Real

A Different View

"Sometimes, for the sake of others, we must do things that would be also beneficial to us...huh...not a bad situation."

Ginny stood, staring out a large window located in the renovated Malfoy Manor den, headquarters for the Order of Phoenix. The winter outside was deadly, freezing cold and snowing. She hoped her family's house would hold. She turned when a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"Come, Ginny," the voice whispered in her ear. She followed to the scene slavishly.

The table was decked out lavishly in food. The finest meats and wines that stood on the great, long, oak table made Ginny smile. She nodded to the man at the far end, acknowledging his presence. Looking around her she felt a twinge of guilt in her stomach. But then she smiled.

They had taken out the Order of Phoenix last week, a week before Christmas. Luckily, none of her family had been in it, after a long debated proposal from her. They had also invited her home this Christmas, surprisingly, but Ginny had declined; she'd rather be here.

Harry Potter had died nearly twenty-two years ago. His parents, devoted members of the light-side, had lived in vain until Death Eaters had finally sent them to join their son. It's strange how different things had come to be.

The world had never heard of a Hermione Granger, except the eleven-year-olds brutal murder.

Her brother Ron was a lesser devoted Death Eater, only present when need be. He was never "needed" very much, Ginny ensured that.

Hogwarts had shut down years ago after finding its number of students diminished and all its students ending up in Slytherin.

As for Ginny, proud graduate of Slytherin household...well, she was happy with some decision that only resurfaced ever once in awhile. The wizarding world had shrunk in size, but those that remained lived in luxury, bathing in purity and feeding off everything Draco Malfoy told them.

Ginny sat at the other end of the table, the man sitting next to her on the corner. They both raised their glasses to the older man at the end of the table.

"To purity," he said, raising his glass.

"To power," the man next to her said nodding.

"To a perfect world," Ginny said, taking a sip of the sweet wine.

***********

Ginny turned in the dark bedroom to the man next to her, placing her hands roughly on his chest. He placed his lips harshly to hers, backing her into a wall. Becoming quickly excited, Ginny tore off his shirt, feeling the smoothness of his muscles.

"I told you that our proposition would be beneficial to you," he said in between kisses.

"Shut up, Tom," she said, falling irresistibly into the man's charm.

"I love you, Ginerva Weasley," he muttered, practically dragging her over to the bed.

"I know."

**flashback**

Suddenly, just as she had started to drift off to sleep Ginny sat up. She knew the answer to her only unanswered question, the question that would determine her decision tomorrow.

Tom knew he could've won this battle, could have beaten the boy who lived, so why would he try to change all the things he's ever done?

Her mind raced, the answer popping in and out like a blinking neon sign.

Because he fell in love with me, Ginny thought suddenly, on the brink of unconsciousness.

Her mind was made up.

**flashback**

"I know, Tom," she whispered, falling on top of him. "I love you too."