Fire Forgotten

CHAPTER 2: Breaking Point

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger."

-Friedrich Nietzsche (Thus Spake Zarathusra)

"Of course," Ginny replied casually, as though he'd threatened to take away a broken toy, not her life. Ginny wasn't worried, Voldemort needed her too much. He wanted her power and couldn't afford for her to join with Harry.

Voldemort looked down on her. A pale hand shot from his robes and grabbed her chin none too lightly. "I wouldn't over estimate your usefulness, Miss Weasley."

"Of course," Ginny repeated. Voldemort frowned disdainfully at her then released her jaw roughly.

"Lucius, McNair, Livingston, come with me," Voldemort commanded. "Draco, take Miss Weasley home, I've had enough of her for now."

Draco nodded and entwined his arm with Ginny's leading her away and out of the great stone hall. "What were you thinking?" he whispered harshly.

But before he had a chance to answer, an all too familiar voice echoed behind them. "Weasley."

Ginny stopped dead and a smirk formed on her lips. Not turning around she said, "Warrington," then looking him in the eyes, "how nice we meet again."

Warringtondidn't wear a mask; neither did Montague, his longtime sidekick. This told Ginny they weren't full-fledged Death Eaters...yet. The familiar cold gaze was in his eyes, the one that reminded Ginny too entirely that she was female and he was a perverted psychopath.

"Indeed," he drawled. Montague smirked beside him.

Draco's grip on Ginny's waist tightened and Ginny leaned into him willingly.

"Sad to see you haven't lost interest yet, Malfoy," Warringtonsaid casually. "Such a pretty little whore; sorry you can't see it in you to share."

"Warrington, if I were you -" Ginny began angrily.

"You'd what?" Warringtonlaughed.

"Be deeply ashamed," Ginny finished haughtily. "Now I have places to be, school to pack for, the regular drill. You should think about washing more often too, you smell rancid."

Then Ginny turned and saw Draco's mouth curving slightly as they walked a bit into the desert island. "On with the razor tongue," Draco mused. "I'm going to be cut one of these days."

Ginny looked up at him innocently through her eyelashes. "Who? Me? Never. What could you be talking about, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco snorted. "I'm sure. Let's go home, I feel like making mad love to you right now."

"Is that so," Ginny said cryptically.

~~~

March 20, 1997

Dear Diary,

A shadow is growing in my mind. I don't know what it is, some heightened sense in my head? Some foreign power is gaining force. Some momentum, something. It's powerful, that is all I know. It's coming, soon...

I don't know how to explain it or why I know, I just do. The rings lose power...well they don't. It just feels like their power is funneling into me. I don't need to use them as much. It's like they assimilated into my soul, their power molding with mine. It makes me sensitive to things. Not emotionally, I wouldn't know how to be sensitive in that way. But magically I'm sensitive. I feel the power in people, some people I can see it.

It's a worrying thing. Like my body or magic is assessing people for threats, for usefulness. I walk by a charms classroom and I can tell you what charms are being thrown where and how powerful they are. When I sit in Arithmacy I can feel the power of the mathematics. In potions I can sense the right amount of ingredients and tell you how to make the potion perfect. The most startling class is Astronomy however. I feel the universe moving, the slow rotation of the planets and shimmerings of the stars. I feel The Alignment now. I understand what the centaurs were saying.

If I listen close enough, I can hear the roar of power.

It's so loud sometimes, so painful. It makes my insides quiver, it makes my blood shake. I feel like crawling away, going somewhere quiet and secluded. Maybe then I'll find some peace. I don't know how much more of this I can take, I don't know how much more of this I can stand.

I've returned to school. Somehow people have figured out I stayed with Malfoy over break. They look at me as though I have some new disease. They suspect I'm a Death Eater now I think. How little those bastards actually know.

Serves them right, whatever ends they meet. I will never take the mark, I can't. It isn't in me.

Everything feels wrong, feels distorted. I can't explain it, but it feels as though something should come. Not the force I feel from the universe, but something inside maybe. I'm supposed to do something I think...though what I don't know.

I suppose time will have to tell. Feh, time, the great healer. Time my ass.

~~~

She sat down at her vanity, brushing her hair and looking in her reflection. It was odd to do this without Draco, but then, life was odd without Draco. She took off her necklace of rings, setting them in the box so she could take her shower. It was going to be a long day indeed, Draco away and all.

Then she stopped. It was going to rain today, she knew it. Why take a bath the plebian way when you could commune with nature? Why not indeed?

Ginny lay on her back and stared up at the sky. It was a Hogsmeade weekend, no annoying third years around, but the first and second still had free reign. Hogsmeade weekends were like the social days of school. You could do anything, but anything, and be free from the watchful eye of your head of house. Really, for Ginny, it was a time to stay away from everyone. She no longer spent her time that she would be at Hogsmeade with Draco; he had a fiancé to look after.

