Ch. 17 Misplaced Hostility

Hermione's eyes slowly opened as a chill overcame her. She wrapped her arms around herself and moaned when she realized her neck was sore. She blinked and looked around at the magically expansive hospital wing that she'd been in all night. Ron lay awkwardly across from her in a chair that was not built for someone so tall and he looked mere inches from sliding out of it. She smiled warily at the sight and groaned when she felt the stiff soreness of her body from last night's terrifying event. She lifted up and hissed through her teeth at the uncomfortable pain.

She stilled herself and took a breath glancing down at Harry who lay immobile between her and Ron. His skin was pale and he lay still as if in a peaceful sleep. She and Ron had watched him all night partly out of fear for whatever could be wrong with him and partly because they were not going to allow him to be summoned to some unfathomable doom.

She checked a nearby clock and eyes widened when she realized it was noon. They had already missed most of their classes and would all obviously be taking an absent for the day and she did not care she was just grateful that Harry was okay. She wondered if Draco had went to classes and smiled thinking about his seemingly unbreakable armor. He was probably sitting in class right now nonchalantly smirking at whatever Snape was saying.

Last night she'd admitted to herself that she was...in love with him. Despite the obvious disastrous indications she did not feel as if the world was going to end simply because of her admittance. As she lay in her chair last night thinking about her feelings she couldn't help but feel light headed and deliriously happy even with what had just happened. Knowing she was in love with him brought her an inner pure joy she had never experienced before and she wanted to savor and cherish every single moment whether the situation was morbid or not.

She heard a slight shuffle of feet and saw Madam Pomfrey move briskly from around a white corner at the end of the room as if out of thin air. She checked on the young girl she'd seen her tending to when they brought Harry in last night. When she realized she was being watched Pomfrey looked up at Hermione and although her eyes were warm and caring her mouth pinched sternly. She and Hermione had butt heads the night before when she'd refused to leave Harry's side and like the analytical mind that she was laid out her reasons why she should stay and practically left the strict nurse with no argument against her. She'd glared at her and Ron but brought out two chairs for them to sit in, nonetheless. Perhaps her small payback for Hermione defying her wishes was giving them two of the most uncomfortable chairs that had ever been crafted, she felt as if some giant had rolled her in a ball and bounced her around before unraveling her again and she knew it wasn't all because of her small battle with Estrella last night.

"I hope you realize you and your friend have missed class when it was completely unnecessary, Potter is fine here," Pomfrey fluffed the pillow of the sleeping girl who mumbled something and rolled over before quieting again.

She stretched in her seat wincing as she did so and gave Pomfrey an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry if I was forward last night but I was extremely worried about him. We both were," she said including Ron.

Pomfrey moved away from the girl and glanced at Ron before looking at her sternly.

"Potter is unconscious, this young man nearly has a broken nose and a full bloody lip, and you are pretending as if you have no injuries."

She stiffened in her chair and masked her face from any pain she was feeling, "I don't have any I'm just sore is all."

Pomfrey scoffed and moved towards her raising a wand. She said an indecipherable spell and Hermione felt a slight tingling in her body but realized with relief that the soreness in her limbs was fading into something that felt as if last night had happened two weeks ago, the soreness was more a phantom now than a real menace.

She gave her an appreciative smile, "Thank you."

Pomfrey moved around Ron to look at Harry, waving her off, "Don't thank me, it's my job."

She felt Harry's head and observed him for a moment before saying another spell under her breath. What looked to be a glowing thermometer floated above Harry's head and Pomfrey nodded in a silent nurse's hmmph of approval.

"Is his temperature normal?" she couldn't help asking.

Pomfrey gave her a look that said, 'of course it is' before saying, "Potter will live if that's what you mean."

She gave a sigh of relief and nearly jumped in her seat when Harry's eyes fluttered open. Pomfrey stared down at Harry patiently waiting for him to become cognizant with his surroundings. Ron shifted in his chair and made a loud snort before resuming his otherwise quiet slumber and at the same time awakening Harry further, who tried to sit up, before Pomfrey lay a soft hand on his shoulders.

"I'm afraid you're on bed rest for the mean time, Potter, you had quite the concussion, what I'd like to know is how," she glanced discerningly at Hermione who looked away almost guiltily.

She hadn't thought much of the explanation they would have to give as to the state they were in. Harry lifted a shaky hand up to his head and moaned slightly.

