Chasing

Chasing : Come (Chapter 1)

I am a normal girl, just like any other witch. No troubles, nothing going on, just me learning magic.

That’s what everyone thought me, Virginia Elaine Weasley, was. It’s not the truth. The truth is hidden behind my mask.

I was always a good actor. Right now, I can act like there’s nothing going on. Like I’m not jealous of Hermione Granger for being so close to Harry Potter.

Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived. He’s such a sweet one; he saved me from Tom Riddle.

Or so he thought. Or so everyone thought. They’re wrong. Nobody saved me from Tom Riddle; Tom Riddle can never leave me. His memory is chasing me. I’m running away by chasing his tall, handsome figure. I always loved him. He just manipulated me into his regretless plans. I’m just a tool.

I know Tom Riddle is actually a sweet, innocent person with passions in life. I didn’t know how ruthless his Voldemort side could be. I now know how ruthless it can be. Voldemort has no goal but to destroy and conquer. I was just another pawn in his game of betrayal.

I’m losing control over myself. I’m not as strong as I used to be. I always lost a bit of strength whenever one of my brothers left me. First it was Percy. He was such a darling. I wish my brothers wouldn’t tease him. Next it was Fred and George. I loved them; Ron was ok, but I absolutely loved Fred and George. They were my best friends at age 9. No girls my age were around me and they were the only ones who tolerated me.

--

“Bye, Ginny!”

“We’ll bring you lots, Gin!”

Those were the last shouts I heard from my twin brothers before they clambered on to the train and left for an entire year. Fred and George always said Hogwarts was a lot larger than The Burrow. They liked celebrating everything somewhere big. The Burrow certainly wasn’t big enough for their tastes. Now all I had was my 10-year-old brother, Ron. I guess I’ll have to start getting used to him now.

--

A year after, I was left with no brothers to play with at The Burrow. Now Ron’s best friend is Harry Potter, my own crush. I’m mature now. I don’t need crushes. He’s out of my life.

I might say I’m over Harry, but there’s still a bit of affection in me reserved for Harry Potter. How I wish that were a lie.

I love Tom Riddle a lot more than I love Harry Potter. I loved twisting his jet-black hair with my fingers; I loved everything about him. His dark violet eyes, his pale skin, his tall, handsome body. I especially loved his eyes. He was perfect. I think he would be perfect to every girl on the planet. He was a great guy; he was sweet to me.

Just what I needed a year after Ron started, when I came to Hogwarts, is something to go wrong. Tom Riddle is what went wrong.

--

“Tom, I’m so happy you’re here. It’s great to have someone to write to around.”

“Ginny, honey, you’ll always be listened to by me. You deserve it.”

--

All the things he wrote me; I actually believed them. Why was I so gullible? Why? Then a thought waltzed right into my mind.

Tom said he loved me; I wonder these days, did he really love me? Even with all the manipulation and control, did he really love me?

Did he know I loved him? Did he know I always liked it when he came out as a solid body for only a few minutes? Even if I did sacrifice a bit of my own soul everytime he did that?

It hurt me to love him; I knew he wasn’t real, and that’s what made me angry. Why wasn’t Tom real? Why couldn’t he have been the first person to love me? Someone I could cuddle with, someone I could confide in, someone other than Fred and George, who didn’t do anything but spread any secret I told them.

Percy suspected something was wrong with me; I didn’t like him sneaking around me like I didn’t know he was there. He might have been Prefect, but it didn’t give him the right to think I was delicate.

--

“Ginny, I think something’s wrong with you.” Percy announced to a pale, tired-looking Ginny. She stared at him unbelievingly and laughed. Her laugh was a hollow, dark laugh.

“Something wrong with me? Oh, bugger off! I’ve already drank that stupid Pepperup Potion, I don’t anything else!” She replied and turned around, walking off to the Charms corridor. Percy sighed as he looked after his little sister’s retreating back.

--

I forgot about all that as Alana came in and announced it was breakfast time. I had been so lost in writing my Defense Against the Dark Arts essay. I looked down on my essay; I saw I had absent-mindly written two rolls of parchment already. I quickly read over some parts; they would suffice. I stuffed my rolls into my schoolbag, and stood up.

