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Yes, I'm at it again! The summary should give you an idea of how the story goes.

Sit back, relax, and please review. I might quote you in the next chapter.

BTW: the next chapter will come alot faster if you review.

Love,

Avoline.


Hermione smiled as she walked towards the Leaky Cauldron. She had just spent the evening at the theatre with her parents. It had been wonderful to see them again, especially since the war had been over at least three years. She had kept her mind off of everything that had happened the past few months, and she felt ready to go back to her reality. She stopped at a corner and waited for the crossing light to change. Once she was allowed, she began to cross the street.

The only thing she remembered before loosing consciousness was a blinding pain in her legs.


She jolted awake. Where was she? She opened her eyes and tried to get an idea of her surroundings. She was in a hospital. That much she could tell. There was an IV in her arm. She started to grow confused. She looked around, and saw Harry asleep in a chair.

"Harry," she called. He jumped and looked at her. Tears filled his eyes.

"Hermione," he whispered before running to the hospital bed and wrapping his arms around her. "Thank Merlin, you're awake."

"Calm down, Harry, I'm fine," she responded, returning the embrace. "What happened? Why am I in a Muggle hospital?" He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes glinting with sorrow and regret.

"I don't know the full story," he answered hoarsely. "Only what we could get out of Dean Thomas. He was so upset, Hermione. I've never seen him that worked up."

"Harry," she demanded gently, "what happened?" He looked away quickly.

"Someone tried to run a red light just as you were crossing the street," he began. "They hit you so hard, it's a miracle you're alive, to be honest. If Dean hadn't been there, I would have never known you were hurt." His answer did nothing to satisfy her curiosity.

"How long have I been here," she inquired. He swallowed hard.

"About three days," he replied. "Dean, Seamus, and I all took turns staying here, waiting for you to wake up. Your parents tried to come by." He looked at her. "They feel so guilty, Hermione, like this is their fault or something."

"It's not, and I'll be sure to tell them that once I see them again," she implored. "How soon can I go home?" He looked away again, this time his action raised a red flag.

"I'm not sure how to tell you this, 'Mione," he muttered just loud enough for her to hear, "but the accident did some pretty extensive damage." His hand reached for hers, and she could sense his apprehension. She could feel him trembling under her touch.

"Harry," she intoned. He glanced at her before looking at the tile floor again.

"Hermione, I promise, I'll find the bastard that hit you and make him pay," he half-sobbed. She tried to lean forward to comfort him, only to realize, with a start, that she couldn't feel her legs. She gasped, causing him to turn and face her, his head hung in sorrow. "Hermione, I'm so sorry. This should have never happened."

"It's okay," she whispered. "I'll be fine." Her eyes glanced at the clock. "It's almost dinner time, Harry. Go get something to eat." He gazed at her questioningly. "I'll be fine, Harry, I promise." He nodded, then stood and left the room.

She shook her head in disbelief. How could she be paralized? She needed to be able to move on her own without any assistance of any kind. How was she going to be able to work if she was paralized? As the questions ran circled in her head, her emotions began to overwhelm her, and she covered her face and surrendered to the most prominent emotion, the tears racing down her cheeks.

"Granger?" She jumped and looked at the doorway to see Draco Malfoy standing in it. He looked confused, and she knew he probably was. She wiped away her tears and sniffed.

"Come on in, Malfoy," she murmured. He entered the small room, setting a vase of flowers on the table next to her, and sat on the edge of the bed, where Harry was only minutes ago.

"Granger, what's wrong," he questioned, his voice laced with concern. Her eyes met his, and she knew she couldn't keep the truth from him.

Even if, only three years ago, he was the enemy.