Chapter 1: Another Year
Draco Malfoy was quite cold. It was well past midnight and his father had dragged him out into a forest so that he could finally meet the Dark Lord. The only audible sounds in this remote clearing were that of the wind whistling through the trees and the hushed tones of the Death Eaters around him. Glancing around, Draco noticed that many of the Death Eaters were shivering; whether this was because of the cold or fear of Voldemort it was impossible to tell.
Turning away from the others, he noticed his childhood friend, Blaise Zabini, staring at the dais where Voldemort would soon appear with avid interest and curiousity. Although many of the Seventh Year Slytherins all bragged about one day joining the Dark Lord's circle, none of them had ever met the man before.
Draco knew from pictures his father had shown him of Tom Riddle that he had been quite an attractive young man. He had complete confidence that he would have grown into a handsome yet fearsome leader. He looked forward to serving the Dark Lord and showing the world that only pureblood wizards should rule. Certainly blood traitors such as Arthur Weasley should not hold positions of power within the ministry. Instead, they should be killed and tortured to make way for the better class of wizards. At this, he smirked, and was then pulled out of his reverie by his father, who was now resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Draco, stop daydreaming and pay very close attention. The Dark Lord organised this meeting with yourself and Blaise so that he could ensure your complete loyalty to the cause. You must make sure that you do not make eye contact and that you bow quite close to the ground. He will not tolerate any disrespect from either of you. He has great things planned for yourself and Blaise. You must do me proud. Do you understand, son?"
"I understand father," Draco said with a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Satisfied, Lucius turned from his son and looked to the dais. Sensing that this was a sign that Voldemort was about to appear, the Death Eaters assembled into a semi circle, with the two teenage boys kneeling in front of them. Sure enough, a mere minute later, Voldemort apparated into the clearing with a distinct –pop-. A complete silence seemed to descend upon the forest as he studied the boys kneeling in front of him.
"Arise, my children, and look upon your leader," Voldemort commanded. Slowly, as they had been taught, they rose and finally latched eyes on the man they were to give their allegiance to. Draco's eyes quickly travelled up his black robes to the Death Eater mask resting on his head. The Dark Lord ripped of his mask, and, horrified, the two boys drunk in his dilapidated appearance.
Draco's first thought was this must be some sort of practical joke. Voldemort's skin was a pasty colour that he could only describe as 'snot green'. His eyes were bright red, and instead of a nose, Voldemort had two slits which seemed to make him appear rather snake-like. Unaware of their horror, the Dark Lord raised a scaly hand and ran it through his straggly black hair. Draco was quite simply lost for words. This hideous monster was Tom Marvolo Riddle, the most feared man in the world? His father expected him to bow down and kiss his robes, to allow this man to rule every aspect of his life, to respect his leadership? This was unthinkable! This was preposterous! This... was getting a bit awkward. Voldemort clearly expected a response from the two of them.
Bowing his head, Draco's mind raced. What do I do? This obviously isn't a joke. My father expects me to accept this... monster, as my leader. If I run away screaming like I really want to then... he will only kill me. No, that would be stupid. I just have to play along for now, until I decide what I should do.
"My Lord," Draco murmured. "It is an honour to be here in your presence tonight." Beside him, Blaise bowed his head in agreement. At this, the Voldemort seem quite chuffed.
"Lucius, your son looks much like you. I am pleased with what you've done with him. He will become a very powerful wizard."
Lucius' chest puffed up with pride, and while he thanked the Dark Lord, Draco considered his next step. As soon as they returned to school, he and Blaise would have to make a plan. Although he knew that his view towards Voldemort was quite shallow, Draco could not quite swallow the idea of following someone so hideously ugly. He was far too vain. Besides, the Dark Mark marring his perfect alabaster skin had always been somewhat of a sticking point to him.
Lucius was now agreeing with the Dark Lord that Draco and Blaise would have their initiation into the Death Eaters as soon as they completed school at the end of the year. They were instructed by Voldemort that before their initiation ceremony, they would be issued with an assignment to complete at Hogwarts to prove their ultimate loyalty to the dark cause. Satisfied with their devotion to the Death Eaters' cause, Voldemort apparated away.
