Ch. 16 Friendship and Love
Everyone at breakfast was uncharacteristically quiet. It seemed as everyone woke that morning somehow the news of what happened the night before had spread like wildfire. Another wizarding family slain. The Thomas' had been more of a well known family than the previously slain Griswald's and for many people that was scarier.
Dumbledore was not present as he usually was because he was standing in front of the castle awaiting irate and fearful parents. Hermione had no idea if anyone had arrived yet but she knew parents would be streaming in soon. A few students had already been taken out with the news of the first family and now she feared even more would follow. She hoped Dumbledore wouldn't have to close the school when it was all said and done.
She'd received another letter from her parents and was greatly relieved when she was able to speak with Dumbledore she would have to ask him for protection for her parents. She knew in the grand scheme of things she would probably be considered a nobody but being Harry's best friend made her a prime target especially since she was a muggleborn. She couldn't bare the thought of something happening to her parents, she didn't know if she'd be able to survive that.
She glanced over at the Slytherin table never failing to notice Draco's absence. She caught Ginny smiling knowingly at her before she quickly looked away and resumed eating. Harry wasn't present as she knew he was resting after staying awoke all night. Ron ate slowly beside her lacking his usual voracious appetite. She'd stayed with he and Harry as long as she could before retiring to her own dorms. Ron had been pushing for her to tell Harry the truth and she wanted to more than anything but she was afraid of Harry's reaction.
"What exactly did happen to the Thomas'?" she heard a fourth year girl ask to no one in particular.
Hermione had not really heard any concrete details only that they were no longer alive. Despite the fact that they were more well known she had never heard of or seen the people.
"It was horrible, they tortured the man and raped the woman. The kids slept through the entire thing!" a young girl in second year who was known for gossip said.
Hermione dropped her fork onto her plate and stared dully down at the food no longer having an appetite. A woman was raped? A man tortured? Everything was becoming much too frighteningly real. Despite the fact that she had been a part of the wizarding world for almost seven years she'd never taken part in a wizarding war, knowing that they were being savages and not just dealing out 'Avada Kedavra's' troubled her more than usual.
"Winston was one of the announcers for Quidditch, I remember meeting him at a game once. He and my father went to school together."
Hermione looked down the table and saw a fifth year boy who looked troubled over the news. His shaggy brown hair kept falling into his eyes and he was staring down at his plate shaking his head.
"He seemed like such a nice man," the boy paused, "I can't believe I met someone who was...murdered."
The table became silent at his admittance and everyone looked at each other each processing the information in their own way. The only table in the entire hall that acted somewhat normal was the Slytherins, there were a few who seemed perturbed by the news but most of them were laughing raucously as usual. Hermione glared at them in disgust.
"I'd better go check on Harry," Ron sighed, "He doesn't even know about this yet."
Hermione stood, "I'll go with you."
They walked down the hall in silence and she peered at the main door as they passed it wondering exactly what was going on outside. She couldn't hear any sounds coming from the other side but that didn't mean anything. Although she wasn't necessarily keen on so many parents trying to take their children out of school she couldn't really blame them, if her parents were magical in any way they probably wouldn't have allowed her back this year at all.
She'd informed them about the dangerous situation but she hadn't been that candid about it if she was honest with herself. She'd briefly explained that there were wizards who were against people like her who were from non-magical backgrounds and that there was going to be an inevitable stand-off but she had downplayed the entire thing as if it was nothing more than a schoolyard brawl, her parents were none the wiser and other than polite interest they had never inquired further about it. She knew that she would eventually have to make them understand the gravity of the situation and convince them to allow protection from The Order.
Ron stopped abruptly and pulled her to the side of the hall. They watched a fellow Gryffindor traipse by nodding at them both. She turned to Ron questioningly and noticed he had his classic perplexed look with a twinge of excitement illuminating his face.
"We have to show Harry!"
She screwed her face at him in confusion, "Show him what?"
He glanced around the now empty corridor, save them, before replying, "Estrella! We have to show him when she sleepwalks!" his hands moved animatedly before falling to his sides, "Or you show us. I've never seen her do her...thing," he gave a small shiver, "I'm not sure I want too."