It was an usual routine; down the stairs, out of the portrait of the Fat Lady, slipping through corridors, sliding in to the Great Hall and taking my seat between Fred and George.

“So, sis, how it goin’?” George mumbled through a mouthful of oatmeal. I nodded and smiled; another usual thing. George always asks me that; Fred’s too busy stuffing food into his mouth.

“Nothing happening? Ya look tired..” George said, picking up his goblet of pumpkin juice. He leaned sideways on me and grinned. “Are you sure you’re okay, Gin?”

“Yes, George, thanks for asking.” I replied, grinning back at him. Sometimes I can’t help smiling at how much George loves me; he’s such a great brother..

Fred quickly passed me a plate of oatmeal and returned to his daily stuffing. I shook my head and began eating absent-mindedly. My thoughts quickly returned to Tom and his fearful diary.

I love you, Ginny, sweetie.. Don’t ever think I’d control you..

His cold voice repeated in my mind. I hate it when that happens. He lied to me when he said that. Tom was never true, except when he told me one thing..

--

An 11-year-old Giny runs into the girls dormitory and plops down on her bed. She takes out a black leather-bound diary and opens it.

Picking up the quill inside it, she sucks the end of it. She then begins writing vigorously into a blank page.

“Tom, love, I’m back from dinner. Are you well? Do you think you could come out for a few minutes?” She wrote, smiling brightly. Her writing faded and a new sentence began writing in its place.

“Anything for you, Ginny..” was the reply. Ginny put the book on the bed and jumped back. The book’s page began glowing, and a flash followed. A thin, tall figure with dark jet black hair and dark violet eyes was lying down beside the diary. He sat up and smiled expressionlessly at Ginny.

“Hello, Gin.”

“Hi, Tom!” The girl squealed and jumped on the bed. She slipped her arms around his neck and grinned at him.

“Tom, Tom, there was a guy, I think he likes me, his name’s Shane Campell, do you think he’ll ask me out? Tom, it’s so exciting!”

Tom’s face twisted quickly into an expression of rage, then turned just as fast into an expression of happiness.

“I’m happy for you, Ginny! Are you sure he’ll take good care of you? I’ll come after him if he doesn’t..” He said warningly. She grinned.

“Thank you, Tom. I know he’ll take good care of me. Haven’t you ever had a girlfriend?”

“I do not have girlfriends.. I conquer. That’s what I do, Ginny.”

--

What he told me was the truth. He only conquers; it’s what he lives for. I hate all his lies. I hate him, I hate him, he did nothing but lie to me.

I clenched my spoon tightly and scooped some oatmeal. I stuffed my mouth and began chewing on it.

Tom wasn’t what I thought he was, but he’ll always be in my mind. He can’t leave me; he was my first love. Not like Harry; Harry was my first crush. No matter what, he’ll stay in my mind. His dark eyes, his sandy black hair, his pale skin, and his warm smile. He had a wonderful smile. I realize now even though his smile was wonderful, it wasn’t warm. I can’t make it look warm no matter how much love I gather for him.

I took my goblet and sipped some pumpkin juice, realizing how dry my lips were. I shook my head. I must be in pitiful shape by now. I shouldn’t think about Tom. He brings nothing but agony to everyone.

“Heeeey, Gin!” A voice penetrated my thoughts, and I looked up. Ron slid in the empty place in front of me and crossed his arms on the table. He looked into my eyes, making me turn away. He reminds me too much of how Tom always looked straight into my eyes when he talked with me. Ron muttered something, making me snap out of my thoughts again. I look back at him, and see his pale, freckled face looking worried.

“What’s that you said, Ron?” I ask him. “Sorry, wasn’t listening. Thinking about my Potions class; it’s first thing this morning.”

“Oh, alright..” He replies suspiciously. Sometimes I wish Ron had green.. brown.. black eyes. Something other than that painful blue that reminds me so much of Tom. “I’m worried about you, Ginny, you’re starting to be pale and quiet lately..”

“What?!” I snap at him, then I slap myself inwardly. I’m supposed to be cheerful, kind Ginny, not cold, snappy Ginny! “Oh, sorry.. I’m tired, I don’t get much sleep lately with all the homework piling on me..”

