AN: I am at a lost. I have little to no inspiration to finish a lot of my fics. It's mainly due to my lack of free time, but don't worry I will finish and update my fics. I know it can be pretty frustrating waiting months to read one chapter- I will try and update sooner or at least post longer chapters. My apologies.

Lost In the Stars

Stheno

Her mind was still whirling from the events that took place just moments ago. The knot in her stomach only seemed to tighten as she caught the sight of Bellatrix Lestrange walking towards her.

"Fanella." Her voice was low as she cracked a wicked smile. "You seem pale."

Hermione could see the malice in her eyes. "I'm quite alright."

"I see the ceremony has gotten under your skin. If you cannot handle this…"

"Maybe you did not understand me, I am alright."

Bellatrix eyebrows stood up. She was doubtful to say the least. "I could see your face when young Draco received his mark, you seemed as if wanted to run to the hills."

"I can assure you that wasn't the case."

Bellatrix seemed to ponder curiously at Hermione, then; "You may have proven yourself to the others, but I am not convinced. " Bellatrix said, leaning in.

"I answer to the Dark Lord, Bellatrix."

Bellatrix gave a chuckle. "For now." With that, she turned on her heels and exited the chambers.

Hermione sighed; she was yet again on Bellatrix bad side. She tried to wash away their quarrel as she walked to the exit. She needed to contact Minerva and inform the Order of her findings. Hermione made her way to the now familiar room. She quickly grabbed her bag and uncovered the shard of glass. She searched for emerald.

"Minerva."

"Hermione, Is everything okay?"

She heard Minerva's worried voice and let out a breath. "Minerva…" She couldn't seem to get her thoughts to stop racing. She opens her mouth to speak but hesitated again as she felt the night's dinner crept up.

"Hermione…Merlin Hermione, please tell me what is the matter."

The words blurted out her mouth before she could stop them. "Minerva, its Draco…It was horrible. It was…Draco, he…horrible."

"Hermione calm down. Calm down and start from the beginning."

Hermione took a breath, holding back the fighting contents of her dinner. She did her best to keep her composure but as she went in detail of Draco's initiation, the tears broke thru. Cruciatus after Cruciatus curse…Knives…Blood…The worn, beaten and rigid body of Charity Burbage. All of the details poured thru.

Minerva silently listens, trying her hardest not to tremble and break down but after hearing of her fellow professor being murdered she let out a small cry. "That's it, we are pulling you out."

"Minerva I…" Hermione stopped short as she heard familiar voices beyond the door. "I have to go. I'll call for you later." Hermione didn't wait for an answer. She quickly hid the glass and took a small bottle out. Taking a deep breath she downed the potion. For the second time that night she cringed, Fanella Alexander tasted vile, like the person she was.

"Minerva, what is it?" Remus asked concerned at Minerva's shaky exterior.

Minerva took a breath and look at the worried faces in front of her.

"Is… is Hermione okay, Minerva?" Molly questioned.

She shook her head. "She…she is okay. It…it has come to my attention that Draco Malfoy has been initiated."

"Initiated? He… he took the Mark? Are you sure, Minerva?"

"Yes. Hermione went in great detail. I…we should bring her back."

Remus stood up. "Minerva, this is just her first day, if-."

"Remus are you willing to sacrifice her all for…"

"Minerva she knew the risk. She has to be the one to make the decision to stay or go."

Minerva grew red at his words. "She is just a child."

"You said yourself Minerva, that she is wiser than most and powerful beyond measures."

"She is still a…"

"She is a very powerful witch, Minerva. She's an intelligent young woman who can and will get the job done, she just needs time. We can't pull her out because of one obstacle."

Minerva wanted to protest but Remus took hold of her shoulder. "Give her a week like we planned. If she contacts us tonight and wants to stop then we do but please, Minerva, see if she can hold out for a week."

Against her better judgment, she sighed and said; "Okay."

"You should be proud, Cissy." Bellatrix hissed.

"So you have said." Narcissa replied as she shrugs her gloves off. "I should be with my son."

"The dark lord wishes young Draco to be by his side for tonight."

Narcissa sighed. The two sisters were in Narcissa's quarters, disagreeing yet again.

"Bella, you cannot expect me to welcome this with open arms."

"You must."

"Yes. Yes, I must comply. I have no say in my sons future."

"His future is with us, Cissy. His future is to serve the Dark Lord and eventually…"

"Eventually take his place." Narcissa finished. She started to shake as her anger rose. "I am the only one who has his best interest at hand. My own husband has succumbed to your Lords wishes. And let us not forget my dear sister; you have been his lapdog for half of your life. You are no longer an individual. You no longer are the strong woman I looked up too."

Bellatrix stood still. A jolt ripped thru her body as she took in her sister's words. "Cissy…"

"You are quick to sacrifice my son's future. You abandon Andy and took me into your web of lies and all for what, Bella!" Her voice rose as she took a step forward.

"Do not bring her into this." Bellatrix sneered.

"She is our sister!" Narcissa cried out.

"She is no sister of mine!" Bellatrix grabbed Narcissa's wrist and squeezed. "You will not mention her name to me again."

Narcissa tried to move away, but to no avail. "Take your hands away from me."

Bellatrix anger rose as she quickly pushed the blonde against the wall. She heard a small gasp sound from her sister's lips as she hit the wall hard.

"Never. Mention. Her name. Again!" She ordered, pushing her sister roughly against the wall with every word.

Narcissa struggled as Bellatrix grip grew tighter. She knew she would bruise, she always did.

"Why do you always do this, Cissy? Why?" Bellatrix question before letting her sister go.

Almost instantly, Narcissa raised her bruised hand and swung, leaving Bellatrix bewildered and flushed. "That was the last time you put your hands on me." She said with a hoarse voice. "The last time."

"Draco." Voldemort spoke. His dark eyes pierced Draco's.

Draco knelt on the chambers floors. "Yes, my lord."

"Tomorrow night, you will be your final task."

Final task? He thought. What could be more definite then tonight? He surely thought that tonight he proved his self a great deal, or was torturing and killing a former Hogwarts professor not enough?

An uncharacteristic chuckle escaped Voldemort lips. "You have done well tonight, Draco. However, I require more from you. You're future means a great deal to me."

"Yes, my lord." He said. His voice was shaky but we held his composure.

"You will meet with your Aunt to discuss the details."

"Yes, my lord."

Voldemort pondered for a bit. He could sense the hesitation and fear inside of Draco. Swiftly, he extract his wand and aimed it at Draco. "Crucio."

Thus began another lesson.