In Your Heart

Chapter Four: Surprises

"Do you have it?"

"Yes, it's right here," he replied casually. He reached into his silky black robes and pulled out a small roll of parchment. He handed it over to the hooded figure and watched with disinterest as the Death Eater opened it and smiled victoriously. His beady black scanned the contents and he laughed maliciously before turning around.

"So you're sure it's in England then?"

He nodded. "Yes, but the exact whereabouts are still unknown."

"Find it," he growled before swirling around and stalking into the darkness.

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

The rest of Ginny's day passed without further incident, mainly because Malfoy was gone most of the time. She didn't know where he went, but had enough sense not to ask him about it ... yet. She finished unpacking the few items she had with her, arranging her clothes the best she could in her tiny closet and setting the old picture of her family in Egypt on her nightstand before plumping on her bed, exhausted. It had been a very trying first day. Glancing over at the clock, Ginny yawned, pulled on some old worn pajamas and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

She awoke the next morning after the first night in her new flat feeling tired and grumpy. She had had another nightmare and hadn't slept well. She had been plagued with vivid gruesome nightmares since Harry died, but she never fully remembered her dreams in the mornings, only ever glimpsing parts of them as they slipped away from her tired brain. The only thing she could grasp today was distant screams and the picture of Harry's eyes. Grumbling, she flung the covers off, grabbed a bath robe and slippers and headed off to the shower.

Fifteen minutes and a hot steamy shower later, Ginny felt slightly better. Wrapping herself in a fluffy white housecoat, she stepped out into the hallway only to collide with something very solid blocking the way. Strong arms gripped her shoulders to prevent her from falling as she stumbled backwards. Scowling at being knocked into so early in the morning, she looked up only to find two smoky grey eyes looking amusingly back down at her.

"Watch it Weasley, I don't want to get dirt on my new robes," Draco said mockingly as he pretended to brush non-existent dirt off his robes.

She glared at him while noting that he was already dressed and looked like he had been up for quite some time. He must have woken up very early; it was only seven o'clock now.

"I just took a shower, thank you very much," she shot back, not in the mood to put up with his teasing this morning.

He raised an eyebrow and looked her up and down, from her wet, tussled hair to the water droplets still glistening on her exposed shoulder to the pink fuzzy slippers she was wearing.

She blushed and pulled the robe tighter around herself, fully aware that she was clad only in a knee length robe with Malfoy standing a mere foot away. He smirked when he noticed her self conscious movements which only made her glare more fiercely at him.

"I didn't know Weasleys knew how to use showers," he replied sarcastically, finally looking up at her face. Fuming she tried to think of something witty to reply but was irritated when she couldn't come up with anything. She was still too occupied with her dream from last night, and the fact that she was definitely not a morning person, to think straight. He smirked, knowing he had got the best of her. She pushed rudely past him stalked down the hallway, slamming the door to her room. Taking out her anger on her room, she tore apart her closet looking for something to wear. She finally decided on jeans and a light blue sweater under her day robes and tried to calm herself before going into the kitchen for breakfast.

Malfoy was sitting at the table with a copy of the Daily Prophet and a cup of coffee that was stirring itself. He glanced up when she walked in and motioned for her to take the chair opposite him.

He put down the paper and looked up at her.

"Today we start our research. I've already found a few useful facts about our list of Death Eaters." He pushed a piece of parchment towards her that she could see was a list of names. She scanned it, noting the dozen or so Death Eaters they would have to research and find out about. At the very bottom of the page was a bolded name, Alvarez. She looked up and was about to ask Malfoy why this name was bolded when he answered without moving his eyes from his morning paper. "He's the leader, the one that's set to replace Voldemort."

Finally glancing up, he continued, "There are a few more things you should be aware of. We, well I, have discovered what this group is after: The Bands of Earth. They're rings. Four rings to be exact. Each represents an element and aspect of magic. When all four are combined, it creates a mass of powerful magic, that can be wielded to owns own advantage." He shoved an old battered picture towards her and she nearly spilled her coffee when she saw it. It was the ring her mother had given her. Only the dragon's eyes were emeralds, not rubies. He raised an eye slightly at her reaction but she gained control of herself quickly. Continuing he added, "This is the Earth Ring, hence the emerald eyes. There is also Fire, Water and Air, obviously for the other elements."

Her head was swirling. She couldn't think straight. Should she tell Malfoy about the ring her mother had given her? Maybe her mum knew more about the other rings and could help them. She was about to open her mouth when she stopped. For some reason she knew that she shouldn't tell anyone about it, at least not now. Wanting to say something to cover her confusion she asked, "If these rings give you the most powerful magic in the world, then why didn't Voldemort go after them?"

