Pausing For Effect

Later that day, Harry and Hermione sat stunned as Neville and the others recounted the story of what had happened.

"It was scary," Neville began. "Dean, Seamus, and I were having a stroll around the lake, just talking, you know. Well, we spotted Ron a good way off sitting in a little clearing by the water. We were making our way over to him when Malfoy, Crabb, and Goyle came up behind him from the other side. We were still too far away to hear what was being said, but, all of a sudden, Ron jumps up and slugs Malfoy right in the face. Then he jumps on top of him and keeps hitting him. The whole time he's yelling 'Don't you talk about her!' " Neville cast a nervous glance at Hermione before continuing. "So, anyway, Crabb and Goyle pulled Ron off of Malfoy and sort of hold him back. We all figured that meant trouble, so we started running towards them. Before we could get there though, Malfoy had his wand out. Crabbe and Goyle held Ron while Malfoy hit Ron with this....purple fire. Ron dropped like a stone. And then, Malfoy stepped over him and hit him again. I never heard the words, but I've seen that spell before. It was the one that Death Eater used on you, Hermione."

Hermione made a small noise in the back of her throat and put her hand over her mouth.

Neville concluded his story. "When they saw us running for them, all three took off for the castle. So, we ran to Madam Pomfrey and then came straight up here." Neville paused before adding, "I just hope Ron will be ok. He...he fell so fast."

Harry's mind was boggling at all of this. "Where the hell could Malfoy have learned something that advanced?" Harry knew the answer to this, of course. It was still hard to believe that even someone like Malfoy would use a spell that dangerous on a student...at school.

Harry turned slowly to look at Hermione and instantly regretted it. She was cross-legged on the floor, her hand still covering her mouth. Tears were trickling down her face and over her fingers. She was rocking back and forth in an effort to calm herself. "He's going to be all right, isn't he Harry?" she asked pleadingly. "Please tell me he's going to be all right."

Hermione kept repeating her question until she had finally dissolved into tears. Harry held her while looking helplessly to the others. They could do no better, mumbling inadequate words of encouragement and patting her back.

After several minutes, Hermione recovered herself. She whispered an embarrassed "Good night." and disappeared quickly into the girl's dorm. The four boys stared at the floor, unsure of what to do or say. Finally, unable to stand the heavy silence, Harry bolted from his chair and through the portrait hole. He had only one thing on his mind; talking to Professor Dumbledore.

Harry reached the stone gargoyle in short order and noticed, with a small measure of surprise, that the staircase to the Headmaster's office was open. It was as if Dumbledore had been expecting to come. With too many thoughts in his head to add amazement, Harry climbed the stairs and walked through the already-open door to Professor Dumbledore's office. The old wizard sat silently behind his desk, hands folded on the surface. Harry sat down in one of the chairs opposite the desk and stared and his headmaster. Harry knew he did not have to ask any questions. A look into Dumbledore's eyes told him that he had, in fact, been expecting Harry for some time now. After a brief moment, Dumbledore spoke.

"I must be very honest with you, Harry. I am not entirely sure that your friend will live through this. I realize this is very difficult news for you to hear. However, after all that you and I have been through where truth is concerned, I decided it would not be right of me to hide this information, despite its unpleasantness. Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Crabbe, and Mr. Goyle are all in the hands of the proper authorities and you need not trouble yourself with their fate. They shall be given a trial and, if convicted, they will be punished accordingly. You, therefore, should concern yourself with Ron and, of course Miss Granger. I suspect she is hurting beyond any measure that you or I could understand at the moment. It is not only her love that she carries now, Harry, it is also unfathomable guilt. She feels responsible for what has happened and will need a great deal of support from you during this very difficult time."

Harry could not hide the shock of realizing that Dumbledore knew how Hermione and Ron felt about one another. Likewise, Dumbledore could not hide the trace of a smile as he answered Harry's silent question.

"I am not so old, Harry, that I do not recognize young love when I see it. Especially a love forged between two people that have been through so much together."

Harry nodded and remained silent for several moments. He allowed the full weight of Dumbledore's words to sink in. A thousand questions bubbled up from different places in Harry's mind. Only one was important enough to ask.

"When can we see him?"

Dumbledore pondered for a moment before answering. "I am sure that Ron is in no condition to have visitors at this time. I will speak to the staff at St Mungo's, as well as Arthur and Molly, and I will send word when, and if, you are able to see him."

Harry thanked Dumbledore and left the office. He returned to Gryffindor Tower to find the common room full. News of the incident had traveled quickly. Everyone seemed to be waiting for Harry; waiting for some word of their fellow student. He looked around the room and shrugged his shoulders, signaling that nothing definite was known. He then climbed the stairs, wanting to sleep. As Harry topped the staircase, Neville met him at the dormitory door. The two young men stared at each other for a moment. Then, to Harry's surprise, Neville blinked a tear from his eye. "I ran as fast as I could, Harry," he said. More tears were streaking his round face now. Harry hugged him fiercely. "It's not your fault," he said. "It's not your fault, at all." After allowing Neville to walk past him, Harry trudged into the dorm room and collapsed on the bed.