He was happy about it...really.

He was so livid. Ginny knew that he couldn't stand being around Pansy, she couldn't imagine how their home life was going to be. She had to feel sorry for their children, or perspective children. Ginny could only imagine that Malfoy, Sr., would require an heir before Draco inherited anything. It would be just like that sadistic bastard.

Ginny sighed, watching the clouds pass overhead. They were thicker than they were that morning when she'd first come out. She thought one of them looked like a panther. Smiling a little she inhaled the sweet smell of rain. It would start soon and she intended to wait through it as she was, lying on the ground and looking at the sky. Maybe, if she felt like it, she would go on a little run in her Animagi form. Maybe.

She wanted school to be over. The first of April was so close, yet so far. Just eleven days. No wonder she was impatient. She didn't even really know where she was going that year. She wasn't going home, that she knew. She had enough money to buy a small house in Hogsmeade for the summer if she needed. She felt pretty confident that she would stay with Draco; that was until his wedding. Even then she might stay at Malfoy Estate, the main house. Draco had confided in her that he would be given their summer home to begin with. Malfoy the elder would probably be happy to take her.

Ginny sighed again as she thought about it. But the more she thought, the more she didn't want to. Who cared really? It wasn't as thought those petty things would matter in a few months anyway. It would be The Alignment and all would be decided.

A small drop of water landed on her nose, rolling down into her eyes. She wiped it away. Lethargically she turned her gaze to the graying sky. It was going to be a heavy storm, not just a normal spring shower. Lifting her eyes to the sun, she found it darkened over, but not out. She could see it through the clouds and it was a little past five. The Hogsmeade kids wouldn't be back for another few hours.

Ginny heard thunder, lightning raced across the dark sky. It was as if the bolt had cut a wound in the clouds. Rain showered down and Ginny was immediately soaked. Her Oxfordshirt and skirt were drenched but she stayed stationary, looking up at the rain. It was artful the way it fell to the ground. Not straight, but sort of at a curve. It was pretty.

It wasn't cold either. It wasn't warm, but it was nice. It didn't bother her to be out there, soaking herself in the elements. It felt natural. Another, more content sigh escaped her mouth and her reverie was cut by a shout from behind her.

She ignored it.

But it came again, louder and closer. She wished whoever it was would just go away and let her enjoy herself. But as the person came closer, she recognized the voice. It was Harry. How perfect. She sighed in annoyance but didn't get up.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked almost in the shout, straining to be heard about the recent thunder. He stood in front of her, his hood pulled over his head and his glasses fogging.

She tried to look as neutrally as possible but she couldn't help the annoyed look that passed over her face. "You're blocking my rain," she said calmly.

"Huh?" he said, a confused look on his face.

She raised an eyebrow and finally just sat up, wringing her shirt out a bit as she stood. She caught his eyes migrating over her body and sighed. It wouldn't ever end. Without a word she turned towards the greenhouses, at least then she could look at the rain through the clear roofs. Leaving Harry alone on the rainy field she made her way to glass domes. No one would be there, not even Professor Sprout.

Opening the door of the greenhouse a wave of heat hit her. She closed the door and found it was sweltering inside, not hard to imagine as it was a greenhouse. She looked around. No one was there; even it seemed devoid of plants. She was in Greenhouse 12, the place that the ordinary, Muggle plants were kept. It smelled good though.

Looking up she saw the rain hitting the glass ceiling. She looked up while squeezing her hair as dry as she could get it. That was when she heard it, the door open and close. Harry was standing there, an angry look on his face. He was drenched too, his face set in an unmistakable frown and his eyes angry.

Ginny remained emotionless. He looked...different. A not good different. She looked about her for an alternate exit. Just her luck, there was none. A streak of lightning lit the sky, casting desperate shadows over Harry's face and giving him the look of a mad man. Ginny didn't like this at all. The boom of thunder was heard, but the kept staring at each other. The normal, dull light of the moon returned and Harry spoke.

"What are you doing out here, Ginny?"

She swallowed, taking a step back into a table. She hated those eyes. Her stomach was flipping inside, that pulling feeling she felt around him drawing her near him. She stayed fast to the table, resisting it.

"I wanted a minute...alone," she replied coldly. Her voice hitched. She heard it. Smacking herself for not wearing her rings she looked at him as fearlessly as she could.

"It's dangerous," Harry said cryptically.

She wasn't sure how, but he seemed to be moving closer. Another lightning bolt streaked across the sky and the boom of thunder reverberated in Greenhouse 12. Ginny's skin was tingling, she wasn't sure why either. Her hairs were standing on end and despite the oppressive heat of the greenhouse, she was shivering.