“Ginny, it’s something other than that. I know you, Gin. You’re not like this normally..” He said. “The last time you were like this, it was because of..” He trailed off, making my mind fly back to Tom.

“Sorry, Ron, if I look like I’m totally tired, because NEWS FLASH! I AM TIRED!” I yelled at him. I glared at him; I couldn’t help it. Ron was being so annoying right now, I hated everything about him. “Go away, Ron, I’m too exhausted to deal with ANYTHING or ANYONE right now.”

He nodded slowly, and got out of his seat. I saw Harry out of the corner of my eye; he was ushering to Ron to come over with his hand. Hermione was nodding frantically from beside Harry. Ron walked quickly over to them and instantly began talking about what happened. I couldn’t hear him but I knew it was me he was talking about.

“Whoa, Gin, what did Ron say?” George asked, looking at me with concern. I glared at him, too, and he fell silent. I wish my brothers weren’t here now. I don’t want them here right now. Not now, come some other time. If only it were that easy.

I pick up my spoon again and scoop some oatmeal, only my spoon doesn’t meet oatmeal. It meets the gold of my plate, and it clings loudly. I swear inwardly, and smile helplessly at everyone who is watching. I put down my spoon, which is now dented slightly, and take my goblet again. I sip some of the cold juice, and I calm down slightly.

I turn to Fred and begin a conversation about pranks. Anything to keep my mind off of him. He instantly stops eating and begins ranting to me about which pranks are the best. It’s something to keep my mind off of Tom. These days I think more and more about him. I feel like he’s still here.

That’s because I am still here, Ginny, PRECIOUS.

I scream and tumble back on George. He gasps slightly and by reflex, slips his arms around me to keep me from falling. I clasp my hands on George’s wrists and breathe deeply. I just imagined that. I’m not hearing Tom’s voice in my head.

Actually, you are, Ginny, dear. I’m still here; it’s amusing to listen to your thoughts.

“NO!! GET OUT!!” I shriek, and Fred’s bright blue eyes widen. He instantly puts his hands on my own and leans forward.

Feel like learning I love you truly, Ginny? I certainly do. No one’s here. Look at your dear twin brothers; they’re so worried about you. Then again, the entire school is looking at you.

“SHUT UP! I HATE YOU!” I scream again, and I see everyone looking at me from behind Fred. I also see most of the Professors filing towards me. Snape is way in the back; why would he care about a Weasley?

Precious, calm down now.. I’m only here because you’re willing me to..

“I did NOT will ANYTHING, TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE!” I screamed out, starting to sob. I fell on Fred and began crying hysterically into his shoulder. I feel George’s arms leaving my waist, and Fred holding me close. We were always very close; there’s no way you can’t get close to your brothers in such a huge family.

Precious, precious, precious.. you are now screaming hysterically for no reason, you know.

“I’M NOT YOUR PRECIOUS! I DON’T WILL YOU TO COME DRAIN ME AGAIN, TOM! I HATE YOU, YOU BETRAYED ME!” I shriek into Fred’s shoulder and my voice comes out muffled. I’m partially pleased no one can hear me scream insanely again.

Stop, precious. Tom’s voice says sharply. He knows I’m fighting against him. He’s trying to get me to keep me willing to keep him inside. You belong to me, darling. Don’t fight me.

“I’ll fight you as long as it takes! GET OUT OF MY MIND!”

No, I won’t let it.. don’t fight back, girl! YOU’RE MINE! His voice screams hysterically. I grin madly into Fred’s shoulder and begin laughing weakly. I slip my arms around Fred’s neck and clench my nails into the back of his neck. I feel him wince but he doesn’t say anything. Such a loyal brother, my Fred.

“Go away, Tom..” I lean more into Fred’s shirt, and I don’t hear any thing else. I hear a soft voice whisper something into my ear.

“Ms. Weasley, please come with me..” Professor Dumbledore’s voice repeats. George immediately stands up and looks firmly at Dumbledore.

“I’m going with her.” He states bluntly. Dumbledore looks at George, and Professor McGonagall leans forward and whispers something to Dumbledore.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Weasley, I cannot let you go with your sister,” Dumbledore replies, and I sit up straight.