"My head is killing me," his voice was slightly hoarse as he massaged his head and Pomfrey once again waved her wand and spoke softly. Harry's hands slowed in his massaging and eventually fell to his side, his face a mask of passive contentment.

Pomfrey gave Hermione another inquiring look obviously expecting her to say just why they'd ended up in the hospital wing so late last night but she said nothing. The older woman said nothing else and lifted Harry magically then fixed his pillows in a sitting position before having him lowered back onto them. Harry sighed tiredly and fixed a weary gaze on Hermione which she returned. Ron made a loud snort again and Pomfrey glared shortly at him before trotting off, leaving them alone.

Hermione leaned close to Harry in her chair and gave him a wobbly relieved smile, feeling her eyes water slightly.

"You scared me. I thought you were going to be a sleeping beauty."

His green eyes were still a bit fuzzy and had a problem focusing on her.

"Wh...What happened last night?"

She searched his face for any clues that he had memory of last night's events and frowned in defeat when she found none. He couldn't possibly have forgotten the entire thing or was being under Estrella's trance like being asleep?

"You don't remember?"

He blinked and stared off into the distance for a moment as if watching a silent screen play out that only he could see. His face slowly twisted into a reluctant understanding and he looked quickly to her for confirmation.

"I remember Estrella," he swallowed, "She was..." his eyebrows screwed in consternation, "I don't know what I remember."

She leaned closer her elbows now lying on the soft bed and grabbed Harry's hand comfortingly.

"You do remember, don't you? Everything?" her tone was almost hopeful and she could tell that Harry was reliving seeing something that was at this very moment, slowly, breaking his heart. They both jumped when they heard a door slam. She looked quickly over her shoulder at the door to the wing but saw no one. She looked back at a bewildered Harry and saw that Ron had jolted up in his seat and was staring wide eyed at them both. His eyes widened even further at Harry and he scooted in close as well.

"You're awake!"

Harry managed to only give him a miserable look to which Ron's face fell. The wing became silent as it dawned on Ron why Harry was in a melancholy mood to begin with. He sat back in his chair and he and Hermione both watched Harry warily.

"How long have you both known?"

Ron cleared his throat, "Only a couple of days. We wanted to tell you right away but..."

Harry's gaze sharpened on Ron, "But what?"

Hermione decided to own up to the blame, "But I told him we should wait, I didn't know how you'd take it Harry, that's why we decided to show you instead."

Harry's head swiveled around to her and his usually calming eyes flashed angrily at her before jerking his hand out of her grip. She gave a soft gasp at the ferocity and hurt in his eyes.

"You thought showing me was better?" he gaped at her, "You thought me watching her...her..." his face crumbled, "Where is she?...What is she?"

Hermione was momentarily at a loss for words being on the receiving end of his hurt and anger she felt horrible and the lowest kind of dirt. Ron gripped the sides of his chair as if all at once feeling the tension in the room.

"She's not a regular witch, Harry. She's an...Imperial and she's being controlled by Voldemort."

Harry stared disbelievingly at Ron, "What is an Imperial?"

Ron sighed, "It's a long story but you saw for yourself what happened last night. She's the one who's been calling you every night. She was trying to lure you away!"

Harry's eyes shifted downward and he seemed to be studying his hands in his lap nervously. He didn't look at either of them as he spoke quietly, "I love her."

She could see it on his face, the misery and the longing, even now he probably wanted badly for her to be by his side knowing who she was and what she was. Had this been months before she would have wanted to admonish him for still feeling for someone who's intentions were nothing but evil but how much better was she with Draco? She felt that she knew him better than most but with Draco better than most was most likely not at all. He was a self-confessed Death Eater and was probably helping plan all of their demises whenever he frequented the Forbidden Forest but with knowing all this she could not harbor any ill feelings toward him and at moments like this it made her feel weak. It made her question who she was.

What made matters worse was that it was a secret. No one knew of her feelings for Draco but Ginny and even her initial response was one of small fury. What would Harry and Ron think? Would they ever forgive her for feeling anything other than hatred for Draco?

She watched Harry's defeated stance and wanted to reach out to him again but knew he'd only glare at her in anger. It was times like these in which she wished she could transpose her loved one's pain as it was as much a burden to her as it was to them. She clasped her hands in her lap and hunched her shoulders feeling the hurt of Harry's wrath and his pain and hoping, hopelessly, that she could take it away.

