Ginny paced in front of the portrait. How could he not be here already? He said he would be. He's the only one with the password. Something brushed her shoulder and she jumped, spinning to face her assailant, hair flying and interwoven with little sparks. Nothing was visible in the corridor. Shaken, she turned to the portrait.
Gods curse it all! The portrait was open. Slowly she walked in with her wand drawn. The dark common room was littered with books and parchment. A lone fire flickered near a stair case.
I hope he can help me. Please don't let this all be for nothing. He has to help me, he just has to. Something thudded at the top of the stair case.
"Are you here?" she asked quietly. When no one answered she climbed the stairs to investigate the room.
Everything from bed curtains to the desk was black with silver embellishments. Cautiously poking around, she discovered no one was in the room.
Where is he? He said we could make a deal. He said he saw me, that he understood what was happening. That he'd help for a price; I'd do almost anything if he'll just help me.
Ginny walked to the open window and peeked out. The moon was barely visible through a halo of clouds and the stars twinkled of in the far away distance. How easy it must be just to twinkle every night; to know everyone is watching you, loving you, accepting you. But maybe the stars are just as lonely as I am; so far away from everything, only truly visible at night. Maybe they understand my pain.
Jerking her head back from the window she sighed. Where is he? I swear I should turn him into a ferret.
Suddenly a shift of wind blew apart the bed curtains revealing a shadowy form on the other side.
"Who are you?" Ginny slowly circled, watching her footing as she made her way around the large bed. I hope he's not just playing with my mind. I don't know if I could take it; how many wounds can a heart survive?
Finally making it to the other side, she glanced at the desk. With no one in sight she picked up the parchment on the desk. I guess I imagined it; what's this?
A great fire
Magnificent as the brightest star
A passion so bright
The blaze scorches my heart
A name, a request
Secrets untold
D
What's this about?
A strong arm wrapped around her, trapping her wand hand. "I didn't mean to snoop," She said, somewhat frightened.
The hand slid down around her waste. "Ready to make a deal?" Draco asked.