Disclaimer: I don't own this.

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Chapter Eight: Conflicting Emotions

Dumbledore, Severus, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Draco, Hermione, Harry, Fred and George were all gathered in the sitting room at Snape Manor two hours later.

"If the twins are willing to share a room, then we will have enough rooms for everyone once Ginerva, Charlie, and Bill arrive." Severus said tiredly.

Fred and George nodded, showing that they agreed, so Severus continued. "Harry and Draco, you already know where you rooms are located, so I expect you to assist the others in finding theirs and getting settled in."

The two teens looked confused. "How do we know who gets what room?" Harry asked.

Severus rubbed his head. "Names are on gold plates on the doors. This way we don't have people who accidentally wander into the wrong room when looking for someone."

Both nodded and stood. The twins followed Harry while Draco escorted Hermione. Everyone was still very quiet.

Dumbledore turned toward the adult Weasleys. "When will the others be arriving?"

Molly's eyes filled with tears again. "Billy, Ginny, and Charlie should be here within the hour. Percy never responded to our owl, so we don't have any idea if he will come."

"If he does, I'll switch rooms around so he has a place to stay," Severus said, to reassure her that her son would be welcomed.

"I know, Severus. We thank you for all the trouble you have gone through for us."

Severus waved it off. "You're welcome here, and the children will all need each other. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and check on my daughter."

Albus nodded and rose as well. "Rest for tonight. Planning can always wait until tomorrow." The two nodded solemnly and the old wizard joined Severus in Hope's bedroom.

Hope was tossing and turning in a restless sleep. "No, not Draco…" she muttered.

Albus and Severus both looked at each other. Severus walked over and sat on the bed before gently shaking her awake. The disoriented girl jerked awake and looked around the room, before locking eyes with Severus.

"You're alive?" She asked, rubbing her eyes.

Severus pulled her hands away from her eyes. "I'm very much alive, thanks to you."

Hope looked around again. "What about Draco and Harry?"

"Both fine as well."

Hope saw the sadness in both eyes. "You're lying! Where are they? I want to see them!" She pushed back the covers and rose out of the bed only to wince and shift her weight to her left leg.

"Hope, lie back down and I shall get them for you."

Hope shook her head. "No. Something is going on and I want to go and see them now. Otherwise they will hide what's going on."

"Hope, be realistic! You ignored the curse for too long and because of that, you can't walk!"

"At least I'm alive! It's more than I can say for Ron. He died because of me. You and Draco almost died too! Please, I need to see them."

Dumbledore interrupted. "Severus, don't isolate her. Let her reach out to her friends."

Severus looked torn. "When's Poppy coming?"

Dumbledore looked at his watch. "In about ten minutes. She can examine her anywhere, Severus. Take Hope to Draco's room. I'll tell Harry to go there. When Poppy arrives, I'll take her to his room rather than here."

Severus nodded before going to Hope's side. "You need to take my hands. Keep the weight off of your leg as much as possible."

Hope nodded and did as he said. Dumbledore watched as they slowly left the room before going in search of Harry. He found him in the room for Fred and George.

"I know how you guys feel. Ron was a prat at times, but he didn't deserve to die." Tears came to Harry's eyes. "We just started talking again. He apologized right before the attack. I told him to apologize to Draco, and to be nicer to him. If I hadn't of done that, Ron would still be alive."

"But young Draco would be dead. There was no good outcome to this. It's not your fault, Harry."

Harry looked at the headmaster and nodded jerkily.

"Hope is awake and wants to see you. She's in her brother's room." He turned to the twins. "And for you two, get some sleep. It's going to be a hard couple of days. Maybe a couple of jokes would make things easier?"

The twins looked at each other and grinned. "Yes Sir!"

Dumbledore laughed. "Let's go, Harry."

Harry reached Draco's room at the same time Hope and Severus did.

"Hey, Hope."

"Harry!" She let go of Severus to give him an awkward hug. "Are you okay?"

Harry laughed as he took her weight. "I'm fine, you're the one who can't walk."

Hope pulled slightly away and stuck her tongue out at him.

Harry laughed again and helped her into Draco's room. Draco looked up out of surprise. Everyone saw the anger and despair on his face before he pushed it away and smiled sadly. "Hey, lil sis," he said, opening his arms for a hug.

