"Unanswered Prayers"

Absent the drain on her depleted body, Hermione recovered faster than expected. In addition to the ever-present DADA teacher, Ginny Potter joined the support team after Harry cleared it with Severus and Hermione; Ginny’s bump protruded visibly now and she had no desire to add to Hermione’s sadness.

The Saturday before N.E.W.Ts found them all together, Severus sitting on the hospital bed with an arm around Hermione, when the pop of an apparation twisted their heads. Ron Weasley stood 5 beds away, staring at the group that used to include him. He’d been barred from the wing by Madame Pomfrey.

“You lot thought you could keep me out? Smarter than you think, Snape!”

Harry and Ginny immediately noticed Ron’s new wand; the unregistered magical implement fooled the protective shield spell.

“Hey, ‘Mione,” Ron grinned in quiet greeting, “I’ve been trying to see you. Not a complete prat…”

Two wizards unobtrusively drew their wands to protect Hermione.

“I’m not here to cause trouble. Just here to see my girlfriend; see how that baby of ours is coming along.”

Severus caught Harry’s eye: The “Weasel” had known or suspected Hermione was pregnant before her collapse. Ron, meanwhile, exploited their distraction and moved towards his girlfriend’s hospital bed. Severus sussed Ron’s intent first but made no move to stop him, so Ron continued in their direction. Two more steps towards her and Hermione's ex-fiance dropped like he’d been shot by a high-powered rifle, writhing on the ground while holding his groin.

 “I warned you, Mr. Weasley. That will happen anytime you get within 20 feet of Ms. Granger without her express permission. And mine or Harry’s. I’m quite fond of that particular spell; invented it myself.” Severus explained nonchalantly as he plumped the pillows propping Hermione up.

“Hmpf…” Harry observed the effects of Severus’ protective charm with an appreciative eye. “Willing to teach a few of us aurors that one, Professor? Would help enforce the domestic violence restraining orders.”

“Thank you, Harry, but I worry it might get overused.”

Harry chuckled; Severus’ witticisms were starting to click more frequently.

“Fine, then. Just teach it to me.”

“And me,” Ginny piped up, “in case Harry misbehaves.”

Ron managed to roll outside the hex zone. Kneeling then standing, the patients and visitors on the wing clearly saw the damp stain seeping down the front his pants; he’d pissed himself.

“Don’t listen to that child molester! You come home to me when you get out of here. I love you, ‘Mione.”

“Love doesn’t hurt, Ronald. Not the way I did.” Hermione explained to him, dry-eyed.

A Leg-Locker curse hit Ron. Patients laughed themselves silly as Ginny levitated her brother out of a window and back to the Burrow.