It wasn't a brilliant plan but it was the closest thing that made sense to her at the moment. Showing Harry would inevitably kill two birds with one stone, Harry could see the truth for himself and they wouldn't look like idiots trying to explain something to him that they didn't quite understand themselves not to mention he would have no reason to sink into self-denial.
She nodded her head determined, "We'll show him tonight."
Draco slowly poured a hot blue liquid into their cauldron conscious of Hermione's eyes scrutinizing his effort. By the end of this week he'd be through with this tedious potion and his punishment, he could hardly wait. The liquid turned the entire contents in the cauldron into a glowing orange that reminded him of lava, glancing at his instructions he knew he applied the ingredient correctly. He watched Hermione's eyes brighten in pleasure and a small smile formed on her lips. He picked up the wooden spoon and stirred three times as instructed trying to pry his thoughts from her delectable mouth.
"I guess that's it, for today anyway," she said motioning to the cauldron.
He put the lid on and put the cauldron safely away in the corner. He saw Hermione staring at him as if she wanted to say something. Her expression was a bit worried and he became worried as a result.
"What?" he asked almost impatiently.
She shrugged, "Do you...have to...go...tonight?"
Her words were broken and tentative he realized that she was dreading his answer. Once again he tried not to think about kissing her because it was becoming harder and harder not to take those kisses further.
"I don't have to go tonight."
He hoped that would end the conversation on the matter and brushed past her to start a fire in the fireplace. He gave a simple spell and the fire appeared crackling and immediately adding warmth to the chilly room. He heard her clear her throat behind him and he turned to see her serious gaze.
"Why do you have to go at all? Why do you have to be a Death Eater?"
He shrugged nonchalantly, "Some people are born to be stubborn Gryffindors others-"
"Are born to be Death Eater Slytherins?" she finished for him not looking convinced in the least, "That's not an explanation," her lips trembled slightly, "Were you a part of...those muggles being killed?"
He turned his back not wanting her to see the truth in his eyes. He heard her sharp intake of breath and the room fell in a silence so thick he felt as if he was being choked. He may be in The Order now but that didn't change the things he had done or would still have to do and those memories lay constantly at the front of his mind tormenting him. He loathed being a slave to the emotion of fear and he felt it now slowly taking his breath away. He was afraid of losing her, afraid that she would see him for the monster he was and leave him without a second thought. He could stand to see his father's disapproving stare but seeing such disdain in Hermione's eyes was a blow he didn't know if he had the armor for.
He heard her light footsteps nearing him and then he felt her arms snake around his waist. He let out a shaky breath and felt as if he was gaping for air. Her next words would either heal or hurt him. Her face was pressed against his back and her small hands were fisted on his stomach.
"Why would you do that Draco? How could you?" she grit out.
He could feel her anger and sadness pressing against him and seeping into his bones. For the first time in his life he felt ashamed and he hung his head low his hair obscuring his view of the fire.
"Why do you hate people like me?" she sobbed against his back, "Would you have killed me?"
He broke out of her grasp and turned around so quickly she was caught off balance and he grabbed her before she stumbled. He peered into her tear strewn eyes trying to find the words to make her understand.
"I don't hate muggles," he ground out before shaking her gently, "and I would never hurt you, Hermione. Do you hear me? I would never hurt you."
She slowly shook her head, "I'm supposed to believe you? You've been torturing and killing innocent people and I'm supposed to trust that you wouldn't do the same to me?" she jerked out of his grip staring at him as if he were a stranger.
"Didn't you tell me yesterday that you trusted me?"
She glanced away and he could see her remembering their kiss in the rain.
"You're intelligent and you trust your instincts because most of the time they're right. You said yourself you know I wouldn't hurt you. If you didn't trust that you would be afraid of me and you're not."
She kept her gaze away from his and her jaw trembled as tears slid down her face. He resisted the urge to wipe them away not sure if she'd slap him or worse. For the longest moment she stared off to the side silently crying until she finally looked back at him.
"I should hate you. I should despise everything about you," her lips pressed together in resolve, "But I don't. I can't," she growled in frustration, "Why do I feel this way?"
He stepped forward and took the opportunity to wipe the tears from her flushed face.
"I think it's because, you kind of like me."
She let out a small laugh and quickly wiped away a falling tear.
