A/N - thank you for your lovely replies, dear reviewers, I really, really appreciate them. Just a few things; this isn't going to have a D/G pairing at all, no cliffy this time (even though I know how much you like them) and Hermione isn't going to all the work, though I love her so much, its hard not to make her bigger than Harry. Yay to girl power!! I am tired so I hope I haven't missed mega big mistakes…sorry if I have.
Chapter 11 - Recovery
Harry woke feeling very disorientated and decidedly sore. He tried to work out where he was, but the world around him was blurry, telling him he was no longer wearing his glasses.
"Here you go Harry," said a familiar voice and, as things became less fuzzy when he put his glasses on, he saw an anxious Remus sitting at his side.
"Thanks," Harry groaned, his body complaining as he tried to sit, "what happened?"
"What do you remember?"
Harry frowned in thought as he tried to think why he was once again in the Hogwarts infirmary, which he now recognised. He, Hermione and Ron had gone after something, something they needed…a Horcrux…and it was at the orphanage where Riddle used to live. They had left after breakfast and entered the cellar where they saw nothing but whiteness, but they had been attacked. Ron had been attacked.
"Ron," Harry said out loud, beginning to panic, "Ron's been hurt…is he alright?" He began to look around the ward for another occupied bed but saw no sign of his red headed friend; instead he saw Hermione lying still in the bed next to him.
Alarmed, he tried to get out of the bed and get closer to her, to make sure she was fine; but a steadying hand on his shoulder held him back.
"She's just sleeping," Remus informed him softly, "we had to give her some dreamless sleep potion - it's been a hard couple of days for her."
Harry leant back into his pillows and took a deep, calming breath as the memories of what had happen came flooding back - up to the point the spear went through his shoulder. Cautiously, he looked down and saw a swath of bandages around his upper arm and shirtless chest. He looked once more at Hermione before turning his attention solely to Remus.
"What happened?" he asked wearily, "where is Ron?"
"Ron is at St Mungo's" Remus replied, his face serious, "and what happened? Well Harry, after you were shot through the shoulder, Hermione activated the emergency beacon, she and I got you out of there and the cellar is now empty. Ron had already activated his beacon a little before you and Minerva had taken him to St Mungo's for treatment. You both nearly died."
"Is…is Ron alright?"
"Ron was bitten by a creature called a bagdkor, which is native to Russia, and has never been seen on British soil," Remus explained, sounding as weary as Harry, "it has the capacity to hibernate for up to fifty years, surviving on nothing but air if needed. When it senses food, it attacks but doesn't kill as its digestive system can only process fresh meat…"
"Fresh meat?" Harry interrupted, feeling slightly ill, "it was going to eat Ron alive?"
"Yes," Remus continued, "its saliva has two working poisons, the first disabling the victim by paralysing it but not actually slowing the blood flow and the second helps break down the flesh so it is easier for the bagdkor to digest. Hermione was able to stop the paralysis but wouldn't have known about the break down of the tissue…"
"What…what do you mean?"
"They had to amputate Ron's leg Harry," Remus replied sadly, "just below the knee. The poison was spreading and would've killed him."
Harry felt the air suck out of his lungs as he tried to process what he had just been told - Ron had lost part of his leg. Because of the quest. Because of him.
"This is all my fault," he moaned, glancing at the sleeping Hermione. Her hand was bandaged and she had large black smudges beneath her closed eyes. He could've easily lost her. And Ron nearly died.
"It can't be all your fault Harry," Remus said with a sliver of a smile, "because Hermione is saying its all her fault, while Ron is blaming himself as well. I also feel guilty because I let you go in there against my better judgement, I let you talk me into something that I shouldn't have. It seems we are all at fault."
"I should've gone on my own," Harry sighed, still looking at Hermione.
"Then you would be dead," Remus replied a bit more forcefully - Harry turned to him, "Harry, it was close but you all survived. Ron will be fine, the wizarding world is quite competent with prosthetics and he can continue to live a long and happy life…"
"Why did you have to sedate Hermione?" Harry interrupted.
"Because she wouldn't leave your side," Remus said, this time with a real smile, "plus she was doing research on bagdkors, making sure Ron was okay, dealing with the cup and not looking after herself…"
"She stopped eating and sleeping, right?"
"Right," Remus agreed, "she's very devoted to you, they both are…"
"And its going to get them killed," Harry muttered dejectedly before he remembered the reason this all happened in the first place, "the cup! Where's the cup?"
