Well now! Drama, drama, drama! I'm in an unusually happy mood and thought, "Hey Michelle, why not put up another chapter?", and so I did! I hope you like it. There are some big ones to come!
Disclaimer: Go Apple! Go Orange! … Go Banana! Hehe…oh…um…well I don't own Harry Potter and such…
The Fine Line Between Love and Hate
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CHAPTER 4: MOVING OUT
Ella stood in front on the bathroom mirror and surveyed her stomach disdainfully. She was now three months pregnant and definitely showing. People might start asking soon and she wasn't really ready to tell anyone about it, especially Harry. He'd stopped going on the Missions lately but his Auror training had intensified and she hardly saw him at all. Telling him about the baby for the moment would only distract him and she didn't want him distracted, especially if he was in danger.
But she might not be able to help that because she was showing.
"Oh this?" She laughed at her reflection and pointed at her belly, "It's just a little weight. I'm eating a bit more lately. I really should stop but I just love chocolate."
She nodded at her reflection now. That would do, people would believe that.
She heard a popping sound followed by a yell and stuck her head out of the bathroom.
"Harry?"
She didn't hear anything but knew it was probably him because he had told her that he had the afternoon off. She was holding a little get-together that night for her, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco so that they could catch up. But until then Harry had told her he had time off. It would be nice to have a little time together and she walked out to him smiling.
But when she entered the lounge room, which was the place he usually Apparated home to, it was empty. Frowning she turned to go into the kitchen when she was grabbed from behind. Her eyes widened as a rough hand was clamped over her mouth and she immediately struggled to break free.
"Hello miss," A sly voice whispered in her ear, "Your boy has been giving us quite a bit of trouble lately you know."
Another person wearing a black cloak stepped out from the kitchen. They threw back their hood and she found it was a man with dark features and an even darker expression. He was eating some of the cake she had made that morning for Harry and her that afternoon. She glared at the man but couldn't say anything because the other person still had their hand over her mouth.
"Nice cake," The dark man withdrew his wand, "Now I'd like to ask a favor of you."
She felt tears threatening to spill down her cheeks and fought to hold them back as she twisted and turned under the strong grip holding her. The only thing she succeeded in doing was bruising her wrists.
"I want you to be a little message for us," The man told her, "A little message for that Potter of yours. He's been causing us a lot of trouble lately."
The hand over her mouth was removed but the grip on her tightened.
"Who are you?" She demanded, inwardly screaming because she was terrified. What if they hurt her baby?
"None of your business," The man snapped raising his wand, "Now about this message thing..."
"You've got the wrong person," She told them, "Harry hasn't been causing trouble lately at all!"
"He and his men killed a group of our men last night," The dark wizard snarled, "So we're kind of returning the favor."
"You can't kill us!" Ella protested. The man laughed.
"I can do what I want," He paused, "How did you know I was getting the Weasley girl too?"
"Ginny?" Ella gaped.
"Yes. How did you know," He pointed his wand at her, "You said 'we'! How did you know!"
"I didn't!" She flinched as the man hit her across the face. She hadn't meant Ginny but her baby when she had said 'we'.
The fact that they would hurt Ginny just made her angry, but as she felt blood running down her chin from the corner of her mouth she knew she wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
"Don't delay now, I promise your death will be long and painful." His eyes danced as he raised his wand, "Crucio!"
The person holding her let go and jumped away as she was hit with the beam of light. The feeling was not something pleasant as she felt every ounce of her being convulse and fill with pain. She dropped to her knees and placed her hands over her stomach, knowing it wouldn't do anything to protect the baby but she tried anyway.
All of a sudden the pain stopped and she fell to the floor panting heavily. She heard raised voices and shouts followed by thumps and more shouting.
After what seemed like eternity she felt herself be lifted to her feet.
"Ella!" Harry laid her down on the couch, "Ella! God! Are you alright?"
"What do you think?" She mumbled, wincing as she sat up slowly. Her vision was a little blurred and her head was throbbing but slowly the pain was fading away. Ron was beside him as well as two other people who she didn't know.
