So it's up, the next day as promised, even if it's only just. Chapters are getting longer though! Thank you so much Smithback and cosmoGirl666 for reviewing, it means a lot to know people are enjoying this story. Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own Harry Potter, I'm sure you're all VERY surprised!

Chapter 3: Growing Doubts

Ugh my head! It felt like Buckbeak had tap danced with Hagrid on it! Also, the whole situation was getting a bit déjà vu-y. And what had happened earlier? Those flashbacks I'd had, I felt like they were important, and that I needed to remember them, but as soon as I tried, they were yanked away from me again.

That's it, it's decided. No more pills. Isn't that what muggles always quote? Say no to drugs. Sure the probably weren't talking about situations like this… and that wasn't so much a drug as a spell capsule…. But they make my head hurt so much! And I was fine, I just needed to start hunting Voldemort again. Yes, that's what I need to do. Get my arse out of this godforsaken bed and get my head back in the game. Before… before I start dwelling on things I just don't have time to think about right now. Ok, time to compartmentalise. I'll think about…Ron now; get that out of my system, then find Dumbledore. Ok good, a plan means I'm not falling apart, a plan means I know what to do, and God knows that once I don't we would all be screwed.

My mind drifted back to all the memories of him. Meeting 7 years ago, all the fights, the making up (with the first far out-weighing the latter). Then I realised how his family must be feeling and I felt even worse. Ron was a good man, from a good family. One that had lost too many already, and it was all my fault. I couldn't save him but I should have been able to. I needed to learn more, train harder, I just couldn't face losing another.

His face sprung into my mind, he was laughing at a pathetic joke I'd made about the death eaters. That was the last time I'd seen joy flit across his face, and it was about something so evil. It seems all of our lives revolved around them and that snake-faced bastard. I for one was getting sick of it. Things needed to change.

I knew what I had to do. I had to get back to that camp and scope things out. Maybe there was a weakness in their defences that I hadn't noticed before. I told myself that I should wait until Dumbledore had orders for me, or at least take Harry with me. But, to be honest, Dumbledore hadn't been all that helpful recently. Sure, he was still handing out his sage advice, and directing us towards these camps, but nothing seemed to be moving forward, it's like we were stuck in a rut. As the wizards face appeared in my mind, I felt a sharp pain in my head and it was like a fog filled my brain. I tried to shake it off and as soon as I thought of something else, namely getting out of here, I started to recover. Perhaps there was more to my injury then what met the eye, the pain certainly seemed to have some odd triggers. I swung myself out of the bed and stood up, a little woozy on my feet. I shuffled towards the door, just looking to get out the castle that I both loved and despised, a symbol of the resistance I led, but also the war that trapped me. I knew I should find Harry, but the idea of losing him as well as Ron dwelled on my mind.

I pushed past the heavy oak doors that led from the infirmary to the main hallway. I strode forward, moving to the back exit of the castle through the swiftest root possible. Along the way, a surprised Dumbledore blocked my path. 'Miss Granger! What are you doing out of bed?' At both the sight of him and the grumble of his voice, my head exploded in pain. I pushed it to the side. I didn't have time for this.

In answer to his question, I replied, 'I need to go back and stop that group, they… they killed Ron! I can't let them get away with that, and they'll be on the move soon if they haven't already left!'

He said sternly, 'You are in no fit state to undertake such a mission! Now get back to bed!'

In my mind I said, 'Bollocks,' but I didn't think that would sit all that well with him, so I instead said, 'You and I both know that's a lie Dumbledore. I'm the most powerful being on this earth, I could take down all of them if need be. And it is needed. Now!'

I tried to move past him again, but was surprised to find a warm hand grip my arm. I could feel the fingers digging in, well that was definitely going to bruise. I tried to yank away and stride past again, only for the old coot to grab me and snarl, 'If you don't go back to bed of your own accord, I'll just have to make you!'

Suddenly his demeanour shifted, and he added in a softer voice,' It's for your own good.'

I tried to protest, but a strong arm clamped over my mouth and then…

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and aren't too annoyed about the cliff-hanger! I know things are moving slowly, but I want to build up the story slowly. Apologies if that isn't to your tastes. A review would be lovely if you have the time, I always encourage criticism!