Moonlit Grounds

"Father! Father!" He was on the floor of Lucius's study crying out in pain. Over his tortured screaming one could barely hear a cold, cruel laugh.

"You've done well, Lucius. Now I know for certain that your allegiance will never waver." The hooded figure stepped away from the writhing body on the floor and walked out of the room. But Lucius didn't stop the curse.

Gasping, Draco Malfoy sat up. He glanced around, ensuring that he was still in his bed at Hogwarts. He swept his sweat soaked hair back with his fingers. He cursed himself for not being able to control his breathing. Draco was so tired of these nightmares, of waking up in the middle of the night only to relive what he was escaping at school.

He leaned forward so he could see out the window onto the moonlit grounds. Out there, walking towards the castle was a solitary figure. It seemed to be coming from the Forbidden Forest. How was that possible? Who would be walking this late at night? It could be Potter or his Weasel. Maybe even the mudblood Granger, if she was feeling brave. He thought briefly about alerting Professor Snape, but decided against it. He was so tired. Let the Gryffindor Trio have their fun. Maybe their lack of sleep would give the Slytherins the edge for the upcoming quidditch match. Who knew? Better to leave them be for once.

Ginny rushed under the final trees. She burst onto the Hogwarts' ground with relief. Not stopping to catch her breath, she slowed down to a quick walk. She was scared this time. She had felt so brave before, but it wasn't even about being brave anymore. She wasn't sure what it was about these last few times.

She had been so lucky not to have been caught. She had come close when entering back into the castle. But she was always careful. Mother said 'always be careful'. Of course, her mother had never thought how she would take that advice.

Ginny smiled. No, she was all alone in her way of thinking.

Draco laid there, eyes wide open. He couldn't shake the image of his father standing over him. He could still hear Lord Voldemort's cruel laughter. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the fear to go away. He felt like he was on the edge of something. Something was about to happen. Something that would change everything.

Ginny finally slid into her warm bed. Tonight's escapade felt different somehow. Like she wasn't really alone. She hated that. She just wanted to be alone. Ever since she had had to live with Tom Riddle inside of her for a whole year, she just wanted to find her own place. Most times her brothers would interfere with this, but at Hogwart's it was easier to escape. She could get lost on the mammoth grounds or close herself in from the sun. The sun allowed light to touch her pale face. The moon was kinder, letting her hide and be alone. Ginny fell asleep caressing the small scars on her arms. She smiled just as the moonlight hit her face.