Hope, instead of going toward him, stepped backwards into Severus, who was confused by the act.

"Hope?" Severus asked.

She looked up at him before looking back at Draco, then at the ground.

"Hope!" Severus said harshly, letting his exhaustion get the better of him.

Hope jerked away and almost fell, but Harry caught her. He turned her to face him, ignoring everyone's astonished looks. Her face was pale and tears fell down her cheeks. He held her upright with one arm and used the other hand to make her look at him.

"Hope, what's wrong?" He asked gently.

Hope looked accusingly at Severus. "You told me he was fine!"

"What?" All three of them asked in confusion.

"Hope, I am fine," he replied, taking a step toward her.

"No, you're not!" She yelled. "When we came in you were mad. I'm sorry, Draco! I didn't mean to hurt anyone," she finished in a whisper.

"Hope, I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at my father – my birth father – and the Dark Lord. Never you."

"He almost killed you. I couldn't stop him." She had tears pouring out of her eyes. "And now Ron is dead because of me."

"Hope, that's not your fault. Ron made the choice to jump in front of the curse," Harry whispered to her.

"They were there because of me, though! I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to be a part of this war!"

"Unfortunately, even if you 'quit', Voldemort will still try to kill you," Dumbledore said from the doorway. Madam Pomfrey was behind him.

Hope looked even worse than she had earlier. Poppy rushed into the room, immediately bustling orders.

"Sit her down. She should never have been out of bed in her condition." Harry helped her over to Draco's bed and then backed off to let the mediwitch work.

Everyone watched as she made complicated movements with her wand. She finished and addressed everyone.

"She'll be fine. Potions won't be of much use any longer, however. They will take away the edge of the pain for awhile. From what I can tell, she was both magically and physically exhausted when she was administered a dreamless sleep potion three hours ago. That potion alone should provide for twelve hours of peaceful sleep. Because of the healer in her, she can't use potions or heal herself. The stronger she becomes, the more useless potions will be on her."

"So, how do we heal her?" Severus asked, confused.

"With time and spells. In cases, such as with her leg, we will have to resort to using muggle methods."

Everyone nodded except Hope and Dumbledore. Dumbledore gave Hope a critical look and looked like he was about to say something, but Hope cut him off.

"Wait, so you mean I'll have to used crutches or something until I can walk again? No way!"

Poppy shrugged. "Then you'll be stuck in bed for the rest of your life."

Hope made a face. "Fine, I'll use them."

"I thought you would." She opened a big black bag she'd brought with her. She pulled out a pair of crutches and unshrunk them. "Now, stand so we can get them fitted."

Hope awkwardly got out of Draco's bed. "What about stairs? I don't know how to walk on crutches, much less go up and down stairs on them," she asked as the mediwitch finished adjusting them.

"You will allow people to help you," she responded, putting away her wand and handing Hope the crutches. "I don't want you to go on the stairs by yourself until you are given permission by your father. Understand?"

"Perfectly," Hope spat as she took the crutches and tried them. It was extremely awkward and she was unsteady, but she took a few steps anyway. "Now, can I go back to my room, or do I have to wait for a babysitter?"

"Hope Leanne Collins!" Severus snapped. "Apologize, now!"

"Sorry," Hope rudely spat before turning to her father. She glared at him before leaving the room.

Severus made a sound in his throat after she left.

"Dad, chill," Draco said. "She's got a lot going on right now."

"I completely agree with your son, Severus. Give Hope some space. She's feeling guilt, remorse, fear, relief, and regret. Allow her some time to get things sorted out in her head," Albus replied.

"Does that give her the right to be extremely disrespectful to everyone?" Severus bit back.

"Apparently it does you," Harry said under his breath.

"Potter, get out!" Severus yelled. Harry jumped at his tone.

"Dad, not to make you even madder, but you are ordering people out of my room, for no reason." Draco challenged.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. "Will both of your please go check on Hope?"

Both looked at each other and shrugged. They walked down to Hope's room and saw Hermione already there and crying all over Hope.

"He told me he was in love with me, but I told him no. Why did I do that?" Hermione cried to her friend.

Hope was sitting next to her. "Because you didn't love him. Just because he's dead doesn't change that, Hermione."

"I know, but it's not like Draco is ever going to ask. He probably still thinks of me as a filthy mudblood."