***
Ginny sat in her room and looked around in apprehension. This would be her sixth year at Hogwarts and although she was looking forward to it, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. Last year had not been the most ideal of years. When the school had been attacked by Death Eaters, Bill had been mauled by Fenrir Greyback, Dumbledore had been viciously murdered by Snape and Harry had later broken up with her at his funeral. During the holidays they had tentatively gotten back together, but Ginny didn't know how long it would last. For now, she was just taking it one day at a time, both in her love life and life in general.
Everyone had been surprised that Hogwarts had reopened this year. Harry had been the only one who had nodded knowingly when told. He had never doubted that Dumbledore's legacy would live on. However, everyone had been furious to find that Snape was the Headmaster of the school. Without Harry's testimony, the Ministry had been unable to pin Dumbledore's murder on him and Harry could not reveal that he had been there without some very uncomfortable questions.
With a last glance around her room, Ginny grabbed her trunk and made her way downstairs to where her family was waiting. Ron, Harry and Hermione were all in their last year at Hogwarts and they were standing in the living room, chatting quietly. However, Ginny was surprised to see that none of them had their trunks with them.
"Where's your stuff?" Ginny asked them apprehensively. They were coming back to school this year, right? Harry looked startled when he noticed her watching them from the last stair. He smiled reassuringly at her and glanced over at Ron and Hermione.
"It's all in here," Hermione said with a smile, patting a small handbag which hung from her side. Ginny frowned slightly when the Golden Trio smirked at each other. They were hiding something from her, she knew it. Before she could question them further, her mother bustled into the living room and ushered them outside. Ginny put her trunk into the boot of the car and sat down next to Harry. Ron and Hermione scooted in on his other side. They were on their way to the London Train Station and Ginny rested her head on Harry's shoulder, closing her eyes.
Before she knew it, they had arrived and Ginny grabbed her trunk and put it on a trolley. Harry, Ron and Hermione had already gone inside, and Ginny slowly followed after. Walking covertly through the wall between Platform 9 and 10, she came out to see the brilliant Hogwarts Express before her once again. Allowing herself a nostalgic smile, she said goodbye to her parents and made her way onto the train.
Walking past full compartment after full compartment, Ginny sat down in the first empty one she came to. After a few minutes, she looked up to see a petite raven-haired girl standing at the door.
"Hi, my name is Olivia. Do you mind... it's just that everywhere else is full," she explained. Ginny nodded and moved to make room for her.
"I'm Ginny," she said, extending a hand towards the girl. Olivia grinned and shook her hand, sitting next to the redhead. The two girls soon struck up a friendly conversation, and Ginny discovered that Olli, as she preferred to be called, was a sixth-year Slytherin.
"Really?" Ginny exclaimed. "You don't seem the type to be honest." Olli laughed and Ginny was astounded that this bright and bubbly young woman was a Slytherin.
"Yeah I know I'm not your average brooding and sour Slytherin but I mostly got in because of my family. Slytherin is in our blood, and when the hat asked me, I decided on Slytherin over Gryffindor. I don't regret my decision even though I don't fit in very well." Olli told her with a small smile. Ginny nodded, it made sense that she would want to follow on her family's footsteps. Hadn't she done the same thing, begging the hat to place her in Gryffindor so she could be with her brothers?
A knock at the door drew Ginny's attention to the blonde Ravenclaw standing at the door to their compartment.
"Luna!" Ginny cried, embracing her friend. "How have you been?" Ginny had not seen her friend since Bill and Fleur's wedding and she was happy to see her returning to Hogwarts.
"Hello Ginny," Luna said dreamily. "I've been quite well." Luna sat down across from Ginny and Olli, whom she looked at with open curiosity.
"Luna, this is Olivia Donovan. Olli, this is Luna Lovegood." Ginny introduced the two girls to each other. The trio were soon deep in conversation and sitting with her friends, Ginny found the train ride to be very quick. Soon, it was time for them to change into their school clothes, and Ginny chuckled at the unlikely trio they made. Olli in Slytherin Green, Luna in Ravenclaw Blue and herself in Gryffindor Red. The girls left the train together and waited in line for a carriage to carry them to Hogwarts. They drew many stares and the girls exchanged a secret smile. They were friends now, and no-one could change that.
Ginny smiled and waved as she saw Harry, Ron and Hermione making their way towards her. Harry looked very handsome with his messy black hair and piercing green eyes and Ginny felt her heart pulse when he hugged her and gave her a quick kiss.