"We know you love her but-" Ron began.

Harry cut him off angrily, "No, you don't know! You don't know what it's like! You don't have an entire world of people counting on you to fulfill some prophecy to save the world! No one expects anything great from you!" his voice was deep and accusing. Ron's face reddened in hurt and humiliation at his words. "You're not expected to kill the most evil and powerful wizard of our time! You don't have a lightning bolt on your forehead reminding you that you're parents were killed and you weren't! No one knows!"

Somewhere in his impassioned speech Harry's words had become choked and tears fell down his cheeks almost in betrayal of his stoic stance. Hermione was as shocked at his outburst as Ron and could not remain silent.

"How can you say that Harry? We've been by your side since the beginning! We may not be the boy-who-lived but every battle you've fought we've been there!" tears streaked her face now, "I know you're hurting right now but we weren't intentionally trying to hurt you, you have to believe that."

She wanted to add that most things that either her or Ron did seemed to be about him but decided to omit it as it didn't really matter. As far as she was concerned Harry was her flesh and blood and she'd gladly sacrifice to aid him in anything.

Harry turned a dull but ferocious eye on her, "Leave me alone," he turned to Ron, "Both of you. Just get out."

She looked at Ron who still stared at Harry, his face still stung with the words he'd shouted at them moments before. Ron gripped his chair tightly and rose just as she did. Ron glared down at Harry.

"You're upset we both understand that and we're both sorry."

Harry ignored Ron's words and stared forward obviously no longer acknowledging them. Hermione watched Harry a moment longer sadness burning at the pit of her stomach before turning and exiting the hospital wing with Ron right behind her. Once the door shut quietly behind them she and Ron turned to the other speechless. Neither of them had ever seen Harry so angry or so crude, especially not to them.

"Do you think Estrella's had some other kind of effect on him?" Ron asked quietly.

"Maybe he's just really furious at us for ruining his fantasy of her," the words could've been sarcastic but she delivered them just as quietly and as sullenly as Ron.

"We should've told him in the beginning," Ron stressed as he put his hands behind his head and stared miserably at the high ceiling.

"He would've been just as angry and probably even disbelieving. It wasn't the best choice but at least now he can't pretend that we're lying to him."

Ron slowly shook his head still staring upward, "That just didn't seem like Harry in there to me."

She glanced at the hospital wing door imagining Harry inside, still staring off in space, his noble features marred by anger, "His heart's breaking Ron. I don't think he understands how to deal with the situation."

She could hear noise around the corner from busy students but their corridor was vacant and silent adding to the uneasiness they were feeling about their situation.

"What if Malfoy tries to get us in trouble by squealing?" Ron asked, the thought just occurring to him.

She saw a shadow behind him rounding the corner and knew they would not be alone in the hall for long, "That won't happen."

"How are you so sure?" his tone slightly accusing and more than a little suspicious.

She took her eyes away from the advancing shadow that would soon materialize into a person and locked eyes with him. She could tell he was irritated that she didn't seem as hateful of Draco lately but she wasn't in the mood to play the role either.

"Because it would get him into trouble too. If he really wanted to tell he would've done it last night."

He pondered her reasoning and decided that she was right, but he, in no way, shape, or form trusted the ferret and felt like he should probably keep a close eye on him.

Hermione's eyes widened when she saw the person hurrying down the hall towards them. Ron turned to see what she was looking at and she heard his sharp intake of breath and he moved backwards until he was shoulder to shoulder with her. Estrella made her way to them her face a mask of worry and slightly out of breath.

"Hermione," Estrella said as she reached them, "Ron, I've been looking for you both all over the school," her small voice was higher than usual and she appeared as if she had not slept well. 'Of course she hasn't slept well, she spent most of the night throwing us around as if we were dolls' Hermione thought wryly.

Ron looked to her as if to ask if it was safe to speak to Estrella and probably for the first time she had no answer. Pinnoppolly had told them about their controller using them to summon people at night but what about in the day? Was someone at this very moment controlling her or could they see through her eyes like a television? The thought was unnerving if it was possible but either way she would play it safe. Obviously Estrella or whoever was controlling her had had no idea or pretended to have no idea of what happened last night so the best thing for her and Ron to do was to pretend as well.

