The Strongest Signal of All

Ron stayed at Pansy’s bed side at St. Mungo’s. He was not assigned to the case, but being an Auror allowed him access to her even though she was still in custody.

He looked down at her as she lay there sleeping. He used to watch her sleep when they were married, when he came home after she went to sleep or had to leave before she woke. He wished he could take her pain away, but the most he could do was just hold her hand.

He looked with disdain at the magic bonds that kept her confined to the bed by her wrists and ankles. She didn’t deserve to be treated like this. He was glad Neville had her moved. Azkaban was no place for her.

She stirred and opened her eyes. “You’re here?” She said. Her eyes moved around the room. “Where is here?”

“You’re in St. Mungo’s. Neville had you transferred. How are you feeling?”

“There’s not as much pain as before.” She said.

“Neville has healed your broken bones and sprains. It will take some time for all the swelling to go down.” He explained.

She looked back at him. “Is it still bad?”

“No, your eye is back to normal, just a little puffy. Neville wants the rest of your injuries to heal naturally.” Ron leaned down. “I think he’s using that was an excuse to keep you here instead of Azkaban.” He whispered to her.

She smiled. “Remind me to thank him later.” She looked at him again. “You don’t have to stay here you know.”

“Yes, I do. I have to be by your side.” He told her, holding her hand.

“Why Ron? I left you.” She blinked back a tear. “I said horrible things to you. I said you didn’t love me and I ended up with a man who hurt me. I accused you of hurting me and now I’m paying for it. ”

“No, your not paying, don’t say that.” He leaned closer. “Don’t blame yourself for this. This was his fault and his alone. You don’t deserve this. I’m going to help you.”

She let the tears fall. “I don’t deserve help Ron. Not after how I treated you.” He brushed her tears away gently.

“Listen to me Pansy. I never stopped loving you, and I said when you need me I will help you. You need me now and I’m here. I’m always here for you. I’m here because I love you. I love you Pansy, that will never change.”

“How can you feel this way after I treated you?” She asked.

“You left because you felt alone. I’m sorry for doing that to you, I tried to make it all fit, but I couldn’t. Maybe there were things I could have done, but it’s too late for that. I didn’t want you to feel hurt anymore so when you wanted to leave I let you. I wish I had fought more, but I hated seeing you feel bad because of me.”

“You told me it was for our future and I didn’t listen. I’m so sorry Ron.” She began crying now.

“No, no, don’t cry Pansy, it’s alright. I know you were alone. I wish I could have given you more.”

“You gave me everything Ron and I didn’t see it. I was so blind Ron, thinking only about what I wanted. I had to learn the hard way, that I had something wonderful. I’m sorry.” She let her tears fall down.

“Pansy, I love you. Please don’t cry.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. He looked odd for a moment then pulled away. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help it.”

She looked in his eyes. “It’s alright Ron. I think I needed that too. It’s been a long time since I felt a kiss like that. I’ve missed them.” She admitted.

“I meant it you know. I never stopped loving you Pansy.” He brushed his thumb along her temple.

“I never stopped loving you either Ron.” She held his hand tighter. “I tried to forget, but I just couldn’t.”

“It’s alright Pansy. We’ll get you through this.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, with a feather light touch. “Pansy, I’m going to take you back to my house when they let you out of here. I don’t want you to live in his house.”

“I don’t know Ron.” She said, feeling insecure. She didn’t feel worthy of Ron anymore.

“Listen Pansy, you can stay in the spare room, if you want. I won’t pressure you after what you went through. I would never do that. I just don’t want you to be alone in his house.”

She had to agree with him. She didn’t want to stay there either. It was James’s house after all, the place where she had stabbed him. She couldn’t be there alone. She just couldn’t.

“Alright Ron. If Hermione can help me I’ll go with you.” Ron smiled. He kissed her forehead and just looked at her for awhile. He took a potion bottle from the side table.

“Here, take your potion. You need to rest.”

“Has Hermione made any progress?” She asked.

“She’s speaking at the Ministry this afternoon. She has all of Neville’s notes copied and Harry will be standing with her. She spoken to Ginny, and she convinced Lucy to hand over a memory. It was easy. Lucy is yours now and felt guilty about what she had done. Hermione convinced her that she would be servicing you by helping to keep you out of Azkaban. With the death of your husband, she serves you now, so she was happy to give it. Hermione is confident that you’ll be cleared.”

Pansy nodded and gave him a small smile. Letting Ron give her the potion, she held his hand as sleep took her over. Ron let a tear fall down his face as he held her hand. It had gone limp in his but he hadn’t held it in so long that he just couldn’t let it go.