possible volatile. That is also why you knew not to trust yourself to do any magic. The other factor is how grievously injured she has been. Her body never fully recovered. My hopes are that by doing this, it will truly give her body a chance to rest, something she desperately needs. When the potions start to wear off, her body starts to tense, causing the muscle to spasms to become worse, and thus preventing her body from relaxing and allowing her body to repair itself."

"And what are the complications of taking such actions?" Harry asked in almost a hollow voice.

"We do not know when she would wake. If we continue with the current course of treatment, they will most likely wear off within the next few hours, at which point we will have to attempt to give her more. It will be just as painful as before, but will eventually get better." Narcissa said as she watched him closely.

Harry sighed deeply as he thought of Narcissa's proposals. Running his finger over his lips as he digested everything he just heard when Luna's voice brought him back to reality when she said, "Things have a funny way of working out. All you need to do is think about such matters. Lose yourself in your thoughts… The answer will come to you."

Harry dropped his shoulders at the prospect of being defeated. He looked up to Narcissa and saw that she was generally concerned not just about Hermione, but about him as well. "I will think about everything. For now, I believe you have a date to get ready for. I don't want you to worry about a thing, simply enjoy the moment. You both deserve to be happy. If your theory is right, Hermione will be asleep for a few more hours. I can always send for either Poppy or Andromeda if need be."

Narcissa smiled as stood and wrapped Harry is a hug, ignoring the fact that he instantly stiffened at the contact and said, "It will be ok."

Harry waited for Narcissa to pull away and said, "I will send word if anything changes. Eilidah will be going with you, while Bess and Dobby will be waiting for your call. Enjoy yourselves, you both deserve it."

Narcissa gave him one more hug before leaving with Luna, who suddenly decided to try and embarrass Draco and Neville. Just as the unlikely duo reached the door Luna called back, "Just ignore the nargles. They tend to fill your head so that you can't find your center."

Harry decided to sit at the bottom of the bed with his legs folded beneath him. Making sure he was comfortable, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, slowly feeling all his worries melt away. Once he reached his center, he found that he was standing next to a large oak that was in the middle of a large courtyard. Stepping from behind the tree, he saw his mother and father were waiting for him. He took a few hesitant steps forward and saw that him mother was smiling at him while motioning him to move towards the benches and chairs that were set up just inside the shade of the large ancient tree.

His father was the first to pull him into a hug while patting his back, like men usually do to prove that they really are men. Next, his mother pulled him in for a loving embrace, one reserved for a mother to give her son, no matter their age. "Hello sweetheart. How are you holding up?" She gently asked

Harry pulled back and fell in a heap on the bench with his head buried in his hands. Lily slowly sat beside him while James pulled one of the chairs so that he could sit in front of him. "This is all too much Mum. I can handle being injured myself or anyone else for that matter. But not Hermione. I know that so much has changed in a short amount of time and she has been under so much stress lately. She isn't use to all this like I am. The Hermione I know and love seems to be buried deep within her and I don't know how to help. She isn't normally the emotional wreck, she is the level headed one who calls me crazy, stubborn and think headed. She is my rock and I feel so helpless."

James' face fell while moving to sit beside his son as Lily slide her arm around his shoulders. Lily looked over to James to see if he wanted to take the lead on this but then thought better since she was the one who used common sense. "Oh my darling son, take a deep breath for me." She waited for a moment while rubbing circles into his back. Seeing that he started to calm down she said, "That's better. Now, let's take a look at the reason you have seeked us out. We know you have a few questions, why don't we start with those."

"Was Narcissa's theory right?" Harry quietly asked.

"Yes, she was spot on." James replied, ignoring the pointed look Lily was giving him.

Seeing that James wasn't going to elaborate Lily said, "The fact that Hermione's body wasn't fully healed from the first injury has something to do with it. Your bodies have been changing drastically and under an incredible amount of stress because of it. I fear that without proper rest, a full recovery will be… difficult."

Harry just shook his head. He knew deep down what needed to be done, he just didn't want to admit it. "The only way for that to happen is to place her into a coma isn't it? It's the only way her body is going to get the rest it needs."

"It would appear so Prongslett. Call for a healer to help. We know that this is incredible difficult for you and that you both have a lot resting on your shoulders." James said in a calm voice.

Harry shook his head and said in a tone of conviction, "I never wanted any of this."

"I know son." Replied James. "But most of the time greatness is thrust upon on us. We know that you never wanted this, both of you for that matter. But for that very reason you two are perfect for it. We know that a lot is being asked of you, but we believe in you, and will help any way we can."

"If I do this, how long will it last? Are there any dangers that we need to worry about?" Harry asked as he straightened himself.

James shook his head as he replied, "We don't son, that will depend on her."

