Rating:
R
House:
Schnoogle
Genres:
Drama Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire
Stats:
Published: 04/28/2003
Updated: 07/07/2003
Words: 43,336
Chapters: 10
Hits: 9,094

Yours Forever, Ginny.

DarkSlayer

Story Summary:
Draco Malfoy will enter his seventh year at Hogwarts, but not before he finds out that he is a key instrument in a plan that has been brewing for years, a plan based on a prophecy so old, that there is in no way it could fail. Virginia Weasley comes back to England after two years of schooling overseas, to find that she has become an entirely different person. A person her family doesn’t want her to be. When two souls that have felt the call of darkness meet, it could end the world … or save it.

Chapter 09

Posted:
07/07/2003
Hits:
909

The world seemed to be divided up into two halves, one on the left and one on the right. The one on the left was sky blue with soft white clouds, a shining sun, and every now and then there were flashes of memories behind a lone figure that stood there, watching her.

It was Draco. His white-blonde hair shone gold in the sunlight and he looked like an Adonis. The memories that kept flashing through her mind when she looked at this side began when she was very small. Her first birthday party, her parents wedding anniversaries, family trips, her first wand, Hogwarts, and then meeting Draco. There was a connection between them all, she could tell, but in her bouts of slumber, she could not reach to find it, it was too far away.

On the other side, the right, it was all black. The silver moon was shining proudly over a million stars and like the left side, memories flashed behind another lone figure. Darker memories. The figure was Tom Riddle. His wavy black hair was glinting silver off the moonlight and he beckoned her towards him. The memories she could see behind him also began small, but they were of bad memories. Skinning her knee for the first time, fighting with Ron, being scolded by her parents, the Chamber of Secrets, the night Aleksander was killed ...

It was so confusing. On the left, Draco had his beautiful arm out to her, calling her name.

"Virginia, I will love you forever, come with me and I will only show you happiness," he said. What more could she want? She felt her attention being drawn towards the right side and Tom Riddle was also holding his holding his arm out. She looked longingly at his slim, delicate fingers that gestured at her.

"Virginia, come and be my Queen, we will rule the earth together, free of muggles and you will live forever in happiness and immortality," he said. Living forever sounded like it was too good to be true. She found herself leaning towards the right side.

"I'm sorry Draco," she said, tearing her eyes away from her blonde love and taking Riddle's outstretched hand.

"You've made the right decision my love," he said, bringing his face towards hers. Just as they were about to kiss, his face suddenly distorted and aged and became the true nature of what it was today.

"No, Tom, AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Virginia woke up with a start, sweating, her hand clutched to her heart. Looking around, she realized she was still safely tucked in her own bed at home and breathed a sigh of relief. She blinked once, twice and then allowed herself a smile as she also realized that it was in fact, Christmas day. She slipped on her robe and walked downstairs to find the majority of her family already crouched around the table to eat breakfast together as they normally did.

"Morning!" called Fred as she sat down. George gave her a thumbs up sign. She smiled back at them, allowing the cheerful spirit to override her. She could always count on the twins to liven things up.

"Good morning darling," her parents said and she replied, looking around the table. Ron hadn't even looked up at her arrival but she was stopped on a retort as Bill and Charlie came thundering down the stairs.

"I could smell the cooking mum!" Bill cried, closing his eyes and allowing a whiff of blueberry pancakes to attack his senses.

The rest of the meal was quite similar. Everyone was cheerful - or slightly forced cheerful towards Virginia with the exception of Ron. When it came to present opening time, Virginia asked to be excused so that she could open her present upstairs. Molly looked shocked.

"But we always open presents together!" she said.

"I know, but I'm ... I'm feeling a little unwell, I'll see you all later," she said and walked upstairs with her packages. Once she got to her room she placed them and herself on her bed and picked up the first present to open.

Bill had given her a charm bracelet that he had picked up from an old Pharaoh tomb he had to break into on a job in Egypt. It was beautiful - solid silver with little charms like hearts, lightening bolts and dragons hanging off it. She slipped it on and admired it. It fit smoothly and shone against her pale skin and some of the charms seemed to glow with color every now and then.

