In Your Heart

Chapter Two: Revelations

Ginny mentally gave herself a boost of confidence as she walked past the picket fence surrounding her home. She had been terribly nervous all morning, putting her work robes on backwards and spilling her coffee twice, causing her to have to go and change. She stopped and double-checked that her hair was still in a tight bun and smoothed her robes. Taking a deep breath, she turned on the spot and Apparated into the Ministry of Magic foyer.

She glanced around quickly before setting off at a brisk walk down the hall. It was early morning and Ginny noticed other witches and wizards greeting each other and others Apparating and Disapparating at random intervals. She squeezed into the lift next to a particularly short man carrying a stack of papers that towered over his head, making her wonder how he could see.

She waited patiently while the lift ascended and stepped out into the cluttered hallway when she heard the cool voice in the lift say, Auror Headquarters. She noted the two dozen or so cubicles all lined with maps, pictures and newspaper articles as she headed down the hall. She stopped at a big brass door with a plaque that read Kingsley Shacklebolt, Head Auror. She took a deep breath and knocked.

"Enter," came a cool voice from within. She pushed open the heavy door and saw Kingsley sitting on a big leather chair at a very messy desk. "Ah, Miss Weasley, to what do I owe this surprise?" he said as he gestured to an empty chair in front of his desk.

Ginny smiled as she crossed the room and sat down. She remembered him from his days in the Order. He had always been very nice to her even when the other adults had deemed her only an annoying child. She admired his bravery during the final fight and respected him greatly.

"Mr. Shacklebolt," she began, "I have come today to apply for a job as an Auror."

Did you have to sound like such an idiot? She scolded herself.

"Please call me Kingsley," he said politely, "Do you have a C.V. with you, Miss Weasley?"

She reached into her bag, pulled out her C.V. and handed it over to his outstretched hand. She sat with her hands folded in her lap, while he scanned the contents.

"Well, I see here that you received an 'Outstanding' in Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against The Dark Arts, and an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Herbology and Potions."

She smiled briefly when he mentioned her Potions grade. No way could she ever have scraped an 'Outstanding' with all those years with Snape as a teacher.

"The rest of your resume is also impressive and I do believe you possess the kind of

characteristics generally looked for in an Auror; determination, ability to think quickly, extensive knowledge of the Dark Arts. However, I must warn you that becoming an Auror in itself is grueling work and you will be required to undergo extensive training."

"I understand sir," she replied determinedly.

He smiled, "Well than Miss Weasley, if you really feel this is what you would like to do, your training will begin on Wednesday morning. Report here at eight a.m. sharp and one of my colleagues will begin with you on your training."

They both stood up and shook hands. Walking her to the door he said with a smile "See you on Wednesday, Miss Weasley." As she left she couldn't help but note his triumphant smile, and began wondering what she had got herself into.

However, she ignored it for the time being and gleefully strolled down the hall. Somehow she knew that Kingsley would give her the job. After all, he had seen her in action during the final battle and knew she was more than competent to handle the work.

She ambled into the lift, ignoring the complaints of an older looking wizard as she trod on his feet.

Walking the short distance to the foyer, she Apparated home and felt the best she had in a long time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini strolled down the streets of London whilst Blaise mouthed off every horrible word he could about the Weasels and Miss-Know-It-All, obviously still upset Draco had dragged him off before he could get in a few more insults. Draco sighed impatiently and ignored him. Turning a corner of the street and walking down an old deserted alley, Draco turned to Blaise.

"Right Blaise, as much as I'd love to stand here and listen to your wonderful musings about Wondergirl and the Redheads, I've got to go."

Blaise snorted. "Wondergirl? It would be a wonder if that Mudblood didn't ever have her nose permanently attached to a book."

Draco rolled his eyes and Apparated back to his Manor with a swish of his robes without even saying goodbye. Strolling up the drive, he idly remembered the youngest Weasley's looks. They had changed since he had last seen her. He noted her fiery red hair, and soft features that had matured over the years. Not bad looking for a Weasley, he admitted privately, then instantly waved away the thought the minute it entered his mind. She was a Weasley after all.