“I want him and Fred to come with me, sir, if it’s alright,” I tell him, my voice shaky. Dumbledore gives me a look, gives a sidelong glance at the hesitant McGonagall, then nods.

“I understand, Ms. Weasley. Come along now.” He took my hand firmly and helped me stand. I feel the heat of everyone’s eyes on me, and my face turns red. I know it turns red because I always feel sweaty when it does. He gestures for me to follow him, which I do, holding George’s hand. He’s walking beside me, and I know he’s feeling very nervous. Fred is trailing behind us. I know he doesn’t want to come; he hates seeing me sick.

I follow Dumbledore and McGonagall through many trailing corridors, twists and turns, and I feel dizzy after a long while. Dumbledore finally stops at a statue of a gargoyle and mutters something, then the gargoyle moves off a passageway. He enters it, and George supports me as we go in and enter a circular office that I never want to visit again. It’s Dumbledore’s office.

“Ms. Weasley, would you like to sit down?” Dumbledore says, smiling gently. George makes me sit down in a large, fluffy chair. We don’t have chairs like this at The Burrow, or I wouldn’t have left. George sits in a chair across me, and Fred sits beside me in a small, wooden chair.

There’s a moment of silence in which the gargoyle shifts back to its previous position. Then Dumbledore breaks the silence with his firm, steady voice.

“Virginia..”

“Ginny.” George replies, his face straight. George’s never showed any emotions in times of trouble. He’s pretty much different than me; I show all my emotions at any time.

“Thank you, Mr. Weasley,” Dumbledore replies, smiling at George. “Well, then, Ginny.. I’m hoping your entire family knows about the diary.”

“Yes, sir,” Fred replies for me. I thank them silently; they’re not forcing me to use whatever energy I have left. “We all know about Ginny’s problem with the diary.”

“Are you aware that the Soul-Connection Spell is a very rare thing? I’m sure you studied it in your 6^th year with Professor Moody..”

“The Soul-Connection Spell is considered a Dark Art. It’s considered a Dark Art because the two souls connected to each other can sense each other’s thoughts and feelings, but there’s a rare condition in which one person doesn’t want to be connected, in which only the person casting the spell can sense the un-willing person’s emotions. Ginny experienced this Soul-Connection Spell with Tom Riddle,” George replies quickly. I always knew he uses his brain for stuff other than pranks. He’s useful for something.

“Ginny has the rare condition, George. She’s the unwilling person, and she’s very strong. Tom Riddle is a very strong person, and I don’t know how he managed to stay in Ginny’s mind,” Dumbledore says, and I feel the tears gather in my eyes. I love Tom Riddle; yet I hate him. Why must everything be so complicated?

“I let him come into my mind,” I answered Dumbledore’s unspoken question. “I wanted him to stay; he was my only friend.”

“Thank you for telling me this, Ms. Weasley,” He says, smiling. How can he smile at a time like this?! “I know you have a strong will, or you could have not banished Tom Riddle from your mind.”

“But, Professor, Ginny’s probably still possessed by him!” Fred finally finds his voice. Good for him. Dumbledore shakes his head.

“No, there is nothing wrong with Ms. Weasley. She’s perfectly fine,” He answers, turning his twinkling eyes to Fred.

I can’t hold it anymore. I burst into tears and George, Fred, and Dumbledore immediately gather around me.

“Ginny, are you alright?!” Fred and George exclaim at the same time, both leaning in on me. I shake my head weakly. I can still feel Tom’s soul lingering in me. I don’t want him there, no matter how much I love him.

“No, I’m not alright..” I managed to say. “I hate him, I hate Tom Riddle!”

Dumbledore smiled again at me. I felt so weak, I just can’t smile back at him. Why can’t I go back to being the person I was before I found the diary? Before Tom came and became the only friend and love of my life?

Let me take you to freedom. .

“Why?” I said softly. Everyone was starting to come in and out of focus. What’s going on?

Won’t you let me take you into my world?

“Leave me alone,” I responded to the voice I couldn’t my finger on. It sounded like Tom but I couldn’t be sure. I couldn’t hold on to my consciousness much longer, so I let everyone slide out of focus and let myself fall into the swirls of darkness.

Come. . come with me.

--