"I think I do," she made a small sniffle, "Isn't there a way around it? Do you want to be a Death Eater?"
He shook his head, "It doesn't matter what I want."
She nodded adamantly, "Yes, it does matter. It's your life. Just because your last name's Malfoy doesn't mean you have to be a pure-blood hating idiot."
He hid a smile at her vehemence over the matter.
"You don't have to worry about that," he glanced at a clock in the corner, "Isn't almost time for the Weaslette to come?"
She glanced at the clock and sighed, "Yes. She should be here any moment."
He kissed her on the cheek quickly so his lips wouldn't trail to her mouth, "We'll talk when you get back."
"I won't be in...until...real late," she said brushing her hands through her hair.
He took a step back looking her over noticing she was nervous.
"You're a horrible liar."
She blushed, "I'm not lying."
"Why won't you be in until real late? It doesn't take that long to patrol."
He could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to come up with some lame excuse that he was in no mood to accept or believe.
"You didn't answer my question yesterday. Why were you and the Weasel going to see Dumbledore?"
She took a breath before saying, "We were just going to discuss-"
His voice lowered, "Don't lie to me. What's going on?"
She sighed, "It has to do with Harry and Estrella."
"Estrella's that weird girl?" he knew her name begun with an E.
She nodded, "It's not anything important," she turned away and strode across the room and began fiddling with a book on their study table.
"If it's 'not anything important' why were you going to see Dumbledore?"
"Just to get his advice on something," she flipped mindlessly through the pages of the book with her back to him.
He thought of the strange girl disappearing before his eyes after driving the entire Forbidden Forest crazy. There was something not natural about the girl. Her eyes always appeared vacant as if there was nothing behind them.
"Have you caught her sleepwalking again?"
She released the book and turned to him.
"No, not since that night you and I found her."
He sat down in the chair next to her.
"She's weirder than we thought."
She sat down in the chair opposite him and her legs brushing up against his did not go unnoticed by him. She gazed at him anxiously.
"Tell me about it, she's much more weirder than we thought."
Not being able to help himself with her being in such close proximity his hands grasped her thigh and he saw her give a small gulp.
"Why do you say that?"
She glanced at his hand before peering closely at him, "You said it first."
He nodded, "I did. I saw her sleepwalking again, outside."
"Outside?"
"When she started screaming the forest went crazy and when she stopped you couldn't hear anything," she was listening closely to every word, "Then she disappeared on Hogwart's grounds."
"Disappeared on Hogwart's grounds? That makes sense, I guess," she said looking downward talking mostly to herself.
"What do you mean that makes sense? Nothing about that girl makes sense," he scoffed, "I'm starting to wonder if she's even human."
She looked up at him and stood abruptly knocking his hand from her, "Since you're in training to be a Death Eater you should know something about that."
She walked into her room and shut the door behind her, no more like slammed the door. He blinked in confusion at her sudden change in mood. He stood up and went to her door opening it without knocking. She was picking up her wand from her nightstand and glanced up at him in surprise.
"What the hell was that?"
Her gaze was hot and he stared at her expectantly waiting for an explanation.
"Why don't you ask your Dark Lord?"
He was completely confused, "What. The. Bloody. Hell. Are. You. Up. About?" he pronounced each word slowly feeling himself losing patience.
She inhaled and exhaled glaring at him, "Estrella's an Imperial but I guess Voldemort was hoping no one would know about that."
He was even more confused if that was possible.
"I have no idea what you're talking about and what is an Imperial?"
She stared at him disbelievingly, "You don't know?"
He gave her an exasperated look, "Do I look like I know?"
She looked sheepishly at him, "Sorry, I just assumed..."
He stuffed his hands in his pockets upset at her but not really knowing why, "Don't assume things about me. Now what is an Imperial and what does it have to do with Esther?"
"Estrella," she corrected.
He shrugged, "Whatever. What's an Imperial?"
"You really don't know?"
He threw his hands up and was about to leave when she stopped him, "Okay, okay. I get it. You don't know," she sat down on her bed, "It's a group of ancient people that were killed thousands of years ago. They were very powerful and pure hearted but if someone like you or I got a hold to them as children then we could control them sort of like the Imperio curse. That's where the name comes from."
