A Closer Look

Chapter 1: Anything but Ordinary

Is it enough to love

Is it enough to breath

Somebody rip my heart out,

And leave me here to bleed

Is it enough to die-

Somebody save my life

I'd rather be anything but ordinary,

Please.

-Avril Lavigne

It was a beautiful early autumn day and Ginny sat alone on a little bridge, which went over the small creek on the Weasleys' land. As a child, this had been Ginny's favourite spot. She would run there in tears after she'd been scolded, with a scowl after getting in yet another fight with her mother, or with a blissful smile, when she simply wanted to take a dip in the cool refreshing spring water. It was her ideal location for getting away.

She sat there now, lost in thought. After graduating this past spring, she hadn't given much thought to what happened next. Now, as autumn approached, Ginny had some thinking to do.

School hadn't had the fairy tale ending she had hoped for. In late January, she came down with a severe case of pneumonia that had stumped even medical magic (They had concluded it was because of the Dark Arts she had been involved with in her first year that had caused her immune system to become weak). She had to be sent home for better care and full-time attention. When she returned to school in late March, things only got worse. Repercussions of the illness hit Ginny in waves, but she had no time for sick days. She worked late into the nights trying to catch up on missed work.

Meanwhile, she found her long time boyfriend had moved on to some other girl, and her friends had changed tremendously. She found out that they had taken one last stab at popularity, and shock upon shock, had gotten themselves into the 'in crowd.' Apparently, there was no room for little Virginia Weasley in this group.

So she entered her last few months alone and friendless. Life had definitely hit an all time low... so low she was reminded of her first year, which she spent with Tom Riddle.

After graduating, she returned home to spend time with her family. Indeed, it had been a lovely summer with frequent visits from Ron, Harry, and Hermione. It had been just like old times. But now the summer had gone and the trio had returned to their respective jobs, and Ginny was left alone, caught up in her thoughts.

She supposed she'd take a job at the Ministry, or maybe do something local, perhaps work at the witching beauty parlor in town. That's what was expected, after all. Ginny had always been the one who made the grades. She was the pretty one, too. Of course, she was also the only girl. You would think this would be unique and special, but aside from being treated just a bit gentler, it was no honor.

All of a sudden, in a fit of rage, she let out a piercing scream, which echoed throughout the surrounding woods. All she felt was wild fury. Fury at what society had made her. Fury at her stupid image. Fury at no chance to become more than a trophy wife. She felt there was simply no way to amount to anything.

Then a sharp ripple in the water caught her eye, and she was torn out of her thoughts. She gazed down into the water and found herself staring into a pair of deep startling eyes. She gasped and jerked back in horror. She knew those eyes....

* * *

Ginny sat at the breakfast table gulping down her food. It was her first day of work. She had ended up taking a temporary job at the local witching beauty parlor, Kalypsos. As it turned out, she was actually a bit excited. She had always liked doing makeovers and she didn't imagine this would be much different.

When she arrived at work, she was pleased to find that Madam Dominique, her boss, was quite friendly. She was also excited to find that a few other girls her age had been hired. She dared to dream they might be friends.

The other girls made scattered arrivals and they were all very nice. Ginny, however, really hit it off with one girl, Desdemona Crushane, known as Desde for short. Desde had long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was gorgeous in a super model type way. Ginny couldn't help but be a bit jealous. All that aside, she could already tell Desde would be full of surprises. Little did she know...

***

"Can you believe the cover of Teen Witch? What were they thinking? How could they put her on the cover?"

Ginny sat at her station at work listening to two other new girls, Sapira and Gwendyll, gossiping. She didn't socialize with them much. They were way too materialistic, and that was not Ginny's way at all. It was okay though - they didn't think much of her either.

With this one exception, everyone at the salon got along very well. Ginny found herself enjoying work. Most of the girls were friendly enough, and they all had a good time together. And then there was Desde.

Desde was a very wild girl, but charming all the same. The customers loved her, and so did the girls. She always seemed to have something to say about anything and everything. She was certainly Miss Popular, so Ginny was surprised when Desde seemed to favour her. She was always talking to Ginny and offering tips about simple things like getting guys.

"So Ginny, tell me, have you thought about wearing mascara? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't wear makeup much." It was true, she didn't. Ginny just wasn't the makeup type of girl. She preferred the natural look, and she figured that there wasn't much makeup could do for her mundane looks.

"Um, no, you're right. Makeup just doesn't seem to work for me."

"Well, in my experience it can do wonders. Shall we try?"

Desde obviously wouldn't hear any excuses so Ginny turned herself over to being dolled up during break time. She had to admit she didn't know she could look as good as she did when all was said and done. Looking up at Desde's pleased face, Ginny began to smile.