"Shh…Hermione, you know that's not true. Draco just…well, I don't have an excuse for him, but I know he doesn't think of you as a mudblood."

Hermione cried harder. "What if I lost my chance? Why couldn't I try things with Ron? What if I only said no because of how he was treating everyone? I'll never get to know."

Hope felt tears come to her eyes. "Hermione, you will find love, if my brother is too stupid to ask you, then someone else will."

"That's easy for you to say, you've got Harry."

Hope's shoulders dropped. "Not anymore. I broke up with him, remember?"

Hermione's face showed her regret from that statement. "Oh, Hope, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

Hope shrugged.

"Hello?" A voice yelled from downstairs.

The two girls looked up and saw the boys in the doorway.
"How long were you standing there?!" Hermione exclaimed.

'Long enough," Harry responded.

"So you think you can just eavesdrop on us now?" Hope yelled.

"Hope, we were coming to check on you!"

"Hello? Is anyone here?" A voice yelled again.

Hope grabbed her crutches and stood. "Whatever. We'll discuss it later. Hermione, can you help me downstairs?"

Hermione nodded and followed Hope to the stairs. She turned and noticed Draco and Harry coming also.

"Let them wait," Hope said, as she tried to maneuver her crutches on the stairs.

Hermione laughed. "Hope, put the crutches on the stairs first, then hop down."

Hope made a face, but tried it anyway. She was about halfway down when another voice yelled. "Hello?"

"We're coming!" Hope yelled.

A couple minutes later, Hope and Hermione entered the living room to see who was there.

"Ginny!" Hermione yelled, rushing toward the teen.

"Hermione, tell me it's not true!" Ginny yelled with tears falling down her face.

"I'm so sorry, Gin," she whispered as the girl ran forward and hugged her.

Hope turned away to find the other voice. "Hi?" She quietly said to an older red head with a pony tail. "You must be Bill or Charlie?"

"Bill, and this is your home?" He asked politely.

"It's actually my father's, Professor Snape."

The look on the boy's face showed his shock, so Hope continued.

"I'm his adopted daughter. Draco is his adopted son."

Bill was clearly unsure of what to say, so he merely nodded.

"Anyway, we should probably go get the adults," Hope murmured.

"I'll get them," Draco said as he started up the stairs.

Hope nodded and turned back to where Ginny was. Harry had joined them at one point and was hugging Ginny while she cried. Hope wasn't prepared for the pang of jealousy that went through her.

She turned away and smiled at Bill. "Feel free to sit. I'm going to go get some drinks for everyone."

She made a pitcher of tea and placed it on a tray along with twelve cups. She took out her wand and spelled the tray to float behind her. She reentered the living room and awkwardly set the tray on the table while balancing on her crutches.

She looked around and noticed everyone was downstairs, but nobody was paying attention to her. Sighing, she balanced on her crutches again to pour tea into the cups. Finishing that, she went to Draco.

"Look, I got some tea poured for everyone. There's even one extra for Charlie when he gets here. I was wondering if you would help me upstairs."

Draco smirked. "Not angry at me any longer?" He asked sarcastically.

Hope sighed. "I am, but I'm angrier at Severus."

Draco made a face. "Hope, he almost died."

"I know, okay? I'm the one who healed him. I know how close he was to death, but you don't have a clue. I'm the one who pushed the energy into him to save his life, and I know it's my fault it happened, so I'm not complaining, but don't remind me what happened because trust me, Draco, I know!" She screamed.

Draco winced as he noticed everyone looking.

"Excuse my daughter's rude outburst," Severus said to everyone. They all slowly returned to their previous conversations while Severus went to where his children were.

"Hope, if you can not control yourself, go up to your room."

"I'm trying to!" Hope exclaimed.

"Nobody is stopping you," and he turned to Draco. "Come, let's pass out drinks to our guests."

Hope watched sadly as they left. "Great," she muttered to herself. "I'm supposed to go to my room without using the stairs."

Shaking her head, she looking for someone else who could help her. Giving up, she decided to ignore the warning the mediwitch had given her earlier. She carefully put her crutches on the first step and jumped up onto it. It was a lot harder without Hermione to help her balance.

About halfway up, Hope was startled by her father's voice. "What in Merlin's name are you doing?!"

Hope jumped and hit her injured leg on the wall, causing her to lose her balance. Severus quickly reached out and steadied her before making her sit on the step.

