Chapter 12

I wear my new, tighter, shorter pink dress. Not because I want to, but because it is easily hidden under my red Primary coat. The one I'll wear when I make the cross into Primary Village tonight.

I stand in the kitchen. I just brewed a pot of tea laced with enough sedatives to knock out a horse. I filled my own cup with a sedative-free blend.

Seamus walks into the kitchen.

"Seamus, here I made way too much," I say with a smile. I grab a cup and pour the tea. I don't wait for his response; I gently force it into his hand with a warm smile.

He reluctantly takes it. Sniffs it. And takes a sip, "Not bad." He says.

I take a sip of my own tea, "I love this blend! So relaxing," I look at the tea pot, "I still have a lot left over. Do you know where Draco is?"

"In his room, I reckon," he says, taking another swig.

I pick up the pot and an empty cup and head to Draco's room- the elusive room I've never been in.

I stand outside awkwardly for a moment. I knock firmly.

"Go away," I hear Draco say through the door. I knock again. "GO AWAY!" He yells. I knock a third time. I hear steps approaching, and the door is thrown open.

"I said—" He sees me, "Oh, Red," he looks me up and down, "What on Earth are you wearing?" he asks.

"My new…uniform?" Uniform is the best thing to call it since it's not like I have a choice.

"It's ridiculous," he says.

Something we can agree on, I think to myself. "Draco, I made too much tea. So, I brought you some of the leftovers."

He looks at me strangely. I pour the tea into the cup and hand it to him.

He looks at it, "You made me tea?" he asks.

"I made myself tea," I correct him, "I just made too much of it,"

He looks up at me from the cup, "What did they do to you at the tailors?"

I laugh. It's true- I have never made Draco anything. Or offered him anything. In the past few weeks if I've made too much of something I save it for later or throw it away so he can't have it. It was very odd to suddenly show up at his bedroom door dressed in a tight, short dress and have freshly brewed tea. But all that matters is that he drinks it.

"Well…thanks," he says unenthusiastically as he closes the door.

I sigh in relief. Now I just need to wait for the sedatives to take their effect. Knowing Padma, she brewed these to be rapid and slow release; to put them asleep quickly and keep them asleep for a long time. That's what I would have done.

I head back to the kitchen and my assumptions are correct. Seamus lies face down on the kitchen table. His cup not even completely empty. Draco will be asleep within a few minutes.

I go to my bedroom and throw on my red coat. The Primary badge is tucked inside the pocket. I take a look in the mirror, ensuring that my pink dress is not visible from under the coat. I sneak out the back door and start the 11-mile trek. I walk with a hurried, brisk pace until I hit the main road. Then I walk at a pace to not stand out or alarm any passerby.

For the eleven miles I am alone with my thoughts. I am still angry with Harry. My cheeks get warm thinking about it. Fellow classmates are turning me into the Collective. I rarely see my friends anymore, G and Padma. And now my quasi-boyfriend is turning on me too? I'm so confused. I need to see my sister. And know she is safe.

I reach the check point. It's dark. I have my badge out and ready to show the guard. I watch the other Primaries before me. They show the badge as they casually walk by into Primary Village. I look to the other side- the opposite flow of traffic into Meridian city. The badges are being examined and the guards shine a light onto the faces.

It's clear getting into Primary Village is relatively easy, and getting back into Meridian city will be more thorough. My heart is racing as I show the badge to the guard and walk past. I clutch my jacket tight to not allow any pink to be seen.

He nods at me, disinterested, and looks to the person behind me.

I feel as though I have accomplished something amazing. No time to celebrate, though. I need to find the pub. I walk away from the checkpoint- away from the guards. I find a group of Primary boys sitting on a curb, talking. They can't be older than fifteen. Perfect, I think. Young and unassuming.

"Excuse me," I say to them, "I'm a bit turned around. Where is the Pub?"

"Is everyone getting lost tonight?" a red-haired boy says.

I lift an eyebrow. And then think -Luna. Was she just here? Did she ask this same group for directions?