Hermione forced a concerned expression on her face and stepped forward towards the girl even as she felt repulsed at doing so, "Why? Is something wrong?"

Estrella's hands fell to her sides in a sheepish stance, "Not really, I just...haven't seen Harry today, none of you came to breakfast and...I was worried."

Hermione almost felt sorry for her...almost. Either Estrella was a great actress or she really was worried about Harry. Her eyes skittered to the Hospital Wing door and she immediately put a hand on Estrella's soldier and began to walk with her down the hall hoping to distract her from it. Ron followed behind reluctantly while at the same time giving her, 'Are you completely bonkers?' looks.

"There's no need to be worried, Harry's fine. Me and Ron just saw him outside. I think he may be running an errand for one of the Professors."

She felt Estrella relax under her arm at her lie.

"I just felt like something horrible might have happened," she looked down at her feet, "I know that sounds stupid."

Hermione stopped and forced herself to smile at Estrella, "Not at all."

Estrella returned the smile and gave a shy goodbye to her and Ron who was standing at least ten feet away rigidly. When she disappeared around a corner Ron let out a shuddering sigh.

"I thought she was going to start floating or speaking in that weird language again."

Hermione was still watching were she'd seen Estrella leave and turned to Ron, "It's time to see Dumbledore."

Draco was thankful his last class was over and done with especially since all of his thoughts were preoccupied with Hermione. He'd nearly had a heart attack the night before when he'd come across her being thrown in mid-air. She hadn't listened to a word he'd said. He didn't know if he should've strangled her or kissed her, both seemed like pretty appealing options. She hadn't shown up to class so he assumed she was still with Potter. He was itching to see her but he knew that the Weasel was probably there as well, and he hadn't tried to mask his emotions at all last night.

"Draco! Draco!"

He stopped and sighed. He was hoping he could get out of the line of sight of them today. Lately, they'd been trying to cling to him more than usual. Crabbe and Goyle rushed to his side with earnest and tense faces.

"We've been trying to talk to you," Crabbe wheezed, trying to catch his breath.

He gazed at their anxious pudgy faces, "What about?"

Goyle leaned in close and whispered, "About the mission."

He'd tried to forget about his burdensome task but knew it could be put off no longer.

"When it's time to talk about that, I'll come to you."

They both nodded loyally and trotted by his side down the hall.

"For one, never ever approach me in public with that. If someone found out, you'd have more than your fathers to answer too."

He couldn't see their faces, as he strode briskly forward, but he knew they were hanging on to his every word. He hated having to constantly explain things to them as if they were five years old. Crabbe was the more intelligent one but even he was almost too stupid to function. He had no idea how Voldemort or his father expected him to utilize their 'talents' to get them an opening to the school. Even if he was looking forward to being a Death Eater this plan seemed ridiculous.

"What about Blaise?" Crabbe asked.

Draco shrugged, "What about him?"

"Will he be helping us?"

He stopped quickly and motioned for them both to accompany him to a dark small corridor, out of sight of prying eyes.

"You haven't said anything to him. Have you?"

He studied their faces in the darkness trying to discern if they would answer truthfully. Goyle's head was the first to move slowly, back and forth.

"No. Dad said not to say anything."

"I haven't said a word," Crabbe followed.

Their faces were devoid of deceit as far as Draco could tell.

"Blaise can't know anything about this. No one can."

They both nodded and Draco felt at ease. He knew that he could trust them. The only people who they would go against him for were their fathers and Voldemort, otherwise they were extremely loyal to him. That seemed to be the only plus he could gather from this situation.

Blaise, as far as he was concerned, was one lucky bastard. His parents somehow were able to remain respected within their circle without actually being within their circle. The Zambini's participated in the first war under Voldemort but somewhere along the way they'd removed their allegiance. There were only a few people, which he knew of, who actually disliked them, Bellatrix Lestrange was their biggest hater.

Most people found the Zambini's to be incredibly charming and hard to dislike. They'd attended every social gathering and were never missing from the invitation list of prestigious pure-bloods. He'd begun to think of it as an art form, how they could maneuver themselves among the dark and dangerous and still separate themselves from anything truly serious without feeling resentment at having done so.