"I'm sorry," Harry enveloped her in a hug, "I'm so sorry. It won't happen again. I promise."
Ron stood by silently and when Harry let her go he zoned in for a hug.
"Are you alright?" He whispered. Ron sounded just as anxious as Harry did and when she caught the worried glances that were being bestowed upon her she sighed.
"I'm alright," She said weakly nodding at the two strangers, "Who're they?"
"This is Tonks and Professor Lupin...I mean Remus," Ron told her. His eyes traveled over to Harry and he turned towards his other companions, "You want to leave them for a minute?"
The three of them left and Harry continued to kneel in front of her and watch her.
"What happened?" He asked her softly. She frowned.
"I heard someone that I thought was you...and I came out and then they grabbed me and put that spell on me," She closed her eyes and shook her head, "Why Harry?"
He eyed her carefully for a moment before grabbing her hand; "A large group of Deatheater's was killed last night-"
"Oh," Her eyes widened, "One of them said something like that. But they said that you caused it. You couldn't have. You're only doing training now."
He looked down; "It was our group. I was there."
"What!"
"I didn't want to tell you because you get so worked up about the Missions I just thought I'd say I had training..." He trailed off, his tone guilty. She studied him for a moment before getting shakily to her feet.
"Go and find Ginny. They said that they were attacking her too." She told him. He stood up too and shook his head.
"No. What about you?"
"I said go and find Ginny," She began to walk away, "I don't want to talk to you right now."
"But you just got attacked! I can't leave you!" Harry exclaimed.
"Will you just go." Ella pleaded. He was hesitant for a moment and she was beginning to get angry.
"I don't want to leave you..." He said softly.
"Ginny is more important Harry, she could be in danger!" Ella, unable to contain her anger anymore, began to raise her voice.
"But I really think I should stay." He made to move towards her but she took a few steps back.
"Go Harry! Just go!" She yelled.
"Ella..." He somehow managed to keep his voice calm.
"I don't want to know! Will you just go? For heavens sake. Don't be selfish! Isn't this what you want to do? Go out and save people? Save the world? Just go!" She was yelling very loudly now. Harry had never heard her so angry and for a moment he just stood and watched her before sighing and walking into the kitchen.
There came to all too familiar sounds of people Disapparating and she was left alone again.
How dare he, she thought. He was such a prat for lying to her about his work and then refusing to go and save someone, which is what he had been lying to her about in the first place.
"Oh," Ella closed her eyes and began to worry despite herself, "I hope he's alright."
Suddenly her eyes opened again and she put a stricken hand to her stomach, inhaling sharply.
Something was wrong with the baby.
* * * *
Professor McGonagall may have been the Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but that didn't mean she was able to handle everything that was put before her like all previous Headmistresses and Headmasters had. She stood in what had been Professor Dumbledore's office and observed the array of books that she knew were merely for decoration. Dumbledore had never required knowledge from paper. He knew everything and could handle everything. She wished she were the same.
She turned around and faced the four people in front of her, "Are you saying that another attack is going to be placed on the school?"
"Possibly Minerva. We got here and it seems nothing has happened," Remus Lupin fixed the older witch with a reassuring smile, "But to be safe we're all going to stay here and keep guard."
"And we're sending out an owl to get backup." Ron added. Minerva nodded at them and sighed, her eyes unable to stop themselves from flickering over to Harry. The young man seemed awfully distracted. Poor child, she thought, when you're young everything is so hard.
"That would be very good. Thank you." She smiled at them stiffly and they left her office. In her great opinion she was not going to be capable of this much longer. If there were any more attacks on the school she, and no doubt the students, would not be able to handle it. If only Harry would destroy Voldemort soon.
"Harry!" McGonagall called down the office staircase. After a moment, messy black hair came into view; along with a sullen looking face.
"Yes Professor?" He asked.
"Please Harry, I'm not your teacher anymore. Call me Minerva."
