Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from the Harry Potter series. They belong to J.K. Rowling.
Author's Note: Thank you to -typing-pictures- for reviewing the last chapter! It really means a lot to me. I really don't like this chapter, but I kind of needed it to prepare for the next chapter. But reviews are always welcomed:)
Chapter 2: "It's Not Fair."
Hermione and Harry hung their heads in shame as their guardians paced back and forth in front of them, contemplating how to go about their lecture.
After minutes of agonizing silence, Lupin faced the two teenagers and began, "How could you two be so careless?" He turned to Hermione with a disappointed look plastered all over his face. "I would never expect you of all people to do something like this, Miss Granger. You could have died. Do you understand that? You were in the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange." The frustrated man lowered his head, unable to look at the saddened faces of the teenagers before him. "Just tell me one thing. Why did you do it?"
Hermione stood up, catching the attention of Lupin, and ultimately causing him to look at her. "Sir, it's my parents. I have been worried about them, and I just wanted to make sure they were okay."
This time, it was Professor McGonagall that spoke, "And what does Mr. Potter have to do with this?"
Hermione didn't know how to answer the question without getting Harry into trouble, but it didn't matter because Harry stood beside her and explained himself. "I'm the one that told her to go see them." Every face in the room changed from disappointed to shock as he continued to talk. "I don't mean this to be rude, but it's not fair that she didn't get to see her parents—"
"So, you took it upon yourself to right our wrong?" The booming voice coming from Alastor Moody made the already frightened minors to jump. "Am I right? You thought that it wasn't fair, so you did whatever you wanted. Well, I don't think that it's fair that we have to fight to stay alive. I don't think it's fair that Dumbledore had to die because Snape betrayed him. And I don't think it's fair that we have to watch you two closely because you don't know how to follow rules!"
Hermione slowly lowered herself into her seat, promptly followed by her embarrassed friend. Ron's timid mother was the next to talk, "Alastor, I think that's enough." Mrs. Weasley motioned for the two to leave. "I will talk to you later."
They didn't hesitate. Feeling the wrath of Mad-Eyed Moody was not something that anyone wanted to experience. As Hermione opened the door, she found her redhead friend in front of her, trying to listen to what was going on. Ron stepped back and stared at the floor, as his two friends walked at of the room, closing the door on the way out.
Without saying a word, Hermione, Harry, and Ron made their way up to the two boys' room. Hermione sat on Ron's bed next to him, and Harry planted himself on his bed across from them. The Trio remained silent.
Hermione couldn't get the events of the night out of her head. The pain she felt when Bellatrix had cursed her, the look in Malfoy's eyes, the way Mad-Eyed Moody talked to them, the urgency in Lupin's voice. It was all so new to her. This night was a revelation for her. She realized the seriousness of the situation. This wasn't some game that would have no effect on the loser. It was a battle to the death, and only the winner would get out alive.
With everyone asleep, the three friends found it safe to move to the kitchen. Tip-toeing down the steps, no one made a sound until they sat down at their destination. Shocking Harry and Hermione, Ron immediately started asking questions. "What the bloody hell was that all about? How could you let her leave, Harry?"
Raising her voice to Ron, Hermione spoke up, irritated by the sudden overprotective attitude, "We already got lectured by Lupin and Moody, and we don't need you to scold us as well."
"You could have at least told me about it." He sighed, annoyed that they left him out of the loop. "You're lucky Harry came to his senses when he did, or Bellatrix would have killed you."
She winced at the reminder of what Bellatrix put her through. As tears accumulated in the corners of her eyes, she couldn't look at her reprimanding friend any longer. As much as she hated expressing her feelings, it was impossible for the damaged girl to hold in her sobs. She placed her head in her hands and wept. Instantly, she felt the strong arms of Harry wrap around her.
As soon as he saw his weeping friend, Ron regretted what he had said. He guiltily lowered his head, staring at the floor. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean it."
Hermione looked up with red, puffy eyes and replied, "No, you're right. If you hadn't showed up, I would probably be dead right now. I'm an idiot for leaving here without protection, and I probably deserved what I got."
"No, Her—" Ron was interrupted by a sudden commotion coming from outside the kitchen. Harry and Hermione heard the noise, too, and both of them were standing with their wands pointed towards the kitchen door.
Hermione's heart was beating out of her chest as she waited to find out who, or what, was behind the door. Although silence was all that followed, the two friends didn't move. Ron was now on his feet, and he also had his wand out. As they anticipated the next move, a creak from behind the door set off Hermione. "Reducto!" She screamed, causing the door to explode.
Almost immediately, the intruder threw the three back against the wall. Hermione glanced up at the smoke caused by her spell and waited as the assailant advanced closer to them.