In Sickness and in Health

{7}

The Potter home never failed to surprise Hermione as she stepped about the random furnishings of Harry's flat. It was obvious he'd never had what was truly his own room before because the man could not decorate to save his life. Ginny didn't seem to care much, as she traveled too often to notice, but surely she at least had a mild say? Regardless, Hermione was smiling ear to ear as she plopped onto her best-friend's sofa with ease.

"I can't believe you finally cracked that case Harry Potter!"

He smiled his idiotic smile, and Ginny laughed proudly. They were such a happy couple, and Hermione envied them as of late. Ron's third treatment had passed, and she missed his bright presence more by the minute.

She'd gained a friend through it all though, especially since Severus wouldn't be called anything less. They laughed together, and he'd been such a big help to her emotionally as of late. They talked about Ron, and she mostly talked at Severus, but he was a brilliant listener. He was also credited to her fluffy bed and her exile from the couch which had given her more stress than her project that was nearly over. Ron's fourth treatment was coming soon, and so was the day she would go before the Wizengamot.

Harry and Ginny had been telling her she had it in the bag, and even Draco was confident she could sway the old witches and wizards. Kingsley had checked over her work and points of strength, and smiled widely at her, hope sparkling in his dark eyes. Overall, she was confident, though Severus had given her more than any of the others had. He sat patiently in her home and let her preach to him to go over her intonation and posture, and his confidence was all that seemed to matter.

Of course, it was the assurance that Ron would have been proud of her which mattered most. Although, some part of her didn't believe Ron would've cared about her work. He was a caring person emotionally, she supposed, but to him if it wasn't exhilarating or dangerous, it bored him. Everyone had their preferences, so Hermione simply took it at face value and let Severus boost her confidence.

"I'm surprised too, really, especially since the trail started going cold. Luckily enough I was paying attention and I had Draco to help me with the case," Harry determined happily, lifting his glass in a salute to his mate.

"We're all proud, Harry, no one else could have done it," Ginny said sweetly, placing a peck to Harry's cheek.

Harry nodded, but his smile turned cold, "I wish Ron could have been there to help. How is he?"

"Stable," Hermione replied, looking at the couple with remorse, "Severus is doing a great job of his potions, he says everything is going to plan."

"When is the next one?" Harry questioned.

"The day of my profile before the Wizengamot, and terrible timing for it, too. The meeting is in the evening, so we can celebrate if all goes well. And if deliberation goes our way, we can start forming new rights for magical creatures that next day."

Ginny furrowed her brows, setting her own drink down and settling against Harry's open form. "Why is that an inconvenience?"

Hermione shook her head, "Sorry, it's because this potion has to be brewed through the day, so it can only be given to Ron at night, which means I go right from Ron getting his potion to the presentation."

"Brilliant," Harry added sarcastically, looking all the more bleak for Hermione.

"I've been prepared for days now, I don't think anything could sway me too bad from altering the Wizengamot's mind."

Ginny looked at Hermione skeptically, but she didn't say anything, so the brunette brushed off the glance and they continued their jovial evening.