"Okay. Yes Minerva?"
She surveyed him for a moment, "Would you like some tea?"
"Um," He frowned, "No thank you."
"Ah."
They stood silently for a few minutes before he turned and took a few steps down the stairs.
"I guess I should be going out to-" He began.
"No, no, no," McGonagall shook her head, "Take a seat. I need to talk to you."
He did so quietly and gazed up at her expectantly.
"Harry, you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders." She stated gently. He shrugged.
"It feels like it."
"I know I'm not Professor Dumbledore but would it be a possibility to talk to you about things?" She ventured. Again he shrugged.
She sat down across from him, behind her desk, and began to study him over her spectacles. It was several moments before he spoke.
"I can't do it." Harry mumbled. She frowned.
"Do what?"
"Everyone wants me to but I can't," He continued to mumble, "Kill Voldemort."
"Harry," McGonagall said gently, "You can. You and he are two very different Wizards. Yet when it the time comes for you to battle the final battle you will realise that you are both powerful and capable of ending the others life..."
"That's my point!" He exclaimed, "How do you expect me to fight someone like myself? He'd kill me!"
"If you will let me finish," She narrowed her eyes on him but her tone remained gentle, "You are both capable of ending the others life yet you Harry have to ability to do something that Voldemort does not."
"Oh, yeah," He rolled his eyes disrespectfully, "The whole feel thing."
"It's very important," McGonagall scolded, "You can feel. Love and caring for others is something that was abandoned by Voldemort many years ago. It is an advantage you have over him."
"An advantage huh?" Harry said glumly, "Well along with that I also get sad and feel loss and get affected by what the people around me feel."
"They are also advantages Harry," McGonagall said slowly, "Perhaps you will come to realise that over time."
"Yeah. Maybe," He sounded doubtful, "I better go and patrol. Another attack wouldn't be good."
"Yes. Certainly. Any time you need a talk," She smiled, "Or a lecture. My office door is always open."
He smiled back briefly before exiting her office quickly. She shook her head to herself and sighed.
"However did you do this Albus?" She muttered.
* * * *
Hermione wasn't sure why she felt such alarm for a girl she thought she had never really liked. But when she Apparated into Harry's house and saw Ella kneeling on the floor clutching her stomach, she came to realise that she did like the girl and that she was a friend and that seeing her like this caused Hermione to worry in a very unhealthy way.
"Are you alright?" Hermione cried. Ella looked up and pulled a face at her.
"Lovely Hermione," She said through clenched teeth, "Would you mind grabbing my coat please?"
"You can't go out! What's the matter?"
"I'd just like to go to the Medi-Witch I've been seeing. Would you mind coming?" Ella's voice was so eerily calm that it just made Hermione panic even more. She couldn't think why Ella would be seeing a Medi-Witch...
"Oh no! The baby!" She exclaimed, remembering the news Ella had told her over a month ago. She quickly helped the girl to her feet.
Hermione hadn't been back to visit her friends since she had last visited because University was demanding in a way she had never imagined.
"I'm sure it's fine," Ella insisted but there were tears in her eyes, "Would you grab my coat?"
"Yes of course." Hermione did so and before long they were in the fireplace and drifting away to a Hospital that wasn't St Mungo's. Ella had said it was a respectable practice and Hermione hoped so as they walked down a narrow corridor up to the receptionist's desk of St Emit's.
"Can I please see Medi-Grench?" Ella asked slowly. The receptionist gazed up at her thoughtfully.
"She has a patient right now. But she should be available soon. Can you wait five minutes?"
"Yes-" Ella began but Hermione was having none of it.
"Can't you see she's in pain?" She yelled, "Get her someone now!"
"Hermione I feel better, I can wait." Ella insisted. Hermione cast her eyes over to her companion and noted that she was no longer clutching her stomach in pain. She smiled sheepishly at the shocked receptionist before taking a seat amongst Ella and the other patients.
"So you're okay now?" Hermione asked gingerly.