"Now answer me!" He demanded.

"I was going to my room, like you said," she said quietly, wincing as she moved her leg around.

"I don't believe you are supposed to be on stairs by yourself," he said harshly. "Your attitude desperately needs changed."

Hope sighed, knowing that telling him that Draco was going to help her until he was dragged away to serve drinks would only make things worse. Instead, she looked down and forced respect into her voice. "Yes, sir."

"Why are you acting like such a spoiled brat tonight? The Weasley's are experiencing a trauma, and you are acting selfish rather than supportive."

Hope let all respect fly out the window. "I know they are going through a traumatic experience. I know what I did. I don't need you and Draco constantly pointing out that I got someone killed and almost got two others killed. I feel bad enough, so quit throwing it in my face!"

Severus shook his head. "Let's get you to your room. I'm obviously not going to talk any sense into you."

Hope stood, choosing to ignore the hand he offered, and righted herself on her crutches. She began to finish her trip up the stairs after shrugged off the hand he placed on her arm to help her balance.

After reaching her room, she promptly went to her dresser and pulled out something. She turned and threw it at Severus. "How's that for selfish!" She yelled with tears pouring down her face. "Next time maybe you should think before you say things that aren't true!"

Severus looked at the red thing she had thrown at him. He flipped it over and read the elegant white script on the front of the pillow.

Ronald Billius Weasley

March 1, 1980 – August 2, 1997

Beloved Son, Brother, and Friend

Severus looked at his daughter. "What is this?"

Hope angrily wiped her tears as she sat on her bed. "Really, Severus, are you daft after nearly being killed? It's a pillow. A remembrance pillow."

Severus sat next to her. "Where did you get the idea?"
Hope went to get up, but Severus stopped her. "Top drawer, there's a secret compartment in the back."

Severus went over there and pulled out a midnight blue pillow. He flipped it over as he sat down again. "It's blank."

Hope shook her head and tapped it with her wand. Letters appeared surrounded by stars and moons.

Stacy Adams Mark Adams

April 27, 1964 – September 7, 1996. January 25, 1962 – September 7, 1996

Beloved Parents whom will always be remembered.

"Ron and Hermione made it for me. A way to remember my parents. I thought Hermione and I could do the same for his parents."

Severus looked sad. "I'm sorry, Hope."

Hope shrugged. "Hermione started it, but it was my idea. I told her I'd finish spelling on the patches tonight so we could present it to Ron's parents right before the funeral."

Severus nodded. "Go ahead and do it. I would like to see the final product."

Hope nodded and pulled out her wand. She waved it around while different images appeared in the pillow.

"Excellent choices. A wand, a broom, surprisingly resembling his own, chocolate frogs, Bernie Botts beans, and a Chudley Cannons logo, but you are forgetting something."

Hope looked confused. "What?"

Severus waved his wand, causing a knight to show up. "That," he said.

"Oh…I forgot about his love for chess."
Severus nodded. "I'll inform Hermione to come up when she gets a moment."

"Thank you, sir," she said, remembering her fury at him.

Severus let out a long suffering sigh. "What did I do now?"

Hope glared at him. "Nothing, sir. Please leave my room."

"Hope, what's wrong?" He asked with more force in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm going to tell you, and then get a lecture about how selfish I'm acting."

Severus shook his head as he stood. He put both pillows back in their places before closing and warding the door. He knelt on the floor in front of his daughter.

"Hope, you revealed enough with that statement. Why is your tongue so loose tonight?"

Hope rubbed her head. "I don't know. I'm just exhausted. And sore, and worried, and feeling guilty, and some other stuff."

Severus looked at the girl. "What other stuff?"

Hope looked away. "Jealousy, regret, a strong desire to be in his place."

"There's more…" Severus guessed.

"I have a feeling Voldemort's going to come to me in my dreams tonight. I'm afraid to go to sleep, but I know I need the sleep."

Severus put his finger under the girls chin, lifting her head so she'd look at him.

"Let's start at the beginning. You are exhausted because, like the foolish Gryffindor child you are, you completely drained your magic to the point you could barely stay conscious, all while you were sporting a nicely cursed leg."

"I'm Slytherin too!" She objected.

"Yes, but a Slytherin would have saved their own skin, rather than stayed to worry about everyone else."

