Lost Persephone

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Chapter 4:

"Alone in Captivity"

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The room was in complete silence and not the comfortable one either. Everyone was tense and even Dumbledore, whose eyes up until three days ago had held so much joy and merriment as he gazed around at his castle, had become clouded and solemn. Each waited for a sound, their eyes flickering towards the door every other minute.

And then they heard it.

Fast poundings of a set of feet came to their straining ears and everyone straightened simultaneously. Remus Lupin, who was closest to the door, scrambled out of his seat and turned the knob.

"She's alive," was Severus's Snape's hurried reply. He sounded winded as if he had been in a long run and he grasped at his chest, trying to regain his composure.

Mrs. Weasley who, until now, had bee rocking herself back and forth in her seat let out a soft moan of joy before burying her face into her husband's shoulder and sobbed loudly.

Harry felt a hand slip into his and turned to see Hermione's relieved face. He gave a gentle squeeze and looked around.

All the Weasleys' posture had relaxed, although they still appeared tight. Fred, George, and Ron had buried their faces into their hands and Charlie was now taking deep breaths. Bill was grasping his father's shoulder firmly and Mr. Weasley was too concerned in murmured something softly to his weeping wife.

"How does she fare?" Dumbledore asked urgently but the lines in his ancient face had lessened somewhat.

"She's healing at least physically now," Snape said. "Her defenses against the Dark Lord's penetration will be higher now."

"Then let's go get her!" Ron said, jumping to his feet along with all the Weasley sons and Harry. They were refrained from going to the door by Dumbledore who held up a hand to stop them.

"We must wait," he said strongly, "for the opportune moment."

"Opportune moment!" Fred cried out in anger. "So we just have to sit her and wait for our sister to die! I don't think so!"

"Stop it, Fred!" said a soft voice and everyone spun around to look at Mr. Weasley. He had been exceptionally quiet the past few days, not speaking to anyone, and standing off to the side in the quiet. "We will get Ginny back! Just," he sighed heavily and he looked older than he ever had before and it became apparent at how difficult the next few words were, "not now."

Fred said nothing but simply stared at his father in repressed anger before slumping down in his chair next to George and glaring at Dumbledore and everyone else.

"She is in no harm," Snape said icily and everyone's attention now flittered back onto him. "The Dark Lord has made it clear that she is not to be touched or harmed in any way."

"What does he want with her?" said Mrs. Weasley still firmly in the embrace of her husband. "Why Ginny?"

"Because of a bond," Dumbledore began, "made five years ago when Ginny Weasley opened her soul to Tom Riddle. It appears to have been growing stronger ever since his return at the end of last year."

"But why?" Hermione asked quietly. "I thought that we destroyed the diary."

"The magic inside the diary has disappeared," Dumbledore explained smoothly, "but I am afraid that there are some things, memories being one, that take more than time and a basilisk fang to disintegrate."

"What will he do with her?" Ron asked shakily. He was gripping the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles had begun to turn white.

"I do not know," Dumbledore admitted quietly taking a great sigh before turning to stare about the room. "Today has been an exceptionally long day. News that Miss Weasley is alive and well should ease your sleeps tonight. To bed, I think, and we can continue this discussion in the morning. Goodnight! Severus, a few words, if I may?"

Each filed out silently, saying their quiet goodnights and heading down to their own rooms to sleep. Harry watched carefully as Dumbledore and Snape watched each person leave before closing the door gently behind Ron, who was the last person out.

Anxious to hear what they had to say, Harry motioned for Ron and Hermione to stay as he bent down to 'tie' his shoe which consisted of undoing the laces and redoing them, looking down both sides of the hall to see if it was empty.

Once Professor McGonagall had turned out of their eyesight, Harry took out three Extendable Ears, which Fred and George had invented two years previous and handing one each to Ron and Hermione. Placing it gently inside his ear he watched the string move underneath the door and heard Snape's voice as though he were right next to him.

"... don't know how much longer she's going to last..."

"What does he want with her, Severus?"

"It seems that they may have created a stronger bond than we imagined," Snape said slowly. "A more intimate one, it seems. The Dark Lord is seeking out to control her and break her."

"As a weapon?" Dumbledore asked.

"I believe so. Perhaps as a tool to destroy Potter from the inside. I was not quick enough to reach her in time and the Dark Lord had already spoken with her while she was injured and her defenses were low. He was able to get inside her mind and discover a few more intimate details. He was able to find out that she holds some, ah, affections for Potter."

"Affections, Severus?"

"She jumped at the moment that I criticized Potter's stupidity for his little antics the night we were attacked. I believe she still harbors some unrequited emotion for Potter, though only heaven knows why," he added icily.

"Harry knows what happened that night due to his rash actions and I believe his guilt is enough of a punishment," Dumbledore said with a bit of a rebuke in his tone. "As for Miss Weasley's affection, it may be the thing that saves her from Voldemort's complete control. That is his main goal, I believe."