"And you think Estrella is an Imperial?" he asked slowly digesting what she'd just said.
"Imperials also sleepwalk. They can summon people in their sleep if they have a bond with them."
Her words were running through his mind as if through a processor.
"Are you saying that when she was sleepwalking she was summoning someone? Because she was speaking some weird language the last time I saw her."
Her eyes widened and she jumped off the bed and moved towards him.
"She was speaking a language? What did it sound like?"
"I don't know, I've never heard it before," he peered at her, "What does this have to do with anything?"
"None of the other...Death Eaters know about this?"
He crossed his arms, "If they did they haven't told me."
She seemed to think about his words for a moment before saying, "No one can know about this. No One."
He raised a brow feeling himself grow angry, "If you think I would do something like that," he shook his head and walked out of her room feeling his disappointment turn to hot anger.
"Draco!"
He turned back to her as he made it to his door.
"I didn't mean anything by it, I just...I have to protect the people I love."
"Protect them from me?"
"Protect them from Voldemort!" she explained before moving close to him and taking his hand in hers, "You said you would never hurt me but would you hurt Harry? Ron?"
He stared into her wide eyes not really knowing the answer. He'd contemplated cursing them both on more than one occasion and he knew the feeling was mutual. If he never saw them again it wouldn't hurt him none but he knew how much it would kill Hermione and no matter how much he hated the thought that they meant something to her that he probably never would he could never hurt them because it would hurt her.
"There's no love lost between me and them. I doubt they'd hesitate in hurting me and if they did I would have no choice but to retaliate."
She looked saddened by his words by nodded in understanding. There was a knock at the door and her head swung around to look at it.
"Hermione! I'm waiting outside!" Ginny's muffled voice spoke through the door.
Ever since that time she'd caught them snogging she'd always knock and wait unless invited in. She looked back to him and let go of his hand.
"I have to go now."
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him kissing her hard on the lips.
"Whatever it is you're going to be staying the night away for don't let it be because of that girl. She's probably dangerous. I wouldn't trust anyone who has the ability to apparate on school grounds," he stared deeply into her eyes, "Be careful."
She nodded solemnly, "I will."
She left without another word and he watched the door close quietly behind her. Her going anywhere near that girl, especially at night, was not a pleasant thought. He entered his room and grabbed his wand not being able to sit still with the anxiousness that had just overcame him.
Molly Weasley laid the last plate of roast beef in front of Tonks who stared queerly down at the meal. Many members of The Order had been summoned and they all could guess why. No one could sit by and wait for any more families to be killed things were far too crucial.
Dumbledore took a bite of the food in front of him and sighed contently before looking at them all, "Dinner is absolutely delicious Molly."
Mrs. Weasley gave an appreciative smile before shooing her husband to eat his food. Lupin caught Tonks staring at him before she looked away quickly with a slight blush to her cheeks. He glanced away quickly turning to Dumbledore.
"We need to encourage people to go to the extremes in protecting themselves. We can't afford for anymore innocent blood to be shed. No children have been killed so far and that's the only positive I can gather from these senseless murders but I doubt they will be so," his mouth twisted bitterly, "merciful in the future."
"I know," Dumbledore sighed, "It grieves me so with what has happened to the Thomas'. I should've taken action the moment I learned of the muggles but that is not to say that the Griswald's would've been spared," he leaned his elbows on the table and peered closely at them all, "I have been informed that Voldemort wishes to take over the school."
Mrs. Weasley gasped and all eyes were riveted upon Dumbledore at the news.
"This can' be true," Hagrid gristled from his seat across the room, "You-know-who wouldn't dare come to Hogwart's. He's too afraid."
"Apparently not, Hagrid. Our daily activities are concerned with things that have nothing to do with the war but Voldemort is left alone to think of nothing but his hatred. He is working while we are asleep," Dumbledore said softly.
McGonagall waved her hand, "Whether or not Voldemort wants to come to Hogwart's he doesn't have the ability. No one can apparate on or off school grounds."
"I fear that he may have students who will assist him, either way it goes," Dumbledore looked at McGonagall whose eyes widened slightly behind her glasses.