Next was Charlie's present, which she was extremely happy with - a pair of dark brown rugged dragon-hide pants. She got up and taking off her robe, slipped them on. They fit snugly around her hips and flared out slightly at the bottom. She changed back into some casual clothes and continued on with the unwrapping.

Percy had given her a book called 'Studying for the N.E.W.T's are you?" The twins, always constant in their joke-making had given her a folded-up bunch of daises that she was sure would squirt something very dodgy indeed if she had the foolishness to squeeze them ... her parents had given her the usual Weasley jumper in a dark shade of pink, lots of little cakes and a ... a ... good lord, they'd given her a broomstick! Virginia looked at the long thin package in her hands incredulously. It was a Nimbus 2000. She knew it had come out a couple of years ago, but the Weasley's had never been able to afford something like that ... even now, it was still quite out of their price range. Virginia felt her heart contract painfully. A knock on the door brought her back into reality. Molly Weasley walked in.

"Mum ... it's an ... it's a Nimbus," she croaked. Molly gave her a small smile and sat down next to her on the bed.

"Darling ... I know that it's been, hard for you over these past months, but your father and I want you to know that we love you very much and ... and we just want you to have opportunities in life ..." she trailed off. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Virginia spoke.

"Thanks mum," she whispered. Mrs. Weasley nodded and left quietly, giving her one last smile before she closed the door.

The last present was from Ron. Virginia gingerly undid the wrapping, not knowing what to expect. There was a small, square silver frame that looked like it should of held a picture of some sort, but instead the back of the frame through the glass was glowing softly and there was a long list of letters, with spaces inbetween them, all scrambled up. Virginia looked at it confusedly, trying to decipher what it said. Looking back down, she saw a note on her bed.

Gin,

This contraption is called a Truth Glass. When deep inside you, you begin to walk down the right path ... the right path for you in life, the letters will unscramble, to show you what I've put there ... it will only happen when you truly know and realize which way is the right way for you in yourself and I hope you find that way soon, for your own happiness.

Ron

Virginia was shocked. She wasn't sure whether Ron was trying to attack her again about 'being into the Dark Arts' or trying to send an underlying message. She looked at the glass for a few more moments before putting it down and walking over to her desk. Bending down to the drawer that she had been itching to open for the past days, she opened it and took out Draco's present. Sitting back down on her bed, she traced her fingers over the delicate wrapping and hesitated before opening it.

Inside was a small black box. When Virginia opened it, she gasped out loud. It was the most beautiful, expensive-looking ring she'd ever seen in her life. It was white gold, magically enhanced to sparkle diamonds on the top, and when she put it on, the sparkles turned green and warmth surrounded her. Lying in the very bottom of the diamond was a tiny symbol of the Malfoy family crest. She pulled it off slowly and looked on the inside.

Draco and Virginia forever.

For the second time that day, Virginia felt her heart constrict. Oh god ... she just couldn't believe it. She slipped it on again and marveled at the way it turned her plain hand into a dazzling spectacle. She quickly tugged off her outfit and put on some dressier clothes, did a quick make-up spell on her face and dashed out of the door, with her leather carry-bag on her arm. She stopped quite suddenly in the middle of the hallway. Looking back towards her room, her heart pounded as she made a quick decision. She ran back in and picked up her broomstick, she knew how to get to Malfoy Manor, and it wasn't that long a trip ... the only thing was, Virginia was not a very good flyer. Her heart still hammering against her chest, she walked downstairs into the living room. Only Molly, Arthur, Bill and Ron were still sitting there. Mrs. Weasley looked up.

"Hello darling, where are you going?" she asked, not accusing, but in a nice way. Virginia summoned up the courage to reply her mother truthfully.

"I'm going over to Draco's house ... to thank him for the present he gave me," she told them, sticking out her finger to show. Molly gasped and ran over. Ron grunted and made a quick escape upstairs.

"Oh my goodness ... that ... that's beautiful!" Mrs. Weasley cried. Virginia gave her a small smile.

"I know ... I'll see you later okay," she said. Molly nodded and watched as her only daughter walked through the door. When she turned back around, she saw her husband struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"Don't worry Arthur, she'll be all right ... she'll be fine, she can handle herself."

***********************

When Virginia got outside into the freezing cold weather, she gingerly stepped over her broom. Taking a deep breath, she kicked off. The broom soared into the air, but in her uneasiness, it plummeted towards the ground again, and she tumbled off into the ground.