"It is," Snape replied coolly.

"Is there anyone else who would be in danger should Voldemort take control?"

"Yes," Snape said softly. "While I was examining her, I must admit, I did a bit of probing of my own on the surface to see how far the Dark Lord penetrated. I discovered that there is only one other of whom danger would be there for: Hermione Granger."

Harry felt Hermione stiffen beside him and concentrated harder on the conversation.

"Hermione Granger?" Dumbledore asked in mild surprise. "But why Miss Granger?"

"I believe you know of her, how shall I put this, relationship with Mr. Potter?" Snape said and you could practically hear the sneer. Harry knew what was coming and waited, eyes closed.

"Of course," said Dumbledore calmly.

"Hogwarts's Golden Couple I believe they are called," Snape said even more coldly. "There is a bite of distaste in Miss Weasley's head and heart when it comes to Miss Granger. Not intentional, I can assure you, but it is there."

"She will be placed under the same protection as Mr. Potter then," Dumbledore said and they heard Snape vouch his agreement.

"Very well. We shall discuss more of this tomorrow, Severus," said Dumbledore warily and they could all hear the age in his tired voice. "Thank you."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione heard the shuffle of footsteps and they all took the Extendable Ears from their ears and ran as quickly as they could down the hall and out of sight. Once they were sure they were out of eyesight and earshot they stopped running to catch their breath.

Another great swell of guilt, as he was accustomed to many of these the past few days, rose upon Harry like a tidal wave. He leaned against the wall for support and closed his eyes, face up towards the ceiling. He heard an odd sniffling noise and turned to look at Hermione whose eyes were sparkled with unshed tears. With a look at Ron, who nodded, he went over to her and opened up his arms which she ran into and hugged him hard. Over her shoulder and her brown, only now slightly bushy hair (it had grown sleeker and sleeker every year), he saw Ron disappear up the step into that lead in the direction of the Gryffindor common room and sighed.

"Shh," he whispered into her hair and sat her down on the third to the bottom step and knelt before her on his knee. He gently brought her tear stained face up to meet his eyes and used his thumb to wipe away a few of the still falling tear. "It's not your fault."

"Isn't it though?" she said angrily pushing away his hand and shaking her head. "She hates me, Harry!"

"No she doesn't!" Harry insisted, a little hurt from her lack of emotion and her anger at him and herself. "She doesn't mean to!" When she refused to meet his eyes, he sighed heavily and said softly. "If ifs anyone's fault it's mine for not noticing and putting things straight with her sooner."

"What are you saying?" Hermione said turning now to look at him.

"I love you, Hermione," he said simply. "That's all I can say. Forgive me for being cruel here but I love you, not Ginny. I've never loved Ginny as anything more that a sister and she knows that, which makes her dislike you even more because you have the one thing she wanted most. She doesn't want to hate you, Hermione, I know that and she doesn't hate you to the point of a great extent. But if Voldemort finds all this out, he could incense her jealousy and make her dangerous. That's why you have to be protected now too."

"How do you know so much about women, Potter?" Hermione said quietly and he was relieved to see a small smile on her lips. "You're supposed to be a man and men don't or aren't supposed to think that deep."

"I guess I spend too much time with you," Harry muttered slyly and kissed the back of her hand lightly before helping her to her feet and putting an arm about her waist.

"If Ginny- no, when Ginny gets back," Harry said as they made their way up the stairs towards the common room, "we can sit down and talk this out. Maybe it will make the both of you a little bit calmer and my life a whole hell of a lot easier."

"You know what, Harry?" Hermione said snuggling closer.

"Hmm," Harry replied, eyes looking out the passing windows as they walked down the corridor.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I know," he said as they gave the Fat Lady the password and stepped into the now empty common room. He said his goodnight to her with a small kiss on the cheek before heading off to his separate dormitory (As Headboy and Headgirl, they both had a bedroom to themselves.) He was stopped suddenly when Hermione's hands slid around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.

"What did I do to deserve that?" he said when they broke apart, both cheeks pink from their close contact.

"I don't know," Hermione whispered quietly into his ear and Harry thought the room was getting exceptionally warm for this time of year and half thought to go open a window when he felt Hermione gently begin to nibble on his earlobe. "Don't you deserve a reward? Because I can stop..." She made a motion to pull away when Harry pulled her close and kissed her firmly on the mouth, pulling her up into his arms in one swooped motion before carrying her off in the direction of the his dormitory to receive the rest of his 'reward.'

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It's snowing, Ginny thought with sigh as she gazed out of the barred window at the top of the wall. She had spent a lot of time peering out the window lately. I'd be out on the grounds throwing snow with Ron, Hermione, and Harry.

At this thought she sighed and looked back at her half eaten soup and the bronze vial next to it. There had been only one occasion when Ginny had had to dispose of her potion and it of course was Lucius Malfoy's doing. He had had enough guts to take it in here himself.