"But Hermione is a strong and fierce witch. She has a strong conviction, as well as incredible will power and is just as stubborn as I am." Lily said with a warm smile. She cocked her head to the side and with a small smirk on her face said, "I promise you that all of this is happening for a reason, but you will have to trust us. There is a lot that can go wrong, but that is not guaranteed. Besides, she has a very good reason to come back. If you are truly worried, then talk it over with some of the adults around you. I'm sure they will have an opinion on this matter."

Harry stood and turned to give his father a hug before turning to his mother and doing the same. "Thank you. I have a lot to think about. I wish you both were their when I get back."

James put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a little squeeze and said, "We are always here for you Prongslett. No matter what you choose, it will be the right answer. Once that is settled, move into Potter Manor or one of your other estates. I know you worry over the whiskered wanker, so you could always go to one of the Founder's estates."

Harry nodded as his father spoke. Realizing that this was really the best option he said, "I'll talk it over with the others." He felt his heart lift as his parents gave him one last hug and a proud smile seconds before he was brought back to his own reality.

As everything began to focus, he found himself being gently shaken by Narcissa who was also calling his name. "Welcome back. Did you find the answers you were looking for?"

Harry closed his eyes and reached out for the chain that tied him to Hermione. It was fuzzy at best, and when he tried to each out a little further, he felt it fill suddenly with pain and despair. Without opening his eye's he replied, "I did. I need to think about everything." Opening his eyes, he saw Narcissa standing before him looking every inch of royalty in a beautiful midnight purple gown with a matching elegant set of robes over it. Harry was slow to stand due to sitting cross legged for almost two hours. "You are the epitome of beauty. Emma is a very lucky woman."

Narcissa playfully slapped his shoulder and said, "Save it for you wife. You are every inch of James's son. Thankfully you got Lily's logic. Now then, do you want to tell me what you have decided?"

Both looked to the door to make sure they were alone. "I don't want you to worry about a thing except having a wonderful evening with my mother in law."

Emma walked in at that very moment wearing a stunning V-neck red gown that was incredibly simple but complimented her beauty effortlessly as it just covered the tops of her shoulders. "Worry about what?" She asked.

"Just about you two having a wondering and memorial evening. I don't want you two to worry about us, and just that I want you to enjoy yourselves." Harry smoothly lied with a warm smile on his face. He did not want to worry Emma any more than she already was.

Emma stepped forward and gave him the typical Granger bone crushing hug before saying, "I know you are up to something. Just promise me you will send for us should anything changes." Not giving Harry a chance to reply, she turned to Narcissa and asked, "Any chance on telling me where we are going this evening?"

Narcissa smiled back as she chuckled, "You'll see. However, we really do need to be going if we are to make it to our reservation on time."

Narcissa held her arm out for Emma to take so that she could escort her down stairs to begin their evening. Harry followed close behind to see them off and was greeted by Neville at the bottom of the stairs who said, "Hey Harry, I was just coming to tell you that supper is about to be served."

"Could you wait for just a moment? I want to bid these two beautiful witches good evening." Harry said as he watched Emma blush, much to his delight just like Hermione does when she gets a compliment from him, and Narcissa chuckling to herself while shaking her head at his antics.

"You really do need to stop listening to my cousin and stop channeling your father's spirit." She said as she pulled Emma closer to the door. A few steps before the door, an exhausted Amelia came walking in.

Looking up for mere seconds before running into the two she said, "Ah, just the people I have been looking for." Amelia took a few steps to take a closer look at the two and added, "Am I disrupting any plans?"

Emma beamed as she said, "Cissa is taking me out for an evening on the town. She just hasn't let me know where."

Amelia smiled back as she replied, "I won't keep you long then. I wanted to let you know that we have captured Lucius Malfoy. He is in a cell only a few of us know about. Not even the Minister or Chief Warlock are privy to that information."

Narcissa felt Emma's hand tighten on her arm instantly when she heard the news. She pulled Emma in to face her and while gently cupping the sides of her face she said, "Now we have an even better reason to celebrate." Unable to speak Emma just gave her a small smile and nodded. Turning her head slightly she went on to say, "Don't wait up."

Harry took a step towards Narcissa and added, "I expect you to behave yourself Lady Black, and to care for my mother in laws feelings. I will also hold you responsible for her safety… and virtue."

Seeing that Harry not only had a half smirk on his face, but also gave them a little wink with a little twinkle in his eye. Narcissa gave him a mock bow and said, "You have nothing to fear your Royal Highness, your mother in laws virtue is perfectly safe with me." Harry just shook his head as he watched the two walk out the front door.

Turning back, he followed Neville into the dining room with Amelia by his side. "Think you'll be able to catch up on sleep this evening?" He softly asked.

"One can certainly hope, but when your God Father is involved, one never knows what is going to happen." Replied Amelia.

Harry chuckled as the trio walked into the dining room they heard, "Auntie!" Susan came in hot as if she was on a firebolt. "Do you have to head back to the office after supper?"