I see one boy elbow the other. They then look me up and down. They trade deliberating looks with one another. Even though they are young Primaries, it makes me feel uncomfortable.

"The pub is three blocks that way," a younger boy gestures, "If you take this street, you can't miss it,"

"Thank you," I say.

"Are you sure you want to go there?" the redheaded boy asks, "I never see ladies at the pub around this time."

"Oh? Why do you think that is?" I ask.

"It gets rowdy at night," he smirks.

I smile at him, "How about I give you a call if I get into any trouble?"

The group coos and the boy blushes as I walk in the direction they pointed me in. When I am a block away I turn back around to get a look at them. But they are gone. I quicken my pace.

Soon I see what I think is the pub. The shops and buildings here are far more dilapidated and run down than in Meridian city. The pub is slanted with a hole in the roof you can see from afar.

I look around for Luna. She was supposed to meet me outside. I wait for a few minutes. I start getting nervous. It's past 9 o'clock. What if she didn't come? What if she got caught?

I rethink what Neville said to me- he said outside the pub. Didn't he? Yes. He definitely said outside. After another few minutes I am less sure. Finally I wander inside.

Drunk men in red sway on bar stools and gather at half-broken tables. The bartender looks me up and down. I don't belong in this place. I look around quickly. No Luna. I should get out of here.

I step back outside, and I see her- Luna! An Elite guard questions her. I can't hear what they are saying- just a few odd words are clear; 'You', 'late', 'badge'. I watch from a distance as Luna hands over a badge. The guard examines the badge and then looks at Luna. My cheeks are hot and my heart races.

Then I hear the guard clearly, "You look far too young to have this birthdate. You're going to need to come with me," and he grabs her. She struggles a moment.

I take a step toward them- ready to intervene- not knowing what I will even say. But then I hear a familiar voice.

"She is with me," the firm voice calls out to the guard. And my eyes can't believe what I'm seeing. It's Draco Malfoy. In Primary Village!

Draco talks to the guard. I can see the guard's expression. At first, he is extremely reluctant. Then he nods and smiles at Draco devilishly. He even snickers.

"I get it," I hear the guard say to Draco as he lets Luna go and hands Draco the badge, "Enjoy."

Draco grabs Luna's arm and guides her the toward the pub, toward me, as the guard walks away.

"Draco, what are you doing—" I ask.

"Don't say anything," he says sternly, "Follow me."

Luna and I trade worried glances. Luna's eyes are filled with tears. We follow Draco in the dark for a block to a parked car I don't recognize. He walks to the driver's side and opens the door. Luna and I stand and watch.

"Get in," he instructs and gestures to the car.

I open the back door.

"You upfront," he barks at me, "And take off that ridiculous coat. Give it to your sister."

For once, I do as he says. I don't like his tone. But I'm afraid. So, I take a seat on the passenger side. My short, pink dress gives me a chill in the cold night air.

Draco drives off toward the checkpoint. When we reach the checkpoint. Draco rolls down the window. Under his badge I see a stack of bills. He hands it to the guard.

"I'm the son of the president." he says to the guard who inspects the badge and the money discreetly. The guard looks at me and then to the backseat at Luna, "I have specific tastes," Draco says with a devilish tone, "Or I should say, we have specific tastes." He says as he takes my hand in his and holds it up to his mouth and kisses it.

The guard doesn't smile. He looks back at Luna. Then at me. Oh no. Is this the only guard with morals in all of Meridian City? I think to myself. I understand what Draco is implying. He is implying that Luna is a Primary we are taking out for a night of sinister enjoyment. That must be what he said to the other guard as well.

Luckily, the guard takes the money and hands the badge back to Draco.

"All clear," he calls out. And Draco drives through.

I let out a loud sigh of relief. I never thought there would come a day when I'd want the Meridian guards to be crooked. I hear Luna whimper in the back.

"Are you ok?" I turn back to Luna.

"No talking!" Draco barks, "I need to think."