"For who?"

"You," he answered, directly in front of her. She had no way out. Damning herself again for bringing neither wand nor ring she swallowed hard as one of Harry's hands went to her neck. It was an odd feeling in her gut, something she should know but she didn't. His thumb played across her clavicle bone, it was soft but Ginny felt danger in it. He was very much stronger than she was; she realized it just at that moment. No one was coming after her and Draco wasn't there to save her.

Slipping his fingers around the back of her neck and tilting her chin with his thumb, he brought his lips down to hers. He was gentle and soft, cautious and curious. His tongue was soft on hers. Harry's other hand went to her hip, pressing it against the table of the greenhouse.

"No," she whispered softly.

"No," she repeated again, this time bringing her hands to his chest and pushing him away none too gently. She heard a moan in protest and saw Harry looking at her, a glint in his eye she didn't like at all.

"Ginny," he said stonily. "Why? Why do you always have to push me away? I love you, Ginny. With all my heart I love you, and every time I get close, you take it from me. My heart isn't mine anymore. It's yours. Please, Ginny. I beg you."

His eyes were full of un-shed tears and he was shaking, either in anger or lust, Ginny couldn't tell. His words didn't move her at all, rather, they disgusted her. He loved her. How could anyone love her? She was disgusting. She served his enemy. It was betrayal. She hated to admit it, but the lion that had lain dormant for so long spoke up in this matter. She would betray him, she couldn't do that. She hated him, but she didn't want him to die. She never had.

"Harry," Ginny said softly. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry you love me and I'm sorry that I can't love. You don't understand; it could never be with you and me. It isn't just about Slytherin and Gryffindor, it's about people. I'm no good for you, Harry. We talked about this last summer."

"I don't care," Harry said forcefully. "I don't believe you even. Everyone can love, everyone." He was moving closer to her again, something manic in his eyes. She shivered again as he put his hand on her cheeks. "I just want you, Ginny. Someday you will love me, I know it."

There was a long pause. Harry was staring deep into her eyes, his green-lit orbs filling her somehow, hypnotizing her even. His thumb played across her lips, tipping her head back again.

"No, Harry," she said softly. "No I won't. I can't. Please, leave."

His lips parted in protest then set themselves in a frown. "Nothing is anything without love, Ginny," he said darkly. "Remember that. Everyone can. I can show you, teach you."

Lightning lit the sky again, casting those dangerous shadows on Harry's face and at that moment, Ginny would have given anything to believe him. She almost did until she remembered.

"You're mine, Virginia."

The voice of Draco reverberated in her mind.

"I'm sorry, Harry."

His face went blank.

"I am, truly, sorry, Harry."

"Me too," he replied darkly. He turned from her. "I still believe in you, Gin. I know you can change. Change is in everyone."

She was shaking her head. He still didn't understand.

He turned. "Look at me, Ginny."

Something in his voice made her eyes seek his. They were powerful and angry. She would have flinched but she wasn't afraid. His posture changed, his demeanor changed. He wasn't very much like Harry Potter the crazy Gryffindor but more like Harry Potter the warrior, the hero. She didn't like either, but Harry Potter the hero wasn't reasonable at all. He was stubborn.

He walked towards her and crushed his lips to hers. He sent her right on her back onto the table. It broke, sending her crashing down with him on top of her and making her lose her breath. His tongue took the opportunity to jet into her mouth, shooting down her throat and releasing something in her.

To her shame it was lust. Gods she loved it when men were like this. It wasn't Ginny and Harry anymore, not even Gryffindor and Slytherin, just man and woman, something primal. His hands went to he breasts, cupping a bit too tightly and causing her to cry out lightly. Harry seemed to take a little pleasure in this and his lips went to her neck, very nearly drawing blood a couple of times.

Ginny could feel his erection pressing hard against her stomach and she felt her eyes go cloudy. No man had wanted her like this. They had been smooth and in control, even gentle. But he was an animal. She suspected it was because she didn't have her rings. His hands snuck up her shirt, ripping a few buttons off. His fingers played across her nipples, scratching slightly over her bra and pinching roughly.

She gasped again, stars in her eyes. Harry was pushing her skirt up and ripping her thin panties off cleanly and undoing his pants, pushing them down just far enough before diving into her. Her breath caught in her throat. She wasn't quite ready yet and he felt rough and hard in her. Letting out a sharp breath she tried to adjust to him but he'd already begun pumping into her.

She stifled a scream, biting her lip and looking Harry in the eye. He wasn't Harry, not at all. His eyes were dark with lust and a bit of hate. He hated her for doing this to him. A moment of softness took Ginny as he looked at her. Reaching a soft hand to his face she put it on his cheek.