"Students?" Tonks asked shaking her head, "I guess it isn't so hard to believe. Being young doesn't exempt you from being good or evil."
Lupin shifted in his chair disturbed at the thought of Voldemort rushing the school and killing all of those children,"Should we station ourselves at the school?"
"Not until we are absolutely sure of when he decides to strike. I do not want to alert him," he clasped his hands on the table, "We may have to eventually evacuate the school and quietly inform the parents, many of whom are already worried to death."
Lupin was quietly wondering who had informed Dumbledore of Voldemort's plans but he wouldn't dare ask because he knew Dumbledore wouldn't be able to divulge and he trusted him with his life. If he trusted his nameless source then so did he.
"Should we tell the children," Arthur asked.
Dumbledore nodded, "I will tell Harry, Ron, and Hermione but no one else."
Everyone nodded in agreement and they all began eating their dinner so as not to offend Mrs. Weasley even if none of them had an appetite.
Hermione and Ginny rounded the corner heading to the Gryffindor dorms finishing their rounds. The halls were quiet and vacant there had been no sign of Estrella but she knew that meant nothing. If Harry was plagued every night that meant that Estrella was out every night sleepwalking and she would catch her tonight for Harry's benefit.
"How are things between you and Malfoy?"
She broke out of her thoughts to look at Ginny.
"Okay, I guess."
Ginny smiled at her, "You are so tight lipped when it comes to things like this. No other girl would be able to keep her mouth closed if they were snogging Malfoy."
Hermione bent her head low and quickened her pace, "Do you have to say it like that?"
Ginny laughed, "Why not? It is what you do isn't it? It's not a big deal Hermione, well it is a big deal that it's Malfoy. Honestly, if he weren't such a git I'd envy you."
She thought to the last thing they'd said to the other. He'd asked her to be careful and she had every intention too but she'd be lying to herself if she said she wasn't the least bit nervous. Knowing what Estrella was now made her infinitely more dangerous than before. She had no idea of Estrella's powers and capabilities but if she could break past the magical barriers that Dumbledore had set up around the school then they were all in trouble.
"He's not how you think he is," she said quietly, "Well, he is and he isn't. He can be so rude and inconsiderate and at the same time sweet and thoughtful."
They reached the Fat Lady who was snoring softly in her portrait and Ginny stared at her her mouth slightly agape.
"You're falling in love with him aren't you?"
Hermione's eyes widened in shock, "W-what? In love with Draco?" she shook her head quickly, "No. I'm not."
She hurriedly said the password and the Fat Lady grumbled opening up and she rushed inside not wanting to even think about what Ginny had said. She found Ron and Harry by the fire playing a game of chess everyone else must have already gone to bed. Ron looked up at her in relief and he gave her a look that said, 'Are you ready?'
Ginny lightly grabbed her arm and she turned to see her apologetic face, "I didn't mean to upset you but it's obvious to me. If you think there's something worthwhile about him then there must be," she whispered before heading to the girl dorms.
Hermione watched her go her mind wrestling over what she'd just said. In love with Draco? She slowly shook her head again not really able to compute what had been said.
"Me and Harry were just going to finish this game then we were going to take a walk."
Harry looked at them both quizzically, "A walk? This late? Only if Filch doesn't catch us."
Hermione moved to stand beside him, "Actually me and Ron wanted to show you something."
Harry looked up at her from the chess board, "What? You and Ron have been acting a little strange these past couple of days. What is it?"
"I think it's better if you see it for yourself, mate," Ron said.
After they finished their game it was well after midnight. Hermione had peeked into the girl's dormitory and her heart rate sped up when she realized Estrella was missing from her bed. They'd been in the commons all this time and had never seen her leave so what Draco said had to be true, she was able to apparate wherever she wanted. She hoped they wouldn't have to look far for her.
She led Harry and Ron down the winding halls and several steps not finding any sight of Estrella and growing exasperated. Ron looked as if he was going to witness a ghost every time they turned a corner and Harry was looking at them both as if they'd lost their minds.
"Where exactly are you two taking me and why?" Harry said stopping to look at them both.
Ron turned to her as if he didn't know the answer either. She rolled her eyes and immediately realized she'd been looking for Estrella in the wrong places. She grabbed Ron and Harry's hands.
