CHAPTER 3
SOMEPLACE ELSE
I woke up startled and in a daze. I didn't realize what was going on until I heard voices in the distance. "Poppy, what happened to Miss Granger was unfortunate, however; I believe that this was no coincidence. I strongly suggest that she was somehow 'poisoned' during lunch unknowing to her."
I recognized the voice and understand that Headmaster Dumbledore came here to see my condition. However, what he said next, made me gravely concerned for my life. "We do not know her attacker, nevertheless, we should question everyone who is close to Miss Granger. For all we know, it could be one of her friends or…."
"Or what, Headmaster?" asked Madame Pomfrey, our school nurse, with undeniable fear.
"Or an enemy in disguise poisoned her to get her out of the way," he stated with uncertainty.
Madame Pomfrey gasped with horror and quickly turned around when she heard me groan. "Miss Granger, you must lay still."
"Professor Dumbledore, what exactly happened to me? I don't even remember being attacked. All I know and heard was that I was 'poisoned'. What poison was it?" I asked as I tried to sit up.
"We are not entirely sure, Hermione. We are taking numerous samples to the Muggle world to see exactly what it is. For all I know, it is very possible that it was NOT a wizard potion. Anyway, dear, you must rest. We don't….." He started and then was rudely interrupted by none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Headmaster," he said with his well-known smirk, "I had heard that Miss Granger was sent here. What has she done now?"
"Mr. Malfoy, she has done nothing wrong and as for you, I see that you are somewhat concerned for her. I am surprised," Dumbledore said calmly.
Malfoy gawked at him but reposed himself. "Professor, I came here for not concern but what could happen to me. If it happened to Granger, than it could happen to anyone. Right?" When he asked this, he quickly looked at me. I could definitely see that he was concerned, but why?
"It could happen to anyone. But since no one else has been hurt in any way, I don't see any concern. I must be going. Oh, and Miss Granger, your clothes are over there. Don't worry. You are wearing a nightgown." He winked while Malfoy blushed a deep red. I was very embarrassed and at the same time managed to stifle a laugh.
He looked at me and sneered. This sneer, however, was different. "What are you laughing at, Granger? I don't notice anything that should be funny."
I tried to stop laughing but it was difficult. "Oh…..don't worry, you ferret. I am not contagious and I am not naked. So don't get all difficult and squeamish. Why are you here, really?"
He looked stunned and yet at the same time looked angry. "If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. And why do you want to know? Why in the world isn't Potty and Weasel here? I know you are not the best of friends like before, but they should be here to support you in some way. What exactly happened, Granger?" The way he asked me, it was as if he was trying to be gentle. But I wasn't going to fall for that.
"I have no reason to tell you, Malfoy. And if I were, you shouldn't care. I am nothing to you." I was starting to become lightheaded and sick. For some reason, Malfoy was making me feel uncomfortable. "Please leave. I am not feeling quite right." As I said that, I tried to get out, only to fall over back in the bed.
"Geez Granger. I was just asking. I do want to know because….well because….just because. And don't get out of bed. Listen to that old man. We don't want YOU to fall deathly ill, now would we?
He turned to leave and that's when I asked in a quiet voice, "Malfoy, you of all people." He looked at me, confused. "Why would you come see me? Why would you compliment me? Are you trying to piss me off or do you have something more sinister up your sleeve?"
"Granger, I have my moments, you know. I felt like complimenting you. Since your bushy hair…is…well, not so bushy anymore. It makes you look more feminine, I should say. As for coming here, I don't need a reason. I still don't like you, but I needed to see for myself, that if something happened to you, than anything could happen to us," he said.
And at that, he turned and walked out. That's when the tears starting falling from my face like a waterfall. I was in so much pain and had so much guilt but was unable to talk about it with anyone. I soon went off to sleep, having a dream or nightmare occur once more.
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In my so called dream, everything was dark. I couldn't see anything until I realized that I had a flashlight in my hand. Where did this come from? Oh right, this is a dream. I turned it on and saw what was around me. Blood was splattered everywhere. There were flies around a body. I tried to run, but I slipped. And as I slipped, I landed somewhere else, on grass.
I looked around and it was nice. However, what was odd was that there were TWO suns, not one. I wandered around aimlessly trying to find someone. "Hello? Is anyone out there!?"
"Be careful, sweet one." The voice that appeared out of nowhere said. "You must prevent this. Blood will fall and the ground with shake. Teeth will devour your hope and love may not all that there is to save anyone. Child, you must find the 'Chosen One' even if he is not your best ally. He is the one that holds the secret and the key. Find it. And it will become unlocked."
I gasped and turned around only to find another version of Harry standing before me. He looked dreadful yet peaceful. And that was when I realized, I must not let this happen, even if Harry will not help me. I must prevent this. Wait a second, this is only a dream. This is not real. I am going to wake up now. And in the distance, I heard a voice calling to me.
"Wake up, Miss Granger! Headmaster, she is having a fit! What are we to do?"
I became startled and woke up, only to find myself covered in vomit and sweat. I tried to move but was unable to speak. I had lost my voice. I realized then, that the poison was really starting to kick in.
I saw people crowding around Dumbledore, only to be shooed away. Even Harry, Ron, and Ginny stood there with their mouths gaped open. I was surprised at that and was even more alarmed when a voice asked, "Hermione Granger, what have you done?"
Hmmmm…a voice appeared. It could be anyone. And what has she done? Stayed tuned to find out.