It was almost dark when he reached the huge oak doors with the Malfoy crest on them and pulled them open. Shutting the door loudly behind him he purposefully began walking to his bedroom. It had been a long and stressful day. Discarding his clothes on the floor for a house elf to clean up later, he pulled on his black silk pajamas over his head. Falling back onto his huge king sized bed Draco fell instantly asleep.

The next morning Draco woke, showered and after finishing an egg and bacon breakfast retired to his study for the afternoon. After a few hours of quiet reading, Draco was annoyed to be interrupted by one of his house elves.

"Master, sir has a visitor." Hesitating for a second, he scowled and stood up, curiosity getting the better of him. She directed him to the formal parlor and he was shocked to see Kingsley Shacklebolt reclining on a plush armchair drinking tea from his fine china.

Setting down his cup, Kingsley stood up and walked over to where Draco stood unmoving. Suspicion was etched in every feature of Draco's face. He stuck out his hand and Draco took it, shaking it hastily only once before letting go.

Kingsley got right to the point. "Mr. Malfoy, I have a proposition to make you. It has recently come to light that a new band of Death Eaters is emerging and beginning to cause trouble again. I'm afraid that one of them, their 'Leader', looks poised to take over for You-Know-Who."

Draco smirked at the older wizard's use of Voldemort's nickname. Even after he was gone, witches and wizards still feared to speak his name.

"Yeah, and this concerns me how exactly?" he replied nastily.

"Well, we need an Ex-Death Eater to gain their trust and pass us secret information. Every other Ex-Death Eater we have approached thus far has refused to help."

Draco was about to do just that, seeing the operation for what it was; a death sentence. No Ex-Death Eater in their right mind would go back to their old comrades, knowing they would be brutally tortured or instantly killed for betraying the Dark Lord.

"What makes you think I won't also refuse?" he sneered back, getting ready to tell Kingsley to get out of his house.

"Well, you see Mr. Malfoy," he began a small smile tugging at his mouth. "Recent evidence has been discovered concerning yourself and a very unfortunate matter."

Draco's face fell for an instant before he could regain his mask of indifference. He wasn't sure what 'unfortunate matter' Kingsley might be talking about, but he knew it wasn't good.

Seeing Draco struggle with his emotions, Kingsley continued, "Upon questioning an Ex-Death Eater, he provided sufficient information concerning the fate of a certain Hestia Jones."

Now Draco's guard fell completely. He had managed to evade all questions concerning his Death Eater activities when he had first changed sides and had never been charged with any of his crimes.

Knowing his face betrayed his emotions and there was no point in denying it, Draco spat out, "What do you want?"

Kingsley faced displayed his triumph. He stopped his purposely polite manner and went on, "You will attempt to join this particular band of Death Eaters, gain their trust. After you have done this you will report to the Ministry on a daily basis of their whereabouts and activities."

"Yes, you've already said that, but how am I supposed to accomplish this? Ex-Death Eaters can't just walk into a meeting and say 'Hey guys! Long time no see!'" he replied sarcastically.

"That's why you will offer them something they cannot pass up, information from the Ministry. You will pretend you have a girlfriend who works at the Ministry and that you are able to pass them valuable information. We will control what information you pass on, making sure it satisfies them, while not letting on too much. We must know what this group is planning. We will offer you a full pardon for your actions if you comply."

Draco thought for a moment than sneered at him. "One problem, I currently don't have a girlfriend." He had dumped his old girlfriend Pansy Parkinson months ago and she had gone running straight to Blaise Zabini.

"You don't need to worry about that, we have a girl picked out. She is currently about to begin Auror training. After she completes the first week of training, you and her will move into a flat in London together as part of your cover."

"Oh yeah? And who exactly might this girl be?"

"Ginny Weasley," he replied with a smile.