"Hermione had it and put it wherever it should be," came the reply, "Harry, why didn't you activate the beacon? When Ron was first hurt - the disillusionment charm was deactivated, it was safe for us to come in. Why didn't you call on us for help?"
"I…I forgot," Harry admitted with a frown, "I don't believe it, I forgot - we forgot! If Ron had got out earlier, would his leg have been saved?"
"No, probably not," Remus answered, leaning back in his chair.
Harry leant back too, thinking about everything that had happened and they had forgotten one of the most important things. The realisation that he wasn't as smart as Dumbledore and the chances of him surviving the Horcrux search, let alone the fight with Voldemort, was really so pathetically slim hit him with full force. And he would probably take his friends down with him. Sighing, he looked back at Remus, who returned his gaze with an amused grin on his face.
"What?" Harry asked, not finding anything remotely funny, "what is it? What's so hilarious?"
"You," Remus smiled, "you wake up in hospital with your shoulder wrapped up in bandages, knowing you had a spear travel through your body and you haven't asked me about you Harry. You've asked about everything else, but how you are doing. You're an amazing young man."
"Oh…er…ah," Harry stuttered, embarrassed.
"Glad you haven't lost your grip on the English language Potter," came yet another familiar voice, but this one not so pleasant. Harry looked past Remus in time to see Draco Malfoy make his way to his bed.
"What are you still doing here?" Harry questioned, having ignored his nemesis's return since the initial meeting, "are you still pretending to be sick so you can skive away from you adoring fan club." Draco flushed.
"We don't know quite what to do with young Mr Malfoy," Remus put in, "but the general consensus is that he'll be back with the masses in the next few days. As will you Harry. The wound was clean with no poisons or magic attached…"
"…which is why Hermione didn't pick it up…"
"…which is why Hermione didn't pick it up," Remus repeated, "and another thing she's blaming herself for. But she saved your life - she left the spear in your shoulder, letting Madam Pomfrey remove it safely and with little damage. You just needed a few days bed rest and then you can probably leave."
"But Ron can't," Harry muttered.
"No, Ron will need to remain in hospital for a little while longer," Remus replied, "but he's going to be transferred here soon, so…"
"Is his family with him now?"
"Yes, as is Luna," Remus said, standing, "and I should get there too. I said I'd let them all know when you woke. Will you be alright?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Harry said back and watched wearily as his old professor left the ward. Sighing, he glanced at the still sleeping Hermione, thinking how pretty she looked, curled up on her side, with her lashes brushing the top of her cheeks…
"If you're planning to get carnal with the mudblood, give me a warning would you?" Malfoy sneered from across the passage, "I don't think I could stomach you two touching…"
"Shut it Malfoy," Harry snapped.
"Good comeback," Malfoy continued sarcastically, absently running his hand over his head, the slight fuzz of new grown hair barely visible, "I'd almost forgotten your so far undiscovered wit."
"You didn't answer my question," Harry said, ignoring the statement, "why haven't you joined your minions in the dungeons? Don't tell me you're scared of your fellow Slytherins."
"I escaped from the hands of the darkest wizard ever," Draco snarled, "I'm not scared…"
"How did you do that, by the way?" Harry interrupted nonchalantly, "and why come back here where everyone hates you? To tell me something so pathetic like Hermione and Ginny are in danger? Why should I believe anything you say?"
"But you did believe me," Malfoy answered, his smirk returning, "you ran out of here to save her…"
"If it wasn't for her, you'd be dead," Harry growled, "because I really wanted to kill you Malfoy…"
"Why don't you?" Malfoy shot back, "they've taken my wand away, I'm defenceless. Actually, not that unlike that stupid old fool was on the tower. How anyone could think Dumbledore was more powerful…"
Harry didn't hear the rest of what Malfoy had to say as the pain in his shoulder from his sudden movement invaded his brain. It didn't stop him trying to get out of his bed to kill Malfoy, however.
"Mr Potter!" came a cry from the entrance way and Harry turned to see Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall making their way hurriedly towards him, "you shouldn't be moving like that! What in Merlin were you thinking?"
"That Malfoy needed to…"
"Well, Mr Malfoy can go," Madam Pomfrey bustled as she positioned Harry back in his pillows and ran her wand over his newly bleeding shoulder, "Minerva, I warned you this would happen. These two have been at each others throats since day one! Whatever possessed Remus to leave them alone together!"