"Not your fault," she whispered brokenly.

Tears filled his eyes and one or two dropped on her skin, burning her like acid. His eyes held apology and resolution at the same time. He exploded in her, but she didn't come. Breathing heavily, he stood, eyes alight with apprehension. Ginny marveled at how many emotions he could feel so quickly. She didn't feel anything yet. Maybe pity. Maybe.

He zipped his pants up, turning from her slightly. Ginny swallowed, sitting up slightly. She was sore already, in pain already. On the ground she saw blood and she moved away from it in disgust. It was her blood. She looked up at Harry, who still wasn't facing her.

"Ginny," he said apologetically.

"Just go, Harry," she said spitefully. "Please, just go."

"I - I didn't...I mean, I - Gin, I'm so - I'll tell them everything..."

"Go, Harry," she said more forcefully. "They wouldn't believe me anyway. Just go."

He looked at her again and she straightened her hair, pulling her skirt over he legs and buttoning her shirt as best she could. She heard him leave, the door closing behind him. Ginny sat there a moment, gauging what had happened. Harry Potter had as good as raped her. She shivered and stood, watching as the clouds cleared away from the sky, the moon shining bright now.

She wasn't sure how long she stayed in the greenhouse, only when she left she didn't feel quite right. Falling on the table had given her a slight limp, causing her to be sore in more ways that one. She sighed, standing, supported by the broken table, and dusted herself off. She looked around. Harry was nowhere to be seen.

She made her way back to the dungeons undisturbed; being Prefect could do things like that, even if you looked like something the cat drug in. Or the lion. Whatever. The castle seemed still, and when Ginny entered the common room it was packed. People gave her odd looks but she ignored them. She went directly to the showers, disregarding the looks from Draco to meet him somewhere.

Right into the shower stall, turning the water to a scalding temperature. Steam rose from the water, clouding most of the small room. She heard only the water pounding down on her, searing her skin and stinging her when it hit something sensitive. She tore her clothes off, tossing them in the corner and letting the blistering water wash away the filth she felt.

Tilting her head into the white-hot water she let it wash over her, searing her skin off and burning her regret. She should have brought a wand. She should have worn her rings. She bit her lip, the heat becoming unmanageable. She should have brought her wand.

But how could she have expected...this? Harry was supposed to be good. Harry was supposed to be pure. Harry was...Harry had betrayed her. Like so many times before she'd been betrayed by the do-good-ing Gryffindors. They'd screwed her over for the last time. They'd ruined her for the last time.

She leaned her head against the hard tile of shower and bent her head as the water rained down on her. She would show them. She would show them all. She didn't need them. She would kill Tom herself. They didn't deserve it. Prophesy be damned, she was going to do it without the Boy Wonder.

Exhaling heavily and scratching some dead skin away from her thigh, she heard a door open. She hoped it wasn't Pansy or someone. They'd have a field day with this one. She was bruising now, purple and blue on her breasts and thighs. Her neck was bleeding a bit now, but not much. She'd have to do some major Healing Charms to go to school the next Monday, for finals.

"Unholy Mother of Merlin."

Ginny looked up.

"What happened, Virginia?"

Ginny blinked her eyes at Draco. He looked a cross between concerned and very angry. For a fleeting moment she thought he was angry with her but it passed when he came over to her and turned the water off. He reached for her and she pulled away on instinct. He frowned and squatted next to her. Ginny looked down at the tiles, blood and skin was flowing down the drain.

"Virginia?" he asked again.

She met his eyes, they were milky and clear, upset, but not with her. Ginny's jaw trembled and she bit her lip.

"Who did it?" he asked quietly. "I'm going to kill him. Was it a boy from your year? Flint, Dolohov, Nott? Tell me."

Ginny was silent.

Draco's eyes flashed dangerously, his eyebrows knitting suspiciously. He seemed to waver from anger to doubt and back again a couple of times. Then his face went blank. "Potter."

He practically growled it.

"I'll rip him to pieces," he said standing, his hand going to his wand. "I'll make him wish he were never born! That bastard!"

He just barely touched the door in his rage when he turned. Ginny was still looking at him, eyes big and blurry, skin torn and bruised. "Oh, Virginia," he said softly, rushing to her and lifting her carefully into his arms, making sure she didn't slip on the slick tiles.

She held to him tightly, and he to her, not caring if he got wet and bloody or not. She buried her head in his neck and both were silent for a long time. Ginny shivered in her arms, holding on tightly and refusing to cry. No one could make her cry, least of all Harry Potter.

Heaving her into his arms, he carried her to a corner of the bathrooms and tapped three times on one tiles, saying a word Ginny didn't catch. Cold air hit her hard and she looked up. She was in his room, the Head Boy room.