Smiling, he had said, "Now you eat up now. And don't forget to take your potion!" before walking out the door with an evil smile on his face.

The moment she had seen a green vial she had smiled and eaten and drank everything quickly before disposing the clear concoction into her water goblet. It had again been Lucius Malfoy, this time accompanied by his son, Draco, to pick up her tray. Upon entering and seeing her sit up, Malfoy Sr. had walked over to the tray with an angry look upon his face and picked up the vial, shaking it from side to side. Seeing that it was empty he stared dumbfounded at Ginny for a moment before huffing and taking the tray away out the door quickly, motioning a sneering Draco to follow.

Ginny couldn't resist when both Malfoy men had reached the door and said in a firm voice, "Thank you for brining me my potion, Mr. Malfoy. I feel much better." He had shot her a scathing look before shoving Draco through the door and slamming it with a loud bang.

Needless to say, she hadn't had a problem since.

As she continued to stare longingly out the window at the falling flakes, her thoughts traveled back to Tom Riddle, Voldemort. They had been doing that a lot lately especially in her dreams. She had a shrewd idea that Voldemort himself was responsible for the replay of the memories but since her healing, had felt a lot stronger against his penetration. She could swear sometimes that she could feel his mind going out to her and rapping on her mind like a door, trying to get in. During those times, she had concentrated hard against his force and eventually felt him slip away, unsatisfied. The idea that she was doing something to keep him away gave her strength and made her stronger for that inevitable time when they would meet again.

He had not come down to see her again, had not even sent a Death Eater up to fetch her. She had no idea why because he had said that he would see her again soon. After all, it had been a week since their fateful meeting. She was grateful though because now she had more time to fortify her shields for when they might meet again.

A sharp knocking came to her ears and she turned sharply to where a door had just appeared.

Speak of the devil, she thought with a pang of fear which she fought to keep from growing, and he shall appear, she added as a dark after thought.

"Ah, Virginia," Voldemort said as he glided toward her. A Death Eater behind him went and out and grabbed the tray before bowing low and heading out the door, leaving them alone. Ginny sent a silent plea out to that person not to leave but it failed as the door disappeared, leaving only her and Voldemort.

Her and Tom.

"I trust you are feeling better?" Voldemort said with a tone of mock concern. He did not wait for her to answer before saying, "Good. I see that your Professor Snape has done his job correctly. He shall be commended."

"So..." Voldemort hissed softly staring around the room. "I trust you find your quarters, ah, meritable?"

"They're fine," Ginny said forcefully as she looked anywhere but those piercing red eyes. She heard a soft chuckle from Voldemort and felt his hand touch her cheek.

The devil's touch.

She shuddered as Voldemort took her chin in his hand and made her eyes meet hers. His red eyes seemed to envelop her as he stared into her brown depths.

"Am I that hideous?" he asked softly and in an almost sad tone but Ginny knew better. His eyes were smiling as she stared into them. "I am not the youth I once was, am I, Virginia?"

Images of a Tom Riddle, handsome and tall, came to her mind. A Tom Riddle caressing her cheek, Tom Riddle whispering into her ear, holding her hand and listening with rapt attention as she talked. She gave a small gasp and tried to pull away but Voldemort's eyes seemed to glow as he held her gaze in place.

"Do I frighten you, Virginia?" he asked, moving his face closer so she could feel his breath h on her cheek. They were no longer looking at each other directly but she began to shake as he whispered in her ear. "You are frightened by the mere memory of me."

"Please," Ginny pleaded and she felt her breath catch in her chest, making her breathing sharp and shallow. She had no idea what she was pleading for: for him to leave her alone or, a tiny piece of her mind realized, for him to keep moving closer.

"Please what, Virginia?" Her name was like red wine on his tongue. His breath was moving the hair that fell by her ears and she shuddered as she felt his long, pale hands sweep through her red hair. She felt him bring a lock closer to her face and felt him breath in its scent and she melted away.

It was then when she felt the familiar rapping on her mind and she did not have the strength, will, or want to resist. She felt him read through her thoughts and memories like a book but she did not want to resist. He pushed hard into some of the corners and met some resistance there. But if she resisted, he would pull away and then...

The world would end.

Later that night, Ginny would sit here, rocking back and forth for hours, angry with herself for allowing him to get that far: for allowing him to control her emotions like that; for allowing him complete access to every thought, even her most guarded ones. But when she felt his lips on her neck now, all thought of resisting went out the door.

"Tom," Ginny whispered into the cold, dungeon air and was frightened when she felt him pull away. His face was still so close to hers and when she felt his lips brush against hers, felt his kiss become deeper, all the resistance in her mind flew away and he enveloped her brain quickly.

And when he pulled away, minutes later and walked out of the room without another word, Ginny felt even more alone than ever.