"So, Ginny, love, how would you like to take a day trip this Saturday?" Desde remarked casually as she put away various items she had used for Ginny's makeover.

"That would be great!"

"Grand! I'm actually quite taken with a quaint Muggle town a little North of here. I thought we could go shopping. Oh yes, and we'll pick you out the cutest outfit, and the blokes will be all over you! Oh and we could..."

Ginny was too busy getting caught up in the feeling of being accepted to listen to the rest of what Desde said. Things were finally starting to look up.

***

Ginny sat at the breakfast table on a Saturday in early October. She skimmed over the Daily Prophet as her mother chattered on about autumn shopping.

"-I was thinking we could take a little trip to Diagon Alley next Saturday and get you some new autumn robes and--Ginny are you listening?"

"Hmm?" she said, looking up from the article on 'Dark Happenings in Surrey'-apparently some Death Eaters still thought Voldemort would come back.

"Honestly, where are you these days?" her mother sighed.

"Sorry Mum, continue."

Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth to do just that, but was interrupted yet again by an owl flying in the kitchen window.

"My goodness, can't one get a sentence out around here?" she muttered, untying the letter. "It's for you, Gin."

"For me?" Ginny asked, catching the letter. She opened it slowly. Who could it be from? She skipped down to the signature and drew in a sharp breath. She then proceeded to read through the letter very slowly. She was totally unprepared for its short message.

Hi Ginny,

I bet you're surprised to hear from me!

"Surprised isn't the word," Ginny muttered

Yes, I'm in town and thought it would be nice to have a little reunion! It's been too long, don't you agree? How about we meet at the Owls Nest Inn at around 12:00 tomorrow. Please send a short reply with Cruella-she knows where to find me.

Your Friend,

Katie Cook

"Friend?" Ginny said incredulously.

"What is it, dear?" her mother asked, looking up from the dishes.

"Katie Cook," Ginny hissed.

"Katie? Is she here? Oh my, wouldn't that be lovely!"

"Oh yes, just lovely."

Ginny's eyes had narrowed to little slits. She was boiling with rage. Katie had been one of Ginny's best friends since primary school. She had been a nice, sweet girl, not quite fortunate in looks. Then she came back from her summer before 7^th year looking like a goddess, and dripping with boys. Once she found she was automatically popular, she left Ginny and her other friends in the dust. Not only did Ginny despise her for this, but she also blamed Katie for the loss of her only other friends in 7^th year. While she was sick, Katie had offered her other best friends instant popularity. So now she sat at her kitchen table, trying to figure out what had changed.

"I don't think I'll go," she finally said.

"What?" Mrs. Weasley replied, shocked. Ginny had never told her why she came back from Hogwarts so depressed.

"I said, I don't think I'll go."

Her mother came over to sit next to her. "I understand things ended roughly but you might regret not going. Aren't you at least a little curious to see what she wants?" Ginny looked up in shock. How had she known?

"Yes, I know you think all us mothers are clueless, but we're not. I know when my daughter's upset and I've been able to piece it together from the little I was given to go on. You'll understand someday when you're a mother." At this, Ginny noticed the wistful gleam in her mother's eye. She desperately wanted Ginny to settle down. But what was the rush? She was only eighteen. "Just think about it, okay?"

"Okay." And for once, she meant it. She meant it so much that she spent the next hour sitting at the table reviewing twelve years of friendship in her mind. Twelve years as friends, and one as enemies. Twelve to one. Twelve to one. Maybe, Ginny thought I was too quick to give up. But there was still a warning in the back of her head. She had been so vulnerable which had led to dozens of heartbreaks. She wasn't sure she was willing to put herself out on the line again, not now when things were going right. But in the end, she found herself tying a short message to Cruella's leg. Okay.

***

Ginny barely slept that night and was up before the sun. She decided to spend some time soaking in a hot tub, mulling over her thoughts for the millionth time. Dressing felt almost surreal. Her mind was numb and all her actions seemed to happen as though programmed into her. She didn't feel as though she were really moving at all.

At breakfast Ginny snapped out of her robotic state and was fully aware of the nausea that hit her in waves. She choked down some cereal and was so intent on trying not to throw up that she shrieked when the newly installed phone rang.

"Ginny," her mother called from the other room. "Can you get it?"

Swallowing hard, she answered the phone.

"He-Hello?"

"Gin? It's Desde! You okay?" Ginny felt herself smile. She needed to hear from a real friend right now.

"Fine now! What's up?"

"Not much, just wondering if you wanted to get together for lunch?" Ginny had a great urge to take her offer and send Katie an owl saying to bugger off.

"Actually, I'm meeting someone for lunch. So sorry! But um-well I'll have to check with Mum-but do you want to come for dinner Wednesday? My brother and his friend will be here."

"Sounds great! Hope you have fun at lunch!"