"Ow!" she yelled for she had landed on her elbow. She rubbed it, a sour look on her face, but had the will to try again. This time, when she kicked off, she braced herself and the broom soared high into the air and stayed there.

"Okay Gin, all you have to do now is just don't look down, and stay on!" she whispered to herself. She determinedly did not look down and clutched the front of the broom tightly.

"Okay ... now its East ..."

***********************

When Harry woke up that morning he grinned when he realized he would be spending his first Christmas in a place he could call home and with someone he could call his real family. He bounded down the stairs after tugging his robe on and let his nose lead him towards the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas Harry!" Sirius cried, waving his wand around so that a million different coloured sparks flew around the room and finally ended up with a huge red 'Merry Christmas!' over the kitchen sink.

"That was brilliant!" Harry cried. Sirius cocked his head in modesty.

"I know," he said, grinning. They sat down as Sirius piled Harry's plate with bacon, eggs, toast and sausages.

"Whoa! This is some feast, where did you learnt to cook?" he asked his godfather. Sirius gave him a funny look.

"It's called a wand Harry, you know? You use it to do spells on?" he said sarcastically.

"Shut up!" Harry cried, flicking some egg at him.

"Now, now, I will not have this kind of behaviour in my house!" Sirius said, trying to keep a straight face. He and Harry looked at each other in silence for a moment before they both jumped up with war-men cries and started flinging their food everywhere.

Finally, half an hour later when Harry had had to declare defeat over a smug Sirius and they cleaned themselves up with a quick wave of Sirius' wand, they went into the living room to open their presents.

"Have you heart back from Dumbledore?" Harry asked nonchalantly. Sirius looked shocked.

"I uh, I, how do you know I wrote to Dumbledore?" he asked. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Come on Sirius, I've known you for what, almost five years now, I think I'd know," he said. Sirius sighed.

"All right, I did write to him, and he did write back. He wants us to go in so we can talk to him about what's happened," he told the younger man. Harry looked surprised.

"Really? Well, let's go in today!" he cried. Sirius frowned.

"Harry, it's Christmas Day!" he said.

"Exactly! We can surprise them, and you can see your old pal Snivellus!" Harry said, punching Sirius lightly on the arm.

"Oh fun, fun! That's what I always wanted for Christmas!" he retorted.

When they had finally finished opening all their presents and after Harry had twisted Sirius' arm for nearly twenty minutes, they got dressed and met back down at the fireplace to floo to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. When they got there, Madame Rosmerta greeted them merrily. She seemed a little tipsy, and winked at Sirius none to subtly.

"Sirius Black! Now there's a face I haven't seen in years! And you're with a young Mr. Potter as well! Oh this brings back memories!" She said, a wistful look in her eyes. Sirius smiled but had to pry her off him so they could reach Hogwarts in time. The walk from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts was a fairly long one but it was pleasant as they took in the beautiful surroundings. When they reached the Entrance Hall, they bumped into the last person Sirius wanted to see.

"Potter! You were supposed to go home for Christmas! Why are you-" Professor Snape cut off when he caught sight of Sirius walking up the stairs behind his least favourite student. As usual, the old school nemeses gave each other a pure look of loathing, and Harry had to basically pry Sirius away.

"Professor Dumbledore invited us to come up," he told the Potions Master with a cheery smile. Professor Snape seemed even more disgusted with his full-hearted holiday mood and stalked into the Great Hall, letting the door swing close behind him. Harry rolled his eyes at Sirius and pushed open the door.

The Great Hall, usually full and rowdy with students, was quite empty, now that the holidays had come round. All the teachers were sitting at a table at the head of the room, and the few students that had stayed behind had joined them. When the occupants of the table caught sight of Sirius and Harry, they got up and waved a merry hello.

"Ah! Mr. Black and Mr. Potter! I hoped you would get here in time for the feast. I had the house elves arrange two extra places for you! Sit, sit!" Professor Dumbledore welcomed them. They sat down and said hello to everyone at the table.