"Hey Gin. Did you have a nice trip this year?" Harry queried with a dazzling smile. Ginny nodded, and introduced him to her new friend Olli. The six of them soon found an empty carriage and they were on their way up to Hogwarts. Ginny smiled fondly as the castle came into view. It never failed to impress her, with its tall turrets and high walls.
The Great Hall was bright and cheery and Ginny sat with her housemates, taking it all in. There weren't as many people at Hogwarts this year. Only about fifteen first-years were initiated into the school, and it brought a melancholy feel to the celebration.
As the new Headmaster, Snape stood up and made a very short and threatening speech, outlining that law-breaking would not be allowed, the Forbidden Forest was out of bounds and to do well in their schoolwork. The banquet began and Ginny looked down at her plate, saddened. Hogwarts barely seemed like Hogwarts without Professor Dumbledore. Never again would his knowing blue eyes twinkle as he surveyed the students seated before him. Never again would he look over the school with wisdom and kindness.
Slightly depressed, Ginny started to eat, only talking when Ron and Harry peppered her with questions about her schedule. After dinner, Ginny walked up to her room and lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow was another day, but for now she would wallow in her depressing thoughts and mourning Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard who had ever lived.
***
Draco paced across his new room. Unsurprisingly, he had been made Head Boy, and now had a quite pleasant room located on the left side of the Entrance Hall. He was currently waiting for Blaise, who he had owled to meet him in his room as soon as he possibly could. They had to discuss a game plan. Draco knew that Blaise would feel the same way as he did about Voldemort. They were two of the most attractive boys at Hogwarts, and as a result, both had a great appreciation for beauty. Draco thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He strode over and opened it, allowing Blaise past him. Slamming the door, Draco cast a Silence Charm on the room and whirled around to face his best friend.
"Blaise, what the heck are we going to do? He's a monster!" Draco cried. Slowly, Blaise nodded in agreement.
"I don't like it anymore than you do, mate. Jeez, what were our fathers thinking? You know, when I saw those photos of him as a teenager, I thought to myself, 'Now here's a strapping bloke that I can really look up to.' Now I've found out that the glorious Lord Voldemort is actually some creepy, scaly old man who we have to respect! It's unthinkable! We have to make a cunning plan!"
Draco agreed with him wholeheartedly. Although they approved of Voldemort's ideals, they needed a leader they could respect. A cunning Slytherin plan was definitely required.
"I've racked my brains but all that I can think of is to make our own evil group and eventually take him on when we have enough powerful members. We have to make sure that such a repugnant mistake is never made again!" Draco said vehemently. "What do you think?"
Blaise had raised one eyebrow but seemed to be considering his words. "Sounds like a good idea, but we need some rules. I think we can both agree that our members should be purebloods. Just because I hate Voldemort doesn't mean I want to be all buddy-buddy with Muggles and Mudbloods."
"Agreed. I also think we should ban ugly people, just to make sure. Do we really want ugly minions hanging around, ruining the atmosphere?" Draco asked bitingly.
"No, you're right. We should start recruiting straight away, and we also need a meeting place. We only have a year until we're expected to become Death Eaters," Blaise pointed out.
Draco nodded, "Ok, I'll ask Dad about possible hide-outs. I'm sure 'Mouldy Voldy' would have found some other hiding places around here apart from the Chamber of Secrets. I'll pretend we need a secret meeting place for junior Death Eater meetings so we don't get caught by any of the professors. When he replies we'll meet again and plan our next move.
Blaise left the room, and Draco sat at his desk and pulled a quill and some parchment towards him to write a letter to his father.
Dear father,
To prove our loyalty to the cause, Blaise and I have decided to engage in active recruitment for the Dark Lord at Hogwarts. We require a secret place where we may learn and practice the Dark Arts, as well as hide potions and other suspicious artefacts without detection. Please advise me at the earliest convenience of any such areas that you are aware of. Send my love to mother.