"We believe Voldemort found them trivial, and that the magic he already had was better and more powerful than anything these rings could give him," he went on as if it were completely obvious. "He was a very great wizard," he added, almost as an afterthought.

Ginny fumed at that last statement. How could he say that about Voldemort of all people? Malfoy was supposed to have changed. Voldemort was a murderer and nothing more, killing innocent people only because he thought he was better than them. Why would Malfoy say something like that if he was supposed to have renounced Voldemort's cause? She was about to respond when a knock at the door interrupted her.

Wondering idly who it could be, Ginny made her way to the front door. She carefully opened it a crack and was shocked to see Hermione standing in the doorway. She froze knowing Malfoy was sitting in the kitchen just down the hall and prayed he wouldn't come and see who it was. She didn't even want to imagine how Hermione would react if she saw that she was living with Draco Malfoy. Hermione smiled and walked past Ginny into the hallway. Her senses caught up with her and Ginny leaped down the hall and in front of the girl to stop her.

"Hermione! What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to sound polite but failing admirably as her breathy voice gave her away.

"Your mum gave me your address when I told her I wanted to stop by and see you. She got worried when you didn't call last night and wanted me to check to make sure that everything was all right. Plus I thought I could meet your roommate," she added.

Ginny frantically tried to think of someway of keeping her from going down the hall. "Umm...Yes, well...You have to wait here a minute Hermione, I...er... your birthday present is in the kitchen and I don't want you to see it!"

She bounded down the hall and pushed open the kitchen door without waiting for Hermione's response. Malfoy was still sitting at the table looking incredibly amused.

"Malfoy, you have to go somewhere, anywhere. If she sees you I would never hear the end of it. Everyone would make such a big deal. Can you leave for a little while?" she asked quickly in a hushed whisper.

Malfoy made no effort to move and looked, if possible, even more amused at the tight spot Ginny was in. Ginny was desperate. "Please, I'll do anything if you just leave!"

She could her Hermione's footsteps coming down the hall, probably wondering what was taking Ginny so long. She turned around as Hermione walked in.

"Look before you say anything, I can explain."

Hermione raised an eyebrow and looked at Ginny. "Explain what?"

Glancing behind her Ginny let out a huge breath she didn't know she was holding. Malfoy must have Disapparated right before Hermione walked in.

Hermione looked at her questioningly. "Nothing," Ginny replied. Hermione didn't look convinced but didn't say anything else, instead going over and sitting in the chair Ginny had previously vacated. She saw Hermione glance at the picture of the ring and quickly snatched both that and the list of names from the table. When Hermione glanced up she said by way of explanation, "Work," and left it at that.

Needing to do something with her hands, she quickly went about making tea. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She turned around and smiled at Hermione who was staring at her questioningly. Not feeling up to answering anything she might ask, Ginny grabbed the tea pot, which was now whistling softly on the muggle stove, and took two mugs from the cabinet. She was about to pour some into a cup for Hermione when the cup suddenly moved, causing Ginny to spill hot tea all over the counter and her robes. Cursing, Ginny conjured a towel and wiped at the stain. Hermione started giggling, all other thoughts forgot. Ginny smiled too, glad that her friend wasn't angry with her. She reached for the cup and held it this time, wondering what had caused it to move in the first place. After pouring one for herself too, she reached for the sugar bowl. She put two scoops in Hermione's and turned around to give it to her. When she went back to the counter her tea cup was empty. Scowling she poured herself another cup and could have sworn she heard someone snigger. Shrugging it off, she went to sit down, but only ended up on the floor with her tea once again all over her and Hermione laughing uncontrollably as she saw that her chair was three feet away from where it had been originally.

Suddenly it clicked. "Hey Hermione, I don't want to be rude but I really have to clean this all up and I've got some business to take care of in a little bit. Maybe you could some by some other time?"

Hermione nodded, trying very hard not to laugh again. Ginny walked her to the door, thanked her and stalked back into the kitchen where Malfoy was standing doubled up with laughter.

"You...should have...seen your...face," he gasped in between breaths.

"That was not funny! It was immature and ridiculous! And you completely ruined my robes!"

"Relax, Weasley, I'll buy you a new set, those ones you're wearing look more like cleaning rags than actual robes anyway." Her face flushed at the insult.

She glared at him, taking in his perfectly combed, blond hair, aristocratic features and pale skin. It took a moment for both of them to realise they were staring.

Ginny looked away. "How did you do that anyway? You don't have an invisibility cloak do you?"

"I don't need the use of an invisibility cloak to become invisible," he replied smugly.

She was impressed despite herself. Not many witches or wizards could do that. It just proved that Malfoy was an exceptionally powerful wizard, which was something she didn't want to admit.

Changing the subject, Draco went on, "Anyway, we have to go. We're going to Borgin & Burkes. I've had a tip off that Borgin might know the whereabouts of one of the rings."