After a hearty feast meticulously prepared by the Hogwarts house elves of chicken, turkey, beef, veggies, cranberry sauce, and followed by a delicious dessert of pudding, cakes and ice cream, Dumbledore asked Harry and Sirius to come to his office. When they got there, he said the password; 'Fizzing Whizbee' and they entered.

"Now, you are probably wondering why I have asked you to come here today," Dumbledore said when they'd all settled themselves down comfortably on seats.

"Because Sirius can't cook and you didn't want me to starve on Christmas?" Harry piped up. Sirius glared at him and cuffed him over the head. Dumbledore smiled.

"Well ... I was afraid you wouldn't have quite a good a meal as you would have here since you weren't going to the Weasleys ..." Once again, Dumbledore seemed to know exactly what was going on. Harry nodded.

"That's true. But why did you really ask us here Professor?" He asked. Dumbledore looked at both of them for a few moments before answering.

"Well. It has to do with the letter Sirius sent me the other day," he replied. Harry and Sirius both nodded.

"Your theories on the subject were correct Sirius. When something big is about to happen, some people with connections to it, you, Harry, receive visions of events that have occurred in the past. These visions may date back years! Harry, you experienced a vision of Miss. Weasley's insecurities about which side she is choosing to be on. I no doubt assume that all of you have already believed she has joined Lord Voldemort's side, but your vision is living proof that she is still unsure. I've told you this before Harry, you have to believe in people, give them second chances, before they can rectify themselves," he told them. Harry was looking at his hands thoughtfully, trying to decipher everything his headmaster had just told him.

"Do you want to know what the vision was about?" he asked, finally looking up at the two other men. Sirius put a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Only if you would like to tell us Harry," he said quietly. Harry nodded.

"I had a vision of Virginia, when she was away, overseas. I have no doubt that the place she was at, was Durmstrang." He took a deep breath. "She was surrounded by a group of figures in dark robes ... she had a wand up, pointing ... pointing ... at a ghost ... it was my mothers ghost ..." at this, Sirius inhaled sharply. "She said an incantation ..." he trailed off, trying to remember what the incantation was.

"What was the incantation Harry?" Dumbledore asked gently. A million thoughts were running through his mind, but he suddenly clicked down on one.

"Excetatum Respectarvus Deceso," he said softly. Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, looking surprised.

"That is not a curse," he said. Harry nodded whilst Sirius looked confused.

"That sounds like something bad though," he commented. Dumbledore shook his head.

"I received this vision at the time that it happened," he told them. It was Harry's turn to look shocked.

"You- ... you did?" he asked. Dumbledore nodded and turned to Sirius.

"It sounds like something bad I know, but in truth ... Virginia didn't send Lily to hell, she sent her to heaven."

"What?" Sirius exclaimed, jumping up. Harry and Dumbledore both nodded.

"He's right, I couldn't believe it myself," Harry said.

"But why would she do that? Did she know that Harry would get the vision?" Sirius asked. Dumbledore nodded.

"I'm quite sure she did, and perhaps that's why she chose that particular spell. There is another reason I have asked you both in here today though, and that has a lot to do with you Harry," the headmaster said. Sirius and Harry looked confused.

"I've known about this for quite awhile, myself, Professors McGonagall and Snape as well, but we've been trying to put it all together to understand what it really means. The prophecy has to do with three people in whom I believe go to Hogwarts at this present time. Each person is described as, a variation of an element. It involves Voldemort's heir, the son of the most loyal, which we have discovered is young Mr. Malfoy. The second is the son of his worst enemy, the heir of good - the heir of Gryffindor ... you Harry," he said, watching as Harry deciphered this information.

"I'm the heir of Gryffindor?" he whispered. Dumbledore nodded.

"But the sorting hat wanted to put me in Slytherin! How could I be the heir of Gryffindor when I was suppose to be in Slytherin?" Sirius looked outraged.

"What? I've never heard of this! You were meant to be in Slytherin?" he cried. Harry ignored him for the moment, looking to Dumbledore for confirmation. He nodded.

"I never knew that James Potter was an heir, and as his son, you have taken on that role. But that is not all that is in the prophecy Harry. It says in the prophecy that Mr. Malfoy should be a certain follower of the dark side, you a firm follower of the light side, and there is a third. The balance, she is the daughter of virtue, her element is fire." Dumbledore watched as Harry took in this new information.