"A bit. Thanks for coming." She was subconsciously rubbing her stomach.
"So, how...how has it been with the baby?"
"Alright. I feel like an elephant." Ella shrugged. Hermione smiled.
"Harry must be proud. I haven't heard anything through owl yet though," She caught the girls embarrassed expression, "You still haven't told him?"
"Well it's not like he's home long enough to have a conversation with and he's too daft to notice. And I'm not ready to tell him. He's so busy...I wouldn't want to distract him."
Hermione tutted but remained silent. She kept casting uneasy glances over at Ella and when the receptionist announced they could go in and see the Medi-Witch she nearly jumped out of her seat.
"Honestly Hermione." Ella giggled. Hermione shot her a glare but a nervous smile spread across her face as they entered a small room.
"Nice to see you back again Miss Egon," An elderly witch, known as Medi-Grench, greeted them, "And you have a friend?"
"I hope it's alright if she's here." Ella said quietly. The witch nodded and gestured for them to be seated.
"Now what's the problem?"
"I don't know," Ella seemed to be nervous now, "I...I got attacked this morning..."
Hermione gasped but quickly put a hand over her mouth and mentally noted to ask Ella about the ordeal later on.
"...and then I had a fight with someone and I got really angry...and...then there was this pain that...it just really hurt," Ella looked very worried, "The baby will be alright won't it?"
Medi-Grench's lips drew into a tight line as she examined the girl.
"I'd like you to come into the side room and we'll take a few tests. Is that alright?" The woman said finally. Ella nodded and Hermione was left in the small office, wringing her hands worriedly. She didn't know why she was so concerned and why Ella was so calm, it's not like Hermione was the one that was pregnant. The office was very homey and calming in itself, Hermione could see why Ella would prefer this to the hustle and bustle of St Mungo's.
About half an hour later Ella emerged from the small side room with an annoyed expression on her face.
"Well?" Hermione asked straight away.
"She said to give her ten minutes. I can't stand this. I want to know what happened." Ella shook her head and scowled.
"I'm sure it's fine," Hermione said reassuringly, "I hope it is."
"Me too."
The moments passed by very slowly for both girls before the Medi-Witch made an appearance. She tried to be cheerful but beneath it all Hermione could tell she had bad news.
"You have to calm down," Medi-Grench told Ella simply, "If you don't then you could lose the baby."
"Oh." Ella bit her bottom lip and nodded.
"What is it about then? What happened to her?" Hermione demanded.
"It's a common thing with women who are pregnant. They worry and get so stressed that their blood pressure gets too high, its called Ultra-trepidation. But in your case Miss Egon...your blood pressure is very dangerously high. I suggest you relax, calm down and definitely stop doing what ever it is that has your body reacting the way it is." The Medi-Witch explained. Ella glanced up at Hermione and Hermione shook her head. She didn't know what to do about the problem.
* * * *
Ella set out the plates and tried to ignore the look Hermione was giving her from across the table. Ever since they had gotten back from St Emit's neither had said anything connected to what the Medi-Witch had told them and instead set about discussing the party that was been held that night, amongst other things in constant upbeat tones. Neither girl wanted to stress out Ella.
"I can't believe I forgot you were coming around so early," Ella said cheerfully, "I'm terribly sorry about that."
"Oh it's alright," Said Hermione just as cheerfully, "Would you like me to check on the dinner?"
"You wouldn't mind?" Ella smiled, "That would be lovely."
Hermione left the room and went into the kitchen and in that moment Ella's facade disappeared. She took in a sharp breath as her hand clutched her stomach as she looked up at the clock on the wall. Harry had been gone a long time. Longer than he should have been to merely check on Ginny. What if something happened? What is he was hurt? It had happened twice before and one of those times he hadn't been found for two days...
"Ella!" Came Hermione's voice, "Draco's here!"
"Alright!" She yelled back, turning around to face her friend just as he walked in the room.
"You're looking good." He walked over to her and gave her a brief hug.
She smiled, "How nice of you to take time out of your busy schedule to come over."