Amelia gave her niece a squeeze before saying, "No, I'm here for the rest of the evening." She was completely focused on the hug with her niece while she said, "We captured Lucius Malfoy this after noon." Amelia never saw Sirius come up to stand next to her, who after hearing the incredible news pulled Amelia away Susan and in for a steamy kiss that left her weak in the knees. One moment she was standing with her niece, and the next she found herself being dipped backwards and held close by a strong pair of arms. Feeling herself being pulled back to her feet, she opened eyes and to find Sirius Black gazing deeply back.

Augusta broke up the moment by saying, "We wouldn't want the food to go to waste, now would we? We can celebrate the wonderful news later." She quickly brought the room to order and everyone took their seats. Once everyone tucked into their meals she turned to Harry asked, "How is Hermione doing?"

Everyone watched as Harry's body fell slightly. "Not well. Her body is metabolizing the potions too quickly and she can't recover properly. I was planning on speaking to you all later. I have sent for Healer Tonks to join us in a little."

"Why have you asked for my cousin pup?" Sirius asked between bites. Seeing the hurt look in his God Son's eyes he put his fork down and asked, "What has happened Harry?"

"We need to place Hermione into a magically induced coma. If we don't, she won't heal properly and it could affect her for the rest of her life." He said while trying to keep the tears from spilling over.

"Why put her in a coma Potter? What would be the possible side effects? What are the risks?" Asked a concerned Draco. Since taking the time to get to know the two, he realized that he had more in common with them than he originally thought and has become quite fond of their friendship. He always started to view Hermione as the sister she never had. He saw that Susan moved her chair closer to Harry's and placed a hand on his to offer her support.

"If I do this, there is a chance she won't wake from it. If I don't, she will most likely be on some type of potion for the rest of her life. The truth of the matter is, she wasn't fully recovered from the first injury. Right now, her body can't rest properly."

By this point in their conversation, they had finished dinner and started to head to the parlor for drink and to finish their conversation. Harry waited for everyone to be settled before saying, "The other thing I wanted to speak to you about was our current accommodations. I know we are welcome here Augusta, but we really do need to find another place to stay. I was thinking that we could stay at one of the Founder's estates. No one knows that we are the only living heirs. We can't use Ravenclaw Keep or Slytherin Manor. That leaves us Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. Or we could have the goblins update and triple check the wards so that we could use Potter Manor."

Everyone thought about the situation carefully when a Longbottom elf appeared and said, "There be a Healer Tonks here Mistress."

"Thank you Tinsy. You may show her in." Replied Augusta. She got up from her chair and walked over to Harry and asked, "Are you sure about this?" Harry just gave her a nod and he tried to keep his emotions under control.

They didn't have to wait long for Andromeda Tonks to briskly walk into the parlor. Straight and to the point as always she said, "Tell me what happened to Hermione on our way up to her room." She looked around and asked, "Where is my sister and Emma? Shouldn't they be here for this?"

Harry calmly walked to her side and said, "They are on a date and I don't want to disturb them. Emma has been under so much pressure lately, and I wanted her to have an enjoyable evening." He started to lead the healer towards the stairs and went on to say, "I'm sure you already know this but I believe they are soul mates."

Andy openly laughed at this and said, "Took you long enough." Harry just shook his head at this. Just a few steps from the door, Harry stumbled as he felt a wave of intense pain came through the bond. Andy caught him and asked, "Hermione?"

"The potions are wearing off again and her pain has spiked. She is silently screaming right now." Harry rushed through the door while saying to Hermione, 'It's alright love. We are going to take the pain away."

'Hurry Harry. I can't take this any longer. Kill me if you must, this is unbearable.' She cried, her voice filled with anguish.

'We are going to put you in a Coma love. I need you to promise me that you will continue to fight. I need you to promise that you will come back to me.' Harry replied while trying to keep his own despair out of his voice.

'I promise.' She softly replied.

Harry took Andy in and gave her a nod for her to start. Andy quickly set to work, all the while keeping a close eye not only on Hermione, but Harry as well. Ten minutes later, Andy fell back into her chair, finally finished. The moment Hermione slipped into the coma, Harry visibly relaxed. "You do realize that you will have to deal with not one but two very pissed off witches when they come back." She said.

"I am well aware of that already. Tell me, what would have really happened if Emma knew what Hermione was going through. You remember what happened when Hermione was injured and when she had that breakdown." Harry said as he sat in the chair next to his wife's side of the bed.

Suddenly a stern voice came from the door and said, "Why don't you tell me exactly what my daughter was going through."

a/n: Before any of you attempt to be rude and rip into me, I know what it is like to be in so much pain that you wish you were dead. In either the next chapter or the one after it we find out the exact reason why all of this keeps happening to Hermione. I promise you there is a reason for it. All I ask is for you all to be patient. This is the last chapter I have typed up and it may be a while before I post the next one.