"Virginia," he said softly. The old headmaster nodded gravely.

"She has the power to sway each person to her will. It is ultimately up to her whether or not the dark side or the light side will win over, and that will only happen if the three of you combine your powers together," he told them. Sirius was still looking shocked about the earlier comments and was still stuttering around speechless.

"So then, I know what I have to do," Harry said determinedly. Dumbledore and Sirius both looked at him uneasily.

"Harry, it isn't a good idea to do anything rash at the moment," Sirius said, looking at his godson warily. Harry stood up and looked at them both resolutely.

"There's only one thing I can do. I have to bring Virginia back to our side, to the right side. That's the only way we can win this war ... that's the only way we can have her back."

********************

By the time Virginia reached the Malfoy household, she was cold, damp and extremely irritable. It had started pouring about halfway through her trip and she'd forgotten how to do a simple anti-raining spell to repel the rain from her. She trudged up the huge rubble driveway and tightened her cloak around her a she rapped on the huge golden serpent-shaped knockers. She looked up at the threatening sky, hoping that someone would answer the door soon! Luckily, they did.

The Malfoy's ghost butler, Thomas, answered the door, bowing courteously.

"Miss is here to see Master Draco?" he asked politely, taking her sodden cloak. Virginia nodded. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a House Elf popped up in front of her. Virginia's hands flew to her chest.

"Good lord you gave me a fright!" she exclaimed.

"I is very sorry that I is giving Miss Virginia a scare! I is apologizing greatly! Would miss like to freshen up?" the little house elf asked, looking up at Virginia intimidated. Virginia gave her a small smile.

"That would be great."

Fifteen minutes later, after she had blow-dried her hair and the house elf by the name of Jinky, zapped her long fitted dark blue jeans and black top dry; Virginia crept out into the hall. Jinky hadn't given her much instruction on where to go; she'd said she would go off to find 'Master Draco'. Virginia walked around a corner she thought looked sort of familiar and bumped into someone.

"Miss Weasley! What a pleasant surprise," said the cool, collected voice of Lucius Malfoy. Virginia stared back at him.

"I'm sorry to intrude on your household today, but I just wanted to thank Draco for the gift that he gave me," she said. Lucius raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, Virginia, you are welcome here anytime you like ... tell me, what was this gift that my son has given you?" he asked. Virginia hesitated. Was it a good idea to show him? She supposed it couldn't hurt ... she lifted up her left hand slowly and showed him the band that was encased around her middle finger. The look on Lucius' face was surprising to say the least. He looked ruffled ... shocked even. His eyes bore into the ring and a change seemed to overcome him. When he looked back up at her, she was amazed to see the change in his normally icy blue-gray eyes so that the resembled the warmth that had touched Draco's as of lately.

"My son ... he loves you very much," he said, almost to himself. He looked confused. Suddenly, as if that brief spell never occurred, he straightened up and collected himself.

"I'm afraid that Draco is not at home right now, he's at the home of the Parkinson's, but he will be back within the hour ... there is a guest that you probably would like to see at the moment," he said, the self-assured smirk returning to his face. Virginia looked at him questioningly.

"And who might that be?" she asked. Lucius smiled that evil smile and took her arm. He led her through about three hallways and corridors before finally pushing a door open and leading her through.

"Hello Virginia." It was Tom. Virginia's breath caught in her throat. She walked up to him, trying to maintain a calm pace until she reached him.

"Hello Tom," she replied.

"A walk?" he suggested. She nodded and he offered his arm. Without a backwards glance at Lucius, Virginia and Tom Riddle made their way out to the garden and sat down.

"So the Argentus Society have been after you for quite a while," Tom commented nonchalantly. Virginia's head snapped up, an edge of fear tracing her eyes.

"What?" she asked. Tom turned his dark eyes upon her.

"Nikolai Iordan, ring any bells?" he asked. Virginia took a deep breath.

"I broke away from that society a long time ago ... I ... I didn't like the way they handled things," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"He asked me to aide him in tracking you down and ... killing you," he told her. Virginia's eyes widened.

"He ... he asked you?" she said faintly. Tom nodded.

"What did you-"

"I killed him." Virginia gasped.

"Nikolai ... he's dead?" she said, almost in a whisper. Tom looked at her with scrutiny.

