A red headed man stood outside the door that led to room 2 1/3, on the Second floor of St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, glaring at anyone that even dared come close. Even after leaving the Auror department a few years ago, Ronald Weasley was as imposing and intimidating as ever. Nobody wanted to cross this particular ex-Auror.
Nobody except the petite, brown headed woman who was making her way through the crowd, coming to a halt right in front of him. The man kissed her gently on the cheek –How did the news spread so fast? She's been here for less than six hours?- he said while keeping his unwavering glare set on the intruders.
-This case was particularly covered by media, Ronald. Everybody wants an exclusive.- said the woman with distaste. Then, with a look of worry she asked –How is she? Is she conscious?-
-Not yet- answered the man –the healers said she might be out for a while, she was in a pretty bad condition when they brought her here. She's so young Hermione, too young, a few weeks younger than Rosie.- he said the last part in a soft tone of voice laced with anguish and sadness. And before the woman had time to answer he asked in a much harsher tone –How did the briefing go? Did Harry found out why a rescue mission in the Polish woods was executed like a bloody hunt and capture? She fell and broke her ankle because she felt she was being chased, not to mention how they sneaked up on her and scared so much she fainted-
-I know, Ron. Those Aurors are being questioned right now, but I have an inkling that the way the mission was executed had little to do with the girl and a lot to do with her family.- said Hermione.
- You think they scared her like this because she's Malfoy's niece? That's ridiculous! I would have never done something like this and you know I severely dislike the git!- cried the man.
-And that Ronald Weasley, is why I love so much.- added the woman with a smile as she planted a soft kiss on his lips.
-Do you ever manage to keep your hands off of each other?- came the amused voice of a man with jet black hair and green ayes standing a few feet away from the couple.
The couple turned to their friend and smiled at him before the red-headed man asked –How did it go? Did you got to the bottom of it?-
-Yeah, you were right Hermione.- he said looking at his friend -They didn't think she would be in such a bad state and decided to scare her a little, seeing it as the only chance to try to get back at Malfoy. They've all been suspended for the time being. Is she conscious? We need to question her before they discharge her and Malfoy takes her home-
-Not yet- answered Hermione –Have you spoken to him? Did you tell him what happened?-
-Yes. I reassured him his niece was in good hands now and they can come and see her whenever they want. There are still a couple of weeks left before Christmas break so it will be only him and his wife… But, one thing struck me as unusual, I mean he was obviously not happy about the way the rescue mission was conducted, but his anger seemed to be directed to himself rather than the Aurors. It was strange, I thought the first thing he would've asked for would be their heads.-
- You know, Neville said Scorpious hasn't been having a great time at Hogwards either, his only friend so far seems to be Albus. Perhaps Malfoy feels guilty about it, he feels it's his fault these kids are treated badly.- mused Hermione.
A look of comprehension descended on both man's faces and before they could utter a word on the subject a healer came rushing towards them. –She's awake- said the man with lime green robes –but I must warn you, she's really scared and it's highly unlikely she'll answer any of your questions-
The healer led the way to the room and the three entered the room. There sitting in the middle of the bed, looking at them with big wary eyes, sat Cassiopeia Ortler.
Cassiopeia knew something was wrong when she woke up in a blindingly bright place, tugged comfortably in a soft bed. She was expecting a humid dark dungeon and chains holding her wrists and ankles, people screaming and hexing her, not this. A clean room, a warm bed, potions lined on the bedside table and were those… flowers? 'Are they trying to trick me? Get me to trust them and then attack? How thick do they think I am?'
A man old enough to be her grandfather with a white beard and dressed lime green robes entered the room and made her jump in her seat 'Smooth, Ortler' she thought bitterly. The man smiled and greeted her, 'Hm, British accent, have they brought me to England or is he just an isolated English member?'
The man started asking how was she feeling and asked if he could perform a charm that would identify any major physical injuries, once she nodded the man raised his wand and focused on the task at hand. A few minutes later, seemingly satisfied with what we saw he took a step closer and with a sympathetic smile said – Do you mind if I call you Cassiopeia?- Cassiopeia shook her head in answer. The man then proceeded with the same, kind tone to ask her how she was feeling - emotionally speaking- he added. She shrugged her shoulders noncommittally and made no attempt to elaborate.
The healer left the room and Cassiopeia nearly had a heart attack for mere seconds after he left the room in came none other than Hermione and Ron Weasley, followed by Harry Potter.