"Come on, but be quiet," she hurried them down halls and up stairs until they'd finally reached the side door she'd followed Draco out of that night.
Harry pulled out of her grasp, "We're going outside? What is going on?" he was past the point of exasperation.
She glanced at Ron before deciding to tell Harry at least part of the reason for why they were leading him all over the place.
"There's something wrong with Estrella, Harry."
Harry looked at Ron for confirmation who nodded his head. His expression became irritated.
"Is this about her sleepwalking again? So what? People sleepwalk it's not a big deal."
"It is a big deal, Harry! Wizards don't sleepwalk," she pushed open the door, "Please, I have to show you."
The cold air hit them all like a slap in the face and she wrapped her arms around herself. Harry trailed behind her slowly becoming more irritated by the second.
"I know you guys probably don't like Estrella. She's quiet and shy that's all. There's nothing wrong with her."
She said nothing more and quickened her pace on the cobbled sidewalk. They'd been walking for a little over a minute when she heard something that sounded a bit like humming. She cut across the grass heading straight toward the sound and she could see the Forbidden Forest looming in the distance casting shadows from it's trees.
"Do you hear that?" Ron whispered behind her.
She marched on hearing the voice grow stronger. A hand grabbed her arm spinning her around, it was Harry. She could see even in the dark with only the moonlight shining on his face he had gone ashen. His green eyes were wide and unblinking.
"That's the voice," he whispered.
She grabbed his hand, "Come on Harry."
They hurried through the dewy grass the voice becoming louder in pitch and they all stopped abruptly when they saw a silhouette in the forest, floating at the entrance. Harry let go of her hand and stepped forward.
"What the bloody hell..." Ron peered closely to try to make out the figure.
Within seconds Estrella moved into view from the shadows dressed in that ghostly white gown she'd seen her in before. Her eyes were open and vacant and her mouth was moving with strange words coming out.
"Meleepan hopa. Tangrisie aman akpa. Joy Joy Joy Joyo Joyo. Amanparo. Amanparo."
"What is she saying?" Ron whispered at her side.
She shook her head wordlessly never having heard any of the words before. She was repeating the words as if they were a mantra of some kind. It took her only a second to realize that she was heading towards them but to her surprise she stopped at least ten feet away. Her hands stretched out toward them and her blue eyes became so dark she thought they must have turned black.
"Meleepan. Akpa. Joyo Joyo. Amanparo, Harry, Amanparo."
The words were delivered in a soft velvety voice seducing them or as it were seducing Harry. She watched Harry take a step toward her and even though Estrella's eyes were wide and vacant she smiled and crooked her finger beckoning Harry to her.
"Amanparo, Harry, Amanparo."
Harry moved towards her and Ron grabbed him, "What are you doing? Can't you see she's crazy?"
Harry shoved Ron so forcefully that he fell towards the ground. Ron glanced at Hermione fearfully and she ran to him as well.
"Harry don't!" she grabbed a hold of his arm but he pushed her away easily.
Estrella was still beckoning him and floating backwards towards the forest with Harry following. She ran in front of Harry and waved her hand, he didn't blink. His eyes were looking straight through her and staring at Estrella not paying any attention to her at all. Ron was getting himself off of the ground and he pointed to Estrella.
"Is there any way to stop her?"
She ran towards Estrella and with all her might she pulled her hand back and slapped her so hard her hand stung painfully. Estrella's eyes blinked but they were still black. She didn't scream as she had the last time instead she raised a hand to Hermione and without saying a word she felt herself being thrown back with a force so powerful she lost her breath. She fell into Ron almost fifteen feet away and they both fell to the ground.
She gaped for air trying to find her breath and Ron held her tightly, "Are you alright, Hermione?"
She nodded still not being able to breath, "Yes...we...have..to..get...Harry away...from...her," she said gulping for air.
Ron pushed her and himself up. Harry was nearly to the forest now and they ran to him and each grabbed an arm pulling him backwards. He fought furiously against them and Hermione barely had the strength to hold on. His eyes were completely transfixed on Estrella and was determined to get to her.
Fear choked her throat as she said, "Harry, please, snap out of it!"
"Amanparo. Amanparo!" Estrella's voice became more forceful and deep she could almost hear a slithering lizard within it and a chill ran down her spine.