"Draco I—"

"We will discuss this later," he says in a low tone. We sit in silence the way back to the house.

We pull into the driveway, "Get out," he says to me.

I'm shocked for a moment, "What about Luna?" I ask.

"I'm taking her back to the Academy," he says.

"I'll come too—"

"Hermione," the sound of my name from Draco's mouth startles me, "Can't you just listen to me? Just once?"

I look back at Luna. She is scared. I'm scared. Do I trust Draco? Of course not! Right? Is he really going to take her back to the Academy? He already saved her once tonight. I think in that moment. I don't know how I feel, but I know I don't have an option. As long as Luna is outside of the Academy she is in danger. She could be stripped of her Academy status and sent to Primary Village permanently.

"I love you," I say to Luna. Then I turn to Draco, "If anything happens to her, I—I—"

"Nothing will happen to her," Draco says to me, his tone serious and genuine.

I take one last look at Luna, her pretty blonde hair in a braid. Her nose red from crying. I get out and watch Draco drive away.

My helplessness quickly turns to anger. I walk into the house furiously. My steps heavy and angry. I slam the door behind me. My frustration consuming me. I have no control over anything. I have no power. I walk into the kitchen. Seamus still lies passed out and now snoring.

I pace. My heart pounding. My eyes fill with tears- not out of sadness, but in rage. In frustration.

I then realize what I can do. I hastily walk to Draco's bedroom door. I go to open it. It's locked. I rush to my room and grab a hair pin. I return to the door and go to work, fiercely trying to pick the lock. After over an hour with no luck I hear the front door open. I get to my feet. I hear steps coming towards me. My anger rising with every step. I'm ready to yell at Draco. How could he not let me spend a moment with my sister? Talk to her. Hug her-

But then I see him. His face wincing in pain. His hair roughed up. And his pale green shirt soaked with blood on the left side. He walks straight for me, and I grab him as he half collapses onto me.

"Help," he groans. The word catches me by surprise. Draco asking for help?

"Come this way," I say as I help him to my bedroom. I lie him onto the bed.

"Where is Luna?" I ask, my voice cracks.

"At the Academy-safe," he groans. I take off the bloody shirt, and I see the wound.

"You were stabbed?" I ask, stunned, "You need a doctor."

I take a step toward the phone, but Draco grabs my hand. I look back at him. His eyes say everything. I can't call a doctor. They'll ask questions. Questions Draco can't answer without putting us all in danger.

I move quickly. I rush to the bathroom and get alcohol to sanitize the wound. I grab a sewing kit from the hall closet, and a few small sharp knives and rags from the kitchen.

I return to Draco and get to work on the wound. He cries out in pain as I cut it.

"I have something to knock you out—" I offer.

"No!" he says through gritted teeth as I proceed, "I don't want your poison tea."

I ignore the comment. I need to see if he has internal bleeding. And to do that I have to make the wound wider. He groans. Sweat droplets drip down his forehead.

"It didn't puncture anything. It's a clean stabbing. Quite impressive it didn't hit any organs." I say with relief.

"Great," he says sarcastically, "I'll pass along the compliments."

I faintly smile as I begin sterilizing and sewing up the wound. Within a few minutes, it's quiet. And calm. Draco's breathing has steadied.

"Draco," I finally ask, "Who attacked you?"

Draco hesitates a moment to answer.

"Please tell me," I ask.

"The area around the Academy isn't safe." He says.

"Is that why Academy security is so strict?" I ask.

He doesn't answer.

"So you aren't going to tell me anything about tonight? What happened? Who hurt you?" I ask.

"Red, as long as you aren't wearing green, you'll be fine." He says.

"Wait," I stop sewing, "Everyone wants to be an Elite! Green is the best color."

"Green has enemies, Red," he replies shortly.

"So, you're saying people are targeting Elites? The President and the Collection never talk about that. Who is doing it? The Grey?" I say, my tone scared. Draco says nothing, "Are you saying The Grey are in Meridian City? Attacking people?"