Placing her gently on his bed he searched around for something for her to wear, lighting a fire absently and muttering to himself. Ginny watched him from the bed, blinking mutely at his statements. She didn't want to think anymore. She was spent. Draco came over, slipping a loose, Quidditch shirt over her head and stripping down to his boxers, crawling into bed next to her.

Ginny clutched to him and noticed absently how he stiffened when she put her head on his chest. He was warm, inviting and safe even. She could always trust him; he wouldn't betray her for the world. Well, maybe the world, but he wasn't being offered the world, just a soggy, whimpering girl with scars enough to share and betrayals enough to scar.

She closed her eyes, not quite ready to sleep, but needing the feeling of closure, of reassurance. She would live through this, not doubt about that, but she would need a moment, she would need a bit of comfort.

"Draco?" she whispered brokenly.

"Yes," he whispered back.

"He said he loved me."

"He would."

"I didn't like it."

He paused.

"Are you going to be okay?"

"I'll perform the Healing Charms in the morning."

"What do you want me to do with Potter?"

She paused.

"Ruin him."

She felt him nod. Then she went to sleep.

~~~

Harry Potter was nowhere to be found.

~~~

Ginny stared out the window in Charms that Tuesday, waiting for her turn at finals. It was useless for her to be there, she knew it all. Finals were soon one short week away. She wondered if she was a better witch than Flitwick at Charms. It seemed an untouchable thought, Flitwick had long been the greatest in her eyes. Sure he was short and looked rather goblin-ish, but he was powerful. Ginny always admired power.

"Miss Weasley," Flitwick said in his squeaky voice, "Would you mind performing the Sufuxis Charm for us as an example?"

Ginny nodded. Ginny whipped out her wand and flicked her wand sharply. "Levas Sufux!" Immediately, all voices stopped in the room. People tried to talk, but no words came out, even Flitwick was temporarily muted. "Finite Incatnatum!"

"Very good, Miss Weasley," Flitwick said excitedly, "top marks for you. Would you mind staying after class, I've just received word from the headmaster he'd like to talk to you."

Ginny nodded solemnly and went back to looking out the window. Now what could the headmaster want now? I've already told him all that happened over break. Surely he can't know about Harry, I never told anyone but Draco. I wonder where Harry went, I mean, Draco can't find him anywhere. Ginny frowned as a big black dog came walking up the field to the castle doors and slipped in through a magic door in the side. So that is why I must come. Goody, more accusing faces, I can hardly wait.

Class ended soon afterwards and Ginny headed to Dumbledore's study and upon finding the correct password, walked in casually and sat down. The big black dog at Dumbledore's feet cocked his head at her and then looked up at Dumbledore.

"Welcome, Miss Weasley," Dumbledore said kindly. "Care for a lemon drop?"

"No, though I'd enjoy an explanation," Ginny said stonily.

The headmaster sighed. "Very well then, Miss Weasley. Sirius, please."

Black transformed from his dog form to his human form. Ginny was once again shocked by his contrasting midnight hair and pale skin. He looked at her with feral eyes, as though he would growl any second. "Weasley, I've got a bit of a bone to pick with you."

Ginny raised an eyebrow at him doubtfully. "I'm here for this? I'm leaving."

"Sit!" Black said furiously. "Where is Harry?"

At his Ginny froze. "What do you mean 'where is Harry?' Harry goes to this school, Black."

"He's not here, Miss Weasley," Dumbledore said calmly. "As in, he's left the campus, he's gone off Hogwarts radars, he's escaped to the wizarding world. We thought perhaps you would be able to help us with this particular problem as no witch, wizard, or Muggle has seen neither hide nor hair of him for the last three days."

Ginny sat down. "Fool!" Ginny hissed as she frowned. "Damn it! The fool went to Tom! Damn, selfish, hypocritical, bastard, Gryffindor! Damn it!"

Ginny stood and turned her back to the two men. "He's gone to Tom. He wants to defeat Tom by himself, he doesn't want to wait. I knew this would happen!"

"How? And why didn't you tell anyone?" Black growled dangerously.

"Neville Longbottom was killed over break, Black," Ginny said, turning sharply and staring him down. "Wouldn't James Potter have gone after Peter if he'd been captured by Tom? Wouldn't he foolishly believe he'd lived somehow? Think!"

"No," Black whispered. "NO! This can't be happening! He can't be! Dumbledore, send aurors, send Moody; send some one! We can't let Harry reach Voldemort! He'll die."

Dumbledore shook his head and looked apologetically up at Black. Ginny's eye twitched. Dumbledore wasn't going to do it. He couldn't risk the manpower. He needed those aurors. Maybe he needed them more than Harry, maybe not. But he wasn't going to do it, just like he wasn't going to send someone after Neville.