"Oh…I guess you're right."

"Indeed, now about the soreness, I am unsure of what to do unless you are more specific."

"Oh, well that potion for the Cruciatus aftereffects only helped the trembling, not really the pain. So I'm tender everywhere. But I can deal with that. My leg is the worst."

Severus gave her a sympathetic look. "I will look for a cream for your muscles. As for your leg, the sooner you feel up to the physical therapy, the sooner that'll get better."

Hope nodded. "I was thinking about after the funeral?"

Severus nodded. "What are you worried about?"

"I don't want anyone else to get killed become of me," she answered quietly.

"Ahh…you believe you are guilty for Mr. Weasley's death?"

"I am! If it weren't for me, Ron would still be alive."

"No, Lea," Severus said gently. "Ron is dead because he chose to save your brother. The Weasley's are blood traitors in the Dark Lord's eyes. They were targets before you ever came into the picture."

"But you and Draco..."

"Are traitors. Once again, our choice."

Hope relaxed a little. "Okay, so it's not completely my fault."

"Does the regret also tie in with that?"
"No. I miss being with Harry."

"I see. Have you talked with him?"

"No, he's too busy with Ginny," she replied, her voice laced with envy.

"Ahh, there's the jealousy."

"He might as well ask her out!" She exclaimed.

"Talk to him, Hope. He's still in the process of reading your journal. He's a very understanding young man, he'll listen."

"I know."

"Good. Now, let me think. What else was there? The desire to die in Ron's place; well, everyone feels the same after a friend dies. But the last thing you mentioned worries me."

"The Voldemort part?"

"Yes. I'll stay in here for the night. At the first sign of him, I will enter your mind and help your occlude."

Hope laughed. "That would be great! He thinks your dead."

"Ahh, but thanks to you, I am not. So you'll be safe. Write in that journal of yours, I'll be back later."

Hope nodded and pulled the book out of a drawer by her bed.

Severus stopped at the door and turned his attention back to his daughter. "Hope?"

"Yes?" She asked, looking up.

"The pillow was extremely thoughtful. Not selfish in the least."

The smile that came across her face let Severus know that all was okay between them. But the words, or rather one word, she said next erased all doubt.

"Thanks, dad."

HpHpHpHpHpHp

A couple hours later, Severus levitated several cups, a kettle, and pitcher back to the kitchen, while Albus was eating some sort of candy.

"Hope's a special girl, Severus."

"I know," he whispered.

"I'm afraid she's not yet come into her full powers. Her mother, as you well know, could see the future. And her father performed wandless magic. Both were also able to transform into animals easily."

Severus turned to look at the older man. "How do we know if Hope has inherited these gifts?"

Dumbledore sighed. "We must wait until she's seventeen. If she begins dreaming things that come true, then we will work with her. Otherwise, do not add more stress to the girl."

"So, in January, her power will be shown in full?" Severus asked.

"They will be revealed, but they will still need to be trained."

Severus nodded. "I think she misinterpreted her prophecy. I think she somehow will actually have to choose between Harry and Voldemort. I don't think it's going to be as easy as she thinks."

"Ah, neither do I, Severus. I did, however, find a few spells that may do what they will need. I shall bring the book by tomorrow when I return."

Severus smirked. "You do not have it on you?"

"I do, but I do not wish for you to see it yet. Rest, Severus. I will be by first thing tomorrow."

"Albus, why don't you just stay here for the night?"

"Because you are out of rooms, dear boy."

Severus smiled. "Actually, I promised Hope I'd stay with her tonight, so my room is available. Please, Albus, it'd be helpful if Voldemort does get into Hope's mind again tonight."

Albus stood gracefully. "If you insist. However, I must turn in soon so I'm able to understand the funeral directions tomorrow. I'm not as young as I used to be. Do you need anything else?"

"No. In fact, I'll go up as well."

The two went upstairs. Severus watched as Dumbledore disappeared into his room before smiling and turning into his daughter room where he would spend a hopefully peaceful night.

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Hey Everyone! I thank each and every one of your for your patience in waiting for this chapter. I am so sorry it took so long to get out. Everything is going better. My friend is leaning on me still, but she's not had any more ideas about killing herself. Everything else is going better to. I'm still working a lot of hours, and I will be gone this coming weekend, but I promise to get the next chapter out by next Monday.

Kayla