Chapter 16

Cait sat in a chair near the fire, replaying her last few moments with Draco through her mind. She had no way of knowing if he was still alive or not. Every time she closed her eyes she could see his stunned body lying in the center of the room.

"She has been sitting in that same spot for three days. She won't eat, won't talk. She just stares at the fire." Cait heard someone saying, but the words didn't register in her mind. The only thing that registered was the fact that Draco was in danger and it was her fault.

"Caity?"

Cait ignored the voice.

"Caity, look at me," the voice commanded before gruffly turning her to face the owner.

Cait blinked as Theo came into focus. After a second of registration, she threw herself into his arms and sobbed. Theo rubbed her back, drawing comforting circles, as he held her. He whispered softly into her ear, but her mind wouldn't register what he was saying; only that he was there.

"Tea, dears?"

Cait looked up at the red-haired woman who was standing in the kitchens with an apron on. She looked to Theo, who sighed and nodded to her. "Yes, Mrs. Weasley, please."

"Of course, my dears. Have a seat."

"Come on, Caity, sit." Theo gestured to a pulled out chair and Cait sat. She also accepted the cup of tea when Mrs. Weasley offered it to her, though she didn't drink it.

"Drink it, Caity."

Caity sighed and took a tentative sip, followed by another longer sip.

"When did you get here?" Cait asked quietly, setting her cup down and fiddling with the handle.

"I have been with the Order since before you left for Malfoy Manor. I got to headquarters just last night."

"Since before I left?"

"I was with Draco when he got word that they had captured Hermione. He told me to talk to Snape before he left to find you."

"He knew-"

"Yeah, I pretty sure that he had an idea that things were not going to be easy."

"Oh, Teddy." Cait sobbed, lying her head down on the table.

"Sh, it's alright. We'll get him out of there too."

"If they haven't killed him already!"

"I'm sure they haven't killed him, my dear. Hermione told me that he had her Stupefy him before you all left. That may save him if they think that you stunned him and then escaped with Hermione." Mrs. Weasley convinced, "Now have some eggs and toast. It's been three days since you've eaten anything and I won't have anybody wasting away on my watch."

"Cait?" Cait turned to find Hermione standing in the doorway of the room that she was sharing with her brother. "Can I come in?"

She nodded her head and the brunette stepped inside and closed the door.

"I wanted to thank you. I know that I said some pretty harsh things and that I was pretty awful to you, but, well, you saved my life."

"I never wanted anyone to get hurt," Cait confessed miserably. "They threatened to kill my brother if I didn't cooperate. And originally I was just supposed to be bringing them information. They weren't supposed to kidnap anyone."

"I believe you." the other girl confirmed, giving Cait a tentative smile.

There was another knock on the door and Hermione smiled, "You're a very popular lady tonight. I'll see you later, Cait."

When Hermione opened the door, Harry was standing behind it. He stepped aside and waited for Hermione to leave before stepping into the room and shutting the door again.

"I owe you an apology." he stated, staring at his shoes. "I'm still mad that you were lying to me, don't get me wrong. But, I have a confession too." He paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "I was on a mission of sorts as well. I was supposed to be getting close to you. Before Dumbledore died, he told me that he thought that you might know of an object that I need. He wanted me to befriend you and see if I couldn't find out if you knew something. Ron and Hermione didn't know. To them it was all real. The only other person who knew was Ginny, and I'm sure you can guess why."

"You were using me?" Cait asked, catching Harry's eye. His cheeks colored slightly.

"I-yeah."

Cait almost sighed with relief. She had been so torn up about having to lie to Harry and about seemingly making him care for her in ways that she couldn't return.

"Can I ask you something?" Harry finally asked, looking up at Cait.

"I guess,"

"Is there some object that you know of that might be useful to Voldemort?"

"I don't think so," Cait answered after pondering for a moment, "What kind of object?"

"It could be anything really. Maybe a piece of jewelry or a book or something?"

"I can't think of anything,"

Harry nodded."Alright, but if you do, will you let me know?"

Cait nodded.

"I'll see if I can get any news about Malfoy for you." Harry promised from the open doorway. He took one last look at her before closing the door.

Cait sank to the bed and dropped her head into her hands, sending up a silent prayer that Draco was okay. She quietly slid under the covers and nestled into her pillow, imagining herself safely wrapped in Draco's arms.