Blaise operated much in the same way as his parents. He managed to remain popular among his Slytherin peers without having the same ideals, at least until recently he did. Blaise had the same slick charm as his parents and used it at every opportunity; even now he was worming his way back into the Slytherin's hearts.

"This weekend, I'll meet you both in the Slytherin dungeons. Don't approach me again."

His tone was no nonsense and filled with more than a warning. He didn't need to worry if they got the message. Stupid or not, they knew not to mess with Draco.

Hermione and Ron had searched the building high and low for Dumbledore but to no avail, he was nowhere to be found. They were shocked when they finally found him in a deserted Great Hall. Hermione figured that the elves were preparing dinner, much to her dismay, but she was elated to have finally found their headmaster.

He sat alone in his chair, the solitary King of Hogwarts. One of his hands was propped on his chair lifting his head up partially. He appeared to be deep in thought or moments from falling asleep. Hermione almost felt bad for disturbing him but she knew that Harry's situation was way too big for just her and Ron.

She and Ron slowly walked towards him, hoping they were not disturbing some quiet ritual of his. His head lifted slightly and Dumbledore looked far older than he was. He looked like a man who held the weight of the world on his shoulders. She felt even worse for delivering more bad news. Despite his obvious weariness he managed to put on a tired smile at the sight of them.

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley. I wondered when I'd see you again, you said that you had something to tell me the other day."

They stopped in front of where he sat and looked up at him, before sharing a look amongst themselves.

"From the look on your faces, I gather, the news isn't light hearted?"

They said nothing and his eyes seemed to grow paler in front of them.

"This is about Harry?"

Ron cleared his throat and spoke up, "It's about Estrella too."

Dumbledore visibly straightened up at this.

"Estrella…I wondered….." his voice trailed off.

Hermione glanced behind her to make sure that there was no one else in the vicinity.

"There is only us, Ms. Granger. You need not worry. The children, what little of them there are left, won't be showing up until another two hours. Please, continue."

They proceeded to take turns in revealing everything that had happened so far, concerning Harry and Estrella. Throughout the story Dumbledore's face seemed to grow darker, or maybe she was imagining it. Ron rushed through the events of last night, hoping that they wouldn't be punished severely for doing something so stupid and dangerous. Once he'd finished they both waited for Dumbledore to speak.

"Harry is in the hospital wing at this very moment?"

"Yes, and he's not very happy with us," Hermione said quietly.

Dumbledore seemed to absorb this bit of information before saying, "This is very disturbing news. I wish you had come to me sooner."

Hermione glanced down briefly and felt her cheeks warm up.

"Either way, I'm glad you're here now. Better late than never, is what I think they say," he rose from his seat, "I have disturbing news, as well, but I don't think this is the time or the place to speak of it."

He moved to step down from the platform and came over to them, resting a hand on both of their shoulders. His voice was gravelly and had taken on a deeper tone.

"I wouldn't worry too much about Harry, I'm sure he just needs time."

"But what about Estrella? What are we going to do about her?" Ron asked.

Dumbledore's eyes seemed to become hazy and he gazed off, "That is for me to worry about, Mr. Weasley. For the moment, set your minds at ease."

He gave a slight bow to them both and left the hall. Hermione gazed in his direction.

"You think he's going to see Harry?" Ron gently nudged her.

"He's either going to see Harry or Estrella. It's Estrella I'm worried about."

Shortly after the sun set, the Death Eaters began their latest quest. This would no doubt up the ante even more than the death of the Thomas'. They moved swiftly but silently down the long gravel road towards the quaint suburban house. They nearly disappeared into the darkness under their cloaks and if any neighbor had peered out their door that night, they would have nothing to report.

The leader of the lot reached out a well manicured hand and grasped the bronze doorknob. Not surprisingly, the door was unlocked. He did not smile nor was there any pleasure in this revelation. He opened the door and stepped quietly in, his followers behind him. To his right was a staircase and in front of him loomed a comfortably sized living room with a custom made sign hanging over the fireplace.

The sign read: "Welcome to the Grangers"

Wow, if I was reading this story, I would not like me. I know this chapter seems sort of like a filler but my computer caught a Trojan and I thought I had lost everything. I got motivated a bit when I realized I still had half of this chapter saved by a miracle. So here it is! I hope you all enjoy. Please feel free to point out mistakes grammar or potterverse wise. I'm still an aspiring writer and want to improve on what I do, so your input is well appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)