A pang of pity came to Ginny. She didn't know from where, maybe some deep recess of her soul not yet touched by evil, maybe it wasn't really pity at all and she'd misread it. Whatever it was, Ginny walked over to a distraught Black and put a hand on his should her. He turned to her sharply. If looks could kill she'd be dead three times over.

"Black," she said soothingly. "Sirius, Harry's dead. He's been gone three days...Harry's powerful, but not that powerful."

Ginny felt Sirius stiffen under her and she removed her hand and looked at Dumbledore. "We're lost now, Dumbledore. We needed him. The prophesy...there's only two now, of three. I don't know if I can do it on my own."

Dumbledore looked at her over his half moon glasses. "Yes, I know, Miss Weasley. I need to talk to Sirius, do try to get yourself a detention next week during potions, I'll speak to Severus about it."

Ginny nodded and left the office, sobs echoing in her wake.

~~~

Harry Potter died of the Killing Curse two days before the end of term in his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter was, in a word, dead. Deceased. Departed. Lifeless. Absent. Gone. Harry Potter was morally, ethically, spiritually, and undeniably dead.

Hogwarts mourned, the wizarding world mourned, Ginny Weasley didn't.

Ginny Weasley didn't mourn.

"He deserved more," she would say in her later years. "He deserved a chance. He wasn't a bad person, he wasn't a mean person. He was a foolish person. He thought...well Merlin knows what he thought, but whatever it was, it was foolish."

Dead. Another person, another good soul. Taken. Taken from the world of the living. A punishment for some, a gift to others. For Harry, it was still a moot point. There was no denying he didn't deserve what he received, after all, he was only trying to save lives; he was only trying to do what was right. But in doing so, he challenged an enemy too great for himself.

"Oh, the fragile teenaged ego," Ginny Weasley would say. "How fickle it is when you are young. To be young and foolishly moralistic, I guess, really is to be a dead man. Had he been more patient...but then again no, he wouldn't be Harry Potter then."

~~~

"A toast," Albus Dumbledore said, the night of the ceremony. "A toast, to the bravery of Harry Potter. Long has it been since Gryffindor has had a man with such admirable courage in its mist, long has it been since Hogwarts has had a man with such unswayable knowledge of good and bad. Some saw him as the far and distant hero of the wizarding world, the boy who lost his parents and was forced to live with Muggles his young life. Some, however, saw him and Harry Potter the person, the strong willed, daring man who would rest at nothing to keep order and justice on the world. And far from the sorrows of this world, Harry resides. A toast, I propose, to a great wizard and a good person, Harry Potter. To you!"

With that Albus, tilted his cup back and took a long drink. Ginny felt the bile rise in her throat. 'Unswayable knowledge of good and bad.' It was disgusting. These people practically worshiped the bastard. They were his goddamned cheer squad. All they saw was the guy that defeated Voldemort once or twice and not the person he was twisted into.

Her eyes met Pansy Parkinson, who immediately turned from her to whisper something in Millicent's ear. Ginny looked at the nonplussed Draco Malfoy, who casually sipped his pumpkin juice and stared at her as though he cared no what she did or why.

"What happened?" Draco said later that night as he lay on her bed.

Ginny shrugged. "They came and asked me why Harry wasn't there. I told them he'd gone off to find Tom. I bet he did. I think he's dead. I'm glad he's dead. The bastard got more than he deserved."

"You think it's your fault?" Draco said coldly.

"And if I do?" Ginny asked in return.

"You blame enough death on yourself," Draco said a bit softer. Then he stood and walked behind her at her desk, putting his hands on her shoulders and rubbing them gently. "You and me, Virginia. We're going to get out of here."

Ginny stood and faced the fire, walking away from Draco. "Will we, Draco? These are dark times, dark times indeed. Who can ensure the safety of others when Dumbledore himself couldn't keep that prat Harry alive? Where can we go if we escape? No where is safe, if he wins, don't you see?"

"We can go to America, Virginia," Draco said, walking up behind her and sliding his arms around her waist. "We'll go far away where nothing can reach us, just you and me, Virginia."

"And when Tom comes, then what? He will come, Draco," she said quietly. Despite the warmth of the fire and Draco's arms, Ginny shivered. "Did you see the way he looked at me? Did you see the way Pettigrew looked at me? I felt...I don't know..."

"You don't have to go back," Draco assured her.

"But I do," Ginny said plaintively. "I won't allow him to live, Draco. Something...something inside me won't. I can't describe it, I don't know how."

"Virginia, don't make me forbid you," Draco said. "I will. You forget, Virginia, you belong to me. You are mine."

"I don't," Ginny said defiantly.