"The Grey," Draco scoffs, "Sure-Yeah…"

His tone isn't overtly dismissive. It's ingenuine- It's a lie. Either way, Luna is safe. And it's because of Draco Malfoy.

"Thank you," I say to him, "For helping my sister."

"I had to," he says, "It could have hurt my status,"

"No, it wouldn't have," I say combatively, "You have no tie to Luna."

"Well, it would have upset you," he says.

The comment takes me off guard, "So, you did it for me?"

"I did it so…" Draco scowls, "So you wouldn't throw a fit back here. And take it out on me."

"Because we spend so much time together?" I say sarcastically.

"We spend every night together!" he says.

"Asleep!" I scoff, "Do you think I'm going to nag you in my dreams?"

"Red, let it go—"

"Why can't you just admit you did something good? Why do you always have to turn it around into something selfish? Or rude? Or cruel?"

He doesn't respond. I open my mouth to continue, but I stop myself. I take a deep breath.

"For whatever reason you did it, I'm glad you did," I say.

I continue sewing. As I finish, I look at Draco. He is asleep. I get a good look at him shirtless, now that the excitement is gone. He has a muscular stomach. And broad shoulders.

In looking at him I realize, it's better if he sleeps on his side. I gently turn him without waking him. And I see it, on his back shoulder a perfectly circular scar. It's not old. Perhaps from a wound made a few weeks ago. It's just like the wounds I saw during my final Academy examination. The third corpse of the Grey Soldier died by circular lacerations of some sort. These wounds are an exact match- just not as deep.

I look down at a sleeping Draco.

My head pounds. I want to be angry with him. But I don't know why anymore. Is it because he is an Elite? Is it because he ignores me? Why did he pick me as a partner? Why was he in the Primary Village tonight?

I need to know what he is hiding. I slip my hand into his pants pocket and pull out a key.

I head to his room and slip the key into the lock. It fits. I turn the knob. The room is dark. I look around quickly. It's strange, but part of me feels like I am doing something wrong. I go to his desk. I find a bunch of work papers. Things I don't understand.

I see a trunk in the corner. I pop it open. A green jacket lays folded on top. An Elite woman's jacket. I move it. I push a pair of earrings to the side. Next I see a photograph of a smiling woman in green—and I recognize it. It's Draco's mother; The former first lady of Meridian, Narcissa Malfoy. These are her things. She dies during the elite Ladies Ball with all the other E lite women.

I find a journal and open it. I expect it to be Narcissa's, but I read a passage and quickly realize it is not. This is Draco's journal. I'm shocked that someone like Draco would keep a journal. I read a passage about a birthday from years ago. His father worked late and never showed up to his celebratory dinner. He didn't mind, but his mother was devastated. I flip through and read more excerpts from Draco's life. It shocks me- he reveals feelings. He feels upset, overwhelmed, angry. I didn't realize Draco felt anything.

As I read more, something about this feels familiar. Not the passages- the writing.

And then I realize why. My heart skips a beat. I rip a page from the journal. I close the trunk and lock the bedroom door behind me. My heart races and my throat gets a lump. I go back to my bedroom quietly and open the top drawer of the dresser. I pull out the accusation letter I kept and unfold it carefully. I put it beside the journal page. I look at the two pages side by side-The handwriting matches.

I hear a ringing in my ear. Draco Malfoy wrote the letter that kept me from going to the Elite Ball. He planted the letter in my room. He lied about me cheating. But why? Why go to all that trouble? To ruin the night for me? To take away all my hard work?

"Hermione?" Draco grumbles. I jump and hide the pages behind my back.

"Yes, I'm here." I say.

And he falls back asleep. I hide both pages away in my drawer, and I slip the key back into his pocket. I crawl onto the other side of the bed. Draco faces me, fast asleep. His blonde hair dirty and tousled in his face.

I have so many questions. Questions I know he will not answer.

I close my eyes. And within a minute, I am deep asleep.