Bloodlust

Chapter XXVII

Hermione remained curled up on the floor by the fireplace. She pressed her arms closer to her chest and closed her eyes, trying to feel her weight against the floor. She took long breaths that felt sore against the walls of her throat. The puffiness and redness of her eyes gave evidence of her weeping most of the night.

A blurry figure appeared before her after a gentle popping sound, blocking her disoriented view of the dead fireplace. A wrinkled white cloth, thin waxy limbs, and a face painted with hope appeared before her.

"Breakfast for Miss Granger!" The high-pitched voice cheerfully announced.

"Good morning, Miss!"

"Who are you?" Hermione faintly asked while she forced herself to sit up.

"My name is Loree! Master Draco assigned Loree to be your personal elf." The elf introduced herself cheerfully.

Hermione stood up and dragged herself towards the bed, allowing her body to fall flatly on the mattress.

"Miss Granger must eat her breakfast first," insisted Loree, placing the food tray on the bedside table.

Hermione squashed her face on the pillows, seeking pressure. She'd been feeling oddly empty lately. Most of the time she felt numb, like a functioning body without a soul. Yesterday's conversation dug into the core of her soul, leaving her feeling like an empty being, draining her energy.

"Why was Miss Granger on the floor?" Asked Loree, tilting her head to one side and ears twirling in curiosity.

"Please, leave me alone," Hermione requested, her face still under the pillow.

"But Miss Granger must eat!" Loree reasoned, taking a few steps forward, tapping her fingers to one another.

"Leave it there. I'll eat later," Hermione replied, covering her face with her blanket.

The sound of a chair creaking against the floor made Hermione peek over the fabric on her face. Loree conjured a seat next to her bed. The elf hopped onto it, hands clasped together, watching her closely.

"Don't tell anyone." Said the elf, leaning in a little bit closer to whisper. "Young Master Draco allowed Loree to sit, so Loree can watch you all day if I have to..." The elf proudly whispered, her eyes glimmering with happiness.

"You don't have to do that."

"Master's orders! Miss Granger must eat, must rest, must read, must walk around, must - "

"Please, just, leave me alone - "

"Miss Granger must eat her meal," Loree stated.

"I will eat later," Hermione repeated.

"Loree must see that Miss Granger eats her meal. It is master's or - "

Hermione palmed her face up to her head, clutching tightly to the roots of her hair in an attempt to contain the threat of her simmering frustration. She pulled herself up, and crawled off her bed, carrying her meal and marched towards the window nook. The heels of her hands pressed hardly against the edge of the concrete surface as she hopped up on it and leaned against the window frame, poking her meal with a fork as her eyes wandered the view of the estate.

She felt a heavy sense of observance as she slowly ate her food. Loree indeed kept a close watch on her. Loree gripped the edge of her pillowcase dress tightly, catching Hermione tightening her grip on her fork.

"I'm done," Hermione informed, hoping to get rid of the elf's presence immediately.

Loree nibbled nervously on the corner of her lips as she followed Hermione's hands while holding the cutleries.