"Mmm, but you do," he said in that silky voice he'd get when he wanted her. Holding her tighter to him, he inhaled her scent deeply, brushing his nose from her ear to her shoulder. Ginny felt herself relax, she really was his...and she didn't care. Draco began kissing his way up her shoulder and neck again, then nibbled lightly on her ear. "You're mine, Virginia, remember that," he said in his silky drawl, nuzzling her gently. "I'm marrying Pansy in two weeks; don't think that I'm not going to get as much out of you as I can."

Ginny craned her neck and kissed him deeply before pulling back. "I'm all yours, to that I stay."

"I know," Draco said casually. "Now, Miss Weasley, kindly come to bed with me, I've a feeling I'll be apart from you soon."

Ginny complied by shedding her clothes and hopping in bed next to Draco. A devilish smirk on his face, Draco pulled the green sheet over both their heads and rolled on top of her.

"This is more like it," Draco said into her neck.

"Mm," is all Ginny could say.

"ALOHAMORA!"

The doors burst open and Draco flung the covers over his head and looked furiously at the intruder.

"Father?" Draco said incredulously.

"Ah, good, Draco," Lucius said briskly, "do be so kind as to put on some clothes and come with me, we'll be leaving."

"What the hell is this about?" Draco said, his voice going from surprise to warning. "I have finals, graduation - "

"Which won't matter if you're dead," Lucius said coldly.

Ginny sat up in the bed, doing her best to put her hair straight and still not look vulnerable.

"Ah, good, Miss Weasley," Lucius said calmly, "do come and visit Draco and I as soon as your school ends, I'm sure he'll be happy to greet you then."

Ginny frowned but didn't say anything.

"Draco?" Lucius said. "Would you mind hurrying, Voldemort's on the war path again."

Slipping his shirt over his head and grabbing his wand, Draco nodded. "All ready, Father. I'll write, Virginia," Draco said, turning to Ginny. "Go to the summer home to wait for us, if we're not back in time to take you, my mother will be there."

Ginny nodded and gathered the sheets around her so she could get up and kiss Draco. "Come back," she whispered into his ear. He nodded and then swept out the door after his father.

Ginny sighed and closed her eyes, making a conscious effort not to grit her teeth. "All right," she said aloud, "off to Dumbledore I suppose."

Ginny slipped on a black, Muggle shirt and a black skirt, straightening her hair and doing her best to look presentable. Satisfied with her reflection in the mirror she headed out into the deserted common room. Ginny stiffened when she saw who was out.

"What's going on?" she asked.

Warrington only smiled a wicked smile, nodding to Montague and Morrison, the Beaters whom she'd played with. "Look what we have here, boys," he said. "A stray whore. What will we do with her?"

A snicker came from the three older boys and Ginny whipped out her wand, raising her head imperiously. "Shut up, Warrington. I asked a question."

He only smiled more and walked up to Ginny, rancid breath hitting her face as he leered over her. Raising his hand he stroked her face gently. "You and I could be great together, Weasley."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Right."

Then he frowned, eyes narrowing. He brought his hand back to hit her, but was surprised when someone held it. It was Gregory Goyle, and he was a lot bigger than Warrington. Grabbing his other arm was Vincent Crabbe, neither of Malfoy's sidekicks looked pleased with Warrington. And as Ginny looked around, she found that the boys in her house were crowding around, each staring daggers at Warrington, whose fear was coming into his eyes.

"That's enough, Warrington," a commanding voice barked. Searching for the voice she found it was Marcus Flint and he looked angry. Though he had gotten his teeth fixed, which didn't seem to help any with his personality, but he did look an awful lot like his younger brother, Julius, now.

He cut through the crowd, eyes landing momentarily on Ginny, looking her up and down appreciatively. "You're foolish infatuation will get you killed, Warrington," he continued, rising his wand to Warrington's neck. "The Dark Lord has plans for this one; we don't want you spoiling the merchandise. Weasley, you have to come with me for a moment."

Eyes flashing all around her, she followed Flintout cautiously, even catching the eye of his brother, who'd just stepped down the stairs wearing a black robe. He frowned but inclined his head to her. Behind her she heard whispers and a sickening crunch, figuring Warringtonwas being punished.

"Now look," Flintsaid flatly after leading her into a dark hallway she'd never seen before. He pushed her against the wall, his wand to her chest. "Are you in or are you out?"

"What is going on," she repeated.

Flint ran his hands through his hair. "Last recruits for fifth, sixth, and seventh years. Girls are frowned upon, but accepted. We don't need you yet. But the Dark Lord for some reason thinks you're fit. So, are you coming with us or not. You'll never be allowed to come back, just remember that."