"Yes. He is. Virginia ... you keep telling me that you're ready to join me, that you're ready to be my Queen ... but yet, you continue this frivolous relationship with Lucius' son and ... and you shy away at the hint of darkness ... why is this?" he asked her. Virginia was shocked - what could she say?

"I just told you that I killed a man and you shy away in shock. It's not a trait that I believe worthy of a Queen so dark as one fit to be with me. You believe you've completely turned over but in truth, you are still a scared little girl inside-"

"No!" she said vehemently. "I am not Tom." He gave her a meaningful look.

"Oh but you are my dear ...Virginia, I'm not going to lie to you. I want you as my Queen and when I want something, I always get it, and I'm not afraid to eliminate any obstacles that stand in my way," he said, looking right at her. Virginia had to hold a gasp. He wouldn't ... not the son of his most loyal follower ... not ... he wouldn't really ... kill Draco ... would he? Oh god. She was just about to squeak out a reply when the garden doors slammed open loudly. Draco stalked in and upon seeing her there with Riddle, he walked quite irritated, over to them, giving the Dark Lord a cool, appraising stare.

"Can I speak to you Virginia? In private?" he asked stiffly, avoiding Tom's gaze. She nodded, too overwhelmed to speak.

"Remember what I said Virginia," Tom's voice echoed as she left the garden. As they made their way towards Draco's room, Virginia tried to steel herself as hard as she could. It was all she could do to keep her tumultuous emotions from seeping out. When they finally reached their destination, Draco opened the door for her and they walked in, sitting down on his bed. He looked rightly ruffled.

"Are you going to tell me what that was all about?" he asked calmly, raising an eyebrow. She forced herself to turn away from his penetrating stare and looked instead at the button on his collar.

"Draco, you know that I must exchange pleasantries with the Dark Lord, where do you think it will get us if I don't?" she replied in the same even, calm tone. Draco frowned.

"Virginia, you know what I mean. Are you ... are you in love with him?" it seemed like it had been extra hard for him to get those simple words out. She absentmindedly looked down at her fingers and toyed with her ring. She missed the wry smile that glittered across his face. He reached out and wrapped his hand around hers. After a moment, she pulled away and looked at him.

"It's not a matter of love Draco ... it's ... I can't explain it. I've told you before, there is a bond between me and the Dark Lord that even I can't understand. Draco ... there is significance to this ring isn't there?" she asked.

"Don't change the subject Virginia," he growled.

"Draco, answer the question," she growled back. He looked surprised for a moment and then sighed.

"It's been passed down through generations ... it's ... it has forces inside of it that protect ... that protect the women that the Malfoy men give their hearts to for eternity ..." he trailed off, looking shocked that he'd actually admitted it. Virginia was also stunned.

"But your mother ... why hasn't she got it?" she asked in confusion.

"The type of love that qualifies for this ring to work, was not something that was between my father and mother. Their's was plainly a marriage of society and importance ... do you understand?" His eyes were shining blue with warmth and truth.

"You love me that much?" she whispered. He took her hand again, and nodded.

"I love you with all my heart Gin," he said softly. She could feel tears stinging her eyes and she looked down.

"Draco ... I'm not good enough for you, I'll never be able to give you my heart like you've given me yours because of this hold that Riddle has over me ... why do you still want me?" she asked. He narrowed his eyes and stood up.

"Does that mean that you love him?" he asked. Virginia got up as well.

"I never said that Draco! Stop twisting my words, you know that I love you, but it will never be enough!" she cried. He was getting really angry now.

"Virginia, why do you have to keep pulling away? Why can't you just let this relationship take its course? Why can't you just believe that the love between us will be enough?" he exclaimed.

"We can't be together," she said simply. Draco looked shocked.

"Excuse me?" he snarled. She couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth next, but she had to choke back tears as she said them. It was the hardest decision of her life, but it would be worth it if it would spare Draco's.

"I'll never love you enough to stay with you forever. It's over Draco." He was speechless with shock and just stood there gaping at her. Taking this as an opportunity, she ran out of the door and left.

******************

When Draco had finally recovered his mobility, he ran out of the door and looked everywhere for her, but she had long gone. Slumping down against a wall, he put his head in his hands and closed his eyes.