Harry struggled in both of their grips and growled in frustration.
"No, mate, we're not letting you go," Ron grit out holding Harry back.
Estrella's voice began to chant faster and faster and seemed to grow angrier and angrier.
"Amanparo. Amanparo. Amanparo. Amanparo."
The word was slowly driving her insane and she didn't know how much longer she'd be able to keep Harry back. Ron glanced up at Estrella and looked to Hermione fearfully.
"Hermione watch out!"
Before she could see what he was warning her about another force hit her stronger than the first. Harry slid out of her grasp and she flew backwards and felt herself hit the ground so hard she was amazed she didn't hear any bones crack. Her entire body ached from the pain and she gasped heavily for air like a fish out of water.
"Hermione!" she heard Ron yell and she could see through her hazy vision Harry hitting him squarely in the jaw before striding towards Estrella purposefully.
Ron fell to the ground hands on his face and Hermione tried her best to call out but wasn't able too. She wondered vaguely if she'd die from lack of air because she just couldn't seem to get any air in her lungs.
"Expelliarmus!"
She heard a voice shout but couldn't make out who said it. She tried to focus on the scene in front of her and she saw Estrella's ghostly outline screeching at the top of her lungs. The entire forest went crazy making every sound imaginable and she'd thought she die from lack of oxygen and go deaf when the white floating figure finally fell to the ground and everything became silent.
She coughed willing air into her lungs and felt herself growing faint and losing consciousness. Her eyes were almost shut when she saw Harry fall to the ground as well. She tried to speak his name but couldn't and felt as if her lungs would burst. Hot tears spilled down her face and her eyes were sliding closed. She coughed again hoping for air once more when a strong arm reached down to pull her up. She could feel the thinnest veins of air seeping into her lungs and felt her panic recede, she wouldn't suffocate after all. The strong arms held her tightly to their side holding on to her as if she would slip away.
"I told you to be careful you stupid girl!"
She blinked sluggishly focusing her eyes on the person holding her.
"Dr-Draco?"
She took a deep inhale trying to get more air and gripped him tightly. She could see him glaring down at her his gray eyes clouded with fear.
"Can you breath?"
She nodded her head faintly. He brushed the tangled curls out of her eyes and examined her face.
"You scared the shit out of me, when I saw you flying back like that."
He pulled her close to him and held her for a moment as if he were unsure she was really there. She relaxed into his grip feeling safe after feeling moments before that she was going to die. She heard a soft moan and turned her head to see Ron stumbling from the ground. He looked up and she could see the blood on his face even in the dark. He glanced at Harry then at her. She could feel his anger grow even though he was almost twenty feet away and he stumbled towards them.
"Get your hands off of her, Malfoy!"
She saw him reach into his pocket and his wand fell out clumsily.
"Ron, no!"
She moved towards him and Draco held her up as she was still light headed. She broke out of his grasp when she reached Ron and helped him up. He held onto her his face smeared with blood and gripped his wand tightly in his hand as he aimed it at Draco. She grabbed his arm and he held her away from him his determination focused solely on Draco.
"Go ahead Weasel," he taunted, "hit me with an unforgivable."
Ron kept his wand aimed at him his face contorted in anger.
"Lower your wand, Ron. He helped us. He's the one who shot the expelliarmus."
Ron shook his head, "I don't care. He's probably working with her. Hell, he's probably working with Voldemort! Why would he help us?"
Draco said nothing and stared Ron down.
"Ron! We need to help Harry!"
Ron blinked and glanced behind him at Harry's still form on the ground. He moved quickly and ran to him falling to his side and she followed.
"Harry! Harry! Wake up," Ron shoved him gently.
She stared down at Harry's peaceful form and quickly felt for a pulse before she let panic overcome her. His pulse was strong and steady but he was obviously unconscious.
"He's alright, he's just unconscious. We need to get him to the Hospital Wing. Pomfrey will help him," she glanced up at Draco who stared at them both, "Can you help us?"
Ron looked quickly at the blond boy and scoffed, "No way, Hermione. He's lucky I didn't hex him a moment ago."
"You're lucky I didn't help Potter make you uglier than you already are," Draco bit out.
