Golden Stars

Chapter Eight: Scorched Clues

Sophie Foster POV

I blinked open my eyes to see a worried Hermione leaning over me.

"Hermione?" I asked.

"Oh, Sophie, you're awake," she replied, sounding relieved.

"How long was I out?" I asked her, slowly getting up.

"Not long. Just a few minutes." she said. "What happened? I was Stupefied, so I couldn't tell what happened,"

I had no idea what 'Stupefied' meant, but I was betting that it wasn't a good thing.

"Well, I used my inflicting ability on Lady Gisela and that drained all of my energy, so I fainted," I explained

"Oh," she said.

We both sat in silence for a few heartbeats, not knowing what to say next.

"I'm sorry if I've been acting a little... mean around you," said Hermione.

I looked at her in surprise.

"It's just that I didn't know if I could trust you, or any of the elves. I didn't know if this was all just a setup or something, so I'm sorry."

"I..." I didn't know what to say next. "Um... It's okay," I said, hoping I didn't say anything wrong. "I understand,"

She let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you," she said. "Maybe we can start over now,"

I nodded, then got a rush of memories. Someone said something similar to me before... I thought. Then It hit me. Biana. Biana had said something similar when they were twelve...

"I know." Biana stared at her hands, wringing her fingers so tight it looked painful. "Can we maybe start over?"

I bit my lip. "I guess we can try."

Biana exhaled, seeming relieved. "Good."

I shook myself out of the memories, remembering how easy things were back then.

Suddenly, the doors of the Hospital Wing banged open. We both turned our heads to see two familiar red haired boys being carried with invisible string by Professor Flitwick.

Hermione gasped. So did I.

"The Weasley twins.... What are they doing here?" I asked her.

"I don't know, but I think it's related to the attack," She said, "Maybe the others got to the site of the attack," She turned her head back to me. "Can you transmit to Fitz?"

"Sure," I said. "Just know that I might not be able to hear you until I open my eyes again."

She nodded nervously as I closed my eyes and focused on finding Fitz's mind among all the others.

Fitz?

Sophie? You're awake?

Yes, I'm alright.

Is Hermione with you?

Yes, but can you explain to me why I see the Weasley twins in the Hospital Wing?

He explained to me about the attack and the mysterious piece of evidence that the group had found.

Where was the actual attack? I asked.

The West Towers, but I think you and Hermione should come... and hurry. He informed me.

Okay, I transmitted. I'll be there soon.