"Yeah, yeah," He sniffed the air, "That smells good. Where's Potter and Weasley?"
Ella mumbled something.
"Pardon?"
"I said who wants cake?" She said happily.
"Are you alright Egon?" Draco frowned.
"Completely and utterly. I just couldn't be happier. Now, do you want some cake?" She said eagerly, "Hermione and I made it this afternoon and it looks absolutely delicious!"
Ella had thrown away the cake the Deatheater had touched with disgust and had quickly explained to Hermione what had happened with the attack that afternoon. Hermione had nodded and smiled sympathetically before suggesting that they make a new cake.
"You and Granger cooking together?" He shook his head, "I've been gone to long."
"Oh," Ella became serious for a moment, "I know. I hardly see you. Or Hermione. Or Ron...or Harry."
"Home alone? That must suck," He pushed her towards the kitchen, "Now let me have some cake."
They all went into the kitchen and cut themselves some cake before sitting down and chatting animatedly. Draco told them both about how much better his business was going now he had a secretary and how he had more time off while Hermione talked about University and how all her Professors said she was and excellent student. Ella listened silently, glad to have some company. Yet as the hours passed she began to get annoyed as the dinner had been sitting in the oven for a while now and Ron and Harry still hadn't shown up. Just as she was about to point it out, they both Apparated into the lounge room.
"About bloody time," Ella grumbled before catching herself, "I mean. Yay! They're home. Now the party can begin."
Harry and Ron both looked a little panicked as she entered the room, remembering how mad she had been earlier.
"Hello. How was it?" She asked, smiling too widely.
"Good." Said Harry, cautiously taking a step forward and kissing her briefly, "I'm sorry we took so long. We kind of misplaced the time and became occupied elsewhere."
"So you were late." Hermione stated.
"Same thing." Ron said muttered. Hermione glared at him and the group went silent. It was evident that Ron and Hermione still had issues between them.
"Hi Harry. I've missed you." Hermione turned to the friend she wasn't mad at and smiled heartily.
Despite the Hermione and Ron situation everyone burst into questions about each other's day and Ella sat back silently again, listening to everyone's ramblings. She was glad to have some company but her eyes kept straying over to Harry. He always smiled at her lovingly which she knew meant he was worried about her from the attack earlier and sorry about everything that had happened lately.
Hermione also seemed to notice Ella's constrained attire but she knew why the girl was like it and understood entirely. She was just so caught up with seeing all of her friends together again, despite Ron the stupid prat, that she didn't have time to take Ella aside and console her.
Dinner was a lot nicer than most meals that got made. Ella was a good cook when she didn't 'improvise' and the rest of the cake she and Hermione had made was gone within minutes.
"This is so nice." Hermione said enthusiastically.
"Entirely." Ella agreed fervently. Draco shot her a worried look but she ignored it. Now was not the time for him to be honing in on her feelings like he usually did. She really wished he didn't read her so well.
"But then what happens tomorrow?" Ron asked hesitantly eyeing Hermione, "Hermione goes back to University, the git to his job and me and Harry back to work and Ella...um...Ella... well she does that thing she does...where...um..."
She couldn't help but laugh, "I've been accepted at the local College Ron, Enchanters Learning Facility. I'll be starting classes there in a few months...when...when I..."
Hermione interrupted quickly for her, "I feel like some hot chocolate? Does anyone else?"
Ella smiled at her thankfully before frowning in thought. She wouldn't be able go to University and it hadn't occurred to her until now. Hermione stood up and Ella with her so they could get everyone drinks when they heard the annoying sounds of people Apparating from the next room. That only meant one thing.
Ella groaned.
"I'm sorry." Harry avoided her gaze and he and Ron went into the lounge room. They returned shortly and excused themselves.
"It's really important," Ron said earnestly before turning to Ella, "I'm sorry. Dinner was nice. We'll do it again hey?"
"You were only here for a few hours!" Hermione exclaimed. Ella bit her lip. She would have to do it now. She couldn't put it off. Who knew when she would see Harry next?