Your son,
Draco Malfoy
Satisfied, Draco dried the ink and then summoned his owl, Ares, from the Owlery. As he waited, Draco stared out of his window at the Hogwarts grounds. His room afforded an impressive view of the Forbidden Forest and Draco found it calming to look upon. In the underground dungeons where the Slytherins lived the windows could be magicked to look however you wished, but Draco had found that they lacked the real warmth of the afternoon sun. He opened the window wide and smiled softly as a breeze wafted in and rustled his white blonde hair. A flash of red caught his eye and he turned towards it instinctively. He found himself staring at Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter walking hand in hand towards the lake, and sneered. The Golden couple, he thought to himself wryly, I don't know why they bother, and it's obvious she's too beautiful for him. Troubled, he wondered where that thought had come from. However, before he could dwell on this revelation for too long, Ares flapped into view, landing neatly on Draco's outstretched arm. Draco quickly tied the letter to the owl's leg, and then sent the bird on its way to Malfoy Manor. With a puzzled glance back outside the window, Draco could not help but feel that this would be a very strange year.
***
Glancing over her shoulder, Ginny gave a slight frown. For a moment, she had felt a dark tingling sensation, as if someone had been drilling holes in her back with their eyes. However, she was unable to see where this other person was. Shrugging, she turned back towards Harry and smiled, it was not in her nature to worry about things she couldn't see or change. It was a beautiful day, and Harry had brought her outside to talk. Ginny marvelled in how much she loved the simplistic gardens of Hogwarts, which lay between the castle itself and the Forbidden Forest. They soon came to her favourite secluded hideaway.
Ginny had always loved it here. Within the soft leaves of a beautiful willow tree was a small ornate bench. Throughout her years at Hogwarts, she had often come here to think and to daydream. She would lie back on the bench and stare dreamily at the patches of blue sky visible between the swaying branches. This tree was a cousin to the Whomping Willow, but instead of being violent, it created a safe haven for those who it allowed under its branches. Ginny sat there now, and looked up into Harry's serious face. Instantly, she felt troubled by the way he was staring at her, as if he was drinking in her appearance for the last time.
"Harry, what is it? What's wrong?" Ginny asked softly. Harry turned away and looked up at the castle through the willow's leaves. This had been a difficult decision, but he knew it was the right one. Ginny was so beautiful, and she deserved better than being captured and tortured by Death Eaters to get to him. He had to protect her from the harm his name could bring her.
"I'm so sorry, Gin. I... I'm leaving. I have to prepare myself to defeat the Dark Lord, and I don't want you to come with me and be in harm's way." Slowly, he turned back to Ginny to gauge her reaction.
Ginny had never felt so furious and so defeated at the same time. How dare he presume that she was a weak little girl to be left behind? She knew that Harry and her brothers would always see her as the little eleven year old girl who had been captured by Tom Riddle. Still, she had hoped for better from Harry. All their talks, all their sweet kisses, and now he wants to leave her behind for her own protection? Hiding her hurt, she gave Harry a soft smile.
"It's ok, Harry. I knew you would leave eventually, I just didn't think that it would be this soon. I'm sad that you don't want me at your side but I don't intend on moping around about it."
Harry looked relieved. "I hoped you would understand Ginny. I never really intended to return to Hogwarts, but I had to pretend that everything was normal. This is something I have to do, and when I return after defeating the Dark Lord..." Harry trailed off at the dark look that had come upon Ginny's face.
"Are you telling me," she shrieked, "that you expect me to be here waiting for you, like a dutiful girlfriend, for you to COME BACK?" Ginny was incensed at his arrogance. How dare he leave her, for Merlin knows how long, and expect her to wait for him.
"No, Harry. If you're leaving me, I will not be waiting for you. Either I come with you, and we are together, or you leave me, and it's over. Make your decision."
At this, Harry looked anguished. He loved Ginny, but he didn't want her to die. Could he give her up to save her life? Or should he be selfish and bring her with him? What if she was injured, or worse, killed? Could he live with that? Harry knew that he could never live with the guilt that would clog him if his selfishness wiped her off the face of the Earth.
Bowing his head, he whispered, "I'm sorry," and turned to leave. Ginny nodded once, and a tear slipped out from one of her brown eyes. He had made his decision; he would leave her, and go be a hero. She grieved for what could have been between them; she had always loved Harry and now she watched him walk back up to the castle with his head down, and felt a twinge of sadness.
"Goodbye Harry," she whispered. "Be safe."
Ginny sadly looked around at her safe haven. It would never be the same here. She would always remember this moment, and it had tainted her carefree sanctuary. With a final sad look, she gazed around and then turned, walking back up to the castle.