"Bloody hell, what have I done?" he asked himself.

"You've made the right decision as I see it," a voice said. He looked up and saw the one person he did NOT want to see. He glared courageously at the Dark Lord.

"Now now Draco, as the saying goes, we win some ... and in my case ... we win all," Riddle laughed. Draco stood up.

"You've taken her from me," he hissed. Riddle laughed evilly.

"Did you think you would win out in the end? She has a power too great for you, she belongs with me. I thank you for bringing her to me, you will be rewarded," he said. Draco looked disgusted.

"If this is the price, I don't want a reward," he spat out and stalked off. Riddle watched him until he'd finally disappeared before narrowing his eyes and made his way towards Lucius' office and walked in.

"Lucius, a word," he commanded. Lucius immediately rose from his chair at his desk and walked towards his master.

"Yes my lord?" he asked.

"Your son ..." Riddle began. Lucius looked fearful. What had Draco done this time?

"He is wavering and he will try to overrule me, he may just succeed," he said simply. Lucius looked shocked.

"My Lord?" he asked.

"I have foreseen it Lucius. Your son is too strong to just be one of my followers. He is even strong enough for Virginia though I have told him otherwise. I'm afraid we are going to have to sacrifice him Lucius," he told him, looking him right in the eye. Lucius Malfoy had never been flustered in his entire life, but at that moment, it took all he could to control himself.

"W-when?" he asked. Riddle raised an eyebrow.

"In the final battle, when I finally take over Hogwarts and rid the earth of that idiot muggle-loving fool Dumbledore ..." he said. Lucius sighed, it bought him some time, but he was not prepared for what came next.

"And I want you to be the one to do it."


Author notes: I'm so sorry it's taken so long to get this up! It's been a hectic couple of weeks. So please forgive me! I made it pretty long!

Review Response;
Missclaudia; As usual, thank you for your whole-hearted review. I'm sorry there was not much Draco in the last chap, there was a little in this, but I needed Harry to make an appearance and make some discoveries. There will be lots of Draco in the next chap! Promise!

Alicia Black; I'm not sure if Tom loves Ginny. If he does, it's an evil distorted sort of love. I know you're thinking - how could you break D/G up? Don't worry, I'll make up for it!

Rachel Satowsky; Haha, I know, Nikolai so had it coming. Thanks for reviewing darl, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I hope your knee is okay!

Thanks Aliella, Chuletamia, Classical Pianist and Dark_Marked, sorry if you thought that chap was short, I hope I made up for it and keep reading!

Jenifer_Malfoy; Virginia knew EXACTLY what she was doing. It was a very rare spell so she knew none of them would have heard of it, and she wanted them to think she'd sent Lily to hell. Thanks for reading darl!

Krino; I hope you don't mind me making Harry nicer, it all fits in the end. And I know, how rude is Molly to question such perfect D/G? well, she was better in this chap and please don't kill me for breaking them up! I'll make up for it!

Sirius like a bath; Whoa! Long review, loved it! I've never really liked Hermione that much but your right, Ron loves Ginny a lot but he's very confused at the moment about what he wants. Harry will always be our hero (or will he?) And as for including your name-sake, I LOVE Siirus, in fact, write me an email and tell me exactly what you thought of OotP! I was appalled!

Elven_Mystery14, sticky chimp, evillian and Insanity Please - Thanks for the awesome reviews, and if you want to chat about OotP, email me immediately or find me on MSN, I am in need of having chats to people about it! I loved the book but I was ABSOLUTELY APPALLED at the ending! Argh!

Darkness in hope; I know Harry should have gone to Christmas with the Weasley's, but it would have been awkward! Come on! Hehe, OotP rocked I know, but as I've said above, I WAS APPALLED at the ending. *huffs *! I just couldn't believe it. Keep reading and thanks for the reviews!

GUYS, I HAVE A NEW FIC UP IN 'THE DARK ARTS' SECTION CALLED 'IN LOVING MEMORY' IT'S TO DO WITH THE DEATH THAT OCCURRED IN OOTP, IT'S A TRIBUTE. I'M NOT SURE WHERE IT IS AT THE MOMENT BUT WHEN I FIND IT, PLEASE ALL READ IT! THANKS.