He stood up and walked into the living room. He Disapparated with a loud crack, leaving Ginny scowling at the place where he had just stood. Quickly jumping up, she too Disapparated and appeared at the entrance to Knockturn Alley. She didn't see Malfoy anywhere. Frowning, she carefully made her way down the dirty street with her hand on her wand, still angry at Malfoy's abrupt departure and lack of instructions. She stifled a cry when an arm reached out and pulled her onto a deserted street. Breathing heavily, she looked up into Malfoy's annoyed face.

"Shhh! We don't need you drawing unwanted attention to us," he whispered angrily while still keeping a firm hold on her arm.

"Would you mind explaining to me exactly what it is we're doing?"

He sighed impatiently. "We're are going to go into Borgin and Burkes. You are going to look around, and pretend you're interested in some things while I talk to Borgin."

"Why do I have to come then? Why can't you just talk to him yourself?"

"Because I need to pretend I'm interested in buying my girlfriend something special, which is how I will mention the rings and ask if he happens to know where I could find one. Seeing you there will make him less suspicious."

Without waiting for her response, he grabbed her arm and dragged her down the alley to the front of the shop. Before they went in he bent down and whispered harshly, "Don't touch anything!"

He opened the door for her and she stepped in, surprised that he had actually acted like a gentleman for once. He nodded to her once before setting off to the counter where an ugly, greasy man was standing. Remembering her part, she began to idly wander about the store, looking at some of the things on display. Most of it was Dark Objects and she felt uneasy being around it all. She glanced back at Malfoy who had sauntered over to the counter and now seemed to be in deep conversation with the owner. Borgin looked somewhat suspicious at first, but something Malfoy said seemed to make him look less wary and suddenly more fearful. Abruptly they both glanced up at Ginny and she stared back defiantly. Malfoy's face remained impassive and she turned around and saw that a glass case of skulls was in front of her. She was about to turn away again when she noticed something on one of them. Looking closer Ginny thought it looked something like a lightning bolt on the forehead. Letting out a small scream, Ginny covered her mouth and turned towards the door.

She didn't stop to see Malfoy's expression but thought she heard Malfoy mention something to Borgin about not being used to the Dark Arts as she pushed past him and out onto the street. She broke into a run and didn't stop until she reached the end of Knockturn Alley. She tried to think rationally while holding back tears. It wasn't really what she thought it was. It couldn't be. It was more than likely just a random crack, nothing important. Calming herself she heard footsteps approaching behind her.

She turned around as Malfoy grabbed her shoulders and shook her roughly. "You almost blew our cover! What were you thinking? Could you really not handle yourself for a few minutes? Come on Weasley!"

He stopped when he saw how upset she was and she thought she saw something like concern flash across his eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He let go of her and ran his hand through his hair looking agitated. "Let's go, it's late. I'll tell you everything tomorrow," he said through gritted teeth. She fell into step behind him and didn't say a word as they Apparated back to the flat. She walked straight into her bedroom, pulled on pajamas, slid under the covers and grabbed her pillow. She knew it was going to be another bad night

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

"Harry! No, you can't!"

"Ginny, listen to me, you have to go back. The Order needs you. Find Lupin, he'll help you. I have to do this alone Ginny. This is my final battle." He paused, "Remember that I will always love you no matter what happens."

He kissed her softly on the lips, turned and sprinted away. Ginny stood there for a moment in shock and then without thinking twice she ran after him. She stopped behind a tree when she spotted Harry and Voldemort circling each other in a clearing a few yards away. They were talking but Ginny couldn't hear. She stood rooted to the spot, fear pulling at every inch of her body.

Harry and Voldemort had stopped walking and now were facing each other. She watched in horror as each one yelled the Killing Curse at exactly the same time. The two green beams shot out the end of each wand and entwined with each as three spectators watched on in shock. Slowly the two green beams untangled themselves and slowly streaked towards their targets. Ginny watched helplessly as she saw it strike Harry square in the chest as both he and Voldemort fell to the ground.

"Harry! Harry! No!"

Ginny awoke as strong hands shook her. She screamed as she opened her eyes and sat up, glancing around quickly, before finally looking up at Malfoy who was still holding her shoulders. Before she could stop them, tears welled up in her eyes and overflowed down her cheeks. She started sobbing, not caring that she was showing Malfoy her weakness and that he would probably tease her about this for years to come. Untangling herself from him, she wrapped her arms around her legs and tried to comfort herself. She was so upset she didn't hear Malfoy sigh and move to sit behind her. He gently pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. She stiffened, not knowing if he was going to try and pull something, but relaxed when she could feel that he was sincere. She laid her head gently on his chest and eventually drifted off into sleep once more.