Hermione Granger and the Two Lovers

Chapter Thirteen

Harry and Ron stood at opposite sides of a poorly lit, empty room. It reminded her of the Department of Mysteries. The room seemed frightening, but for some bizarre reason, she wasn't scared. Harry and Ron, both held their wands high in the air, ready to duel, ready to attack. "Avada Kedavra!" they yelled in unison. There were two bright flashes of green light and two piercing screams.

Hermione woke up, drenched in sweat. Why did she continue having these nightmares? Why did she keep letting people die and suffer? She glanced at her watch, sitting on her bedside table. It read 10:14. The hospital wing was dark except for the light in Madame Pomfrey's office.

Hermione sat up. A body in the chair next to her bed stirred. She took a closer look at the body and realized that the person had red hair. It was Ron. What was he doing here?

Hermione longed to wake him, but forced herself not to. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. There were dark circles under his eyes. He looked dreadful.

Just then, Madame Pomfrey walked in. "Oh good, you're awake." Madame Pomfrey glanced over at Ron, who gave a large grunt in his sleep. "He's been here every night, since you've been here. You have a very loyal friend."

"Yeah..." Hermione whispered to herself. It was true, she just never realized it until Madame Pomfrey had said something.

Madame Pomfrey poured a small cup of orange medicine and handed it to Hermione. Hermione quickly drank it. It tasted like warm soda. Hermione made a disgusted face, but Madame Pomfrey smiled. She must be glad she actually drank it, rather than just spit it out.

"Now, get to sleep," Madame Pomfrey ordered Hermione, and turned toward her office.

"Madame Pomfrey?" Hermione called. Madame Pomfrey turned around impatiently. "When can I return to classes?"

Madame Pomfrey looked as though she didn't want to answer Hermione's question, but told her, "We'll see how you feel in the morning."

As Madame Pomfrey left, Hermione glanced over at Ron. He seemed to be talking in his sleep. She looked at the door to Madame Pomfrey's office and watched it close, as the hospital wing got dark. Her curiosity got the best of her. She leaned close to his mouth to hear what he was muttering.

"Hermione, I was just joking," he mumbled. Hermione gasped. He was dreaming about the day she fell.

"Hermione!" he suddenly yelled. Hermione quickly backed away. Ron thrashed around in his chair. He kicked her bedside table and several of her books crashed to the floor. Hermione was surprised that the clatter didn't wake him.

Hermione jumped out of bed and cautiously approached him. She gently grasped Ron's hand. He immediately awoke with a startle.

"It's okay," Hermione whispered soothingly. "I'm here. I'm not leaving you.

Ron grasped both of her hands. Breathing heavily, he pulled her towards him, as though he was going to kiss her.

Hermione pulled away. "Ron, I can't."

"It's okay, I'll wait," Ron whispered. "As long as it takes."