"Will you two please shut up! We need to get Harry up now!"
She glared at Draco for a moment before he reluctantly knelt beside her and helped her lift him up. He and Ron were both shooting daggers at the other and she would have rolled her eyes if she weren't so exhausted already. She glanced back to look at Estrella and gazed in amazement as the girl's ghostly form disappeared before her. She saw Ron watching too his eyes wide.
"Amazing."
Draco snorted, "If we don't get moving now you two are on your own carrying the Golden Boy."
They shuffled quickly towards the castle in silence and entered the side entrance with Harry limp between them. She prayed that he'd be alright and felt at ease when his face fell against hers and she could feel his warm breath going in and out. They walked quickly down the halls when they heard a familiar grunt.
She, Draco, and Ron all looked at the other and said in unison, "Filch."
They tried to quicken their pace but it was extremely hard and awkward to do with them all carrying Harry. She heard a purr behind her and glanced back to see Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat. The cat made a meow and quickly turned to go backwards in the other direction no doubt trying to alert Filch to their presence.
They moved as quick as they could and all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the door to the Hospital Wing. She released Harry from her grip and hurriedly opened the door allowing Ron and Draco to drag him inside. Madame Pomfrey was looking over a small girl in a bed a few feet away and glanced up in alarm at them.
"What is this?"
Harry fumbled in their grip and she hurried over to assist him.
"Lay him down on the bed," she instructed.
Draco and Ron moved to a vacant bed and lay him down on it. Hermione moved to stand next to Draco and she could see Ron still glaring at him.
"What in the world happened?" Pomfrey asked surveying Harry.
She looked at Ron and shook her head quickly, "I think he has a concussion, I'm not sure."
Pomfrey nodded, "It sure looks like it, but I'll have to run a few tests to be sure," she looked up at them all after perusing Harry, "Well, get on! He's gonna need privacy and rest!"
They all scattered away leaving the room and she cast one more forlorn look at Harry before shutting the door behind her.
"He's gonna be alright, 'Mione," Ron said rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.
She looked at Draco and saw that he looked as if he wanted to throttle Ron but clenched his jaw instead. She squeezed Ron's hand and gave him a small smile, "I know he is but I don't want to leave him here. I'll wait."
"If you wait here Filch is only gonna come around the corner and get you, you should go get some rest," Draco said gently not caring that Ron was there.
She looked into his eyes becoming lost momentarily in the smoky gray when she heard Ron's snide voice, "As if you care, Malfoy."
Draco didn't even look in Ron's direction and kept his eyes trained on her.
"You sure you're gonna stay here?"
She nodded, "I'll be fine. Filch is the last thing I'm worried about."
He glanced behind him, "Remember what I said earlier."
"I will."
His gray eyes focused on hers again, "You didn't."
She sighed, "I know, hopefully it won't happen again."
Ron glanced between them both confused, "What are you talking about?"
Draco stared at her intensely and she couldn't look away if she wanted too. His eyes spoke to her more than words could. Suddenly he blinked and brushed past them disappearing down the hall. Ron watched him leave frowning before looking at her curiously.
"Do you want to explain?"
She looked at him tiredly, "No, I don't," she laid her head against the wall and closed her eyes, "I guess it wasn't such a good idea to show him."
She didn't see Ron's expression but she heard his sigh, "If Harry's seriously hurt I'll never forgive myself."
Her eyes popped open and she looked at the now dried blood on his face.
"Ron, you need to see Pomfrey too."
His hands went to his face and he looked sheepish.
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
He opened the door and went back in and she followed behind. She wasn't planning on leaving either of their sides tonight whether or not Pomfrey asked her too. She sat in a chair next to Harry as Pomfrey now fretted over Ron and thought about Draco. He'd managed to save her life again and Ginny's words earlier reverberated in her mind. You're falling in love with him. She relaxed into the chair her entire body aching as if she'd been hit by a truck and exhaled when she realized the truth. She was already in love with Draco.
(A/N) Wow, it's been almost two weeks since I last updated and I am very sorry about that. It's been so much going on I haven't had the time and I was sort of stuck with this chapter not knowing exactly how I wanted to write it. Once again thank you all for reading and reviewing and hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter as well the others. :-)