"Just another week or so Poppy," McGonagall objected from the foot of Harry's bed, blocking Malfoy from Harry's view, "we have to prepare…"
"No," the matron said sternly, "there is nothing wrong with the boy and there hasn't been for the last week. Mr Weasley will be here in a few days and I don't want to have to deal with young men trying to curse each other the moment my back is turned. Mr Malfoy is to go." The two women glared at each other while Harry scowled at Malfoy, who scowled back. After a few moments, the professor nodded.
"Very well, I will notify Professor Slughorn that Mr Malfoy will be returning," she turned to the Slytherin, "the restrictions will be as discussed; your wand will be returned to your teachers after each class who will then ensure it gets to your next class, your homework will be done under supervision, your curfew will be directly after dinner and all correspondence will be monitored. The professor has your timetable - you may dress and I will escort you back to your common room."
Harry watched as Malfoy looked like he was about to argue, but instead grabbed some clothes and stormed out of the ward. When he was gone, McGonagall turned her attention back to Harry.
"Welcome back Mr Potter," she stated with a hint of a smile, "we will discuss the events of the last few days when you are better and time allows it. Needless to say, it is good to have you…home." Harry just smiled, distracted by the shot of pain that was coming from his now exposed wound that Madam Pomfrey was clearing before wrapping it once more in bandages.
"You can't move suddenly like that," the matron admonished, "the healing was disturbed, breaking the seals. It will take a couple more days now."
"Don't worry Potter, I'm sure the school can run without you," Malfoy sneered as he came back to his bed, fully clothed. Harry didn't bother answering and instead closed his eyes in thought - why was Malfoy here? How did he escape? Why was he such an utter and complete prat?
He felt Madam Pomfrey leave him and with tired relief due to the fact that he was now alone, he opened his eyes. Automatically he turned and looked to where Hermione still lay sleeping, amazed she was able to remain so through all the noise. As he sat there watching her, her eyes began to finally flutter open.
"Harry!" she exclaimed, a huge smile crossing her face as she sat up.
"I was beginning to think you'd never wake," he joked, returning her smile, "you just slept through an infamous Malfoy/Potter moment."
"Oh no, and they're always so entertaining," she laughed, stretching, "I guess I didn't realise just how tired I was."
"Well, not sleeping and eating can do that to you," Harry replied, a bit more sombre, "how are you feeling Hermione?"
"I should be asking you that," she replied, sitting cross legged on the bed, facing him, "how's your shoulder?"
"My desire to kill Malfoy just now seems to have set the healing back a few days, but I'll live. Thanks to you, I hear."
"It was my fault you got shot in the first place," Hermione sighed, "I should've checked for all hazards, not just magical ones…"
"It wasn't your fault Hermione…"
"You could've died! And with Ron…" Her sentence hung in the air as they looked at each other, Harry's guilt returning once more.
"Have…have you seen him?" he asked.
"Yes," she whispered, her eyes downcast, "after we got you here and I knew your life wasn't in danger. I secured the cup and then went to St Mungo's. His mum and dad were already there, as was Luna and Ginny. Ron was awake but in a pretty bad way. He…he told me to come back here and be with you, to not let you wake up alone…"
"How long ago was that?"
"Three days," she said, her eyes beginning to tear, "oh Harry, it's been awful! I…I thought I'd lost you both!" Harry wanted desperately to go and comfort her as she hid her face in her hands and cried, but the ache in his shoulder made him stay where he was.
"It's okay Hermione," he tried to soothe, "we're going to be okay…"
"I should've done more!" she sobbed, "I should've been…"
"Done more!" Harry exclaimed, "Hermione, you spent so much time working things out, you forgot your own birthday! If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have got as far as we did and we'd probably all be dead - there is no way you could've done more!"
She looked up at him with watery eyes and gave him a small, silent smile. Wiping her face with the sleeve of her shirt, Harry watched as she began to dig into the pockets of her jeans.
"You dropped this," she said after a little while, withdrawing then opening her hand. In her palm was the locket from the cave - he went to reach out to take it from her, but his arm wouldn't move. She unfurled herself from the bed, walked over and placed it in his hand, "I didn't realise you carried it around with you," she carried on softly.
"I keep it to remind me," Harry tried to explain, "not that I really need any reminders, but, I don't know…"
"He'll never be forgotten Harry," she stated quietly and although she didn't say who, Harry knew she meant Dumbledore. He didn't reply, trying desperately to control the burning behind his eyes as he once more thought of his old headmaster. Once he felt he had himself under control, he looked up at her.