Ginny licked her lips, putting her fingers on top of Flint's wand and pushing it down. "You won't need that, I don't think," she said calmly. "I have different orders. Draco and Mr. Malfoy say I am to finish school then come to their summer house"

Flint looked at her for a moment. Then he snorted. "So it's true. You are Malfoy's whore. Can't say he's not done well for himself. The little brat always did get what he wanted. Pansy whines about you all the time you know."

"She's your cousin, isn't she?" Ginny asked, leaning against the wall, arms crossed casually. "Your brother and Allen Parkinson are pretty close. Come to think of it, Pansy and your brother are pretty close."

"She's nasty," replied Flint, one hand on the wall, leaning over her. Ginny decided she didn't like the gesture. "Has a lot of problems that one does. But what I want to know is how a Weasley made it to the top circles of Slytherin and Death Eater To-Fuck lists. You do realize you're all my brother talks about. Hell, you're all Warringtontalks about. My father's even mentioned you."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "That should be obvious, Flint. What I want to know is why. Why are you taking all these people? They are barely boys some of them."

"That should be obvious," he replied. "Death Eater initiations. We're going to need a whole bunch of them in the next few weeks if all things are to go smoothly."

Ginny stored this away carefully, not letting her facial expression change. "Well then you better get going, Flint. No one here is stopping you."

With that he snorted. "You're one cold bitch, you know that, Weasley?"

"It's been mentioned. Nice to meet you, Mr. Flint," she said, walking off in the direction she came and right back into her dorm.

~~~

May 31, 1997

Dear Diary,

Damn but I was in some sort of bind. I had to tell Dumbledore about the meetings, how Tom had ordered all the soon to be Death Eaters taken. Who knows how many of them there were. I tried to count; I think there was twenty one from Hogwarts. I saw a few Ravenclaw boys in the group. Terry Boot. I was disappointed with him. I'd always pinned him for the smart type; he was a Ravenclaw and a Prefect. Jeremiah Quest, a boy from my year too. He was in Arithmacy with me. I didn't figure him for the type. All the boys the year ahead of me; and all the boys in the year below me. The only boy in my year that didn't go was Jonathan Wilkes.

Dumbledore was...I think he was angry. I really never saw him angry. Well, that time the Dementors came on campus and onto the Quidditch field yes, but he was livid when I told him. He always wanted to see the best in people, especially Slytherins.

Wake up, Dumbledore. There is no good in Slytherins. We aren't even loyal to each other. You've tamed one of us, but you'll never be able to tame another. No, you're wrong about us, just about all of us.

Us. Gods. I can remember a time I never wanted to be an 'us.' Now I can't imagine myself anything but. Slytherin are proud and strong, we go for what we want and we're not quitters, even if we know we're not right. I'd never want to be in any other house, I'm not sure I can.

I may be going into it too far.

It's summer. I won't go home. I'm not accepted there. It's odd, but I don't care. At one point all I ever wanted was love. I wanted my family to love me. I wanted to have one of those lives where I had the perfect boyfriend (and we loved each other) and I had the ideal big family (and we loved each other) and I had the best friends (and we loved each other). I wanted it so much.

I wouldn't be able to stand it now. All I want now is to go and be alone. Call it wallowing in self-pity but it isn't. I don't pity myself. I have pride in myself. I'm not afraid of what will come and I'm not afraid of what will happen. I just am.

That is why I'm going to kill Tom. He won't let me just be. Every where I go he haunts me. He has a vibration and it rubs me rather the wrong way. I can feel it. It sounds wrong, but I've felt it for a while. Ever since I saw him last I've had this insatiable urge to kill him. Merlin that came out wrong. Well it's true anyway. I just want him dead. I don't want to be able to feel him anymore. Something inside me pulls me to him, the same something that wants him dead, and I'm going to do what it says.

It's akin to the roar I hear when it is quiet, when everything is wrong. The roar wants to fix things. It's like a dam and I know if I let it go bad things will happen, bad things indeed. Or maybe not bad. Maybe just great things. I fail to see the difference.

The train is cold this year, that's where I am. I think it's because people know what's happening. Groups of people are good for a few things. Mob psychology is an interesting Muggle term that I use for this. Depending on the situation a mob will react certain ways. Right now they are nervous. Mobs can be mad, murderous, scared, and a thousand other primal feelings. Nothing quite as complex as sadness, but only baser instincts. Killing is one of them.

This mob is nervous, coldly so. Like their palms are clammy and their hearts are heavy. Whether it was the death of Harry or the departure of many of the Slytherin I don't know, probably both. Whatever it was it has people staying away from me like I was a leper.

At any rate, I'm headed to Malfoy's summer house. I tell my family then take my trunk to the Muggle trains and catch a ride out of here. Not much to do other than wait there for Draco.