"Not likely," Ginny mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Oh nothing! Talk to you later then."

"Okay, bye!"

A glance at the clock set off a fresh wave of nausea. It was time to go. She gave a quick thought to running back to her room and hiding under the covers, but resisted.

She arrived at the Inn right on time and immediately spotted Katie in a corner. Looking at her beautiful soft brown hair and delicate features, Ginny scowled. She braced herself and walked over. On the way, she glanced in a mirror. While she didn't fancy herself beautiful, she had grown up quite a bit. She wanted to make sure Katie knew she wasn't the little meek Ginny that was so easily pushed around anymore. Lifting her head in a sophisticated manner, she finished her walk to the table.

"Katie?" she said casually. Two chocolate brown eyes looked up at her. Her face didn't mask any surprise.

"Ginny!" she squealed. "Oh my gosh, look at you!"

"Look at you..." Ginny had to work hard to hide a scowl. How could she act like nothing was wrong?

"So were you just so pleased to hear from me or what?"

"Pleased doesn't even begin to describe how I feel." Horrified is more like it.

"So you met Cruella? I'm glad she got the note there okay!" At this, Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes. Katie had always been a bit...fascinated... with dark things. Cruella was definitely a name she'd pick.

"Yes, good thing."

"Well, please sit down! We have so much catching up to do!" Ginny took a deep breath before sitting down across from Katie. The waiter came and gave them menus. Soon both girls were busy selecting their meal.

"So," Katie started after they ordered. "Tell me Ginny, how are you? What's new?"

"Well, I'm working at a beauty parlor in town, but that's about it." Ginny couldn't help but be surprised at Katie's enthusiasm. She seemed to genuinely be interested. After a bout of silence Ginny began to feel just the slightest bit rude. "So, uh, how are you?" Damn my good morals! Ginny scolded silently. They're wasted on that toob!

"Oh, I'm fine! Engaged, actually!"

Ginny felt a pang of jealousy. "Engaged? Oh my...who's the lucky guy?"

Just then, their drinks arrived, and Ginny took a large gulp of iced tea, which was definitely a bad idea.

"Colin Creevey," she beamed.

Ginny started to choke, and tried to keep control over her gag reflex. Her efforts were in vain. She swallowed half way and the rest came spluttering out, landing all over her menu. Ginny was mortified and apologized before hurrying away to the rest room.

After fixing herself up a bit and regaining her composure, she returned to the table. Colin Creevey? Isn't that a surprise...

As she approached their booth, she heard Katie talking on a Muggle mobile phone, and couldn't resist but to listen in a bit.

"Yes that's right... no, that's not what I said!...Yes, I'm having lunch with her right now."

She's talking about me! Wait, she's talking about me? To whom? Ginny's mind was racing with thoughts.

"Well fix it! I really can't talk about this now... yes, I'll be at the meeting Thursday... in disguise, why? Oh use your brain, Vinford! Do you expect me to walk into a DE meeting without a bloody disguise?" Disguise? DE meeting? DE stands for Death Eater! Dear God, what have I gotten myself into! Ginny decided it was time to intervene. She came around to the front of the table and sat down.

"Oh, hey Gin, just hold on a sec," Katie said speaking away from the phone receiver. Ginny touched her tongue to the sensitive spot at the corner of her lips. Her mother told her once that she did that a lot when deep in thought, or when under stress. Thinking about it, she decided it was true.

"Yes, Mum," Katie was saying. "I told you I'll be there Thursday for dinner at seven! I really have to go now, bye." She pressed a button on the phone and slipped it back into her purse.

"Just my mum...you know her, constantly pestering!" She gave a sheepish grin.

"Oh yes, I understand completely."

"Well then, our food's arrived. Shall we eat?" With that, they both settled into their meals.

***

Ginny lay in bed that night, her mind abuzz with thoughts. It just didn't make sense. What did Katie's being evil have to do with her? What had the point of their lunch been? And most importantly, was she in danger? She was sure she would not sleep that night, but somehow she found herself dropping off into slumber.

She sat at a small table, looking into a huge gold-rimmed mirror. She was dressed in a beautiful deep blue dress with puffy sleeves. A stunning tiara sat atop piles of intricately done curls. A small gasp escaped her as she saw another figure appear in the mirror behind her.

She turned to see a finely dressed young man holding a rose. He held it out to her, and she did what seemed logical-she grasped it and held it up to her nose to smell. Its fragrance was unnaturally wonderful. She turned to face him again. All of a sudden, fog seemed to be pouring in, and the young man appeared to be fading away. Just before he disappeared all together he whispered into her ear-

"I can be your prince charming, Elita..."

Then the room was spinning and Ginny was feeling sick. She tried to get up and found that gravity had other plans. She fell, hitting the ground hard, and the rose tumbled out of her hands.