"I guess we need to catch up on some school work," he remarked with a resigned grin, changing the subject to one he knew was close to her heart - glad to see a smile appear on her face.
"Yes, we do," she replied enthusiastically, "I could bring everything in here and we could go through it together if you like." Harry nodded happily in acceptance.
So for the next few days they spent much of their time reading and writing - Harry working awkwardly with his left armed strapped up securely so it wouldn't move, while Hermione sat on his bed by his feet working on her own assignments. Harry made a conscious effort to do most of his work by himself as he didn't want to make Hermione do any more than she already was.
The strange thing was, when he actually paid attention to what he was being told or what he was reading it seemed he wasn't as stupid as he thought. Hermione understood what he was trying to do and appreciated it, helping him when things got just too confusing and praising him when she looked over his work to see he had succeeded in answering the assignment's requests.
On the third day in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey declared him fit enough and Harry was released. Which is why he and Hermione followed Remus down a haphazard ward at St Mungo's to finally see Ron.
Harry hated the fact he felt anxious and was dreading seeing his best friend - but he was. Everyone who had visited Harry during his own stay in hospital from Hagrid to Fred and George, assured him that Ron didn't blame him and nor did anyone else. No one else but himself.
Hermione was walking silently beside him lost in her own thoughts and as he had done so many times in the past few months, Harry took her hand in comfort. She looked up at him when she felt his touch, giving him a faint smile. He just gave her hand a squeeze and carried on walking.
When Remus finally entered a room, Harry took a deep breath before following him inside, willing his heart to go back to beating normally. The ward had four beds and looked a lot like the one that had housed Mr Weasley a few years back. All the beds were empty except for Ron's, which was at the end by the window. Mrs Weasley, Luna and Ginny were in various seats around his bed while Ron was sitting and listening intently to something Ginny was saying.
"…but no one said a word!" the young red head was saying with a smile, "Malfoy ended up sitting by himself at the end of the Slytherin table - not even Pansy would sit next to him!"
"Serves the slimy git right," Ron growled, "I can't believe they let him back in!"
"Everyone deserves a second chance Ronald," Luna breathed before nonchalantly adding, "hello Harry, Hermione and Professor Lupin." There was a flash of red as all three Weasley's turned to see the visitors - Harry caught Ron's eye uncertainly, and let out a sigh of relief when a huge grin crossed his friends face.
"Harry!" he exclaimed happily, "mate, it's good to see you! I was expecting you yesterday!"
"Er, Madam Pomfrey kept me back a bit after I tried to get Malfoy…"
"Yeah, well, Ginny just told me he's back at classes," Ron spat, "that little bugger should just crawl back under the rock he slithered out from…"
"Ron Weasley!" Mrs Weasley admonished as she stood, "watch you mouth! Harry dear, good to see you up and about. Sorry I didn't visit but, I had my hands full." Harry let himself be drawn into a hug, slightly embarrassed.
"That's fine Mrs Weasley," he stammered uncertainly.
"Good to see you too dear," she chirped giving Hermione a quick hug, "Ginny, love, why don't we let Ron and his friends catch up. Luna, will you join us?"
Harry watched as Luna stood and gave Ron a small kiss, spoke to him in whispers for a moment then going to stand by Mrs Weasley who was waiting at the door. Ginny also stood while the exchange was taking place and made her way over to where Harry and Hermione were.
"Glad you're both okay," she said simply, "I'll…I'll see you at class." She gave him a smile, which he returned - it was the first time she had smiled at him in a long while.
When the others had gone, Hermione went over to the bed and sat in one of the vacated chairs.
"How are you Ron?" she asked, her face full of worry.
"You know something?" he answered, still smiling, "all things considering, I'm not too bad."
"How long will you be in here?" she continued to question.
"Another week and then I can go to the Hogwarts infirmary," he informed her, "they're going to issue me with a leg in the next few days…"
Harry couldn't help it, he let out a strangled groan at the same time as Hermione's head fell to hide her tears. To hear Ron talk about what he was going through so easily was nearly unbearable. Closing his eyes and taking another deep breath as he tried to get himself under control, Harry kept telling himself he had to be strong. For Ron.
"Come on guys, don't look so blood miserable," Ron scolded, awkwardly patting Hermione's shoulder, "I'm not dead and I'm not dying! Sure, I've lost part of my leg, but that's nothing! The Healers say I'll only have a small limp, after time, and Mad Eye Moody is going to train me! Can you believe that?"