"Harry," She grabbed his arm, "I need to talk to you in the bedroom for a minute."
"Ella," Harry said gently, "This is urgent."
"So is this." She insisted, dragging him away. Ron grinned cheekily after them.
"You be quick now. I know you both usually like to take your time with this sort of thing but it's an emergency!" He called after them. Ella felt her face flush despite what she was setting out to do.
"Come on Ella," Harry urged her as soon as she closed the door behind them, "I know you hate this but it's important."
"Aren't I important?" She asked quietly.
"Of course you are, but I need to go to this now..." He moaned, "What is it?"
"I want you to quit your job and do something else." She said bluntly. She glared at him when he laughed.
"You aren't serious?" He demanded, "Now is not the time for this. And anyway you know I can't do that."
"You wouldn't do it for me?" She pleaded. She felt him staring at her intently for a moment before sighing. He brought out his arms and pulled her into him.
"Is this it? You don't feel important?" He wondered.
"No," She said firmly, "I want to know how long you expect me to sit at home while you're off on missions wondering if I'm going to see you again? I want to know how you think I can stand to be in this house when it's no longer safe? I want to know how long you want me to worry!"
"Not much longer." He promised her, but it sounded old. He said that so often.
"Would you quit your job for me?" She asked again. He paused and slowly pulled away from her.
"Seriously?"
"Yes. Seriously."
"No." He said softly.
She sighed and looked around the room distractedly, "Would you quit your job for anyone?"
Again he paused.
"No. I wouldn't do it for anyone. Or you. If I did quit, I'd put the whole Wizarding world in danger. I'm sorry. But I promise it will be over soon..." He trailed off when he noticed she wasn't listening.
"Harry," Ella said slowly, "If you don't quit your job, then...then I'm sorry but I'm moving out."
He gaped at her, "You're kidding?"
"No, I'm quite serious."
"But why?" He demanded, instantly angry, "You can't do that! That's not fair! Do you have any idea what you're saying?"
"Yes I do," She said calmly, "I've been thinking about it all afternoon."
"Oh really? Well isn't that bloody fantastic," He threw his hands up in the air, "You know what? Go then. If you do then I don't have to hear any more of this 'quit you job Harry', 'I never see you enough Harry' and 'you work too much Harry'!"
"Hey," She snapped, "That's not very fair-"
"Fair?" He scoffed, "Fair? Bloody hell Ella! Listen to yourself! I'm going to work now! When are you leaving then?"
"We could sort it out," She said suddenly, "If you quit your job I wouldn't have to go-"
"I said when are you leaving?" He demanded. She was quiet for a moment.
"I suppose I'll be gone when you come back but there is something else I have to tell you about why I'm going-"
"I don't want to hear it! I don't want to hear anything you have to say!" He interrupted her again and headed for the door, "Bye then! I'll see you when I see you!"
She heard him walk heavily up the hallway and speak sharply to Ron and when she was sure he was gone, she ventured out of the room.
"I heard," Hermione whispered to her, "I understand what you're doing but don't you think there's another way?"
"I had to give him the ultimatum Hermione," She whispered back, "If I stay here and worry about him every second he's gone what do you think that will do to the...chicken."
She had caught Draco listening to her and finished off the sentence with a very lame cover-up.
"Chicken?" Draco raised an eyebrow, "Are you alright Ella?"
"Not really," She sighed, "Draco, I need a place to stay."
~~!!!~~
A/N: I know I said that reviews are the fuel that drives me to post sooner but…I couldn't wait…
And I KNOW that didn't have much Ron and Hermione but the next chapter they *confess* some feelings of sorts! Finally!
And Luna and Ginny make an OLDER appearance…
And people find out about the pregnancy…maybe…
To my reviews! Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much I love them! I really do!
OH! Have you guys seen the Teaser Trailer for the new Harry Potter movie? Gosh it looks so awesome! What a downer we have to wait until June next year! Grrr!