"Moody's going to train you?" Hermione asked, wiping away her tears, Harry looked at him from his spot by the door, "when?"
"Well, after I get used to the leg," Ron informed her, "and when you guys have your extra training. Harry, are you okay? Why are you still standing over there?"
"I…er…I guess I didn't expect you to be so…"
"Mature?" Ron finished for him, "believe me, what with mum carrying on about how well I'm handling everything and how much I've grown up to Fred and George telling me that I should be a pirate or something as equally ridiculous, I'm surprising even myself."
"But you do seem to be handling it all very well," Hermione observed.
"I've had a lot of time to think," Ron admitted, "and Luna said that I had one of two choices - to let Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named get the better of me and I wallow in self pity or I make the best of the situation and just get on with life. She's been brilliant, Luna. Couldn't have got through this without her."
"I'm so sorry Ron" Harry blurted, making both friends look at him in surprise, "it was my fault you've been hurt. And I forgot about the emergency beacon, we could've got you out sooner…"
"I forgot too," Hermione admitted, turning back to Ron, "and I didn't know…"
"Stop," Ron instructed forcefully, frowning, "Harry, you have nothing to be sorry for - we all knew it could be dangerous and we all knew there was a possibility that there was something unknown in there. I hadn't forgotten about the beacon, but I decided that I wouldn't use it, I wanted to stay with you guys. It wasn't until I knew something was terribly wrong that I let myself be rescued. This is no body's fault, not even mine - Luna is right, we did what we had to do, none of us died therefore we were successful. End of story. No more feeling sorry for anyone."
Harry looked at his friend with a new understanding. Ron had grown up, in a way he had to, and an event that could have destroyed the friendship had instead made it stronger.
"You and Luna are getting pretty tight, huh?" Harry asked, more relaxed as he came over and sat in one of the other chairs.
"Yeah," Ron admitted with a smile, "yeah, we are. She's been making sure I've kept up with my school stuff," he looked at Hermione who smiled back, "plus she's listened to everything, helping me put it all in perspective. I…I want to tell her. About the Horcruxes."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other over Ron's bed and once again he felt she was able to see what he was thinking. It was only fair, Luna had already accepted her part in their quest without question and without even knowing why. The way Ron talked about her and just seeing them together proved to Harry that their feelings for each other were deep - and Hermione had already said they had been talking about a future together. She had a right to know what Ron was up to. But could they trust her to keep the secret?
"I agree," Hermione finally replied, her eyes not leaving Harry's as if waiting for approval.
"So do I," Harry confirmed, looking back at a smiling Ron, "but she can't tell anyone, Ron. She needs to understand that."
"She will, don't worry."
And for the next few weeks, Harry didn't. Ron returned to Hogwarts and spent nearly a month getting used to his new leg. After a while, he got around the castle with a cane for support, otherwise he was fine. The mystery of his injury started many rumours and projected him into the centre of attention - something which Ron enjoyed considerably.
Routine fell into place with Ron volunteering to do most of the research at Grimmauld Place, with Luna joining him. Harry wasn't too sure just how much research was taking place, but his friend seemed so happy that Harry didn't have the heart to question or scold - or suggest that Luna might be better off helping Hermione. He decided to let his friend enjoy himself and maybe make the suggestion in the new year.
The boys had made Hermione slow down and relieved her of some of the tasks she had set herself. Harry and Ron had decided between themselves that they weren't going to badger her to help with their homework and endeavoured to pay attention in classes and keep up with their assignments on their own. Hermione used this extra time to continue to search for information on the last missing Horcrux.
Harry continued to question his feelings for his female best friend, but kept his thoughts to himself. Ron teased him about it every now and then, but Harry felt he was doing a good job at hiding his emotions.
The extra defence classes had begun, with Ginny and Neville joining them. Harry was pleased to see the bond between the two Gryffindors was strengthening all the time and by the middle of December, the relationship between Harry and his ex-girlfriend had become quite amicable.
Draco Malfoy was the only black spot on the otherwise productive autumn months. Pretty much shunned by most of the school, the Slytherin had lost his swagger, but not his confidence. The animosity between him and the Trio never waned and remained simmering under the daily acceptance of the other in their lives.
As Christmas came closer, Harry felt content. Part of him understood thing weren't always going to be like this, but he was determined to enjoy the peace while it lasted.